Localization in the life sciences industry is all about going global, prioritizing patient safety, and mitigating the risk of expensive regulatory missteps. Vistatec Life Sciences invited three industry experts to discuss the vital role of localization in global healthcare.
Moderated by Vistatec’s Karen Tkaczyk, the panel featured:
- Eva Stabenow, Medical Writer & Copywriter at WordPlay Lab
- David Webb, VP of Global Enterprise Sales at XTM International
- Bruno Herrmann, Strategic Advisor & Head of Global Marketing
Let’s take a look at the key moments from this insightful roundtable.
Localization Should Never Be an Afterthought
The panelists stressed that localization in life sciences is fundamentally different from other industries. Accuracy is more than simple brand consistency; it directly impacts patient health and regulatory compliance.
David Webb reflected on his two decades in the industry, noting that life sciences companies are increasingly recognizing that language quality is non-negotiable.
“I once had a client tell me a product recall due to a translation error was costing them $1 million per day,” he shared. “It was a stark reminder that localization mistakes in this field can have serious business and human consequences.”
Even with stories like those pervading the industry, localization is still too often treated as an afterthought, added Eva Stabenow. She has spent much of her career “in the trenches” as a medical translator.
“All too often, localization is brought in at the end when teams realize, last minute, they need materials in 20 languages,” she said. “That’s when errors creep in, and delays mount.”
Localization needs to be integrated from the start and not bolted on at the end.
Life Sciences Expertise Matters
One of the panel’s most resounding points was that not all translators are created equal – especially not in life sciences.
“You can’t just hire someone who speaks two languages and expect flawless results,” said Stabenow. “Medical and pharmaceutical content demands subject matter expertise. The translator needs to understand not just the language but the science, and the patient.”
Bruno Herrmann called this the need for “T-shaped linguists”, which he defines as professionals who combine broad linguistic knowledge with deep expertise in a specific area, like oncology, clinical trials, or medical devices. These linguists know the nuances of both terminology and patient-centric communication.
Finding these specialists remains a global challenge. “The industry is always asking: ‘Where can we find linguists who truly understand the science?’” said Herrmann. “The reality is, this expertise takes time to develop and companies need to invest in their language partners accordingly.”
Technology as a Global Healthcare Localization Tool
Human expertise will always be vital, but technology is transforming localization, espcially for companies managing multi-market, multi-language content operations.
David Webb discussed the evolution from basic translation tools to today’s Translation Management Systems (TMS). These allow companies to manage complex workflows across languages and regions. Platforms like XTM integrate with Regulatory Information Management (RIM) systems and clinical trial platforms, which enables teams to automate processes while maintaining compliance.
That being said, technology is not a cure-all.
Herrmann emphasized the need for a unified tech ecosystem: “Life sciences companies often juggle fragmented tools and platforms. When you add 20 languages and multiple suppliers into that mix, it becomes exponentially complex,” he said. “The goal should be to centralize your content and localization systems, creating a secure and efficient ecosystem.”
Stabenow agreed: “Technology can drive efficiency, but it’s only as good as the people using it. You still need human oversight, especially when patients’ health is on the line.”
The Human Factor = Patients at the Center
The panel repeatedly brought the conversation back to the patient.
Stabenow stressed that localization is ultimately about communication and making sure patients understand their treatment, their rights, and their health.
“If a clinical trial participant can’t understand the consent form, or if dosage instructions are unclear, that’s not just a language problem. That’s a patient safety issue.”
This patient-first mindset is especially crucial as clinical trials globalize, more often than not involving participants from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Clear, culturally appropriate communication can improve trial retention, reduce errors, and enhance trust between patients and providers.
Practical Steps for Life Sciences Leaders
How can life sciences companies future-proof their localization efforts? The panelists offered these practical steps:
1. Embed Localization Early
Treat localization as a core business process and not an afterthought. Involve language experts from the beginning of clinical trials, product development, and regulatory planning.
2. Vet Your Language Partners Carefully
Look beyond basic translation services. Seek linguists with both language and subject matter expertise. Ask for qualifications in life sciences or proof of deep, field-specific experience.
3. Invest in the Right Technology
Use TMS platforms that integrate with your regulatory and clinical systems. Focus on building a centralized, secure ecosystem. This will reduce the risk of errors and delays.
4. Prioritize Patient Understanding
Ensure content is not only medically accurate but also clear and accessible. Consider plain language principles for patient materials and local cultural sensitivities.
Localization Is A Strategic Growth Driver
The message from the panel was clear:
Localization is not a compliance hurdle. It’s a strategic enabler.
When approached proactively and with just the right mix of human expertise and technology, localization can:
- Accelerate global market access
- Improve patient engagement
- Protect brand reputation
- Safeguard regulatory compliance
As life sciences organizations expand, the companies that treat localization as a business-critical function (on par with R&D or clinical trials) will gain a noticeable advantage.
Interested in more insights?
Download Vistatec’s Executive’s Guide to Localization for practical strategies tailored to the life sciences sector.