Core Insights - The dialogue at the CPHI China exhibition highlighted the green transformation of the CDMO industry in China, emphasizing the shift from "manufacturing" to "intelligent manufacturing" through technological innovation and cost efficiency [1][3]. Group 1: Technological Innovations - Dr. Yang Minmin discussed the challenges of safety and environmental risks in the organic chemistry industry, leading to the exploration of new technologies like continuous flow and micro-packed bed [3]. - Drug Stone Technology has applied micro-packed bed technology in hydrogenation reactions for over a decade, enhancing selectivity and addressing the complexity of traditional process approvals [3]. - The company has accumulated experience in over 50 continuous flow technology projects, with more than 30% of R&D projects utilizing this technology, resulting in improved production efficiency and cost reduction [3]. Group 2: Cost and Efficiency Dynamics - Dr. Chen Zhihong highlighted that the continuous flow technology reduced the production cycle of drug intermediates from 40 days to 10 days, decreasing the footprint by 95% and solvent usage by over 50% [4]. - Over 60% of Drug Stone's Building Block business and 30%-40% of its CDMO business leverage new technologies, creating a positive cycle through standardized reactions that lower equipment costs [4]. - The Chinese pharmaceutical industry is projected to have an API export value of nearly $50 billion in 2024, facing pressures from domestic competition and carbon tariffs from Europe and the U.S. [4]. Group 3: Global Competitiveness and Challenges - Dr. Zhang Yantao noted that the focus of the industry has shifted from hardware construction to process management, reflecting improvements in green manufacturing capabilities [5]. - Drug Stone's overseas strategy involves a "local R&D + global delivery" model based on continuous flow technology, significantly reducing labor requirements and overcoming cost and environmental challenges in Europe and the U.S. [5]. - The total value of innovative drug license outs in China is expected to reach approximately $50 billion in 2024, urging Chinese CDMOs to accelerate their global expansion [5]. Group 4: Industry Insights and Future Vision - Dr. Yang Minmin envisioned transforming fine chemical plants into intelligent office environments, indicating a shift in industry paradigms [6]. - Dr. Zhang Yantao emphasized that advanced manufacturing technologies will inevitably take root in the largest manufacturing countries [6]. - The dialogue underscored the importance of embedding sustainability throughout the product development lifecycle to enhance business communication and competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical landscape [6].

Group 1 - The explosion occurred at Youdao Chemical Co., Ltd. in Weifang City, Shandong Province, which is involved in the pesticide and pharmaceutical sectors and has been recognized as a representative of the high-end chemical industry in the region [1][2] - The company has been expanding its workforce, with the number of employees increasing from 138 in 2021 to 329 in 2022, and reaching 519 in 2023 [2] - Youdao Chemical is a subsidiary of Haomai Group, established in August 2019, focusing on the development, production, and sales of continuous flow technology for pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and related fine chemical intermediates [3] Group 2 - The company has developed an automated, continuous production facility for chlorantraniliprole active ingredients, breaking foreign patent monopolies and experiencing high demand for its products [2] - The second phase of the project is expected to be operational by October 2023, with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons and projected annual sales revenue of 5 billion yuan and tax revenue of 500 million yuan [2] - The total investment for the second phase project is 3.453 billion yuan, aiming to establish a demonstration base for low-energy consumption, high environmental protection, and inherently safe production in the fine chemical sector [2]