Biotech in Europe and US: Innovation paving the path ahead
As a co-host of the 13th Annual BIO-Europe 2007 International Partnering Conference, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Hamburg. We have before us three days of dynamic speakers, compelling keynote addresses, panels and sessions on timely issues, numerous networking opportunities, and productive partnering meetings.
The program and opportunities offered at the BIO-Europe conference exemplify what we believe are the cornerstones of the biotechnology industry – building solid partnerships, staying informed and ahead of the latest trends and developments, and exploring the endless opportunities to pave the way for cutting-edge scientific innovation.
The international aspect of this meeting enables biotechnology leaders from around the world to come together to share best practices and lessons learned from the front lines of biotech. There are many similarities between biotech in Europe and the U.S. In the U.S. as in Europe, we must create a legislative and regulatory environment that enables biotech researchers to deliver the full potential and promise of biotechnology – to heal, fuel and feed the world.
As you will hear in Monday’s workshop, the U.S. Congress is considering the most drastic changes to patent law in 50 years. The pending legislation would make it easier and cheaper to infringe patents, undermining the ability of biotech innovators to raise the vast amounts of capital necessary to bring a product to market. Such drastic change would have an impact beyond U.S. borders in an increasingly global economy.
As in Europe, the U.S. is experiencing a convergence between the pharmaceutical industry and biotech. This convergence creates opportunities for biotech innovators to learn from the experience and marketing prowess of pharma. But it also creates challenges as we continue to define our own identity and develop markets.
Merger and acquisition activity is up in both Europe and the U.S. Many of these deals are born at conferences such as BIO-Europe. As the largest stand-alone partnering event in the industry, BIO-Europe 2007 truly is the place to be if you are interested in exploring or securing a partnership that will propel your business forward.
BIO produces partnering conferences similar to BIO-Europe throughout the year. Our largest event is the BIO International Convention – the global event for biotechnology- which next runs June 17-20, 2008 in San Diego, California. The event is truly an international gathering – attracting attendees from more than 70 countries – providing a truly global perspective of the biotechnology industry. The BIO International Convention features keynote sessions from key policy makers, scientists, industry leaders and celebrities who champion biotechnology. The Convention also includes a multitude of breakout sessions addressing the latest biotechnology trends, policy issues and technology innovations in drug discovery and development, agriculture, energy, and the environment. We invite you to attend what surely will be another phenomenal event. Please visit bio2008.org for more information.
On behalf of our partners, the EBD Group and European Biopharmaceutical Enterprises, we hope you enjoy BIO-Europe 2007 and all that it has to offer.
