Industry Honored at CPhI Pharma Awards

At the CPhI Pharma Awards Gala at CPhI Worldwide in Barcelona, Spain, held on Oct. 4, 2016, I had the privilege to address the audience of finalists and guests on behalf of the judges’ panel. The awards, which recognize excellence in pharma development and manufacturing, were presented to winners in 12 categories.

More than 60 technologies and services were selected as finalists for the awards, and I shared these thoughts about the efforts of all companies identified as finalists and winners.

Often, the details of everyday work problems and challenges divert your focus from the ultimate goals: the proverbial ‘you can’t see the forest for the trees’. It is occasions such as this 2016 CPhI Pharma awards program that offer the opportunity to reassess the goals of the pharmaceutical development and manufacturing industry and appreciate the contributions of the talented individuals and committed companies working to advance patient well-being.

Patients turn to medications out of necessity: to sustain life, cure disease, ease pain, relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and participate in daily activities. They need assurances that these drugs are safe, authentic, free of contaminants, and are affordable.

Doctors and medical-care providers want a stable supply of quality medications in forms that promote patient adherence. And, everyone, including insurance companies, government health authorities, and other payers, focuses on affordability.

This demand for quality, effective, and affordable drugs places great responsibility on drug companies, which must produce these products while meeting financial expectations. These innovator and generic-drug companies need materials, equipment, instruments, facilities, and expertise to meet these requirements.

Behind every therapy is a team of researchers and scientists that develop the tools needed to create better therapies, to get them to market faster, and make them cost-effective.

Tonight, CPhI recognizes the companies that provide these important tools, materials, and services, often in an unsung role. The technologies and services recognized as finalists are the result of intensive R&D efforts and investment. I’m sure there were many moments of frustration where the ‘trees’ seemed to close in and block the overall view of the forest. 

This year’s Awards competition featured more than 100 entrants, challenging the judging panel to evaluate high-quality products and services for all phases of drug formulation, manufacturing, and distribution, as well as corporate sustainability and leadership.

The increased competition is a sign of strength of the market. Competition breeds better technology and services, which will help drug companies make better therapies.

The finalists honored here tonight have developed products and services that contribute to the success of drug products. For that, we congratulate and thank them for their efforts at advancing the cause of providing safe and effective drugs to patients.

On behalf of the judging panel and Pharmaceutical Technology, I thank you for your innovation, your attention to details, and your efforts at developing the systems that serve as the foundation for advancing the pharma industry.

And please take a moment to appreciate the ‘forest’ and all the patients around the world who benefit from your efforts and innovation.