UBM announces content for Japanese pharma and bio events

Leading events organiser UBM Live and its sister company UBM Japan Co. Ltd have announced details of the expected content and new developments taking place at the tenth anniversary of CPhI Japan, being held from 18-20 April, 2011 at the Big Sight Exhibition Center in Tokyo.

The full line-up of events surrounding CPhI Japan includes P-MEC Japan, which covers pharma machinery and equipment; ICSE Japan, which looks at outsourcing solutions; and BioPh Japan, which showcases the biopharma sector. Attendance at the shows is free through pre-registration at www.cphijapan.com.

One significant development this year is that, based on the positive feedback received for the 2010 BioPh Pavilion, BioPh is to be introduced as a stand-alone event focusing on the increasing convergence of pharma and biotech business models in global healthcare. It will feature exhibitors in areas such as bioinformatics, diagnostics, genomics and proteomics, and process validation.

CPhI Japan's other co-located shows, ICSE and P-MEC, have also shown healthy growth in popularity and size since their introductions in 2005 and 2008 respectively, and expect to continue this upwards trend in 2011.

‘The response from exhibitors and attendees to the BioPh Pavilion was excellent and the interest generated last year has proven strong enough to expand into a dedicated event,’ said Haf Cennydd, event director of ICSE/P-MEC/BioPh Japan. ‘It's also very pleasing to see that both ICSE Japan and P-MEC Japan have flourished and built a reputation as being key meeting places for pharma expertise. We are expecting strong turnouts for the events once again in 2011.

‘Much of this growth can be attributed to the developments in the Japanese generic drug market. Manufacturers in this industry are currently keen to establish stable sources for APIs, and companies that can provide such sources with the right quality and appropriate price points will be at the events to promote their products and services. The rich networking platform and 'matchmaking' opportunities that our Japanese shows provide are reflected in the positive growth in their popularity. It's a win-win situation for all parties.’

In celebration of CPhI Japan's 10-year anniversary, an extensive seminar programme featuring more than 120 sessions is to be held over the three-day period. Attendees from each show will have the option to attend one of the many sessions where speakers will cover the most current and relevant topics in the industry.

Topics include: significant developments for the pharmaceutical industry in Japan in 2010; pricing system reform for innovative drugs; improvements in drug approvals; and, the importance of the pharmaceutical industry as a driver of economic growth.

Special seminars organised by the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) will present issues such as quality assurance in the supply chain and the developments of biologics. More details of the seminars content can be found at www.cphijapan.com.

After a successful introduction in 2010, a special workshop, ‘A Practical Guideline to the Revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law’, will once again be hosted for international guests. Participants will have the chance to ask questions about the pharmaceuticals affairs laws directly to the officials taking part in the workshop. Questions will be invited on, among other subjects, the maintenance of Master File Systems for drug substances, the accreditation processing of foreign manufacturers, the application for GMP Compliance and inspection procedures for foreign manufacturers.

‘CPhI Japan's appeal is global, and the Japanese pharma market's steady track record of growth and progress has contributed to CPhI Japan's global appeal. It has become known as a global meeting place where attendees can find major suppliers of quality pharmaceutical ingredients under one roof,’ commented Annemieke Timmers, CPhI brand director at UBM Live. ‘Specifically, Japan is the second largest pharma market after the US and accounted for approximately 11% of the world market in 2010, around US$60bn in revenue, and Japan's generic drug sector is expected to triple by 2012. IMS Health forecasts that the Japanese pharmaceutical market will increase to $79bn within five years and nearly double to $105bn by 2023.’

UBM Live's combined CPhI Japan 2010 events saw more than 450 exhibitors from 29 countries despite the air travel disruptions caused by the Icelandic volcanic eruption. Even with the travel setbacks, CPhI Japan grew 5.2% between 2009 and 2010; it was attended by more than 14,000 visitors.

Further reflecting the truly global nature of the events, CPhI Japan will host national pavilions for Italy, China, Korea, the UK, Spain and India, JBPMA, while formal supporters of the event include Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, trade associations and industry organisations.

Further information is available (including an offer for free attendance through pre-registration) at www.cphijapan.com.

Further information about the co-located events can be found online at: www.icsejapan.com.