BIO-Europe Spring(R) 2008 Adds a Spotlight on "Biosimilars".

CARLSBAD, Calif. and MADRID, Spain -- In response to industry feedback for deeper insights on the hot topic of biosimilars or follow-on biologics (FOBs), EBD Group today added a spotlight panel titled Biosimilars: Risk taking vs. Caution?

BIO-Europe Spring will be held on April 7-9, 2008 at the Palacio Municipal de Congresos, Madrid.

The biosimilars panel will be led by Dr. Ludger Wess, Managing Partner, akampion and held on Monday, April 7. Dr. Wess will be accompanied by a distinguished panel featuring Steve Usdin, Senior Editor, BioCentury Publications; Dr. Thomas Brennecke, Head Business Development, BioGeneriX AG; and Cecil Nick, Principal Consultant, PAREXEL Consulting.

Commenting on the biosimilars spotlight panel, Dr. Wess stated: "After years of discussions, the consensus view is that an expedited approval pathway for follow-on biologics (F0Bs) will soon be established in the United States, following the example of the EU. Even some of the most steadfast opponents of FOBs have come to the realization that their 'just say no' and 'the science isn't here yet' arguments are no longer tenable. Against this backdrop industry must now navigate the shoals of uncertainty as the U.S. Congress, the FDA, EMEA, and indeed the rest of the world slowly begin to roll out their own, unique regulatory policies for approval of FOBs.

Dr. Wess added: "In Europe the EMEA appears to be very cautious, but nevertheless has moved forward on a case-by-case approach for each biological and each indication. The U.S. approach is still very uncertain and may be influenced greatly by what happens in the presidential elections in November. It is clear, however, that the political tide has shifted in the U.S. and it is no longer a question of if legislation will be passed, but when. Our panel of experts will discuss how the different approaches affect their decision making process and the positioning of their products."

Notes to Editors:

Entry to BIO-Europe Spring[R] 2008 is free to the media, including full access to the partnering system, sessions, press conferences, workshops, and pre-arranged partnering meetings. Visit the BIO-Europe Spring conference website at http://www.ebdgroup.com/bes/press_reg.htm for detailed information on this year's conference and online registration. When you register online, please indicate in the comment field that you are requesting a complimentary press registration. Please fax a copy of your press pass to complete your complimentary media registration to fax number [phone].

About BIO-Europe Spring 2008:

The BIO-Europe Spring[R] event brings together international decision-makers from all sectors of the biotechnology industry, and features the successful combination of one-to-one meetings, company presentations, panel discussions and a lively exhibition.

Positioned as the springtime counterpart to EBD Group's flagship conference, BIO-Europe, the BIO-Europe Spring event continues the tradition of providing life science companies with high caliber partnering opportunities. The event enables biotechnology companies to identify, meet and network with companies across the life sciences value-chain from large biotech and pharma companies to financiers and innovative start-ups.

The local hosts of BIO-Europe Spring 2008 are Madrid Biocluster, PromoMadrid, Red de Parques y Clusters de la Comunidad de Madrid, Camara de Madrid, Genoma Espana, INTERES Invest in Spain, Sistema madri+d and CEIM.

About EBD Group:

EBD Group is the leading partnering firm for the global biotechnology industry. Since 1993, firms in the life sciences have leveraged EBD Group's partnering conferences, technology and services to identify opportunities and to develop strategic relationships that drive their business.

EBD Group's conferences (run in collaboration with leading industry partners and international trade associations) include BIO-Europe, the world's largest stand-alone life science partnering conference (organized with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, BIO); BIO-Europe Spring([R]); BioPharm America[TM] (EBD's new North American partnering event); and BioEquity Europe (co-organized with BioCentury Publications and BIO).

EBD's sophisticated web-based partnering service, partneringONE[TM], is also used at numerous third-party events around the world. Outside of the conference format, EBD's consultants can provide hands-on assistance for firms seeking to in- or out-license products and technologies. EBD Group has offices in the USA and Europe.

For more information visit www.ebdgroup.com