PDA Letter Article

Get Estatic for Aspetic

by David Keen, Ecolab Life Sciences

3 technicians in sterile gowning attending to a modular isolatorIs the vulnerability of aseptic manufacturing a top-of-mind issue for you? Are you up to date on the threats of contamination during the manufacturing process that can lead to harmful side effects or reduced therapeutic efficacy, putting patients' health at risk?

I have the pleasure of co-chairing this year’s PDA Good Aseptic Manufacturing Conference held on 22-23 May in Basel, Switzerland. Join us for an unmissable two-day event and immerse yourself in everything aseptic. The conference is part of PDA Good Manufacturing Week 2025, co-located with the PDA Good Digital Manufacturing Conference 2025 on 20-21 May.

We intend to bring together an exceptional gathering of industry leaders, innovators and professionals from around the globe. This year's conference promises to be a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing and exploring the latest advancements in the field. Mark your calendars for an event that will leave you inspired and equipped with valuable insights to drive your success.

Why Attend?

If you are sitting on the fence and not sure about attending, we have got five great reasons why the conference is worth your time, energy and investment!

  1. Access: Gain firsthand insights from industry leaders and experts.
  2. Foresight: Explore the latest advancements and innovations.
  3. Connection: Network with professionals from around the world.
  4. Meaningfulness: Participate in interactive sessions and discussions.
  5. Advancement: Discover new solutions and strategies to drive your career.

New Directions

Less than a year ago, we met in Stuttgart at the PDA Good Aseptic Manufacturing Conference 2024, and the launch of European Union GMP Annex 1 was all-encompassing. Fast forward 12 months, and the flavor of this conference is shaping up to be a little different and equally valuable. The reverberations of Annex 1 are diminishing as it is fully embedded into everyone’s quality management system/consciousness (or nightmares). This year, we are looking forward to emerging technologies, the impact of rapid changes in our industry and how to improve the final measure of success, providing safe medicines to ensure the health and welfare of patients.

We will cover the most important factors guiding our profession and practice: strict controls, product integrity, regulatory compliance and cost implications. The agenda is packed with an engaging range of sessions, talks and interactive discussions that are designed to address our attendees’ interests and expertise levels. Here is a sneak peek into what you can expect:

  • Opening Plenary

    We kick off the event with presentations full of insights and innovations. Keynote presenter Alina Gruber, Country Medical Director at GSK will be joined by a physician to discuss how to engage healthcare professionals with new solutions. Swissmedic will report on their Inspectorate's experiences and the challenges facing the industry with the updated Annex 1 and their activities to support innovative technologies. Then, Markus Heinz, MSc., Strategy and Global Product Management at Syntegon Technology GmbH; Claudio Lazzati, MSc., Senior Manager, Equipment Engineering at Pfizer; and Raquel Casañ Crespo, MSc., Project Manager at Novo Nordisk A/S, discuss collaborative breakthroughs in next-generation production and advancements in aseptic fill and finish processes—highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving innovation.

    Alissa Monk, Head of Sustainability at ten23 health, closes the session with a holistic approach to addressing value chain emissions.


  • Interactive Sessions

    Engage in interactive sessions and panel discussions where you can share your thoughts, ask questions and gain insights from industry leaders. These sessions are designed to foster open dialogue and provide a platform for collaborative problem-solving. This year, we invite high levels of delegate participation and dialogue as we pose some of the tricky questions on topics such as First Air principles. We are seeking opinions and answers to these tricky conundrums from our delegates.


  • Sessions

    Choose from various track sessions that cater to specific interests and expertise areas. Whether you are interested in closed systems, aseptic manufacturing or quality risk management, there is a session for you. Each track features expert speakers and moderators who will share their knowledge and experiences.


  • Closing Plenary

    We close the conference with a three-part plenary session. Regulatory Expectations on Data-Driven Sterile Manufacturing will be presented by Christina Meissner, PhD, Group Manager at AGES, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety GmbH. I will present Nudge Theory: What It Is and How People Can Be Influenced to Make Better Decisions in Aseptic Manufacturing. Following a dynamic, interactive conversation on crucial industry topics, my co-chair Simone Biel, PhD, Senior Regulatory Consultant at Merck KGaA, and I will provide a summary of the highlights, trends and key takeaways from the conference. Incisive closing remarks and a farewell by Falk Klar of PDA Europe will wrap up what promises to be an unforgettable event.


  • Unprecedented Networking

    Here is your chance to connect with fellow attendees, industry experts and potential collaborators during the networking breaks and in the exhibition hall. You will enjoy our relaxed environment while exchanging ideas, discussing challenges and building valuable relationships.


  • Poster Sessions and Guided Walks

    Learn one-on-one from these experts about their latest research and innovations through poster sessions and guided walks. Engage with our presenters and explore cutting-edge projects shaping the industry's future.

Register Today!

As always with the PDA, I find it extremely useful to hear how people are implementing changes to aseptic manufacturing and how new technology can help, especially with an eye on product quality. So, here’s my advice: Please don't miss out on this incredible event! Register now to secure your spot and help guide the future of Good Aseptic Manufacturing.

We look forward to welcoming you to Basel and sharing this exciting journey with you.