Biotech Reporters: MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!

(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 27, 1998). . .The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the largest association of biotechnology companies, state associations and academic institutions in the world, will host BIO '99, its 13th annual international biotechnology meeting and exhibition, May 16-20, 1999, in Seattle, Washington. Thousands of U.S. and international biotechnology executives and researchers are expected to attend the meeting, which will be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

BIO '98, which was held in June in New York City, attracted a record number of industry leaders and biotechnology media. More than 4,500 people attended the four-day event which highlighted recent breakthroughs in cancer research, vaccine developments and advancements in agriculture biotechnology.

There are 1,274 biotechnology companies in the United States, employing over 140,000 people. Within the state of Washington, there are over 115 biotechnology and medical technology companies, employing over 12,000 people.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) represents over 800 biotechnology companies, academic institutions and state biotechnology centers in 46 states and more than 25 nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health care, agricultural and industrial and environmental biotechnology products.