< Communication & Public Outreach

Board of Directors

BIO currently has 1,152 member biotechnology companies, academic centers, state affi liates and related organizations. Th ese member organizations are the heart and soul of BIO, and of biotechnology. Together, BIO members are advancing the vision of using biotechnology to improve health, feed a growing population and develop more effi cient manufacturing processes and sustainable energy sources.

A recent member survey found advocacy and business development services were the most prized benefi ts of joining BIO. Members enjoy numerous opportunities to interact with prospective partners and investors and leverage the organization’s infl uence in Washington, where rules are set that govern every aspect of biotechnology: patents, drug development and approval, marketing and reimbursement.

In 2005, BIO underwent its fi rst leadership change since the organization’s founding in 1993. Th e result has been the creation of a world-class advocacy team that includes veteran staff from Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services.

BIO’s advocacy extends to the state level, where in 2005 alone 89 bills were considered that could aff ect biotechnology product development and marketing. Some provided new incentives for growth, but others sought to undermine that growth by changing the rules on everything from clinical trial disclosures to prescription drug access, marketing and importation.

Biotechnology is also a global industry, with global markets. BIO is the industry's liaison to the world, sending representatives to meetings of the World Trade Organization and other international bodies.

BIO Revenues & Expenses Millions of U.S. Dollars

In addition to advocacy, BIO membership off ers access to conferences, business development services, discounts on essential supplies and services, and suscriptions to award-winning publications. BIO is also host of the Bio International Convention, the largest biotechnology gathering each year, and provides registration discounts to employees of member companies.

For complete information about BIO’s activities and services, please visit the bio.org Web site, or contact the Corporate Development and Marketing Department at +1 202.9 2.9200.

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