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< Back 15th – 17th April, 2025 Rome, Italy The Cell & Gene Meeting on the Med The Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mediterranean is the leading conference bringing together the ATMP community from Europe and beyond. Covering a wide range of commercialization topics from market access and regulatory issues to manufacturing and financing the sector, this program features expert-led panels, extensive one-on-one partnering capabilities, exclusive networking opportunities, and 60+ dedicated presentations by leading publicly traded and privately held companies in the space. Join ARM for Europe’s premier conference for advanced therapies. Previous Register now Next

< Back Unlocking the Mystery of Long COVID: A Serotonin Connection Recent research has unveiled a promising new insight that may help unravel the mysteries surrounding Long COVID. Introduction Following the COVID-19 pandemic, society is grappling with an unprecedented health challenge: post-acute sequelae of viral infection (PASC), more colloquially known as "Long COVID." This condition has perplexed researchers and clinicians, with no definitive understanding of its root cause and no effective treatments discovered to date. PASC presents a spectrum of persistent symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive impairment, and more, which can linger for months after the initial infection has resolved. However, a recent research paper has unveiled a promising new insight that may help unravel the mysteries surrounding Long COVID. The Pathophysiology of Long COVID The pathophysiology of Long COVID remains undetermined. Researchers have put forth several hypotheses. These include viral persistence, chronic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and autonomic dysfunction, all of which have been proposed as contributors to Long COVID. However, a recent study suggests that there may be a single thread that connects these hypotheses: serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for numerous physiological and psychological functions in the human body. The study involved evaluating a wide range of biochemical parameters in Long COVID patients, including serotonin levels, tryptophan absorption rates, platelet function, and MAO activity, as well as assessing the cognitive and memory function of these patients via neuropsychological tests. The research posits that the common denominator in Long COVID may be a reduction in serotonin. The Serotonin-SARS-CoV-2 Connection The link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and serotonin reduction is complex, however, the research team have proposed three key mechanisms through which this reduction occurs: Diminished Tryptophan Absorption: Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin production, and its absorption in the intestine is critical for maintaining serotonin levels. Viral infection, particularly with SARS-CoV-2, appears to hinder the body's ability to absorb tryptophan effectively. Platelet Hyperactivation and Thrombocytopenia: Another crucial aspect is the impact of viral infection on platelets (small blood cells involved in clotting). In Long COVID patients, hyperactivation of platelets combined with thrombocytopenia (a decrease in platelet count) leads to disturbances in serotonin storage. This can result in lower serotonin levels in the bloodstream. Enhanced MAO-Mediated Turnover: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that plays a key role in breaking down serotonin. In Long COVID, viral infection appears to enhance MAO activity, leading to a faster turnover of serotonin, further depleting its levels. Impaired Vagus Nerve Function and Cognitive Effects Serotonin, with its various roles in the body, has wide-reaching implications for health. One of its critical functions is its influence on the vagus nerve, a major component of the autonomic nervous system. The research paper posits that peripheral serotonin reduction affects the activity of the vagus nerve. This, in turn, has implications for the brain, specifically the hippocampus, a region associated with memory and cognitive function. When serotonin levels are diminished, the vagus nerve's function is impaired, leading to disruptions in hippocampal responses and memory. This could explain the neurocognitive symptoms observed in Long COVID patients, providing a potential link between viral persistence and cognitive impairment. Possible Therapeutic Implications The research findings open up potential new avenues for therapeutic interventions in Long COVID. If serotonin reduction indeed lies at the core of the condition, addressing this deficit could potentially alleviate symptoms and enhance recovery. Tryptophan Supplementation: Boosting tryptophan levels through dietary or supplemental means may help restore serotonin production, especially in Long COVID patients who struggle with intestinal absorption. Platelet Function Regulation: Investigating ways to mitigate platelet hyperactivation and thrombocytopenia might prevent serotonin storage disturbances, thus maintaining healthier serotonin levels. MAO Inhibitors: Medications that inhibit MAO, the enzyme responsible for serotonin breakdown, could be explored as a strategy to slow down serotonin turnover. Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Targeting the vagus nerve through neuromodulation techniques may help restore its function and improve cognitive symptoms. The Promise of Further Research The revelation of the serotonin connection in Long COVID represents a signific ant milestone in our understanding of this perplexing condition. However, more research is required to validate these findings and determine their clinical relevance fully. Long COVID is clearly a complex condition, and serotonin is likely to be just one piece of the overall puzzle. Nevertheless, this discovery provides hope for patients and medical professionals hoping to piece together enough of the jig-saw to develop effective therapies for the condition. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

