CPhI Worldwide, organised by UBM EMEA, formally introduces a new co-located event entirely dedicated to Finished Dosage Formulation (FDF) following a soft launch amongst exhibitors in 2015. This new event will open at the 27th CPhI Worldwide in Barcelona (4-6 October 2016) and reflects the huge growth in finished dosage formulations across the wider pharma market. The next stage in the pharma event’s introduction is to target new potential visitors and attendees through a sustained marketing and branding effort.

FDF will gather together the entire supply chain in one location at CPhI WW, from Big Pharma and CMO, to out-licensing and dossier specialists, end product distributors, generic pharma companies, and home markets. It will act as a global meeting-point for any company looking to grow, launch or distribute finished formulations in international or national markets.

Over the last few years, sales in the pharmaceutical supply chain have accelerated across commercial supply and final dosage forms, where more complex solutions and higher margin products are common. Pharma companies seeking partners with new formulations, and the rise in complex and difficult to formulate compounds are driving the growth in this market.

Additionally, CPhI stated, generics and the increasing use of out-licensed formulations are a key factor behind its decision. In fact, since the introduction of the FDF zone at CPhI Worldwide in 2011, it has quickly grown to be the third largest part of the show totalling over 11,000 m2 in 2015.

Dosage forms represented will cover all types of solid dose, semi-solids, liquids, sprays and steriles from both pharma and biologics companies, including tablets, capsules, gels, parenteral drugs, vials, patches, creams, inhalation, nasal, sublingual and suppository.

Rutger Oudejans, Brand Director Pharma at UBM EMEA, commented: “Finished dose formulations are already a huge part of CPhI Worldwide. And, both within the wider market and in terms of exhibitor numbers, it is one of the fastest growing areas in pharma. Our aim in 2016 is to cement FDF’s reputation as the essential platform for launching and conducting business in the global finished dose market.”

José Escaich, Chief Executive Officer at Bioberica S.A., added: “Being at FDF is an incredible opportunity for Bioibérica to nurture new and previous business relations. We are the leading Western producer of heparin (the world’s most commonly used anticoagulant and antithrombotic) and leaders in osteoarthritis and joint health. This year’s CPhI Worldwide will be special to us for three reasons: it will be held “at home”, in Barcelona; it is the celebration of the Centenary of the discovery of Heparin – we deliver 1/5 of the heparin doses in the world; and we are positioning our stand at the centre of the new co-located Finished Dosage Formulation event. Bioibérica has been present at CPhI Worldwide since its beginning, and this year FDF provides a great opportunity for us to present our products to a dedicated audience”.

FDF will be supported by its own dedicated content, and a more prescriptive 1-2-1 matchmaking platform ­– which will enable professionals within this supply chain to explore the latest developments, strategies and market analysis. Topics will include everything from the regulatory approvals, processes and changes, to key growth markets, new formulation technologies, distribution and commercialisation.

Cara Turner, Event Manager at UBM EMEA for FDF, added: “Whilst a number of our attendees do indeed work across both API and commercialised products, we took the decision to dedicate a co-located event to those looking to concentrate on finished product supply. In practical terms, this means we have created new content, sessions, networking and the best new business opportunities in one place. This way our attendees and exhibitors  can more quickly identify leads through our company matchmaking platform and move between potential clients and customers. By launching FDF, we are creating the ideal set of conditions for exploring this thriving sector. So beyond the customers and potential clients attendees arrange meetings with, there is undoubtedly a wealth of further opportunities available from just exploring this part of the exhibition floor.”