DIA 2026 Global Annual Meeting: Full Schedule

11:00am EDT

#416.1: International Regulatory Cooperation with the African Medicines Agency

Monday June 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-608-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

A 60-minute session with AMA, FDA, and partners will review successes in collaboration, explore future opportunities to enhance oversight and access, and conclude with interactive Q&A on advancing harmonized regulatory systems in Africa.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the FDA priorities in regulatory alignment, supply chain resilience, and collaboration in Africa; Recognize how regulators work across regions to improve access, using approaches such as reliance, convergence, and joint inspections to reduce duplication, strengthen resilience, and advance public health.

Chair

Meisha Sampson, MS

Speaker

International Regulatory Cooperation with the African Medicines Agency
Emile Bienvenu

Panelist
Aissatou SOUGOU

International Regulatory Cooperation with the African Medicines Agency
Delese Mimi Darko, MBA, RAC

International Regulatory Cooperation with the African Medicines Agency
Ahmed Mohamed

International Regulatory Cooperation with the African Medicines Agency
Heran Gerba, PHD

Speakers

Emile Bienvenu

Director General, Rwanda Food and Drug Authority, Rwanda

Delese Mimi Darko

Director General, African Medicines Agency (AMA) , Rwanda

Dr. Mimi Darko graduated as a pharmacist with an MBA. Her career in food and health products regulation spans over 30 years. Prior to her appointment as AMA's first DG, she rose through the ranks of the FDA to become its first female CEO in 2017. She led FDA’s designation as a Regional... Read More →

Heran Gerba

Director General, Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Ethiopia

Ahmed Mohamed

Chief Executive Officer, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya

Meisha Sampson

Director, FDA, United States

Meisha Sampson is the inaugural Director of the FDA African Medicines Agency Liaison Office within FDA’s Office of Global Policy and Strategy, based at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda, home to the African Medicines Agency. In this role, she advances a collaborative FDA–AMA... Read More →

Aissatou SOUGOU

Director General, Department of Pharmacy and Laboratories (DPL) , Senegal

Monday June 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
110A The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Forum

11:00am EDT

#413: Health Canada Town Hall

Monday June 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

112AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-520-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

In this session, leaders from Health Canada will provide an update on regulatory priorities for Canada. The audience will be invited to submit questions of general interest.

Learning Objectives

Describe Health Canada’s regulatory initiatives and strategic priorities; Identify opportunities for engagement with the Canadian regulator.

Chair

Alysha Croker, PHD

Speaker

Panelist
Sophie Sommerer

Speakers

Alysha Croker

Director, Strategic and Horizontal Policy, Health Canada, Canada

Dr. Alysha Croker is the Director of the Centre for Policy, Pediatrics and International Collaboration, Health Products and Food Branch, Heath Canada. In this position, Dr. Croker is responsible for developing ways to increase access to safe and effective health products for pediatric... Read More →

Sophie Sommerer

Director General, Marketed Health Products Directorate, Health Canada, Canada

Sophie Sommerer is the Director General of Health Canada’s Marketed Health Products Directorate. She is responsible for post-market surveillance of a range of health products, including pharmaceutical and biologic drugs, natural health products and medical devices. From 2016 to... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
112AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Student and Early Career Pathway
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Clinical Development & Operations,Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Student and Early Career Pathway
Tags Session

2:30pm EDT

#432: Industry Collaboration 2030: Head, Heart and Gut Perspectives

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

108B

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-527-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

No one can solve today’s R&D challenges alone. But are industry consortia fit for 2030? We examine the "head, heart, and gut" to re-imagine collaboration and explore what’s needed to accelerate co-creation and innovation.

Learning Objectives

Recognize the value of industry collaborations, analyze emerging trends and future innovation opportunities; Explain how to shift from patient-centric to patient-driven design thinking.

Chair

Sarah Tremethick

Speaker

Industry Collaboration 2030: Head Perspective
Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS

Industry Collaboration 2030: Head, Heart and Gut Perspectives
Rebecca Vermeulen, RPH

Industry Collaboration 2030: Gut Perspective
Jeff Smith

Speakers

Adrian Hernandez

Professor of Medicine; Executive Director, Duke Clinical Research Institute , United States

Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS, is Executive Director, Duke Clinical Research Institute, and Vice Dean of the Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Hernandez has research interests in improving cardiovascular health and accelerating clinical evidence through outcomes research, clinical... Read More →

Jeff Smith

The Curator, Smith and Jones Innovation, United States

Sarah Tremethick

Global Program Lead - Product Development Industry Collaborations, Roche, United Kingdom

A change catalyzer that connects biopharmaceutical innovators to tackle problems and drive industry disruption. Part of Roche’s Industry Collaborations group, which believes that common challenges in drug development can be solved through industry consortia. Almost 30 years’ experience... Read More →

Rebecca Vermeulen

Vice President, Global Patient Networks | PD Medical Affairs, Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, United States

Rebecca Vermeulen, RPh, brings a variety of experiences to her role as VP of Strategy for Patients and Society, Product Development, at Hoffman La Roche. She has served in numerous functions including Medical Affairs, Clinical Research, Sales, Medical Communications, Medical Science... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
108B The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Patient-Centered Design and Experience
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Clinical Development & Operations,Patient Engagement
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Patient-Centered Design and Experience
Tags Session

2:30pm EDT

#433: ICH M11 in Action: Digital Protocols, AI, and Cloud for Patient-Centered Regulatory Science

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

109AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-529-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Explore how ICH M11, AI, and digital transformation are reshaping regulatory science to benefit patients. Learn from real-world pilots and global collaborations that accelerate trial design, streamline submissions, and foster patient-centered innovation.

Learning Objectives

Describe how ICH M11 and digital protocol standards enable seamless, patient-centric clinical trial design and regulatory submissions; Evaluate the impact of AI, cloud, and interoperable data platforms on accelerating regulatory review and improving patient access to innovation; Apply strategies for integrating patient experience data and digital tools to enhance trial inclusivity, data quality, and regulatory confidence.