Pfizer halts once-daily oral GLP-1 program danuglipron after liver safety concerns, shifting focus to alternative obesity targets including a GIPR antagonist in Phase 2. < Back Pfizer Halts Development of Oral GLP-1 Agonist Danuglipron Amid Liver Safety Signal Pfizer halts once-daily oral GLP-1 program danuglipron after liver safety concerns, shifting focus to alternative obesity targets including a GIPR antagonist in Phase 2. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has discontinued development of its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, danuglipron (PF-06882961), following a clinical finding of potential drug-induced liver injury during Phase 2 dose-optimization studies. The decision marks a strategic retreat from one of the few oral GLP-1 assets positioned to challenge the current dominance of injectable incretin therapies in the obesity market. Danuglipron, a small-molecule GLP-1R agonist administered once daily, had been in development as an oral alternative to GLP-1 peptide injectables such as semaglutide (Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Eli Lilly’s Zepbound). Pfizer reported that while the pharmacokinetic and tolerability profiles in its latest once-daily formulation study met key objectives, a single case of elevated liver enzymes consistent with potential drug-induced liver injury prompted an internal risk-benefit reassessment. “Although the formulation achieved desired PK exposure and early indicators of efficacy, we observed an adverse hepatic event that, while reversible upon discontinuation, raised enough concern to halt development,” said Mikael Dolsten, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and President, Pfizer R&D. This decision follows an earlier discontinuation in 2023 of danuglipron’s twice-daily formulation, which suffered from dose-limiting GI tolerability issues including nausea and vomiting. The once-daily version was expected to mitigate these adverse effects while preserving weight loss efficacy. Implications for GLP-1 Drug Development and Competitive Landscape Pfizer’s exit from danuglipron development underscores the complexities of formulating safe, orally bioavailable GLP-1R agonists. Despite its promising preclinical and early clinical data, danuglipron faced increasing safety scrutiny given the class-wide regulatory sensitivity to hepatotoxicity and long-term tolerability in a chronic disease context. With obesity positioned as a multi-billion-dollar therapeutic area projected to exceed $100B globally by 2030, Pfizer’s withdrawal leaves a narrower field of oral GLP-1 contenders. Eli Lilly’s orforglipron and Viking Therapeutics’ VK2735, among others, continue to progress in clinical development, each aiming to deliver oral or small-molecule alternatives to peptide-based therapies. Market reaction to Pfizer’s move was swift. Shares of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly rose modestly on Monday, with investors viewing the decision as a de-risking of their market share in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, Pfizer reaffirmed its commitment to the space through other mechanisms. Strategic Refocus: GIPR Antagonist in the Pipeline While terminating danuglipron, Pfizer highlighted ongoing development of an oral glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonist candidate, currently in Phase 2. GIP modulation is being explored both as monotherapy and in combination with GLP-1 agents for synergistic metabolic effects. “We remain committed to advancing next-generation metabolic therapies and are reallocating our internal resources toward novel mechanisms, including oral GIPR antagonists and other first-in-class approaches,” Dolsten said. Pfizer did not disclose timelines for GIPR candidate readouts but indicated continued focus on cardiometabolic disease as a core strategic priority. The company is expected to provide pipeline updates in upcoming earnings calls and at scientific congresses later this year. Outlook Pfizer’s withdrawal from danuglipron reflects both the regulatory and scientific headwinds facing oral GLP-1 drug development. The hepatic safety signal, even in a single subject, proved incompatible with chronic use in a preventive population — a reminder of the high safety bar required for obesity pharmacotherapies. With major pharma consolidating around either peptide injectables or next-generation dual/triple agonist platforms, the search for safe, effective, and convenient oral agents continues — and remains a highly competitive frontier for innovation. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

< Back World Health Summit 11th - 13th October, 2026 Berlin, Germany From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

