Early access programmes offer ethical, compliant and controlled mechanisms of access to
investigational medicinal products (IMP) outside of the clinical trial space and before marketing and authorisation.

Expanded Access also known by other terms such as compassionate use, early access, managed access, named-patient access, or pre-approval access is a potential pathway for a patient with an immediately life-threatening illness or severely debilitating disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) before they are reviewed and approved by a regulatory authority. When it is not possible for a patient to participate in a clinical trial and all other available medical options have been exhausted, the patient’s physician may seek special access to investigational medicine outside of the clinical trial setting. As investigational drugs have not yet received regulatory approval, it is very important to remember that their potential risks and benefits are not yet established. In general the person and his or her doctor must apply for access to the investigational product, the company has to choose to cooperate, and the medicines regulatory agency needs to agree that the risks and possible benefits of the drug or device are understood well enough to determine if putting the person at risk has sufficient potential benefit.

With patients thoroughly becoming knowledgeable, Pharmaceutical companies are bound to receive unsought request. However, there are challenges and obstacles such as diverse regulatory landscape, logistical differences, and complexities from planning an application to approval and implementation. Sponsors need to plan carefully before undertaking an Expanded Access Programme so that they have the resources, processes, and tools in place to support the inevitable demand.

EAPs promises huge potential to all stakeholders involved, from patients who obtained the medicines early to the pharmaceutical companies who provides it. Companies who invest in them may see considerable benefit in terms of relationship building with key stakeholders, such as patients, advocacy groups, scientists and regulators, as well as launch preparedness.

The two-day Congress will provide an interactive, cutting edge and comprehensive discussion and networking format led by key expert speakers with intimate knowledge in the industry. Gain practical strategies and best practices on challenges, innovations, technologies and concepts in obtaining the much needed access to these therapies for life changing treatment.

We look forward to meeting you at the Congress!

Sincerely yours,

Jocelyn Raguindin 
Conference Director
Paradigm Global Events / Facilitate Live