Strategy & Planning for Global Commercial Launch Success in Pharma
With Jo Lopez
Course Details
THE CONTENT
When launching a new pharma brand, you only get one chance to get it right. Unfortunately, many launches fall short of expectations. To maximise success, companies must begin planning early, often as soon as proof-of-concept, and ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration through a structured and proven approach.
This course provides a clear framework for designing and executing global commercial launch strategies. You will learn the key concepts, evidence-based tools, and best practices needed to make informed decisions, align teams, and manage the critical steps from early planning through launch execution.
If you want to strengthen your ability to drive a successful global launch and avoid the costly pitfalls that derail so many products, this course is an essential investment!
I really appreciated the real-world examples and case studies. The course provided a holistic view — from early commercial involvement to post-launch optimisation — which made it especially valuable.
Pfizer
Milena Reinhard, Senior Manager Launch Excellence - Germany - April 2025
THE EXPERT
Jo Lopez is Practice Lead Early Commercialisation and Launch Excellence at Uptake, a global independent healthcare consultancy focused on driving uptake across the pharma and biotech industry.
Over 20 years of international experience in launch excellence and early commercialisation.
Former senior global launch leader at GSK, with earlier commercial and market access roles at Roche.
Praised by participants since joining the CELforPharma faculty in 2023 for her deep expertise, engaging teaching style, and ability to deliver practical, actionable insights.
THE AUDIENCE & INTERACTIVE LEARNING FORMAT
This highly interactive and hands-on course is designed for all members of cross-functional launch teams, including executives from Marketing, Sales, Medical, Market Access, External Affairs, and Business Intelligence, who are responsible for global launch plans.
It is particularly valuable for teams preparing to launch a brand in the next 1-3 years, but equally relevant for those involved much earlier, at proof-of-concept or early development stages, where the foundations for launch success are laid.
Through expert-led teaching, group exercises, and peer discussions, you will work on real-world launch scenarios and leave with the skills and confidence to apply best practices directly to your own launch preparations.
If you are a consultant, please contact Annelies Swaan, who will check with the faculty whether you can attend.
The content was very well presented and structured, with clear slides. I especially appreciated the practical real-world examples and the group reflections. Jo is highly competent and a great expert with extensive experience!
Boehringer Ingelheim
Ulrike Voigt, Franchise Manager Leisure in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
The early commercial activities required to maximise product differentiation versus the competition at launch.
The market and stakeholder analyses that are crucial for identifying all growth opportunities.
How to define the components of an impactful brand strategy: segmentation, positioning, strategic imperatives, and financials.
How to prepare for a global launch in terms of scenario planning, customer engagement, and critical deliverables.
How to allocate resources, define KPIs, and engage country affiliates.
I appreciated the small-group format, which allowed for meaningful exchanges with the other participants. The expert brought a real-world background that made the discussions practical and highly relevant.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Julius Krawczyk, Senior Technical Services Manager in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
Day 1
| Welcome & Introductions (~30 min) |
| What ‘Early Commercial’ Should Do in Pharma Right After Proof of Concept (~1 h 15 min) |
|
| How to Maximise Product Differentiation at Launch Through Early Commercial Activities (~1 h 15 min) |
|
| Lunch Break |
| Critical Analyses to Determine Growth Opportunities for Your Brand (~2 h 15 min) |
|
| Defining the Brand Strategy (1): Segmentation & Positioning (~1 h) |
|
| Wrap-up of Day 1 (~15 min) |
Day 2
| Roadmap for Day 2 (~15 min) |
| Defining the Brand Strategy (2): Strategic Imperatives & Financials (~1 h 15 min) |
|
| Preparing for Global Launch (1) : Scenario Planning – Customer Engagement – Critical Deliverables (~2 h) |
|
| Lunch Break |
| Preparing for Global Launch (2): Resource Allocation – KPIs – Engaging Country Affiliates (~1 h 45 min) |
|
| Skills & Capabilities of the Most Effective Commercial Leaders in Pharma (~30 min) |
|
| Wrap-up & Close (~15 min) |
|
UPCOMING DATES & FORMATS - FEES
20-21 November 2025
Live online (CET timing)
Early bird € 2 670
(until 17/10/2025)
(Full fee € 2 870)
24-25 March 2026
Brussels
Early bird € 2 970
(until 06/02/2026)
(Full fee € 3 370)
TIMING & LOCATION
Live Online (CET): Zoom sessions between 9 AM and 5 PM CET (Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris time).
