Calif. Lawmaker Named BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23, 2002) - The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) named U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D - Calif.) a Legislator of the Year for 2001-2002. The award will be presented tonight during BIO’s annual Legislative Day plenary dinner to honor Rep. Eshoo’s consistent leadership and staunch support for biotechnology research.

BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum said, “Representative Eshoo is an ardent supporter of biotechnology and has demonstrated her dedication through her leadership on important sections of the Food and Drug Modernization Act, championing the Pediatric/ Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act, and supporting the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).

“Representative Eshoo’s understanding of the economic benefits of biotechnology will result in increased economic stability and more high-paying jobs for the state of California. Eshoo’s district alone is home to more than 30 BIO member companies,” Feldbaum added.

BIO’s Legislative Day attracted more than 160 industry representatives, ranging from CEOs to scientists, who convened on Capitol Hill to discuss important biotechnology issues, including the reauthorization of PDUFA, Medicare reform, prescription drug coverage, and reducing trade barriers for American farmers.

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

# # #