Inside the 33rd BVMA Symposium:
Reflections from entimo’s CEO Marc Jantke
The 33rd BVMA Symposium in Munich brought together an extraordinary cross-section of Germany’s clinical research landscape including industry leaders, regulatory agencies, CROs, sponsors, NGOs, and government representatives. For entimo’s CEO, Marc Jantke, it was his first time stepping into what some attendees call a “class reunion.” As it turned out, the nickname was more accurate than he expected.
BVMA Symposium Recap
Marc describes the opening get-together as “a fantastic opportunity to connect with others and talk about industry topics and everything beyond,” an atmosphere that set the tone for the entire event. What followed on the next day was a series of carefully curated presentations and discussions. They offered both high-level regulatory overviews and practical insights from experts navigating the daily realities of clinical research in Germany and across Europe.
The symposium exceeded every expectation, both in content and in the quality of professional engagement.
Key Insights: Safety Reporting & European Regulatory Gaps
One presentation in particular stood out: the talk by Dr. Jürgen Kübler (QSciCon), also the head of entimo’s supervisory board. Dr. Kübler presented perspectives on the evolving requirements for safety reporting in clinical trials, highlighting:
- How the FDA has provided guidance while still leaving important questions unresolved
- How the EMA has yet to meaningfully address the topic
Marc noted this contrast as a reminder of how unevenly global regulatory bodies handle fast-shifting safety expectations, a challenge that directly affects sponsors, CROs, and software providers.
The afternoon moved into a dynamic roundtable with NGOs, industry groups, and government representatives, openly discussing Germany’s competitiveness as a clinical trial location. Topics included:
- Operational bottlenecks
- The need for clearer regulatory frameworks
- Ideas for improving efficiency and global positioning
These conversations pointed toward a shared ambition of reinforcing Germany’s role as a major hub for clinical research in Europe.
Marc, who regularly attends conferences across the EU and internationally, sees the BVMA Symposium as unlike any other. He highlights two defining aspects:
- A German focus without losing the global perspective
Discussions are highly tailored to the regulatory and operational realities of clinical trials conducted in Germany, a detail that is often overlooked at broader European or global conferences.
- Constructive dialogue across all stakeholder levels
It’s rare to find industry leaders, regulatory authorities, and government institutions engaging so openly and constructively. This blend makes BVMA a uniquely productive meeting ground where real issues can be aired and real solutions imagined.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Final Thoughts
After such a strong first experience, Marc has no doubts about returning. He says, “I definitely intend to revisit the BVMA Symposium next year and foster my connections to become a part of the class reunion eventually.”
The 33rd BVMA Symposium was a window into German clinical research. With open dialogue, deep technical insights, and a rare spirit of collaboration, it reinforced what many in the field already know: Germany’s clinical research ecosystem is evolving quickly, and events like BVMA are essential for ensuring that evolution is informed, collaborative, and forward-looking.
Learn More
To explore the BVMA’s mission, activities, and upcoming events, you can visit their official website: