COG Europe 2023 Meeting Review
October saw Pharmaceutical Business Conference Group host their first annual regional meeting for Europe (COG Europe), this was the third in the annual global series of meetings following the success of COG UK in February, and COG New England in April.
The COG series focuses on addressing operational challenges faced by the clinical trial community on a regional basis, with meetings held in regional hubs across the US and Europe. Attendance was open to biopharma trial sponsors, study sites, patient advocacy organisations, solution providers as well as wider health and academics.
At close to €350 billion, the value of the European biopharmaceutical market is second only to the US. But with different nations working on different rules and regulations, drug discovery and clinical development across borders aren’t always straightforward. This has bred a unique ecosystem of biopharma companies served by innovative solution providers on a local, continental, and global level.
Milan is home to not only 250+ biotech companies but also boasts 17 research hospitals and a thriving biotech-focused investment community, with close to 60% of new Italian therapeutic projects originating in the region. With excellent travel links via air and rail, it is easy to see why Milan has become such a hub of innovation for life sciences and was the natural choice in which to host COG Europe 2023.
During the 2 days, there were also numerous interactive panel debates focused on Patient Enrolment & Diversity, and Technology Adoption.
We are proud to have featured ‘out of industry’ talks such as Invest.In.Tek who presented on the funding challenges and opportunities for biopharma entering and progressing clinical trials.
As well as thought-provoking presentations such as TriloDocs presenting on AI capabilities.
IDDI on trial randomization.
Salvius Legal on the challenges faced when contracting sites and vendors.
Unlike many other events in this space the COG Europe meeting welcomed over 60% of attending companies from active trial sponsor or research organisations, with key international players such as Novartis and GSK represented, and Italian local biopharma from the likes of Zambon and Chiesi.
Of those who attended, 56% were Director level or above, and 44% sitting in other Senior Management roles.
The COG series disrupts the market for clinical research conferences, with a renewed focus on driving attendee engagement through managing an onsite ratio between trial sponsors, and suppliers.
COG Europe will return on an annual basis with the next edition taking place in November 2024 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. See you there!