Live Online (EST): Zoom sessions between 8 AM and 4 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Face-to-Face: Held at the Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport (Da Vincilaan 4, 1831 Brussels), between 9 AM and 5 PM CET. Preferential hotel rates available for participants.
All practical details will be shared upon registration. For any questions, please contact Margherita Mutto or call +32 472 03 11 38 .
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Team discounts can be offered to 2 or more delegates from the same company.
Email Annelies Swaan, Director Business Operations, for more details.
HOW TO REGISTER
Click the green “Register” button on your preferred course session.
The registration wizard will guide you through the process.Alternatively, download the offline registration form and send the completed form to Annelies Swaan.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Credit Card: You’ll receive a secure payment link with your invoice (no immediate payment required).
Bank Transfer: Details provided with your invoice.
For help with registration, email Annelies Swaan or contact her by phone at +32 486 98 52 49.
INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE
For live online courses:
Access to a highly interactive, small-group online course (max 20 participants)
Course materials in both digital and hard copy format
Certificate of attendance signed by the experts and CELforPharma
For face-to-face courses:
Access to a highly interactive, small-group course (max 20 participants)
Course materials in both digital and hard copy format
Certificate of attendance signed by the experts and CELforPharma
Opportunities for networking and informal discussions during coffee/tea breaks and lunch
A group dinner in a nearby restaurant on the evening of day 1
VAT INFORMATION
Prices exclude VAT. VAT application depends on course format and your location:
Face-to-Face in Belgium: 21% Belgian VAT applies
Live online courses & self-study programme: The applicable VAT depends on your invoicing address. Contact your local VAT office for refund procedures where applicable.
TRANSFER & CANCELLATION POLICY
Flexible Transfer
If a registrant is unable to attend the scheduled course, they can avoid any cancellation charges by providing a suitable replacement participant.
Alternatively, the registrant may transfer once, on a 'space-available' basis and at no extra cost, to another course of the same value held within one year of the original course date, provided this is done at least three weeks prior to the event.
Registration Cancellation
Less than 14 days prior to the course date: The registrant is liable to pay the full invoiced registration fee.
Between 15 and 30 days prior to the course date: The registrant is liable to pay 50% of the invoiced registration fee.
More than 30 days prior to the course date: The registrant is liable to pay a cancellation fee of € 450 per registrant.
If a registrant postpones their participation to a future course and subsequently cancels again, no refund will be issued for the registration fees.
The average Recommendation Score from participants of the last session was
8,8/10!
Testimonials from past participants:
I appreciated the small-group format, which allowed for meaningful exchanges with the other participants. The expert brought a real-world background that made the discussions practical and highly relevant.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Julius Krawczyk, Senior Technical Services Manager in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
I really appreciated the real-world examples and case studies. The course provided a holistic view — from early commercial involvement to post-launch optimisation — which made it especially valuable.
Pfizer
Milena Reinhard, Senior Manager Launch Excellence - Germany - April 2025
Many thanks to expert-trainer Jo Lopez and the CELforPharma team! It was an amazing experience and a great learning opportunity.
Miltenyi Biomedicine
Ruiyu Zhang, Global Business Strategy & Analytics Specialist - Germany - April 2025
The content was very well presented and structured, with clear slides. I especially appreciated the practical real-world examples and the group reflections. Jo is highly competent and a great expert with extensive experience!
Boehringer Ingelheim
Ulrike Voigt, Franchise Manager Leisure in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
People attending this course are typically also interested in the below courses.
