Biotech Forum To Focus On Cancer Breakthroughs
Recent successes in cancer research have turned the spotlight on the war against cancer and biotechnology's role in this fight. Leading biotechnology researchers and scientists will offer insights and perspectives on these advancements at a forum to be held during BIO '98 in New York City on June 17, 10 a.m. to noon at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers (811 Seventh Avenue & 52nd Street) in the Royal A Ballroom.
Over 4,000 biotech executives and researchers from 40 nations are expected to attend BIO '98, the Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) world's largest annual industry meeting. The growing scope of the industry will be displayed through the more than 140 workshops and sessions on such topics as cancer research, vaccines, food and agriculture, and marine and industrial biotech at the New York Hilton & Towers and the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.
The cancer forum will be moderated by Michael Waldholz, deputy editor, health and science, The Wall Street Journal and author of Curing Cancer. Panelists include John Laszlo, M.D., national vice president, American Cancer Society; David G. Nance, president, CEO and member of the board of directors, Introgen Therapeutics; George Morstyn, vice president, clinical development and chief medical officer, Amgen; H. Stewart Parker, president and CEO, Targeted
Genetics Corporation; Gwen Fyfe, M.D., director of oncology, Genentech, Inc; and Paul G. Abrams, M.D., J.D., president and CEO, NeoRx Corporation.
Panelists will discuss their own research, plus the latest trends and advancements in therapies and cures for cancer in non-technical terms.
Many of the panelists' companies are doing research into therapies and cures for various cancers. Most recently, Genentech filed for FDA fast track approval for a drug that slows the progression of cancer and increases tumor shrinkage in woman with metastatic breast cancer. Introgen Therapeutics is focused on developing gene based therapeutics for cancer, and has products in various stages of development for liver, bladder, ovarian, brain and breast cancers. Targeted Genetics' lead program in cancer is for a gene therapy product for the treatment of ovarian, breast and head and neck cancers.
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) represents over 770 biotechnology companies, academic institutions and state biotechnology centers in 46 states and more than 25 nations.