Featured CoverStory

Digital Version In a legal industry often criticized for lagging behind in innovation, Fabio Cendão emerges as a refreshing force of change. As a Partner and the Head of Tech, IP, and Crypto/Web3 at Faria, Cendão & Maia Advogados (FCM Law), Fabio stands at the confluence of law, innovation, and purpose. His journey from the corporate sector to co-founding one of Brazil’s most forward-thinking law firms reflects not only his passion for technology but also a radical reimagining of what legal practice can and should be in the digital era. True legal innovation is not about simply adopting new tools, but about reimagining the entire role of law in empowering people and protecting ideas. At the intersection of technology, business, and ethics, law becomes a proactive catalyst for progress — a bridge that transforms complexity into opportunity and safeguards the future while inspiring bold new paths. This vision drives a commitment to transform legal practice into a force that enables innovation rather than limits it. From Corporate Roots to Founding FCM Law Fabio Cendão’s professional journey did not begin in a traditional law firm. In fact, it was this very detour that led him to a career defined by innovation. “I started in the corporate world but quickly realized I wanted to work closer to innovation and technology—not just in terms of clients, but in how legal services are actually delivered,” he recalls. In 2014, driven by this vision, Fabio co-founded FCM Law alongside two partners. The goal was ambitious yet clear: build a law firm tailored for the technology ecosystem. With a client base comprising startups and innovation-driven ventures, FCM Law took a distinct path from Brazil’s conventional legal institutions. Over time, Fabio’s work evolved to focus on technology law, intellectual property, and frontier issues like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Web3. Shaping the Legal Landscape at the Intersection of Technology At FCM Law, innovation is not a buzzword; it’s an operational imperative. The firm delivers legal solutions that are not only business-aligned but also tech-embedded. “We specialize in structuring legal frameworks for startups, especially around fundraising and investment,” Fabio explains. Their offerings also extend to innovation consulting for legal teams, introducing methodologies like Legal Design, Legal Ops, and agile processes to transform how law is practiced. Internally, the firm operates like a tech startup in many ways. Software tools and AI applications are integrated into daily workflows, empowering the team to boost efficiency while maintaining high-quality output. Fabio emphasizes that this internal evolution is key: “We invest in training our people to use technology smartly and ethically. It’s not just about adopting tools; it’s about reshaping mindsets.” Navigating Legal Challenges in Crypto and Web3 The realm of crypto and Web3 is one Fabio knows intimately. As an advisor to numerous blockchain startups and decentralized projects, he and his team are consistently at the edge of regulatory development. “The legal uncertainties in this space are massive—from regulatory gray zones to market skepticism,” he says. Yet, these challenges offer opportunities to exercise legal creativity. By blending rigorous legal analysis with out-of-the-box thinking, FCM Law helps clients navigate this complex ecosystem. Regular training sessions, internal workshops, and deep legal research keep the firm at the forefront. Their approach is both practical and visionary: build legal structures that are robust enough to protect clients yet flexible enough to accommodate future innovation. The Evolution of Intellectual Property Law in a Tech-Driven Era Technology is transforming intellectual property law faster than traditional legal systems can adapt. Fabio is quick to point out the emerging questions: “Who owns AI-generated content? How do you manage copyrights via blockchain? What does software licensing look like in a world of NFTs and smart contracts?” In Fabio’s view, IP law must evolve in tandem with these technological shifts. Smart contracts and decentralized platforms present new models for IP licensing and distribution. Meanwhile, blockchain offers more secure, transparent ways to register and track rights. FCM Law is exploring all of these, working closely with technologists to test solutions that could define the future legal landscape. Embracing LegalTech for Smarter Practice Innovation at FCM Law is spearheaded by Studio FCM, the firm’s in-house innovation unit. This team experiments with emerging LegalTech tools to enhance both client services and internal processes. “We use AI for document review, analysis, and drafting. Everything goes through rigorous human oversight, of course,” Fabio notes. This hybrid approach—leveraging AI without relinquishing human judgment—has paid dividends. Clients benefit from faster, more precise legal advice, while the firm enjoys streamlined operations. Fabio believes this is the future of law: “AI won’t replace lawyers, but lawyers who use AI will replace those who don’t.” Meeting the Expectations of Tech-Savvy Clients As the tech sector matures, client expectations are evolving rapidly. “They want speed, clarity, and deliverables that match their lean, agile workflows,” Fabio explains. He shares how some clients even use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to vet legal memos. Instead of resisting, FCM Law embraces this shift. “We’re adapting by being faster and more business-oriented. We understand how these companies think and operate, and we tailor our communication and delivery to match,” he says. This responsiveness has made FCM Law a trusted advisor to some of Brazil’s most innovative startups. True legal leadership in the age of technology is not about resisting change, but about guiding it with vision and integrity. Fabio Cendão shows us that the future of law belongs to those who see beyond today’s challenges to imagine tomorrow’s possibilities — and who have the courage to build that future, one innovative solution at a time. Ethics in the Age of Legal AI The rapid adoption of AI raises complex ethical questions—ones Fabio and his team take seriously. “We have strict policies, internal training, and compliance protocols to govern AI use,” he explains. Importantly, every AI-generated document is reviewed by a qualified attorney. The firm also advises clients on responsible AI governance, whether AI is core to their business or simply a tool within their operations. “We believe human oversight is non-negotiable.

