Leaders from Pfizer, Novartis and J&J Challenge Industry to Disrupt R&D

NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are preparing to hear more than 25 presentations, ranging from key behaviors that drive innovation to applying disruptive approaches to achieve pragmatic clinical trials, at the 2nd Annual Disruptive Innovations to Advance Clinical Trials (DPharm) conference. The event is scheduled for September 13-14, 2012 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA. www.dpharmconference.com

Designed for innovative thinkers looking to take the high-level, systemic view needed to identify changes that can overcome inefficiencies in clinical trials, this TED-style event showcases innovations and leading practitioners in clinical research. Leading the event is:

• Craig H. Lipset, Head of Clinical Innovation, Research & Development, Pfizer
• John Orloff, MD, SVP, Global Development & Chief Medical Officer, Novartis Pharma AG
• Andreas Koester, MD, PhD, VP, Clinical Trial Innovation & External Alliances, Janssen, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

"Featuring fresh ideas in a highly engaging format, DPharm has quickly emerged as THE event for creative leaders seeking to bring the changes in clinical research necessary to ensure the ongoing development of new medicines," comments Craig Lipset.

Co-Chair John Orloff adds, "The pharmaceutical industry is at a crossroads.  We can cling to the old business model and go the way of the dinosaurs. Or we can embrace disruptive technologies and innovations, already being piloted, to transform our industry and move us into a new era of productivity, for our patients. Do we have the will and the bold leadership to make it happen?  The 2nd Annual DPharm event discusses many of these opportunities as a catalyst towards a new paradigm."

As a Guest VIP Speaker, Karen Freidt, Lead, Navigation Center for Creativity, Collaboration & Innovation, NASA, talks about how NASA powers innovation in a heavily regulated high risk industry.

Over 250 attendees are anticipated. Companies participating in the event include Acorda Therapeutics, AG Mednet, Aptiv Solutions, Archimedes, AxxiTRIALS, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Celtic Therapeutics, Clinical Ink, DrugDev.org, Eli Lilly, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Esperion Therapeutics, Geisinger Health System, GSK, Janssen, Merck Research Laboratories (MRL), Milestone Venture Partners, Novartis Pharma AG, Pfizer, J&J, NASA, RPS, Shire, Spaulding Clinical, Structural Genomics Consortium, Symphony Clinical Research, Target Health Inc., Transparency Life Sciences, ?WhatIf! Innovation and many more.

For more information, visit www.theconferenceforum.org, email [email protected] or call 646 350 2580.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ciara Healy, PH: 646-350-2580 x310, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE The Conference Forum