Malta will be hosting the seventh world meeting on pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics and pharmaceutical technology, a forum which will delve deep into the potential for further research and development, industrial practice and analytics within such industries.
It was also announced yesterday that an Italian company, by the name of Stirling, which is famed for its cutting edge research when it comes to the development of new drugs and medicines, will soon be starting operations in Malta, and is now awaiting the final approval from the Mepa before starting construction on a new factory. There are currently 1,000 pharmacists and 10 pharmaceutical companies in Malta.
Addressing the media at the Old University Building in Valletta, University Rector Juanito Camilleri said that the world meeting, which will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre between 8-11 March, will be attracting approximately 1,300 delegates from 50 countries, giving both the University of Malta and the country some much welcome exposure.
“The meeting will focus on the possibility of new research findings, being updated on the latest technologies as well as seeking new partners in the pharmaceutical industry and in the field of academia. The subjects that will be discussed include solid oral dosage form development and manufacturing, modified oral release, modern devices and paediatric dosage form development,” Prof. Camilleri said.
Prof. Camilleri added that the pharmaceutical sector needs a great deal of research and back-up in order to host such important meetings and the fact that Malta is hosting such a meeting is testimony that the university and the faculty of medicine are making great advances in this industry.
“Nevertheless, investment, from the private, public and governmental sectors point of view, is always needed for our students to come up with innovation, adequate research and necessary development, for solutions to medical care and the prevention of the outbreak of potential diseases guarantees the well-being of our society and that of the up and coming generation. Investing in research and development is never a waste of resources, for it will bear much fruit in the long run,” said Prof. Camilleri.
Health Minister Joe Cassar said the fact that Malta was chosen to host such an event goes a long way in showing the government’s commitment towards the industry and of enhancing the importance of the pharmacist in Malta.
“The pharmacist’s role is greatly influential nowadays, to the extent that the whole industry has to liaise together in deciding which cutting edge technology is needed when and where. The fact that Malta was chosen to host such an important event proves the progress that the country is making and the well qualified students that are emerging out of our university, who are leaving a very long lasting impression on other more resourced countries,” said Dr Cassar.