Digital Version Ohad Karnieli, Founder and CEO of Adva Biotechnology, stands out as a visionary leader driving progress in the fast-paced field of cell and gene therapy. With nearly two decades of experience in the field before founding Adva in 2016, Karnieli embarked on a mission to address some of the most pressing challenges within the space: the scalability, affordability, and accessibility of life-saving cell therapies. His journey, rooted in scientific exploration and driven by a passion to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application, offers profound insight into the next chapter of healthcare. A Vision Born from Experience and Purpose The genesis of Adva Biotechnology can be traced back to 2016, a time when T-cell therapies—particularly CAR T—began demonstrating significant clinical success. Karnieli, having spent nearly twenty years immersed in the field of cell and gene therapy, recognized the emerging bottleneck that was threatening to hinder the industry’s growth: manufacturing. “The science had been there for years, but it was the clinical evidence that began bringing these therapies into the spotlight,” Karnieli reflects. “Yet, it became evident that the challenge would not lie in the science alone, but in the ability to manufacture these therapies at scale and at a cost that could make them widely accessible.” While Karnieli’s academic roots lie in stem cell research—having completed a doctorate focused on mesenchymal stem cells—he quickly realized that technological innovation was essential to transform scientific discoveries into commercially viable treatments. This realization became the cornerstone for establishing Adva Biotechnology, with a clear mission to develop scalable and affordable manufacturing solutions that maintain exceptional standards of safety and quality. The Core Mission: Better Cells for More Patients At the heart of Adva Biotechnology is a clear and powerful mission: to develop tools that deliver better cells to more patients. This mission is not merely a statement of intent but a deeply embedded philosophy that influences every facet of the company’s work. Unlike many in the industry who have sought to replicate manual processes through automation, Adva’s approach begins at the biological level. “We continuously consider what conditions are most favorable for the cells.” Karnieli explains. From there, the company reverse engineers its systems, ensuring that engineering decisions serve the biological and clinical requirements first. This patient-centric and biology-first philosophy sets Adva apart in an industry often focused on adapting existing workflows rather than reimagining them entirely. The result is a top-down innovation model that prioritizes the health and function of the cells, ensures compliance with GMP and quality standards, and ultimately redefines how cell therapies are produced. Revolutionizing the Manufacturing Landscape Adva Biotechnology’s technology stack represents a trifecta of innovation that addresses the key limitations in conventional manufacturing systems: environmental control, mechanical stress on cells, and adaptive data intelligence. Firstly, the company has achieved unprecedented control over the cell culture environment, integrating fourteen parameters to monitor and adjust the conditions under which cells are grown. Adva’s patented CAMP® technology (Continuous Adaptive Multiparameter control strategy) replicates the body’s natural ability to maintain internal balance by continuously adjusting and regulating multiple parameters simultaneously. Just as the body adjusts oxygen and glucose levels during physical exertion, Adva’s system adapts in real time to cellular needs, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Secondly, Adva has engineered a patented low-shear flow mechanism that ensures uniform media distribution without applying stress to the cells. This design innovation enables a tenfold increase in cell density compared to traditional bioreactors, significantly enhancing spatial and fluid efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs. The third pillar of Adva’s innovation lies in its advanced data analytics. Through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the system analyzes inputs from the various sensors in real time, optimizing performance and improving the quality and predictability of the cell products. This data-driven adaptability is critical for maintaining consistency across batches and for supporting the development of future therapies. In addition, Adva’s open-architecture system design empowers therapy developers to extract more granular insights from their manufacturing processes, fostering a feedback loop that connects laboratory performance directly to clinical outcomes. This ability to dynamically adjust and optimize each step based on real-time data is a game-changer for companies aiming to bring more sophisticated, tailored therapies to market. These elements together do more than just make the process more efficient. They represent a holistic shift in how the biotech industry can approach cell therapy manufacturing—making it more scalable, more cost-effective, and, most importantly, more focused on patient outcomes. Overcoming Industry Barriers