AusBiotech 2009: Int'l Biotech Showcase Has Begun

28 October 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Hon Gavin Jennings, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Innovation officially opened AusBiotech 2009 – the premier Australasian biotechnology conference this morning in Melbourne, Australia.

More than 1,385 delegates from 26 countries, including 1835 participants, have gathered at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for this world-class event - with significant representation from countries including significant delegations the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, The United States, New Zealand and for the first time South Africa.

“This is a truly wonderful opportunity to showcase Australian innovation in the life sciences sector, which was demonstrated yesterday at the inaugural and highly successful Life Science Investment Summit, where we attracted more than 110 investors from around the world,” said Dr Anna Lavelle, CEO of AusBiotech.

“AusBiotech 2009 will once again be a world-class event, showcasing local R&D investment potential to delegates and providing invaluable opportunities for companies, medical researchers and academics to network and develop close working partnerships with their international counterparts,” Dr Lavelle continued.

The bio-partnering Business Matching Program has exceeded all expectations with 4221 meeting requests and 1894 confirmed meetings.

Today’s key speakers include:

* Dr John Diekman, Managing Director, 5am Ventures, Unites States who will deliver the event’s first plenary presentation on ‘What happened to early stage life science investing?’

* Dr Richard (Yio-Wha) Shau, General Director, Medical Electronics and Device Technology Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan will deliver the second plenary presentation: ‘Role of ITRI in the global bio-industry.’

* Professor Susan Pond AM, speaking at the Biopharmaceuticals in a post Global Financial Crisis World session will a presentation titled: ‘Biotechnology after the Global Meltdown: Building for the future’, (from 11.30am)

* Dr Sunny Sharma, Senior Managing Director Asia, OrbiMed Advisors, a panellist at the investment/business session titled ‘What are fund managers looking for?’ (from 11.30am)

* Andrew Goodsall, Senior Healthcare Analyst, UBS Healthcare Equity Research, a panellist at the investment/business session titled ‘What are fund managers looking for?’ (from 11.30am)

For full session and speaker details, download the full conference program at http://www.ausbiotech2009.com.au/

To arrange an interview with one of today’s speakers or to obtain a presentation, contact Ellie Papathanasiou on 0405 342 490

EVENT DETAILS

When: Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 October – AusBiotech 2009

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

ENDS

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