The Medical Futurist Dr. Bertalan Mesko Unveiled as First Keynote Speaker for CPhI North America 2018

Science Fiction in Healthcare talk explores evolving convergence of digital health, communications, patient-led changes and proactive, highly personalized health care focused on prevention


NEW YORK, Feb. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPhI North America, the only event to bring the complete North American pharma supply chain together, today announced that The Medical Futurist Dr. Bertalan Mesko, Director of The Medical Futurist Institute and Amazon Top 100 author of My Health: Upgraded and The Guide to the Future of Medicine, will present a keynote address as a core element of the 2nd Annual CPhI North America Conference.

Dr. Mesko, a self-professed ‘geek physician’ with a Ph.D. in genomics, envisions the impact of digital health technologies on the future of healthcare, helping patients, doctors, government regulators and companies work to make it a reality. At CPhI North America, his keynote address will focus on Science Fiction in Healthcare, and explore how science fiction becomes science fact, the role that patient-led design is having on technological developments, the new challenges presented by patients finding an unregulated, technological solution for health problems, how disruption is helping to tackle these new challenges, and how this is resulting in a cultural transformation as we move towards highly personalized, digital health solutions. Dr. Mesko’s keynote takes place Tuesday April 24 from 1.30pm to 2.15pm, and is open to all Conference Pass, Exhibitors, Expo Only, and VIP attendees.

“We’re thrilled to have Bertalan Mesko joining us to provide his uniquely entertaining, highly informative and expert visionary insight into the future of research, diagnostics, personalized healthcare, and technology, and how these elements continue to intersect at an increased rate,” commented Joseph Marks, Brand Director for CPhI North America. “CPhI events around the world are renowned for bringing the brightest and best from the pharmaceutical, biopharma and life science industries to provide illumination and insight that highlights innovation, emerging trends and technologies and seeks to address some of the challenges ahead. This year is no exception, and Dr. Mesko’s keynote really is a ‘must see’ session.”

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to connect with CPhI North America and share the latest thinking that underscores the work that we’ve been doing at The Medical Futurist Institute,” added Bertalan Mesko. “We’re in a dynamic era where advanced medical technologies, disruptive innovations and digital communication are empowering patients to become more informed and, as a result, involved in making decisions relating to their health. Digitalization can make personalized care affordable and available, ensuring sustainability and growing our understanding of disease, and advanced diagnostics promote a focus on prevention rather than simply looking at cures.”

The CPhI North America Conference agenda includes discussions on pharmaceutical manufacturing, outsourcing, R&D, drug delivery and supply chain related topics for small and large molecule finished drugs, biopharmaceuticals, and biosimilars/biogenerics. With three designated tracks of programming: two tracks dedicated to pharmaceutical manufacturing, outsourcing, R&D, drug delivery and supply chain related topics for small and large molecule finished drugs, and one track dedicated to advancements in bio-manufacturing, the central theme for 2018’s conference is Fostering Innovation in Drug Development and Manufacturing. Specifically, the conference program will explore the latest developments in the following areas:

  • Novel Drug Delivery Systems – Emerging Technologies
  • R&D Innovation
  • Regulatory Developments
  • Continuous Manufacturing Advancements
  • Process Development
  • Tech Transfer
  • Quality Metrics / Supply Chain Best Practices
  • Bio-Manufacturing Opportunities and Challenges

There is a packed schedule featuring more than 30 sessions presented by leading industry figures and influencers. In addition to the conference program, a series of Insight Briefings, in-depth seminars on technical and business topics, will be freely accessible to all exhibition visitors. Topics include accelerated drug approval programs, the digital transformation of the pharmaceutical industry, supply chain security advancements, amongst others. There will also be a number of free Exhibitor Showcases taking place, providing a platform for industry professionals to present forward-thinking perspectives on their key products, innovations and services. Finally, the pharmaceutical Serialization Series provide a forum for thought leaders to present and discuss the latest insights and developments within the Serialization sector.

CPhI North America will take place April 24-26, 2018 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. It will feature an expanded show footprint ideal for networking, sourcing, education and innovation in drug development and manufacturing. Two new zones including a Bioprocessing Zone and the P-MEC Zone, a machinery zone to promote the latest technology in manufacturing equipment, will join legacy zones, InformEx, iCSE, FDF, InnoPack and CPhI.

Registration for CPhI North America is now open at: www.CPhINorthAmerica.com/register.
Accredited media and analysts can register their interest in attending at: https://chemical.connect.ubm.com/2018/registrations/Press.
Note that all press and analyst registrations are evaluated and screened.

The exhibitor floor has strategically been designed to include the following seven zones:

  • Bioprocessing: New for 2018, Bioprocessing zone will provide greater access and pathway to opportunities in the next generation of pharmaceuticals.
  • P-MEC: Also new for 2018. Machinery zone will showcase the latest pharmaceutical equipment, machinery and technology.
  • InformEx: Specialty and fine chemicals zone will address innovative molecule development.
  • CPhI: Manufacturing ingredients zone will support API and excipients
  • iCSE: Drug development zone will highlight world-class CROs specializing in both pre-clinical and clinical research for drug development.
  • FDF: Finished drug products zone will feature leading small and large molecule CDMO/CMOs.
  • InnoPack: Packaging zone will showcase packaging innovation.

More information about CPhI North America and the conference program is available at  CPhINorthAmerica.com.

About CPhI
CPhI drives growth and innovation at every step of the global pharmaceutical supply chain from drug discovery to finished dosage. Through exhibitions, conferences and online communities, CPhI brings together more than 100,000 pharmaceutical professionals each year to network, identify business opportunities and expand the global market. CPhI hosts events across Europe, Asia and, now, North America and co-locates with iCSE for contract services, P-MEC for machinery, equipment & technology, InnoPack for pharmaceutical packaging and Bioprocessing for biopharma. CPhI provides an online buyer & supplier directory at www.CPhI-Online.com. For more information, please visit www.CPhI.com.

About UBM Americas
UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, delivers events and marketing services in the fashion technology, licensing, advanced manufacturing, automotive and powersports, healthcare, veterinary and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital, UBM Americas increases business effectiveness for customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. The division also includes UBM Brazil's market leading events in construction, cargo transportation, logistics & international trade, and agricultural production; and UBM Mexico's, construction, advanced manufacturing and hospitality services shows. For more information, please visit www.ubmamericas.com
  

Media Contacts:

NOTE: Dr. Mesko will be available for interview with members of accredited media attending CPhI North America on the morning of April 24 in the onsite press lounge. Please contact Mark Button (details below) to enquire about availability.

Jess Schoenholtz, CPhI North America                         Mark Button, CG Life
jess.schoenholtz@ubm.com                                          mbutton@cglife.com
609-433-8655                                                                 408-310-2168