A reliable supply of safe and affordable medicines is essential – particularly when supply chains are disrupted or demand rises unexpectedly. From 14 to 16 September, the ECCPM Forum 2026 brought together experts and decision-makers from across the pharmaceutical industry, research, technology development and public institutions in Graz, Austria. Discussions centered on how advanced manufacturing can contribute to more resilient supply chains and enable a faster response in times of crisis.

The European Consortium for Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (ECCPM) is working to accelerate the transfer of continuous manufacturing technologies from research and development to industrial-scale application. The forum provides a pre-competitive environment where industry, academia, regulators and technology providers can exchange expertise and jointly develop solutions.

Resilient Supply Chains Depend on Collaboration

During the panel discussion “Building Resilient Pharmaceutical Supply Chains”, experts from policy, manufacturing, distribution, security and research explored how closer collaboration can help identify risks earlier, use manufacturing capacity more flexible, and ensure that medicines continue to reach patients during a crisis. Panelists included Ilaria Del Seppia from the European Commission’s DG HERA and Stephanie Jedner, Head of Sandoz in Kundl.

The conference program covered continuous API and drug product manufacturing, digital twins and simulation, regulatory agility and hands-on technology workshops. The common objective was clear: to build the technologies, partnerships and capabilities Europe needs before the next crisis occurs.