ABOUT THE EVENT
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 7:30–9am PST
Event Location: San Francisco, CA
Join us for an early-stage oncology research panel discussion on “From First Dose to First Data: Lessons Learned at the Milestones That Matter.”
During this time, our panelists will cover how every early-phase program advances on a handful of moments: first patient dosed, enrollment on pace, the first real signal in the data. Hit those moments early and everything downstream moves with them, including the terms of the next round. Most of that time is won or lost at the site. Community-based networks change the math: patients already in care in their own communities before the protocol arrives, fully dedicated investigators with deep clinical expertise, multiple sites opening on one central infrastructure. This interactive discussion brings together biotech leaders who have been through it: where timelines slipped, which site decisions bought or burned months, and how engaged with START drove clinical progress and moved development strategy and funding forward.
Panelists include:
- Navid Hafez, MD, Director of Clinical Research, START Los Angeles
- Eric Humke, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, EpiBiologics
- Raphaël Rousseau, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Pheast Therapeutics
- Nassem Zojwalla, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Olema
Moderated by Dr. Chris Takimoto, Chief Medical Officer, START
Event Details:
- Breakfast served at 7:30am
- Roundtable discussion from 8:00-9:00am
- Complimentary valet parking available through START
