The Global Biotech Industry Comes to BIO
The world’s largest biotech hubs are busy planning their delegations’ visits to the BIO International Convention next month. The international program at the Convention will be one of the most robust to date, with International Case Studies , breakout sessions focused on globalization and Super Sessions focused on the emerging markets.
BIOtechNOW is profiling a few of the top delegations to give you a preview*:
Australia : Australia’s biotech sector, along with the broader Australian economy, performed strongly through the global financial crisis. The sector now totals 527 biotechnology companies and showed evidence of an IPO window on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2010. The sector is most strongly represented in human therapeutics (49% of the total industry), agribiotech (16%), and diagnostics (13%). There are 151 healthcare and biotech public life science companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, of which 27 companies are capitalized at greater than A$100 million.
Canada: With its leading edge R&D and supportive innovation climate, Canada boasts the second highest concentration of biotechnology firms globally, which together with our research institutes are securing large investments from global multinational biopharmaceutical companies, and are attracting partnerships in emerging technologies such as clean technology, stem cells and nanotech. The Canadian Biotechnology Strategy (CBS) is Canada's plan for the emerging field of biotechnology that supports and compliments the regulatory and research activities of various federal departments and agencies. A renewed CBS creates a policy framework that integrates social, ethical, health, economic, environmental, and regulatory considerations, as well as addressing public information and participation.
China: In the coming 3 years, China's government will invest RMB 850 billion in reforming the Basic Medical Security System. It predicts, by 2013, China will be the third largest medicine market worldwide. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry will continue to sustain growth at a rate of nearly 30%, including the rate of no less than 20% in bio-pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, on a basis of RMB 6 billion investment for “Key Items of National New Drug Innovation Plan”, which focuses on technical platforms and all stages for innovation, supported by both central and local governments, and the well known comprehensive advantages of HR and abundant resource for clinical trials, China will play an ever increasing role in new drug R&D.
France: UBIFRANCE is the French agency for international business development. In the US, our team works with 150 French and 450 US biotech companies each year and welcomes the opportunity to help companies at this year’s Convention in partnering with the French biotech industry. INVEST IN FRANCE AGENCY is in charge of promoting international investment in France. With offices in 22 countries, we offer investors outstanding business opportunities and customized services in the field of biotech.This year, the French Pavilion will be even larger than in 2010, with 120 biotech companies and 11 bioclusters attending. A session entitled ``Vaccine Innovation, a collaborative approach: from diagnosis to prevention and treatment`` will specifically showcase the French expertise in the field of diagnostic/POC and prophylactic/therapeutic vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.
Germany: Germany Trade and Invest is the economic development agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization promotes Germany as a business and technology location and supports companies based in Germany with global market information. Furthermore Germany Trade & Invest informs and advises international companies setting up business in Germany and promotes the economic development of Germany's new federal states including Berlin.
India: The Indian biotechnology sector is one of the fastest growing knowledge-based sectors in India and is expected to play a key role in shaping India's rapidly growing economy. The Indian biotech sector’s overall revenue in 2009-10 was US$ 3 billion. Bio-pharma contributed US$ 1.9 billion; bio-agri US$ 420.4 million, bio-industrial segment US$ 122.5 million and bio-informatics US$ 50.2 million. The current trends indicate that the industry would touch US$ 8 billion by 2015.
Japan: The Japanese government recognizes biotechnology as a key driver of future economic growth and strongly supports both domestic biotech initiatives and foreign entry into Japan’s biotech market. JETRO is a Japanese government-affiliated organization that promotes mutual trade, investment and business alliances between Japan and the rest of the world. JETRO has 732 offices in 55 countries of the world and specializes in assisting small and medium-sized businesses. In the field of biotech, JETRO provides market information and consulting to Japanese and non-Japanese companies wishing to enter each other’s markets and business matching opportunities at events and tradeshows.
South Korea: Attendees at the BIO International Convention will have the opportunity to listen to an International Case Study on South Korea. The panel will explore the opportunity of cross-border deal making in Korea as leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies continue to globalize their R & D and commercial organizations. Attendees can expect to explore new transactional opportunities in the Korean biotechnology market and discuss strategy options for emerging market development in Asia.
Spain: Spain’s biotechnology sector has recently experienced significant growth averaging 60 new companies per year, with numerous companies entering in later development stages. In the healthcare area, Spain is a leading country in oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, vaccines and other advanced therapies. Each year, 12,000 patients receive treatment with biotech medicines and 400,000 vaccine doses are delivered. More than 75% of the people in the Spanish population think that biotechnology is beneficial. Besides, we rank as the first European country in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) cropping, specifically, of corn, and as one of the most advanced countries regarding the generation of biofuels and energy generation by way of biomass.
UK: The UK offers one of the biggest country presences at Convention and provides a number of exciting opportunities for companies wanting to grow their business within the UK or source a UK-based partner. The Life Sciences are an important growth area and can also help the UK meet societal challenges such as improving healthcare, improving sustainability and decarbonising the economy. The use of biotechnology is expanding across the economy. Biotechnology is now being used in industrial applications and will help to reduce the UK’s dependence on non–renewable feedstock for producing a wide variety of products from tyres to plastics. UK companies are utilising biotechnology to develop improvements that could lead to new drugs and improved feedstock for industry.
* Source of content: International Delegations
Access all of the Country Profiles.
Please note that International Case Studies are open to attendees with Convention Access, Education Access and Exhibitors.