Summary of the 5th Conference on Frontier in Organic Synthesis Technology (FROST5) (21-23 October 2015, Budapest)

The 5th FROST conference on flow chemistry, organized by the Flow Chemistry Society in collaboration with the Akadémiai Kiadó was held in Budapest in October this year. The conference focused on innovative areas of organic chemistry, such as end-to-end production technology, innovative applications in oil industry, nanotechnology and green chemistry. The event, which was opened by Ferenc Darvas, President & Chairman of the Society, attracted 63 participants from 15 countries. During the 5-section conference 18 very high-quality, inspiring lectures and nearly 20 posters were presented. From the 3 keynote speakers, Rigoberto Advincula highlighted that flow chemistry is an ideal process for the oil and gas industry, Holger Löwe presented how chemical reactions can be accomplished in microemulsion droplets, and Walter Leitner expounded new flow catalysis possibilities by the usage of carbon dioxide. In the further lectures latest research results of acknowledged flow chemistry experts were demonstrated. Hungary was represented by 3 lecturers, illustrating that the country has been playing a pioneering role in flow chemistry from the beginnings, mainly owing to the reactors of ThalesNano Inc. (e.g. H-Cube®). The regular panel discussion on the current state and future of flow chemistry was moderated by Richard V. Jones (ThalesNano). Among other topics the debate forum discussed the integration of flow chemistry into the organic chemist BSc education, as it is an ever-growing need of the industry. In the topic of development trends in the next 10 years, the comprehensive integration of real-time analytics was examined, which may facilitate remote control over chemical reactions, thus revolutionize laboratory or plant work culture. Four companies (Advion, Syrris, ThalesNano and Vapourtec) also took part in the conference as exhibitors and sponsors. At the gala dinner the award for the best poster was handed over to Nicholas Holmes, PhD student of the University of Leeds. The IUPAC – ThalesNano Flow Chemistry Award 2016 was also announced at the dinner by its initiators, Ferenc Darvas (ThalesNano) and János Fischer (IUPAC Hungary). Overall, the event was a great success due to the enthusiasm and hard work of its organizers: Ferenc Darvas (Chairman), Mimi Hii (Vice-Chair) and the members of the Local Organizing Committee (Oliver C. Kappe, Paul Watts, Szilvia Gilmore and Balázs Réffy).

                      

Pharma Booming at CPhI Worldwide 2015

CPhI Worldwide is the largest global exhibition for the pharmaceutical industry. Together, with its co-located events, the 26th edition welcomed impressive attendee numbers of over 36,500 and around 2500 exhibitors. Held in Madrid for 2015, the pharma industry’s largest event saw representatives from 140+ countries, an expanded conference platform and a plethora of networking, learning and sharing opportunities.

Mirroring the growth of the industry over the last decade, CPhI Worldwide remains integral to the pharmaceutical community agenda, offering engaging, world-class content. The event provides the best opportunities for networking and is the global hub for suppliers and buyers in the industry. 

This year there was a significant increase in content-sharing platforms, specifically through the introduction of the CPhI Pharma Forum. This new initiative took centre stage during the event, acting as a dedicated content village where all CPhI attendees had the opportunity to examine thought leadership from media partners, exhibitors and the CPhI Pharma Insights Reports.

The Pharma Insight Innovation Briefings were another notable highlight with impartial, in-depth sessions on regional updates and specialist topics covering regulation, QC, traceability, sustainability and health to name but a few. In addition, an expanded CPhI Pharma Awards also returned, with four new categories to further honour the industry’s achievements and innovations across all areas of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Prior the main exhibition, the Pre-Connect Congress took place – a full day of conferences showcasing senior executives and influential speakers discussing the latest innovations, trends and market developments from across the industry in a series of market-led educational modules. This year, the conference was organised along two main

tracks, with sessions in track one including ‘Formulation & Drug Delivery’; ‘Biologics, Biosimilars & Biobetters’; and ‘API Sourcing & Manufacture’. Track two features modules across ‘generics’; ‘Pharmaceutical Packaging’; and ‘Mergers and Acquisitions’.

The success of CPhI Worldwide 2015 has further cemented its reputation as the global hub for insight and analysis, networking, and it is now the definitive barometer of the industry’s future direction and health. In 2016, CPhI Worldwide will return to Spain and, for the first time, it will take place in amongst the thriving biotech and pharma manufacturing cluster, as it visits the great city of Barcelona, 4-6 October.

Seven prestigious winners from over 70 entries in the CPhI Pharma Awards 2015

The worthy winners of the 2015 CPhI Pharma Awards were announced live during a dedicated ceremony at CPhI Worldwide in Madrid, Spain, 13-15 October. The entries included innovations and new service offerings from across the entire spectrum of the pharmaceutical supply chain, with the awards honouring companies and individuals driving the industry forward.
With the launch of four new categories this year, the awards received a record number of entries, covering: ‘Best Innovation in Packaging’; ‘Best Innovation in Process and Formulation Development’; ‘Excellence in Partnering & Outsourcing’; Best Innovation in APIs and Excipients’; ‘Innovation in Supply Chain & Logistic Management’; ‘Best Innovation in Manufacturing Technology’; and ‘CEO of the Year’.
The 16 fi nalists shortlisted were invited to present their case during the fi rst day of CPhI Worldwide, and after extensive deliberations, the judges announced the winners during a live ceremony on the fi rst day of the event.

The 2015 CPhI Pharma Award Winners:
- Best Innovation in Supply Chain & Logistic Management: TraceLink
- Best Innovation in Manufacturing Technology – in cooperation with Pharmaceutical Technology: Harro Hoefliger
- Best Innovation in Packaging: Sulzer
- Best Innovation in APIs and Excipients: OMYA International AG
- Excellence in Partnering & Outsourcing – in cooperation with Pharmaceutical Outsourcing Magazine: Centroflora CMS
- Best Innovation in Process and Formulation Development: Catalent
- CEO of the Year in cooperation with PharmaBoardroom: Vivek Sharma, CEO - Pharma Solutions, Piramal Enterprises Ltd
- CPhI Sustainable Stand Award 2015: Novo Nordisk Pharmatech and Novozymes

Rutger Oudejans, CPhI Brand Director, added: “What impresses me most are the innovative contributions that all the nominated companies are making in improving pharmaceutical processes, enhancing quality and pushing new boundaries.
On behalf of CPhI Worldwide and UBM EMEA, I would like to commend all of the fi nalists and offer my warmest congratulations to this year’s worthy winners.”