European Biotechnology Magazine Spring 2020 | Special: Euro BioFairs Compass

Euro BioFairs Compass 1 st Edition 2020

II G uide to Life Sciences Events

SPECIAL

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

Euro Biofairs Compass

Delays across Europe EuroBiofairs Compass The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly challenged the event sector. Personal

Picture: ASCO; viperagp/stock.adobe.com (page 35)

networking in times of high infection risk seemed impossible for managers, scientists, and business developers. While some must-attend events were cancelled, other faced delays, but some chose a new way: digital partnering. Euro Biofair’s Compass will help you navigate the EU meeting jungle in H2/2020.

Financially, the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting limitations in international travel seemed catastrophic for the organisers of life sciences events. At the time when COVID-19 began to expand globally and political preparedness was low, even established partnering meetings such as euroPLX 72 (9 – 10 March, 2020, Berlin) were not just postponed but cancelled. “The COVID-19 situation is far from conclusive, and ministries and health authorities are no big help with vague and contradictor y recommendations. It has been really a tough choice to cancel euroPLX 72 Berlin, but the wellbeing of our customers outweighs everything else, and this is our measure,” said Dr Norbert Rau, Managing Director of the organising RauCon GmbH & Co. KG. The meeting’s 400+ registrants, however, were offered a transfer of their registration to a forthcoming euroPLX or asiaPLX conference.

Meetings scheduled for early summer, such as Chemspec Europe (see page 66), the AMR Conference – Novel Antimicrobials & AMR Diagnostics (see page 56), BIOspain 2020, or the Swiss Biotech Day (see page 58) were postponed, to take place after the predicted peak of the global pandemic in early summer.

Wait or go digital Global biopharma meetings, such as the BIO International Convention 2020 (8 – 11 June, San Diego) but also important events scheduled for autumn 2020, were still in a waiting position as this issue went to press, including the EFIB 2020 (5 – 6 October, Frankfurt/M., page 60), CPhI Worldwide 2020 (13 – 15 October, Milan), Bio­Japan 2020 (14 – 16 October, page 62), and BioFit 2020 (1 – 2 December, Strasbourg, page 68).At the end

of March, however, the EBD Group pioneered a completely new approach to partnering: instead of postponing its BIO-Europe Spring 2020, originally scheduled to take place from 23 – 26 March in COVID-19 hard-hit Paris, they offered their event in a digital format (see exclusive report on p.

70). CEOs who were annoyed by travelling around the globe welcomed the digital format, which could become a pilot for the 26th edition of BIO Europe 2020 in November, which might connect over 4,000 executives from over 60 countries for high-level networking, partnering meetings, strategic panel discussions, and world-class workshops. High ranking meetings, as the ASCO meeting with 40,000 participants followed, suit the new age of digital conferences. Just turn the page to learn everything you need to know about Europe’s must-do events in the biotech industry.

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Euro Biofairs Compass

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

4th AMR Conference Novel Antimicrobials & AMR Diagnostics

24 – 25 August 2020 Congress Centre Basel, Switzerland

Why AMR matters AMR Conference 2020 The conference convenes 400 international at-

tendees active in the field of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), offering a platform for all stakeholders to discuss the latest challenges. In view of the coronavirus pandemic, experts urge that there is a higher need than ever before to establish a sustainable pipeline of new antibiotics.

Why has antimicrobial resistance not yet received the same attention that SARS-CoV2 has? This is most probably due to its slow and somehow hidden progression. However, AMR experts across the globe are warning that treatment of COVID-19 patients is get-

› Quick facts Satellite meeting Promoting Innovative Antibiotic R&D in Switzerland, 25 August 2020 Pre-conference workshop “Top 10 Mistakes in Antibacterial Drug Preclinical Development,” 24 August 2020; by Novo REPAIR Impact Fund, CARB-X, GARDP, and Wellcome Trust www.amr-conference.com

ting harder if secondary infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. “It’s a one-two punch: A virus can weaken the body, making it easier for complex, hard-to-treat bacteria to take hold,” Julie Gerberding, M.D., Chief Patient Officer of MSD, recently explained in a statement highlighting the need to fill up the antibiotics pipeline to combat AMR. Manica Balasegaram, a medical doctor who heads the Geneva-based Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) also urges that while antibiotics won’t treat viruses directly, they are an important line of defence against secondary bacterial infections, like ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sepsis, which are more common with prolonged stays in intensive care units, particularly among people with weak immune systems. “We don’t have a line of sight into the supply and demand of

antibiotics right now. But, in outbreaks, you still need essential medicines like antibiotics,” says Balasegaram. This is underlined by first studies from Chinese COVID-19 patients, which showed that those who recovered from severe cases mostly received antibiotics.