Chair

Vada Perkins, MS

Speaker

Panelist
Mumtaz Sultani

Panelist
Jimita Parekh

Panelist
Robert DiCicco, PHARMD

Speakers

Robert DiCicco

Vice President, Portfolio Management, TransCelerate Biopharma Inc., United States

Rob DiCicco is the Vice President, Portfolio Management at TransCelerate Biopharma, Inc. where for the last 3 years he has headed up a suite of programs that include Pragmatic Trials along with several digital and data driven transformational projects. He was the Chief Health Officer... Read More →

Jimita Parekh

Managing Director, Independent, United States

Vada Perkins

Vice President, Global Head of Regulatory Intelligence & Policy, Boehringer Ingelheim, United States

Vada A. Perkins is Vice President. Global Head of Regulatory Policy & Intelligence for Boehringer Ingelheim. He is a former FDA Senior Advisor for Regulatory Science with international regulatory policy and strategy expertise in promoting convergence for the assessment of medicinal... Read More →

Mumtaz Sultani

European Medicines Agency, Netherlands

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
109AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

03: Data-Tech-AI, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Artificial Intelligence, Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Data Management & Data Standards,Health Technology & AI
Feature Topics Artificial Intelligence,Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Session

2:30pm EDT

#439: Early Intervention in Slowly Progressing Chronic Diseases: Navigating Regulatory and Reimbursement Uncertainty

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

115AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Advanced
CE: ACPE 1.00 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-536-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Global interest in early intervention for chronic diseases is driving regulatory innovation, but evidence and reimbursement barriers remain. This forum will highlight how global agencies and payers are adopting harmonized, patient-focused approaches.

Learning Objectives

Analyze global regulatory and reimbursement challenges associated with decision-making for early treatment of chronic diseases; Assess existing gaps and opportunities within US and EU regulatory and reimbursement frameworks to advance in this area.

Chair

Simon Bennett, MS

Speaker

Regulatory challenges facing the development of treatments for chronic neurological disorders
Steffen Thirstrup, MD, PHD

Panelist
Julian Beach, MBA

Patient Perspective
Mindy Cameron

Speakers

Julian Beach

Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom

Julian oversees the portfolio that is designed to ensure the quality and access of products to the UK market - this includes scientific advice, licensing assessment, marketing authorisations for all innovative and established medicines. A committed professional with over 15 years... Read More →

Simon Bennett

Director, EU Regulatory Policy, Biogen, United Kingdom

As Director of European Regulatory Policy at Biogen, Simon is responsible for developing and leading Biogen’s European regulatory policy agenda and associated activities in key areas. Simon started at Biogen in 2003 in clinical development before moving into Regulatory Sciences... Read More →

Mindy Cameron

Patient Advocate, Advocacyworks, United States

Mindy Cameron's evolution as a rare disease patient expert started over 20 years ago when her second son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Through her work with non-profit, research, and industry organizations, Mindy has become a recognized voice for patients living... Read More →

Steffen Thirstrup

Chief Medical Officer, European Medicines Agency, Netherlands

Dr. Steffen Thirstrup, MD, PhD, has been Chief Medical Officer at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) since June 2022. A specialist in clinical pharmacology, he has held leadership roles at the Danish Medicines Agency, served as a CHMP member at EMA, and co-chaired the European Commission’s... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
115AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session

Audience Advanced
Area Therapeutic Pathways, Global Alignment in Practice
Level Advanced
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Value & Access,Regulatory
Feature Topics Therapeutic Pathways,Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Session

2:30pm EDT

#440: Harnessing International Regulatory Reliance and Collaboration to Accelerate Innovation and Patient Access to Medicines

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

115C

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-534-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Sponsors are increasingly leveraging regulatory collaboration and reliance approaches. In this Forum, international regulatory and industry experts will review ongoing pilot projects and discuss future opportunities.

Learning Objectives

Discuss Industry experience with reliance initiatives; Explain ICMRA and ICH efforts to facilitate a pharmaceutical quality knowledge management capability; Identify benefits and challenges for expanding global regulatory reliance and collaboration; Outline how cloud-based platforms and harmonized regional requirements can strengthen reliance.

Chair

Amanda Roache, MS

Speaker

Reflections on ICMRA Pilots and Opportunities for International Regulatory Collaboration
Sarah Pope Miksinski, PHD

Panelist
Evdokia Korakianiti, PHD, MSC

FDA Reflection on Experiences with International Regulatory Collaboration and Opportunities
Ashley Boam, MS

Industry Experiences with Regulatory Reliance and Collaboration Initiatives
Joann M Parker, MS, RPH

Speakers

Ashley Boam

Director, Office of Policy for Pharmaceutical Quality, OPQ, CDER, FDA, United States

Ashley serves as Director of the Office of Policy for Pharmaceutical Quality in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at FDA. OPPQ is responsible for developing and clearly communicating science- and risk-based policies and standards related to drug product quality, including... Read More →

Evdokia Korakianiti

Head of Quality and Safety of Medicines, European Medicines Agency, Netherlands

Evdokia joined the Agency in 2002. Since 2020, she is leading the Quality and Safety Department, which includes Quality, GxP Compliance, Referrals and PhV. She is the EMA lead of the EU Network's strategic priority to facilitate the uptake of advanced manufacturing approaches. She... Read More →

Sarah Pope Miksinski

Executive Director, CMC Regulatory Affairs, Gilead Sciences, United States

Sarah Pope Miksinski has been with Gilead since July 2023 and is currently an Executive Director in CMC Regulatory Affairs. She represents Gilead in various external capacities – including serving on PhRMA’s Global Quality and Manufacturing Committee, serving as chair of ISPE’s... Read More →

Joann Parker

Vice President of Regulatory CMC, Pfizer, United States

Amanda Roache

Deputy Vice President, Science and Regulatory Advocacy, PhRMA, United States

Amanda Roache, MPP, is Deputy Vice President, Science and Regulatory Advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). She leads PhRMA’s work under the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) as well as key science and regulatory activities related... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
115C The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Forum

4:00pm EDT

#447: Enabling Faster Multi-Regional Study Start-Up Through Harmonization and Collaboration

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

108B

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-542-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session reviews how ICH harmonization and new oncology MRCT guidelines from FDA, NMPA, and PMDA enable regulatory collaboration, speeding global trial start-up, drug development and patient access through shared data and adaptive approaches.

