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DCAT Week 2026 | Created with Canva - Spray Dryer Image courtesy of ESTEVE CDMO

 draws together a pharmaceutical supply chain sector navigating familiar pressures: drug shortages, geopolitical risk, and the ongoing demand for domestic manufacturing resilience.

 Three announcements timed to coincide with the event reflect distinct strategies for responding to those pressures.

Is the Case for Domestic Finished Dose Manufacturing Getting Stronger?

LGM Pharma is committing an additional $9 million to its facilities in Rosenberg, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, bringing its total investment across both sites to $15 million.

 The announcement builds on a $6 million expansion at the Texas facility completed in 2025 and is aimed at expanding commercial capacity, extending research and development capabilities, and meeting sustained demand for U.S.-based drug product manufacturing.

In Texas, $4 million will go toward expanding commercial-scale manufacturing suites for suppositories, driven in part by increasing demand in women's health.

 The site will also gain expanded development capabilities for formulations including solutions, suspensions, and semi-solids. In Colorado Springs, a $5 million investment will increase commercial manufacturing capacity for niche oral solid dose products, with a particular focus on orally disintegrating tablets. This format is in growing demand as the domestic oral solid dose market continues to expand.

"These multi-site investments totaling $15 million reflect our continued commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical supply chains in the United States," said Prasad Raje, chief executive officer, LGM Pharma, in a press release.

The company is building finished dose capacity at the downstream end of the supply chain while pairing it with upstream active pharmaceutical ingredient sourcing through a network of more than 220 pre-qualified manufacturers.

 "Today's pharma companies need partners that are both resilient and integrated across the full product lifecycle," Raje added.

 "By reinforcing domestic drug product manufacturing at the downstream end of the supply chain, closer to end markets, and leveraging our global API sourcing capabilities upstream, we create a balanced end-to-end model."

Importantly for companies with active programs, both facilities will remain fully operational throughout construction.

 "Rather than overextending in a single phase, we are executing these enhancements incrementally to expand capabilities and capacity while ensuring operational continuity," said Hamilton Lenox, chief commercial officer, LGM Pharma, in the press release.

How Far Can a Single Molecular Class Extend Across Markets?

ICE Pharma, a global leader in Ursodeoxycholic Acid, is using DCAT Week to announce a deliberate move beyond the traditional active pharmaceutical ingredient supplier model.

The company is repositioning its bile acid platform to serve finished dosage, nutraceutical, and specialty excipient markets.

 First is a focus delivering finished dosage forms of Ursodeoxycholic Acid to complement its established ingredient business. As well, advancing nutraceutical solutions targeting gut health and metabolic balance. They also plan on expanding bile acid derivatives into functional excipients designed to enhance formulation performance.

"ICE Pharma is evolving beyond the traditional API supplier model by exploring and developing new applications of bile acids, with the goal of opening new market opportunities," said Agostino Barazza, chief executive officer, ICE Pharma, in a press release.

The move reflects a broader trend of ingredient suppliers seeking to capture more value across the product chain.

For pharmaceutical developers working with bile acid chemistry, the shift may offer more integrated options for sourcing and formulation support. "Bile acids are an underutilized but highly versatile molecular class," added Dr. Roger Viney, chief commercial officer, ICE Pharma, in a press release.

 "Our strategy is to leverage our chemistry, regulatory expertise and manufacturing infrastructure to provide integrated solutions — not just ingredients — to pharmaceutical and healthcare partners."

What Innovations Are Being Shown for Development Pipelines?

ESTEVE CDMO is announcing an expansion of its spray drying infrastructure at its facility in Celrà, in Spain's Girona region, alongside the launch of a new brand identity.

 The expansion adds a 3,000-square-meter production unit to accommodate new spray drying equipment within purpose-built high-potency containment suites.

According to Esteve, their GEA Pharma spray dryer is scheduled to be operational in the first quarter of 2027, followed by a second unit expected to come online later that year.

 The new building also includes infrastructure to accommodate a commercial-scale third dryer, with further expansion beyond that planned. The company expects to add up to 15 staff once the first two units are in operation.

"As our work in Girona progresses, it is important that we remain aligned with the needs of our partners, and adding spray drying capabilities can help solve problems they face with the characteristics of development pipelines, such as stability, poor solubility, potency, and scalability," said Joan Petit, President, ESTEVE CDMO, in a press release.

Taken together, these announcements reflect a sector investing in specificity, whether that means deeper domestic infrastructure, extended chemistry platforms, or targeted capabilities for complex molecules.

 DCAT Week 2026 continues to offer concrete signals about where the industry is being built upon.

LGM Pharma. LGM Pharma expands U.S. manufacturing, bringing total investment to 15 million dollars across Texas and Colorado sites [press release]. Boca Raton, FL; March 19, 2026. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260319065768/en/LGM-Pharma-Expands-U.S.-Manufacturing-Bringing-Total-Investment-to-%2415M-Across-Texas-and-Colorado-Sites

ICE Pharma. ICE Pharma expands beyond APIs to capture new bile acid markets [press release]. Milan, Italy. ICE Pharma; 2026.

​ESTEVE CDMO. ESTEVE CDMO plans additional spray dryers and containment in Girona, Spain, and launches new brand [press release]. Celrà (Girona), Spain; March 19, 2026. 

https://www.esteve.com/global/media/news/esteve-cdmo-plans-additional-spray-dryers-and-containment-in-girona-spain-and-launches-new-brand

Articles

DCAT Week 2026 highlights supply-chain strategies shaped by shortages, geopolitical exposure, and resilience mandates. LGM Pharma is investing $15 million across Texas and Colorado to expand U.S. finished-dose capacity, adding suppository suites, formulation development, and niche oral solids including ODTs while maintaining operations during construction. ICE Pharma is extending its bile-acid platform beyond APIs into finished dosage, nutraceuticals, and functional excipients to capture more downstream value. ESTEVE CDMO is expanding high-containment spray-drying infrastructure in Girona to address solubility, stability, potency, and scale-up needs.

