Global Bio Conference in Seoul focuses on regulatory innovation

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is hosting the 12th Global Bio Conference (GBC) in Seoul, focusing on the theme ‘Bio Leap, Accelerating Innovation’. The event brings together approximately 5,000 experts from global regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical industries, and academia to discuss technological trends and regulatory policies, specifically regarding AI and advanced biopharmaceuticals.

Key discussions at the conference include the role of regulation in commercializing innovative technologies and fostering international cooperation. The MFDS is working to shorten drug approval timelines, with goals to reduce the average review period from 420 days to 240 days through increased professional staffing and enhanced communication with companies.

Industry experts, including representatives from Dong-A ST, have emphasized the need for ‘regulatory co-development’. This approach suggests that regulatory agencies should engage with companies from the early stages of drug development to ensure that new strategies are scientifically supported and aligned with regulatory expectations, rather than simply shortening review times.