Learning Objectives

Analyze how regulatory harmonization and collaboration accelerate global study start-up; Differentiate key principles of ICH E17, E5, and regional oncology MRCT guidelines; Summarize strategies to navigate regional regulatory differences and enable global studies.

Chair

Angelika Joos, MPHARM

Speaker

ethical aspects of conducting MRCTs from a global perspective
Sarah A. White, MPH

Experience from global conduct of MRCTs
Aloka Chakravarty, PHD

Panelist
Paz Vellanki

PMDA perspective
Yoko Aoi, PHD

Speakers

Yoko Aoi

Coordination Director - Office of Review Management, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Dr. Yoko Aoi is a Coordination Director, Office of Review Management at the PMDA of Japan. After joining PMDA, Dr. Aoi has been involved in regulatory review/scientific advice for new drugs, including treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and COPD (2011–2016); coordination... Read More →

Aloka Chakravarty

VP, Clinical Data Insights and Advanced Analytics, Eli Lilly and Company, United States

Aloka Chakravarty

VP, Clinical Data Insights and Advanced Analytics, Eli Lilly and Company, United States

Dr. Aloka Chakravarty is VP, Statistical Data Insights and Advanced Analytics at Eli Lilly. Prior to that, she was the Director, Office of Biostatistics(A) at FDA where her career spanned 31 years. She is recipient of FDA Award of Merit, the highest scientific award conferred by the... Read More →

Angelika Joos

Executive Director, Science & Regulatory Policy, MSD, Belgium

Angelika Joos is a trained pharmacist. She is responsible for Clinical Research Policy issues within MSD's Science & Regulatory Policy department. This role includes identifying policy priorities that align with MSD’s business priorities, leading cross-functional networks to define... Read More →

Paz Vellanki

Associate Director, OND, CDER, FDA, United States

Sarah White

Executive Director, MRCT Center, United States

Ms. White is the Executive Director at The Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard. In this capacity, she is responsible for developing and implementing the overall strategy and vision for the Center as well as oversee all management functions... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
108B The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Forum | 08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Clinical Development & Operations,Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Forum

4:00pm EDT

#448: Accelerating Regulatory Readiness: A Vision for AI-Enabled Pandemic Preparedness

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

109AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-544-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Discover Coalition For Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Pandemic Preparedness Engine (PPE) regulatory node—a forward-looking digital platform using AI and cloud technology to accelerate vaccine approvals through structured data, automated workflows, and global collaborative review.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the conceptual framework of CEPI’s Pandemic Preparedness Engine (PPE) regulatory node and its role in accelerating emergency vaccine approvals; Recognize how AI-enabled workflows and cloud-based platforms can support concurrent, global regulatory review through PDDF and DSVI integration; Identify opportunities for regulatory collaboration and input to shape the future of digital dossier.

Chair

Ashley Jones-Mitchell, MPH

Speaker

Panelist
Melody Chessia

Panelist
Kevin Bugin, MS, RAC

Panelist
Teginder Singh, MPHARM

Speakers

Kevin Bugin

Head of Global Regulatory Policy and Intelligence, Amgen, United States

Dr. Kevin Bugin is the head of global regulatory policy and intelligence at Amgen. Prior to this role, Dr. Bugin was the Deputy Director of Operations in the Office of New Drugs (OND) in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), where in addition, he led the creation... Read More →

Melody Chessia

Director of Product Management, Accumulus Technologies, United States

Melody Chessia

Director of Product Management, Accumulus Technologies, United States

Ashley Jones-Mitchell

Head of Global Regulatory Policy, Accumulus Synergy, United States

Ashley is Head of Global Regulatory Policy for Accumulus Synergy. With over 19 years of experience in the federal government and industry, Ashley advocates for policies that will advance digital transformation. Prior to her time at Accumulus Synergy, Ashley was with the U.S. Food... Read More →

Teginder Singh

Global Head Regulatory Quality Safety, Google, United States

Teginder Singh is a senior executive and pharmacist with over 25 years of leadership in health & life sciences. His early career focused on drug discovery, and he has since led complex transformation programs across R&D, Regulatory, Quality and Safety at Fortune50 companies like Google... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
109AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

03: Data-Tech-AI, Session | 08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Artificial Intelligence, Global Alignment in Practice, Digital Enablement and Modernization
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Feature Topics Artificial Intelligence,Global Alignment in Practice,Digital Enablement and Modernization
Tags Session

4:00pm EDT

#453: Navigating CMC Challenges for Innovative Cell and Gene Therapy Products: From Starting Materials to Comparability

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

118C

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-576-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Explore regulatory and manufacturing challenges in cell and gene therapy, including starting material variability, potency testing, comparability, specification, and stability strategies. Gain insights into FDA expectations, ICH initiatives, and collaborative approaches to harmonize definitions and accelerate development while ensuring quality and regulatory clarity across individualized therapies.

Learning Objectives

Identify key regulatory and manufacturing challenges in CGT development, including starting material variability, comparability, stability, setting specifications, and post-approval changes; Discuss FDA and global expectations, harmonization needs, and strategies for individualized therapies to ensure quality and compliance across development phases.

