Respiratory Drug Delivery Europe 2013 - In Review
RDD Europe 2013 was held at the Hotel Intercontinental in Berlin, Germany, May 21-24, 2013. Focusing on the development of pulmonary and nasal pharmaceutical products, the conference attracted an international audience of 459 participants. RDD Online and Aptar Pharma co-hosted delegates primarily from Europe (73%) and North America (18%), with a healthy showing from emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Attendees represented the pharmaceutical industry (46%), academia (20%), suppliers (20%) and government agencies (3%).
Speakers
The conference began with a thoughtful and informative plenary lecture delivered by Dr. Dirkje Postma, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis at the University Medical Centre Groningen in the Netherlands, on the subject of small airway dysfunction in asthma and COPD. She was joined by more than 20 additional speakers over the course of the conference, each offering their insight and research in areas ranging from novel approaches in drug development, orphan drug development challenges and opportunities, designing devices in today’s marketplace and optimizing formulation and device partnerships. In addition, Dr. Leslie Hendeles from the University of Florida led a discussion panel related to harmonizing the clinical requirements for LABA/ICS combinations involving US and EU regulators and industry representatives.
Poster and Technology Exhibition
RDD Europe 2013 provided an excellent opportunity for scientific and commercial networking during the meeting’s signature Scientific Poster and Technology Exhibition. Companies, universities and organizations presented over 50 scientific posters covering a variety of topics highlighting the latest innovations in pulmonary and nasal delivery. Selected contributions were shared with the entire audience during the popular interactive session, Posters on the Podium.
With more than 60 exhibitors at RDD Europe 2013, the Technology Exhibition brought together representatives of the world’s pharmaceutical companies active in the nasal and pulmonary areas together with suppliers, service providers and regulators in a relaxed atmosphere that fostered easy communication and networking.
Workshops
Twelve companies provided in-depth descriptions of their products and services during Workshop sessions. Delegates were able to tailor their conference experience to their unique needs and interests. Workshop topics included product development, specialized filling techniques, laser imaging, and various other aspects relating to nasal and pulmonary drug delivery. Several workshops featured hands-on demonstrations of specialized equipment and techniques and enabled close Q&A interaction between the presenters and the attendees.
The conference included a popular gala dinner held in the TIPI Am Kanszleramt Theatre near the Reichstag. A photographic retrospective of past RDD Europe conferences enriched the musical cabaret and offered a great opportunity for first-time RDD attendees to meet and interact with regular attendees. A great time was had by all!
Conference Proceedings
Peer-reviewed speaker papers and poster abstracts were made available either in print or electronically on a specially designed conference website, with WiFi access sponsored by Aptar Pharma. Hard copies of the proceedings can be purchased at RDD Online. Also available there are links to educational presentations, job postings and a calendar of events relevant to the aerosol scientist or manager.
The organizers thank the presenters, exhibitors, sponsors and all those in attendance who make the annual Respiratory Drug Delivery series a success, and we hope to see you at Respiratory Drug Delivery 2014, to be held at the El Conquistador Resort, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, May 4-8, 2014, when we celebrate 25 years of RDD conferences. Please visit the RDD 2014 website for deadlines and details, or contact info@rddonline.com with programming or speaker suggestions.
Photographs printed with permission.
