Considered as one of the biggest pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices extravaganzas that feature conference sessions on latest trends and developments that are evolving in these industries and exhibition of new technologies, Interphex USA has over the years evolved as a synonym of messenger of innovations taking place in the pharma and related industries.

And this year, when the event revisits the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, Philadelphia, with the theme of "delivering the entire spectrum of life sciences manufacturing" and "the evolution of the life sciences", Interphex USA is all set to evolve as a supporter of convergence and partnering, the two recent trends that are ruling the roost of pharma, biotech and medical devices industries.

Referring to the need for waking up to meet the changing needs of pharma industry, R J Palermo, industry vice president for Interphex USA, said, "Our industry is never static. In the near future, many of the blockbuster drugs are expected to go off patent. Besides, the traditional pharmaceutical industry is changing. As a result, biologics and combination products are gaining ground. Thus as the industry evolves, we want to make sure that we evolve and support the industry."

In order to cater to the evolving trends and needs of pharma, biotech and medical devices industries, Interphex USA 2008, held under the aegis of Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading exhibition and conference organiser, would feature Biotechnica America, Europe's largest biotechnology show and PharmaMedDevice, an event that would address the needs of the combination products market and the exciting innovations taking place in drug delivery technology and healthcare today.

Also, to throw more light on the theme of evolution at Interphex 2008, the organisers have incorporated a conference session by G Steven Burrill, who would share his biotechnology vision with attendees, apart from a panel discussion that would focus on the convergence of three industries - pharma, biotech and medical devices.

"By responding to the growing convergence among pharma, biotech and medical device industries, the Interphex USA 2008 would provide educational opportunities in all these three fields. Also, PharmaMedDevice, in particular, would specifically address the regulatory and manufacturing challenges related to the convergence of drugs and biologicals with medical devices and explore the current technologies revolutionising the life-science industry as a whole," R J Palermo added.

Newness at Interphex 2008
To be held from March 26 to 28, 2008, this three-day conglomeration of pharmaceutical, life sciences and medical devices companies would for the first time witness the introduction of Biotechnica and Life Sciences Job Fair.

Though held in every year, Interphex USA has so far never been in dearth of providing something new to its conference attendees, visitors at exhibition halls and its other participants. Disclosing that exhibition pavilion at Interphex USA 2008 would bring some surprises to the visitors, R J Palermo said, "Every year, Interphex USA has new technology on the floor. The industry is changing and changing at a rapid pace. Also, the regulatory environment is changing - not just Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but global regulators too. The show floor will showcase technology that will be the catalyst for these changes."

"I think among the surprises that attendees will find at this year's event is the range of opportunities to learn, source product and network. Interphex is truly an industry gathering, offering practical education, provocative and visionary keynotes and literally thousands of products. The event provides countless opportunities to expand industry contacts, whether through participation in our conference programming, attendance at networking events, reconnecting with suppliers and customers or simply shopping the show," he added.

Besides, the organisers unveiled that they would also introduce a CEO panel at Interphex USA 2008. "We have a CEO Panel at the show in 2008 that would bring together chief executive officers (CEO) from the three life science industries - medical device, pharma and biotech. This section would address current trends in innovation, global market challenges and collaborations across the industries, as they impact future generations of product development and commercialisation," said, Kevin C Richards, group vice president and international brand development, Reed Exhibitions.

This year the event is expected to attract more than 1,000 exhibitors and feature over 100 conference sessions, thereby making it the largest gathering of the life sciences industry on the North American continent.