< Back 9th – 12th July, 2024 Salt Lake City, UT AIME 2024 The leading international scientific event related to artificial intelligence in medicine. This premier conference will bring together global experts to explore the latest trends, research, and practical applications of AI in medicine. Previous Register now Next

State-of-the-art facility with advanced bioprocessing technology aims to accelerate therapeutic development, improve efficiency, and train the next generation of biomanufacturing talent for Canada’s growing life sciences sector. < Back Sartorius and McMaster University Open Biomanufacturing Lab in Canada State-of-the-art facility with advanced bioprocessing technology aims to accelerate therapeutic development, improve efficiency, and train the next generation of biomanufacturing talent for Canada’s growing life sciences sector. Sartorius and McMaster University have expanded their partnership by inaugurating a state-of-the-art bioprocessing automation laboratory in Hamilton, Ontario. Located within McMaster's Faculty of Engineering, the 1,600-square-foot facility is equipped with advanced biomanufacturing equipment, much of which is supplied by Sartorius. The lab will serve as a training and development hub for students, Sartorius employees, and industry partners, focusing on the advancement of bioprocess modeling, simulation, and control. This initiative builds upon a collaboration that began in 2019, aiming to optimize the manufacturing processes of antibody and virus-based therapeutics for diseases such as COVID-19, cancers, and genetic disorders. The partnership has also provided valuable training opportunities for students, fostering the next generation of talent in Canada's biomanufacturing sector. The establishment of the lab was made possible through a grant from the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF), a Canadian government initiative designed to enhance the nation's biomanufacturing and life sciences capabilities. Notably, this is the first facility fully funded by BRIF to open in Canada. Dr. Heather Sheardown, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University, emphasized the lab's significance: "The opening of the Sartorius Bioprocess Automation Lab marks a milestone in McMaster’s commitment to advancing biomanufacturing capabilities in Canada." She highlighted that the facility will support technological innovations in large-scale biotherapeutics manufacturing, enhancing production efficiency and expanding access to life-saving treatments for chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders and cancers. Prof. Dr. Oscar-Werner Reif, Chief Technology Officer of Sartorius, added, "This partnership enables McMaster University and Sartorius to explore and industrialize innovative bioprocessing solutions together with partners from the biopharmaceutical industry." He noted that young researchers from academia and industry will jointly develop innovative modeling and predictive control solutions in the facility, ultimately driving faster development of improved therapies accessible to patients worldwide. Further strengthening this collaboration, a team of McMaster researchers has secured additional Alliance Grant funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to launch an extensive four-year project with Sartorius. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing biomanufacturing processes and training the next generation of innovators in the field. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

We explore the essentiality of parasites and the argument that they are fundamental ecosystem components deserving of conservation. < Back On the Importance of Conserving Parasite Species We explore the essentiality of parasites and the argument that they are fundamental ecosystem components deserving of conservation. Parasite conservation? Hear us out Parasitism defines a relationship between two organisms in which one benefits at the expense of the other. Such organisms have been around for millions of years, and this relationship has been observed in every ecosystem, from the sea to the Sahara. Given the nature of a parasitic relationship, infection usually leads to disease or death of the host organism. Parasitic infections, though observed all over the world, are generally most present in developing countries, with a prevalence rate of 30-60% . The potential harm to health due to infection has resulted in a widespread negative perception surrounding parasite species, so much so, that the word ‘parasite’ is often used in a derogatory manner. However, parasites are a hugely diverse group of organisms. According to some scientists, around half of all living organisms can be classified as parasitic, although the exact number of parasites in existence is still yet to be determined. Whilst some parasites do cause debilitating diseases with huge economic, mortal, and sociological costs, most parasites play vital roles in the ecosystems they inhabit. This article will explore some of the beneficial roles of parasites, adding fuel to the argument that they are fundamental ecosystem components deserving of conservation, just as any other organism. Parasite-derived ecosystem benefits Parasitic species can provide invaluable information on the state of an ecosystem. Studies have found that some parasites can be used as biological indicators of habitat degeneration, or fragmentation, as well as changes in climate change . In marine environments threatened by ocean