Companies from around the world gathered in Tampa, FL from March 2-5 to hear industry experts and global regulators speak about the latest in technology for the pharmaceutical industry. Representatives from companies such as Genentech and BMS joined experts from the FDA and EMEA to present on topics ranging from current trends in dosage manufacturing to recent regulatory enforcement. This year focused on the industry approaches to contamination risk reduction and technology implementation to improve efficiency and regulatory compliance. Of prime interest to the attendees was the application of robotics for aseptic processing.

Highlights from the Symposium included:

FDA data on intravenous infection deaths stating over 32,000 per year in the United States, greater than the number of motorcycle injury deaths

Cost of Quality for aseptic manufacturers averaging 8-12% currently, with that of solid-dosage manufacturers at 1-3%

Isolator system market growth now accelerating year over year

Containment of dosage manufacturing clearly the future, with increased potency of new drugs

Data to be released this summer at ISPE Arlington conference detailing the substantial operating and overall cost benefits of isolator technology

Vanrx CEO, Chris Procyshyn, presented a session on industrial design of aseptic robotic systems which featured the latest technology from VanRx, the RAPTOR Aseptic Workcell. Delegates were shown a novel approach to isolator system design, employing the latest in manufacturing technology from across industries. Generating a great deal of interest and support among attendees, experts spoke out in support of Vanrx concepts, both from a quality and microbiological perspective. Participating on an expert panel during the symposium, Vanrx shared in the discussion of key decision points for manufacturers and need for continued data-driven decision making in overall process and facility design.

Vanrx highlighted it current plans for development and product introduction for 2009, and will be seen next at the Parenteral Drug Association Annual General Meeting in Las Vegas, NV, April 20-24.

The First Canadian Co-investment Summit, hosted by the National Angel Capital Organization was held on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 in Toronto. Billed as the Best of the Best in Canadian fast-growing, high potential companies, twenty-five companies were chosen from across Canada to present to angel investors at the University Club at the University of Toronto. Vanrx was chosen as part of a field of companies representing the medical technology, software and telecom sectors. Companies that have gathered investment from Angels previously, and have the highest investment potential, were selected by a national panel of Angels.

Vanrx is pleased to announce the addition of David Greer to our Strategic Advisory Board. David is a seasoned technology executive, and former President and CTO for Robelle Solutions, a highly profitable multi-million-dollar software company with a global industry presence and Fortune 500 customers. He has a wealth of experience in B2B sales and marketing and provides an excellent resource to management in development of our sales and marketing strategies. He has also been active in the Vancouver angel investment community, and instrumental in launching and growing several emerging companies. David mines his decades of business and entrepreneurial experience to provide advice on corporate development, business plans, product strategy, and financing. He is excited at the potential for the company and its products to dramatically change and improve the manufacturing and production of aseptic drugs.

As an emerging innovator in the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, Vanrx has been chosen to present at four major, peer-reviewed conferences in 2009. These events showcase the latest in technology for the pharmaceutical industry, and gather thought leaders from around the globe to share ideas and concepts about the future. Regulators from FDA, European Medicines Evaluation Agency, and Health Canada will be in attendance and provide an excellent forum for dialogue between stakeholders from across the industry.

ISPE Tampa Conference 2009: Fifth Annual Aseptic Manufacturing Technology Symposium
Tampa, Florida March 2-3, 2009

2009 Parenteral Drug Association Annual Meeting: The Impact of the Microchip
’Application of Modern Technologies in the Development, Manufacture and Testing of Bio/pharmaceutical Products’
Las Vegas, Nevada April 20-24, 2009

ISPE Washington Conferences 2009: 18th Annual Barrier Isolation Technology Forum
Arlington, Virginia June 1-4, 2009

ISPE Europe 2009 Conference on Quality
’Knowledge Through Science’
Strasbourg, France September 28 to October 1, 2009