The EU variation Regulation has been updated in March 2024 and the Detailed guideline for
classification of variations dated from 2008 (last update 2013) has also been modified for a more operational
vision. Nevertheless, this is only the first step, limited by the current legislation, and a second step is
awaited after the new EU general pharmaceutical regulation is in force (expected 2028).
The current European Commission updates simplify the requirements and procedures, modernise the framework, adapt
the rules for grouping and work-sharing, adapt the classification for some products, reduce administrative
burden, and implement a risk-based approach. All these propositions align with stakeholders’ proposals for the
Variations revision.
This session will present an overview of the original goals of the revision, the new changes in the management
of post-approval changes, including a comparison of the previous and proposed classifications with statistics
and impact for both regulators and industries in term of volume of variations being generated.
The session will also explore stakeholders’ responses to the proposed reforms and address the question - do
these changes meet the needs and reduce the workload for all stakeholders in the complex European Medicines
Regulatory Network?
Now is the perfect timing to think differently and seek to innovate in the space of life-cycle management ahead
of the planned second revision. This session will discuss opportunities to continue in re-inventing both
submission policies and processes for post-approval changes in the EU for centrally and nationally registered
products and seek to leverage opportunities to increase efficiencies for both industry and
regulators.
Session Leaders:
Speakers
Catering
Please visit one of the catering stands as indicated on the floorplan to be served lunch. Tables and seating can be found throughout the exhibition floor.
Exhibitors
Don't forget to visit our wonderful exhibitors located throughout the exhibition floor during the break.
Networking
Catch up with old colleagues and make new connections during the break.
Poster Display
On the exhibition floor, TOPRA are delighted to present a collection of scientific posters submitted by our members – be sure to check them out during the session breaks!
TOPRA Stand
If you are interested in learning about the opportunities TOPRA offers or just fancy a chat, please be sure to come visit the TOPRA Stand located near registration. This is also where delegates can come and collect their souvenir TOPRA teddy bear and members can collect their TOPRA notepad.
This session will look into opportunities and challenges with application procedures and performing a
combined clinical trial in Europe, that involves a medicinal product and an in vitro diagnostic (IVD), or companion
diagnostic (CDx) and/or a medical device (MD) component. The clinical trial application for the medicinal
product is submitted under the Clinical Trial Regulation (CTR) via CTIS, while the device/diagnostic follow
different national procedures. An update on the COMBINE project will be included.
Multiple stakeholders (i.e. Pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers, EMA, NCAs, Notified Bodies and
academic institutions) are involved in the development of innovative drugs (using devices). The device
regulation (MDR and IVDR) has introduced major changes and has been suggested as a contributing factor to
the decrease in the number of clinical trials in Europe.
The European Commission and EU Member States have launched the COMBINE initiative to propose solutions for
combined trials (drug using a device in a clinical trial), specifically looking at the interplay of IVDR,
MDR and CTR, also identified as one of “most important issues” by stakeholders ACT-EU workplan ‘25-’26. The
panel discussion will explore whether the proposed solutions stemming from this highly welcomed initiative are
already demonstrating benefits. It will also offer concrete strategies to ensure the European clinical trial
ecosystem is well-suited to promote the conduct of clinical trials in Europe.
Session Leaders:

Margareth Jorvid
CEO, Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance
Methra Uppsala AB, Sweden |

Claudia Popp
Head EU Regulatory Science & EMA Liaison
Roche, Switzerland |
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Speakers will include:
Sponsored Session by IQVIA (13:00 – 13:45): The Future is Now: Transforming Regulatory Processes through AI, ML, NLP, and RPAs
In today's rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, AI/ML, NLP, & RPA are revolutionizing regulatory activities in the biopharma industry. Discover how these advanced technologies are transforming regulatory workflows, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance. Attendees will learn about leveraging AI and ML for proactive regulatory intelligence, informed decision-making, language translation, dynamic task management, knowledge institutionalization, resource optimization, and real-time compliance monitoring.
This session aims to provide valuable insights into the future of regulatory processes and the strategic implementation of advanced technologies.
Speakers include:

Michelle Gyzen
Senior Director, Regulatory Innovation & Technology
IQVIA, United Kingdom |
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Catering
Please visit one of the catering stands as indicated on the floorplan to be served lunch. Tables and seating can be found throughout the exhibition floor.
Exhibitors
Don't forget to visit our wonderful exhibitors located throughout the exhibition floor during the break.
Networking
Catch up with old colleagues and make new connections during the break.
Poster Display
On the exhibition floor, TOPRA are delighted to present a collection of scientific posters submitted by our members – be sure to check them out during the session breaks!
TOPRA Stand
If you are interested in learning about the opportunities TOPRA offers or just fancy a chat, please be sure to come visit the TOPRA Stand located near registration. This is also where delegates can come and collect their souvenir TOPRA teddy bear and members can collect their TOPRA notepad.
This session will explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) processes within regulatory affairs. As AI technologies continue to advance, their integration into CMC activities offers exciting opportunities to streamline development, optimize manufacturing, and improve regulatory decision-making.
Session Leaders:
Speakers will include:

Mark Birse
Senior Vice President - Technical, Strategic Compliance Consulting
Paraxel, United Kingdom |

Luca Zanotti Fragonara
Advanced Technologies Competence Centre Lead
PQE, Italy |

Daniel Markl
Professor
University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
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Mónica Perea-Vélez
CMC Advocacy and Policy Director
GSK, Belgium |

James Pound
Interim Executive Director Innovation and Compliance
MHRA, United Kingdom |
Dolores Hernan
Senior Quality (CMC) Specialist - Product Team Leader
EMA, The Netherlands
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Catering
Please visit one of the catering stands as indicated on the floorplan to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea during the networking break. Various snacks will also be served during the break. Tables and seating can be found throughout the exhibition floor.
Exhibitors
Don't forget to visit our wonderful exhibitors located throughout the exhibition floor during the break.
Networking
Catch up with old colleagues and make new connections during the break.
Poster Display
On the exhibition floor, TOPRA are delighted to present a collection of scientific posters submitted by our members – be sure to check them out during the session breaks!
TOPRA Stand
If you are interested in learning about the opportunities TOPRA offers or just fancy a chat, please be sure to come visit the TOPRA Stand located near registration. This is also where delegates can come and collect their souvenir TOPRA teddy bear and members can collect their TOPRA notepad.
The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) legislation aims to harmonize the evaluation of new health technologies, including Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), and to support evidence-based reimbursement decisions.
With the implementation of the EU HTA Regulation (2021/2282) in 2025, a joint assessment process for clinical data will be introduced to avoid duplicate national evaluations and accelerate market access. However, this also presents challenges, as economic and healthcare policy decisions will continue to be made at the national level, and a fully harmonized reimbursement process is not guaranteed.
Another key element of the HTA Regulation is the Joint Scientific Consultation, a long-awaited process for developers to learn at an early stage the expectations from regulators and HTA bodies in parallel via a joint scientific consultation. How are companies, agencies and HTA bodies preparing for this new process?
Session Leaders:
Speakers will include:

Regina Skavron
Division Head European HTA
IQWiG, Germany |

Michael Berntgen
Head of Scientific Evidence Generation Department
EMA, The Netherlands
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Alexander Natz
Sectretary General
EUCOPE, Belgium
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