Pharma companies reveal capacity expansions and strategic pivots at DCAT Week 2026, signaling where supply chain investment is heading.

DCAT Week 2026: Key Pharma Manufacturing Announcements

SGD Pharma’s Sterile Nasal Vial Platform | Created with Canva

On March 17, 2026, SGD Pharma announced a strategic original equipment manufacturer collaboration with Prince Sterilization Services, LLC to validate ready-to-use type I glass primary packaging solutions for the North American market.¹ The first commercial outcome of that collaboration is the My Sterinity Nasal platform, a flexible cleaned vial range built on SGD Pharma's existing My Sterinity platform that will be formally introduced at DCAT Week 2026 in New York.

The announcement signals the availability of a regionally qualified, end-to-end supply chain for sterile Type I glass nasal vials, an offering that has historically been difficult to source with short lead times in the US.¹

Why Is the Nasal Delivery Market Drawing Renewed Attention to Glass Packaging?

The global nasal drug delivery market is valued at approximately €9 billion ($10.4 billion) and encompasses more than 2 billion units annually.¹ Plastic has historically dominated this segment, accounting for roughly 88% of packaging formats. However, the therapeutic profile of nasal drug programs is shifting. What was once a market concentrated on acute and rescue treatments is now expanding into chronic, high-value indications for conditions that include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and depression.

These longer-duration therapies place more demanding requirements on primary packaging.¹ Formulation teams need containers that offer strong chemical inertness, consistent barrier protection and long-term biocompatibility. Minimizing adsorption of active compounds, preserving sterility over extended treatment courses and enabling precision dosing are increasingly non-negotiable for this category. Type I borosilicate glass satisfies these criteria in ways that plastic alternatives often cannot.

What Will the SGD Pharma and Prince Collaboration Deliver?

My Sterinity Nasal launches initially in three vial formats--0.5 mL, 7.5 mL and 10 mL--that are available in both clear and amber glass.¹ The vials are based on SGD Pharma's U-Save type I glass and offer controlled particulate and endotoxin levels, validated sterility assurance and compatibility with standard preservative-free nasal pump systems. They are packaged in double-bagged trays for immediate deployment in filling operations.

The division of responsibilities in the collaboration is designed to address a practical gap in the North American supply landscape.¹ Glass manufacturing will take place at SGD Pharma's Saint Quentin La-Motte facility in northern France, which holds ISO 15378 certification and operates to GMP standards. Prince will then handle washing, depyrogenation and sterilization services on the North American side, creating a qualified, regional supply chain suited to US biopharmaceutical customers.

Carole Grassi, chief commercial marketing & innovation officer, SGD Pharma, said in a press release,¹ “Our collaboration with Prince marks an important milestone in SGD Pharma's innovation growth strategy for North America. The My Sterinity Nasal platform represents a major step forward in high-value nasal drug delivery, and our collaboration with Prince unlocks immediate US-qualified capacity for biopharma customers scaling complex nasal therapy programs. This is more than a product launch, it is a validated supply chain ready to support qualification, clinical trials and commercial launch with unmatched speed and reliability.”

Daniel Prince, PhD, CEO, Prince Sterilization Services, said, in the press release,¹ "SGD Pharma's Type I glass expertise combined with our quality focused and flexible RTU & sterilization platform creates the gold standard for sterile nasal packaging. Prince's recent US qualification means we can now deliver ready-to-use, terminally sterilized My Sterinity Nasal vials in timelines that match domestic and international customer development cycles and exceed quality requirements."

The practical implication is access to terminally sterilized, type I molded glass vials without the delays typically associated with custom qualification projects or international shipping timelines.¹ SGD Pharma's broader type I molded glass portfolio is characterized by high hydrolytic resistance, low thermal expansion. This being relevant for lyophilization and autoclaving processes.

What Else Is Being Presented at DCAT Week 2026?

Alongside the My Sterinity Nasal launch, SGD Pharma will present two additional glass packaging technologies at DCAT Week.¹ 

Sealian is an internal surface treatment designed to improve chemical durability and barrier performance for sensitive drug formulations

. The company will also present Idency premium vials, which are engineered to provide greater chemical and mechanical resistance than standard tubular vials while retaining the same outer diameter. Idency allows integration with existing filling line configurations without equipment modification.

SGD Pharma will not be alone in addressing supply chain resilience in injectable and specialty drug segments.² Avenacy, a US-based specialty pharmaceutical company, will discuss its portfolio of twenty-six critical acute care and shortage injectable medications. The company is using the conference to engage potential customers and partners around further product launches aimed at stabilising supply in high-demand categories.

Lotte Biologics will also be present at DCAT Week 2026, using the event to advance CDMO partnership discussions in the North American market and beyond.³ The company plans to highlight the combined capabilities of its Syracuse bio campus in New York and Plant 1 at its Songdo facility in Incheon, South Korea. Lotte will present a cell line development to drug substance production timeline of approximately 8.5 months, achieved through a partnership with Asimov. Manufacturing support spans monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies and both clinical and commercial-scale production. The presences of these organizations at DCAT Week 2026 reflects a broader industry preoccupation with qualified, reliable supply chains for complex drug delivery formats.

