PharmaForum 2025 – Innovation Requires Strong Networks
On 13 March 2025, the Kurhaus Colonnades in Wiesbaden clearly demonstrated what distinguishes the healthcare industry in our region: innovative strength, interdisciplinary dialogue and a strong commitment to collaboration. The Medical Device Innovation Center (MIC) at Mainz University Medical Center participated as an exhibitor and was actively engaged in this dynamic exchange.
Organised by the German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa) in cooperation with the Ministries of Economic Affairs of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, the PharmaForum brought together around 250 experts from research, industry and policy. In his opening address, the Hessian Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Affairs, Kaweh Mansoori, emphasised the strategic importance of close cross-state collaboration in strengthening competitiveness and driving medical progress.
The political support for the exhibition further highlighted this relevance: State Secretary Petra Dick-Walther took the opportunity during her tour to engage with exhibitors and underlined the importance of strong networks for the healthcare economy.
The programme ranged from historical perspectives – including the legacy of Paul Ehrlich – to cutting-edge developments such as phage therapies, virtual patients in drug development, and novel approaches in gene and cell therapy. The panel discussion made clear that the journey from innovation to patient care requires not only scientific excellence but also robust regulatory and health-economic frameworks.
A concrete example of innovative manufacturing approaches was presented in the talk “Smart Manufacturing – Personalised Medication in (Paediatric) Oncology” by Prof. Dr. med. Alexandra Russo und Dr. Marija Tubić Grozdanis (Mainz University Medical Center). The presentation highlighted modern methods for individualised pharmaceutical manufacturing, opening new perspectives for patient-specific therapeutic concepts.
This close integration of technological innovation, clinical application and regulatory considerations reflects the core mission of the MIC: to support translational developments in a structured manner and actively facilitate their transfer into clinical practice.
Our conclusion: PharmaForum 2025 once again demonstrated that innovation thrives where interdisciplinary expertise meets strong networks. As MIC, we are committed to continuing to play an active role in shaping this process.
