t DIA, we believe global collaboration is essential for advancing biomedical science and derisking medical product development by promoting innovation and providing a forum for multistakeholder discussions. Now more than ever, the world faces complex health challenges that require a united effort across nations, organizations, and disciplines.

n the fast-paced world of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, innovation knows no borders. Research collaborations, clinical trials, and regulatory submissions span continents, connecting teams and processes in ways that were unimaginable decades ago. But with these opportunities come new challenges—particularly in communication.

ecentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are transforming clinical research by enhancing accessibility and convenience for participants. By reducing the need for travel to traditional trial sites, enabling remote monitoring, and facilitating home-based interventions, DCTs are increasing participation rates and improving diversity in trial populations. The incorporation of local pharmacies into the DCT model further expands these benefits, particularly for underserved communities, creating opportunities for community pharmacists to engage in clinical trials. These roles include recruiting patients, serving as local clinical support sites, and, most importantly, dispensing investigational medicinal products (IMPs). This is new and different than the role played by hospital pharmacists who dispense IMP in centralized clinical trials (CCTs). But it is also important to remember that these roles are subject to regulatory requirements.

he pharmaceutical industry has been experiencing a paradigm shift in recent years with the increasing importance of data-centric submissions and new guidance around AI and digital transformations. This, in turn, has increased the importance of data standards, which hold the promise of improving data quality, interoperability, and regulatory compliance. However, given the accelerating intent to adopt and keep pace with rapid evolution in technology, this transition has introduced “Data Standards Fatigue,” the overwhelming feeling experienced by organizations and individuals when faced with the continuous introduction and evolution of data standards from standards organizations and regulatory bodies.

ata transparency, more collaboration, and technology will lead to faster, more thorough, data-driven decisions and speed up medicine development.

he clinical trial ecosystem has become increasingly complex, with the number of drugs in development nearly doubling between 2012 and 2022. This growth, coupled with rising patient recruitment demands and the need for diverse trial endpoints, has highlighted the limitations of the traditional site model.

he cosmetics industry has seen unprecedented growth over recent decades, bringing a flood of new cosmetic products and ingredients to the market. With this rise, today’s consumers have access to a vast range of cosmetic options tailored to every beauty goal, from skincare and anti-aging products to hair care and fragrances. Advances in technology and formulation have enabled the development of highly specialized treatments, with innovations such as personalized skincare regimens and smart beauty devices becoming more accessible. The influence of social media and celebrity endorsements has further fueled this boom, creating a culture where beauty products are more than just personal care items—they have become status symbols and lifestyle statements. However, as the industry expands, safety concerns also escalate.

n the dynamic landscape of global regulatory practices, Latin America (LATAM, including the Caribbean) is embarking on transformative initiatives to strengthen its international standing as a large global region and align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tools (GBT) for evaluation of national regulatory systems.

ustainable healthcare provides high-quality care in the present without compromising the health of future generations and our planet. The healthcare sector must play a critical role in delivering sustainable healthcare and achieving this balance for the following reasons: healthcare is itself a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; we must address the risk that climate change presents to the operations of healthcare as an industry; and we must consider the impact of climate change on population health, which in itself places further demand on already stretched healthcare systems. Mitigating climate change through making healthcare more sustainable is imperative. It offers numerous co-benefits: Not only is it good for patients and their health, but it is also a business derisking activity.

lectronic labeling (eLabeling) generally refers to the distribution of the approved product information of medicinal products via electronic means. This in turn allows prompt communication of current safety information to patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). If local regulations allow the removal of hardcopy leaflets (HCL), eLabeling can also reduce paper consumption.

or any country to become a member of the European Union, a clear set of steps and rules has been established. Such a transition is complex and consists of different stages: the European Council grants countries potential candidate, candidate, or accession status, depending on the status of negotiations. Nine states are currently recognized as candidates for membership in the European Union: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Kosovo formally submitted its application for membership in 2022 and is considered a potential candidate by the European Union.

n December 12, 2024, Japan enacted its amended Cannabis Control Law (CCL) and Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Law (NPSCL). The new regulations opened the possibility of cannabis-derived drugs in Japan, especially those containing cannabidiol (CBD).