DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-557-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will focus on the attractiveness of developing and obtaining marketing approval of pharmaceutical products in Japan from regulatory and industry perspectives, aiming to get rid of old-fashioned ideas and views about Japan.

Learning Objectives

Discuss outdated misconceptions and “urban legends” about Japan when considering Research and Development (R&D) on new medicines in Japan; Examine the attractiveness of performing R&D in Japan, both from regulatory and industrial perspectives: attractive market, flexibility/predictability, designation for each product characters; Analyze the Roles and Prospects of the PMDA’s Overseas Offices.

Chair

Daisuke Koga, MSc, RPh

Speaker

Panelist
Eri Sekine

Panelist
Sarah Rhee

Panelist
Shinichi Noda, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-558-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will present on recent work to harmonize RWE guidelines globally. Ongoing efforts in international collaboration on ICH M14 and the ICH reflection paper will be highlighted.

Learning Objectives

Explain recent developments in international guidelines on RWE; Discuss challenges to harmonization efforts in RWE; Recognize how to evaluate gaps in RWE harmonization needs.

Chair

Stephanie Choi, PhD

Speaker

An Overview of Emerging Regulatory Guidance & Frameworks for Developing Fit-for-Purpose Real-World Evidence: Proposed Areas for Harmonization
Rachele Hendricks-Sturrup, DrSc, MA, MSc

ICH M14: Establishment of an ICH guideline on “General principles on the plan, design, and analysis of pharmacoepidemiological studies that utilize real-world data for safety assessment of medicines”
David Moeny, MPH, RPh

Collaborative international efforts on RWD/RWE: What is coming next?
Patrice Verpillat, DrMed, MD, PhD, MPH

Opportunities for regulatory alignment? Data quality assessment and reporting
Nicole Mahoney, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-559-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

The Platform Technology Designation program reflects longtime practice to leverage prior knowledge to speed development through advanced regulatory science, based on what's already known. But how will this practice and policy continue to evolve?

Learning Objectives

Describe how the FDA, other Health Authorities (HAs), and sponsors have historically leveraged prior knowledge to accelerate innovative product development and review; Examine the FDA’s perspective on applying prior knowledge to enhance the platform technology designation program and other regulatory science advancements or pathways; Discuss how the FDA plans to ensure the consistent application of these policies across review divisions and Centers.

Chair

Alexis Miller, JD

Speaker

Recent Experience with Platform Technology Designation
Katherine Donigan, PhD

Health Authority Perspective
Julia Tierney, JD

Historic Application of Prior Knowledge
Rachel Turow, JD, MPH

Industry Perspective
Danielle Friend Economo, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-560-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

In this session, senior leaders from Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will provide an update on new regulatory and strategic priorities for the agency. The session will provide the opportunity for the audience to submit questions.

Learning Objectives

Describe MHRA’s regulatory initiatives and strategic priorities; Identify opportunities for engagement with MHRA regulators.

Chair

Alison Cave, PhD

Speaker

Panelist
James Pound

Panelist
Julian Beach

Panelist
Lawrence Tallon

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-554-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will engage an expert panel in a discussion on traceability of RWD. Panelists will describe challenges and discuss potential solutions to maintain and document traceability of RWD used in regulatory submissions.

Learning Objectives

Describe the inherent challenges in maintaining and documenting the traceability of Real-World Data (RWD) for regulatory purposes; Discuss potential solutions, including new and existing technologies, to enhance RWD traceability; Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to RWD traceability in a regulatory context.

Chair

James Browning, MPH

Speaker

Healthcare Organization Research Technology Perspective
Christopher Herrick, MBA

Traceability - Tools & Implementation Perspective
Anand Shroff, MBA, MS

Regulator Perspective
Marie Bradley, PhD, MPH, MPharm

Epidemiologist/Observational Researcher Perspective
Nancy Dreyer, PhD, MPH, FISPE

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-572-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will explore engagement pathways with global regulators to obtain feedback on AI technologies in drug development. It will also identify effective evaluation strategies to support regulatory acceptance of novel methodologies.

Learning Objectives

Identify the appropriate regulatory pathways and mechanisms for engaging with health authorities to discuss AI technologies in drug development applications; Discuss regulatory strategies, use cases, and considerations for AI model development based on context of use; Evaluate lessons learned and experiences from manufacturers, developers and health authorities.

Chair

Ryan Hoshi, PhD, MBA, MSc

Speaker

EMA Perspectives on the Use of AI in the Lifecycle of Medicines
Luis Pinheiro, PharmD, MSc

AI and Machine Learning in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Gert Thurau, DrSc, PhD

FDA Perspectives on the Use of AI to Support Regulatory Decision-Making for Drug and Biological Products
Tala Fakhouri, PhD, MPH

Technical and Regulatory Considerations for Streamlining Drug Development with Digital Twins: Sample-size Reduction Case Study
Aaron Smith, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-573-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

The US Orphan Drug Act and the European regulatory framework have accelerated orphan medicine development, boosting investments in rare disease treatments. This session will gather key stakeholders to discuss successes a and challenges

Learning Objectives

Discuss the impact of regulatory policies on the rare disease ecosystem; Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with orphan drug regulations; Examine the role of regulatory frameworks in fostering innovation and access to therapies for rare diseases; Explain the importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and patient advocacy groups.

