CONTENTS

Spring 2026

Imaging and Sensing

As near-infrared imaging advances beyond the NIR-I window, a new generation of NIR-II fluorescent probes is redefining intraoperative visualisation.

pH-responsive imaging and sensing approaches are unlocking higher throughput and more physiologically relevant internalisation readouts that bridge discovery, screening and translational workflows, helping to close the long-standing gap between beautiful microscopy and decision-grade data sets.

Discovery and Development

Why is multi-omics the best methodology for identifying therapeutic targets and designing both small molecule and biological therapeutics?

20. Designing genetic control: synthetic promoters powering modern therapeutics and biomanufacturing

How is the synthetic design of genetic elements, such as promoters for cell and gene therapies and biologics, improving development and manufacturing?

Digital

24. How AI&ML are changing the landscape of pharma technology

From target identification and molecular design to process optimisation and quality control, artificial intelligence and machine learning are being positioned as transformative enablers across the pharma landscape.

27. From AI tools to AI ecosystems: why lab sciences companies are rethinking partnership models

How are deliberately structured artificial intelligence ecosystems integrating the tools scientists already rely on, enabling innovation while preserving provenance, governance and confidence across the drug discovery and development life cycle?

30. The digital symmetry of virtual pharma: architecting orchestration in an age of fragmentation

How are digital innovations offering a new way of working for contract development and manufacturing organisations?

Manufacturing

32. SPOT LIGHT

Rethinking early phase development: how to move quickly without creating downstream risk

How important is well-planned early-phase development and the early involvement of contract development and manufacturing organisations in processes?

35. Communication breakdown: why soft skills are more important than ever in life sciences

How are life sciences organisations embracing new technologies to help develop soft skills, hopefully mitigating issues seen in the pharma manufacturing sector?

38. The future is gloveless

The future of aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing is gloveless, but what might sound like a bold vision is already turning into reality today.

42. Advanced contamination detection systems in GMP manufacturing

Miriam Krechlok from Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection speaks to IPT about advanced contamination detection systems and how these are utilised in pharma manufacturing to ensure seamless and good manufacturing practice-compliant products.

Image

Lab Design

46. The rise of integrated, digital-first clinical lab systems: three key advances

What is the value of site-to-lab digitalisation, lab trial management systems, and end-to-end biobanking and specimen life cycle management in improving clinical labs?

50. Agentic AI systems in life sciences labs

Life sciences labs generate enormous volumes of equipment and environmental data, yet many teams still struggle to translate signals into timely, confident action. Agentic artificial intelligence systems can reason within context, prioritise what matters and recommend next steps, offering a shift from reactive alerting to operational decision support.

Regulars

6. Eds Desk

Spring has sprung, and IPT delves into the fresh ideas of the pharmaceutical technology industry! It is also proud to announce its new partnership with Laboratory News.

6. Product News

IPT highlights some of the most recent exciting advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

54. Events

A collation of the top Pharma events for Spring 2026!

Index of Advertisers

IFC. Rousselot


19. LabNews Company Profile


45. BioTrinity


49. Anglo Nordic Life Sciences


IBC. Making Pharmaceuticals


OBC. CARBOGEN AMCIS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
PMGroup Worldwide Ltd
Karl Equi

GROUP MANAGING EDITOR
PMGroup Worldwide Ltd
Iona Everson

EDITORS
James Spargo
Yasmin Nolan

MEDIA MANAGER
Louise White

DESIGN
Peter May

FRONT COVER
FOTOGRIN
Shutterstock

DIGITAL EDITION
IPT Online
www.iptonline.com

CONTACT US
Tel: +44 (0)20 7724 3456
Fax: +44 (0)20 7403 7747

PRINTING
Pureprint Group
www.pureprint.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DATA
Curwood CMS Ltd
Unit 9 Barns & Stables,
Timworth Green,
IP31 1HS
c-cms.com
Tel: 01580 883841
Email: enquiries@c-cms.com
www.iptonline.com

Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology (ISSN: 1471-7204, USPS No: 025082) is published four times a year – March, June, September, and December – by Samedan Ltd.

The opinions and views expressed by the authors in this book are not necessarily those of the Editor the Publisher and, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the book, the Editor and the Publisher are not responsible for such opinions and views or for
any inaccuracies in the articles.

The Publisher is not responsible for any images supplied by contributors. While every care is taken with artwork supplied, the Publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage incurred.

The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise – without the prior permission of the Publisher.

© 2026 Samedan Ltd
Pharmaceutical Publishers