SGD Pharma. SGD Pharma advances its North American pharmaceutical glass offering in new collaboration with Prince Sterilization Services, LLC – debuting its My Sterinity Nasal range at DCAT Week 2026. Paris La Défense, France: SGD Pharma; March 17, 2026. Press release.

​Avenacy. Avenacy to attend 2026 DCAT Week. Business Wire. March 16, 2026. Accessed March 18, 2026. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260316315025/en/Avenacy-to-Attend-2026-DCAT-Week

Korea Biomedical Review. Lotte Biologics to participate in DCAT Week 2026 in New York. Korea Biomedical Review. March 17, 2026. Accessed March 18, 2026. 

https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30848

SGD Pharma and Prince Sterilization Services have established an OEM collaboration to validate ready-to-use Type I glass primary packaging for North America, debuting the My Sterinity Nasal platform at DCAT Week 2026. The initiative addresses persistent US sourcing constraints for sterile nasal vials by creating a regionally qualified, end-to-end supply chain. Momentum reflects a nasal delivery market shifting from acute use toward chronic, high-value CNS and immunologic indications, increasing the need for inertness, barrier performance, sterility retention, and dosing precision.

SGD Pharma and Prince launch sterile Type I glass nasal vials for the US market, targeting complex chronic conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SGD Pharma Launches Sterile Nasal Vial Platform for US Market

groninger at INTERPHEX NYC 2026 | Created with Canva - Image courtesy of groninger USA

For INTERPHEX NYC, taking place April 21-23, groninger will debut a formalized service structure and put a high-throughput ready-to-use processing platform in front of industry decision-makers.¹ Its presentation will offer a focused look at where filling and closing technology is heading.

What Does a Structured Equipment Lifecycle Program Mean for Manufacturing Teams?

The show will mark the formal launch of groninger’s Lifecycle Solutions concept in North America, a service program that consolidates support across the full lifespan of filling and closing equipment, from initial commissioning through continuous optimization, modernization, and retrofit.¹ For manufacturing teams, a structured approach to equipment lifecycle management is increasingly tied to regulatory compliance and production continuity rather than being a discretionary add-on.

“Comprehensive services are no longer a nice-to-have; they are an essential part of value creation,”¹ says Christian Thieme, vice president of Sales & Marketing, groninger USA, in a press release. “Our customers expect support to begin long before an issue arises. They expect—rightly so—proximity, rapid response, and an infrastructure that operates in real time.”

The program’s launch coincides with a $14.2 million investment in a new North American headquarters facility currently under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina.¹ The expanded site will include significantly increased manufacturing, assembly, and service capabilities aimed at shortening response times for customers across the region.

“With this expansion, we’re laying the foundation the market needs now: shorter distances, direct points of contact, and on-site manufacturing that can respond within hours rather than days,”¹ says Philipp Hauser, CEO, groninger USA, in the press release.

As companies continue to shift priorities toward regional manufacturing, this kind of local infrastructure has direct implications for production scheduling, validation timelines, and the ability to respond quickly when equipment deviations occur.¹

How Is the Industry’s Shift Toward Prefilled Syringes Changing Equipment Requirements?

The show will also feature a working demonstration of the UFVN, groninger’s platform targeting the upper performance range of ready-to-use container processing.¹ Built for large production volumes, the system incorporates 100% in-process control: every container is checked inline, deviations are flagged in real time, and out-of-specification units are automatically rejected. The platform is designed to handle syringes, vials, and cartridges on a single technical configuration.

Dirk Schuster, global head of Sales, groninger’s Pharma division, noted, in the press release.¹ “We’re presenting this machine platform at the show because it demonstrates what’s possible when technology and experience converge: stable high performance across all ready-to-use formats. Today, pharmaceutical companies must be able to process syringes, vials, and cartridges on a single technical platform—safely, reproducibly, and without compromising throughput or process execution.”

Prefilled syringes are steadily displacing vials as the dominant primary packaging format, driven by patient usability requirements and growing regulatory expectations around combination product design.¹ Yet, many firms still initiate development programs around vials, often discovering mid-development that a changeover to syringes introduces significant technical and regulatory rework.

“Our customers want to see that high performance, container flexibility, and process reliability work not just on paper but in daily production,” Schuster added.

groninger’s Julian Petersen, global head of Business Development Pharma, stated, in the press release,¹ “We’re seeing that early decisions on formats and technologies are increasingly determining the speed and safety of later clinical and commercial phases. When component suppliers, contract development and manufacturing organizations, and equipment manufacturers collaborate from the start, risks can be reduced and development becomes significantly more robust.”

Petersen will be presenting at INTERPHEX NYC on a new approach to system prequalification: design-verified filling systems that have been validated on current-generation lines before a sponsor’s development program reaches them.¹ For pharmaceutical development teams, this translates to reduced interface complexity between container components and filling equipment, lower technical risk during scale-up, and a more predictable path from early clinical phases into commercial manufacturing.

What Other INTERPHEX Events Should Professionals Be Paying Attention To?

The conversations taking place at INTERPHEX NYC sit within a broader global dialogue.² 

At INTERPHEX Week Tokyo, running May 20–22 at Makuhari Messe

, 35,000 pharmaceutical and biotech professionals are expected to gather for it. Its 320-session program spans manufacturing excellence, quality and compliance, supply resilience, and digital transformation. A featured session from Boehringer Ingelheim will address how aligning development and manufacturing reduces transfer risks and accelerates launch readiness, themes that resonate directly with the format and scale-up decisions discussed at INTERPHEX NYC.

groninger. At INTERPHEX NYC, groninger to introduce new “Lifecycle Solutions” concept and showcase efficient RTU processing equipment. News release. March 12, 2026.

