Biotech Industry Leaders Convene For First Ever Biotechnology Conference Held in Italy
Key Italian Industry Report Unveiled at Inaugural BIO-Europe Spring Partnering Conference in Milan
Milan, March 5, 2007, BIO-Europe Spring: More than 1100 biotechnology executives from around the world were treated to a positive outlook from industry leaders as the first annual BIO-Europe Spring conference opened today in Milan, Italy. BIO-Europe Spring is the first ever global biotechnology conference held in Italy.
Reflecting the biotech industry’s positive trajectory worldwide, Italy showcased its growing muscle as an industry hub. Commenting on Italy’s biotechnology development, Dr. Roberto Spingardi, head of inward investment for InvestInItaly, the nation’s organization for promoting investment: “Promoting Italian life sciences has been one of InvestInItaly’s key priorities since the biotech sector has become strategic on a global scale. Italy is showing increasing growth and potential. For example, we recently supported two successful agreements between Italian and US companies: Tristar-IOM (Istituto Oncologico dell Mediterraneo) and Immunicon-Molmed.
Dr. Spingardi’s comments were roundly supported by new data unveiled today in a 2007 report on the Italian biotech industry. According to the report the industry is now comprised of 222 companies, with over 4 billion euros in revenue, 1.2 billion euros in R&D investment and more than 14,000 employees, of whom almost one third engaged in R&D and a pipeline of over 40 products in an advanced stage of development of which 9 are already in phase 3. The report was conducted by Blossom Associati on behalf of Assobiotec, the Italian Bioindustry Association.
Roberto Gradnik, President of Assobiotec, called the data “very exciting. “ In his words: "The Italian biotech train departed in 2000 and, with every year, gathers ever-greater speed. Our industry has overcome obstacles that might have appeared insurmountable and now stands on a par with that of leading European countries. It is being driven by a system comprising companies, science parks and researchers, all characterized by high doses of dynamism and innovation."
According to Carola Schropp, Managing Partner of EBD Group, “We at BIO-Europe Spring are pleased that we can play a part in supporting the Italian biotech industry by holding our meeting in Milan. It should be clear to all after this conference that Italy is emerging as a preferred location for biotech development.”
About EBD Group
EBD Group is the leading partnering firm for the global life science industry. Since 1993, biotech, pharma and medical device companies have leveraged EBD Group's partnering conferences, technology and services to identify business opportunities and develop strategic relationships essential to their success.
BD Group's conferences are run with the support of leading corporations and international trade associations and include:
- BIO-Europe® and BIO-Europe Spring®, Europe's largest life science partnering conferences, supported by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
- BioPharm America™, the fastest growing partnering event in North America
- EuroMedtech™, EBD Group's partnering event for the innovative medical technology industry
- BioEquity Europe, the investor conference co-organized with BioCentury Publications and BIO
- ChinaBio® Partnering Forum, the first dedicated biotech/pharma partnering conference in China, co-produced with ChinaBio® LLC
- Partnering for Global Impact®, a new partnering conference providing an innovative forum to partner, identify and generate social and philanthropic investment and funding opportunities
- Biotech Showcase™, a unique forum in San Francisco for presenting to investors and business development executives, co-produced with Demy-Colton Life Science Advisors
EBD Group's sophisticated web-based partnering service, partneringONE®, is used as the partnering engine at numerous third-party events around the world, and partnering360® is the open online community of life science dealmakers that enhances partnering experiences at industry events.
Outside of the conference format, EBD Group's consultants provide hands-on assistance for firms seeking to in- or out-license products and technologies.
EBD Group has offices in the USA and Europe.
For more information please visit www.ebdgroup.com or contact:
Constantine Theodoropulos
EBD Group
+1 617 816 4637
ctheodoropulos@ebdgroup.com