Chair

Lesbeth Caridad Rodriguez, MS

Speaker

Defining and Controlling Raw and Starting Materials for CGT Manufacturing
Kevin Carrick, PHD

Comparability Considerations for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Subject to Changes in their Manufacturing Process
Andrew Chang, PHD

Setting specifications for ATMPs: insights from the ICHQ6 revision
Cecilia Tami, PHD

Stability Considerations for Cell and Gene Products
Akanksha Kaushal, MS

Speakers

Kevin Carrick

Senior Director, Science and Standards, Biologics, United States Pharmacopeia, United States

Dr. Kevin Carrick is a Senior Director of Science & Standards in USP’s Global Biologics Department. Dr. Carrick and his team work with the five USP Expert Committees and multiple Expert Panels in the area of biologics to develop standards that support biopharmaceutical quality assessment... Read More →

Andrew Chang

Sr. Quality and Regulatory Compliance Director, Novo Nordisk A/S, United States

Dr. Andrew Chang is a multifaceted quality and CMC leader with 30 years well-rounded medical product regulatory and industry experiences. He is a member of the board of directors for Parenteral Drug Association (PDA). Andrew has served as a member of the planning committee for DIA... Read More →

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 →

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 →

Cecilia Tami

Head US CMC Regulatory Policy, Genentech, United States

Cecilia Tami is currently the Head of US Technical Regulatory Policy at Genentech-Roche. In her role, she leads and executes US CMC regulatory policy strategies and advocacy plans and external outreach in technical, regulatory and legislative CMC related topics. Before joining Genentech-Roche... Read More →

Cecilia Tami

Head US CMC Regulatory Policy, Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, United States

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
118C The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

07: RegCMC-Product Quality, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Therapeutic Pathways
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Quality Assurance / Control & CMC
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Therapeutic Pathways
Tags Session

4:00pm EDT

#456: Middle East Town Hall: The Rising Global Innovation Hub - Aligning Regulations and Unlocking Fresh Opportunities

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

112AB

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-549-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

The Middle East is a fast-emerging innovation hub. Aligning with global standards, the region is opening new opportunities and incentives. Join us to discover Middle Eastern innovations and why companies should view it as a top investment destination.

Learning Objectives

Discuss how the Middle East has rapidly evolved over the past decade, benchmarking regulatory systems, achieving higher maturity levels, and accelerating cross-stakeholder collaboration.

Chair

Amira Deia Younes

Speakers

Amira Younes

Director- Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), Global Regulatory Policy, MSD, United Arab Emirates

Amira is Global Regulatory Policy Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at MSD, with over 14 years’ experience in regulatory science and policy. A recognized thought leader in regulatory reliance, work sharing, and harmonization, she builds cross-sector networks to strengthen... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
112AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Student and Early Career Pathway
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Biotechnology & Investors
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Student and Early Career Pathway
Tags Forum

4:00pm EDT

#454: Accelerating Pediatric Innovation: Leveraging Extrapolation and Global Policy to Transform Drug Development for Children

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

201AB

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-550-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will explore innovative regulatory approaches, including the ICH E11A guideline, to accelerate access to effective treatments for children with chronic conditions such as pediatric multiple sclerosis.

Learning Objectives

Identify innovative regulatory strategies for pediatric drug development, including the ICH E11A guideline; Evaluate the impact of extrapolation and trial design on accelerating access to treatments for children with chronic conditions; Recognize ways to engage in collaborative discussion to propose actionable solutions for reducing approval lag times for children.

Chair

Christina Bucci-Rechtweg, MD

Speaker

Panelist
Laura Jawidzik, MD

Panelist
Lauren Krupp, MD

Panelist
Lynne Yao, MD

Speakers

Christina Bucci-Rechtweg

Global Head, Maternal Health and Pediatric Regulatory Policy, Novartis , United States

Christina is Global Head of Pediatric & Maternal Health Policy at Novartis. She graduated from the U Rochester Sch of Medicine & Dentistry and trained in Peds/Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at SUNY Buffalo. She has 20+ yrs of experience in Clinical Development and Regulatory Policy... Read More →

Laura Jawidzik

Division Director, Division of Neurology 2 (DN2), OND, CDER, FDA, United States

Dr. Jawidzik is a board-certified neurologist and the director of the Division of Neurology 2 (DN2) at FDA. She joined the Agency in 2015 in DN2 as a clinical reviewer on the migraine/TBI/stroke team. In 2020, she moved from DN2 to DN1 and has served in various positions in DN1 including... Read More →

Lauren Krupp

Director, Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Health, United States

Lynne Yao

Director, Division of Pediatric and Maternal Health, Office of New Drugs, CDER, FDA, United States

Lynne Yao, M.D., is the Director, Division of Pediatrics and Maternal Health in the Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The Division of Pediatrics and Maternal Health oversees quality initiatives which promote and necessitate the study of drug and biological... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
201AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Clinical Development & Operations
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Forum

4:00pm EDT

#455: Japan Town Hall

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

115AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-551-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session explores the benefits of drug development and approval in Japan, highlighting market size, development predictability, and regulatory support, with insights from administrative bodies and the international pharmaceutical industry.

Learning Objectives

Recognize misconceptions about Japan's drug development environment and learn the latest updates; Discuss the benefits of drug development in Japan from regulatory and industry perspectives.