INTERPHEX WEEK TOKYO 2026. Japan’s largest pharma gathering publishes full 320-session programme for May 2026. Press Release; Mar 11, 202

groninger will use INTERPHEX NYC (April 21–23) to introduce its North America Lifecycle Solutions program and demonstrate the UFVN high-throughput ready-to-use (RTU) processing platform. Lifecycle Solutions formalizes end-to-end service support spanning commissioning, optimization, modernization, and retrofit, aligning equipment management with compliance and uptime imperatives. A $14.2 million Charlotte, NC headquarters expansion underpins faster regional response and local manufacturing capacity. UFVN emphasizes 100% in-process control and multi-format capability as prefilled syringes increasingly drive primary packaging strategy and scale-up risk.

groninger will present innovations in equipment lifecycle programs, RTU platform flexibility, and earlier format alignment at INTERPHEX NYC, 2026.

Groninger Brings New RTU Filling Platform and Lifecycle Services Concept to INTERPHEX NYC

Interphex week Tokyo 2026 | Created with Canva - Interphex Image courtesy of RX Global

Interphex Week Tokyo 2026, scheduled for May 20-22 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, has published its full conference schedule.¹ The conference spans 320 sessions across manufacturing; quality; chemistry, manufacturing and controls; and digital transformation.¹ Asia’s leading trade show for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetics, and regenerative medicine industries, expects to draw around 950 exhibitors and 35,000 industry professionals across the three days. The breadth of the program presents a practical opportunity for learning with specific team priorities, for example, process development, regulatory compliance, supply chain resilience, and the integration of digital tools into production and quality systems.

The 320 sessions draw on perspectives from government agencies, global pharmaceutical manufacturers, solution providers, and academia.¹ Content spans organiser-led conferences, exhibitor seminars, and an academic forum. Some of the topics include manufacturing excellence, quality and compliance, supply resilience, and digital transformation. The mix is designed to support the translation of technical insight into operational practice.

For teams working in formulation and late-stage development, a session from Martin Maus, head of Late Oral Product Development, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, will address how solid oral dosage forms be developed in close alignment with patient needs and the capabilities of an international manufacturing network.¹ Maus will discuss how alignment between development and manufacturing reduces transfer risks, accelerates launch readiness, and enables smoother supply transitions to routine sites. The session will also cover digital and predictive tools, including hybrid mechanistic statistical models, real-time machine-learning-based process control, and discrete element method simulations.

How Is the Event Supporting International Participation?

For professionals based outside Japan or working within internationally dispersed teams, one practical development in the 2026 program is the inclusion of real-time translation support.¹ A total of 47 sessions will be supported by an AI translation tool, offering real-time text transcription and audio readout in multiple languages.

Attendance at Interphex Week Tokyo 2026 is free with advance visitor registration, which also allows delegates to secure a visitor badge and plan their agenda before arriving on site.¹ 

The full conference program is now publicly available on the Interphex week website.

What Other Pharma Conferences Should Professionals Focus On?

The appetite for large-scale pharma industry gatherings extends beyond Japan as CPHI & PMEC China 2026, taking place June 16-18 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.² The event expects to draw over 110,000 attendees and more than 3,600 exhibitors, making it Asia's largest pharma event by attendance. The 2026 edition will feature over 100 conferences and workshops led by more than 700 experts, covering areas from active pharmaceutical ingredients and biotech to pharmaceutical machinery and traditional Chinese medicine. As Orhan Caglayan, executive vice president of the Pharma Portfolio, Informa Markets, notes, in a press release,² "The growth of CPHI & PMEC China mirrors the extraordinary pace of innovation in China, solidifying its position as the ultimate destination for sourcing, supply chain optimisation and forging strategic partnerships."

INTERPHEX WEEK TOKYO 2026. Japan’s largest pharma gathering publishes full 320-session programme for May 2026. Press Release; Mar 11, 2026.

​ANTARA News. The largest pharma show in Asia makes its return to Shanghai this June 2026. March 11, 2026. Accessed March 11, 2026. 

https://en.antaranews.com/news/407943/the-largest-pharma-show-in-asia-makes-its-return-to-shanghai-this-june-2026

Interphex Week Tokyo 2026 (May 20-22, Makuhari Messe, Chiba) has released a 320-session agenda spanning manufacturing, quality, CMC, and digital transformation, with participation from regulators, global manufacturers, solution providers, and academia. Attendance is projected at ~950 exhibitors and 35,000 professionals across pharma, biotech, cosmetics, and regenerative medicine. Programming emphasizes operational translation of technical insights, including supply resilience and compliance. A highlighted Boehringer Ingelheim session addresses late-stage oral development alignment with global networks and predictive/digital process-control tools.

Japan's largest pharma event returns May 2026 with 320 sessions spanning manufacturing, quality, CMC, and digital transformation.

320 Sessions Confirmed for Interphex Week Tokyo 2026

Audience listens to the speech of the lecturer in the conference hall | Image Credit: © Anton Gvozdikov - stock.adobe.com

 INTERPHEX, the leading global pharmaceutical and biotechnology event that fuses industry innovation with expert-led conference. Taking place at the Javits Center NYC on April 21-23, 2026, INTERPHEX offers an expansive exhibition floor showcasing cutting-edge products and services from industry leaders. Attendees and exhibitors engage in enlightening seminars led by experts, delve into technology showcases spotlighting the latest innovations, and benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities. This dynamic platform unites professionals, fostering collaborations and providing a comprehensive view of advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing, process development, and regulatory compliance.

https://www.interphex.com/en-us/show-info.html

Elevate your industry knowledge, connect with key stakeholders, and stay at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation at INTERPHEX.

