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Renowned Parkinson's Disease Patient Advocate Michael J. Fox to Deliver Keynote Address at 2007 BIO International Convention



    Michael J. Fox, founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for
    Parkinson's Research, will deliver the keynote address at the 2007 BIO
    International Convention on May 7, 2007, at the Boston Convention &
    Exhibition Center. The 2007 BIO International Convention, the global
    event for biotechnology, runs May 6-9 in Boston, Massachusetts.

    Titled "Driving the Development and Availability of Novel
    Therapies," 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.

    "Michael J. Fox has long been outspoken on the urgent need for
    patient-focused approaches to research," noted Jim Greenwood,
    president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the
    producer of the International Convention. "Michael's address will
    stand as a highlight of our convention as we spotlight the progress
    being made by the biotechnology industry in the search for improved
    treatments and a cure for Parkinson's and other debilitating
    diseases."

    Mr. Fox established The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
    Research in 2000, shortly after announcing his retirement from
    television. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Fox publicly disclosed
    that he had been diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease nearly
    seven years earlier.

    As of January 2007, the Foundation has funded more than $90
    million of research, either directly or through partnerships,
    supporting more than 300 Parkinson's research projects throughout the
    world. The Foundation's portfolio of research investments reflects its
    focus on translational and clinical research, including major
    investments in trophic factor research, the pursuit of a Parkinson's
    biomarker, and clinical trials exploring novel neuroprotective and
    gene therapy approaches.

    Prior to starting the Foundation, Michael J. Fox's work as an
    actor in such television shows as "Family Ties" and "Spin City," as
    well as the "Back to the Future" movie trilogy, garnered him four
    Emmy(R) awards, four Golden Globe(R) awards, a GQ Man of the Year
    Award, two Screen Actor's Guild Awards(R), and a People's Choice
    Award.

    Following his keynote, Mr. Fox will be joined by Deborah W.
    Brooks, president and CEO of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for
    Parkinson's Research, and Gene Johnson, PhD, the Foundation's Chief
    Scientific Advisor, for a panel discussion on the topic.

    The keynote and question-and-answer session will be among the more
    than 200 educational sessions during this year's International
    Convention. The Convention is the world's largest gathering of
    constituents in the biotechnology industry, with the 2006 meeting
    attracting nearly 20,000 attendees from 62 countries. This year, more
    than 1,700 companies will be represented, reflecting every aspect of
    the biotechnology industry, including food and agriculture, industry
    and energy, drug development, and policy. The Convention will also
    house 200,000 square feet of exhibition space, featuring pavilions
    from more than 70 different countries, states, companies and academic
    institutions.

    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. Reporters and editors working full-time for
    print or broadcast news organizations may register on site with valid
    media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications
    are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Friday, April 20,
    2007.

    About BIO

    Founded in 1993, 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
    health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology
    products.

    About the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

    Founded in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
    Research is dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for
    Parkinson's disease within this decade through an aggressively funded
    research agenda. The Foundation has funded over $90 million in
    research to date, either directly or through partnerships. For more
    information visit the Foundation's Web site, www.michaeljfox.org.

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    Upcoming BIO Events

    -- 2007 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
    March 21-24
    Orlando, FL

    -- 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
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