Chair

Daisuke Koga, MS, MSC

Speaker

Panelist
Seiko Usami, PHD

Panelist
Yoshiaki Uyama, PHD, MS, RPH

Speakers

Daisuke Koga

Director, Office of International Strategy and Planning, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Mr. Daisuke Koga is the Director of the Office of International Strategy and Planning, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) of Japan. He started his career in 1996 at the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan. He worked in the Ministry on drugs, medical devices, food... Read More →

Seiko Usami

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Japan

Yoshiaki Uyama

Associate Executive Director, Regulatory Science Center, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Dr Yoshiaki Uyama is currently Associate Executive Director, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) of Japan. He is responsible for regulatory science researches in the agency. He has many experiences in new drug evaluation and real world data utilization, including the ICH... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
115AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Student and Early Career Pathway
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Regulatory,Clinical Development & Operations
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Student and Early Career Pathway
Tags Session

10:15am EDT

#513: Advancing Chronic Disease Development: Insights from FDA, EMA, PMDA, and MHRA

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT

201AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-565-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

Chronic Disease Town Hall spotlights emerging programs and global initiatives for chronic disease drug development, outlines the current landscape, explores opportunities and challenges, and assesses strategies to boost efficiency and accelerate therapeutic innovation.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the present landscape, opportunities, and challenges of chronic disease drug development; Describe emerging programs and global initiatives designed to facilitate development of chronic disease drugs; Assess various considerations and strategies to enhance the efficiency of chronic disease drug development.

Chair

Jingyu (Julia) Luan, PHD

Speaker

Panelist
Steffen Thirstrup, MD, PHD

Panelist
Alison Cave

Panelist
Maria Vassileva, PHD

Panelist
Ayaka Kubota, RPH

Speakers

Alison Cave

Chief Safety Officer, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom

Dr Alison Cave is Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with responsibility for the safety of medicines and medical devices in the UK. She holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of London and has extensive academic and regulatory... Read More →

Ayaka Kubota

Office of Safty II, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

She is a reviewer at the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan. She is involved in the scientific review of pharmaceuticals, primarily focusing on cardiovascular drugs and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, with an emphasis on clinical evaluation and regulatory... Read More →

Jingyu (Julia) Luan

Executive Regulatory Science Director, AstraZeneca, United States

Dr. Luan is currently the Executive Regulatory Science Director at AstraZeneca (AZ), where she oversees all regulatory aspects of obesity and diabetes drug development and supports the research, development, and commercialization efforts in these disease areas. She also leads the... Read More →

Steffen Thirstrup

Chief Medical Officer, European Medicines Agency, Netherlands

Maria Vassileva

Chief Science and Regulatory Officer, DIA, United States

Dr. Vassileva has decades of experience with managing complex multi-stakeholder biomedical research programs. She spent most of her career in the nonprofit sector, leading the Science Team at the Arthritis Foundation, and working at the Foundation for NIH and the American Association... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT
201AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Session | 08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Student and Early Career Pathway, Therapeutic Pathways
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Rare Disease & Special Populations,Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Student and Early Career Pathway,Therapeutic Pathways
Tags Session

10:15am EDT

#512: Enhanced Analytical Procedure Development: Principles, Prior Knowledge, and Change Management

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT

202AB

Component Type: Workshop
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-562-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

This workshop will focus on the principles of enhanced analytical procedure development, and use of prior knowledge in creating robust methods. It will include industry case studies, a regulator’s perspective, and a debate-style panel. Part 2 of this workshop is Future of Enhanced Product Development: Enabled through new ICH guidelines scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 10:15AM ET.

Learning Objectives

Describe ICH Q14 and the principles of analytical procedure development and lifecycle management; Apply enhanced approaches to analytical procedure development through the use of prior knowledge; Discuss health authority expectations for submission of information regarding enhanced analytical procedure development and lifecycle management.

Chair

Bryan Castle, PHD

Speaker

Exploring the Principles of Enhanced Analytical Procedure Development Emphasizing the Role of Prior Knowledge in Designing Robust Methods
Nina S. Cauchon, PHD

Panelist
Julie Armitstead

Panelist
Gary McGeorge

Speakers

Julie Armitstead

Principal Scientist, Pfizer, United States

Bryan Castle

Associate Vice President, Synthetic Molecule Design & Development, Eli Lilly and Company, United States

Dr. Castle is a technical leader in Eli Lilly & Company's Synthetic Molecule Design and Development organization. He has been part of the Lilly team for over 25 years and has held many different roles in drug substance and drug product analytical development. He currently is engaged... Read More →

Nina Cauchon

Director Regulatory Affairs CMC, Amgen, United States

Nina S. Cauchon, PhD, leads external engagement and advocacy for RA-CMC at Amgen Inc. She has experience leading both early phase & commercial programs, including small molecules and biologics. Her areas of interest are regulatory harmonization including collaboration, regulatory... Read More →

Gary McGeorge

Director for PAT, Bristol Myers Squibb, United States

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT
202AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

07: RegCMC-Product Quality, Workshop

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Quality Assurance / Control & CMC
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Workshop

1:45pm EDT

#533: Is Your AI Ready to Scale? Build the Governance Backbone for Reliable Innovation and Trust

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

111AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Basic
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-573-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

AI pilots are everywhere; enterprise impact is rare. Governance separates AI that works once from AI that works reliably. Join pharma, regulator, and tech leaders to explore how data ownership, content models, and process controls enable trustworthy AI.

Learning Objectives

Explain why scalable AI requires foundational data, content, and process governance; Design governance mechanisms that align data standards (IDMP, CDISC) with structured content management principles; Evaluate regulatory expectations and industry hurdles related to data integrity, reliance, and trust in AI-driven or assisted processes; Assess and address organizational gaps that limit AI deployment.