acidification, parasitic abundance has been shown to be associated with increased levels of carbon dioxide. Some parasitic species are able to accumulate pollutants from hosts. For example, some helminth (parasitic worm) species can bio-accumulate metals such as zinc and cadmium. Studies have found that in saltmarsh ecosystems, parasites are responsible for concentrating over 50% of the heavy-metal pollutants in the system. Parasites as therapeutics Despite their connotation with disease, and death, parasites might have application as therapeutic organisms for treating autoimmune problems. Scientists have been increasingly exploring a theory known as the “ health hypothesis ”. This theory suggests that decreased parasite/pathogen exposure (usually resulting from urbanisation), is responsible for an increase in the frequency of allergies and other diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis). As such, some scientists have begun exploring this by intentionally infecting mouse models with hookworms, and it has been found that infection stimulates an immune response that can help protect tissue from autoimmune problems . In humans, therapies have been used involving whipworm infections, to downregulate the patient’s immune response and achieve remission in Crohn’s disease . Parasitic influence on the host communities Perhaps most important of all is the effect that parasite species have on both individuals and host communities. After infection, the parasite will begin to remove resources from the host body which would otherwise be used for growth, reproduction, and development. Hosts will attempt to compensate for the negative effects by altering other traits not directly associated with the parasite (e.g., dispersal patterns or developmental rate). By altering the host traits, parasites can cause variation in host growth, survival or reproductive rate, thus altering the structure of the whole host community . Final thoughts Whilst some researchers are starting to take note of parasite importance, in many cases their negative reputation precedes them, discouraging potential sponsors, academics, and even the public from taking an interest in parasitic research. Though there has been some movement to conserve parasites on a global scale , this is still a long way off and would require a drastic change in public opinion. This change will not come about easily – parasites and the illnesses they bring are still responsible for millions of deaths worldwide every year. There is also the added issue of climate change; as the Earth’s temperature rises and species struggle to adapt to changing conditions, many are going extinct before science can catch up. Given their reputation, parasitic species are at even greater threat of extinction as they do not attract or inspire the same attention or funding as other more charismatic species. As a result, parasite species are mainly absent from threatened species lists and are not protected by legislation. Parasites have always existed, co-evolving alongside species. Even the earliest writings describe parasites and the infections they caused. However, as the world continues to warm, and many parasitic species continue to be ignored, scientists worry about how this could impact our world, and the species that inhabit it. Perhaps not all parasitic species deserve conservation attention, however it is important to recognise and understand their roles in nature. Parasites are weaved into the fabric of our world, and without them, life would certainly look very different. Author Olivia Kolasinski , freelance contributor Previous Next

< Back 18th-19th May, 2026 Edinburgh, UK International Brain Health Conference 2026 Inaugural international conference bringing together global leaders in neuroscience, clinical research, public health, and policy, with a central focus on protecting brain health before dementia develops. The inaugural International Brain Health Conference 2026 (IBHC 2026), hosted by Scottish Brain Sciences , will bring together researchers, clinicians, life sciences and pharmaceutical partners, policymakers and innovators to examine how advances in early detection and personalised medicine can be translated into practice. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences and Professor of Brain Health and Neurodegenerative Medicine at the University of St Andrews, said the field has shifted decisively towards identifying risk and disease processes well before dementia becomes clinically apparent. He emphasised that while the science now allows earlier identification, the more difficult task lies in embedding this knowledge within healthcare systems, public policy and routine clinical care, a gap the conference is intended to address. International faculty and cross-sector programme IBHC 2026 will feature an international faculty including Professor Jeff Cummings (University of Nevada), Professor Vanessa Raymont (University of Oxford), Professor Allan Young (Imperial College London), and Dr Francesca Farina (University of Chicago). The programme will span: Early detection, including imaging and fluid biomarkers Women’s brain health, menopause and sex-specific risk Brain health services and health economics Nutrition, sleep and mental health Comorbidities and infectious disease Global and population-level prevention strategies Professor Jeffrey Cummings will open the meeting with a keynote on therapeutic development. He noted that treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are progressing at pace, creating new opportunities to intervene in the earliest phases of illness. At the same time, he stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in prevention research, arguing that innovation in both treatment and prevention will be central to improving long-term brain health outcomes. A growing imperative for early intervention With dementia prevalence rising worldwide and health systems under sustained pressure, attention is increasingly turning to modifiable risk factors and earlier-stage intervention. IBHC 2026 aims to provide a forum for rigorous scientific exchange and collaboration across sectors at a point when the translation of research into service delivery is becoming ever more urgent. Early Bird registration, offering a 50% discount, is available until 31 March 2026. Further details and programme updates are available from Scottish Brain Sciences . Previous Register now Next

< Back World Health Summit 11th - 13th October, 2026 Berlin, Germany From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

Basecamp Research has announced the discovery of over one million previously unknown species as part of their new BaseData™ dataset. < Back One Million New Species Discovered Basecamp Research has announced the discovery of over one million previously unknown species as part of their new BaseData™ dataset. This discovery stems from years of intensive global biodiscovery efforts and has culminated in BaseData™, now the world’s largest and most diverse dataset of biological protein sequences. Built specifically to power the next generation of AI in biology, this data platform is redefining the possibilities of modern life science. Currently containing a staggering 9.8 billion protein sequences, BaseData™ eclipses the size of all publicly available biological sequence repositories combined. More than just a scientific milestone, this development aims to shatter a long-standing barrier in the life sciences: the “data wall” that has stalled the progress of AI models in biology. AI is transforming biology, as shown previously by BaseFold , an AI-powered tool also developed by Basecamp Research which harnesses the company's trademark data diversity, and which predicts protein structure with better accuracy than AlphaFold2 . This tool, which is particularly adept at predicting the structure for complex proteins, is now an invaluable tool in AI-driven discovery. The field of generative biology promises to revolutionize everything from medicine to climate science. But to thrive, these AI models need vast, diverse, and high-quality datasets. Public biological databases, though widely accessed (logging over 100 million hits daily), were originally built for academic research, not AI applications. Critically, 70% of all publicly available protein data comes from just ten species, making these datasets highly redundant and narrow in scope. This lack of diversity has constrained AI’s ability to generalize, innovate, and make meaningful predictions in the life sciences. In short, models have been trying to understand the richness of nature using an incomplete picture. This is the data wall . Basecamp Research took a bold approach to solving this problem. Through partnerships with over 125 communities across 26 countries, the company collected genetic samples from some of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth, all under a scalable and ethical framework aligned with the UN’s Nagoya Protocol. The result is BaseData™, a purpose-built, clean, and redundancy-free dataset more than ten times larger than any public alternative. It's already proving essential for training next-generation biological foundation models, the same type of models driving breakthroughs in drug discovery, enzyme engineering, and synthetic biology. The discoveries within BaseData™ are as extraordinary as they are diverse, representing entirely new microbial species, not just genetic variants. Examples include a new species of Burkholderia found on a WWII shipwreck, capable of extracting heavy metals from seawater, with powerful potential for bioremediation and pollution control. A thermophilic archaeon from the Sulfolobaceae family, isolated from acidic volcanic hot springs. Its heat-stable proteins could enhance drug delivery systems and extend the shelf-life of biological therapeutics. A unique species of Candidatus Eremiobacterota discovered in Antarctic soil, able to metabolize hydrogen and extract water from the air, an adaptation with potential for next-gen drug delivery or space-based life support systems. These breakthroughs are more than academic curiosities. They could become the biological building blocks for new antibiotics, climate-resilient crops, and biosensors for disease detection. Foundation AI models, the same class of models behind ChatGPT and image generation tools, are being rapidly adapted to biology. But their success depends on training data that captures the full breadth of nature’s complexity. By making BaseData™ available to researchers and institutions, Basecamp is laying the groundwork for a new era of biological discovery, one driven by ethically sourced, commercially scalable, and scientifically rigorous data. As the life sciences race to solve global challenges like antibiotic resistance, rare diseases, and environmental collapse, the discovery of one million new species offers more than just hope, it offers a new foundation for biological innovation. Learn more at www.basecamp-research.com . Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

