Tuesday 30 June 2026 – Seminar
HYPERION Hotel, Basel
5pm – 8pm
The Phase I Sprint:
Winning Strategies for
Sterile Formulation
Development and
Fast Clinical Success
About the Seminar
This event is focused on the critical challenges of advancing complex molecules to early clinical sterile development, particularly within the constraints of Annex 1 compliance.
The session combines introductions, networking, and a facilitated seminar to explore key issues such as securing small-scale aseptic capacity, managing accelerated clinical submission timelines, and overcoming formulation hurdles for spray-dried biologics.
Upperton’s 16-week sterile manufacturing roadmap will highlight how you can move from formulation to clinical submission sooner and with greater confidence. The discussion will extend to practical strategies for navigating CDMO selection and applying enabling technologies like spray drying for high-concentration biologics, providing a realistic path to faster clinical progress.
View Agenda
5pm
Welcome, introductions and refreshments
5.30pm – 6:30pm
Sterile Manufacturing
A technical discussion about Annex 1 in practice, navigating the fill/finish CDMO landscape and strategies to avoid critical path delays to reach clinical submission in 16 weeks.
6.30pm – 6:45pm – Q&A, food and Networking
6:45pm – 7.30pm –
Formulation and delivery of complex molecules through spray-drying
Practical insights for overcoming complex sterile formulation challenges with enabling technologies, and the applications of spray drying for high-concentration biologics.
7:30 pm – 7:45 pm – Q&A
7:45 pm – 8 pm – Closing remarks
8 pm – Event close
Key Reasons to Attend:
- De‑risk early clinical timelines
- Learn how to achieve faster clinical readiness
- Navigate EU GMP Annex 1 with confidence
- Make better early formulation and process decisions
- Get real‑world insight from peers and experts
Refreshments and food provided
Book Your Place
Speakers.
Richard Johnson, Chief Scientific Officer
Dr Richard Johnson founded Upperton Pharma Solutions in 1999 and remains central to its strategic leadership. With over 30 years’ experience across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and drug delivery, including specialist expertise in pharmaceutical spray drying, he holds an honours degree in Biology from the University of York and a PhD from the University of Warwick, with a strong track record of advancing innovative medicines from early feasibility through to commercialisation.
Ian Lafferty, Chief Technical Officer
Ian has 30 years’ experience in early phase pharmaceutical development, spanning formulation design, process optimisation, and manufacture of diverse dosage forms, including high potency and complex molecules. He has held senior executive roles at multiple CDMOs, providing strategic and operational leadership to deliver high quality pharmaceutical services.
Christopher Wade, Sr Director, Business Development
Christopher Bjerkan Wade is a senior business development leader with nearly a decade of experience spanning pharma, life sciences, and commercial strategy. He currently serves as Senior Director of Business Development at Upperton. Prior to this role, Christopher spent close to five years at Thermo Fisher Scientific, progressing from Commercial Quotes Analyst through to Business Development Executive, where he led cross-functional teams, managed client relationships, and oversaw contract negotiations and regulatory compliance across Canada and Switzerland.
Book Your Place
Please note that places are limited, and a Upperton team member will contact you after booking to confirm availability and your place.