This wouldn’t be a major concern if it weren’t that the antibiotics market is already suffering from years of neglect, resulting in a dry pipeline of novel antibiotics and a broken business model, which is only slowly tackled by novel initiatives, such as the novel reimbursement model piloted by the NHS England or new cooperations amongst big pharma and antibiotic innovators (see page 28). “Neglecting for years the investment in the prevention, treatment, and control of infectious disease has now led to a predictable global crisis,” Marc Gitzinger, Vice President of the BEAM Alliance and CEO of Swiss BioVersys stressed. “While we now have to focus on the emergency measures, I hope that we learn some lessons. Society should value again the R&D of vaccines, antibiotics, and diagnostics for infectious disease.” Being a platform to connect relevant AMR stakeholders from industry, SMEs, finance, hospitals, science, and policy, the fourth AMR Conference will offer the opportunity to discuss solutions for solving the long-term AMR challenge and, thus, being better prepared for future pandemics.

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Picture: BIOCOM AG

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Aug 24|25

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2020 Congress Center Basel | Switzerland

4th AMR Conference

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Leading chemical companies are exploring the opportunities that have been opened up by modern biotechnology, especially in the field of “white� or industrial biotechnology. And they are also applying these technologies, wherever it makes sense. The SBA takes such initiatives seriously and has formed a working group specifically dedicated to white biotechnology.

The Swiss Industrial Biocatalysis Consortium is an important partner in this effort. The group includes leading multinational companies that support white biotechnology as a pillar of economic growth. The planned activities are in agreement with OECD strategies.

In partnership with the Swiss Biotechnet (see pages 14/15) the SBA develops training programmes and useful support tools for the industry. It is of importance that the industry specifies its training needs so that the academic side can create tailor-made education.

This strategy ensures that the industry gets the right workforce with the right education. The SBA profits from the marketing alliance “Swiss Biotech� (see box) in a multiplied form. Thanks to Swiss Biotech, the

sector is internationally visible. The project-specific participating companies (most of them young and internationally less savvy) find a comprehensive partner which is helping to put them in the public window.

The participating Life Science Regions are important internal carriers of the dynamics in the Biotech sector, thus enhancing the common understanding of the industry. This and more knowledge is brought into Europa Bio, the European Biotech Association, where the SBA is an active member.

Media Partners:

European Biotechnology NET WORK

amr-conference.com #AMRconference We are part of the #GlobalAMRChallenge Organisation: BIOCOM AG I LĂźtzowstraĂ&#x;e 33–36 I 10785 Berlin I Germany amr@biocom.de I Tel. +49 (0)30 264921-38 I Fax +49 (0)30 264921-66

Domenico Alexakis is Executive Director of the Swiss Biotech Association.

SWISS BIOTECH...

...is an alliance of four leading Biotech regions of Switzerland (Bio Alps, BioPolo Ticino, Basel Area and Greater Zurich Area). They have combined efforts to streamline interests of the national biotech sector. The SWX Swiss Exchange holds a leading position in terms of lifescience listings and offers companies from that industry – be they located in Switzerland or abroad – access to an internationally recognised financial marketplace. The initiative was co-founded by the SBA which also manages the executive office of Swiss Biotech.

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For further information please visit www.swissbiotechassociation.ch www.swissbiotech.org

Euro Biofairs Compass

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

15 September 2020 Congress Centre Basel Basel, Switzerland

Facets of biotech Swiss Biotech Day In May of 2019, more visitors than ever before

came together at the leading biotech conference in Switzerland.

In 2020, the Swiss Biotech Day will offer networking opportunities and an inspiring programme.

With 850 visitors from 25 countries, last year’s event easily filled the additional space provided by the new venue in Basel. The record-breaking attendance confirmed the leading role of the Swiss Biotech Day as an industry networking platform. Few regions can compete with the density and variety of biotech stakeholders and their international partners gathered in Basel. Highlights of this year's conference included the keynotes

by Jean-Paul Clozel (CEO of Idorsia) and

Patrick Aebischer (former EPFL president), the second edition of the Swiss Biotech Success Stories for remarkable industry achievements, and the presentation of the Swiss Biotech Report.

A key event

decision-makers, and industry stakeholders in Switzerland over the years, we decided to postpone it to autumn and give you the opportunity to meet and network as you are used to. We would be very happy to welcome you in Basel in order to maintain contacts and, above all, to make new ones.

Join us in Basel for an intense and stimulating exchange!

