An open discussion between science, institutions and patients to build the future of biopharmaceuticals together.This is the spirit that inspired “Science meets Humanity. The future of biopharmaceuticals between plasma and new therapies,” an event promoted by Kedrion Biopharma and held today at the Talent Garden in Milan, with the free patronage of the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF).
The initiative represented an opportunity for concrete dialogue between key players in the industry: institutions, academia, the scientific community and patient associations discussed crucial issues such as timely access to therapies, the role of plasma derivatives, the impact of new technologies and the challenges of research in rare and ultra-rare diseases.
After the institutional greetings from Emanuele Monti, President of the IX Permanent Commission of the Regional Council of Lombardy, and Lisa Noja, Councillor of the Lombardy Region, the event was opened by Ugo Di Francesco, CEO of Kedrion Biopharma, who highlighted the strategic role of the biopharmaceutical industry in a complex and constantly evolving global context, particularly in light of the growing use of human-derived substances, including plasma.
Two round tables guided the discussion:
– The first, “Biopharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives: the road to equitable access to innovation” involved Francesco Carugi (Farmindustria Blood Products Group), Rosa Chianese (SRC – AREU, Lombardy Region), Francesca Lecci (SDA Bocconi), Marcella Marletta, (F.A.V.O.), and Ilaria Ciancaleoni Bartoli (OMAR).
– The second, “Rare and ultra-rare diseases: the partnership between companies, institutions and patients” featured participants Andrea Caricasole (Kedrion Biopharma), Paola Minghetti (University of Milan), Simone Gardini, (GenomeUp), Gianni Sava (SIF), and Paola Kruger (EUPATI).
During the event, the transformative potential of digital technologies and artificial intelligence was highlighted, tools that are increasingly central to making care models more personalized, efficient and sustainable.
Furthermore, the importance of strengthening collaboration between the scientific community and institutions was emphasized, to ensure timely and sustainable access to therapies, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and future-oriented healthcare system.
Ugo Di Francesco, CEO of Kedrion Biopharma
“We’re living in an era of extraordinary scientific innovations, and also an era of growing uncertainties: geopolitical instability, conflicts and global economic tensions. The biopharmaceutical industry plays a strategic role in this scenario, not only for the economic value it generates, but above all because of its mission: to respond to still-unmet medical needs. Human-derived substances, such as plasma, are increasingly central to the development of life-saving therapies.”
Gianni Sava, Director of SIF Magazine and former Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Trieste
“The commitment to developing new plasma-derived medicines in the field of rare diseases is of primary importance to address the challenges associated with this group of conditions and to ensure that patients have the best treatment opportunities. Despite advances in research, many patients still face difficulties in obtaining timely diagnoses and adequate treatment. This event was an opportunity to reaffirm SIF’s full support in promoting dialogue between institutions, pharmaceutical companies and the scientific community to accelerate the availability of new therapies.”
Ilaria Ciancaleoni Bartoli, Director of OMAR
“There are approximately 10,000 known rare diseases, and to date, less than a hundred have specific therapies available, so there is still much to be done in the field of research. Among the available therapies, many of these are based on plasma derivatives, and many patients also need regular blood transfusions. It is therefore clear that for the community of people with rare diseases, blood and plasma are a cornerstone of therapy. Therefore, it is essential that national and regional institutions, as well as the medical community and patient associations, immediately intensify their efforts to encourage the practice of donation.”
The event was organized with the technical support of Rud Pedersen – Public Affairs. Media partner: Adnkronos.
