The challenges facing the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors take centre stage at Woma in Milan

The pharmaceutical industry, the flagship of ‘Made in Italy’, and the life sciences are undergoing a profound revolution: artificial intelligence, biotechnology and new scientific frontiers are accelerating a transformation from which there is no turning back. This transformation is taking place against a backdrop of rapid changes in the geopolitical landscape, which is putting pressure on global pharmaceutical supply chains and value chains.

Shining a spotlight on this ecosystem – which in Italia alone accounts for over 10 per cent of GDP – is the first edition of Woma – Inspiring the WOrld of pharMA, the international forum dedicated to pharma, medtech, healthcare and life sciences, organised by BioPharma Network – the Pharmaceutical Managers’ Association and 24 ORE Salute. The forum opened yesterday and continues today at the Allianz MiCo in Milan, marking the debut of an international format designed for the sector’s entire ecosystem and to boost the competitiveness of the Italian life sciences sector.

Yesterday’s special guest was the former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso: “International cooperation is facing its most difficult period in decades: in a multipolar world, geopolitical tensions and national interests prevail, and the traditional funders of global health are pulling back,” explained Barroso. He is looking to new models such as that of Gavi: “By uniting governments, industry, foundations and civil society around a common mission, we have halved child mortality in 78 countries over the past twenty-five years. Mission-driven public-private partnerships are not just one option among many; they are the most realistic way to tackle major challenges.”

The Forum was opened by Michele Barletta, Chair of WOMA’s Scientific Committee, and Florencia Bechara, CEO of WOMA, who emphasised that this event aims to become a ‘space to pause and exchange ideas’ and an “annual occasion when the entire life sciences ecosystem comes together to discuss key issues”. The official opening saw Emmanuel Conte, Councillor for the Budget, Public Property and the Housing Plan for the City of Milan, take to the stage; for him, “WOMA strengthens the ecosystem of relationships and expertise that makes Milan a European hub for innovation”. Addressing the key issues of competitiveness was Nicoletta Lupp, Vice-President of Assolombarda and Chair and CEO of MSD Italia: “The life sciences sector is one of the country’s most solid pillars of competitiveness. But in an increasingly competitive global landscape, this advantage cannot be taken for granted: it must be defended through clear and timely decisions. We need simpler rules, fixed timelines, rapid access to medicines and new technologies, and a strong focus on clinical research”. This is a point also emphasised by Daniele Finocchiaro, managing director of the AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research: “Building a widespread culture of science and research is essential today.” Finally, according to Federico Silvestri, CEO & General Manager of the Il Sole 24 ORE Group, “never before has accurate and reliable information been so crucial to supporting citizens and patients in a field that is among the most vulnerable to the spread of fake news. Reporting on these issues effectively means building trust. And trust is the foundation upon which informed decisions are made. Our commitment with 24 ORE Salute – the platform that brings together the most relevant health and healthcare content produced by our media outlets – is to act as enablers: for citizens, by fostering awareness so that they can become informed patients; and, for stakeholders and the business community, by providing vision, so that they have access to an authoritative and responsible framework in which to foster debate for the growth of the National Health Service and research.” The Forum continues today: guests include Bertalan Meskó, Zack Kass, Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna and Amy Cuddy.