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Top-Level Biotech Executives, Public on Key Biotech Issues

Survey Results Address Controversial Policy Issues;

Hopes and Expectations for Industry’s Future

Industry Leadership Panel Discussion to Follow Presentation of Results

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2007) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will launch its 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston on May 6 with a special media-only brunch that will include the announcement of results of a one-of-a-kind public opinion research project conducted by two premier U.S. polling firms.

The research project, consistent with the theme of this year’s BIO International Convention, “New Ideas. Bold Ventures. Global Benefits,” encompasses the results of two separate polls conducted jointly by Republican and Democratic strategists. The surveys will allow pollsters for the first time to measure insider insights from top-level executives at biotechnology companies against the public’s perception of the biotechnology industry and its potential to solve some of world’s most pressing challenges.

Respondents from both groups were asked to respond to questions on a wide range of biotechnology issues including, the potential for biotherapies to alleviate and even cure devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis, the environmental and ethical implications of biofoods, and the promise of biofuels including ethanol to alleviate dependence on fossil fuels.

The formal presentation of survey results will be followed immediately by a panel of leading biotechnology company CEOs. These industry leaders, along with BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood, will respond to the surveys’ findings.

BIO tapped two of the nation’s leading political polling firms –Public Opinion Strategies and Peter D. Hart Research Associates – to conduct the research. The results will be unveiled by Republican strategist Neil Newhouse, partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, and Democratic strategist Geoff Garin, president of Peter D. Hart Research Associates, at the Sunday morning media brunch.

A selection of genetically enhanced foods will be served at the media brunch.

WHAT: BIO industry survey comparing biotech insiders’ view of the industry with the general public’s view

WHEN: May 6, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: BIO International Convention in Boston, Level 3 Ballroom

Pre-Function Area

WHO: Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO

Neil Newhouse, Public Opinion Strategies

Geoff Garin, Peter D. Hart Research Associates

CEO Response Panel

· Dr. Joshua Boger, President and CEO, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

· Dr. Richard Hamilton, President and CEO, Ceres, Inc.

· James Mullen, CEO, Biogen Idec

· Dr. Stephen Sherwin, M.D., Chairman and CEO, Cell Genesys

This year’s BIO International Convention will feature a program packed with more than 200 sessions and speakers focusing on the global aspects of biotechnology, including business development, global health, clinical research/clinical trials, policy, bioethics, devices and diagnostics, biopreparedness, intellectual property/legal, food and agriculture, and industrial and environmental issues. International seminars will spotlight national-level developments from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide. To view the full conference program, please visit www.bio2007.org/attendees/educational_sessions/index.html.

About BIO

Founded in 1993, 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 health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world’s largest annual gathering of the biotechnology industry.

About Public Opinion Strategies

Public Opinion Strategies is a survey research company specializing in corporate, public policy and litigation research, with offices in Washington, Denver and Los Angeles. Since its founding in 1991, Public Opinion Strategies has completed more than 10,000 research projects and interviewed more than 4 million Americans across the United States. These projects have ranged in scope from neighborhood studies to national samples in all 50 states. Internationally, Public Opinion Strategies has completed research projects in Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Guam, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Venezuela, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Since Public Opinion Strategies’ roots are in political campaign management, their research is focused on producing information that compels decisions - and then results.

About Peter D. Hart Research Associates

Founded in 1971, Peter D. Hart Research Associates is one of the leading survey research firms in the United States and has been at the cutting edge of change in the field of public opinion for more than three decades. In that time, we have conducted well over 5,000 public opinion surveys and have administered and analyzed interviews among more than three million individuals. We have also undertaken more than 5,000 focus group sessions.

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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