Chairperson First Day

Louis is the CSO and Management Board Member of JJP Biologics, an innovative new Polish company backed by the Starak family. JJP Biologics develops the next generation of novel therapeutic biologics around personalized medicine and companion diagnostics. Louis obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Amsterdam. He was the founder of various companies focused on the generation and development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, primarily in the field of cancer and inflammation.

In 2003, he was one of the founders of Bioceros BV, now Polpharma Biologics, where he currently holds the position of Principal Scientific Advisor. In addition, he held positions as CSO at MacroZyme BV, 4AZA Bioscience NV, FF Pharma, and VP preclinical for PanGenetics BV and Tanox. Louis is an author of over 340 publications in international scientific journals in the field of medical biotechnology and an inventor at more than 20 patent applications. 

 Chairperson Second Day

Dr. Stane Srčič is Professor for Pharmaceutical Technology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. His expertise is focused on solid oral dosage forms development and manufacturing and includes pre-formulation and formulation, new manufacturing methods and customized equipment. After PhD he spent as post doc at the University of Regensburg, and was/is acting as a visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool, Szeged and Sarajevo.

He served for more than 10 years as an expert from Slovenia on EMA (London) in the Committee for drugs in veterinary medicines and was responsible for quality parts of the dossiers.

He published more than 150 papers and is holder of numerous patents and patents applications in EU, US, Russian Federation and India. He is strongly connected with domestic and foreign pharmaceutical industry and was leading a lot of different academia-industry projects.

His international collaboration on the education and research areas has been recognized and awarded with the honorary doctorate from the University of Szeged (Hungary).

Streamlining Biosimilar Development - The Next Step in the Evolution of the Biosimilar Regulatory Pathway

• Developing and manufacturing biosimilar medicines is a complex process, requiring significant expertise and investment over long period of times. There are many different factors impacting the feasibility of biosimilar development: scientific, technological, intellectual property, regulatory, market access, etc. 
• For many biologicals (70%) losing exclusivity over the next decade, do not have corresponding biosimilar medicines in development, resulting compromised opportunities for HC systems and patients across Europe. The ‘Void’ impacts BOTH blockbuster medicines and medicines intended for smaller population.  
• One of the ways of mitigating this ‘Void’, without compromising safety or efficacy, is the implementation of streamlined biosimilar development. Streamlining aims to eliminate comparable efficacy studies (or CES, so called ‘Phase III’) by relying on advanced analytical and clinical pharmacokinetic data. Under the current requirements, CES constitute an absolute barrier to biosimilar development. 
• Ensuring a brighter future for the biosimilar industry requires, but is not limited to: 

• evolving the biosimilar regulatory standard based on biologic regulatory-science progress,
• engaging stakeholders,
• promoting global regulatory convergence 

• to support a balanced and functioning biosimilar ecosystem. 

Mina Grguri is the Biosimilar Science and Policy Officer at Medicines for Europe, the trade association representing the generic, biosimilar, and value-added medicines industry. In her role, she is focusing on the Biosimilar regulatory and science Policy, advocating for a strong EU biosimilar industry and the evolution of the biosimilar regulatory framework in line with the scientific advances of today, with the goal of increasing patient access to innovative biologic therapies across Europe. Mina is active on the topic of streamlining Biosimilar development both at EU and International level, coordinating expert taskforces and engaging with external stakeholders.

A pharmacist by education, Mina has previously worked in the sphere of clinical trials at a global CRO company.

Harnessing Data in Biopharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing

• What are the core concepts in modern data-driven bioprocessing?
• Why is data integration so important in biopharmaceuticals?
• How do data science and advanced technologies transform the biomanufacturing landscape?

Eszter Varga is a Biostatistician and Pharmaceutical Data Scientist with over five years of experience in pharmaceutical development and bioinformatics research. She focuses on statistical modeling, machine learning, and process optimization, supporting biosimilar development.

At Richter Gedeon Plc., she works in the Biotechnology Development Department and contributed to two biosimilar projects from early development to FDA/EMA submissions, applying data-driven methodologies, mechanistic and statistical modeling, based on agency guidelines. She has also implemented several Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools to optimize monoclonal antibody production in the R&D and manufacturing phases.

Eszter holds an MSc in Medical Biotechnology and has expertise in Python, R, and multivariate data analysis. She is committed to advancing data-driven decision-making, actively contributing through research, training, and professional presentations.

Drug Development and Project Management

• Project management is a key methodology to address the unique quality, regulatory and compliance requirements of the (bio)pharmaceutical industry. 
• This presentation will provide an overview about planning the needs, scope, resources to create a roadmap for a successful project planning and delivery.
• It will address the challenge how organizations can combine various project life cycles and embed innovation as a key capability in a structured project process.