GREETINGS Due to the current coronavirus situation, the Swiss Biotech Day cannot take place in Spring at its usual time of the y e ar. Bu t , a s the event became the key networking platform for biotech entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, analysts, political

Proud tradition The 2020 event is shaping up to follow in this tradition. The event covers the entire value chain, from world-leading research groups, to investors, biotech

Michael Altorfer CEO, Swiss Biotech Association

entrepreneurs, start-ups, and patent specialists. The Swiss Biotech Day will present an inspiring programme with plenty of time for networking. An emphasis will lie on opportunities and synergies offered by the close collaboration of pharma and biotech. Platforms will be provided to discuss new threats in research and development, production, data management, artificial intelligence, and innovative financing.

The celebration of the Swiss Biotech Success Stories’ laureates of 2020 will also be on the agenda. With partnering talks, discussions with experts on financing, and presentations of emerging companies, the Swiss Biotech Day will be as multifaceted as the life sciences industry itself.

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› Quick facts REGISTRATION www.swissbiotechday.ch Phone: +41-43-508-11 21 register@swissbiotechday.ch Highlights ›› 700+ participants ›› 50+ exhibitors ›› Swiss Biotech Success Stories Awards ›› Presentation of innovative bio­ tech start-ups and mediumsized biotech companies ›› Thematically focussed panel discussions ›› One-on-one partnering

Pictures: SBA/Deirdre O’Keeffe

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New Date! © Sahachatz/shutterstock.com

SWISS BIOTECH DAY 2020

15 Sept 2020 Congress Center Basel

What you can expect in 2020: › Around 700+ senior life science experts from 25+ countries › 50+ exhibitors and international delegations › Presentation of the Swiss Biotech Report › Swiss Biotech Success Stories Awards › Innovative biotech start-ups and medium-sized biotech companies › Thematically focused panel discussions › Pre-scheduled one-to-one partnering meetings › High-trafic exhibition with ongoing catering

Wir wollen die bestmögliche Krebstherapie.

Find out more on the program and register at www.swissbiotechday.ch

Sponsors:

®

Die Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Klinische

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Krebsforschung führt klinische Studien durch, um weitere Fortschritte gegen Krebs zu ermöglichen. Mit dem Ziel, die Lebensqualität von Patienten zu erhöhen und die Zahl der Krebskranken weiter zu senken.

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08.08.16 15:29

“WHITE BIOTECHNOLOGY” WORKING GROUP

Leading chemical companies are exploring the opportunities that have been opened up by modern biotechnology, especially in the field of “white” or indusSupporting partners: trial biotechnology. And they are also applying these technologies, wherever it makes sense. The SBA takes such initiatives seriously and has formed a working group specifically dedicated to white biotechnology.

The Swiss Industrial Biocatalysis Consortium is an important partner in this effort. The group includes leading multinational companies that support white biotechnology as a pillar of economic growth. The planned activities are in agreement with OECD strategies.

European In partnership with the Swiss Biotechnet (see pages 14/15) the SBA develops training programmes and useBiotechnology NET WORK ful support tools for the industry. It is of importance that the industry specifies its training needs so that the academic side can create tailor-made education.

This strategy ensures that the industry gets the right

sector is internationally visible. The project-specific participating companies (most of them young and internationally less savvy) find a comprehensive partner which is helping to put them in the public window.

The participating Life Science Regions are important internal carriers of the dynamics in the Biotech sector, thus enhancing the common understanding of the industry. This and more knowledge is brought into Europa Bio, the European Biotech Association, where the SBA is an active member.

Domenico Alexakis

SWISS BIOTECH...

...is an alliance of four leading Biotech regions of Switzerland (Bio Alps, BioPolo Ticino, Basel Area and Greater Zurich Area). They have combined efMedia partners: interests of the national biotech forts to streamline sector. The SWX Swiss Exchange holds a leading position in terms of lifescience listings and offers companies from that industry – be they located in Switzerland or abroad – access to an internationally recognised financial marketplace. The initiative was co-founded by the SBA which also manages the executiveby: office of Swiss Biotech.

Organized

Euro Biofairs Compass

Materials & Packaging

Technologies & Processes

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

Food & Nutrition

Fashion & Textiles

Green & Circular EFIB 2020 500 attendees are expected to join the 13th edition of the

“European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy” (EFIB) in Frankfurt, Germany. The two-day event provides a platform to showcase industrial contributions towards a green and circular economy and to discuss sustainability challenges in the food, packaging, and textile sectors.