< Back Collaborating Across Sectors to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Uniting innovation, equity, and cross-sector collaboration to scale prevention, expand access, and turn cervical cancer into the first cancer eliminated worldwide. The elimination of cervical cancer stands as one of the greatest opportunities for public health of our time. For the first time in history, we have the tools, strategy, and collaborative momentum to eliminate a cancer entirely. Yet, currently, over 350,000 women lose their lives to this preventable disease every year, with the overwhelming majority in low- and middle-income countries. While we are within touching distance of elimination, achieving those last, challenging steps will depend on action from all sectors, including the healthcare industry. The World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy provides us with a clear roadmap: 90% of girls to be vaccinated, 70% of women to receive high-performance screening, and 90% of women identified with cervical disease to receive treatment. It’s a strategy that could save as many as 14 million lives by 2070. But challenges remain. While we have the technology to meet these targets, implementing solutions at scale, and ensuring they can be accessed by some of the most marginalised populations, requires the combined effort of governments, health systems, the private sector and communities working together. None of us can succeed alone. The basis of elimination Cervical cancer elimination is possible because of three essential elements: screening, vaccination, and treatment. Together, they provide a powerful toolkit, saving individual lives and offering a path to global elimination. Screening has long been the cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention. High-income countries with established screening programmes have drastically reduced cancer rates by detecting abnormalities early, and ensuring patients receive treatment at an early stage, when it’s most effective. Vaccination has further transformed this landscape, protecting against the root cause of 99% of all cases – HPV infection. But it’s not a perfect solution. Vaccines delivered today will take decades to fully impact incidence, meaning that millions of women at risk today and the 100,000’s who will be diagnosed annually need prevention interventions now. This is why screening is essential, to change the course of the disease for women, working alongside vaccination to protect future generations. Australia offers a glimpse of what is possible when these tools are combined effectively. By integrating high vaccination coverage with accessible and innovative screening approaches and treatment, the country is on track to become the first in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem within the next decade. Breaking down barriers to cervical screening HPV infections are common, and in most cases, the immune system controls them effectively, reducing the virus to undetectable levels without causing harm. But left untreated, HPV infections can develop into cervical cancer, making screening a vital step in preventing deaths. Yet, despite its importance, many women face barriers that stop them from accessing screening in the first place. A recent survey highlighted the emotional and practical challenges that women face when it comes to screening. Fear of pain or discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety about test results prevent 30% of women from attending screenings. Practical barriers such as family responsibilities, work commitments, and difficulties booking appointments were also an issue cited by 22% of respondents. A lack of awareness or support further compounds the problem; only 18% of women said they had discussed their fears about screening with someone else. When women avoid screening, the entire care pathway breaks down, leaving preventable cancers undetected and untreated. Addressing these barriers is essential to achieving global elimination. Making cervical screening easier and more accessible The healthcare industry has an important role to play here. Innovative approaches to cervical screening are beginning to remove some of the key barriers that stop women from engaging with prevention. Innovations like self-sampling kits allow women to collect their own samples privately, removing concerns related to discomfort, stigma, or lack of time. Survey data reflects the potential of this approach, with 27% of millennials – the generation most likely to cancel or postpone a screening appointment – saying they would be more likely to participate in screening if self-collection were available. Other breakthrough solutions, such as menstrual blood diagnostics , are being trialled to make testing even less invasive and more accessible, particularly in low-resource settings. These innovations have the potential to revolutionise cervical cancer screening by making it easier, faster, and more inclusive. To realise their full potential, these innovations must be integrated into health systems and made widely available to the women that need them most. Enabling equity at scale Addressing systemic inequalities in cervical cancer prevention is as much about implementation as it is about innovation. While tools like these are