Microbiome research has boosted in recent years thanks to major advances in next-generation DNA sequencing technologies. Many complex diseases can now be associated with deficiencies in specific microbial taxa in the human microbiome (gut, vagina, airways, skin). This raises the hope that some complex diseases can benefit from microbiome therapies that replenish these specific microbiome taxa. Such strategies are forming a new drug category which under the umbrella term ‘live biotherapeutic products’ (LBP). An LBP is a biological product that contains live organisms - applicable to the prevention, treatment or cure of a disease or condition of human beings - and is not a vaccine. The development of LBPs as drugs comes with significant challenges for identification, characterization, formulation and regulation of these live (micro)-organisms. Examples during this lecture will be given on our experiences with the development of LBPs for skin, nasal and vaginal applications.

Prof. Dr. Kai Dallmeier (KU Leuven - Rega Institute) will talk us through the development of live attenuated vaccines against neglected and emerging infectious diseases, and the clinical challenges and innovations that come with this fascinating process.

CAR T cell therapy is applicable in Belgium in several hematological indications. The concept of CAR t cell therapy is repeated and we discuss how clinical efficacy could be improved in both hematological and solid malignancies.

Curious about the innovative journey of CAR-T cell therapy in Belgium? Find out more about the transformation of the supply chain and the building of a brand new manufacturing hub anchored in the Belgian and global ecosystem!

The development and production of transformative therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy require great innovative strength and strong collaboration. Together with Legend Biotech, Janssen is building their first state-of-the-art facilities both in Ghent and Beerse to make the manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapy possible. The decision to build the new European production facility in Belgium is a recognition of the unique local life sciences ecosystem, which is highly regarded within the global innovative life sciences environment.

We live in a fast paced world! And that's an understatement. Technology is making rapid advances and has a severe impact on the way healthcare is and will be organized going forward. But the future is not something that will be thrown upon us, it’s something we will build. In this forward looking talk, we’ll focus on the technologies shaping the future of healthcare, but also how we can get started today.

In his fast-paced talk, Tom Braekeleirs, CEO of BlueHealth Innovation Center, will take you on a journey through how we can invent the future of healthcare.