With the Green Deal announced by the European Commission in December 2019, Europe has reaffirmed its goal to be among the global leaders of sustainable innovation. It includes a “Farm to Fork” strategy that aims at developing an environmentally friendly food system and will proceed with a Circular Economy Action Plan, among others. With the 13th edition of EFIB, EuropaBio will showcase corporate strategies in the Green Econ-

omy and provide a platform to discuss how industry is contributing to sustainable innovation in key consumer sectors, such as food, packaging, and fashion. By highlighting product examples, business strategies and alliances, large corporations as well as small and medium sized companies (SMEs), investors, start-ups, and policymakers will share insights on how to advance innovation within publicprivate coalitions, such as the European

People & Planet

bioeconomy to implement SDGs. The #EFIB2020 congress is hosted in Frankfurt, and will gather policymakers, industry, academics, young innovators, as well as SMEs and other stakeholders, to discuss the current state of green economy. We look forward to inspiring presentations, partnering and networking, a dynamic exhibition, a third edition of our Start-up Village, and much more. We hope that you will join us in Frankfurt.

GREETINGS With the Green Deal launched by the European Commission in 2019, sustainable innovation has gained momentum more than ever. The 13th edition of Europa- Bio’s annual EFIB congress will shed light on the role of industrial biotech and

Agnes Borg, Industrial Biotech, Director, EuropaBio

5 – 6 October, 2020 Frankfurt, Germany

Plastic Pact, how to organise legal frameworks for sustainable processes, how to scale up new means for food production, and how to best implement market access for start-ups in the fields of plantbased and cultured meat alternatives.

In addition, discussions will include the potential of groundbreaking technologies, such as synthetic biology and genome editing, or how to deal with plastic waste and its huge impact on reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. Further tracks will cover CO2 as a resource, as well as the sustainability challenge in the textile business. Sustainable financing and how banks are reacting towards the Green Economy will also be addressed.

Special invitation to start-ups EFIB offers SMEs as well as academics a reduced fee. Start-ups are invited to apply for free booth space in the Startup Village until 15 June.

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› Quick facts Highlights ›› 80+ speakers ›› Various tracks on plastics, packaging, food, synthetic biology, green economy, and fashion ›› Inspiring “Get a Taste of the Future” tour as part of the evening reception in the exhibition ›› Reduced fees for SMEs, academics, start-ups, and 1-on-1 partnering ›› www.efibforum.com

Pictures: BIOCOM AG (top); EuropaBio (bottom)

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Organised by

Picture: rh2010/stock.adobe.com

EUROPE’S LEADING EVENT ON INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND THE BIOECONOMY 5 – 6 October 2020 · Frankfurt/Main · Germany Network with your peers and gain insight into the sustainability challenges and opportunities in the food, packaging and textile sector:

› Around 500 delegates from 30+ countries › Topics: Food, Feed & Nutrition | Materials & Packaging | Fashion & Textiles | Industrial Processes & Synthetic Biology | › ›

Genome Editing | CO2 | SDGs | Financing | Policy and Industry Perspectives Start-up village & Innovation pitches on novel technologies and trends Green and circular economy innovation showcases

Contribute with your sustainable innovation to EFIB 2020!

Submit a scientific poster abstract or apply for a free space in the Start-up Village.

Deadline: 15 June 2020

www.efibforum.com | #EFIB2020 Supporting Partner

Local Partner

Euro Biofairs Compass

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

14 – 16 October 2020 Pacifico, Yokohama Japan

Partnering in Asia BioJapan/Regenerative Medicine Japan/healthTECH JAPAN 2020 The 22nd

iteration of Asia’s premier partnering event for the global biotech industry will take place 14 – 16 October 2020 in Yokohama, Japan. Over 1,000 organisations from industry and academia around the world are expected to take part in this year’s partnering, for over 12,000 meetings in total.

Interest in pursuing partnerships with Europe and ASEAN organisations are on the rise at BioJapan. As a result, the presence of national and regional Europe and ASEAN delegations are increasingly apparent, and these organisations comprised approximately one third of participants in the 2019 partnering event. The high number of expected returns in 2020 stands as a testament to their success.

Besides the partnering and exhibition, the three-day event (14 – 16 October) will be host to a jam-packed seminar and presentation track, including both Japanese and English sessions from pharma, academia, biotechs, ventures, and other organisations. The full schedule will be available online in August, and new sessions will be announced right up to the start of the event.

Come to Japan

tells us that this interest is mutual! What’s more, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics happening this year, Japan is strengthening its efforts to develop a more globally-focused infrastructure, so this is the perfect time to visit and build relationships with Japanese companies. We hope you’ll join us in Yokohama and look forward to welcoming old friends and new to Japan to make this year’s event even more successful than ever.

