Later this month, thousands of regulators, scientists, and industry leaders will converge on the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting. The theme this year is “Collaboration Without Boundaries,” which feels timely: the conversations held in DC could shape regulatory science well beyond 2025. I’ll be onsite representing JB Ashtin—water and iPad in hand—tracking the ideas that matter most to our clients.
Why DIA Deserves Attention
1. A uniquely neutral stage. DIA is one of the few forums where FDA, EMA, MHRA (and now multiple patient-advocacy groups) occupy the stage. This year’s agenda features 35 FDA speakers and more than 100 additional regulators from around the world.
2. Compression of network density. Five days at DIA could be of more benefit than 5 months of siloed video calls. When refining an evidence-generation plan or pressure testing your medical strategy, you may find someone seated next to you in one of the crowded sessions interested in discussing your ideas.
3. Reinforced patient voice. DIA 2025 has a “Patients Included” designation that signifies a commitment to the active and respectful participation of people with lived experience of specific diseases. This term is more than a slogan; it signals a higher standard for genuine patient engagement in every session.
These factors make DIA a practical checkpoint for anyone shaping clinical-to-commercial strategy in the next 12–18 months.
2025 Hot-Topic Radar
| Focus | Why It Matters Now |
|---|---|
| Real-World Evidence Harmonization | The draft ICH M14 guideline sketches a common framework for using real-world data (RWD) in regulatory decisions, pushing sponsors to elevate data provenance and methodological rigor. Expect active debate on “fit-for-purpose” RWD and pragmatic trial designs. |
| Patient-Powered Abstracts and Panels | The new “Patients Included” status means more patients will co-review abstracts and speak on panels. For teams used to purely scientific peer review, this shift demands clearer plain-language narratives and genuine co-creation. |
| Regulatory “Speed-Dating” | With nearly 3 dozen FDA speakers on site, DIA offers an informal temperature check on evolving guidance for digital endpoints, decentralized trials, and complex generics. |
How JB Ashtin Turns Conference Buzz into Action
I’ll be in as many sessions as possible, asking myself, “How do these insights shape the cadence of evidence generation and the tangible outcomes our clients need?” After the meeting, I plan to compile a concise “DIA 2025 Debrief” that will highlight actionable takeaways for JB Ashtin’s medical affairs and commercial colleagues.
Your Next Step
Can’t make it to DC? Stay tuned for my post-conference summary. It will land in your inbox by mid-July, giving you the key lessons, emerging trends, and practical next moves—no travel receipts required.
PS: If you are attending, let me know. I’d love to buy you a coffee.