In November, London will play host to the inaugural DIA-MHRA Global Summit, where senior representatives from some of the world’s leading regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical firms, health technology organisations, academic institutions, and patient advocacy groups will convene. This significant event is being organised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in collaboration with the Drug Information Association (DIA).
Among the notable participants will be delegates from respected organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Swissmedic, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), HM Government, and prominent companies like Microsoft, GSK, AstraZeneca, IQVIA, BioNTech, NICE, HDRS, LifeArc, and Duchenne UK. They will engage in discussions centred on enhancing global collaboration to expedite the delivery of safe, effective, and innovative healthcare solutions for patients.
A Unique International Forum for Health Innovation
Scheduled for the 16th and 17th of November 2026, the Summit will coincide with an extensive programme during London Life Sciences Week. This event aims to create a distinctive platform for regulators, industry leaders, academics, investors, technology innovators, and patient representatives to discuss how healthcare systems can collaborate to foster innovation while ensuring public trust and patient safety.
Under the theme “Global Collaboration for Safer and Smarter Health Innovation,” the agenda will tackle some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges currently facing the healthcare sector. Topics will include regulatory innovation, advanced therapies, artificial intelligence, health data, patient access, rare diseases, investment in life sciences, and international regulatory cooperation.
Key Voices in Life Sciences
The programme boasts contributions from influential figures within the life sciences ecosystem, showcasing the diverse expertise required to shape the future of health innovation. Speakers from the pharmaceutical industry will include prominent names such as Sir Jonathan Symonds (GSK), Dr Cindy Verst (IQVIA), Dr Edward Piper (AstraZeneca), and Dr Virginia Acha (MSD). Additionally, key trade association representatives like Dan O’Connor (ABPI) and Chris Molloy (BIA) will lend their voices to the discussions.
International regulatory leaders will also participate, with figures such as Professor Tony Lawler (Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia), Dr Sara Ibrahimi (US Food and Drug Administration), H.E. Dr Hisham S. Aljadhey (Saudi Food and Drug Authority), and Pamela Aung-Thin (Health Canada) among the esteemed attendees. Furthermore, top executives from the MHRA will add their insights to the programme.
Emphasising Patient Perspectives
Patient perspectives will play a pivotal role in the discussions throughout the Summit. Contributions will be made by representatives such as Julia Vitarello (Mila’s Miracle Foundation), Professor David Fajgenbaum (Every Cure), Emily Reuben OBE (Duchenne UK), Nick Meade (Genetic Alliance UK), John Crowley (BIO), and patient advocate Silvia Cerolini.
Sessions dedicated to digital transformation, in silico trials, and real-world data will feature experts like Professor Michael von Forstner (MedGenie), Dr Umang Patel (Microsoft), Ricardo Baptista Leite (HealthAI), and Seema Verma (Oracle Health), alongside other distinguished professionals from academia and the biotech sector.
Investment Opportunities in Life Sciences
Exploration of investment and growth within the life sciences sector will be led by prominent investors and policy experts, including Dame Kate Bingham (SV Health Investors), Chris Hollowood (Syncona Investment Management), and Lord Willetts, Chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office. Their insights will be invaluable for attendees seeking to understand the evolving landscape of health innovation.
Participants will have the chance to engage with an impressive array of global leaders and take part in dedicated networking sessions. Additionally, attendees can anticipate early insights into a series of significant announcements from the MHRA, outlining the Agency’s ambitions for pioneering regulatory science and innovation.
Tickets for this landmark event are now available for purchase. Register to attend and be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthcare.
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