CPhI Middle East and Africa, the leading global pharmaceutical event, will address the increasing prevalence of Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) in the region when the event returns to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 16-18 September later this year.
CRDs including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, respiratory allergies and occupational lung diseases, are becoming more prevalent in the Middle East region and leading to more opportunities for pharmaceutical firms.
Despite the introduction of 100% tax on tobacco products and the implementation of non-communicable disease initiatives, medicines are often either scarce or too expensive for patients and, in many instances, CRDs are not diagnosed.
“In the Middle East & Africa (MEA), CRDs are often left undiagnosed and untreated which has huge social and economic consequences. Successful pharmaceutical firms will underscore the importance of diagnosis and preventative treatment, while also working with government and health authorities to raise awareness of the issue,” said Cara Turner, Brand Director – Pharma, for UBM EMEA, organisers of CPhI.
According to the latest statistics from the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people globally are affected by asthma. The number of people impacted in the UAE is estimated at approximately 14% of the population, around 1.3 million people. Research by Fitch Solutions suggests the increasing incidence can be partly attributed to the rising economic prosperity of the Middle East region and the social transition towards a more urbanised lifestyle, further underscoring the opportunities for drug makers in the region.
CPhI Middle East & Africa is the region’s leading platform that brings together pharma ingredients, product manufacturers, suppliers and buyers covering every step of the pharma supply chain from drug research and discovery to finished dosage. Supported by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event is set to attract attendees from the Middle East and Africa and the rest of the world, with the MEA region accounting for 4% of the global pharma market.
Over 294 local, regional and international exhibitors from more than 35 countries are expected to attend the three-day showcase. In addition to the global network of exhibitors, the event is expected to attract over 4,900 participants, more than 50% of which will come from the MEA region.
“In addition to CRDs, we will be exploring and discussing several drivers impacting the pharmaceutical industry in the region. During the three-day event, a series of panel discussions will address the issues surrounding obesity and chronic diseases including diabetes and oncology; private medical insurance that all expatriate residents must carry; the growth of medical tourism in the region and the growth and development of the domestic manufacturing,” said Turner.
The exhibition space at CPhI is broken down into five distinct sectors of the pharmaceutical industry:
- CPhI: Brings together buyers, manufacturers and suppliers of pharmaceutical ingredients
- FDF: Meet with manufacturers from every aspect of the finished dosage supply chain
- ICSE: Connects the pharma community with CRO and CMO companies and technologies
- P-MEC: Showcases the newest pharmaceutical machinery, equipment and technology providers
- InnoPack: Hosts the latest innovations in packaging, integrated solutions and drug delivery systems
The exhibition will also feature Live Pharma Connect, a free service open to visitors and exhibitors allowing both parties to make pre-arranged pharma specific, mutually beneficial meetings during the event.
Running in parallel to the exhibition will be a range of content sessions addressing the latest trends in the market, a range of keynote addresses, as well as a host of networking opportunities.
The event takes place from 16-18 September 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.