Respiratory Drug Delivery Asia 2016 - In Review

Two years after the inaugural Respiratory Drug Delivery meeting in India, RDD Asia 2016 returned to Goa with an expanded scientific program. From November 8-11, 2016, the Grand Hyatt Hotel was buzzing with approximately 250 delegates representing 16 nations. The majority were from India, augmented by 22% from Europe, 11% from the rest of Asia and 7% from the USA. The pharmaceutical industry sent most delegates (42%), but there were strong showings by instrument (12%) and service companies (27%) who support Pharma, and a smaller contingent of government and academic scientists (9%).

Science from Around the World

All delegates were warmly welcomed by the conference chairman, Richard Dalby (University of Maryland, USA), before enjoying an insightful and visually spectacular plenary lecture from Hak-Kim Chan (University of Sydney, Australia) speaking on “Understanding of the Mechanics of Powder Dispersion in Dry Powder Inhalers”. The program closed with superb videos within presentations on “Using Optical Diagnostics to Investigate MDI Sprays and DPI Fluidization” by Henk Versteeg (Loughborough University, United Kingdom) and “New Insights into pMDI Operation Using Synchrotron X-Ray Techniques” by Damon Honnery (Monash University, Australia). Sandwiched between were excellent presentations from international experts who spoke in sessions addressing Different Directions for Nasal and Inhaled Drug Delivery, Fighting COPD, TB and Respiratory Infections with Inhalation Therapy, Optimizing DPI Formulation and Device Partnerships and Quality by Design - Understanding the Science of Aerosol Clouds. A panel discussion focused on “Advancing Regulatory Science of Inhaled Products” followed presentations by five speakers, including Derya Coursey from the Office of Device Evaluation/Center for Devices and Radiologic Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This was just one of many opportunities for the audience to interact with speakers.

Networking

RDD Asia 2016 was emblematic of India’s emergence as a global power in inhaled and nasal pharmaceutical development and patient care. The thirst for knowledge and partners was apparent during the Scientific Poster Session, Technology Exhibition and Workshops. With approximately 30 exhibiting companies and seven Workshop presentations, RDD Asia 2016 cemented the tradition of excellent scientific and commercial networking. Exhibitors were peppered with questions throughout about their products and services. The companies sponsoring workshops were kept particularly busy for a full afternoon – delegates chose to attend three workshops matching their specific interests, and they came armed with enthusiasm and questions.  The Workshop sessions, with their small group, hands-on demonstrations and case study format, were particularly suited to highlighting innovations in pulmonary and nasal delivery and for connecting scientists and business professionals to their suppliers, service providers and regulators in a relaxed atmosphere that fostered easy communication and networking.

The welcome reception on the lawns of the Grand Hyatt Hotel got the networking started, and the evening Gala dinner on the last night, sponsored by Aptar Pharma at Bay 15 on the banks of the Mandovi River, provided attendees with ample opportunity to unite with old friends and form new partnerships. In spite of the sudden currency recall, spirits were high and all enjoyed the combination of disco and Bollywood dancing.

Conference Proceedings

Peer-reviewed speaker papers and poster abstracts were made available in print to all delegates. Subscription access to the entire searchable database of over 2000 RDD papers, and hard copies of all proceedings are available via www.rddonline.com together with links to educational presentations, Respiratory Drug Delivery: Essential Theory and Practice (Available in English and Chinese), downloadable CFD models of adult and pediatric mouth throats and a calendar of events relevant to the aerosol scientist or manager.

Future Conferences

The organizers thank the presenters, moderators, exhibitors, sponsors and all those in attendance who make the annual Respiratory Drug Delivery series a success. We hope to see you at Respiratory Drug Delivery Europe 2017, to be held in Nice, France, April 25-28, 2017, and Respiratory Drug Delivery 2018, to be held at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Hotel & Spa, Tucson, Arizona, April 22-26, 2018.

Photographs printed with permission.