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#557: Advancing Global Regulatory Harmonization for Cell and Gene Therapies: Enhancing Access and Innovation
Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
115AB
Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-591-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will explore scientific and regulatory considerations unique to cell and gene therapies (CGTs), emphasizing the urgent need for harmonization among health authorities globally. Participants will discuss regulatory challenges and examine opportunities for regulatory collaboration, including harmonization efforts led by the ICH Cell and Gene Therapy Discussion Group. The session will also cover recent efforts by regulatory authorities to streamline expectations for CGT manufacturing, showcasing best practices and flexible regulatory strategies that support faster development. Attendees will gain an understanding of current collaborative efforts and policy innovations shaping the future of CGTs worldwide.

Learning Objectives

Analyze global regulatory considerations and opportunities posed by current frameworks for cell and gene therapy products to drive innovation and increase patient access to medicines; Discuss work under international organizations, such as ICH, to align regulatory expectations and harmonize technical requirements; Evaluate recent regulatory approaches and best practices designed to streamline CGT manufacturing, and recognize policy initiatives shaping the advancement of CGTs.

Chair

Akanksha Kaushal, MS

Speaker

EMA’s role in Transforming CGT Innovation and Access
Patrick Celis, PHD

Industry Perspective on Driving Regulatory Alignment: Analyzing Regulatory Challenges and Identifying Needs and Opportunities for Convergence
D. Allen Callaway, II, MBA, MS

ICH Harmonization Efforts- The Cell and Gene Therapy Discussion Group
Lesbeth Caridad Rodriguez, MS

FDA Initiatives to Streamline CGT Manufacturing to Accelerate Development
Andrew Byrnes, PHD


Speakers
avatar for Andrew Byrnes

Andrew Byrnes

Director, Division of Gene Therapy 1, CBER, FDA, United States
Andrew P. Byrnes, PhD, is the Director of the Division of Gene Therapy 1 at FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The Division of Gene Therapy 1 reviews manufacturing of gene therapy vectors, microbial vectors, cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, in vivo genome editing... Read More →
DA

D. Allen Callaway

Associate Director - Global Regulatory Affairs CMC, Johnson and Johnson, United States
avatar for Patrick Celis

Patrick Celis

Scientific Administrator, European Medicines Agency, Netherlands
Patrick Celis joined the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 1997. He holds a degree in Pharmacy and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. P Celis is Lead Scientific officer in EMA’s ATMP Office and since December 2008, he is responsible for the Scientific Secretariat of the Committee... Read More →
avatar for Akanksha Kaushal

Akanksha Kaushal

Director, Science and Regulatory Advocacy, PhRMA, United States
Akanksha Kaushal, MS, is Director, Science and Regulatory Advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). She supports PhRMA’s work under the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) as well as other global quality and manufacturing initiatives... Read More →
avatar for Lesbeth Rodriguez

Lesbeth Rodriguez

Director, Regulatory Affairs Policy and Science, Bayer, United States
Lesbeth Rodriguez is director of Regulatory Affairs, Policy and Science at Bayer. She leads Bayer’s global regulatory policy strategies for Cell & Gene Therapy. Ms. Rodriguez represented PhRMA in ICH working groups—including the Q13 Implementation Working Group and the Cell and... Read More →
Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
115AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
  08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session

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