Media Advisory: BIO to Host Teleconference of Experts on Animal Cloning

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, January 15, 2008) - Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final risk assessment that found that milk and meat products from cloned animals and their offspring are safe for human consumption.  The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will host a teleconference for the media today, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. EST.  The teleconference will feature five experts representing the science, consumer opinions, and the biotechnology industry to answer questions about animal cloning.  These experts will also be available for individual media interviews. 

WHAT:           The teleconference will provide reporters with an opportunity to learn more about animal cloning and the potential benefits of this assisted reproductive technology.  Teleconference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session.

WHO:             The panel will include Jim Greenwood, BIO’s president and chief executive officer, who will discuss the significance of the FDA’s risk assessment.; Dr. Jerry Baker, chief executive officer of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS), who will discuss the science behind animal cloning; and Danielle “Dani” Schor, RD, senior vice president of food safety, from the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) who will address consumer opinion of the technology; and the presidents of the two leading animal cloning companies will also participate: Dr. Mark Walton, ViaGen, and Dr. David Faber, Trans Ova Genetics.

WHEN:           Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. EST

WHERE:        To access the teleconference, dial 800.895.1241, and provide the operator with the conference identification code “BIO.”  The program title is “BIO Media Briefing on Animal Cloning.”

BIO represents more than 1,150 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

ViaGen, Inc. (www.viagen.com): ViaGen adds value to the marketplace by cloning cattle, horses, and pigs; licensing and selling proprietary animal genetics; and providing traits and technology for animal agriculture industries worldwide. The company is based in Austin, Texas.

Founded in 1980, Trans Ova Genetics (www.transova.com) offers advanced reproductive technologies to help breeders multiply the success of their elite cattle.  These technologies include embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, sex-sorted semen, genetic preservation, and cloning. Trans Ova Genetics also offers several recipient options, including health-certified recipients, Multiplier Herd Program, and a Live Calf Program.  Headquartered in Sioux Center, Iowa, Trans Ova Genetics has regional centers in Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as several satellite stations throughout the United States.

Note to Broadcast Editors: Video clips of BIO’s Managing Director of Animal Biotechnology, Dr. Barbara Glenn, as well as 4-H youth commenting on what cloning means to the next generation of livestock producers, can be accessed at http://www.clonesafety.org/imagelibrary/videos/.

Note to Cattle Industry Editors: Bovance (www.bovance.com) is a joint-venture between Trans Ova Genetics of Sioux Center, Iowa, and ViaGen of Austin, Texas.  Trans Ova Genetics helps cattle breeding clients effectively implement advanced reproductive technologies, including embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, sexed semen, genetic preservation, and cloning.  ViaGen adds value to the marketplace by cloning animals, licensing, and selling proprietary animal genetics, and providing traits and technology for animal agriculture industries worldwide.

Panelists on the teleconference are available for individual media interviews as well.  Additional third party experts on animal cloning are also available.

Additional scientific resources on animal cloning and downloadable photos and video can be found at www.CloneSafety.org.

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Upcoming BIO Events

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    January 28-29, 2008
    Tokyo, Japan

 ·   BIO CEO & Investor Conference 
    February 11-13, 2008
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 ·   Partnering for Global Health  
    March 10-12, 2008
    Washington, DC

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    Madrid, Spain

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 ·   World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing  
    April 27-30, 2008
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 ·   2008 BIO International Convention 
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