Therapeutic workshops at BIO Investor Forum

Hematology, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Huntington’s Disease, and Cystic Fibrosis are among the therapeutic workshop topics to be presented at the Seventh Annual BIO Investor Forum, taking place October 29-31, 2008 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, Calif. 

 

The workshops will address the latest developments in therapies for a wide range of diseases. 

 

Details can be accessed at http://investorforum.bio.org

 

 

 

Genetically Engineered Animals and Public Health

Today is a very special day for those of us that work in the field of animal biotechnology.  Today, the FDA announced the long-awaited draft guidance describing a regulatory framework for governing genetically engineered (GE) animals. In addition, USDA is seeking comment on their coordinated role in the regulatory process.

Some of you will remember that back in June, we released at the BIO International Convention, the report Genetically Engineered Animals and Public Health – Compelling Benefits for Health Care, Nutrition, the Environment and Animal Welfare.  At that time, I also discussed the importance of this technology and its role in public health on BIOtech Now, BIO’s podcast series.  Today’s government action is truly a landmark one because it provides U.S. government draft guidance, that initiates a public comment process.   The end result of which will be the development of a final regulatory system for these products which will ensure their safety and efficacy for the American consumer.

This technology holds great promise.  Through genetic engineering, animals can produce pharmaceutical proteins and replacement tissues in their milk, eggs, and blood, which can be used in the treatment of human diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, hemophilia, rheumatoid arthritis, pandemic flu, malaria and small pox. In addition, research is being conducted to produce transplant organs in pigs that may be a source of organs for humans.

Genetically engineered animals also can improve food quality and production with improved nutrient and efficiency traits, and contribute to more environmentally-friendly livestock production as animals utilize less resources and release less emissions into the environment.  The animals themselves also benefit from  these technologies  with disease resistance traits and improved animal welfare.

So I hope you will join me, as we take this great step forward.  One tiny step for biotechnology, one great step for mankind.  And, if you have any questions about genetic engineering, drop them here as a comment and I’ll be happy to answer them.

Barbara Glenn
Managing Director for Animal Biotechnology
BIO

p.s. Stop in and check out our genetic engineering resource center.

Registration Open for BIO Investor Forum

Reserve your spot for this national forum for late-stage private and emerging companies. What to expect:

• More than 190 late-stage private & emerging public company presentations
• Therapeutic panels led by clinical thought leaders
• Business roundtables addressing key issues affecting biotech executives
• Tech Transfer panel and networking session
• Plenary Sessions: Capital Access 201 and The Return to a Thriving Biotech Marketplace – What’s It Going To Take
• Partnering meetings
• Networking opportunities investors and industry executives focused exclusively on biotechnology

Go to http://investorforum.bio.org for more info and to register.