INTERPHEX: April 21-23, 2026

Box and bottle of pills on the blue background. Pharmacy mockups for meds presentations, BADs and other kinds of pharmaceutical products. Front view. | Image Credit: ©

On Jan. 21, 2026, Sherma Ellis-Daal, event director at Pharmapack announcedthat the event would be expanding into the Asia market, located in Singapore, in November 2026 (1). The announcement came during the 2026 Pharmapack awards ceremony. 

The event is being held in Paris on January 21 and 22.

Pharmapack Asia will follow the format of the European-based event and provide stakeholders in the drug delivery and packaging markets an avenue to collaborate and showcase innovations. Exhibitions, conference sessions, and networking forums will be tailored to the Asian market and will serve a diverse audience of drug manufacturers, device developers, packaging engineers, regulators, and supply chain experts from the Asia-Pacific region.

“Singapore, renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence, is perfectly positioned to host Pharmapack,” said Ellis-Daal in a press release (1). “By bringing the expertise, knowledge, and community of Pharmapack Europe to Singapore, we aim to strengthen our global network and establish a powerful presence in Asia. This initiative will foster collaboration and growth across the industry, creating new opportunities for all of us. The expansion of Pharmapack to Singapore, a dynamic hub for pharmaceutical innovation and excellence, underscores our commitment to empowering global healthcare with packaging solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”

“Expanding Pharmapack into Asia is a strategic move that reflects the region’s growing significance in the global pharmaceutical, packaging and drug delivery industries,” Orhan Caglayan, executive vice president, Pharma at Informa Markets, which operates the event, added in the press release (1). "By bringing the event to this region, we aim to establish a dynamic platform that brings together innovators, suppliers and industry leaders to foster collaboration and drive advancements.This expansion offers exhibitors unparalleled access to emerging markets and opportunities, while attendees will gain valuable insights and solutions tailored to the unique needs of the pharma packaging and drug delivery ecosystem.”

Registration will open in early 2026. Full details will be announced in the coming months.

, sponsored by AAE B.V., were also announced during the ceremony on January 21 (2). The awards feature four categories that were open to innovators in the pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery space. The following companies were recognized:

In the Eco-Design category, Leca Farma (Leca Graphics, Groupo Lantero) won for its Smart Safe packaging, which features a mono-material design that integrates all functions into a single piece, simplifies processes, reduces costs, and facilitates recycling.

In the Patient-Centric Design category, YPSOMED won for its prefilled autoinjector, YpsoLoop, which combines a two-step, pre-filled device with a design that advances sustainability by lowering carbon dioxide emissions through adherence to eco-design principles and by being built for circularity.

In the Delivery and Device Innovation category, Abbott Healthcare won for its SmartDose precision-engineered, metered multidose dispenser that is designed for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

In the Packaging Innovation category, Meadow won for its packaging system, MEADOW KAPSUL, which allows users to insert a pre-filled can into the dispenser for spill-free replacement.

For more information on the nominees and winners, visit 

Pharmapack. Pharmapack Announces Expansion to Asia with New Event in Singapore, Set for November 2026. Press Release. Jan. 21, 2026.

2026 Pharmapack Awards Winners List. Jan. 21, 2026.

Pharmapack is set to expand into the Asian market with an event in Singapore in November 2026, following the format of its European counterpart. This expansion aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders in drug delivery and packaging, offering tailored exhibitions and networking opportunities. Singapore's reputation for innovation makes it an ideal host. The 2026 Pharmapack Awards recognized companies for innovations in eco-design, patient-centric design, delivery and device innovation, and packaging innovation. Registration for the Singapore event will open in early 2026, with further details forthcoming.

At the Pharmapack Europe 2026 awards ceremony, Pharmapack announced it is expanding the event to Singapore in November 2026. This year’s award winners were also announced.

Pharmapack Expands to Singapore Event; Presents Award Winners

ACG’s SuperPod | Created in Canva - SuperPod image courtesy of ACG Packaging Materials

, ACG Packing is unveiling the SuperPod™, its newest innovation in cold-form blister technology. According to an ACG press release, this new packaging design will drastically reduce cavity size, which reduces the strain on production resources and manufacturing costs (1).

The physical limitations of cold-form aluminum have historically dictated the size and cost of pharmaceutical packaging. Because standard aluminum foils are susceptible to rupture when drawn too deeply, manufacturers have been forced to utilize large cavities that increase the overall packaging footprint (1). These oversized blisters subsequently demand more warehouse space, increase material consumption, and elevate logistics costs throughout the supply chain. The SuperPod is designed to optimize the balance between material performance and operational efficiency (1).

How does enhanced draw capability impact manufacturing efficiency and sustainability?

The technical foundation of this development is a multi-layer laminate designed for superior cold-drawing (1). By allowing for deep-draw cavity formation without compromising the protective barrier of the aluminum, the technology can reduce cavity sizes by up to 39% in specific applications. A well-engineered format can increase the number of blisters produced per shot by as much as three times, effectively freeing up existing manufacturing capacity and lowering per-unit costs (1). These reductions in material and resource usage per dosage contribute to a smaller environmental footprint across the product lifecycle.

Why is this innovation particularly relevant for moisture-sensitive and high-count dosage forms?