Zsolt Holló MD, PhD, MBA, PMP

Zsolt Hollo is a medical doctor by training, holding various other degrees and qualifications. He is a biosimilar expert, active in this field for 14 years.

He is one of the founding scientists of Solvo Biotechnology (a Charles River Company), a pioneering biotechnology company in the drug transporter / ADME-Tox field. He was Medical Director and Chief Operations Officer at Solvo Biotechnology from 2004 to 2009.

He worked at EGIS Pharmaceuticals in 2010-2023. As the Head of the Center of Biotechnology Business Development and Technology, he was responsible for various biosimilar related projects (technology transfer, setting up an EU release testing laboratory, alliance management with a strategic biosimilar manufacturer, due diligence of biosimilar products) and various other R&D projects in chronic inflammatory diseases.

He joined Polpharma Biologics in Nov 2023 as alliance management head.

Audits and Inspections – Variety in Approach and Current Trends in Observations

• Variety in inspections approach (EU, US FDA, Rest of World)
• Current “hot topics” and observations trends
• Some “tips & tricks” for auditee

Piotr has over 12 years of experience in pharmaceutical companies. Currently, he is a Global Quality Auditor in Sandoz, before he worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing sites as Quality Assurance Specialist, Qualified Person and Quality Systems Manager.

The experience includes particularly quality systems implementation, self-inspections, training and auditing of materials, products suppliers and service providers. Piotr has detailed knowledge in the scope of all GxP rules with a special focus on Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice.

Piotr is a PhD Eng. in the scope of Technology of Chemistry. Additionally, he completed post-graduate studies in the scope of Industrial Chemistry at the Medical University of Gdansk. He was participating as well in numerous courses related to GMP aspects in the pharmaceutical industry.

How the big WHY supported the fast development of JJP-1212

• Precision medicine
• Autoimmune and fibrotic diseases
• JJP-1212 in phase I clinical testing

Louis is the CSO and Management Board Member of JJP Biologics, an innovative new Polish company backed by the Starak family. JJP Biologics develops the next generation of novel therapeutic biologics around personalized medicine and companion diagnostics. Louis obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Amsterdam. He was the founder of various companies focused on the generation and development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, primarily in the field of cancer and inflammation.

In 2003, he was one of the founders of Bioceros BV, now Polpharma Biologics, where he currently holds the position of Principal Scientific Advisor. In addition, he held positions as CSO at MacroZyme BV, 4AZA Bioscience NV, FF Pharma, and VP preclinical for PanGenetics BV and Tanox. Louis is an author of over 340 publications in international scientific journals in the field of medical biotechnology and an inventor at more than 20 patent applications. 

Increasing Efficiency by Modularity and Standardization in Continuous Manufacturing

• Current challenges and hurdles in Continuous Direct Compression
• How seven cutting-edge solutions result into game changer
• FE CPS – Continuous Manufacturing re-invented

Currently, Svan works as the Global Manager for Continuous Manufacturing Systems at Fette Compacting. With over 30 years of experience with the company, he began his career as a technical apprentice. This was followed by roles in Technical Field Service, Application Consulting, Project Management, Sales Manager for Asia, and Manager for Containment Systems. His entire professional journey has been closely linked to Compression and OSD Production, always with a strong focus on customer demands and efficient solutions.

Together – for quality of life.

Employee Retention in Pharma Industry by Offering New Ways of Self-Motivation

• Description of specific features of pharmaceutical continuous education
• Employees motivation approaches during career development
• List of motivation incentives for employees for self-improvements
• Development of educational concept based on the needs for different pharma companies

Petra works as a managing director in Cayman Pharma (Czech Republic), a company focused on API products based on prostaglandin skeleton. By training, she is an analytical chemist with high appreciation of chromatographic and mass spectral techniques. She is very passionate about her job while trying to combine different aspects of pharmaceutical world into one single concept: reliable production of pharmaceutical products in high quality and with significant added value. Petra strongly believes in focused team work and in workplace diversity. As such, she has a high appreciation of employees in Cayman Pharma as the most important moving force of the production process.

Successful Transfer of Finished Product from Contractual Partner - Technological & Quality Perspective

• Choosing the contractual partner and preparing the commercial agreement 
• Product transfer
• Changes from regulatory point of view
• QA activities after product transfer  

Ivana Kovač Lovrenčić, M.Pharm. has been in Belupo Inc. since 2006, primarily working in R&D on formulation and process development, technology transfer and CTD Module 3 preparation for small molecule solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage forms. Through the years she has gained broad experience working on different projects related to in-house development, contractual development, regulatory applications, process improvement and procurement and qualification of manufacturing equipment. She has also acquired advanced knowledge on GMP and ISO guideline implementation as a representative of small-scale solid dosage forms production. As a department head, she leads a small team of technicians and technologist dedicated to technological development of new generic products together with manufacture of small-scale commercial batches.

