BIO and BIO Ventures for Global Health Launch Initiative
to Engage Biotech Companies in
Global Health Research and Development
“Partnering For Global Health” Forum will Foster New Collaborations to Address Neglected Diseases of the Developing World
Contacts: Jeff Joseph, BIO, jjoseph@bio.org, 202-962-9230 or 202-345- 2258
Rachel Hamrick, BVGH, rhamrick@apcoworldwide.com, 202-236-1374
Boston, MA, May 8, 2007 – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) today announced a new joint venture to address health needs in the poorest parts of the world. The organizations will co-host a partnering forum in spring 2008 aimed at harnessing the innovation and expertise of the biotechnology industry to create new medical products for diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness and tuberculosis that affect hundreds of millions of people in the developing world.
"There is a critical need for investment in innovation to ensure that a new generation of medicines for the developing world enters the development pipeline," said BVGH President Dr. Christopher D. Earl. “Building bridges between biotech leaders and other leaders in the field will empower industry to have a revolutionary impact on the fight against neglected diseases."
The Partnering for Global Health forum will foster new collaborations to advance global health product development by bringing together experts from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, academia, multilateral organizations, international NGOs, governments, investors and donors.
“The biotechnology industry possesses a strong desire to increase our efforts to solve global health challenges,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “This forum will create new opportunities to apply the biotech industry’s innovative technology to develop effective new medicines for those most in need.”
Leaders in the global health field applauded the initiative, noting the value of identifying successful models for industry collaboration and exploring market-based incentives to encourage greater involvement by industry.
“The biotech industry can and will hopefully play a much greater role in solving global health problems like malaria and tuberculosis,” said Dr. Tachi Yamada, president of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Program. “This forum will help tap into the skills and knowledge of the biotech sector, and facilitate new and productive global health partnerships. I congratulate BIO and BIO Ventures for Global Health for creating this important initiative.”
About BIO Ventures for Global Health
BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), a non-profit organization, is harnessing the resources of the biotechnology industry to create new medicines for neglected diseases of the developing world. Our mission is to break down barriers that hinder industry involvement in global health product development and to catalyze new industry investment. www.bvgh.org
About BIO
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (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. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology. www.bio.org
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© 2005 BIO Ventures for Global Health