The ability to minimize cavity dimensions and spacing has direct implications for drug stability and protection. Dr. Akbar Ali, GM and head of Development and Technology at ACG Packaging Materials, stated in an ACG press release, “We’re excited to debut SuperPod™ at Pharmapack 2026. The technology effectively makes cold-form blisters lighter by reducing material usage per dosage. We see significant opportunities, particularly for high-count formats such as 20-count vitamins and B-complex capsules, where traditional cold-form blisters become impractically large. It also performs exceptionally well for moisture-sensitive and oncology products, where reduced headspace and narrower cavity spacing help minimize gas and moisture exposure, offering enhanced protection. SuperPod™ has already undergone testing with major pharmaceutical manufacturers on high-speed blister lines, demonstrating performance comparable to standard cold-form materials, but with far greater forming capability” (1).

Maintaining seamless runnability on high-speed packaging lines is essential for operational stability. This material is designed to work with existing equipment and is available with both polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and halogen-free sealing layers (1). The flexibility to use PVC or more sustainable alternatives allows manufacturers to adapt to evolving environmental requirements, according to ACG. In an ACG press release, Jochen Scheil, VP of Global Sales and Business Development, added, “The launch of SuperPod™ encourages the industry to rethink decades-old design conventions and embrace smaller, smarter, and more sustainable blister formats. Digital tools such as Quick Response (QR) codes and electronic leaflets further support this transition by reducing reliance on large blister surface areas for printed information” (1). By utilizing QR codes, manufacturers can maintain information density while further reducing the physical size of the blister card. This technology is part of a broader shift at ACG toward sustainable oral dosage solutions, which includes such products as RecycloPod™, created with recycle-ready mono-materials.

What other innovations is ACG pushing forward?

To address challenges involving moisture protection with highly sensitive molecules, ACG introduced the DryPod™ in 2025 (2). Unlike traditional co-extruded structures, materials used in the DryPod are engineered using a proprietary lamination-based approach. This technical shift allows the laminate to function consistently across all standard blister-forming technologies, eliminating the need for specialized equipment retrofits or costly process modifications (2). This means the material can be integrated into existing blister lines with minimal disruption. Furthermore, the laminate is compatible with any polyethylene-sealable lidding foil, which enhances procurement flexibility and supports supply chain agility across global operations.

ACG Packaging Materials Launches SuperPod™ Setting a New Benchmark for Cold-form Blister Design

ACG launches DryPod™ – A Breakthrough Desiccant-Based Cold-Form Laminate Delivering Superior Protection for Moisture-Sensitive Pharmaceutical Blisters at PMEC 2025

ACG Packing has introduced the SuperPod™, a cold-form blister technology that reduces cavity size, optimizing material use and manufacturing efficiency. This innovation addresses the limitations of traditional cold-form aluminum, which required larger cavities, increasing costs and environmental impact. The SuperPod™ allows for deeper cavity formation without compromising protection, reducing material usage by up to 39% and enhancing sustainability. It is particularly beneficial for moisture-sensitive and high-count dosage forms. The technology is compatible with existing equipment and supports sustainable practices, including the use of QR codes for information dissemination.

ACG’s new SuperPod reduces blister size and boosts efficiency and sustainability for moisture-sensitive drug products.

ACG Introduces SuperPod for Drug Protection and Sustainability

Pharmapack Europe 2026: Geopolitical Impacts on Pharmaceutical Packaging

Current geopolitical rhetoric, particularly from the United States, is driving a shift in how manufacturers approach partnerships and supply chain planning. Instead of seeking global "optimal" capabilities, companies are increasingly focusing on North American and European regional support, according to 

 in this part 2 of a 2-part interview (check out 

part 1 on sustainability, specialization, and digitalization in packaging

). While the full material impact of these shifts may take years to realize, manufacturers are already announcing significant investments in US physical footprints to increase capacity. These changes are often capacity-driven, reflecting a strategic move to support regional capabilities rather than a purely political reaction.

How are strategic packaging and waste reduction enhancing pharma manufacturing?

As the industry looks toward 2026, the role of the expert packaging partner is becoming more vital, especially for innovative biotech companies that lack extensive internal manufacturing networks. Packaging is the critical final step before distribution; specialized expertise in this area helps to control fulfillment lead times and delivery schedules, reduce financial risks associated with tied-up capital in stock, and minimize product wastage, ensuring more medicine reaches patients.

Sustainability is also a primary focus for the future, moving beyond eco-friendly materials to encompass the efficient use and control of the drug products themselves.

Industry leaders are currently utilizing forums like Pharmapack Europe to showcase global platforms that support both oral solid doses and injectables across the US and Europe. These efforts are bolstered by new facility build-outs in the US, signaling a commitment to maintaining a robust, multi-regional presence. This evolution reflects a growing consciousness regarding how and where packaging occurs to ensure long-term supply chain reliability and availability for patients.

Tjoapack, booth 4D118, will be highlighting its packaging solutions at 

, which is being held in Paris on January 21 and 22.

Editor's note: This transcript is a lightly edited rendering of the original audio/video content. It may contain errors, informal language, or omissions as spoken in the original recording.

Has the geopolitical atmosphere for the past few years impacted how contract manufacturers are approaching partnerships or investments?

Yes, definitely. You know, as far as real, true impact of, you know, predominantly the rhetoric coming out of the US government, of what real, material impact that has on, sort of the supply chain, of the pharmaceutical sector. I think that's still really to be seen. You know, these changes take years, so I don't think we have seen where things are going yet, but certainly the conversation has shifted quite a lot. Where before we, you know, we're looking at, okay, what sort of capabilities are more optimal for a type of product, and where do we have that, either in Europe or the United States. It's more regional conversation. You know, how can, how can we have a North American supply chain? How can, you know, how can you guys at your park support you know that capability regionally and vice versa in Europe, so that that certainly has shifted, you know, conversations we have with customers and how they're approaching supply chain planning in terms of investments. Well, I mean lots of big announcements of obviously, investments in the United States in terms of physical footprint. US among them, I'd say ours is more capacity driven, rather really geopolitical. It's not a geopolitical decision. But, yeah, I think the real impact of that is still very much years in the future, you know, and let's see what actually comes of those five years down, down the road. Great. Okay, last

What do you anticipate for 2026 and beyond? For pharma packaging?

