Dear colleagues and friends
We welcome you all to this joined EUFEMED (European Federation for Exploratory Medicines Development) and HEALIXIA conference. We are proud to offer you an inspiring program of lectures and scientific sessions under the umbrella: “Mastering increasing complexity in developing innovative therapies".
This joint EUFEMED – HEALIXIA conference is a special edition as both organisations celebrate an anniversary. Ten years ago EUFEMED was founded by 4 national European human pharmacology associations: BAPU in Belgium, Club Phase I in France, AGAH in Germany and AHPPI in the United Kingdom to progress science and methodology in human pharmacology on a European level and to increase awareness for the importance and specific needs of exploratory medicines development.
In addition, 5 years ago Healixia was created, when 4 Belgian associations (BAPU, BRAS, BeAPP and ACRP.be) joined forces in setting-up education and networking sessions for professionals active along the life cycle of medicines, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and other health related products.
In this short timeframe, both EUFEMED and HEALIXIA grew up to respected organisations with an impressive track record of successful events and activities. Join us in celebrating this important milestone during our conference dinner on Thursday evening.
This year’s theme of our conference is “Mastering increasing complexity in developing innovative therapies". The conference aims at providing a forum for joint discussions on how best to deal with our current conflicting situation: while achieving simplicity is considered a pre-requisite by ICH-GCP(R2) for improving trial performance and reducing costs, we experience that the complexity of science, methodology and regulatory requirements rapidly increase. The move into genetic medicines, the impact of AI in drug development, the demand for diversity and the changing regulatory and market access environment are just a few of the challenges we are facing. But challenges can be turned into opportunities to safeguard Europa as a stronghold in the development of new medicines, devices and solutions for patients around the globe. Let’s maximise the opportunity of this joint symposium by exchanging ideas, viewpoints and experiences, get new insights, connect and learn from each other. By doing so, we will become better positioned for navigating in the complex world of developing innovative therapies.
As the conference will take place in the centre of Mechelen, it is not only our intention to offer science. We also hope that you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere to meet old colleagues, make new friends, build bridges between EUFEMED and HEALIXIA, and get inspired by a historical city.
Many thanks for being with us in Mechelen!
On behalf of the boards of EUFEMED and HEALIXIA
Jan de Hoon, EUFEMED President
Erik Present, HEALIXIA President