WASHINGTON, DC (March 28, 2007) – From new agricultural advances to novel ideas bringing breakthrough therapeutics to underserved populations, issues surrounding global health will take the spotlight at the 2007 BIO International Convention, the premier global event for biotechnology. The BIO International Convention will bring more than 20,000 leaders from throughout the global biotechnology industry to Boston, Massachusetts May 6-9.
“Biotechnology has the potential to play a key role in improving health in third world countries and underserved populations throughout the world,” stated Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. “The industry can already tout developments such as the discovery and use of ‘golden’ rice, which can help combat Vitamin A deficiency, a leading cause of blindness; the production of pest resistant foods, which are designed to improve crop yields; and aggressive and innovative new partnerships to ensure the delivery of life-saving therapeutics to difficult-to-reach patients. This year’s Convention will highlight recent advances and focus on novel tactics being investigated in this critical area.”
The need for moving breakthrough therapeutics from the lab to patients will be emphasized as Michael J. Fox, founder, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, delivers a keynote address entitled “Driving the Development and Availability of Novel Therapies,” at noon on Monday, May 7. Mr. Fox’s keynote will address the need for creative approaches to speed translation of the significant investments in research and discovery into meaningful, patient-relevant advances in human health. The discussion will explore strategies and solutions to “de-risk” investment in novel therapeutics for the biotechnology industry and academia alike.
Beyond Mr. Fox’s keynote, the 2007 BIO International Convention includes a Super Session entitled “Improving Biotechnology Industry Access to Minority and Underserved Populations” to be held on Wednesday, May 9. Session participants will address biotechnology industry efforts to expand access to innovative treatments and encourage participation of minority communities in biotechnology.
The BIO International Convention also features numerous panels, plenary sessions, and keynote speeches highlighting the impact of research and product development on global health. focusing, including panels on:
– “Harnessing Biotech Innovation to Improve the Global Health Pipeline”
– “Partnerships for Global Health: Going From Bench to Bedside”
– “Demand Forecasting for Global Health Products”
This year’s BIO International Convention, themed “New Ideas. Bold Ventures. Global Benefits,” will feature a program packed with more than 200 sessions and speakers focusing on the global aspects of biotechnology, including business development, global health, clinical research/clinical trials, policy, bioethics, devices and diagnostics, biopreparedness, intellectual property/legal, food and agriculture, and industrial and environmental issues. International seminars will spotlight national-level developments from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide. To view the full conference program, please visit http://www.bio2007.org/Attendees/educational_sessions/index.html.
General registration for the BIO International Convention is now available at www.bio2007.org/registration/index.html. For more information about the global event for biotechnology, including housing and program updates, please visit the event homepage at www.bio2007.org.
Advance media registration for the BIO International Convention is now available online. Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To register, please visit www.bio2007.org/media/index.html. Reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Friday, April 20, 2007.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
Upcoming BIO Events
· BIO-Windhover Conference
April 9-11, 2007
Washington, D.C.
· BIO International Convention
May 6-9, 2007
Boston, MA
· BIO VentureForum-East 2007
June 18-20, 2007
Montreal, Canada
· BIO Mid-America VentureForum 2007
Sep. 24-26, 2007
Milwaukee, WI