GREETING The growing number of European participants at BioJapan in recent years is an encouraging sign of the increasing internationalisation of the Japanese biotechnology industry. We’ve experienced a lot more interest among Japanese organisations in working with teams from overseas, and the number of returning international companies and associations

Keiko Abe Chairman, BioJapan Organising Committee

In anticipation of rapid growth in the healthcare industry, great attention has been brought to the Digital Medicine, Digital Therapeutics (DTx), Healthcare, and Wellness products using digital technologies. Thus, the new event healthTECH JAPAN is now launching to provide a total solutions and wider business platform for all the healthcare industry players.

Since BioJapan and Regenerative Medicine JAPAN are now known as an Asian exhibition hub and partnering event facilitating interaction between Japanese and global companies/organisations, the addition of new event healthTECH JAPAN will increase synergy for all the attendees in Yokohama this October.

Since the partnering system is fully shared between the three co-located exhibitions, BioJapan, Regenerative Medicine JAPAN, and healthTECH JAPAN, the potential for cross-field collaboration is greater than ever.

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› Quick facts Contact & Registration biojapan@jtbcom.co.jp saisei@jtbcom.co.jp healthtech@jtbcom.co.jp (+81) 3 5657 0758 www.ics-expo.jp/biojapan Highlights

›› 950+ Exhibitors from 30 countries ›› 17,000+ Visitors ›› 12,000+ Meetings ››Partnering opens in July

Pictures: BioJapan

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Euro Biofairs Compass

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

9 – 11 November 2020 Crowne Plaza Düsseldorf – Neuss Congress Centrum Düsseldorf/Neuss

QC/QA lab challenges PHARMALAB In November, it’s time again: the eighth edition of PharmaLab

will offer information on the latest regulatory and scientific developments in the field of pharmaceutical quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) – from 9 to 11 November, with five conference tracks and a workshop.

The fields of analytics, bioanalytics, and microbiology continue to be characterised by important developments. Regulatory changes and innovations will either have a direct impact – as with ICH Q14 “Development of Analytical Procedures” or Q2(R1) “Analytical Validation” – or an indirect impact, as with ICH Q12 “Life Cycle Management” or Annex 1 of the GMP Guide. The requirements for data integrity also represent a challenge in the laboratory sector. For cell- and tissuebased products and gene therapeutics,

› Quick facts Contact & Registration www.pharmalab-congress.com/2020 Highlights

›› Key speakers from the US, the UK, Denmark, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and others ›› Ten conferences with over 60 lectures in English or German ›› Networking options and social events

the number of relevant guidelines and guides is also continuously increasing.

So far this year, the FDA alone has published six final guidelines and one draft guideline for gene therapeutics. Yet, in the field of microbiology, developments are also continuing to move forward, as, for example, in the pyrogen test with monocyte activation tests (MAT), instead of rabbit tests, or in the field of low endotoxin recovery. Also, many companies are advancing the establishment of alternative microbiological test methods for monitoring, in-process controls, and release tests. This is especially true with regards to the development and production of modern active ingredients and therapeutics on a biological basis. They also provide the foundation for laboratory optimisation, for which the congress will also offer a track.

Together with an exhibition of around 40 suppliers and service providers, PharmaLab offers the unique opportunity to learn about the latest developments, to discuss them with experienced colleagues, and to benefit from the experience of some 60 speakers.

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Lab professionals GREETING Become par t of the PharmaLab community and benefit from the leading meeting of experts from regulator y authorities, industries, contract laboratories, and laboratory suppliers. Whether analytics, bioanalytics, or microbiology – the relevant topics will be discussed. This ranges from the pre-conference workshop on 9 November on mycoplasma detection to the four international and one national conference tracks during the two-day congress on 10 and 11 November. Almost 60 speakers from authorities, industries, and laboratories will present the latest regulatory developments, new methods, and their practical experience. The planned presentations will cover various topics, such as the detection of mycoplasmas or viruses, testing for endotoxins and pyrogens, validation of analytical methods, and laboratory optimisation. You can further take advantage of the exhibition with about 40 exhibitors to get to know the latest laboratory technology and the possibilities of external laboratory services. We look forward to meeting you in Neuss.

Axel H. Schroeder Concept Heidelberg Operations Director

Pictures: Concept Heidelberg; Rizwan Chaudhrey – RSK Solutions

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Congress & Exhibition for Analytics, Bioanalytics and Microbiology

Düsseldorf/Neuss Germany 10/11 November 2020 The PharmaLab is the ideal forum to discuss current trends, developments and applications in the pharmaceutical lab.

