Pharmig 2024: Cherwell attends dynamic, inspiring, moving event

Key Highlights

•    Cherwell’s stand at Pharmig bustles, with interest in Redipor® and BAMS.
•    Cutting-edge topics include AI in microbiology, rapid sterility testing, and the challenges of microbiological recalls.
•    Insightful presentations on microbial innovations and best practices from global industry experts hold delegates' attention.
•    Pharmig committee member Rachel Kirkham delivers moving speech on her personal experience and expresses gratitude towards the industry that is so focused on a delivering life-changing drugs.

Pharmig: a blend of insights, emotion and fun!

November 20-21 saw Cherwell representatives attend the 32nd Pharmig Annual Conference, a two-day event filled with expert insights, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn about the latest trends in pharmaceutical microbiology.

With a vibrant stand showcasing our innovative solutions, including Redipor, the BAMS biofluorescent particle counter, and SAS air samplers, the Cherwell team, along with the AnalytiChem group's Dennis Scheepmaker, enjoyed engaging with attendees, strengthening the company's commitment to enabling science, and hearing about how our products and services support patient safety, through effective environmental monitoring (EM) solutions.

The event was another exciting opportunity for all exhibitors to connect with key opinion leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. Representatives from organisations such as AstraZeneca, Baxter and Pfizer were in attendance, highlighting the event’s role as a hub for meaningful discussions on best practice and idea-sharing.

AI in microbiology: challenges and opportunities

One of the standout topics at Pharmig was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in microbiology. A panel discussion highlighted how AI is already proving its value in areas such as quality metrics, regulatory authoring, and process simulations.

According to the Cherwell team, the collaboration between CleverCulture and AstraZeneca was particularly exciting. Together, they developed colony-counting software that uses AI to distinguish between colonies and empty spaces, providing reliable counts that are later verified by human microbiologists. This technology is set to revolutionise aseptic manufacturing environments, with applications in Grade A-D cleanroom areas.

The discussion also revealed significant barriers to wider adoption, however. Budgetary constraints and lack of clear guidance were cited as key challenges, underscoring the need for investment and support to realise AI’s full potential in this environment.

Andrew+: robot mixes innovation with fun

One of the more memorable moments from Pharmig involved Andrew+, an innovative liquid-handling robot from Waters Corporation. Andrew+ is primarily known for its precision in pipetting for laboratory applications, but took on a more social role during the Wednesday evening drinks reception, adding a touch of fun to the proceedings, and showcasing its adaptability, by pipetting perfectly measured shots for those present.

Seeing a piece of cutting-edge lab equipment in such an unconventional role was a reminder that innovation doesn't have to be all work and no play. This demonstration sparked conversations about how automation continues to evolve within the pharmaceutical and microbiology industries, and how, in addition to AI developments and real-time, continuous monitoring units such as BAMS, these are the kind of technological developments that will shape the future of the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmig highlights innovation, impact, and meaningful, human connections

Emma Millburn, Cherwell’s Director of Sales and Marketing said of Pharmig: “I'm delighted to say the Cherwell stand was incredibly busy this year, with lots of interest in Redipor and BAMS. It was fantastic to see so many people keen to learn about our products and services. Having Dennis Scheepmaker from AnalytiChem on board added an extra level of expertise and interest to our conversations, and we thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a dynamic environment. While it was Yoggya’s first time at Pharmig, the audience benefited from her industry and product knowledge."

 “One of the standout points of Pharmig  for me, though,” Emma continued, “was Rachel Kirkham's speech during the gala dinner. The story of her daughter’s journey with multiple sclerosis and how a drug had helped restore her mobility was a really powerful, moving reminder of the life-changing impact of innovations in pharmaceutical manufacturing." 

Dennis Scheepmaker, Global Segment Leader of Life Sciences for AnalytiChem, reflected on the event: “Pharmig offered a fantastic opportunity to engage with leading figures from major pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Baxter, Teva, Pfizer, Abbott Biologicals, and BPL.

There were some memorable presentations over the two days. Karen Capper's review of environmental isolate usage in AstraZeneca microbiology laboratories was insightful, and Deborah Allen’s practical discussion on best practices and common challenges in microbial limit testing were very interesting.

Events such as this really highlight the value of collaboration and the importance of advancing microbiological standards across the industry. And of course it was great to spend time with Emma, Yoggya and Tom, and continue to build relationships within the AnalytiChem group!”

Thomas Parkhill, Cherwell's Senior Business Development Manager, had an enjoyable time at Pharmig: “Pharmig was a fantastic opportunity to connect with leading voices in the pharmaceutical microbiology community. From the presentations to discussions at our stand, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation to advancing our industry. The gala dinner, with its mix of fun moments, like Andrew+ pouring cocktails, and as Emma has said, Rachel Kirkham’s moving speech, really brought home the value of the work we all do. People also enjoyed taking part in our selfie competition, which was a lot of fun!”

Yoggya De Silva, Cherwell's Microbiology Product Specialist, had a rewarding time at Pharmig: “This was only my second conference for Cherwell, but I really enjoyed meeting so many people, learning so much and making a contribution. There were many really interesting talks with important takeaways: as Dennis said, Karen Capper from AstraZeneca and Deborah Allen from GSK gave interesting talks, as did Jayendra Shankar (CSL Seqirus), who held a discussion on the benefits of ATP-Bioluminescence Assay Kits for rapid sterility testing. Luis Jimenez’s coverage of exploration of microbiological recalls was also interesting. There was so much to take in. I've got a folder full of presentations for my bedtime reading!”

Pharmig highlights importance of innovation and collaboration

Pharmig once again demonstrated why it’s a cornerstone event. From cutting-edge discussions on AI and sterility testing to heartwarming reminders of the human impact of scientific advances and drug developments, the conference underscored the vital role innovation and collaboration play in shaping the future of pharmaceuticals.

For Cherwell, the conference reinforced the importance of our commitment to being a reliable, adaptable partner to customers and colleagues alike. Events like Pharmig provide an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our relationships, exchange knowledge, and share insights that benefit the entire industry.

As Cherwell looks to the future, we remain focused on advancing microbiology and enabling science that makes a difference to people’s lives. If you’d like to learn more about any of Cherwell’s products and services, book an appointment with one of our Business Development Managers now.