BIO 2002 - NEW ZEALAND BIOS ANTICIPATE HIGH INTEREST

The largest ever contingent of New Zealand biotech companies is attending next weeks BIO conference, evidence of the countrys rapidly expanding biotech sector. Twenty-four companies with expertise in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, genomics, ag-bio, bio-medical and bio-prospecting hope to find strategic partners and investors at the conference.

Investment New Zealands Biotechnology Manager, Dr Bret Morris, says the companies are confident New Zealands unique strengths will help attract interest.

New Zealand has long-established expertise in biotechnology research and development due to its agricultural heritage. Combine that with the depth of scientific talent in New Zealand and some recent stand-out examples of new companies which have achieved fast-track development of biotechnology products for human, animal and plant health. These offer excellent prospects for investors and joint-venture partnerships.

New Zealands freedom from serious disease has helped it gain recognition as the premier source of animal sera and protein products, used in an array of medicines and potential medicines from HIV to cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis. This makes New Zealand the foremost location for producing any animal-derived products or raw materials," says Dr Morris.

Genesis Research and Development Corporation is a New Zealand company with an international reputation for innovative product development in the area of health and plant biotechnology. Director of Business Development for Genesis, Jim McLean, says BIO 2002 represents a tremendous opportunity to expand international linkages. We are looking for partners for early stage development projects and technology partners in the plant area. What we offer is cost-competitive and world class, and its exciting for us to be able to present this package at the biggest annual gathering of the biotech community."

On a mission organized by Trade New Zealand, the 24 companies at BIO 2002 can also be confident of their Governments backing. In recognition of the Governments support for biotechnology, New Zealands Minister for Research, Science and Technology, the Hon Pete Hodgson, will participate in a leaders discussion from 9am on Sunday June 9.