How is innovation inspiring and fueling the transformation of the bio/pharma industry? DCAT’s conference and networking event, Expedition Pharma: Innovation from a Patient-First Perspective, being held June 4–5, 2025, in Lugano, Switzerland, will provide key insights.

By Patricia Van Arnum, Editorial Director, DCAT, pvanarnum@dcat.org

DCAT’s European conference and networking event   
In 2024, the Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT) achieved a significant milestone in its 135-year history by hosting its first education and networking event outside the US. Responding to the needs of its diverse membership—over half of whom are headquartered outside the US—the Summit at Lugano brought together global thought leaders across all disciplines to address the topic of sustainability. This inaugural event was met with overwhelming support from all avenues of the bio/pharma industry. On the heels of that outstanding reception, DCAT will return to the picturesque city of Lugano, Switzerland, June 4-5, 2025, for its conference and networking event, Expedition Pharma: Innovation from a Patient-First Perspective.  

This unique conference and networking event aims to inspire meaningful advancements that leverage cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking strategies to enhance patient care and outcomes with patient-centric solutions. The conference will examine the most significant challenges today—from global drug shortages and supply chain disruptions to drug pricing and market access, sustainability imperatives, the influence of AI, shifting investment paradigms, and advancing technologies—all from the lens of patient impact and outcomes. The conference and networking event is an essential opportunity for C-suite executives, industry thought leaders, and decision-makers to connect, collaborate, and exchange groundbreaking strategies that align business goals with patient-centric values. 

Expedition Pharma: Innovation from a Patient-First Perspective, hosted by DCAT, will feature innovation makers from across the global bio/pharma industry to share practical and concrete ways in which their companies have worked to improve patient care and health outcomes. The two-day event will be held June 4–5, 2025, in Lugano, Switzerland. It will bring to the forefront the challenges being faced and highlight practical strategies and actions taken by bio/pharma companies and suppliers on an individual company basis and in collaboration with others.   

Expedition Pharma: Innovation from a Patient-First Perspective  is an opportunity to network with global leaders and colleagues across industry disciplines and to be a part of meaningful discussions, idea exchanges, and foster partnerships that innovate, inspire and transform from a patient-first perspective.   

Register Today – Space is Limited  
Be a part of the event that is shaping the future of the bio/pharma industry. Further information on DCAT’s Expedition Pharma: Innovation from a Patient-First Perspective may be found here. 

Limited presenter/panelist opportunities remain – Deadline Extended to April 11, 2025.  

DCAT Member Companies, non-members, and industry thought leaders are invited to apply to present their innovative approaches and solutions addressing one or more of the following areas:  

• Improving product availability through mitigating drug shortages and supply-chain disruptions or enhancing production scalability;   

• New drug pricing models and improving market access;   

• Sustainability initiatives in R&D, manufacturing, and supply chains;  

• Data and technology-driven solutions, such as AI or predictive analytics, to enhance R&D productivity, streamline manufacturing, or improve patient care;  

• Advancements in quality control/assurance and safety protocols in manufacturing; and  

• New metrics, investments, and business practices across development, manufacturing, and the supply chain, resulting in improved patient outcomes.   

Further information on DCAT’s Expedition Pharma: Innovation from a Patient-First Perspective may be found here.