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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