Respiratory Drug Delivery® Europe 2017 returned to the Palais des Congrès d’Antibes in Antibes, France, April 25–28, 2017, for the three-day conference addressing innovative research and contemporary issues including connected devices.
The conference, co-organized by RDD Online and Aptar Pharma, hosted nearly 500 delegates from 32 countries representing Europe, Australasia, North and South America, the Middle East and North Africa. Participants represented backgrounds in pharmaceutical product development, device hardware, connected health, biotech, and clinical, legal, and regulatory aspects of aerosol product development. This was the largest RDD Europe meeting so far, and was exceptionally well received by both RDD veterans and first-time delegates who appreciated the quality of the presentations and variety of learning and networking opportunities.
Speakers
RDD Europe 2017 opened with the plenary lecture delivered by Federico Lavorini, M.D. Ph.D., Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy, entitled Patient Focused Device Design: Addressing Inhaler Technique. Dr Lavorini's comprehensive review emphasized the significant association between inhaler errors reduced asthma and COPD control and highlighted that education is critical to the success of inhalation therapy. Subsequent presentations built upon this foundation with data presented from the Salford Lung Study, a real-world effectiveness study intended to reshape the future of clinical trials as well as the potential of connected devices to improve respiratory outcomes. Expert speakers thoughtfully addressed Progress in Inhaled Drug Development, Achieving Deposition Equivalence, Novel Approaches to Characterize Aerosol Dynamics, and Designing Inhalation Products in a Quality by Design Era. With “Brexit” looming, questions had arisen concerning the future licensing of medicines in Europe and this topic was covered during a session on the changing European regulatory landscape.
Scientific Posters and Technology Exhibition
The Scientific Poster and Technology Exhibition was a focal point for discussion and networking with 72 exhibitors showcasing new ideas and products alongside approximately 50 scientific posters. Client and collaborator contact was intense throughout the conference. Notable poster contributions were shared with the entire audience during the Posters on the Podium session on Thursday morning.
VCU RDD Peter R. Byron Graduate Student Award
The 2017 VCU Peter R. Byron Graduate Student Award was presented to Cordula Weiss, a graduate student at the Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland. Cordula presented her research 'Synthesis and Materials Characterization of Beclomethasone Dipropionate (BDP) Solvates as Precursors for Anhydrous BDP Particles for Dry Powder Formulations' in the Scientific Poster Session. All graduate students who had a poster abstract accepted for the conference and attended RDD Europe 2017 were eligible to receive the award which covered the student's registration fee, travel expenses and accommodation. The next award will be made at RDD 2018. The deadline for Scientific Poster abstracts is January 8 2018.
Workshops
Twelve interactive workshops covering diverse topics from connected devices to formulation and packaging of DPIs to clinical perspectives on nebulizer dose delivery and functional respiratory imaging were hosted by pharmaceutical industry suppliers and service providers, allowing conference attendees to tailor their conference experience to their own interests. An evening presentation by Tim Noakes, Mexichem UK, and organized by the AAPS Inhalation and Nasal Technology Focus Group addressed the possibility of a new propellant for MDIs.
Conference Proceedings
Peer-reviewed, professionally produced manuscripts of all podium and poster presentations were available in book or electronic form. The dedicated website rddeurope2017.com allowed manuscript availability during the meeting, and also facilitated peer-to-peer communications. Delegates forgoing a hard copy of the proceedings received 12 months of complimentary access to the RDD Europe 2017 proceedings, as well as the entire searchable RDD archive covering almost 30 years of pulmonary and nasal research.
Connecting Science and People
RDD Europe provided many opportunities to connect with fellow attendee to foster long-standing professional relationships in a collegial atmosphere. Beyond the podium and poster sessions, the opening cocktail reception, breaks and lunch as well as The Great Gatsby-inspired Gala Dinner in Cannes allowed attendees to network in a casual atmosphere surrounded by Charleston-themed entertainment.
Thank You
The RDD Team and Aptar Pharma are grateful to our sponsors, exhibitors, and all participants and contributors to whom we credit the continuing success of this scientific conference series. With seven meetings behind us, RDD Europe is now firmly established as an outstanding venue to conceive new projects and put existing ones on the fast track. 
But it is not the only venue! We encourage you to plan now in order to attend Respiratory Drug Delivery 2018, which will be held at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona, April 22–26, 2018.
And plan to join us in Estoril, Portugal, for RDD Europe 2019.
Visit www.rddonline.com to learn more about future meeting and other RDD services.
Photographs produced with permission.
