`'First in Class`' in the South: BioFusion 2005 a Success; Top Biotechnology Minds and Business Leaders Conduct Partnering Meetings and Tackle Challenges Ranging from Disease Prevention to National Security.

ATLANTA -- The Southern U.S. International Bio Alliance's inaugural biosciences partnering conference, BioFusion 2005, concluded yesterday in Atlanta among resounding accolades. More than 300 delegates participated in meetings and attended conference events geared to bring biotech industry influencers together for the first time in the region.

In partnership with the Second Annual CDC Technology Symposium, BioFusion 2005 attracted leading pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and other biosciences organizations, including U.S. research institutions, universities and global biosciences partners.

Officials estimate that 1,000 meetings occurred between various organizations assembled at the Georgia World Congress Center in a space conference planners designed specially for one-on-one networking.

"Canada's biotech industry strength is equal to that of the southern United States," Mary Louise Goodie, business development officer of the Canadian Consulate General, said. "BioFusion was a valuable networking opportunity, which opened doors for future collaborations."

Like Canada's contingent, organizations from other areas are now working with one another as a result of BioFusion. According to Louis Fortin, director of Quebec's Trade Office in Atlanta, Quebec's participating companies and research organizations received great contacts and exposure at the event.

BioFusion organizers report that many participants echoed positive results. These organizations were from various parts of the United States and other countries like Israel, the United Kingdom and Italy.

"The connections we've made with other researchers and business leaders from around the world in these two days are invaluable," Frank G. Stout, Emory University, vice president for research administration, said. "In fact, BioFusion enabled us to complete a significant contract with an undisclosed corporation."

During BioFusion, dozens of presentations and workshops addressed pressing topics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), HIV and other infectious diseases. For many, the best practices that were shared underscore the need for future partnering conferences.

The keynote presentation was given by Murray M. Lumpkin, M.D., acting deputy commissioner for international and special programs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He spoke on various issues including clinical trials and regulatory approval processes.

In addition, Larry Anderson, M.D., chief of the respiratory and enteric viruses branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), presented on SARS. "The full court press of government, academia and industry was critical to addressing the SARS outbreak," Anderson said. "The industry's reaction to the SARS scare of 2003 was a remarkable example of partnering biotech-interested institutions. The CDC initially played a major role identifying the agent and making the virus available and others were able to add different resources and expertise."

Rob Burgess, senior director, corporate business development for Chemicon International, confirmed the importance of encouraging global collaboration. "BioFusion was an excellent opportunity to identify both corporate and not-for-profit partners," said. "We are honored to have been headline sponsors and look forward to BioFusion 2006."

In regards to BioFusion's future, officials are already planning next year's event.

"As home to the second largest number of biotech companies in the country, the southern United States is poised to become one of the world's largest biotech hubs," Frank McDaniel, chair of the Southern International Bio Alliance, said. "BioFusion will continue to serve as a gateway to biopartnering in the southern United States for years to come."

For more information about BioFusion 2005 and the Southern U.S. International Bio Alliance, go to www.biofusionsouth.org.