Grampsas Wins National Biotech Award

(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 27, 1998). . . Colorado State Rep.Tony Grampsas (R) has been named the "Outstanding State Legislator of the Year" by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), a Washington, D.C.-based organization which represents over 800 biotechnology companies, state institutions and academic centers. Rep. Grampsas was selected for this award from more than7,000 state legislators around the nation.

"Rep. Grampsas has been a stalwart advocate for Colorado's emerging biotechnology industry," said BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum. In 1997, Grampsas sponsored a bill to provide tax reliefto Colorado-based biotechnology companies conducting research into the treatment of human diseases. "Rep. Grampsas understands the importance of biomedical research and its potential to develop new therapies and cures for such diseases as breast, ovarian andprostate cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's disease.

"Rep. Grampsas also supports the industry's effort to apply the advancements of biotechnology to agricultural research, environmental cleanup and pollution prevention. Grampsas understands that the future of healthcare, agriculture and theenvironment are important to the people of Colorado, and hebelieves that biotechnology holds the promise for new and innovative ways to improve the quality of life," Feldbaum added.

There are more than 1,250 biotechnology companies in the UnitedStates, which have created over 140,000 jobs. There are more than 50 emerging biotechnology companies in Colorado. The biotechnology industry offers the means to produce new therapies and cures for presently untreatable diseases, more nutritious foods and higher-yield plants and more effective natural methods forcleaning up the environment.

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 healthcare, agricultural and industrial and environmental biotechnology products.