with Data and Determination Despite its groundbreaking advancements, Adva Biotechnology faces a common hurdle in highly technical and regulated industries: resistance to change. “There is a legitimate hesitancy among scientists to adopt radically new manufacturing processes,” Karnieli notes. “Cells are incredibly sensitive, and the fear of disrupting a working protocol is understandable.” To address this, Adva invests heavily in generating robust data, both independently and through collaborations with scientific partners. This data-driven approach helps to de-risk the adoption of new technologies, offering transparent evidence that demonstrates consistency, safety, and quality. Moreover, Adva promotes the adoption of continuous improvement models within therapy developers’ internal teams. By presenting tangible improvements in cell yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness, the company is helping change the narrative around manufacturing transformation. The Power of Collaboration in a Complex Ecosystem Adva’s growth and impact have been accelerated through strategic partnerships and global networks. Karnieli recognizes that solving the multifaceted challenges of cell therapy delivery requires a diverse range of expertise—technological, scientific, regulatory, and financial. “The only way to effectively bring these therapies to patients is through collective effort,” he emphasizes. “Collaboration is not optional; it is essential.” These alliances enable knowledge-sharing, rigorous validation of technology, and broader access to Adva’s platforms. By building a collaborative ecosystem, Adva is helping to align stakeholders around a shared mission: making advanced therapies accessible to all who need them. Strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical leaders, research institutions, and biotech innovators provide validation and scalability for Adva’s platform while encouraging data-sharing protocols that enrich the broader scientific community. Leadership Anchored in

Digital Version As the 178th President of the American Medical Association (AMA), Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld is navigating a pivotal chapter in the history of healthcare. Positioned at the crossroads of clinical practice, public policy, and cutting-edge technology, his leadership goes beyond traditional roles—it is transformative in scope. With a deep-rooted commitment to purpose and a steadfast belief in technology’s potential to uplift human health, Dr. Ehrenfeld is guiding a bold transition toward a more anticipatory, accessible, and ethically grounded healthcare ecosystem. In this exclusive spotlight, Dr. Ehrenfeld—who also serves as Executive Director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment—offers a comprehensive and pragmatic vision for reengineering healthcare through smart digital integration, responsible artificial intelligence, and reforms that prioritize the needs of both physicians and patients. “My purpose has always been clear: to blend science with compassion, technology with ethics, and policy with human dignity. I believe in a future where healthcare empowers rather than overwhelms, where innovation serves people rather than replaces them. Every decision I make is rooted in the simple idea that health should be a universal promise — one we deliver together, with courage and heart.” A Defining Period in Medical Innovation The intersection of technology and medicine is revolutionizing care delivery, patient experiences, and the practice of healthcare itself,” Dr. Ehrenfeld begins, highlighting the magnitude of this paradigm shift. He predicts that the next five years will bring seismic changes to clinical environments. Innovations such as machine learning, real-time health monitoring, and precision-based digital therapeutics are already reshaping how care is conceived and delivered—but they are only the tip of the iceberg. His vision for the future includes personalized, real-time management of chronic illnesses through wearables; AI-powered assistance in diagnosing complex and rare diseases with exceptional accuracy; and seamless integration of virtual healthcare into standard treatment protocols. But in Dr. Ehrenfeld’s view, technology must serve a higher goal. “This isn’t merely a digital makeover—it’s an opportunity to rebuild the healthcare framework,” he says. “It’s about recognizing disease before it escalates, offering meaningful support in people’s daily lives, and leveraging data to make care more intuitive and humane.” Rethinking Healthcare from Reactive to Proactive Dr. Ehrenfeld is keenly aware of the financial and operational stress on the U.S. healthcare system. He strongly asserts that the current reactive care model is on the brink of collapse. “We’re running a sick-care model that can’t sustain itself. If we don’t shift toward proactive healthcare, the entire structure risks failing,” he warns. He argues that digital health innovations must be crafted not for novelty, but for empowerment—empowering healthcare professionals to do their best work, and patients to take an active role in their well-being. Properly applied, these tools support early intervention, enhance care coordination, and promote sustained wellness. But above all, they must preserve the foundational trust between doctor and patient. Technology should uplift the role of clinicians—not overwhelm them. It should expand access to care—not reinforce inequalities. And above all, it must be developed and used with ethical responsibility,” he underscores. “We’re living in a moment where innovation isn’t optional — it’s essential. But these advances must always start and end with people. From real-time monitoring to AI-powered diagnostics, every tool we build should deepen trust, strengthen care, and create a system that sees and supports patients long before they ever walk into an exam room.” Combatting the Widening Access Gap Timely access to care is an escalating challenge in American healthcare. Referring to a 2025 AMA-cited survey, Dr. Ehrenfeld highlights a disturbing trend: the average wait time to secure a physician appointment in 15 major U.S. cities has climbed to 31 days—marking a historic high. This reflects a 19% increase since 2022 and nearly a 50% increase since 2004. Alarmingly, even cities with an abundance of physicians are not immune. “These aren’t just administrative delays—they’re indicators of a healthcare system under intense pressure,” he says. “They signify workforce shortages, system inefficiencies, and lost opportunities for prevention.” He notes that while rural communities have long endured such challenges, urban areas are now experiencing similar strain. Dr. Ehrenfeld views virtual care, AI-powered triage tools, and remote monitoring as essential solutions to lighten this burden. “We must build out digital infrastructure and push for supportive legislation to shorten wait times and guarantee care that’s timely and effective—regardless of where patients live,” he explains. But solving access isn’t only about geography. “It’s about ensuring that digital health solutions are built with inclusivity in mind,” he adds. “Not every household has broadband. We must design with equity front and center to ensure every community benefits.” Policy: The Framework for Responsible Innovation In Dr. Ehrenfeld’s vision, while technology may propel transformation, it is sound policy that shapes it and keeps it grounded. “Policy isn’t just a tool for progress—it’s the architecture of trust,” he explains. “And trust becomes even more critical in a digital-first world.” With a career dedicated to advancing evidence-informed policies, Dr. Ehrenfeld has consistently supported legislative action that expands access to telehealth, updates reimbursement frameworks, and ensures regulatory agility as new technologies emerge. However, he cautions against overly rigid policies that might stifle progress, particularly with emerging fields like AI. “Federal and state laws must encourage innovation, but they must also maintain safeguards to protect privacy, uphold safety, and ensure equity,” he says. “It’s a delicate balance—but one we must get right.” AI in Medicine: A Call for Transparency and Responsibility The increasing role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare demands careful oversight, according to Dr. Ehrenfeld. One of his foremost concerns is a lack of transparency—especially when AI is used in clinical decision-making. “As a physician, I should never be using a ventilator or device powered by an undisclosed AI system,” he asserts. “That’s what I mean by algorithmic accountability. We need clear visibility into the tools we use.” Ethical AI, he insists, must be transparent, explainable, and designed with oversight. Clinicians should understand where the data comes from, how algorithms make decisions, and what potential limitations exist. It’s not

Digital Version DeeJay Smith, Head of Global Brand Protection and eCommerce Sales at LifeScan, has charted a dynamic and purpose-driven journey that blends legacy, passion, & innovation. His professional narrative is not just one of corporate ascent, but also a testament to the power of strong brand stewardship and consumer trust. Smith’s early experiences and pivotal roles at iconic consumer goods companies laid a solid foundation for his expertise in combating counterfeiting, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading global brand protection efforts at LifeScan, a global leader in glucose monitoring and diabetes management. “I believe in the principles of Servant Leadership. Throughout my career, the leaders who had the biggest impact on me, were fully invested in their people and built strong working relationships. I trusted that those leaders had my best interest and the best interest of the company when difficult decisions were made.” A Legacy Rooted in Brand Respect Smith’s affinity for consumer brands took root in his childhood. Growing up in Colorado, his father owned a food brokerage business. It was from him that Smith learned the value of brand equity and the importance of protecting it. “My dad used to say, ‘After you graduate college, try to get on with P&G, J&J, or John Deere – they are the best in the world at capturing a brand’s value,’” he recalls. Fulfilling that vision, Smith began his career in 1985 as an entry-level sales manager at Procter & Gamble (P&G). Over the next two decades, he worked on multiple billion-dollar brands and partnered