Topics we predict to be popular at Pharmapack 2025
Published: January 2025
Holly Milston, Business Development Manager
With Pharmapack 2025 just around the corner, we’ve been thinking about the themes and trends likely to lead this year’s event. Based on recent conversations with clients and insights from recent conferences here are the topics we’re particularly looking forward to exploring with those attending, not just in the sessions, but also in the discussions that happen across the expo floor.
• Packaging
• Viscosity and volume
• Simulation and modelling
• Self-administration
• Smart technologies
• Sustainability
• Femtech and women’s health
• AI
Read more about each of these areas below:
Packaging
It goes without saying that packaging is a key topic for Pharmapack. From reducing single-use plastics to making packaging more functional and patient-friendly, it’s an area where so much innovation is happening. Across our website here, packaging-related articles are some of the most popular content. They cover functionality and beyond:
Viscosity and volume
The growth of biologics has brought us amazing therapies, but higher viscosities and larger volumes for subcutaneous injections remain significant challenges. Devices like autoinjectors, wearable systems, and infusion devices are advancing to meet these needs, and I’m always impressed by how technology is balancing patient comfort with complex delivery requirements.
If you’re tackling these challenges, I’d love to discuss how we can support you in developing devices that are both effective and user-friendly.
Simulation and modelling
A capability in device development that comes up a lot is simulation and modelling. These technologies are essential tools in the development process, supporting us to test and refine concepts before physical prototyping begins.
For example, in the article linked above and here, we discuss mathematical modelling for high viscosity, large volume systems.
From predicting the behaviour of a drug delivery device under real-world conditions to modelling patient interactions with self-administered devices, these tools reduce risk and accelerate time-to-market.
Simulation processes are extremely important to have at our disposal. Using them early in the process means we can gain a clearer picture of how parts and products will react to forces, displacements and stresses, before committing to prototyping and tooling, saving time and expense and increasing the likelihood of getting the design right ‘first time’.
Self-administration
Self-administration is such a transformative trend, giving patients more independence whilst reducing pressure on healthcare systems. Devices like pre-filled syringes and autoinjectors are making it easier for patients to manage their care, but it’s not without challenges.
Training tools that mimic real devices are key to helping patients feel confident and safe. If this is an area you’re exploring, let’s chat about how we can support your journey, from design to training solutions.
Our product page here lists the training devices we have available. But we can also work with you to develop customisable devices.
Smart technologies
Smart and connected devices open up incredible possibilities. Whether it’s guiding patients through self-administration or collecting data to improve outcomes, the potential here is huge. That said, designing a smart ecosystem is no small feat, it requires thoughtful UX/UI design and seamless functionality. I’d love to discuss how we can help make smart technology work for your device development.
A recent insights article discusses electrical medical device design and integration of smart technologies.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been a hot topic for years, but now it feels like we’re making real progress with dedicated panels, and award categories at conferences and events. With circular design, carbon reduction, or material efficiency on the Pharmapack agenda, there are so many ways we can reduce the environmental impact of devices and systems.
At recent events we’ve presented on circularity. Many opportunities for sustainability enhancement can be identified for every stage of a device’s lifecycle. Our video below works through the lifecycle phases to explore the associated issues, identifying opportunities and design solutions that offer significant improvements to product footprint.
Femtech and women’s health
This is a topic I’m very passionate about. Despite significant developments in devices over the years, there remains a gap in designing solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs of women.
From hormone delivery systems to devices for reproductive health, there’s so much opportunity to create solutions that truly address the gap. As a medical device design consultancy, how do we achieve this goal for our clients? I’ll be attending the ‘Women in Healthcare Business’ networking session so would love to discuss this if you’ll be there also.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is transforming so much of what we do, with impacts that are two-fold for our team: from designing devices to improving drug delivery systems themselves. It’s an exciting and rapidly evolving space, but it also raises important questions: how do we use AI ethically, and how do we protect intellectual property while leveraging its benefits? If you’re exploring AI capabilities, let’s discuss!
Let’s meet at Pharmapack
Pharmapack is always a highlight in the events diary and Director, Ian Scrimgeour and I will be walking the floor over the two days.
If any of these topics resonate with you, or if there’s something else on your mind, let’s set up a time to chat or connect on LinkedIn.
Please send me an email and we can arrange to meet. See you at Pharmapack!
