The pharmaceutical industry is a highly regulated and research-intensive sector dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing drugs that improve human and animal health. It is characterized by long development timelines, significant financial investment, and strict regulatory oversight. Bringing a new drug to market typically requires 10 to 15 years of research and development and can cost more than one billion dollars. Because products are protected by patents that eventually expire, companies face constant pressure to innovate and replenish their pipelines.
Over the past decade, the industry has been undergoing major transformations. Scientific progress has shifted focus toward biotechnology, gene and cell therapies, and personalized medicine. At the same time, digital health technologies and artificial intelligence are accelerating discovery and improving clinical trial design. However, growing competition, pricing pressures from governments and healthcare systems, and increasing demand for affordable care are reshaping the way pharmaceutical companies operate. As a result, the traditional, fully integrated model is giving way to more flexible, collaborative approaches.
The Marcus Evans
17th Edition Strategic Alliance Management for Pharma conference taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 21-23 April, 2026 will explore how alliance management is becoming a strategic enabler of innovation and growth, requiring new digital tools, global cultural fluency, and closer alignment with Business Development. The conference will explore how to build resilient partnerships that deliver measurable value, leveraging both human and AI-driven capabilities. It brings together leading pharma and biotech companies to discuss how alliances are evolving across the full partnership lifecycle - from deal negotiation to execution, governance, and value creation. It focuses as well on the rapidly evolving environment shaped by AI adoption, global market shifts, cultural dynamics, and new partnership models.
Some of the key sessions include:
* Establish Effective Governance and Decision-making Process within the Alliance
* Navigating Data Management from Deal to Alliance
* Competence Development: A Combined Business Development and Alliance Management Practice
* Navigate Complexities in Alliance Portfolio Management
* Bridge Cultural Gaps within Alliances to Promote Strong Working Relationships with Partners
* Enable the Role of Alliance Management in Driving Innovation
Best Practices and Case Studies from:
* Markus Kropf, Vice President, Head of Global Alliance Management, Merck KGaA, Germany
* Christoph Huwe, Senior Director, Strategic Alliance Management, Bayer AG Pharmaceuticals, Germany
* Jonathon Bell, Director, Alliance and Integration Management, AstraZeneca, UK
* Laetitia Bolloni, Head of Global Alliance Management for R&D and China Market, Sanofi, France
* Robin Owen, Head of Alliance Management and Integration, AstraZeneca, UK
* Kris Theeten, Head of Commercial Planning, Marketing and Alliance Management, Medison Pharma, Switzerland
Special discounts available to Bio-Equip members! For more information please contact: Stefanos Ioannou, Digital Media and PR Executive at
stefanosi@marcusevanscy.com or visit:
https://bit.ly/49pXMm6
About Marcus Evans
Marcus Evans is a global leader in business events, providing market intelligence and strategic connections to help organizations achieve their goals. With over 3,000 professionals worldwide, Marcus Evans delivers tailored solutions that drive innovation and growth.
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