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James D. Watson Helix Awards Presented at 2007 BIO International Convention

Genzyme, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and TargeGen Recognized as Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 9, 2007) -- Three outstanding biotechnology companies were awarded the 2007 James D. Watson Helix Award, the industry’s most prestigious award of recognition, at the 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston today.

The James D. Watson Helix Award was founded by the Center for Biotechnology and Stony Brook University in 1996 and is awarded annually in partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). The award recognizes biotechnology companies that have distinguished themselves by setting a singular standard of corporate leadership as reflected in performance in the areas of scientific innovation and company growth.

“These exceptional companies were chosen by their peers to be recognized as industry leaders. Each firm is devoting its resources to cutting-edge science that may lead to breakthrough, life-saving therapies. I congratulate them for their success and commitment to saving and improving patient lives,” said Jim Greenwood, BIO President and CEO.

The winner of the large cap company category was Genzyme of Cambridge, MA. "We are honored to be recognized for the work that we have done on behalf of patients," said Henri A. Termeer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genzyme Corp. "This award is particularly meaningful following the approval last year of our treatment for Pompe disease, Myozyme. This life-saving therapy is now bringing new hope to patients around the world, and exemplifies our mission to innovate to improve the lives of those with debilitating diseases."

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of San Diego, CA was the winner in the small/mid-cap category. “At Amylin, we are committed to improving lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines. It is an honor to be recognized by BIO, the Center for Biotechnology, and Stony Brook University as an entrepreneurial company that is dedicated to challenging science and changing the lives of our patients," stated Dr. Alain Baron, Senior Vice President of Research.

TargeGen from San Diego, CA received the award in the private category. “Since the inception of TargeGen, we have by design sought to develop new therapeutic approaches for major diseases in unprecedented and creative ways,” stated Peter G. Ulrich, President, CEO and Co-Founder of TargeGen. “It is gratifying to all associated with TargeGen to be publicly recognized for achieving some small measure of success toward this objective which, we hope, will be ultimately fulfilled in the future when our drug candidates demonstrate they can improve clinical outcomes for the patient populations treated with our compounds.”

“We were pleased to present these outstanding companies with the James D. Watson Helix Award. These companies have demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and clearly demonstrate the creative character of the industry,” stated Dr. Clinton T. Rubin, Director of the Center for Biotechnology.

This year’s BIO International Convention runs through Wednesday, May 9, in Boston, MA. To view the full conference program, please visit www.bio2007.org/attendees/educational_sessions/index.html.

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.

About the Center for Biotechnology

The Center for Biotechnology is a New York State-funded organization located at Stony Brook University (SBU). Our primary mission is to accelerate the development and transfer of biomedical technologies to the commercial sector. Proclude®, the Sonic Fracture Healing System (SAFHS)™, the V3D Colon™ virtual colonoscopy, EmulsiphanTM, the Scanning Confocal Acoustic Navigation (SCAN)™ system, Vita-Assays™, and the Dynamic Motion Therapy (DMT)™ platform are just a few of the innovations that have resulted from our activities. Strategic initiatives that create infrastructure for broad-based bioscience industry (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical devices, life systems) development have been a cornerstone of the Center’s success. From the establishment of a high technology business incubator program to the development of technologies that are now the foundation of new companies, the Center for Biotechnology has been largely successful in its economic development mission, with an annual impact of more than $100MM.

Upcoming BIO Events

· BIO International Convention
May 6-9, 2007
Boston, MA

· BIO VentureForum-East 2007

June 18-20, 2007

Montreal, Canada

· BIO Mid-America VentureForum 2007

Sep. 24–26, 2007

Milwaukee, WI

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