While the industry waits for AI-designed drugs to prove their mettle in the clinic, a more immediate return on investment is emerging in the development phase, points out Julien Meissonnier, Independent Director at Prolific Machines.

While GLP-1s will still form part of the conversations at the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Julien Meissonnier, Independent Director for Prolific Machines, offers insights into other promising modalities that are worth discussing.

In a market where investor confidence is tied to de-risked programs, the proven ability to solve complex manufacturing challenges, and established regulatory strength, the choice of a CDMO partner has never been more critical, remarks Ryan Lake from Lifecore Biomedical.

For Jeremie Trochu from Ardena, therapeutic selectivity, regional manufacturing resilience, and operational connectivity will prove to be critical themes for the industry over the coming months.

Ahead of the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Julien Meissonnier, Independent Director for Prolific Machines, breaks down the transitional phase of today’s market, highlighting the unsustainability of de-risking strategies in the long term.

For Megha Sinha from Kamet Consulting Group, industry conversations around key topics are shifting, as companies seek to gain the greatest operational benefits from AI and find ways to improve supply chain resilience without causing chaos.

The PRISM project has the potential to offer a fundamental shift to the way that regulatory bodies and industry collaborate and interact, according to Frits Stulp from Implement Consulting Group.

According to Maria Andreasen from FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, there will be three operational priorities that will separate bio/pharmaceutical leaders from the rest of the industry in 2026.

In this exclusive preview to J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026, Elliott Berger highlights his thoughts of promising therapeutic modalities and explains why regional manufacturing is no longer optional for biopharma companies seeking long-term resilience.

Facing mounting cost pressures and the logistical challenges of scaling next-generation therapies, biopharma innovators are pivoting towards strategic, integrated outsourcing models, remarks Tom Sellig from Adare Pharma Solutions.

Non-invasive drug delivery via pulmonary and nasal routes is increasingly in demand; however, while there has already been significant innovation within the sector, even more is required to meet future needs.

Primary packaging requirements are evolving in line with development trends; however, flexible and easily integrated ready-to-use solutions are beneficial options, highlight Dr. Robert Lindner and Christoph Zauner from SCHOTT Pharma.

For Jacob Werlinger from Bend Bioscience, turning innovative concepts into reality requires CDMOs to not just be service providers but more of a strategic scientific partner that can help advance the concept to commercialization using the right science tools.

Implementation of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture nanofiber systems in industrial vaccine production offers much higher viral vaccine titers, greater scalability and improved process economy, but it will require tight collaboration with the industry to help speed up their wide adoption, stresses Laura Chirica from Cellevate.  

As geopolitical factors are driving a greater focus on U.S. manufacturing, many companies are seeking ways to improve productivity while keeping their products affordable for patients, highlights Russel Miller from Enzene.

Innovation is driving OSD into new frontiers, from orally delivered biologics and enhanced solubility to sustainable manufacturing and AI-driven formulation development, asserts Shahrzad Missaghi from Colorcon.

For Timothy Compton from Alcami, there are numerous trends driving the surge in demand for U.S. based bio/pharma manufacturing, including the benefits of a greater quality culture and adaptability to batch size requirements.

CDMOs need to be more than just providers of capacity, they need to be integrated strategic solution partners, embedding flexibility, reliability, and sustainability into their business models, according to Dr. Max Lauwiner from Valsynthese.

Having a partner involved from the outset of a sterile fill/finish project to help plan and support at each stage, is a potentially beneficial approach for innovators, highlights Hanns-Christian Mahler from ten23 health.

Increasingly complex and moisture-sensitive ingredients require careful, considered, and connected approaches that ensure the integrity of the finished product is maintained, explains Christian Classen from Sanner Group.