Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

Trends from the 2016 PDA Annual Meeting

The event highlights the importance of engaged patients, advocacy groups and planning for personalized medicine.

Putting the patient first

The opening session’s message was quite clear, and indicative of the welcome shift in the pharma industry’s focus. “We’re all working for one person, that’s the patient,” began Maik Jornitz, President at G-Con Manufacturing, Inc. As experts have said, serving the patient is a privilege, but it comes with responsibility.

Dave deBronkart, also known as “e-Patient Dave” delivered a moving presentation about the rise of educated patients and the potential for improved outcomes. The spokesman for patient engagement knows first-hand about the journey from diagnosis to education and treatment. After being diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer with multiple tumors throughout his body, he turned to an online patient community for advice. What he learned from his peers about treatments, doctors and side effects helped to save his life.

Because of the Internet, patients can connect to information and to each other (along with other healthcare providers). This becomes extremely beneficial when considering the gap between reality and awareness (i.e. what is known through patients and studies, and what has been published in literature). In his case, motivated, savvy patients knew certain published information was out of date, and that the risk of a treatment was lower than stated in literature. Additionally, he explained that there was nothing in the literature about getting through the side effects, but the online community prepared him with 17 first-hand stories of survival. He was clear not to dismiss literature, but said that some of the most useful knowledge remains outside of it.

Medical Device Innovations Report
Cutting-edge packaging technologies are transforming the medical device sector in PMMI’s “Innovation in Medical Device” report, featuring advanced materials, smart solutions, and evolving regulations. Editors share insights from nearly 300 PACK EXPO booth visits—each product deemed new and truly innovative—alongside video demonstrations of the equipment and materials on display.
Learn More
Medical Device Innovations Report
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging
<strong>At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, you’ll see machinery in action and new tech from 2,300 suppliers, collaborate with experts and explore transformative solutions. Join us in September to experience a breakthrough for life sciences products.</strong>
REGISTER NOW & SAVE!
Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in life sciences packaging