Oregon Bio 2012: Bioscience Digitization and Discovery is the theme for this first-ever, two day Oct. 9 and 10 event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 22, 2012
CONTACT: Dennis McNannay, executive director, Oregon Bio, 503.548.4432
Dianne Danowski Smith, board member, Oregon Bio, 503.201.7019
(Portland, Ore.) — The “father” of Personalized Medicine, LeRoy Hood, M.D., as well as James Karis, CEO of CollabRx, Inc., and Brad Vale, vice president of venture investing for Johnson & Johnson and others will deliver keynote speeches at this year’s state-and region-wide bioscience industry conference. Oregon Bio’s conference will feature a deep dive into the digital innovations that researchers, developers and providers are using to
diagnose, treat and streamline patient care around the world.
“This event will showcase the frenetic pace of medical innovation happening here and now in Oregon,” says Oregon Bioscience Association’s Executive Director, Dennis McNannay.
Also part of the event, entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to “pitch” to qualified investors and potential bio partners. Experts will give feedback so companies and start ups can refine their presentations.
Dr. Hood heads the Institute for Systems Biology and his research has primarily focused on the study of molecular immunology, biotechnology and genomics. Vale will discuss the industry trends guiding the investment decisions of Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest health care/bioscience companies as they adapted to a rapidly changing market landscape. Mr. Karis will use his 30 years of management experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, health care services, technology and professional services industries to discuss how industry collaborations are taking shape, bridging the technology transfer gap.
This year’s two-day event includes a multi-track, kick-off day focusing on bio investing and bio-partnering. Day one’s program includes industry insiders and panels to help entrepreneurs and researchers identify industry key trends, sharpen their business plans, learn practical investment negotiating skills, develop intellectual property strategies and understand how to access key sources of governmental and private funding. “Bio partnering may be the most important way to fund an emerging bioscience company,” says McNannay. “Rather than give up large portions of equity, partnering allows companies to preserve valuable resources while working cooperatively to reach that next critical milestone.”
Day two will focus on Oregon’s deep experience of technology innovation which currently drives the advancements being made in cancer research, wireless and mobile technologies, scientific software and the deployment of the next generation electronic health record. From Welch Allyn’s patient monitoring equipment to Biotronik’s implantable pacemakers and defibrillators, the conference will profile how digital breakthroughs are impacting healthcare costs and patient outcomes.
“This year’s conference concentrates how digital innovation is impacting almost every area of bioscience and fundamentally changing how treatments are developed and patient outcomes are improved,” says McNannay. He notes that there are challenges that must be overcome in order to enable the next generation of patientcentric care. “As digital bioscience innovation grows in importance, Oregon’s traditional strengths in technology, software and advanced manufacturing become even more important.”
Content Track III: The Digital Laboratory – Tools, Techniques, and Technologies
The day two program is divided into three content tracks such as Wireless/Mobile, Information Ecosystem and Digital Infrastructure. New innovations will be presented in wireless patient monitoring, wireless software and security protocols, laboratory equipment, patient diagnostic techniques, and regulatory trends. This event contains topics for both the seasoned industry veterans and those interested in learning more about the competitive landscape.
Two other headline speakers include Joseph Smith M.D., chief medical and science officer at West Wireless Foundation and Fritz Bittenbender, who serves as vice president of alliance development and state government relations at BIO.
Sponsors include the spectrum of organizations working in and impacted by this industry. They include the Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute (OTRADI), HDR Architects, Prolifiq, BIO, Technology Association of Oregon and Genentech. Registration is now open for the October 9-10 event at https://oregonbio.org/conferenceschedule. Sponsorships and engagement are available by calling the association at (503) 548-4432.