Greg Kerwin, Pharma Portfolio Director for UBM Live in an e-mail interview with AD Pradeep Kumar talks about the pharma industry in Japan and the future of CphI Japan events.


1. Please brief us on the Japanese phama industry in general and the prospects of the ingredients industry in particular?
Globally, Japan is the second largest pharmaceutical market after the United States with sales of $60 billion. It constituted approximately 11 per cent  of the world market in 2010 and IMS Health forecasts the Japanese pharmaceutical market to increase to $79 billion within five years and nearly double to $105 billion by 2023.1 Particularly, the generics sector in Japan is experiencing strong growth and shares through sales are expected to increase from 8.3 per cent in 2010 to 12.8 per cent in 2015. This is an increase of more than 50 per cent in just five years and the total generics sector in Japan is predicted to be worth US$12.3 billion by that time, as well.

Due to the sheer size and innovation within the market, Japan presents significant opportunity for companies looking to increase their business. However, the Japanese pharma industry has been known to be a challenging one to penetrate and pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturers and suppliers rely on UBM’s pharma events in Japan as an efficient and effective platform to enter the market or grow existing business in the region. The Japan Pharma Portfolio, CPhI Japan, ICSE Japan, P-MEC Japan and the new Pharmatec, will run from 21-23 March, 2012 at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre. The events cater to the preferred Japanese business values of face-to-face contact and consistency in business relationships and they provide an invaluable opportunity to meet in person and continue to build relationships, whether existing or new.

2. How was the event last year and the outcome?
Last year's events were a success despite some extraordinary circumstances. CPhI Japan 2011 was originally planned to be held on the 18-20 April, 2011 in Tokyo. Due to the tragic natural disaster that occurred in Japan and its aftermath, the events were moved to 13-15 of July, 2011 in Osaka. Naturally, the size of the event in Osaka was smaller in comparison to the events usually held in Tokyo, but there were still over 4,400 attendees and 175 exhibitors at the events.
    
3. To what extent the earth last year's quake had impacted the pharma industry in Japan?
From what we see as an event organiser in the country, Japan has proved to be a very resilient market and spirits were still high at the events. The country immediately went into rebuild mode and none of the positive projections for the pharma market have changed. It is impressive to see how this community has managed to acknowledge the devastation, but also proactively move forward and continue with commerce.

4. What is the expected participation of the event this year?
The events are expected to return to full scale, with projections for over 14,000 attendees and more than 450 specialised global industry suppliers featured.


5. What are the special events this time?
There are both new and returning developments to the events line-up in Tokyo. The newest development includes the addition of Pharmatec Japan, to offer a forum that addresses the trends and developments in machinery, equipment and solutions for drug packaging and delivery. Pharmatec is being introduced in an exhibition format where attendees can discover new products and compare supplier offers.

Returning features include an expanded BioPh Pavilion to showcase the latest materials, technologies and services for the development of biotech-based drugs. Additionally, the Latvian Pavilion and the UK Pavilion will return to cater to the diverse international nature of the events. The programme of educational sessions and workshops will also return to the exhibition halls this year with more than 120 conference and seminar sessions.

6. Please brief us on the exhibitors and visitors profile?
Exhibitors span a wide range of suppliers to the pharmaceutical industry including ingredients manufacturers, contract services and providers of machinery and packaging solutions. The audience represents global pharmaceutical buyers from more than 73 countries, reflecting a mix of international and domestic buyers.

7. What are your views on the Indian participation this time?
There are over 30 Indian exhibitors participating in the event this year, including 14 participating in a pavilion sponsored by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council, Pharmexcil. We are also very pleased to have the support of the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) which, in conjunction with Pharmexcil, will be promoting “Pharma Brand India.” To date India has not made any major inroads into the Japanese pharma market whether because of lack of awareness or incorrect perceptions about Indian standards. The “Pharma Brand India” initiative has been established to promote the industry, address these misconceptions and emphasise the high standards operated by the Indian pharma industry. As part of this programme, Pharmexcil and IBEF will organise and host several content sessions exploring the dynamics of India’s fast growing pharmaceutical market.

8. What are your plans for the future CPhI Japan events?
UBM’s pharma events have been in Japan for many years and they will continue to grow and evolve to reflect the trends in the Japanese Pharma market and its relationship with the global industry. We remain committed to providing the most efficient and effective platform for companies to enter or grow their business in Japan and to showcase Japan’s innovative pharmaceutical market to the world. Planning is already underway for CPhI Japan 2013 which will be held  in Tokyo from April 24 to 26, 2013.