Megan Baca to Moderate Panel on Leveraging Collaborations and M&A at ACI’s Inaugural West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law

Megan Baca, managing partner of the firm’s Silicon Valley office, co-head of the intellectual property transactions group, and co-head of the digital health initiative, will moderate a panel on “Leveraging Collaborations and M&A to Remain Competitive Amidst Turbulent Times – A Case Study” at the American Conference Institute’s inaugural West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law in San Jose, CA on October 29.

In 2025, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry has experienced a resurgence in merger and acquisition activity that is driving innovation, pipeline expansion and strategic growth. The session will present insights and examples of creative deal structures and ways to initiate and execute successful acquisitions and partnerships from the perspective of the acquirer and acquiree. The panelists will discuss business development and legal considerations for structuring a successful life sciences partnership or acquisition.

The panel includes Jennifer Halbleib, Senior Director, Pharma Partnering at Genentech, Aileen Fernandes, Chief Operating Officer at Arcellx, Carolyn Tang, General Counsel at Arcus Biosciences, and Jeyshree Ramachandran, Senior Counsel, Corporate and Business Development at Sumitomo Pharma America.