H. Stewart Parker, Industry Veteran, Joins WBBA’s Commercialization Team to Help Emerging Companies Bridge the Gap between Discovery and Commercialization

Seattle, WA April 28, 2010 – The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) announced today that H. Stewart Parker has joined the organization to dedicate a portion of her time as its Commercialization Consultant.  WBBA’s mission is to translate “Innovation to Realization, from breakthrough discoveries to better health solutions.”  As part of this mission, the WBBA’s commercialization team assists life sciences researchers and entrepreneurs to advance their companies through a broad range of activities, including business development consulting, capital formation, regular educational and company showcase events, and the creation of resources pertinent to the issues faced by technology commercialization in Washington state.

"We are thrilled to have Stewart join us.  We have assembled an essential team to help our region’s emerging companies tackle critical business development challenges head on,” said Chris E. Rivera, President of WBBA.  “As a long-time regional industry leader, Stewart brings decades of relevant knowledge to the position, including strategic partnering and financial acumen, an invaluable venture and Wall Street network, and specific expertise in starting and building life science companies.”

“This is a very exciting opportunity for me to help our growing life science community,” stated Parker.  “The WBBA has done a tremendous job assisting dozens of companies hone their business strategy, access capital and establish early momentum in their quest to bring their innovations to market, and I look forward to working with the WBBA to fulfill its mission.”

 H. Stewart Parker served as president, chief executive officer and director of Targeted Genetics Corporation, a position she held since managing its formation and spinout from Immunex Corporation in 1992 (Immunex was subsequently acquired by Amgen). Prior to Targeted Genetics, she served in various capacities at Immunex for ten years, most recently as vice president, corporate development. Stewart also served as president and a director of Receptech Corporation, a company formed by Immunex in 1989 to accelerate the development of soluble cytokine receptor products. She has served on the board of directors and the executive committee of BIO, the primary trade organization for the biotechnology industry, and as a director of privately held and publicly held companies. Stewart received her B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Washington.

Rivera adds, "I'd also like to sincerely thank Dick Haiduck for getting our program off the ground.  Mr. Haiduck helped establish our commercialization framework, without his guidance and expertise, several companies would not be as far along as they currently are.  We wish him continued success.“

To help close the gap in early stage funding, WBBA also invites leading investors and strategic partners to Seattle to showcase the most promising life science company and research opportunities in the region through its Venture Investment Partner (VIP) Forums. As a result of past VIP Forums (OrbiMed, X/Seed Capital, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, The Merck Group and SR One) numerous ongoing discussions are underway between the venture community and local organizations.  WBBA plans to showcase Washington state’s wealth of life science research, innovation, and entrepreneurship with a growing line-up of VIP Forums in 2010. 

Ms. Parker is also a member of the board of directors for WINGS, a newly formed non-profit angel network that facilitates seed and early stage investments for medical technology companies in Washington state.  The launch of WINGS is a joint initiative with the WBBA and the state’s robust community of entrepreneurs, investors and supporters.

To take advantage of WBBA’s guidance, strategy, and feedback, WBBA members should e-mail commercialization@washbio.org to set up a consultation.  To become a member, please see details in our Member Center at http://www.washbio.org.