Pharma Horizon and Chimica oggi/Chemistry today were present at the first CPhI North America in Philadelphia on 16-18 May to interview participants about the state of business. It was co-located with Informex and, from comments on the show floor, appears to have breathed new life into an event that had been dying slowly for many years. Traffic was strong on the first two days and steady on the third. 

The show probably came at the right moment, because times are good in the US pharmaceutical industry generally: more molecules in the pipeline and more, speedier FDA approvals, combined with a greater acceptance of outsourcing at all stages, are creating more business for suppliers at all stages, including CROs, C(D)MOs, formulators and suppliers of equipment.

All of the pharma-focused exhibitors we spoke to were contented, if not delighted, at the state of business and optimistic for the foreseeable future. Many have been or will be investing in new capacities and capabilities and/or acquiring each other to round out their offer.

It was more of a mixed bag at the Informex section, where those who active across multiple other industries tended to be located. This was particularly the case in agro, which continues to suffer hard times. However, the custom chemicals business remains resilient and North America is still its strongest regional market.

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