Congressman Rogers Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 18, 2007) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Representative Michael J. Rogers (R-MI) as Legislator of the Year for 2006-2007.

“A lead sponsor of the Biodefense and Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2006, Congressman Rogers is a strong advocate for ensuring the nation’s biodefense preparedness and enhancing public health. Many of the critical provisions in that bill, including the creation of the Biodefense Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), were incorporated into the bill that ultimately became law – the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act,” stated BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “We also appreciate his leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee as well as his support of legislation to decrease our nation’s dependency on oil and encourage the use of alternative fuels.”

Congressman Rogers received the award at lunch with more than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from across the country, including two from Michigan.

“Michigan is dedicated to providing a thriving home for the life sciences and we are deeply appreciative of Congressman Rogers’ significant efforts to grow the biotechnology sector, particularly through his impact in the health care and biodefense areas,” stated Stephen T. Rapundalo, Ph.D., Executive Director of MichBio. “On behalf of all Michigan life science companies we are grateful for Congressman Rogers’ leadership role and salute him as a ‘Legislator of the Year’ awardee.”

“Congressman Rogers understands the promise of biotechnology to help create a better world. We thank him for supporting public policy that enables our industry to pursue this promise,” Greenwood concluded.

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 36 states, including Michigan, will participate in more than 275 meetings with key Members of the House and Senate today as part of the BIO Legislative Day event. Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry, including the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug user Fee Act, the Small Business Innovation Research grant program, patent protection, the 2007 Farm Bill and funding for biofuels.

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

About MichBio

Formed in 1993 as the Michigan Biosciences Industry Association, MichBio’s mission is to drive life sciences industry growth in Michigan. Its members are life sciences companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers, and related organizations. http://www.michbio.org/

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

###