Biotech Industry Leaders Convene for First Ever Biotechnology Conference Held in Italy.

Key Italian Industry Report Unveiled at Inaugural BIO-Europe Spring Partnering Conference in Milan

MILAN, Italy -- More than 1100 biotechnology executives from around the world were treated to a positive outlook from industry leaders as the first annual BIO-Europe Spring conference opened today in Milan, Italy. BIO-Europe Spring is the first ever global biotechnology conference held in Italy.

Reflecting the biotech industry's positive trajectory worldwide, Italy showcased its growing muscle as an industry hub. Commenting on Italy's biotechnology development, Dr. Roberto Spingardi, head of inward investment for InvestInItaly, the nation's organization for promoting investment: "Promoting Italian life sciences has been one of InvestInItaly's key priorities since the biotech sector has become strategic on a global scale. Italy is showing increasing growth and potential. For example, we recently supported two successful agreements between Italian and US companies: Tristar-IOM (Istituto Oncologico dell Mediterraneo) and Immunicon-Molmed."

Dr. Spingardi's comments were roundly supported by new data unveiled today in a 2007 report on the Italian biotech industry. According to the report the industry is now comprised of 222 companies, with over 4 billion euros in revenue, 1.2 billion euros in R&D investment and more than 14,000 employees, of whom almost one third engaged in R&D and a pipeline of over 40 products in an advanced stage of development of which 9 are already in phase 3. The report was conducted by Blossom Associati on behalf of Assobiotec, the Italian Bioindustry Association.

Roberto Gradnik, President of Assobiotec, called the data "very exciting." In his words: "The Italian biotech train departed in 2000 and, with every year, gathers ever-greater speed. Our industry has overcome obstacles that might have appeared insurmountable and now stands on a par with that of leading European countries. It is being driven by a system comprising companies, science parks and researchers, all characterized by high doses of dynamism and innovation."

According to Carola Schropp, Managing Partner of EBD Group, "We at BIO-Europe Spring are pleased that we can play a part in supporting the Italian biotech industry by holding our meeting in Milan. It should be clear to all after this conference that Italy is emerging as a preferred location for biotech development."

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 business opportunities and develop strategic relationships that drive their business.

EBD Group's conferences (run in collaboration with leading industry partners and international trade associations such as BIO and Eucomed) include BIO-Europe, the world's largest stand-alone life science partnering conference; BIO-Europe Spring; the investor conference, BioEquity Europe (co-organized with BioCentury Publications); and the convergent medical technology partnering conference, BioDevice Partnering. EBD's novel, web-based, partnering software system is also used at numerous third-party events around the world. Outside of the conference format, EBD Group's consultants can provide hands-on assistance for firms seeking to in- or out-license products and technologies.

EBD Group has offices in San Diego, Munich and London. For more information, visit www.ebdgroup.com.