Talk and tech: CMOs taking a stand at Interphex

10-Apr-2018 - Last updated on 05-Apr-2018 at 11:28 GMT

The contract manufacturing industry will be represented at this year’s Interphex through a dedicated pavilion sponsored by advocacy group PBOA.

Despite spates of M&A and collaborations, the contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) sector was as much a diverse and fragmented space pre-2014 as it is in 2018.

However, a key difference four years on is the greater cooperation within the industry, thanks arguably to the formation of the Pharma & Biopharma Outsourcing Association (PBOA).

The Association has represented the regulatory and legislative interests for CMOs and contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) since its formation, and played a key role in reducing overall portion of the Generic Drug User Fee Amendments (GDUFA) II collections paid by finished dosage form (FDF) facilities from 56% under GDUFA I to 20% last year.

Now the non-profit advocacy group has teamed with Interphex - happening in New York City this month - to provide a dedicated pavilion showcasing technologies and instigating conversation about contract manufacturing.

“We're delighted to sponsor the first CMO/CDMO Pavilion at Interphex,” PBOA founder and president Gil Roth told this publication. “PBOA has always worked to bring CMO/CDMOs together and foster communication among them.”

He added the event will involve presentations and panels allowing CMO/CDMOs the opportunity to highlight the latest technologies and practices, along with networking opportunities with peers and customers.

“The PBOA CMO/CDMO pavilion will feature exhibitors from across the sector, with dedicated meeting rooms and a theatre with a dozen sessions featuring many PBOA member companies.

“In addition, a networking reception at the end of the first day will bring exhibitors and customers together in an informal setting.”

Since its conception, the PBOA has rapidly grown its supporters and now boasts 12 sustaining members and 19 general members.

“There is an understanding that if you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu… a collective voice is going to be heard when an individual is going to be drowned out,” Roth told this publication back in 2015.