This course is divided into two interconnected parts, spanning from drug discovery to strategic medical engagement. Part 1 (Research & Development) explores innovation in biotech and pharma, focusing on the path from laboratory discovery to clinical development, including key challenges, risk mitigation, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations. It also introduces emerging trends such as precision medicine, AI, and advanced therapies like gene and cell therapies, supported by case studies and group work. Part 2 (Medical Affairs) examines how Medical Affairs connects science, business, and external stakeholders, contributing to launch strategy and cross-functional collaboration. It covers roles, structures, and practical tools for scientific engagement, as well as applied exercises for translating innovation into strategic value.
- Distinguish between the different pathways that can be taken to develop a drug
- Know the tasks that need to be performed at each development stage
- Understand the different types of risks and mitigation strategies
- Define the critical path of activities that must be carried out to move forward from one development milestone to the next
- Identify the most relevant formulation strategies applied to pharmaceuticals
- Know the challenges to drug development within current regulations
- Identify the clinical studies to be performed
- Understand the concept of precision medicine and the impact of big data and biomarkers on pharma R&D
This course is part of the prestigious part-time Pharma MBA program, conducted in English on Fridays and Saturdays on Campus Westend. It offers a valuable opportunity to network and gain expertise without committing to a full degree program. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Participation. As the number of seats is limited, we recommend to register early. If you're a GBS or Goethe University alum, explore our attractive alumni discount options.
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Prof. Dr. Aimo Kannt
Prof. Dr. Aimo Kannt is Head of Drug Discovery and Preclinical Research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP and Professor for Translational Drug Research at Goethe University. Aimo was trained as a biochemist at the Universities of Tübingen and Cambridge (UK) and did his PhD work at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics. He has 19 years of drug discovery experience in different positions at Sanofi and its predecessor companies. Aimo is on the Scientific Advisory Board of several biotech companies and holds an MBA from ESSEC and Mannheim Business School.
Dr. med. Matthias Meergans
Dr. med. Matthias Meergans is General Manager Research & Development at the German Association of Researching Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (VFA). Previously, he has been with Merck Healthcare Business. With more than 20 years in the industry in local, regional, and global roles across medical, R&D, and commercial functions with growing responsibility, he has accumulated broad pharma expertise from positions at MSD, Novartis, Biogen, and Merck. Matthias studied medicine in Berlin and Tübingen, is a board-certified internal medicine specialist, and holds a master´s degree in pharmaceutical medicine from the University of Witten-Herdecke.
Candidates with an undergraduate degree (i.e., bachelor or equivalent) of 180 credit points (CP) based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) can apply for our Open Programs. The allocation of credit points for work experience will appear on the Academic Transcript of Records and be titled ‘Prior Learning Assessment’.
Open Program applicants must submit a recent proof of English language proficiency at the higher B2 level per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The GBS Office of Admissions will accept test results of the following tests, taken no longer than two years ago upon the date of submission:
- TOEFL iBT®
- TOEFL iBT® Home Edition
- IELTS
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
- English Language Level Test (ELLT) - Oxford International Digital Institute
Applicants may request a waiver of proof of proficiency in English in case one of the following conditions applies. The applicant
- is a native speaker of English;
- has graduated from an international baccalaureate program
- has completed their undergraduate or master-level studies in a program taught entirely in English;
- has worked in an English-speaking country for at least one year.
If the applicant has not taken any of the above tests when submitting the application, the applicant can upload a confirmation of the test registration to the online admissions portal.
Applicants who submit a language certificate older than two years but without an expiry date will be invited for an additional interview with a native speaker of English.
Proof of relevant post-undergraduate work experience of at least one year is to be submitted, e.g., a performance review, reference letter, or written confirmation from your employer.