As a delegate, you can choose between the following conferences Laboratory Optimization and Automation Endotoxin/Pyrogen - Routine Testing, LER and Alternative Methods like MAT and rFC Challenges in Bioanalytics and Bioassays Qualitätskontrolle – Aktuelle Trends im pharmazeutischen Labor* (Conference in German)

Challenges in Analytical QC Virus Safety and Next Generation Sequencing Testing and Analytics of Cells, Tissues and ATMPs Rapid Microbiological Methods and Real Time Testing

Be part of the PharmaLab 2020 as an exhibitor For you, as a solutions provider, the PharmaLab exhibition is the right platform to present your latest technologies and services for the modern lab.

All information can be found at: www.pharmalab-congress.com/congress-2020

Official Media Partners 2020:

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European Biotechnology | Spring edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

11 – 12 November 2020 Kölnmesse Cologne, Germany

The place to be chemspec europe This fine and speciality chemicals exhibition is a key

event for the industry. Purchasers and agents will have the opportunity to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of fine and speciality chemicals to source bespoke solutions and innovative substances.

Covid-19, sustainability, new trends, such as power foods and bio-based cosmetics, and digitalisation, are not just buzzwords. In fact, these aspects, as well as ongoing demand for innovations, determine the industry. The choice of the right suppliers and the exchange of knowledge within international industry networks is more important than ever. With a highly specialised exhibition profile, Chemspec Europe is the place to be for buyers, traders, and agents in search of bespoke solutions and innovative substances.

› Quick facts Venue information Chemspec Europe 2020 11 – 12 November 2020 Koelnmesse, Messeplatz 1 50679 Cologne, Germany Contact Phone: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Email: info@chemspeceurope.com Web: www.chemspeceurope.com

Chemspec Europe 2020 features the full spectrum of fine and speciality chemicals for various applications and industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, polymers, green chemicals, food and feed ingredients, flavours and fragrances, bio-based chemicals, pigments and dyes, paints and coatings, household and cleaning chemicals, adhesives and sealants, petrochemicals, electronic chemicals, and many others.

Amongst the exhibiting companies are Albemarle, Arkema France, CABB AG, Chevron Phillips Chemicals International N.V., Johnson Matthey, Kemira Oyj, Lonza Ltd, Solvay, Sumitomo Chemical Europe SA/NV, Tosoh Europe B.V, Vertellus, WeylChem International GmbH and many more.

An outstanding, two-day conference programme will provide further knowledge and insights into major industry developments, as well as key strategies adopted by industry leaders to succeed and grow. All visitors at Chemspec Europe 2020 are invited to attend, free of charge.

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Chemicals finest GREETINGS On behalf of the organisers of Chemspec Europe 2020, I welcome you to Europe’s No 1 tr ade fair for the fine and specialit y chemicals industry. As you know, we’ve decided to postpone the exhibition to 11 – 12 November 2020 following the escalation of COVID-19.

We trust that the decision will enable the show to continue to serve as primary specialised trading and networking event in the secure and safe conditions needed. The exhibition covers the most comprehensive range of fine and speciality chemicals, including bio-based chemicals and biocatalysts. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet with international suppliers and explore the latest technical advancements, specific ingredients, and custom-made solutions. With its audience, Chemspec Europe reflects the global scale and complex structure of the fine and speciality chemicals industry. The trade show provides excellent sourcing and trading opportunities, as well as a place to network and keep up to date with the latest developments.

Nicola Hamann Managing Director Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd

Pictures: Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd

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ciality e p s d n a e Fin for chemicals stries u d n i s u o i var 35th International Exhibition for Fine and Speciality Chemicals Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany

11 – 12 November 2020

Europe’s No 1 trade fair for the fine and speciality chemicals industry Chemspec Europe 2020 is the place to be: Find bespoke solutions & innovative substances for your enterprise and take your networking to the next level • custom synthesis

• colourants & dyestuffs

• plastics additives

• pharmaceuticals

• flavours & fragrances

• cosmetics

• fine chemicals

• green chemicals

• polymers

• chemical intermediates

• surfactants

• agrochemicals

• household & industrial cleaning

• petrochemicals

Agrochemical Lecture Theatre

• adhesives & sealants

• biocatalysts

• electronic chemicals

Chemspec Careers Clinic

• paints & coatings

• bio-based chemicals

• and much more

Pharma Lecture Theatre

Top conferences and workshops offer valuable insights into ongoing R&D projects!

Regulatory Services Lecture Theatre RSC Lecture Theatre Innovative Start-ups

Get your ticket now:

www.chemspeceurope.com

Organisers:

Euro Biofairs Compass

European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

1 – 2 December 2020 Palais de la Musique et des Congrès Strasbourg, France

Sourcing innovation BioFIT Gathering 1,300 delegates from 35+ countries, BioFIT has

taken on a whole new dimension, becoming the meeting point in Europe for tech transfer, early-stage innovation deals and pre-seed/seed/ Series A investment rounds in the Life Sciences.

