D-Konstanz | Around 150 diagnostics experts from 10 countries took part in the fifth edition of „Diagnostics-4-Future Conference“ in Constance by invitation of the health network BioLAGO. Experts from medicine, industry and research discussed current questions and band-new products in diagnostics. The spotlight was on topics like the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the detection of diseases like cancer or infections, as well as challenges for manufacturers through EU regulations. An exhibition with 25 companies and institutions completed the conference.
How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilise data from diagnostics to help patients faster and better? This question and other topics from the diagnostics industry were addressed at the fifth edition of the„Diagnostics-4-Future Conference“ in Constance. Over two days, doctors, healthcare professionals and laboratory physicians presented the diagnostic challenges in the laboratory and clinic and exchanged ideas directly with participants from companies and research in order to facilitate the development of new methods.
The focus was on the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to detect infections, allergies and cancers. Renowned speakers such as the physician Ulrich Keilholz from Charité and Anne-Marie Baird from Trinity College Dublin presented new technologies in cancer diagnostics and showed how they can be used to better customise therapies for patients.
Constance laboratory with innovative diagnostics for patients with septicaemia
Regional experts also presented innovations: Labor Dr. Brunner in Constance presented the results of the joint research project 'DiabKON' together with the company DRG Instruments. In this project, new diagnostic tests were developed that can be used to precisely monitor the effective dose of antibiotic therapy, for example in cases of septicaemia. The project, co-initiated by BioLAGO, was funded for three years by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Other highlights of the event included a presentation by Adrian Egli from the Institute of Medical Microbiology at the University of Zurich on the possibilities of predicting antibiotic resistance using artificial intelligence. He encouraged diagnostics manufacturers and users to engage with artificial intelligence in order to utilise its potential. He saw great potential, for example, in analysing complex data sets in diagnostics or in communication between doctors and patients.
Stricter rules for diagnostic tests - curse or blessing for patients?
Another key topic was the major challenges for the diagnostics industry resulting from the EU's new directive on in vitro diagnostics. In a lively panel discussion, experts from companies, research and regulation exchanged views on how to fulfil the increased requirements for medical products and thus avoid gaps in supply.
Exchange platform for innovative ideas
Once again this year, personal dialogue between the experts was a top priority. In organised 1:1 discussions, participants were able to get to know each other and talk about possible collaborations. The latest technologies and products in diagnostics were presented on site by around 25 exhibitors. In the pitch competition, the five most creative ideas for better diagnostics solutions were presented on stage to draw the attention of future cooperation partners to the projects.
"With around 150 international experts from industry, research, laboratories and clinics, the conference has established itself as an important meeting place for the diagnostics industry. With its concept of discussing current solutions and future needs of healthcare providers through direct dialogue with solution providers, the conference is unique. We would like to continue along this path in order to initiate innovative solutions for high-quality diagnostics - in the region and beyond," says Oliver Nolte, member of the BioLAGO Board of Directors. This year's supporting industry partners included the ETO Group and microdrop Technologies GmbH.
Save-the-date: 6th Diagnostics-4-Future Conference 2024 - 16.-17.10.2024
(Source: Press Release BioLAGO, 27.11.2023)