with top U.S. retailers and wholesalers. In 2005, P&G tapped him to lead the development of a “Best in Class” Brand Protection program across the Americas and Asia Pacific. His work included collaborating with law enforcement and customs agencies worldwide, including China’s Public Security Bureau, to stop counterfeit products at the border. The scope of this work was vast, and fittingly, his business card read “Senior Brand Protection Manager, Western Hemisphere.” Upon retiring from P&G in 2018, Smith launched a consulting firm called e-Light, dedicated to illuminating the “Shadow Supply Chain.” Within months, Johnson & Johnson’s divestiture of LifeScan led to an invitation for Smith to head its Global Brand Protection operations. LifeScan: A Mission-Focused Brand LifeScan is a global diabetes care company that provides products under the OneTouch brand, used daily by millions worldwide. Smith’s role is pivotal in ensuring the authenticity, safety, and regulatory compliance of these life-impacting products. He leads anti-counterfeit and fraud prevention efforts globally. In a strategic expansion of responsibilities four years ago, Smith was also tasked with unifying best sales practices across LifeScan’s global eCommerce teams. Interestingly, his father’s advice proved prophetic: Smith’s second job was with LifeScan—then a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary—and his eldest son now works for RDO, the largest John Deere dealerships in the U.S. “I’m sure my Dad is looking down from heaven enjoying the fact that his son and grandson followed his career advice to the letter,” he says warmly. Navigating the Modern Brand Protection Landscape According to Smith, brand protection leaders today face ever-evolving threats, especially within digital commerce. “Manufacturers are facing dynamic challenges taking place at rocket speed,” He heard is once said, “If a consumer brand doesn’t have a counterfeit problem, they have a marketing problem.” One of the most pressing issues is the exponential growth of global online marketplaces and social media commerce, which create new avenues for counterfeiters. While many platforms have committed significant resources to curbing illicit activity, Smith notes that bad actors continually exploit technological loopholes. The rise of artificial intelligence adds complexity—while it aids in a Brand Protection Manager’s ability to detect counterfeit goods, it also arms fraudsters with sophisticated mimicry tools. A Proactive Strategy at LifeScan LifeScan’s brand protection strategy aligns with its overarching mission: safeguarding patient safety. Smith explains, “We focus on protecting the safety of OneTouch patients globally, protecting our brand equity, and defending the company financially.” This is achieved by disrupting the counterfeit supply chain, empowering law enforcement and customs officers, reducing illegal online listings, and proactively preventing fraud. The company’s agile approach enables it to adapt to threats in real time. Tools, Technologies, and Strategic Alliances Smith has long recognized the value of innovation and collaboration. While at P&G, he helped launch a program in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve shipment screening accuracy. The initiative became a benchmark for public-private cooperation in border enforcement. CBP and P&G Case At LifeScan, the internal use of cutting-edge tools and strategic partnerships allows the company to identify and disrupt fraud before it impacts consumers. The company also works with third-party experts to monitor thousands of online listings globally. “Our goal is to make sure every OneTouch patient feels safe buying our products from reputable online marketplaces,” Smith emphasizes. Fostering Cross-Functional and External Collaboration Smith views cross-functional support as a cornerstone of successful brand protection. “It may be the most important fundamental,” he asserts. At LifeScan, he collaborates closely with Legal, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Finance, and Commercial teams. He even maintains a direct line to the CCO and CEO, underscoring the importance of brand integrity to LifeScan’s executive vision of “Creating a world without limits for people with diabetes.” Externally, Smith engages with outside counsel, investigators, law enforcement, and global industry groups such as the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC). This collaborative ecosystem strengthens LifeScan’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively. Restoring Trust Through Action One particularly impactful initiative involved a rare breach where a small batch of counterfeit test strip packs made it onto online platforms. Once identified, LifeScan acted quickly, coordinating with the platforms to remove the perpetrators and tighten access protocols. All potentially affected consumers were notified, asked to discard the suspect packs, and sent replacements—at the expense of the platforms. “This decisive action played a key role in building consumer trust,” Smith recalls. The Power of Data and Frontline Awareness Data analytics plays a critical role in LifeScan’s brand protection efforts, especially given the stringent regulatory statutes governing