Pharma 2026 (english)

Essential to society and economy but facing “rough waters”

The pharmaceutical industry has experienced a remarkable upswing in recent years: massive investments in research and production, technological breakthroughs in innovative therapies, and a new momentum in healthcare delivery. But in 2026, the industry stands at a crossroads.

Europe is moving in a rapid reform rhythm with the Pharma Package, EU HTA, EHDS, and AI framework regulations. At the same time, Germany’s Medical Research Act is beginning to show its effects. Yet, significant financial pressure and gaps in healthcare provision persist.

Adding to this is a new external uncertainty: In the U.S., President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened—and in some cases implemented—drastic measures against globally operating pharmaceutical companies. What does this mean for investment and production decisions, including those affecting European locations?

Meanwhile, new waves of therapies—such as obesity innovations, Alzheimer’s drugs, and ATMPs—are transforming healthcare. Digital strategies like the electronic patient record (ePA), real-world data (RWD), and AI as a technology offers opportunities, but must be aligned with the AI Act and data protection regulations. Supply chains remain fragile—the EU is responding with increased regulation and resilience measures. How will this shape the future of healthcare?

We bring together the industry with policymakers, international perspectives and the healthcare economy.

Highlights

9 February 2026 | from 6:30 PM

International Strategic Meet-Up

Moderator: Martin Knobbe, Member of the Editorial Board, Handelsblatt 

Science, Strategy & Scale –  Shaping Europe’s Transformation under globale pressure 

First-come-first-served | strictly limited

10 February 2026

Focus Day – AI in Pharma

We discuss findings and analyse potential impacts on the pharmaceutical industry with AI and business experts.

10 February 2026 | from 6:30 PM

Networking Dinner

Maintain and expand your network at our central evening event.

Program

Speaker

Thomas Ballast Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board – Techniker Krankenkasse

Chantal Friebertshäuser Senior Vice President Europe, Middle-East and international tenders – Moderna

Heidrun Irschik-Hadjieff Chair of the Management Board – Sanofi

Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Heyo Kroemer Chair of the Executive Board – Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Thomas Müller Director General, Department “Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biotechnology” – Federal Ministry of Health (Germany)

Dr. Daniel Steiners CEO – Roche Pharma AG Mehr Informationen

Prof. Dr. Jens Südekum Government Advisor and Professor of International Economics – Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

Jean-Philippe Vert Co-Founder und CEO – Biooptimus – Paris Mehr Informationen

All Speakers

Your Benefits

Gain strategic foresight & shape Europe’s pharma future

Understand how global policy shifts — from EU reforms to U.S. trade measures — are redefining competitiveness, investment, and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. Join the dialogue that shapes Europe’s role as a strong and forward-looking pharma hub.

Navigate regulatory transformation

Get a clear overview of Europe’s evolving framework — Pharma package, EU HTA, EHDS, and AI Act — and learn how to turn regulatory change into competitive advantage.

Connect at the International Strategic Meet-Up

Expand your international network and exchange perspectives with senior leaders at our exclusive International Strategic Meet-Up — where science, strategy, and leadership align.

Global insights from top-tier speakers

The conference gathers leading minds from the international pharmaceutical industry—including executives from companies like Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck, and Sandoz, as well as correspondents from the U.S. and China. This diversity offers deep insights into global market trends, regulatory developments, and innovative strategies.

Exclusive networking with decision-makers/strong>

 International guests have the opportunity to connect directly with German and European industry leaders, policymakers, and experts from research and business. This fosters strategic partnerships and eases access to the German pharmaceutical market.

Access to current topics and best practices

 The conference covers key topics such as benefit assessment, market access, AI in pharma, and location strategies. International participants gain valuable impulses for their own markets and can adapt best practices from Germany and Europe.

News

Published on 03. December 2025

How AI is rewriting Biopharma: Jean‑Philippe Vert on Foundation Models, Data Interoperability and the Future of Pharma

In this exclusive interview, the Bioptimus CEO explains why AI‑powered foundation models are becoming the operating system of drug discovery, how they move from prediction to mechanistic understanding…