More than 70 life sciences executives discuss growing local industry in the MIA

More than 70 life sciences executives discuss growing local industry

Following a record year in shipments of pharmaceuticals (pharma), vaccines, and medical equipment to and from Miami International Airport, the airport hosted more than 70 professionals from the local bio-medical industry at the BioFlorida 2022 South Florida Life Sciences Showcase on April 7 at MIA’s Concourse D 4^th Floor Auditorium.

After welcome remarks from BioFlorida President and CEO Nancy Bryan and MIA Deputy Director Ken Pyatt, the showcase began with a presentation by MIA Marketing Director Chris Mangos on the continued growth of pharma imports and exports at the global gateway. MIA had a record year of 21,714 tons in pharma trade (imports and exports) valued at $6.6 billion in 2021, for an increase of 21 percent in weight and 78 percent in value compared to 2020.

Most notably, pharma exports at MIA grew from 16,308 tons in 2020 to 20,190 tons in 2021 and nearly doubled in value from $3.2 billion to $6.2 billion in 2021, ranking second only to exports of aircraft and spacecraft parts in terms of value. Additionally, medical equipment exports grew from 10,066 tons in 2020 to 12,277 tons valued at $1.6 billion, to become MIA’s seventh-largest export in value last year. MIA also received $1.3 billion in medical equipment imports in 2021, making it the airport’s sixth-largest import commodity in value.

As the busiest airport in the U.S. and ninth busiest in the world for international freight, MIA has been a leading gateway for the global distribution of vaccines and medical equipment since the pandemic began.

This year’s half-day showcase also featured a panel focused on pharma/biomedical supply chain solutions and presentations by biopharma, med-tech, and digital health companies. The event culminated with a networking session between attendees and table-top exhibitors. MIA hosted the inaugural BioFlorida South Florida Life Sciences Showcase in 2017.