Exhibition organiser CMPi has revised the venue and timing of the launch of its CPhI South America pharma ingredients and P-MEC pharma machinery and equipment exhibitions.
Being launched to serve one of the world's fastest-growing pharma markets after China, the events will now take place at Rio de Janeiro's new Cidade Nova Convention Center, from 19-21 August 2008. Brazil's newest 16,000m2 convention facility will be completed this Summer.
CPhI South America and P-MEC South America are being introduced against a market background of rapid growth and major opportunities triggered by changing legislation. Latin and Central America represent a pharma market estimated at US$33bn, with an annual growth rate of 13% - double the world average.
Mexico and Brazil together represent 65% of the market, with 35% and 30% respectively, followed by Argentina (9%) and Venezuela (6%). State healthcare policy sees Venezuela leading the annual growth league, at 20%, followed by Brazil at 18%.
South America's pharma industry reflects a combination of national and international producers and partnerships that span the branded and generic sectors - and steadily increasing overseas activity by South American producers. Pharmaceutical majors and Indian companies are active across the region, where tougher patent legislation is creating demand for pirate copy drug replacements.
"Given the region's pharma demand growth, CPhI South America is a logical and timely addition to the present family of CPhI events. We're also excited by the very positive feedback from the industry since the event was announced in May," said CPhI events director Annemieke Timmers.
"The schedule change - from Sao Paulo in early September - places the event in a brand-new facility and at a better time for exhibitors already committed to CPhI Worldwide at the beginning of October."