Holistic Health - Do You Practice What You Preach?

Pharma is guilty of gender disparity across its workforce and has historically been male dominated. Part of the problem could be that when it comes to roles in STEM, there still exists an ‘implicit bias’. How can we address the unconscious bias associated with the healthcare industry, and pave the way for more female leaders in pharma?

From unconscious bias to the gender pay gap, and lack of women in leadership roles – gender disparity continues to be a very real challenge faced by pharma. This panel will gather leaders from across the pharma packaging landscape to share their experiences of tackling inequality in the workplace, and to share strategies on creating a more level playing field for the female workforce of the future.

Major players in the pharmaceutical supply chain are increasingly looking towards CPOs to outsource an essential step of drug production and distribution, but what are the opportunities and challenges to consider before moving forward?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been integral in pharmaceutical packaging due to their unique properties. However, emerging regulatory changes in both the United States and the European Union have signaled a pivotal shift in the use of PFAS materials, particularly in pharmaceutical packaging. This 35-minute speech will delve into the implications these new regulations pose for the pharmaceutical industry and explore the differences in approaches between US and EU authorities. The discussion will commence with an overview of PFAS materials and their historical significance in pharmaceutical packaging, elucidating the reasons behind their prevalent use. Emphasis will be placed on the unique characteristics of PFAS, ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. Subsequently, the speech will scrutinize the recent regulatory landscape in both the US and the EU. The contrasting approaches adopted by the respective authorities regarding PFAS regulation will be highlighted, encompassing the restrictions, bans, permissible limits, and timeline for implementation. This comparative analysis aims to elucidate the divergent strategies and their potential impact on the pharmaceutical packaging industry in each region. Furthermore, the speech will explore the challenges and opportunities arising from these regulatory changes. It will address the implications for pharmaceutical companies, including the necessity for alternative packaging materials, compliance strategies, potential economic ramifications, and the quest for sustainable alternatives that maintain product safety and efficacy. Moreover, the audience will gain insights into the technological advancements and innovative solutions emerging in response to these regulations. The discussion will touch upon ongoing research and development efforts aimed at creating PFAS-free packaging options without compromising pharmaceutical product integrity. In conclusion, the speech will underscore the importance of proactive adaptation and collaboration between stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to navigate the changing regulatory landscape. It will advocate for a concerted effort to foster sustainable practices and drive innovation in packaging materials while ensuring the highest standards of product safety and compliance with evolving regulations in both the US and the EU.