Over the years, Interphex has be-come an unavoidable industry platform for the drug related industry worldwide, especially related to the US industry. How do you evaluate its importance?

Interphex offers the responsible manufacturers of safe and effective drugs a chance to meet, network, familiarise with the latest regulatory changes, advancements in technology and equipments, and discuss their issues and problems. Pharma industry is one of the most sophisticated and regulated industry segments. The industry requires continuous updating related to processes and technology. The drug development and production processes of different drugs vary and this further complicates the technological requirements. Interphex provides an ideal business and educational environment to discuss and learn the necessary solutions required for any drug manufacturer.

Biopharmaceuticals have become a major thrust area and lots of visitors to Interphex are from this field. Your comments…

The middle class population in the world, who can afford to use even expensive drugs, are increasing in the world. For example, India is said to have 20 percent of the world population under the age of 20, and a middle class population of 200 million. Definitely, the number of patients in the world is increasing. The drug manufacturing industry is also undergoing significant change as pharma manufacturers are setting up units in various geographical locations to better cater to the drug needs of the patients. They also set up units in various countries eyeing commercial advantage, even many of them manufacturing drugs which are not much importance to that particular region, but for exports to other countries.

How do you view the future prospects for Indian companies, which are now emerging as global players?

India is looked upon as a cost effective solution provider in manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. It is also likely to emerge as a leading player in contract research and drug development. India changed from process patent to product patent since 1st January 2005 and this augurs well for the Indian industry, as global pharma players will be ready to confidently come to India and launch their products and set up R&D facilities. India has advantages like the largest number of USFDA approved manufacturing facilities outside US, a large English speaking population and availability of a large pool of scientific community.

How Interphex would benefit the Indian manufacturers?

The US is the largest drug market in the world and some Indian companies have become significant players in the US generics business. Some of these companies are familiar to the US industry and public. But India has numerous manufacturers with capabilities to supply to the US and tap the huge market there. Interphex is the right arena for the pharma and biotech players in India to network with the US industry and study the market potential and update the happenings in the country. We conduct more than 100 educational sessions, including many sessions presented by end-users.

Interphex is one of the most important and leading platforms for the pharma industry worldwide to converge and showcase and discuss the latest technological innovations happening in the industry.In this interview with Chronicle Pharmabiz, John Stuttard, vice president, International Brand Development, Interphex shares his views on the global trends and the strategically important role played by Interphex in the growth of pharma industry