This year’s CPHI in Frankfurt provided an environment that enabled in-depth and meaningful discussions. This was particularly valuable for us, as we were able to both connect with long-standing clients and also establish connections with potential new partners.
We attended a range of presentations and panel discussions. Two sessions, in particular, reflect topics that currently play a central role in many of our clients’ projects.
The session “Biologics in Motion: Navigating the Clinical Trials Landscape in Europe” with Ana Antunes (MABDESIGN), Sanobar Syed (Boehringer Ingelheim), and Dr Rafael Grochot (Sarah Cannon Research Institute), provided a concise overview of current clinical development landscapes, regulatory trends, and market distributions. One notable insight was that approximately one third of newly approved medicines are now biologics. This aligns closely with our own experience: a significant proportion of the projects we support involve biologics at various stages of development, including preparation for market entry. The discussion was compact and content-rich; it could easily have continued longer.
The panel discussion “Continuous Manufacturing: A View Into the Future of Pharmaceutical Production” featuring Gabriela Grasa Mannino (US Pharmacopeia), Dr Salvatore Mascia (CONTINUUS Pharmaceuticals), Rohtash Kumar (Veranova), and Philip Coetzee (Daiichi Sankyo), moderated by Edgar Pogna (L.E.K. Consulting), highlighted the importance of establishing a solid production strategy at the very beginning of a project. The discussion made clear that when development teams, senior management and regulatory authorities work together early and transparently, innovative or less established manufacturing approaches can be implemented successfully and supported within the regulatory framework.
The event was also very well organised. The CPHI app provided clear navigation across the venue, including time and distance indications and optimised routes, which made it easier to plan meetings efficiently. At the same time, it was possible to hold ad-hoc discussions in cafés, lounge areas and quieter corners between the halls, including confidential conversations, which is not always a given at large events.
The technical setup also deserves mention: presentations were delivered via headphones, allowing for concentrated listening even in semi-open spaces. In addition, the presence of well-trained staff ensured smooth orientation and logistical support throughout the venue.
The CPHI remains a relevant place for professional and scientific exchange. We plan to be there again next year. If you attended the CPHI yourself, or are working on related questions, we would welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation.