I think that you know, the trend for the more niche service provider, you know, like ourselves, and particularly being at this sort of end of the pharmaceutical manufacturing chain. You know, packaging is sort of the final step before distribution, of course, in the importance of a real expert player. Well, I mean, I'm tooting our own horn, of course, so somewhat bias and biased opinion, but we see a real value for certain type of customers or. Albeit more certainly the biotech and more innovative type companies that may not have expanded manufacturing supply chain networks and teams that can support them, the benefits of having a real expertise on this final assembly piece before distribution can make a lot of difference in controlling waste in your supply chain, controlling delivery times and fulfillment lead times. You know, the activity of packaging is obviously not the most complicated or the most scientific, but when you do it and where you do it, and how can have, you know, big financial as well as reliability of your supply chain impacts overall, which then obviously impacts availability of product to patient or impact what sort of stock you keep, and that ties up money, as Well as increases risk for wastages, etc. So having, you know, we see people be more conscious about it, and that, I think, will continue, you know, along the trends of sustainability, it's not just about materials that are sustainable. It's also how you use them and control and minimize waste for packaging materials, but also, obviously the drug product itself, that most of it will go to patients rather than, you know, good chunk of it in the bin.

What are you looking forward to at pharma pack Europe this year? Is there anything that that you guys are going to be highlighting?

Well, it's first time, a couple of years that we're actually exhibiting at Pharmapack again. So we're excited to be back, excited to kick off the year and meet you know, old friends and new hopefully. You know, we want to continue highlight our platform. You know, we spend a lot of money in building our global platform to support, you know, drug drug supply chains in Europe, in the United States. So we want to continue highlight, you know, our capabilities across oral, solar, dose and injectable products. Of course, we'll be talking about our new investments in the United States and our build out of our facility there, but that's sort of a, you know, part of the whole.

Videos

PharmTech spoke with Dexter Tjoa, CEO of Tjoapack, about how outside pressures are influencing supply chain and packaging decisions.

Datwyler Collaboration | Created with Canva

Datwyler, LTS Device Technologies, and Stevanato Group have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding the capabilities of large-volume subcutaneous drug delivery and enabling convenient on-body administration of higher-dose therapies, according to a Datwyler press release (1). The companies plan to unveil their integrated platform solution at the Pharmapack Europe conference, taking place in Paris Jan. 21–22.

The collaboration comes at a time when the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a significant shift from small-molecule drugs to complex biologics. As development pipelines increasingly focus on monoclonal antibodies and oncology treatments, manufacturers face growing challenges in delivering sensitive, high-dose therapeutics. Many of these therapies require volumes that exceed the 2 mL limit of conventional subcutaneous injections, driving demand for delivery systems capable of safely and effectively administering volumes of up to 20 mL while maintaining patient comfort, therapeutic efficacy, and regulatory compliance (1).

Drivers behind the shift to large-volume subcutaneous delivery

Clinical requirements and patient expectations are accelerating interest in large-volume subcutaneous administration. As healthcare systems move toward decentralized models of care, patients increasingly favor treatments that can be self-administered outside of clinical settings as evidenced by a Mayo Clinic study. It was found that 73% of patients preferred in-home self-administration after 24 weeks of treatment. The finding underscores a strong preference for convenience and autonomy in long-term therapy management (2).

This trend is reinforced by advances in device and component technologies that make home-based delivery more feasible for high-dose biologics. In a Datwyler press release, Paolo Ferrigno, Product Manager for Datwyler, states that, "by enabling patients to self-administer therapies at home, subcutaneous drug administration facilitates a growing shift towards more accessible personalized healthcare. Datwyler’s spray coated NeoFlex™ plungers increase the functional reliability of large volume injection systems and promote greater comfort and safety for the patients” (1). Such component-level innovations are critical for addressing the mechanical and functional demands associated with higher injection volumes.

In spite of growing demand, the transition to large-volume subcutaneous delivery has historically been constrained by technical challenges, including managing absorption kinetics, ensuring tissue tolerability, and designing delivery systems capable of controlled administration without compromising patient experience according to Datwyler. Developing bespoke solutions to address these variables can be resource-intensive and difficult to align with the compressed timelines of competitive drug development programs. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly seeking standardized, pre-verified platform solutions that reduce development risk and accelerate time to market.

The role of pre-verified platforms in streamlining development

The partnership brings together complementary expertise in elastomer components, drug containment systems, and wearable delivery devices to support cartridges ranging from 10 mL to 20 mL (1). For pharmaceutical companies, the use of ready-to-use, pre-qualified components can significantly reduce the complexity associated with container closure system development and validation.

Riccardo Marcon, SVP of Sales and Marketing of Drug Containment Solutions at Stevanato Group, emphasizes the importance of integrated solutions, stating in the press release, "There is a pressing market need for innovative solutions to support larger volumes of up to 20mL in a self-administered setting while strictly maintaining safety, therapeutic efficacy, and patient compliance. For pharma companies, EZ-fill® Large Volume Cartridges have been the ideal solution to reduce their complex operations for more than a decade. Our market-leading ready-to-use, EZ-fill® containers are supplied pre-washed, pre-siliconized, pre-assembled with front stoppers, packed in Nest & Tub and pre-sterilized” (1).

