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 http://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
http://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
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-- 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
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