Need help to find the right course? Email Inge Cornelis (Director, Client & Product Projects) or call +32 473 65 15 77
Course Details
Upcoming Session
20-21 November 2025, Live online (CET timing)
Early bird € 2 670
(until 17/10/2025)
(Full fee € 2 870)
Prices are excl. VAT
THE CONTENT
When launching a new pharma brand, you only get one chance to get it right. Unfortunately, many launches fall short of expectations. To maximise success, companies must begin planning early, often as soon as proof-of-concept, and ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration through a structured and proven approach.
This course provides a clear framework for designing and executing global commercial launch strategies. You will learn the key concepts, evidence-based tools, and best practices needed to make informed decisions, align teams, and manage the critical steps from early planning through launch execution.
If you want to strengthen your ability to drive a successful global launch and avoid the costly pitfalls that derail so many products, this course is an essential investment!
I really appreciated the real-world examples and case studies. The course provided a holistic view — from early commercial involvement to post-launch optimisation — which made it especially valuable.
Pfizer
Milena Reinhard, Senior Manager Launch Excellence - Germany - April 2025
THE EXPERT
Jo Lopez is Practice Lead Early Commercialisation and Launch Excellence at Uptake, a global independent healthcare consultancy focused on driving uptake across the pharma and biotech industry.
Over 20 years of international experience in launch excellence and early commercialisation.
Former senior global launch leader at GSK, with earlier commercial and market access roles at Roche.
Praised by participants since joining the CELforPharma faculty in 2023 for her deep expertise, engaging teaching style, and ability to deliver practical, actionable insights.
THE AUDIENCE & INTERACTIVE LEARNING FORMAT
This highly interactive and hands-on course is designed for all members of cross-functional launch teams, including executives from Marketing, Sales, Medical, Market Access, External Affairs, and Business Intelligence, who are responsible for global launch plans.
It is particularly valuable for teams preparing to launch a brand in the next 1-3 years, but equally relevant for those involved much earlier, at proof-of-concept or early development stages, where the foundations for launch success are laid.
Through expert-led teaching, group exercises, and peer discussions, you will work on real-world launch scenarios and leave with the skills and confidence to apply best practices directly to your own launch preparations.
If you are a consultant, please contact Annelies Swaan, who will check with the faculty whether you can attend.
The content was very well presented and structured, with clear slides. I especially appreciated the practical real-world examples and the group reflections. Jo is highly competent and a great expert with extensive experience!
Boehringer Ingelheim
Ulrike Voigt, Franchise Manager Leisure in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
The early commercial activities required to maximise product differentiation versus the competition at launch.
The market and stakeholder analyses that are crucial for identifying all growth opportunities.
How to define the components of an impactful brand strategy: segmentation, positioning, strategic imperatives, and financials.
How to prepare for a global launch in terms of scenario planning, customer engagement, and critical deliverables.
How to allocate resources, define KPIs, and engage country affiliates.
I appreciated the small-group format, which allowed for meaningful exchanges with the other participants. The expert brought a real-world background that made the discussions practical and highly relevant.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Julius Krawczyk, Senior Technical Services Manager in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
Day 1
| Welcome & Introductions (~30 min) |
| What ‘Early Commercial’ Should Do in Pharma Right After Proof of Concept (~1 h 15 min) |
|
| How to Maximise Product Differentiation at Launch Through Early Commercial Activities (~1 h 15 min) |
|
| Lunch Break |
| Critical Analyses to Determine Growth Opportunities for Your Brand (~2 h 15 min) |
|
| Defining the Brand Strategy (1): Segmentation & Positioning (~1 h) |
|
| Wrap-up of Day 1 (~15 min) |
Day 2
| Roadmap for Day 2 (~15 min) |
| Defining the Brand Strategy (2): Strategic Imperatives & Financials (~1 h 15 min) |
|
| Preparing for Global Launch (1) : Scenario Planning – Customer Engagement – Critical Deliverables (~2 h) |
|
| Lunch Break |
| Preparing for Global Launch (2): Resource Allocation – KPIs – Engaging Country Affiliates (~1 h 45 min) |
|
| Skills & Capabilities of the Most Effective Commercial Leaders in Pharma (~30 min) |
|
| Wrap-up & Close (~15 min) |
|
UPCOMING DATES & FORMATS - FEES
20-21 November 2025
Live online (CET timing)
Early bird € 2 670
(until 17/10/2025)
(Full fee € 2 870)
24-25 March 2026
Brussels
Early bird € 2 970
(until 06/02/2026)
(Full fee € 3 370)
TIMING & LOCATION
Live Online (CET): Zoom sessions between 9 AM and 5 PM CET (Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris time).