Chair

Vanni Carapetian, MPH

Speaker

Industry Perspectives on AI + Governance: Policy
Andrew Robertson, JD, PHD

Industry Perspectives on AI + Governance: Tech
Jeff Steinke

Industry Perspectives on AI + Governance
Vada Perkins, MS

Speakers

Vanni Carapetian

Senior Director, Regulatory Data, Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, United States

Vanni brings nearly 20 years of life sciences and technology expertise drawn from team and leadership roles at Roche, J&J, and Amgen. Their experience spans clinical development, manufacturing, and regulatory and their principal interest lies in setting and executing strategies that... Read More →

Vanni Carapetian

CMC RA, Strategy and Operations, Executive Director, Gilead Sciences, Inc, United States

Vada Perkins

Vice President, Global Head of Regulatory Intelligence & Policy, Boehringer Ingelheim, United States

Andrew Robertson

Vice President, Head of Global Regulatory Policy and Innovation, Takeda, United States

Andrew Robertson, PhD, JD, is Vice President and Head of Global Regulatory Policy & Innovation at Takeda. He leads Takeda’s global regulatory science and policy agenda, shaping engagement with FDA, EMA, PMDA, WHO, and other authorities, and guiding strategy on initiatives such as... Read More →

Jeff Steinke

Founder, TE Digital Limited, United Kingdom

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
111AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

03: Data-Tech-AI, Session

Audience Basic
Area Artificial Intelligence, Global Alignment in Practice
Level Basic
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Data Management & Data Standards,Health Technology & AI
Feature Topics Artificial Intelligence,Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Session

1:45pm EDT

#540: Regulators Approach to Address Drug Shortages

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

115C

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-578-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

Drug shortages are difficult to measure across healthcare systems and complex pharmaceutical supply chains. At this session, the FDA and their international regulatory counterparts will address the key aspects of drug shortages in their region and how real-world data are used to inform on shortages and their impact on patients.

Learning Objectives

Discuss recent regulatory updates related to drug shortages in the United States; Recognize how real-world data can be used to inform the identification, mitigation, and resolution of shortages; Describe how recent international collaboration efforts are helping to combat drug shortages.

Chair

Sema Hashemi, MS

Speaker

Panelist
Emily T. Thakur, RPH

Panelist
Grace Chai, PHARMD

Panelist
Gerald Dal Pan, MD, MHS

Speakers

Grace Chai

Associate Director for Special Initiatives, OSE, CDER, FDA, United States

Sema Hashemi

Senior International Policy Advisor, FDA, United States

Ms. Sema Hashemi is a Senior International Policy Advisor in the Office of Global Policy and Strategy (OGPS) within FDA’s Office of the Commissioner. Her portfolio focuses on bilateral and regional engagements with Canada, East Asia, the Pacific, Middle East and North Africa. Sema... Read More →

Gerald Dal Pan

Director, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, CDER, FDA, United States

Gerald J. Dal Pan, MD, MHS currently serves as the Director of the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, where since 2005 he has been responsible for the Center’s programs in adverse event surveillance and analysis, pharmacoepidemiology... Read More →

Emily Thakur

Team Leader, Drug Shortage Staff, Office of the Center Director, CDER, FDA, United States

CDR Emily Thakur has been working with the Drug Shortage Program since February 2011. She joined the FDA in 1999, working in the Office of Generic Drugs. She then joined the Office of Regulatory Policy in 2005. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers College of Pharmacy... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
115C The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Forum

1:45pm EDT

#543: Global Regulatory Perspectives on Bayesian Design and Analysis Informing Regulatory Decision Making

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

116

Component Type: Forum
Level: Advanced
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-581-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

Bayesian statistical methods are gaining increasing importance in drug development, with growing regulatory recognition across major global health authorities. Recent developments highlight this momentum: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft guidance in early 2026 on the use of Bayesian methodology in clinical trials, while China’s Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) issued a draft guidance in 2026 focused on Bayesian approaches for external data borrowing. In parallel, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a concept paper and is currently seeking public consultation (Q1–Q2 2026) as a first step toward developing formal guidance. This session brings together key contributors to these regulatory initiatives to provide a unique, cross-regional perspective on the evolving role of Bayesian design and analysis in informing regulatory decision-making. Speakers will present the scope, principles, and current thinking reflected in their respective documents, as well as discuss areas of alignment, divergence, and ongoing uncertainty across regions. Given that all three agencies are actively shaping their positions, this session offers a timely opportunity for dialogue between regulators and industry. Through case examples and panel discussion, participants will gain insight into how Bayesian methods are being evaluated in practice, including considerations for trial design, external data integration, and evidentiary standards. The session will also highlight opportunities for stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of EMA’s ongoing public consultation. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of global regulatory expectations and practical strategies for incorporating Bayesian approaches into drug development programs in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Learning Objectives

Summarize key elements of recent FDA (2026) and CDE (2026) draft guidances and EMA concept paper on Bayesian methods; Compare regulatory perspectives and areas of alignment and divergence across regions; Explain applications of Bayesian approaches in clinical trial design, analysis, and regulatory decision-making; Identify current expectations, implementation challenges, and opportunities for industry engagement in shaping future guidance.

Chair

May F Mo, MBA, MS

Speaker

Panelist
Juan Jose Abellan

Panelist
Andrew Thomson, PHD, MA, MSC

Speakers

Juan Jose Abellan

Statistician, Data Analytics and Methods Task Force, European Medicines Agency, Netherlands

May Mo

Associate Vice President, Biostatistics, Amgen, United States

May Mo is an Associate Vice President of Biostatistics and the Head of Design and Innovation (D&I) group within the Center of Design and Analysis (CfDA) at Amgen. In her role, she leads an internal platform organization with specialized statistical expertise in areas such as Innovative... Read More →

Andrew Thomson

Consultant, Regnitio, Netherlands

Dr Thomson is a consultant providing expert advice on clinical trial design, analysis and interpretation. He spent over 18 years as a regulator in the EU system, where he held a variety of quantitative roles, initially at the UK regulator, MHRA and subsequently at EMA. In his time... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
116 The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

10: Stats-EvidenceGeneration-RWE, Forum | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Forum

Audience Advanced
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Advanced
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Clinical Development & Operations
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Forum

4:15pm EDT

#553: Latest in Combination Product Industry Trends: Development and Submission Strategies for Success

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT

203AB

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-588-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Explore the latest combination product trends, sustainability in design, recent FDA/global guidelines, post-approval device changes, and emerging submission practices to help navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and achieve development success.