After work, Ivana enjoys doing DIY projects, travelling and spending active time in nature. She volunteers in a project for empowering young girls between 12 and 18 years of age.

Successful Transfer of Finished Product from Contractual Partner - Technological & Quality Perspective

• Choosing the contractual partner and preparing the commercial agreement 
• Product transfer
• Changes from regulatory point of view
• QA activities after product transfer  

Lenka is a Pharmaceutical Professional with a unique combination of pharmaceutical management experience and exceptional knowledge in the areas of the New Product Evaluation, Laboratory Operations, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Project Management. She has an extensive experience in pharmaceutical industry in Research and Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Environment as well as profound knowledge of TPB and FDA, EU and Croatian regulatory submission requirements.

Strong knowledge of GMP, GLP, ICH guidelines and Pharmacopoeia is inevitable part of Lenkas‘ professional skills. Lenka is currently the Head of Compliance for Belupo Pharmaceuticals Croatia. Prior to this work, she worked in several positions at Apotex Inc. Toronto, Ontario and Genpharm Inc. (now Milan Pharmaceuticals) in Etobicoke, Ontario. Lenka has published several publications, is member of Pharmaceutical Sciences Group, Toronto and Croatian Association for Quality.

Fundamental Principles of Continuous Coating with Using of O’Hara FCC 75

• Introduction of MEDITOP Pharmaceutical Ltd. and the film-coating at the company
• O’Hara FCC75 and the continuous film-coating
• Case studies

Gábor has an experience of 11 years is pharmaceutical industry, all in the production of solid dosage forms. He started his career at MEDITOP Pharmaceutical Ltd. as production coordinator. After 7 successful years, with the part of the installation of many new production machines with innovative technology and after successful contract partner audits and regulatory inspections he became the Plant Manager of the company.

Gábor graduated at Semmelweis University, Budapest in 2013 at the Faculty of Pharmacy (Dissertation topic: Pharmacological significance of multilayer tablets) and complete a post gradual diploma in 2017, from Pharmaceutical Technology (Dissertation topic: Pharmaceutical film-coating and continuous coating) at Semmelweis University.

Applied Industrial Big Data Analytics to Optimise Fermentation in TAPI

• TAPI introduction
• Fermentation process
• Solution detail
• Results

Dr. Zoltán Németh is a Biochemical Engineer specializing in industrial fermentation technology. He holds a Biology PhD from the University of Debrecen, where also spent eight years as an Assistant and then as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemical Engineering.

Before the current role at TAPI, he worked four years as a Specialist at Teva-Api, Manufacturer Science & Technology.

Applied Industrial Big Data Analytics to Optimise Fermentation in TAPI

• TAPI introduction
• Fermentation process
• Solution detail
• Results

Gergő Kertész is an electrical engineer, specializing in automation, graduated from the Kandó Kálmán Technical College (2008).

Gergő Kertész is currently the director of MaxFLow Ltd. and is responsible for the implementation of technical services. As a process control consultant, he has 17 years of experience in data analysis, industrial process automation, control strategy design, virtual sensor development, industrial analyzers, MES manufacturing systems and software development for industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, hydrocarbon and power generation.

SITE VISIT to the Meditop Pharmaceutical plant near Budapest

Participants of PHARM Connect can visit the Meditop Pharmaceutical plant near Budapest. It is limited for 35 delegates only and available on a complimentary, first-come, first-served basis at 15:00 on 4th March and will last for approximately 2, 5 - 3 hours.

MEDITOP Pharmaceutical Ltd. as a middle size company provides a range of pharmaceutical services, including contract manufacturing of solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules, granules) using state-of-the-art facilities. They offer regulatory support for obtaining product registrations globally and R&D collaboration for developing generic, super-generic, and originator drugs, from formulation to clinical trial samples. Additionally, MEDITOP Ltd. is licensed for clinical trial manufacturing and packaging, ensuring compliance with GMP standards.

MEDITOP Pharmaceutical developed an innovative approach to improve film coating efficiency with developing and applying of a continuous film coater for which they received the 3rd CEE Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Excellence Award. With the innovation they successfully developed a method to coat soft tablets with high quality, managed to coat heat sensitive actives without degradation, saved considerable time and energy, and obtained flexible and fast change-over and batch size change.

TRANSFER: The bus will leave from the front entrance of the Crowne Plaza Budapest on 4th March at 14:00 and will return after the visit at approximately 19:30.