The collaboration leverages Stevanato Group’s ready-to-use large-volume cartridges in combination with Datwyler’s NeoFlex™ plungers, which are engineered to support the slow, controlled injection profiles required for high-volume subcutaneous delivery (1). These components are integrated with the Sorrel wearable delivery platform from LTS Device Technologies, enabling on-body administration that aligns with patient preferences for discreet, home-based treatment.

The significance of this collaboration lies in its potential to reduce development timelines, de-risk regulatory pathways, and support scalable commercialization of large-volume biologics. By offering a pre-verified, end-to-end platform, the three companies aim to address persistent technical barriers while aligning with market demands for patient-centric delivery models.

The technical and strategic rationale behind the partnership will be explored in greater detail during a Learning Lab session titled "When Size Matters: The Evolution of Self-Delivery Solutions for Subcutaneous Administration," presented by experts from all three companies at Pharmapack Europe. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the collaborators to discuss end-to-end support for large-volume drug delivery programs and the implications for future biologics development.

Datwyler, LTS Device Technologies, and Stevanato Group Collaborate to Expand Self-Delivery Options for Large-Volume Drugs

Is home-based treatment the future of cancer care?

A strategic collaboration between Datwyler, LTS Device Technologies, and Stevanato Group aims to enhance large-volume subcutaneous drug delivery, addressing the shift towards complex biologics. This partnership focuses on developing integrated platform solutions for administering higher-dose therapies, meeting the growing demand for self-administered treatments outside clinical settings. The collaboration leverages pre-verified components to streamline development, reduce regulatory risks, and support scalable commercialization. The initiative aligns with patient preferences for home-based care and addresses technical challenges associated with high-volume subcutaneous administration.

The three firms offer a pre-verified platform for large-volume subcutaneous delivery of biologics to enable home self-administration.

Datwyler Collabs with Stevanato and LTS to Advance Home-based Biologics

The Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) announced on Jan. 20, 2026 that it will be hosting a half-day sustainable packaging workshop on January 22 at the 2026 

, which is being held in Paris on January 21 and 22 (1). The session will explore pharmaceutical packaging challenges including environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

The workshop, “PDA Innovation in Sustainable Packaging Workshop 2026”, is limited to 30 attendees and is open exclusively to Pharmapack pass holders, The session will feature content from AM Instruments, Alliance to Zero, and Inductio AG. The session will explore ecodesign for pharmaceutical devices in the following three areas:

A concluding session sharing outcomes and practical insights.

According to PDA, by attending, attendees will gain strategies and peer-driven insights to support their packaging innovation efforts, sustainably.

“Collaboration and cross-industry engagement are essential as the pharmaceutical sector advances toward more sustainable practices,” said Falk Klar, Vice President of PDA Europe, in a press release (1). “This workshop is designed to equip attendees with actionable knowledge and spark new partnerships.”

“Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it's an industry imperative,” said Silvia Forroova, Group Director, Pharma, at Informa Markets, in the press release (1). “We’re proud to collaborate with PDA to spotlight the practical steps pharmaceutical companies can take today to align with both regulatory expectations and environmental responsibilities. This workshop adds real value to Pharmapack Europe’s educational agenda by bridging innovation with implementation.”

What are some trends in sustainable packaging?

coverage of Pharmapack Europe, the editors spoke with 

, about trends that happened in 2025, including sustainability efforts, that have impacted the industry (2).

According to Tjoa, sustainability efforts based on the packaging's proximity to the drug product, reflect a pragmatic approach, and components that directly touch the drug remain a concern when it comes to quality. Manufacturers are prioritizing the stability and integrity of the formulation over environmental metrics. The use of sustainable materials for primary packaging is not the industry standard as of yet, says Tjoa, and an aggressive approach is applied to the outer materials. These materials should be sustainably sourced or possess fully recyclable origins (2).

On January 19, West Pharmaceutical Services announced (3) it would be showcasing its West Synchrony S1 prefillable syringe (PFS) system, which the company says provides a portfolio that includes 1 mL long and 2.25 mL staked needle options for biologics and 1 mL standard staked needle and Luer lock options for vaccines. Options available with the staked needle system feature a rigid or soft needle shield, and Luer lock system options have an integrated tip cap.

“As a market leader, West closely monitors shifts in the global drug pipeline by emerging companies, particularly the growing demand for combination products alongside the movement of care from hospital to home, both of which introduce new complexity into regulatory and development processes,” Stacey Vaughan, vice president, Marketing and Portfolio Management at West, noted in a press release (3). “This surge of innovation across the industry further highlights why now is the right time to introduce West Synchrony S1 prefillable syringe system.”

Pharmapack Europe. Parenteral Drug Association to Host Innovation in Sustainable Packaging Workshop at Pharmapack 2026. Press Release. Jan. 20, 2026.

Haigney, S. Pharmapack Europe 2026: Sustainability, Specialization, and Digitalization in Packaging. PharmTech.com. Jan. 20, 2026. 

https://www.pharmtech.com/view/pharmapack-europe-2026-sustainability-specialization-and-digitalization-in-packaging

West Synchrony S1 Prefillable Syringe System Commercially Available at Pharmapack

The Parenteral Drug Association is hosting a workshop on sustainable packaging at the 2026 Pharmapack Europe conference in Paris. The session will address challenges in pharmaceutical packaging, focusing on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. Attendees will gain insights into ecodesign through case studies, discussions, and practical sessions. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of sustainability as a critical industry imperative. Additionally, trends in sustainable packaging highlight the prioritization of drug stability over environmental metrics, with a focus on sustainable outer materials. West Pharmaceutical Services will showcase its new prefillable syringe system at the event.

The half-day workshop will explore regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.

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