Vistatec Life Sciences attended RAPS Convergence 2024, the largest annual, regulatory-focused event in the world, hosted by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). Held in Long Beach, CA, it brought together industry professionals and innovative minds to explore trends, technologies, and challenges in the life sciences regulatory space.
Karen Tkaczyk, Life Sciences Director of Sales, María Mateos, Life Sciences Strategic Account Director, and María Roa, Marketing Communications and Global Events Manager, represented Vistatec. The team brought back some key insights and topics shaping the regulatory landscape.
Key Trends & Topics
RAPS Convergence delivered high-impact workshops, sessions, and plenaries, which were broad and astute. “Cross-Industry Insights: Leveraging AI to Elevate NextGen Regulatory” and “Challenges in Developing Medical Technologies for Unmet Medical Needs” stood out in particular.
Several recurring themes emerged. These topics serve as an indicator of the direction and focus of the current regulatory landscape:
Health Equity
Equitable healthcare is taking center stage. The goal is that all populations, particularly underserved communities, have fair access to treatment. According to the 2024 Health Equity Outlook, almost 50% of C-suite executives from life sciences and healthcare organizations plan to increase health equity investments in 2025.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
While AI has transformed many sectors, its adoption in regulatory affairs is still in its early stages. Suitable use cases for the regulatory arena are emerging, but risk is high, and early adoption is less likely here than in other domains.
Harmonization
Harmonization is advancing rapidly. There is increasing space for industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and regulators to collaborate on solutions and consequently contribute to ensuring that healthcare treatments are available worldwide.
DCTs and RWE
Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs) and Real-World Evidence (RWE) were featured heavily as they continue to affect the regulatory landscape.
A Collaborative Spirit
RAPS Convergence emphasized the value of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Professionals from various backgrounds have the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss global solutions. This spirit of collaboration aligns perfectly with Vistatec’s mission to provide organizations with scalable solutions that meet global regulatory standards.
Another key takeaway was the focus on connection. Experts from across the sector came together to learn and network with both new and familiar faces.
Giving Back to the Community
Vistatec Life Sciences decided not to rent or ship booth furniture for the event. Instead, we purchased new furniture, tables, and chairs and donated them to the WomenShelter of Long Beach when the event was finished. Knowing these items had gone towards a great social cause added an extra sense of purpose to our attendance.
Looking Ahead
The Vistatec Life Sciences division is growing rapidly. The knowledge and relationships we gained at RAPS Convergence 2024 will add value to our worldwide operations.