Learning Objectives

Discuss recent FDA and global guidelines (ICH Q1, ICH Q6, ICH M4Q) that inform effective control strategies & stability programs; Recognize how to manage post-approval changes for device constituents and focusing on best practices; State recent IND and submission trends (e.g., Human Factors, design verification, stability) and successful health authority interactions to accelerate therapies to patients.

Chair

Rumi Raquel Young, MS

Speaker

Panelist
Alan Stevens, MS

Panelist
James Bertram, PHD, MS, RAC

Panelist
Chelsea O'Connell, MS, RAC

Panelist
Katie Duncan, PHD

Speakers

James Bertram

Director, Office of Combination Products, OC, FDA, United States

James Bertram is currently the Director of the Office of Combination Products (OCP) in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). OCP is responsible for the assignment of combination products to FDA’s medical product centers for review, helps coordinate timely, effective... Read More →

Katie Duncan

Director, CMC Policy and Advocacy, GSK, United States

Katie Duncan is a Director of CMC Policy and Advocacy with Global Regulatory Affairs/CMC Excellence. Prior to joining GSK, Katie was a senior pharmaceutical quality assessor with the Office of Pharmaceutical Quality at the US Food and Drug Administration. She previously worked in... Read More →

Chelsea O'Connell

Director, Global Regulatory Policy & Intelligence, Amgen, United States

Chelsea O’Connell, MS, RAC, joined Amgen in 2011 and is currently US Lead, Global Regulatory Policy & Intelligence, where she advances strategic regulatory policy goals by engaging with health authorities, industry, professional associations, and other stakeholders across various... Read More →

Alan Stevens

Global Head, Complex Devices and Drug Delivery Systems, Abbvie, United States

Alan joined AbbVie as Global Head of Complex Devices and Drug Delivery Systems for RA Devices in October 2023. Prior to joining AbbVie, Alan worked at FDA/CDRH for 20 years as an expert in drug delivery devices and combination products. While at FDA, he led guidance development for... Read More →

Rumi Young

Director, Regulatory Policy, Novo Nordisk A/S, United States

Rumi Young is the Director of Regulatory Policy at Novo Nordisk, ensuring future growth and innovation by promoting effective biopharmaceutical policies. Previously, she led BD’s Global Regulatory Policy team to shape future policies for medical devices, diagnostics, and combination... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
203AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

05: PersonalizedMed-ComboProd-Diagnostics, Session | 08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Session

4:15pm EDT

#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

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 →

D. Allen Callaway

Associate Director - Global Regulatory Affairs CMC, Johnson and Johnson, United States

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 →

Akanksha Kaushal

Director, Science and Regulatory Advocacy, PhRMA, United States

Lesbeth Rodriguez

Director, Regulatory Affairs Policy and Science, Bayer, United States

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

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Regulatory
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Session

10:15am EDT

#611: Future of Enhanced Product Development: Enabled Through new ICH Guidelines

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT

111AB

Component Type: Workshop
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-606-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

This workshop will delve into how the science and risk-based approaches outlined in ICH Q2(2) and Q14 connect to emerging revisions in ICH Q1(R1) and Q6(R1), highlighting their combined impact on product control strategies.

Learning Objectives

Recognize how ICH guideline revisions influence analytical development in the future; Discuss the health authority view on impact that analytical measurements have on the development of the future products; Explain how to apply platform analytical procedures as a follow-up to Workshop 1.

Chair

Timothy Graul, PHD

Speaker

Shifting Analytical Procedure Development from a Reactive Activity into a Proactive, Strategic Pillar of Product Development
Margaret Ruesch, PHD

Shifting Analytical Procedure Development from a Reactive Activity into a Proactive, Strategic Pillar of Product Development
Philip Floyd, PHD

EMA Perspective on Connecting Analytical Procedure Development to Emerging Revisions in ICH Q1(R1) and Q6(R1) and Combined Impact on Product Control Strategies
Peter Richardson

ANVISA Perspective on Connecting Analytical Procedure Development to Emerging Revisions in ICH Q1(R1) and Q6(R1) and Combined Impact on Product Control Strategies
Carolina Lopes Krahn, MSC

Speakers

Philip Floyd

Global Vice President, Analytical R&D, AbbVie, United States

Phil currently serves as Global VP, Analytical R&D within Development Sciences at AbbVie and previously spent 22 years at GSK with last role as Head of US Analytical Development. Phil received his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at U. of Illinois under Jonathan Sweedler, at Beckman Institute... Read More →

Timothy Graul

Senior Director, Pfizer, United States

Timothy W. Graul is a Senior Director in the CMC Advisory Office at Pfizer Inc. He received his B.S. in Chemistry at James Madison University and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Florida State University. After completing studies, Tim joined Pfizer Analytical R&D and supported the... Read More →

Carolina Lopes Krahn

Health Regulation Specialist, ANVISA, Brazil

Pharmaceutical professional with a degree in Industrial Clinical Pharmacy and a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Has been working as Health Regulation Expert for Anvisa for over 12 years working as a drug product registration reviewer, quality management professional... Read More →

Peter Richardson

Senior Quality Specialist, European Medicines Agency, Netherlands

Dr. Richardson, a pharmacist with a Ph.D. in pharmaceutics from Queen's University Belfast, has extensive experience in formulation R&D with companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb, SmithKline Beecham, Pfizer, and Serono, focusing on drug delivery systems. He worked as a pharmaceutical... Read More →

Margaret Ruesch

Vice President, Pfizer, United States

Margaret Ruesch is the Vice President of Analytical Research & Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences organization. Analytical R&D is responsible for developing in-depth product and process understanding, testing clinical trial materials, authoring investigational and... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT
111AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

07: RegCMC-Product Quality, Workshop

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Workshop

10:15am EDT

#612: Achieving Regulatory-Grade Pragmatism in Streamlined Trials Embedded in Clinical Practice

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT

102AB

Component Type: Workshop
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Application UAN: 0286-0000-26-610-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

Randomized clinical trials embedded in routine care—when designed using Quality by Design principles—can generate regulatory-grade evidence that is scientifically rigorous, operationally feasible, and globally harmonized. This workshop will examine how pragmatic and hybrid RCTs can: Align with ICH E6(R3) expectations; Apply selective safety data collection under ICH E19; Incorporate decentralized elements consistent with FDA guidance; Advance FDA’s STEP demonstration objectives Participants will engage in a structured design exercise debating a pragmatic clinical trial in the obesity setting—contrasting a traditional “overbuilt” protocol with a streamlined, embedded alternative. Through moderated discussion, we will identify critical-to-quality factors, risk mitigation strategies, and the regulatory conversations necessary to support global implementation.