With more than 1,300 international actors from tech transfer offices (TTOs), research institutes, and academia, together with big pharma, emerging and small biotech, diagnostic companies, veterinary firms, and pre-seed/seed/ Series A investors, BioFIT has become the leading partnering event in Europe for technology transfer, academia-industry collaborations, early-stage innovation deals, and the European marketplace for early-stage financing rounds in the Life Sciences field. The event is,

above all, an optimal business convention with prequalified one-on-one meetings. Its online platform allows participants to identify potential partners, to pre-schedule meetings with them, and to meet them during the event, in order to build partnerships. During the last edition, over 13,000 meetings had been generated through the partnering system.

In addition to the one-on-one meetings, BioFIT offers pitch sessions that give the opportunity to detect the most

Welcome to BioFIT Greetings Since its first edition, in 2010, BioFIT has become the leading European partnering event for early-stage deals and investment rounds in the Life Sciences field. We would be very pleased to welcome you to Strasbourg on 1 and 2 December 2020 for the 9th edition

innovative start-ups and promising collaborative and licensing opportunities, in order to foster partnerships and business development in the Life Sciences field. It is also a great opportunity for bioentrepreneurs to showcase in front of potential partners. The session entitled “Start-up Slams” are dedicated to startups seeking to raise a seed or Series A financing round, whereas the “Collaborative and Licensing Opportunity Presentations” are devoted to TTOs, universities, research institutes, and companies willing to promote an early-stage asset.

Furthermore, BioFIT offers its participants a “Would-Be CEO” session. This session aims to bring together startups, incubators, TTOs, scientific founders, and would-be CEOs, and allows bioentrepreneurs seeking a project to lead, to find new companies or those in process of being created, or to become involved as a CEO. This Would-Be CEO session also allows projects in need of CEOs to find their future leaders.

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› Quick facts of BioFIT, which provides the ideal environment for academia and industry actors to build partnerships, to source innovative and competitive early-stage R&D projects, to facilitate the emergence of collaborative projects, to increase licensing opportunities, to obtain funding, and to facilitate market access.

Etienne Vervaecke, General Manager of Eurasanté & Clubster NHL

2020 Key figures: 1,300 delegates, 35+ countries represented, 35+ one-to-one meetings per participant, 17 conferences, 80 speakers, 110 exhibitors More Information www.biofit-event.com

Pictures: Vincent Eschmann (above); Maxime Dufour (below)

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European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

Fully digital partnering at BIO-Europe Spring 2020 BIO-Europe Spring Leading life sciences partnering event pivots to deliver dealmaking

opportunities in a new format during very unusual times. With just 16 days to plan, EBD Group transformed BIO-Europe Spring from a physical event held in Paris to a fully digital solution where 1,700 delegates around the world participated in virtual partnering meetings and panels.

Things were changing fast, very fast in the first two weeks of March 2020. Before the last sentence of an online article about the rapidly spreading coronavirus was written, new data popped up with even more frightening statistics.

The number of people infected with the coronavirus was climbing, and governments around the world were anxious for solutions to stop its spread.

Limiting the number of people gathered in one location was one of the first steps France adopted. France was also where EBD Group’s highly anticipated fourteenth annual BIO-Europe Spring® international partnering conference was scheduled to take place 23 – 25 March in Paris. The City of Light was to host delegates from around the world, as they met and connected with potential biopharma partners, attended in-

sightful panel discussions, and listened to company presentations.

“Our reason for being is to serve the global biotech community and help biotech and pharma companies connect, do business, and find investment opportunities,” explains Anna Chrisman, Group Managing Director, EBD Group.

“The meetings that take place at BIOEurope Spring drive valuable dealmaking for the rest of the year.”

The state-of-the-art partnering software, partneringONE®, which enables delegates at BIO-Europe Spring to efficiently identify and engage with new opportunities via one-to-one meetings, had already received 30,000 requests for meetings before it became apparent that a large in-person conference wouldn’t be possible. With the event just 16 days away, Chrisman and

her team began reaching out to event partners and delegates. “The consensus from big and small companies was that they wanted to find a way to make par tnering happen despite restrictions on travel,” explains Chrisman.

Creating a digital event in record time How to make this happen was something no one at EBD Group had a manual for. They would have to figure this out on their own and in just two weeks. The solution they came up with was to take this popular face-to-face event and turn it into a fully digital experience for nearly two thousand attendees. With that, BIO-Europe Spring “digitally delivered” was born.

