Tina Witte

In my time leading the Life Sciences Practice Area at Fletcher, I’ve seen just how vastly differently organizations choose to anchor their CI efforts. Some operate absent a formal CI function at all, while others are in the infancy stages of a more formidable buildout. And then there are the companies that have made substantive investments altogether, standing up full departments and giving CI a real seat at the executive table.

We recently marked Rare Disease Day, a vital moment for the community. For those impacted by rare pathologies, the journey is often defined by a grueling "diagnostic odyssey," complex symptom management, and the constant hurdle of managed care coverage. For many, cell and gene therapy (CGT) represents the ultimate beacon of hope—offering not just chronic disease management, but the potential for curative outcomes.

Stepping into 2026, the life sciences sector seems to be approaching with a sort of ‘confidence with guardrails’. Particularly coming out of the biggest, tone-setting event of the year, the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. Comparatively speaking, the energy seemed more subdued, but not in a discouraging way. Progress and innovation messaging prevailed, despite the reportedly ‘slow start’ to the dealmaking there in San Francisco.