James C. Greenwood to Give BAA Annual Meeting Keynote at SurModics Pharmaceuticals
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – May 4, 2009 – James C. Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO), delivered the keynote address on the state of the Biotech Industry in these economic times at the Biotechnology Association of Alabama (BAA) Annual Meeting on May 4th, 2009 at SurModics Pharmaceuticals. Greenwood provided insights for strategic growth in the biotechnology industry in an increasingly competitive market.
Greenwood discussed the steps in saving lives and healing bodies. With more than 254 biotechnology therapies for the most debilitating diseases, developing new treatments involves a long and risky process and requires establishing the right policies at each step. Greenwood expressed that we can find a cure through funding research, protecting patents, supporting start-ups, encouraging investment, strengthening the FDA, increasing accessing and assuring safety.
The panel of representatives from leading Alabama biotechnology companies discussed the topic “From Innovation to Realization – Emerging Biotechnology in Alabama”. Panelists include, Randy Ward, President, Diatherix Laboratories; Luke Doiron, Managing Partner, Business Development, Conversant Health Care Systems, Inc.; Dr. Author DeCarlo, CEO, Bonenta Inc. and; Dr. Kent Van Kampen, Chief Operating Officer, Vaxin.
Critical to the success of the biotechnology industry, BIO shapes public policy on multiple fronts at the state, national and international levels. In January of 2005, James Greenwood was appointed to lead BIO, which has increased by nearly fifty percent in budget and staff under his leadership. Prior to joining BIO, Greenwood served as a Congressman during 1993 to 2005 from Pennsylvania’s 8th district. He is viewed as a health care and environmental leader as a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Greenwood served as Chairman on a subcommittee for oversight and investigation with authority over the full committee’s vast jurisdiction during 2001 to 2004 for the Energy and Commerce Committee. He also led corporate governance investigations at Global Crossing, Enron, and WorldCom; infrastructure terrorist threats; and fraud and waste in federal government agencies. Greenwood served six years in the Pennsylvania General Assembly from 1980 to 1986 prior to his election to congress. He also served six years in the Pennsylvania Senate from 1986 to 1993.
# # #
James C. Greenwood,
President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO)
Contact information:
SurModics Pharmaceuticals
750 Lakeshore Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35211
phone 205.917.2200
fax 205.917.2205
Or visit our Contact Page.