Former FDA Official John Taylor III To Join BIO As Executive Vice President of Health </a>

Taylor Brings Extensive Experience in Government and Regulatory Affairs, Health Care Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 17, 2007) -- Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), announced today that former U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official John M. Taylor III will join the organization as Executive Vice President of Health.  Taylor formerly served as Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs with the FDA.  More recently, he served as Divisional Vice President for Federal Government Affairs at Abbott, a leading global, broad-based health care company.

“John Taylor will be an outstanding addition to the BIO team,” said Greenwood. “John brings to BIO years of experience as a senior executive in the highest levels of the federal government and as an executive at Abbott.  His insight into health care and regulatory policy, as well as his understanding of the FDA, will be of great value to BIO membership.  John’s sterling reputation, experience and intellect enhance our already strong health care policy team.  His leadership and vision will help BIO remain well-positioned to address the public policy and regulatory issues that impact the ability of biotechnology pioneers to create new therapies and cures for the diseases which afflict millions of patients around the world.”

Prior to joining Abbott in 2005, Taylor served in a variety of senior positions during his 14-year career at the FDA.  Most recently, Taylor oversaw the Office of Regulatory Affairs where he advised the Commissioner on regulatory and compliance issues and directed regulatory, enforcement and compliance activities for the agency.  In addition, he oversaw regulatory policy-making issues in the context of biopharmaceuticals and drug enforcement. Previously, he served in the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel, Office of Commissioner, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Taylor received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a JD from the College of William and Mary.

“I am extremely excited to join BIO and help the organization pursue the myriad of complex policy opportunities and challenges facing the biotechnology industry,” stated Taylor.  “Biotechnology provides hope to millions of people around the world living with debilitating and rare diseases.  I look forward to working with our members to persist in our pursuit of an agenda that creates the proper policy and regulatory environment to allow biotech researchers to continue to provide this hope and fulfill the promise of biotechnology.”

About BIO

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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