BIO Contributes $5,000 To Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
BIO Chairman Mark Skaletsky, who is president andCEO of GelTex Pharmaceuticals, gave the contribution to Christopher Reeve, during the opening plenary session of BIO 2000. Reeve, whose acting credits include the starring role in the 1978 Superman film and its sequels, was a featured speaker. Paralyzed five years ago after a fall during an equestrian competition, Reeve has been an outspoken supporter of the disabled as well as medical research for spinal cord injuries.
The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation encourages and supports research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The foundation evaluates and selects these research programs using councils of internationally renowned neuroscientists and clinicians. It also allocates a portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The BIO 2000 International Biotechnology Meeting and Exhibition is being held in Boston March 26-30 at the Hynes Convention Center. More than 7,000 company executives, scientists, investment experts and government officials are expected to attend. More than 700 speakers will participate in 200 symposia and sessions on the latest developments in science, business and public policy.
BIO represents more than 900 companies, academic institutions and state biotech associations in 47 states and 26 nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental products.