Chair

Imran Shah, PhD

Speaker

US and EU Orphan Drug Regulations: Shaping the Ecosystem for Rare Diseases
Anabela Marcal, PharmD

Panelist
Amy Comstock Rick, JD

Panelist
Carolyn Shore, PhD

Panelist
Victoria Gemme, MBA, MS

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-574-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

In this forum, leaders from ANVISA will provide an update on regulatory priorities for Brazil, and inform about local trends, regulatory convergence, and collaboration initiatives. The discussion will also invite questions of general interest from the audience.

Learning Objectives

Describe ANVISA’s regulatory initiatives and strategic priorities; Discuss regulatory convergence of Brazilian regulations for medicines and medical devices to international guidelines and standards; Identify trends and opportunities for engagement with the Brazilian regulator

Chair

Bianca Zimon, LLM

Speaker

Panelist
Daniel Pereira

Panelist
Marcelo Moreira, MS

Panelist
Dandara Santana, MHS

Component Type: Session
Level: Advanced
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-565-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will explore how Intelligent Automation (IA) and AI are transforming R&D and Regulatory Affairs by automating document-heavy processes and driving data-driven decisions. Through real-world use cases presented by industry sponsors, attendees will learn how IA and AI are being applied to improve efficiencies, reduce timelines, and optimize regulatory outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Discuss AI applications in drug discovery, clinical trials, regulatory, manufacturing, and pharmacovigilance; Explain practical use cases of AI in Regulatory Operations; Discuss advancing fit-for-purpose, risk-based frameworks for AI and global regulatory alignment.

Chair

Venkatraman Balasubramanian, PhD, MBA

Speaker

AI: Accelerating Clinical Trials Through Smarter Site Selection
Kevin Bugin, PhD, MS, RAC

Harnessing AI and Automation in Regulatory:  Insights from the Recent DIA RIM Intelligent Automation Survey
Cary Smithson, MBA

Industry Perspective
Cedric Berger, PhD, MBA

AI-Driven Drug Development: Transforming Life Sciences with Data and Innovation
Sridevi Nagarajan, PhD, MS, MSc

Component Type: Session

Join the Advanced Therapies Community for a follow up round table discussion tied to session: Applying Principles of Global Regulatory Collaboration to Address Chronic Disease (Monday, June 16 | 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT). Space is limited.

Learning Objectives

Identify ways to apply concepts and techniques from the session.

Chair

Carolyn Shore, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-587-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will explore the ways in which the data quality criteria within the EMA, FDA and ICH M14 guidelines converge or diverge, and propose some definitive actions for consideration to achieve harmonization of terminology.

Learning Objectives

Examine the current fragmentation in RWD/RWE data quality standards and its impact on research and regulatory decisions; Identify the key stakeholders and their varying data quality criteria within the pharmaceutical landscape; Describe potential strategies for developing a unified data quality framework to enhance consistency and reliability in data-driven research.

Chair

Elena Popa, MPharm

Speaker

Panelist
Donna Rivera, PharmD, MSc, FISPE

Harmonizing Data Quality Through an International Convergence and Applying Best Practices Through a United States Lens
Rachele Hendricks-Sturrup, DrSc, MA, MSc

A Comparative Analysis of Data Quality Frameworks
Simon Bennett, MSc

Pursuing Opportunities for Harmonization in Using Real-World Data: ICH Update
Kelly Robinson, MSc

Panelist
Patrice Verpillat, DrMed, MD, PhD, MPH

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-588-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Representatives from pediatric cluster health authorities will describe the common deficiencies they see in global pediatric development programs and describe best practices and what to expect for those companies that seek a common commentary.

Learning Objectives

Describe common deficiencies in global pediatric development plans; Explain the process for obtaining a common commentary; Recognize topics that are discussed at monthly pediatric cluster calls.

Chair

Melodi J McNeil, MS, RPh

Speaker

PMDA Perspective
Junko Sato, PhD

EMA Perspective
Corinne de Vries, PhD, MA, MSc

Panelist
Franca Ligas

FDA Perspective
Dionna Green, MD

Australia Perspective
Robyn Langham, MD, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-589-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

In this forum, speakers from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) , academia and industry will present the progress in drug regulation, review China's biopharma innovation in the past decade, and discuss accelerating innovative drug approvals in China. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss the issues related to drug development with NMPA officials, clinical researcher and industry executive.

Learning Objectives

Describe the latest information on the National Medical Products Administration’s activities in drug regulation; Describe the trend in biopharma innovation in the past decade; Discuss the strategies for accelerating innovative drug development and approval in China.

