The Pharmabiotics Conference 2026 held last week in Brussels, marking the 10th edition of the event and bringing together more than 140 attendees for three intensive days of scientific exchange and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Microbiomepost conducted an exclusive interview with Celine Druart, Executive Director at Pharmabiotic Research Institute.

Day one focused on microbiome-based biomarkers, microbiome testing, and diagnostics, with sessions covering clinical data and the development of diagnostic tools designed to support the use of microbiome biomarkers, including in contexts such as cancer treatment. Day two introduced the conference’s first One Health session, reflecting the expanded scope of the Pharmabiotic Research Institute since 2024 to encompass innovation across One Health and microbiome research. Discussions spanned the plant microbiome, regulation and biocontrol, biofertilizer-related questions, and regulatory developments linked to the emerging “CMC7 list.” A central segment of the program also addressed regulatory updates, including new regulations, the ongoing pharmaceutical revision, and the development of an EME concept paper on live biotherapeutic products, with regulators present in the room—one of the conference’s key added values for fostering informed debate. The final day featured a session on clinical development and innovation, including presentations from Exelium and Microbiotica and a panel discussion integrating development and regulatory perspectives. Organizers announced that the 2027 edition is planned for the same period next year, likely again in Belgium.