Join EY-Parthenon on January 13, 2026 at the 2026 McDermott Forum in San Francisco

Join EY, McDermott Will & Schulte, and other top industry leaders for a lively program featuring diverse voices in the sector and investor community as they discuss industry trends, innovation, regulatory change and the sector outlook in 2026.

January 13, 2026 - Program overview

Cross-border biopharma: How pricing, policy and geopolitics are shaping 2026’s deal landscape
8:30 AM – 9:10 AM
Co-moderators: Ranu Carroll - EY-Parthenon Americas Life Sciences Leader | McDermott Will & Schulte

As global headwinds multiply, biopharma dealmaking faces a new reality — one where pricing reforms, tax pressure and shifting geopolitical alliances are increasingly driving strategy. This panel brings together US and EU leaders to unpack how policy trends and market sentiment are shaping deal flow and investment priorities across the globe. Expect a clear-eyed discussion of how companies are recalibrating transaction strategy, where capital is moving next and what 2026’s regulatory and political landscape could mean for cross-border growth.

Medtech M&A: Will 2026 finally be a breakout year?
9:10 AM – 9:50 AM
Moderator: John Babitt – EY Global MedTech Leader | McDermott Will & Schulte

The MedTech industry is entering a pivotal period of portfolio reshaping, marked by continued M&A momentum for certain industry participants and selective public-market re-openings. This panel will explore key trends shaping the sector—from the evolution of MedTech deal activity over the past decade to the current state of the IPO market and the growing role of private equity in fueling innovation and take privates. The discussion will highlight recent portfolio optimization moves as many companies continue to reposition themselves to take advantage of higher-growth end markets. Panelists will share perspectives on valuation dynamics, deal timing, and the strategic rationale driving both corporate and sponsor-led transactions, offering practical insights into where MedTech dealmaking is headed next.

Fireside chat: Innovative capital strategies in life sciences
10:05 AM – 10:35 AM
Co-moderators: Arda Ural - EY Americas Life Sciences Leader | McDermott Will & Schulte

As the life sciences sector enters a new phase of growth, capital strategies are rapidly evolving to meet new market demands. This session will explore the innovative approaches shaping the industry, and the strategic investment priorities expected to define the landscape in 2026.

Beyond compliance: How regulation is reshaping health and life sciences investments
10:35 AM – 11:15 AM
Co-moderators: Laura Dillon, Health Regulatory Leader, Washington Council, Ernst & Young

Political uncertainty, shifting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) priorities and evolving global trade dynamics are increasingly dictating where and how capital flows into healthcare and life sciences. From approval timelines and supply chain resilience to funding disruptions and policy reform, regulation now sits at the center of investment and growth strategy. This panel will examine how investors and operators are underwriting regulatory risk, finding opportunities amid policy volatility and recalibrating deal theses for a more complex market. Expect an unvarnished discussion of how evolving FDA and global policy trends are driving valuations, deal pacing and innovation across the sector.

Health innovations: Creating member focused solutions for cost containment
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Co-moderators: Deblina Ghosh - Principal, Strategy and Execution, EY-Parthenon | McDermott Will & Schulte

Healthcare stakeholders are increasingly turning to new care models and technology to engage members and manage cost growth. This panel explores disruption across the pharmacy value chain, the expansion of Centers of Excellence and bundled payment models, and the role of AI in improving provider efficiency and member experience. Join industry leaders as they discuss which innovations are delivering measurable savings, how members are navigating outside traditional insurance constructs, and what these shifts mean for the future healthcare network.

Fireside chat: Private equity (PE) investment trends in healthcare
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Co-moderators: Dan Shoenholz - EY-Parthenon Health and Life Sciences Private Equity Leader | McDermott Will & Schulte

As we enter the New Year, our professional panel will explore the evolving outlook for healthcare PE investing, highlighting the themes that present the most promising opportunities for investors. In this session, attendees will gain valuable insights into the key trends and challenges shaping the healthcare investment landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the industry, this fireside chat will provide you with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of the forces driving activity in healthcare PE.

Keynote: Five forces shaping the future
12:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Speaker: Greg Daco, EY-Parthenon Chief Economist | McDermott Will & Schulte

As the global economy moves into 2026, resilience in headline indicators masks a far more complex reality. Persistent uncertainty and deepening fragmentation are redefining the outlook. A convergence of supply-side pressures, including renewed trade frictions, restrictive immigration policies, demographic headwinds, geopolitical tensions, and accelerating technological change, are reshaping global economic dynamics. Join Gregory Daco and McDermott for a forward-looking keynote discussion of the key geoeconomic forces shaping 2026, with practical insights to help businesses anticipate risk, identify opportunity, and navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.