Italy’s Biotech Sector Unveils New Innovations and Opportunities at BIO 2008

San Diego (BIO 2008 Convention) – May 30, 2008 -- More than 50 of Italy’s best and brightest biotechnology firms and research institutions will take center stage at the BIO 2008 International Convention (June 17-20) in San Diego.

Organized by the Italian Trade Commission, in collaboration with Assobiotec – the National Biotech Association - the Ministry of Economic Development and the National Committee for Biosafety, Biotechnology and Life Sciences, the extensive Italian Pavilion will showcase world-class advancements in biotech research and commercialization. It will also highlight Italy’s growing focus on biotech collaboration and investment opportunities.

“Our goal is to demonstrate to the BIO convention’s audience that the phrase ‘Made in Italy’ is synonymous with innovation and quality in biotechnology, as well as in art, design, textiles and other classically Italian industries,” said Paola Bellusci, commissioner of ITC’s Los Angeles office. “It’s time to integrate biotechnology and the other life sciences to Italy’s creative tradition.”

Exhibitors at the BIO 2008 Italian Pavilion are a product of Italy’s growing critical mass of labor, infrastructure and technology, which is also making Italy a popular investment destination for multinational biotech firms such as Novartis, Genentech, Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Italy currently has 228 homegrown biotech companies and a total workforce of 26.000. These firms are exceptionally strong in product development, with 77 new compounds in clinical trial. Italy is also a leading market for such products, ranking fifth in the world for pharmaceuticals and third in Europe for biotech.

During BIO 2008, the Italian Trade Commission will sponsor events including a hospitality reception in the Italian Pavilion on June 17th (5:00-6:30 pm) and a networking gala at the historic El Cortez Hotel on June 18th (6:30-9:30 pm). The networking event will be staged in collaboration with the non-profit CONNECT organization and in partnership with the San Diego State University, Bryan Cave, University of California Health Sciences in San Diego, Burnham Institute for Medical Research, UC San Diego.

ABOUT THE ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION:

The Italian Trade Commission, also known as the Italian Institute of Foreign Trade, is the government agency entrusted with promoting trade, business opportunities, inward investment and industrial cooperation between Italian and foreign companies.

It operates through 115 branch offices in 86 countries. In the United States, the Italian Trade Commission is present in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and Miami.

The Italian Trade Commission manages two Foreign Direct Investment Desks in Los Angeles and New York. These Desks serve as a reference point for U.S. technology sector investors seeking to establish or expand business in Italy.

U.S. biotechnology and nanotechnology companies are encouraged to contact the Italian Trade Commission in Los Angeles to learn what Italy has to offer in terms of products, services and investment/collaboration opportunities.

In addition, they can find out where to meet Italian companies in the U.S. at trade shows, workshops and conferences, as well as in Italy via trade missions and other promotional activities.

Contact: Alessandra Ferri/Francesca Cavallin
Italian Trade Commission
Phone: (323)879.0950
losangeles@losangeles.ice.it