Biotech Industry Leaders Convene for First Ever Biotechnology Conference Held in Italy

More than 1100 biotechnology executives from around the world were
treated to a positive outlook from industry leaders as the first
annual BIO-Europe Spring conference opened today in Milan, Italy.
BIO-Europe Spring is the first ever global biotechnology conference
held in Italy.

Reflecting the biotech industry's positive trajectory worldwide,
Italy showcased its growing muscle as an industry hub. Commenting on
Italy's biotechnology development, Dr. Roberto Spingardi, head of
inward investment for InvestInItaly, the nation's organization for
promoting investment: "Promoting Italian life sciences has been one of
InvestInItaly's key priorities since the biotech sector has become
strategic on a global scale. Italy is showing increasing growth and
potential. For example, we recently supported two successful
agreements between Italian and US companies: Tristar-IOM (Istituto
Oncologico dell Mediterraneo) and Immunicon-Molmed."

Dr. Spingardi's comments were roundly supported by new data
unveiled today in a 2007 report on the Italian biotech industry.
According to the report the industry is now comprised of 222
companies, with over 4 billion euros in revenue, 1.2 billion euros in
R&D investment and more than 14,000 employees, of whom almost one
third engaged in R&D and a pipeline of over 40 products in an advanced
stage of development of which 9 are already in phase 3. The report was
conducted by Blossom Associati on behalf of Assobiotec, the Italian
Bioindustry Association.

Roberto Gradnik, President of Assobiotec, called the data "very
exciting." In his words: "The Italian biotech train departed in 2000
and, with every year, gathers ever-greater speed. Our industry has
overcome obstacles that might have appeared insurmountable and now
stands on a par with that of leading European countries. It is being
driven by a system comprising companies, science parks and
researchers, all characterized by high doses of dynamism and
innovation."

According to Carola Schropp, Managing Partner of EBD Group, "We at
BIO-Europe Spring are pleased that we can play a part in supporting
the Italian biotech industry by holding our meeting in Milan. It
should be clear to all after this conference that Italy is emerging as
a preferred location for biotech development."

About EBD Group

EBD Group is the leading partnering firm for the global
biotechnology industry. Since 1993, firms in the life sciences have
leveraged EBD Group's partnering conferences, technology and services
to identify business opportunities and develop strategic relationships
that drive their business.

EBD Group's conferences (run in collaboration with leading
industry partners and international trade associations such as BIO and
Eucomed) include BIO-Europe, the world's largest stand-alone life
science partnering conference; BIO-Europe Spring; the investor
conference, BioEquity Europe (co-organized with BioCentury
Publications); and the convergent medical technology partnering
conference, BioDevice Partnering. EBD's novel, web-based, partnering
software system is also used at numerous third-party events around the
world. Outside of the conference format, EBD Group's consultants can
provide hands-on assistance for firms seeking to in- or out-license
products and technologies.

EBD Group has offices in San Diego, Munich and London. For more
information, visit www.ebdgroup.com.