Learning Objectives

Apply Quality by Design principles under ICH E6(R3) to pragmatic RCTs in high-impact therapeutic areas; Evaluate where selective safety data collection (ICH E19) may or may not be appropriate in long-term obesity trials; Identify operational and safety risks unique to embedding obesity trials in routine practice—and propose mitigation strategies; Debate the tradeoffs between traditional and streamlined trial designs.

Chair

Kevin Bugin, MS, RAC

Speaker

Panelist
Mary Thanh Hai, MD

Panelist
Henry Wei, MD

Panelist
Zhanna Jumadilova, MD, MBA

Speakers

Kevin Bugin

Head of Global Regulatory Policy and Intelligence, Amgen, United States

Alison Cave

Chief Safety Officer, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom

Mary Thanh Hai

Deputy Director for Clinical, OND, CDER, FDA, United States

Dr. Thanh Hai is the Director of the Office of New Drugs in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, overseeing the drug development programs for prescription and non-prescription drugs and therapeutic biologics. She is an internist/endocrinologist. She started her career at the... Read More →

Zhanna Jumadilova

Clinical Lead, Pfizer, United States

Dr. Jumadilova is a physician scientist, pharmaceutical executive with extensive industry experience in Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, and HEOR. In her roles as a senior leader, she has led numerous development programs. Her diverse experience in both large pharmaceutical... Read More →

Henry Wei

Executive Director, Data, Technology & Innovation, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, United States

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT
102AB The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Workshop | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Workshop

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Evidence Innovation
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Clinical Development & Operations
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Evidence Innovation
Tags Workshop

10:15am EDT

#616: How to Accelerate Utilization of Decentralized Clinical Trial: What are Issues to Perform Decentralized Clinical Trial?

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT

117

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-611-L04-P; CME 1.25; RN 1.25

Share the gap of Decentralized Clinical Trial (DCT) regulation in the EU, US and Japan. The speakers also touch how to overcome them. The session is helpful for sponsor which plan the trials.

Learning Objectives

Explain DCT regulations in Japan, the US, and Europe and how to overcome their differences.

Chair

Junko Sato, PHD

Speaker

DCT in Japan
Ruri Matsumoto, RPH

Experiences and expactation to DCT
Rasmus Enggaard, MPHARM, MSC

Speakers

Rasmus Enggaard

Therapy Area Head, CardioRenal/Liver/RareD, Novo Nordisk A/S, United States

Rasmus Enggaard is the Therapy Area Head for CardioRenal, Liver, and Rare Diseases in U.S. Clinical Development & Operations at Novo Nordisk, where he is responsible for execution of a broad and complex clinical trial portfolio. His work focuses on operational excellence, scalable... Read More →

Ruri Matsumoto

Office of Non-clinical and Clinical Compliance I, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Junko Sato

Associate Executive Director, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Dr. Sato joined the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in 1998, and she is currently the Associate Executive Director. She has work experiences in new drug review for 11 yrs, risk management for 3 yrs, and international area for 11 yrs. She also worked in U.S. FDA as... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EDT
117 The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

09: RD-Quality-Compliance, Session | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Session

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice
Tags Session

4:00pm EDT

#654: India Town Hall: India’s Evolving Regulatory Landscape - Policy Reforms and Digital Systems Accelerating Innovation

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

116

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-26-639-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

India’s recent regulatory, policy, and digital reforms are accelerating innovation, quality, and global collaboration. This town hall will highlight key updates shaping clinical research, medtech growth, and patient safety, and India’s rising global role.

Learning Objectives

Identify key regulatory, policy, and digital reforms transforming India’s healthcare and innovation ecosystem; Evaluate how updates in clinical trial rules, medical device policy, GMP standards, and data privacy impact global development; Identify opportunities for global collaboration and regulatory convergence enabled by India’s evolving frameworks.

Chair

Vivek Ahuja, MD

Speaker

Panelist
Marc Franklin

Panelist
Shahin Fesharaki

Panelist
Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi

Speakers

Shahin Fesharaki

Chief Scientific Officer, Lupin, United States

Marc Franklin

CEO - North America, Cipla, United States

Vivek Ahuja, MD

Program Chair, Executive Vice President, Pharmacovigilance, EVERSANA, India

Dr. Vivek Ahuja is a physician-turned pharmaceutical leader with 25 years of experience across pharmacovigilance, clinical research, public health, and technology. In 2005 he pioneered pharmacovigilance in India by establishing the first global PV unit at Ranbaxy. He is Executive... Read More →

Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi

Drug Controller General, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, India

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
116 The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

08: RegPolicy-Strategy-GlobalCollaboration, Forum | 02: ClinicalTrialOps-Innovation, Forum | 07: RegCMC-Product Quality, Forum

Audience Intermediate
Area Global Alignment in Practice, Student and Early Career Pathway
Level Intermediate
format csv
Credit Type ACPE, CME, RN
Interest Area Regulatory,Clinical Development & Operations
Feature Topics Global Alignment in Practice,Student and Early Career Pathway
Tags Forum

DIA 2026 Global Annual Meeting

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