Live Online (EST): Zoom sessions between 8 AM and 4 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Face-to-Face: Held at the Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport (Da Vincilaan 4, 1831 Brussels), between 9 AM and 5 PM CET. Preferential hotel rates available for participants.
All practical details will be shared upon registration. For any questions, please contact Margherita Mutto or call +32 472 03 11 38 .
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Team discounts can be offered to 2 or more delegates from the same company.
Email Annelies Swaan, Director Business Operations, for more details.
HOW TO REGISTER
Click the green “Register” button on your preferred course session.
The registration wizard will guide you through the process.Alternatively, download the offline registration form and send the completed form to Annelies Swaan.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Credit Card: You’ll receive a secure payment link with your invoice (no immediate payment required).
Bank Transfer: Details provided with your invoice.
For help with registration, email Annelies Swaan or contact her by phone at +32 486 98 52 49.
INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION FEE
For live online courses:
Access to a highly interactive, small-group online course (max 20 participants)
Course materials in both digital and hard copy format
Certificate of attendance signed by the experts and CELforPharma
For face-to-face courses:
Access to a highly interactive, small-group course (max 20 participants)
Course materials in both digital and hard copy format
Certificate of attendance signed by the experts and CELforPharma
Opportunities for networking and informal discussions during coffee/tea breaks and lunch
A group dinner in a nearby restaurant on the evening of day 1
VAT INFORMATION
Prices exclude VAT. VAT application depends on course format and your location:
Face-to-Face in Belgium: 21% Belgian VAT applies
Live online courses & self-study programme: The applicable VAT depends on your invoicing address. Contact your local VAT office for refund procedures where applicable.
TRANSFER & CANCELLATION POLICY
Flexible Transfer
If a registrant is unable to attend the scheduled course, they can avoid any cancellation charges by providing a suitable replacement participant.
Alternatively, the registrant may transfer once, on a 'space-available' basis and at no extra cost, to another course of the same value held within one year of the original course date, provided this is done at least three weeks prior to the event.
Registration Cancellation
Less than 14 days prior to the course date: The registrant is liable to pay the full invoiced registration fee.
Between 15 and 30 days prior to the course date: The registrant is liable to pay 50% of the invoiced registration fee.
More than 30 days prior to the course date: The registrant is liable to pay a cancellation fee of € 450 per registrant.
If a registrant postpones their participation to a future course and subsequently cancels again, no refund will be issued for the registration fees.
The average Recommendation Score from participants of the last session was
8,8/10!
Testimonials from past participants:
I appreciated the small-group format, which allowed for meaningful exchanges with the other participants. The expert brought a real-world background that made the discussions practical and highly relevant.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Julius Krawczyk, Senior Technical Services Manager in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
I really appreciated the real-world examples and case studies. The course provided a holistic view — from early commercial involvement to post-launch optimisation — which made it especially valuable.
Pfizer
Milena Reinhard, Senior Manager Launch Excellence - Germany - April 2025
Many thanks to expert-trainer Jo Lopez and the CELforPharma team! It was an amazing experience and a great learning opportunity.
Miltenyi Biomedicine
Ruiyu Zhang, Global Business Strategy & Analytics Specialist - Germany - April 2025
The content was very well presented and structured, with clear slides. I especially appreciated the practical real-world examples and the group reflections. Jo is highly competent and a great expert with extensive experience!
Boehringer Ingelheim
Ulrike Voigt, Franchise Manager Leisure in Global Strategic Marketing - Germany - April 2025
People attending this course are typically also interested in the below courses.
Need help to find the right course? Email Inge Cornelis (Director, Client & Product Projects) or call +32 473 65 15 77