BIO 2006 Translational Research Forum to Consider Solutions to the Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2006) – Academic researchers, biotechnology industry representatives, and financiers will be featured during a forum at BIO 2006 to discuss current issues and innovative solutions to transferring early- and mid-stage research from the academic setting to commercialization. The BIO 2006 Annual International Convention will take place April 9-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.

“Promising early- and mid-stage research developed in university labs can be shelved in the absence of appropriate financing and incentives to carry it to the next level,” said Lila Feisee, the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) director of intellectual property. “In this day-long forum, we hope to explore new, efficient ways of bridging the gap between university research and the next level of development.”

The Translational Research Forum, a new addition to the convention’s thought-provoking programs, will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Highlights of the forum will include case studies of academic programs and academic-industry joint ventures that move discoveries to the market. Discussions will address the decision process and methods employed to deal with a number of issues, including handling of intellectual property, revenue sharing, and ongoing funding for operations and translational research.

The program is open to full-conference or sessions-only registrants. For more information, visit http://www.bio.org/events/2006/programs/trforum.asp.

For more information on the BIO 2006 Annual International Convention, visit BIO’s website at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/.

Advance media registration for BIO 2006 is now closed. Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. Only reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials.

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.

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