EFGCP Better Medicines for Children Conference 2026
Collaborating to Implement Innovative Approaches in Paediatric Development
Description
New! - View the Event Dedicated Website
Under the theme “Collaborating to Implement Innovative Approaches in Paediatric Development” this year’s BMFC (Better Medicines for Children) Conference offers a wide variety of sessions for attendees, and will feature distinguished speakers from all around the world, relevant stakeholders and experts, to delve into the latest innovations in paediatrics.
Day One will explore the evolving ethical and regulatory landscape in paediatric medicine development, alongside sessions on clinical research, innovation, and collaborative discussion through interactive breakout sessions. The day will conclude with expert insights and networking opportunities.
Day Two will focus on key takeaways from the breakout sessions, emerging innovations in paediatric drug development, and discussions on medical devices, global regulatory developments, and advances in rare diseases and cell and gene therapies.
The conference provides an opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect with experts and stakeholders from across the global paediatric development community.
Development of paediatric medicines requires strong partnerships and collaboration between all relevant partners around the world, and we are looking forward to welcome you to the conference!
Online attendance will be view only. There will be no direct interaction with on site faculty.
With the Support of
Programme
| 09:00 |
Welcome Coffee / Registration |
| 09:50 |
Welcome & Introduction of Conference
Begonya Nafria-Escalera, Barcelona Children's Hospital, eYPAGnet & EFGCP
Martine Dehlinger-Kremer, UCB Biosciences
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| 10:00 |
Keynote: Evolution of ethical paradigms in paediatrics through the revised declaration of Helsinki
Rieke van der Graaf, CIOMS
Tomasz Grybek, PDCO representative
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| 10:30 |
Challenges and opportunities for paediatric drug development in Heart diseases Moderator(s): Claudio Fracasso, Hippocrates Research Srl Thomas Severin, Novartis
Covadonga Terol-Espinosa de los Monteros, European Medicines Agency
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| 11:30 |
Mechanism of Action – Impact for Paediatric Investigational Plans and children Moderator(s): Gesine Bejeuhr, Bayer
Gordon Topping, UCB
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| 12:45 |
Lunch Break |
| 13:45 |
Advances in Europe’s Clinical Research Ecosystem Moderator(s): Angeliki Siapkara, AstraZeneca Ricardo Fernandes , C4C
Anette Solli Karlsen, CTA/PDCO Representative
Ellen Koekoeckx, Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
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| 15:00 |
Coffee Break |
| 15:20 |
Breakout sessions: |
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Implementation of new PIP requirements Moderator(s): Mette Due Theilade Thomsen, PIP Adviser ApS Pauline Roudot, Novartis
Chrissi Pallidis, European Medicines Agency
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Innovative approaches to develop age-appropriate formulations Moderator(s): Donato Bonifazi, TEDD - European Network of Excellence for Paediatric research Solange Corriol-Rohou, EFGCP
Catherine Tuleu, EUPFI
Frédéric Lallemand, Lallemand Conseil
Jana Lass, PFOEG Member
Nicolas Micheaud, Paediatis
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Operational opportunities to bring trials to children Moderator(s): Begonya Nafria-Escalera, Barcelona Children's Hospital, eYPAGnet & EFGCP Jasmine Kincaide, Bayer
Ingrid Klingmann, EFGCP
Maria Baselga-Iturzaeta, Patient representative
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| 16:40 |
Coffee Break |
| 16:50 |
Market Access / HTA – experience with Joint Clinical Assessment of paediatric medicines Moderator(s): Angelika Joos, Science & policy expert, EFGCP Sabine Fürst-Recktenwald, Novartis
Anja Schiel, Norwegian Medical Products Agency
|
| 18:00 |
Fireside chat with PDCO Chair Moderator(s): Martine Dehlinger-Kremer, UCB Biosciences
Sabine Scherer, PDCO Chair
Sylvie Benchetrit, PDCO Vice-chair
|
| 18:30 |
End of the Day
Begonya Nafria-Escalera, Barcelona Children's Hospital, eYPAGnet & EFGCP
Martine Dehlinger-Kremer, UCB Biosciences
|
| 08:15 |
Welcome Coffee / Registration |
| 08:35 |
Welcome & Introduction of Conference
Begonya Nafria-Escalera, Barcelona Children's Hospital, eYPAGnet & EFGCP
Martine Dehlinger-Kremer, UCB Biosciences
|
| 08:45 |
Break-out session reports |
| 09:30 |
New Voices – what is new in paediatric drug research Moderator(s): Angeliki Siapkara, AstraZeneca Begonya Nafria-Escalera, Barcelona Children's Hospital, eYPAGnet & EFGCP Mark Turner, Conect4children Stichting |
| 10:30 |
Coffee Break |
| 11:00 |
Achievements in rare diseases and Cell & Gene Therapies Moderator(s): Gesine Bejeuhr, Bayer Solange Corriol-Rohou, EFGCP
Joana Claverol Torres, Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation
Lise Carle-Empereur, UCB
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| 12:00 |
Lunch Break |
| 13:00 |
Global regulatory alignment and feedback from regulatory agencies Moderator(s): Angelika Joos, Science & policy expert, EFGCP Mette Due Theilade Thomsen, PIP Adviser ApS
Lynne Yao, FDA
Martina Penazzato, World Health Organisation
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| 14:15 |
The future of paediatric Medical Devices, In-vitro Diagnostics, and Combination products Moderator(s): Claudio Fracasso, Hippocrates Research Srl
Monique Al, CCMO, MedEthics EU
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| 15:15 |
Wrap-up and Farewell
Begonya Nafria-Escalera, Barcelona Children's Hospital, eYPAGnet & EFGCP
Martine Dehlinger-Kremer, UCB Biosciences
|
| 15:30 |
End of the Conference |