First Statewide Biotech Meeting Focuses on Patient Access, Innovation

SAN FRANCISCO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,100 leaders from across California's life sciences industry will converge on San Francisco for the two-day conference CALBIO2012: Driven by Patients on March 8-9. The conference focus is to increase patient access to new treatments through partnering and collaborative research.

For the first time, BayBio and BIOCOM are organizing a statewide meeting for California's life sciences companies. CALBIO2012: Driven by Patients will be the first West Coast conference to bring together industry and foundations for successful, mutual discussions.

"CALBIO2012 exemplifies the strength of California as a model for life science innovation, and our dedication to maintaining our leadership in the global economy," said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of BIOCOM.  "Through such collaborative efforts between organizations, we will continue to pursue programs that provide capital access and a more transparent regulatory environment for our members."

Patient access, risk and reform at the FDA, new business models and financing are the most pressing issues facing the life sciences industry. These challenges will be addressed by CALBIO2012's keynote speakers:

• Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, president of Samaritan Health Initiatives and former commissioner, FDA
• Steven Walker, cofounder, The Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs
• John Crowley, chairman, president and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics, Inc
• George A. Scangos, PhD, CEO of Biogen Idec
• Jim Greenwoodm, president and CEO of Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
• Congressman Brian Bilbray, U.S. Representative, California's 50th Congressional District

No other state has produced more breakthrough treatments than California. Its companies account for 27 percent of the nation's biomedical pipeline. In 2011, VCs invested more than $2.7 billion in California life sciences companies, the most of any state.

"As a life sciences community, we need to collaborate to solve the industry's great challenges," said Gail Maderis, president and CEO of BayBio. "We are proud to partner with BIOCOM to produce CALBIO2012. By bringing our leaders together, we can work to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments."

Nearly 110 speakers on 24 panels will discuss issues related to capital access, clinical development, reimbursement, drug discovery and regulatory processes. More than 200 companies are registered for partnering meetings between industry, investors and disease foundations.

About BIOCOM

BIOCOM is the largest regional life science association in the world, representing more than 560 member companies in Southern California. The association focuses on initiatives that positively influence the region's life science community in the development and delivery of innovative products that improve health and quality of life. This includes initiatives in capital formation, public policy, workforce development, group purchasing and member services such as networking events. For more information on BIOCOM or the Southern California biotechnology and medical device community, please visit the organization's Web site at www.biocom.org.

About BayBio

BayBio is Northern California's life science association, supporting the regional bioscience community through advocacy, enterprise support, and the enhancement of research collaboration. Its members include organizations engaged in, or supportive of, research, development and commercialization of life science technologies. Online at www.baybio.org. Follow BayBio on Twitter at @baybio.

SOURCE BIOCOM