7th Annual OCT DACH Conference to Address Clinical Trial Innovation, Investment, and Diversity Challenges
Key Insights
The 7th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials DACH 2024 conference will convene in Zurich this October, featuring key discussions on European ICH GCP V3 regulations and emerging technologies in clinical trials.
Industry leaders from Bristol Myers Squibb (search), Novartis, and other major companies will address critical challenges in clinical trial conduct, including AI integration and regional trial revitalization strategies.
The conference will highlight WHO's new guidance on clinical trial diversity and inclusion, with special focus on improving representation of underserved populations in medical research.
The pharmaceutical and medical device industry is set to gather in Zurich, Switzerland, for the 7th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials DACH 2024 conference on October 29-30, bringing together key stakeholders to address pressing challenges in clinical research.
Regulatory Updates and Quality Standards
Nicolas Le Bec, director of therapeutic area quality lead/global R&D quality at Bristol Myers Squibb (search), will open the conference with insights into the latest European ICH GCP V3 regulatory requirements. The regulatory focus continues with Joan D'souza, pharmacovigilance contact person for Swissmedic (search) and BfArM, who will discuss pharmacovigilance practices specific to the DACH region.
Innovation and Regional Development
A significant portion of the conference agenda centers on technological advancement and regional growth. A dedicated panel featuring experts from Novartis, Endotonics (search), ITM Isotopen Technologien München (search), and T-CURX (search) will explore strategies for revitalizing clinical trials in the DACH region. The discussion will include the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical trials, addressing both opportunities and implementation challenges.
Investment Landscape
Against the backdrop of declining venture capital financing in the pharmaceutical sector since 2022, Nadiia Wyttenbach, managing director of growth equity at Redalpine (search), will lead a Q&A session on VC investment criteria. This comes at a crucial time as European biotech startups face ongoing funding challenges despite the region's growing prominence in pharmaceutical innovation.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
The conference places significant emphasis on improving clinical trial diversity, a persistent industry challenge. WHO Senior Advisor Vasee Moorthy will present the organization's new framework for enhancing trial design and conduct across different income levels. This aligns with WHO's recently released guidance aimed at improving the inclusion of underrepresented populations, including pregnant women and children.
Regional Focus and Future Outlook
The DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, continues to play a vital role in European pharmaceutical development. The conference will address specific regional challenges while providing a platform for stakeholders to develop solutions for more efficient and inclusive clinical trials.
The gathering represents a crucial opportunity for industry professionals to align on best practices, regulatory compliance, and innovative approaches to clinical trial conduct, while addressing the pressing need for greater diversity and technological integration in medical research.