DPHARM® Announces First Slate of Keynotes for 15th Annual Event

The Conference Forum announced the first keynotes of the DPHARM®: Disruptive Innovations to Modernize Clinical Research conference, including the former heads of Merck and FDA, for the 2025 meeting. 

NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Forum announced today the first set of keynotes for the 15th annual DPHARM: Disruptive Innovations to Modernize Clinical Research conference, taking place September 16-17, 2025, at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia, PA.

"The 2025 keynotes were highly recommended by R&D executives on innovating for patients during an unprecedented flurry of changes, as clinical trial protocols continue to add to the levels of patient and site burden," said Tracey Kimball, DPHARM Conference Director. 

"We are at a real moment of inflection and change in our industry. This year's lineup represents an incredible list of keynote speakers that have seen it all over the years and I'm excited to hear their expert thoughts on what happens next and how we can innovate our way through the challenges in front of us," said Sean Lynch, Clinical Innovation Head, Innovative Trial Operations, Novartis and 2025 DPHARM advisor.

The 2025 keynotes include:

Kenneth C. Frazier, JD, retired Chairman and CEO of Merck & Co, Inc, and Chairman, Health Assurance Initiatives of General Catalyst, speaks on leading with integrity through times of change and fostering a culture that supports innovation.

Scott Gottlieb, MD, 23rd Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, speaks on the future of clinical research and the current and potential impact of the geopolitical landscape on R&D.

Victoria Gray, Patient Advocate, speaks on her experience as the first CRISPR gene therapy recipient for sickle cell disease and the profound impact a clinical trial had on her life.

Kenneth Getz, MBA, Director and Professor, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Tufts University School of Medicine, speaks on addressing protocol complexity to lessen the burden of participation for sites and patients.

"Our industry has always been shaped by waves of change – each one challenging, each one filled with possibility. I'm inspired to hear Ken Frazier share how we can lead with purpose and integrity, transforming the current moments of disruption into a catalyst for innovation and sustainable impact," said Dennis Salotti, Executive Director & Head of Clinical Outsourcing & Innovation, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and 2025 DPHARM advisor.

In addition to the keynotes, DPHARM 2025 has over 200 speakers. The DPHARM agenda is carefully curated with the guidance of over 75 advisors representing pharmaceutical senior clinical operation executives, patient advocacy, clinical sites, innovative tech and service companies, academia and regulatory authorities.

DPHARM will be preceded by the Partnerships with Sites summit and the 10th annual CRAACO®: Clinical Research as a Care Option conference, September 15, 2025. To learn more, visit www.theconferenceforum.org.

For the full DPHARM agenda, visit www.DPHARMconference.com.

About DPHARM:
DPHARM®: Disruptive Innovations to Modernize Clinical Research offers an unparalleled opportunity to hear senior clinical operations executives and innovative thought leaders report on innovations that are modernizing clinical trials and reducing patient burden. The concept of DPHARM was founded by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, who continue to play a key role on the steering committee to deliver a highly relevant and engaging program. DPHARM takes place September 16-17 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia, PA where its inaugural meeting took place.

About The Conference Forum: 
The Conference Forum is a life science industry research firm that develops conferences primarily around how to get therapeutics to patients faster. The company also publishes digital editorial across six categories, and produces PharmaTalkRadio, virtual events, and webinars.

SOURCE DPHARM