DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting

The ICH improved global drug development, but rising country-specific regulations increase complexity and costs for multinational submissions. This session explores key harmonization challenges, regulatory trends, and strategies to navigate diverse requirements for successful drug approvals. Effective communication between sponsors and regulatory agencies is critical for the successful development and approval of new medicines. This forum will explore the similarities and differences in how major global regulators—such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA)—engage with sponsors throughout the drug development lifecycle. We will delve into the formal channels and informal practices each regulatory body uses to guide sponsors, address compliance issues, and expedite approvals. Key similarities, such as scientific advice meetings, regulatory guidance documents, and the use of conditional approval pathways, will be examined. At the same time, critical differences, including cultural approaches to engagement, the role of pre-submission meetings, and divergent regulatory timelines, will be highlighted. Through a comparative lens, this forum will also address how recent trends, such as digital transformation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and emerging policies on patient-centric drug development are shaping interactions with regulators worldwide. The session will provide attendees with practical insights into navigating global regulatory landscapes, fostering better communication with agencies, and optimizing regulatory strategies for successful drug approvals across diverse markets.