Most delegates and companies appreciated the quick pivot EBD Group made and quickly showed their support and enthusiasm for the digital event when the announcement was made on 5 March.

“With the uncertainties of the coronavirus outbreak, we fully support EBD’s decision to transform the BIO-Europe Spring conference into an entirely digital edition. Merck looks forward to contributing to the digital panels and the presentations in March, and meeting face-to-face at BIO-Europe in October in Munich,” said Philippe Lopes-Fernandes, Senior VP, Global Head, Business Development and Alliance Management, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Picture: EBD Group

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European Biotechnology | Spring Edition | Vol. 19 | 2020

“We welcome the effort to do a digital partnering conference! You bridge the gap between ‘We’ll meet in Paris’ and ‘We do no business at all.’ BIO-Europe Spring is an important conference in the spring season, and Bayer doesn’t want to miss it. We will participate with all registered colleagues and look forward to our virtual meetings,” said Dr. Martin Beuck, VP, Head of BD&L Radiology & Operations, Bayer AG.

Business almost as usual Working literally around the clock, EBD Group was able to build a digital exhibit portal filled with company presentations and downloadable content. BIOEurope Spring delegates could watch live or prerecorded panel discussions.

Investors got the opportunity to listen to company presentations at their convenience. The event was extended to March 27, enabling partnering meetings to occur more easily across time zones. Potential partners couldn’t shake hands, but they could still meet via secure video. Business could still take place as usual during these very unusual times.

When the idea to transform BIO-Europe Spring came about during the first week in March, many people were still working from their offices, visiting friends, and going about their normal, daily lives. By 23 March, the first day of BIO-Europe Spring digitally delivered, people all over the world had been ordered to stay home.

Picture: EBD Group

New perspectives The reality that connecting with someone via their computer’s camera was the only way to meet someone new, pitch their company or participate in a panel convinced skeptics to embrace the opportunity to participate in the first large scale partnering event done digitally.

“We are very pleased that we were able to offer BIO-Europe Spring delivered digitally over a five-day span to help the global biotech community keep in

touch during this critical time, connecting, dealmaking, and finding investment opportunities,” says Chrisman. “Usually, our attendees often have to choose between attending presentations or panel discussions and conducting partnering meetings. In this format, they could do it all on their own schedule.”

Statistics: Good acceptance By the close of the digital event, BIOEurope Spring had welcomed over 1,700 delegates from 986 companies for nearly 6,000 vir tual par tnering meetings, hosted 12 recorded panels featuring industry experts, 45 recorded company presentations, and a virtual exhibit (open to all until 30 April) with recorded and downloadable information about companies.

“Some people were skeptical of the virtual format at first. But in the end, the main value is in partnering, and the sentiment has shifted very quickly, as we are all coming to terms with the fact that most of our interactions are going to be virtual for a while. This week, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback for keeping communication in this community afloat,“ says Chrisman.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “#BIOEuropeSpring looks a little different this year, but it’s great to connect with companies (and see a few familiar

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@IAmBiotech faces virtually as well!).

The Combating #Coronavirus plenary was a fantastic start, looking forward to a productive week,” posted Elizabeth Gaskins @LizatBIO on Twitter.

“The current situation of remote working is something we already do on a daily basis at AIPEX B.V. – Europe connected. Today, I'm enjoying the fully digital conference BIO-Europe Spring with Luc Smeets!” posted Marc den Hoed on LinkedIn. Two of the panels, available online here, were pulled together in the days leading up to the event to update delegates regarding the biopharma community’s response to the global pandemic. They focused on the COVID-19 solutions currently being researched and tested, with panellists from Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, CEPI, Regeneron, Omega Funds, and Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), as well as the road to recovery in China, with Novartis China, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, the Shanghai Delta Hospital Co., Ark Biosciences, Pharma Intelligence, ChinaBio® Group, and the American Chamber Shanghai participating.

The learnings and insights that arose from these panels contributed to Xconomy’s new e-book, Containing Coronavirus Through Innovation and Investment: An Xconomy Special Report, now available for free download. Several more panels from the BIO-Europe Spring program will be made available in the coming weeks.

The next BIO-Europe Spring event will be held for the fourth time in Barcelona, Spain, 22 – 24 March 2021.

“We look forward to returning to Barcelona in 2021 for what we hope will be a long-awaited, face-to-face BIO-Europe Spring event,” says Chrisman.

Contact EBD Group Deborah Gravelle Marketing Manager Carlsbad, CA DGravelle@ebd-group.com www.ebdgroup.com/

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