Informa’s Adam Andersen on how CPHI ME is building bridges in the pharma sector

As the region’s pharmaceutical sector continues to evolve, CPHI Middle East plays an important role in connecting global leaders, innovators and regional stakeholders.

We spoke to Adam Andersen, EVP of Pharma at Informa, ahead of the show’s opening on December 10 in Saudi Arabia. Here, he shares insights into the event’s contribution to the pharmaceutical industry in the MENA region.

Andersen also discusses the event’s impact on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the latest biotech trends, and the shifting dynamics of the regional pharma market.

CPHI Middle East has become a key platform for the pharmaceutical industry in the region. What makes it unique, and how does it differ from other industry events?

CPHI Middle East boasts a powerful combination of global reach and regional focus. With 35 years of experience, CPHI provides a well-established network, connecting attendees and exhibitors with partners worldwide.

The exhibition goes beyond networking, fostering collaboration, and partnership building through specialised segments such as the Next-Gen Biotech Zone and the Women in Pharma Zone.

By bringing together industry leaders from more than 100 countries, CPHI Middle East creates a diverse and dynamic environment for learning and networking. The event’s comprehensive knowledge-sharing programme, featuring renowned speakers and thought-leaders, addresses the latest trends and challenges in the pharmaceutical sector.

By aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and supporting the country’s ambitious goals in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, CPHI Middle East solidifies its position as a pivotal platform for driving the future of the pharmaceutical industry across MENA.

How does CPHI Middle East intend to contribute towards Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

By attracting ministerial bodies such as the Ministry of Health and fostering meaningful connections between global pharma leaders and regional players, CPHI Middle East is set to create a platform for dialogue that translates into concrete partnerships and deals. This exchange of knowledge and expertise brings the latest trends and research advancements to the region.

With industry leaders and experts presenting the latest research and stats on the region’s market, CPHI Middle East strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation, both regionally and globally.

This focus on knowledge sharing and collaboration lays the foundation for a thriving pharmaceutical ecosystem within the Kingdom, aligning perfectly with the aspirations of Vision 2030.

How do you see the pharmaceutical industry evolving in the MENA region over the next few years? What are the key trends and challenges that industry leaders should be aware of?

 The pharmaceutical industry in MENA, particularly Saudi Arabia, is experiencing significant growth. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 aims to establish the country as a global leader in biotechnology, with a focus on vaccine production, biomanufacturing, and genomics. The country’s pharmaceutical market is expected to exceed $11bn by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate of around two per cent.

To capitalise on this growth, CPHI Middle East will bring together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region. With more than 30,000 expected attendees, 400 exhibitors, and 100 participating countries, CPHI Middle East will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and business development.

The MENA pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a transformative period, driven by several key trends. Digital innovation is revolutionising healthcare delivery, with technologies such as AI and telemedicine improving patient outcomes and increasing efficiency. Governments in the region are actively collaborating with private sector companies to fund and implement digital health initiatives.

Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on preventative care, driving demand for innovative pharmaceutical solutions. Investments in genomic medicine are enabling personalised healthcare approaches and early disease detection. Such trends are reshaping the industry landscape, offering significant opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to drive innovation and improve public health.

What role does CPHI play in connecting the global pharmaceutical supply chain?

 CPHI serves as a vital hub for the global pharmaceutical supply chain, bringing together key players from across the industry. CPHI provides holistic access to the pharmaceutical industry, encompassing everything from machinery to APIs. It’s a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development.

This combination of unparalleled networking opportunities and expert-led discussions empowers attendees to build strategic partnerships, explore cutting-edge technologies, and drive the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry.

What are some of the emerging trends in biotech that you think will be highlighted at this event?

CPHI Middle East is set to showcase several emerging biotech trends. Biosimilars and biologics will be a key focus, with increased emphasis on developing cost-effective treatments and advancing biomanufacturing technologies.

Personalised medicine, leveraging genomics and other technologies, will also be a significant topic, with a focus on tailoring treatments to individual patients.

Additionally, cell and gene therapies, particularly advancements in gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, will be showcased.

The integration of digital health and AI in drug discovery and development, as well as sustainable and green biotechnology practices, will also be prominent themes at the upcoming exhibition.

Describe your vision and goals for the future of CPHI Middle East and the broader pharmaceutical industry in the region.

Our vision for CPHI Middle East is to be a catalyst for growth and innovation within the region’s pharmaceutical industry. By showcasing the latest advancements and connecting key stakeholders, we strive to position the region as a global leader in pharmaceutical excellence.

Our goals include facilitating meaningful connections and partnerships, driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and supporting the development of a thriving pharmaceutical ecosystem.

We are committed to creating a platform where industry leaders can exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.

By empowering the next generation of pharma professionals, we aim to shape the future of the industry and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous region.