2009-05-20 01:58:02 -

Sir Elton John : addressed more than 3,000 global attendees today on the HIV/AIDS epidemic on day two of the 2009 BIO International Convention : . This global event for biotechnology runs through Thursday May 21. BIO President and CEO Jim C. Greenwood : also gave his state-of-the-industry address and other biotechnology leaders provided insight on innovation, sustainability and biotech business for 2009 and beyond.

Highlights from today include.



Keynote Speakers:

- Sir Elton John spoke about the HIV/AIDS : epidemic. He praised biotechnology leaders for developing treatments that extend and save lives while detailing the global epidemic. He also challenged industry researchers to continue to innovate to develop improved therapies and delivery

systems. “Despite our many advances, and despite your laudable work, HIV/AIDS is still winning,” said Sir Elton John. “It continues to devastate populations in the developing world. But the epidemic is also worse than we thought in this very city, and in this very country.”
- Greenwood’s state-of-the-industry address provided insight on the current economic, political and scientific challenges facing the biotechnology community and the promising future of the industry. “The industry has fared better than Wall Street during these challenging times,” said Greenwood. “And, in 2008, the U.S. biotech industry became profitable for the first time in history.” He emphasized his continued optimism for the industry. “We embrace the challenge, we embrace the change, and we keep moving forward,” said Greenwood. “We remain confident and we remain inspired because we know we can help make things better.”

Super Sessions:

- “ Beyond Business as Usual: Ernst & Young's Global Biotechnology Report : ” presented key findings from “Beyond Borders, Ernst & Young’s Global Biotechnology Report 2009.” This annual report highlights how firms are moving beyond the borders of traditional solutions with business strategies; new funding sources and creative deals; and how the business of biotech goes beyond business as usual.


- “ Weathering the Perfect Storm of Financial Distress and Political Pressure : ” was presented by financial experts, biotech leaders and industry analysts who discussed how to create innovation and bring hope to patients in the current economic environment.


- The “ Burrill State-of-the-Industry Report : ” presented by Steven G. Burrill, CEO of Burrill and Company, highlighted critical developments in 2008 across all sectors of biotech. In addition, Burrill discussed the changing world of health care innovation and delivery; the increased concern for global climate change; and energy security and environmental sustainability, which are just some of the major issues that make 2009 a challenging year.



Press Conferences:

- Following Sir Elton John’s keynote, BIO’s Greenwood moderated a press conference on HIV/AIDS where companies discussed promising innovation for this disease and provided updates on existing therapies. Two patients living with HIV discussed how biotech medicines have extended their lives and called for continued biomedical innovation.



Social Activities:

- The BIO Exhibitor Hospitality Reception : was hosted on the exhibit floor of the convention center. Attendees were treated to a trip around the world courtesy of the 2009 Exhibitors and Sponsors to learn the latest in innovative biotechnology, meet government officials, and enjoy an array of food and entertainment reflective of the various regions and cultures represented at this year's Convention.



Coming up tomorrow:

- Keynote luncheon featuring, Sen. Thomas Daschle (D-S.D.); William Frist M.D., (R-Tenn.) and former Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; Gov. Howard Dean (D-Vt.); and Mr. Karl Rove, former Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to former President George W. Bush, noon.


- “ Global Biotechnology Innovation: Connecting the Laboratory, the Field and the Marketplace : ” supper session, Room B401/B402 at 8:00 a.m.


- “ Public Health And Business: Is the Sum Greater than the Parts? : ” super session, Room B401/B402 at 2:00 p.m.


- “ Model Patent Office for the Future — Promoting and Protecting Investments in Innovation : ” super session, Room B401/B402 at 4:00 p.m.


- “Ag Biotechnology Providing Environmental and Socio-Economic Benefits,” press conference, Room A303 at 10:00 a.m.


- Gala Reception : at the Georgia Aquarium, at 7:45 p.m.

This year, the Convention program features more than 170 sessions in 22 breakout session tracks, including new tracks on drug delivery, global biotechnology issues, translational medicine and vaccines, among others. In addition, this year’s BIO Exhibition covers an estimated 176,000 net sq. ft. and host more than 1,800 exhibitors.

The BIO International Convention helps to support BIO programs and initiatives. BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation. For more information on the global event for biotechnology, including program and housing information, please visit convention.bio.org : .



2009 BIO International Convention Social tagging & Social Media



Be included in official convention coverage: Tag your convention related content, blog posts, photos and videos with #bio09Twitter with us: #bio09Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/BIOconvention : Listen to our podcasts: biotech-now.org/ : Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12611785695 : Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=35214 : Visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/BIOchannel : View our photo albums on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/biophotos/ :

Upcoming BIO Events

2009 BIO International Convention : May 18-21, 2009Atlanta, Ga.

BioEquity Europe : June 9-10, 2009Munich, Germany

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing : July 19-22, 2009Montreal, Quebec, Canada


About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.



BIOErin Reese202-279-0536 Ereese@bio.org : mailto:Ereese@bio.org