helping break down the barriers women experience, ensuring they deliver meaningful impact requires collaboration across governments, health systems, communities, and the healthcare industry. Each stakeholder has a role to play, and the private sector’s contribution is critical – not only in driving innovation but in ensuring that these solutions are adaptable, affordable, and accessible to women everywhere. In many low-resource settings, gaps in healthcare infrastructure, from fragmented laboratory systems to insufficient diagnostic and treatment capacities, mean that even the most promising tools fail to reach women at risk. Tackling these challenges requires collaboration to build and strengthen systems capable of delivering effective care at scale. In Peru, an industry partnership with the Ministry of Health has enabled the successful introduction of HPV self-collection and molecular testing for nearly half a million underserved women – many of whom live in rural or hard-to-reach areas. By reducing the need to travel to clinics and offering the chance for women to collect their own samples privately and at their convenience, logistical barriers and cultural sensitivities have been overcome, ensuring women are not prevented from seeking care. This partnership also demonstrates how industry can work with health systems to embed innovations sustainably. By integrating HPV self-collection into Peru’s public healthcare infrastructure, the programme has created a sustainable model for cervical cancer prevention that can serve communities for years to come. Collaborating to overcome systemic barriers Achieving elimination at scale depends on partnerships that bring together governments, healthcare providers, industry, and communities to align resources, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure lasting impact. Blended financing models offer one way to support the long-term sustainability of prevention programmes. By combining public funding with private sector contributions and donor investments, governments can ensure that cervical cancer prevention becomes an enduring feature of national health strategies. In practice, this might mean a government funds and operates clinical infrastructure, such as screening centres and treatment pathways, while industry partners provide comprehensive support beyond just diagnostic technologies. Government tenders can group volumes together to lower costs and require additional services like specialised training for laboratories and education for healthcare workers. In Peru, the Ministry of Health co-ordinated the screening programme, while Roche provided the molecular testing platforms, self-collection kits, and logistical expertise required to integrate these tools into a nationwide screening strategy for remote communities. The value of this approach has been reinforced by recent roundtable discussions involving national ministries of health, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders. These discussions highlighted how aligning government priorities with multilateral efforts and private sector collaboration creates opportunities to anchor cervical cancer elimination initiatives within national health plans and insurance schemes. Such mechanisms, including multilateral procurement frameworks and cost-sharing models, provide predictable resources to sustain long-term progress and reach marginalised populations. Collaboration at the community level is also essential to driving uptake. Partnering with grassroots organisations, local leaders, and advocates ensures interventions resonate with the cultural and social contexts of women’s lives. Strong community engagement helps build trust, address stigma, and empower women to engage confidently in prevention and care. Designing programmes alongside communities ensures that solutions respond to women’s lived realities, making prevention efforts more inclusive and effective. Conclusion: turning commitment into action The elimination of cervical cancer is no longer a distant goal. With effective tools, robust strategies, and growing collaborative momentum, achieving this vision is within reach. However, success depends on how we act now. Governments must lead by embedding cervical cancer prevention into national health systems, creating long-term strategies that integrate vaccination, screening, and treatment as core services. Communities must play their part by driving awareness, building trust, and empowering women to engage with care. The private sector, meanwhile, must continue to support innovation and access while partnering with governments to deliver equitable and sustainable solutions. The WHO’s 90-70-90 strategy provides a clear path forward. But it’s only through collective action and an unwavering focus on equity that this promise can be fulfilled. Together, we can eradicate cervical cancer as a global health threat and ensure that no woman dies from this preventable disease. Now is the time to turn ambition into action and deliver one of the most profound public health achievements of our time. Author Joanna Sickler , Vice-President, Health Policy & External Affairs, Roche Diagnostics Previous Next

< Back 3rd – 6th June, 2024 San Diego, CA BIO International Convention Connect with a ‘global network of business leaders, policymakers, investors, and scientists for a common purpose: curing patients, protecting the planet, and nourishing humanity.' Previous Register now Next