The Inaugural BioPharm America™ Partnering Conference Kicks Off in Atlanta
The Inaugural BioPharm America™
Atlanta, GA., September 10, 2008: The inaugural BioPharm America™ partnering conference yesterday opened its doors to an enthusiastic crowd of close to 400 biotechnology deal-makers at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. EBD Group's President Carola Schropp, welcomed a delegation representing 258 companies from 24 countries, saying, "This is EBD Group's first U.S.-based partnering conference and we are very excited to extend our proven format for partnering to the North American marketplace."
"BioPharm America is the direct response to your repeated calls for a stand-alone life science partnering event in the United States., one that is able to attract corporate decision-makers and licensing opportunities from around the world. We look forward to growing BioPharm America into another valuable event that facilitates partnering within our industry, complementing our European conferences BIO-Europe and BIO-Europe Spring®."
Charles Craig, President, Georgia Bio, remarked, "EBD Group's decision to launch its first BioPharm America conference in Atlanta reflects its confidence in the South East as a biotech region." The South East boasts three of the top ten biotech centers in the U.S.A.; has attracted USD 1.8 billion in venture capital in 2007 and the region employs 180,000 biotech workers.
Ken Stewart, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told the BioPharm America audience that "EBD Group's conference concept is right on. It is all about fostering partnerships and relationships."
According to the BioWorld
BioPartnering Report 2009, "Data show that the total number of annual
bio-partnering deals has doubled from 600 in 1997 to more than 1,200
in 2007, led by approximately 400 biotech-big pharma collaborations
in 2007, followed closely by biotech-academia/nonprofit deals and biotech-biotech
partnerships, both with more than 300 each.
There has been no abatement in 2008. Deals continue to overshadow drugs
as the defining industry trend. Partnering transactions continue at
record-breaking rates and financial levels, while annual FDA approval
rates remain flat.
The deal is still the thrill in drug development markets, as biotechnology
innovation continues to be the temptation from which big pharma cannot
afford to abstain."
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
About MassBio
MassBio, a not-for-profit organization that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts biotechnology industry, is the nation's oldest biotechnology trade association. Founded in 1985, MassBio is committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide. Representing over 600 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and health care, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.
For more information please visit www.massbio.org.
