2023-12-04

Q: CPHI has been uniting pharma professionals for over three decades. What can they expect in the upcoming edition of CPHI & PMEC India?

Olga Ponomareva-Stepnaya: We are excited to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending CPHI & PMEC India, scheduled at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, from November 28th to 30th, 2023. This edition is shaping up to be our grandest yet! Picture over 48,000 pharma professionals worldwide, with 1,800+ companies showcasing their latest innovations, and a global assembly from 120+ countries. It's not just an event; it's a pharma extravaganza.

CPHI & PMEC India is an integral part of India Pharma Week, featuring standout events such as the annual CEO Roundtable, the prestigious Indian Pharma Awards (celebrating its 10th edition), and the Women in Pharma Roundtable. These awards serve as a tribute to excellence across 13 categories, recognizing the invaluable contributions of industry champions, stalwarts, and visionaries in the Indian pharma sector. The awards ceremony is set to take place in the evening of November 28, 2023, at the Expo Centre. Preceding this, the Pre-Connect Congress on November 27, 2023, at Le Meridien, New Delhi, provides a unique platform for key stakeholders to convene. A full day of insightful discussions at the congress lays the groundwork for collaborative endeavours, fostering innovation and partnerships in the pharmaceutical landscape.

With more than 100,000 m² of exhibition space, this edition promises the ultimate playground for networking, learning, and uncovering what's hot in the pharma universe. Trust us; you don't want to miss this!

Q: Which countries would be participating in CPHI & PMEC India this year? What does India’s market scenario hold for the participating countries?

Olga Ponomareva-Stepnaya: We are set to welcome participants from a rich tapestry of over 120 countries, including notable representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal, USA, Egypt, China, Iran, UAE, South Korea, UK, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam. This diverse international presence establishes a vibrant global exchange of insights and collaboration opportunities.

For the participating countries, India's pharmaceutical market signifies a remarkable opportunity. With India emerging as a prominent choice for contract services and evolving into a hub for the biological production of commercial drugs, the event provides a strategic entry point for global players. The growing base of drug manufacturers and the expanding pool of R&D talent in India further accentuate its significance. By participating in CPHI & PMEC India, countries can tap into India's vibrant pharmaceutical landscape, explore partnerships, and navigate the evolving trends in the industry.

This positive outlook is further bolstered by India's enhanced manufacturing capabilities and greater self-sufficiency in the production of generic and sophisticated medicines, thereby increasing its scope for international export opportunities.

Q: Going ahead, what are your future plans on growing and expanding CPHI & PMEC India?

Olga Ponomareva-Stepnaya: The event plans to expand its physical footprint by adding more halls for exhibitors and attendees. Our future vision includes a more immersive and dynamic experience with engaging sessions, cutting-edge innovations, and an extended global network. We're also focusing on enhancing our online presence, offering year-round connectivity through digital initiatives, webinars, and virtual collaborations. In summary, our goal is to make CPHI & PMEC India not only bigger but an unmissable and comprehensive experience for all participants.

Q: Lastly, could you shed some light on the technologies that will reshape the pharmaceutical sector in 2024?

Olga Ponomareva-Stepnaya: Certainly! In the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical sector, 2024 is poised to witness transformative technologies that will reshape industry processes. According to insights from the CPHI Annual Report, our experts predict that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing all stages of drug development by 2026. The fastest adoption is anticipated in drug discovery, leveraging the absence of GMP or compliance requirements. Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are being integrated to enhance production capabilities and ensure precision everywhere.

Moreover, there's a notable shift towards sustainable practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Continuous manufacturing, recognized for its sustainability benefits, is gaining increased adoption. Many companies are investing in greener technologies not only to align with environmental objectives but also to attract prospective partners and secure contracts. As per our CPHI report, the industry is witnessing a trend where 'Sustainability metrics' are anticipated to become a standard inclusion in all CDMO contracts within the next 5 years, according to 83% of pharma executives.