Chair

Ling Su, PhD

Speaker

Brief Introduction from the NMPA
Feng Zhu

The Progress of China's Drug Review and Approval Reform
Jianwu Zhang, PhD

Accelerating the Development and Approval of Innovative Drugs in China: Industry's Perspective
Wei Zhang

The Past Decade of China's Biopharma Innovation
Xiaoyuan Chen, PhD

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate

Join the Regulatory Affairs Community for a follow up round table discussion tied to session: Applying Principles of Global Regulatory Collaboration to Address Chronic Disease (Monday, June 16 | 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT). Space is limited.

Learning Objectives

Identify ways to apply concepts and techniques from the session,

Chair

Chaitanya Koduri, DDS, MHS

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-602-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

With several regulatory and ethics authority initiatives to encourage patient input to trial design, how should sponsors communicate this information in submissions and how can authorities provide aligned review, guidance and expectations towards these activities?

Learning Objectives

Discuss US and EU initiatives for systematic conduct and documentation of patient input to trial design; Explain learnings from survey on sponsor submission/advice experience and guidance needs; Identify gaps and opportunities for authority (regulatory and ethics committee) harmonization in expectations and guidance

Chair

Melissa Herman, MSc

Speaker

Industry Perspective
Maria Apostolaros, JD, PharmD, MS, RPh

Industry Perspective
Lesley Maloney, PharmD

Industry Perspective
Elizabeth Rosenkrands-Lange, MPH, MS

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-598-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

This session will focus on evaluating key global regulatory challenges in combined clinical trials and harmonization of clinical practices to support medical research innovation.

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the challenges of conducting clinical studies in the US and Europe within a fragmented regulatory landscape; Describe how to analyze specific clinical trial challenges at the intersection of IVDR and CTR; Explain key solutions proposed by COMBINE project recommendations and outlining forward-looking strategies for successful implementation.

Chair

Adriana Racolta, PhD, RAC

Speaker

US regulatory perspective on clinical trials with IVDs
Reena Philip, PhD

Pharma Industry Approaches to Harmonize Conduct of Trials Under Fragmented Global Regulatory Frameworks
Lauren Tobe, JD

Diagnostic Industry Perspective and Experience: Innovative Regulatory Approaches for Implementing Diagnostic Testing in Clinical Development of Medicines
Jennifer Tucker, MA

Improving the EU regulatory environment for combined developments-COMBINE
Stiina Aarum

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-603-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

Global key initiatives towards harmonization, convergence and collaborative efforts in advancing the development and accessibility of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) will be explored, with a special focus on supporting MICs.

Learning Objectives

Outline global efforts on collaboration and harmonization initiatives for ATMPs; Identify and discuss efforts to build regulatory capacity, provide technical assistance, and facilitate access to ATMPs in middle-income countries (MICs); Discuss strategies for achieving convergence and harmonization for ATMPs.

Chair

Maria Antonieta Roman, MPharm

Speaker

Global Efforts to Build Regulatory Capacity and Facilitate Access to ATMPs in Middle-Income Countries
Kowid Ho, PharmD

Panelist
Yasuhiro Kishioka, PhD

Panelist
Dianliang Lei

Panelist
Julia Djonova

Panelist
Caroline Pothet, PharmD, RPh, RAC

Panelist
Renata Miranda Parca, AHIP

Component Type: Session
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-604-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

An interactive sesion to reimagine regulatory frameworks and streamline product approvals globally. This session will focus on focus on data transparency, collaboration, process optimization and technology to accelerate medicine development and patient access.

Learning Objectives

Recognize the power of data to accelerate submissions; Initiate pilot projects aiming at sharing data, not documents, and lay the groundwork for dynamic reviews; Create better pre-competitive collaborations to share more safety data and endpoints.

Chair

Dominique Lagrave, PharmD

Speaker

Panelist
M. Khair ElZarrad, PhD, MPH

Panelist
Debra Yeskey

Panelist
Len Rosenberg, PhD, RPh

Panelist
Tony Fantana, PhD

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-25-678-L04-P; CME 1.00; RN 1.00

The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) established the Washington, D.C. Office in November, 2024 for one of the purposes of strengthening regulatory cooperation between U.S. and Japan. After the establishment of the Office, direct communication and practical cooperation at D.C. time make possible, and it is also possible to make the foundation of regulatory cooperation. This session will explore the purpose behind the establishment of PMDA’s Washington, D.C. Office and its role in strengthening U.S.-Japan regulatory cooperation. Representatives from PMDA and FDA will share their perspectives on collaborative opportunities, followed by a panel discussion on how this initiative can enhance global regulatory alignment and communication.

Learning Objectives

Analyze the strategic purpose behind the establishment of PMDA’s Washington, DC Office and evaluate its role in enhancing regulatory cooperation between the US and Japan; Identify and propose opportunities for collaborative initiatives between PMDA and FDA that support global regulatory alignment and improved international communication.

Chair

Naoyuki Yasuda, MSc

Speaker

Panelist
Richard Pazdur, MD

Panelist
Akihiro Ishiguro, PhD

Panelist
Mark Abdoo

Panelist
Yasuhiro Fujiwara, MD, PhD