Conference Reports
BIO 2009
Atlanta, GA, USA, 18-21 May 2009
'Heal, Fuel, Feed the World' was the empowering slogan of this year's BIO conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. In spite of the current economic challenges faced worldwide, over 1,800 companies defied budget cuts to take their place on the podium and discuss how they are doing their best to go about biotech business in this uncertain period.
With 14,352 attendees, numbers were down on last year's conference and James Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO, did not attempt to play down the far-reaching effects of recent financial events. He began the keynote lunches by addressing the state of the Biotech industry, outlining big challenges for this sector such as recent legislative changes and funding cuts. Alongside this, he staunchly praised the multifarious nature of the industry, and outlined how BIO is paving the way for continued growth in a sector that aims to make a difference, as well as a profit. The star of the keynote lectures was Sir Elton John, who delivered a rousing speech, calling on America and the biotechnology industry to further the progress being made against HIV/AIDS. As the founder of The Elton John AIDS Foundation, a leading HIV/AIDS charity, he highlighted the prevalence of AIDS in the developed world, stressing the importance of education and research in the fight against this disease and the discrimination that so often accompanies it.
Throughout the presentations which followed, the power of biotechnology was made clear by the wide array of coverage, ranging from the development of biofuels and agricultural farming practices to patent laws and, of course, drug development. This year showcased several new breakout session tracks, including Drug Delivery as well as Translational Medicine and Vaccines. In the Exciting Science track, Regulus Therapeutics, an Isis Pharmaceuticals/Alnylam joint-venture, and other biotech start-ups, discussed advances in the field of RNA-based therapeutics, including microRNA and small RNA-induced gene activation.
The Business Forum showcased 190 company presentations, covering technology, anti-infectives, oncology, CNS and metabolic disorder topics. From large pharma to small start-ups, one enduring theme was financial stability, with most companies advertising their ability to successfully combine sound financial acumen with pioneering scientific advances. One such company was Oncopeptides, which is developing anticancer peptide-drug conjugates. Its lead compound, J-1, is a conjugate of melphalan linked to an antiangiogenic peptide. It is cleaved by aminopeptidase N, an enzyme over-expressed in many tumours, which results in greater intratumoural concentrations of melphalan and additional anticancer activity. It is currently in a Phase I/IIa trial in ovarian cancer and Phase II trials are planned.
Also of interest was GliaMed, which outlined its plan to develop small molecule immunophilin ligands for use in regenerative therapies. GM-1485, its lead candidate, has been shown to induce the generation of pluripotent-like stem cells in the presence of inflammation. In preclinical trials it demonstrated efficacy as both a topical formulation for wound repair and a parenteral formulation for the treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke damage. Safety was also demonstrated in humans, in prior clinical trials conducted in over 500 participants, making this drug a potentially hot prospect for the future.
Despite the gloomy economic climate, proof of ongoing growth in the Biotech industry came from the selection of new companies presenting at BIO. One such company is US-based KemPharm, which creates NCE prodrugs by adding ligands to established products. Its most advanced project, KP-106, is under development for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but therapies for pain, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as well as hypertension and cancer are also in the pipeline. Another US company, Inhibikase, is going down a similar route, re-purposing established drugs to target cancer and influenza. Inhibikase also has a number of NCEs in the pipeline aimed at treating infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and pneumonia.
Another new company in attendance was Seagull Technology, an Australian company developing drug delivery systems that are activated by ultrasound nanoparticles. This innovative approach is currently being applied to ocular disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and uveitis. It also has potential for use in other conditions, affecting different areas of the body. Umecrine Mood, created this year, made the long trip to Atlanta from Sweden, to garner interest in its projects which are based on non-hormonal compounds. The current focus is on premenstrual dysphoric disorder and severe premenstrual syndrome, with the most advanced project in Phase I trials and Phase II trials expected in 2010.
Between presentations, the exhibition hall provided a great place to relax, with several stands boasting massage chairs and foot spas. There was also the opportunity to mingle with company and government representatives for some all-important networking. For those still wanting more, there were exhibitor theatres, showcasing the latest technological advances in biopharmaceutical development.
One of the most successful aspects of this year's conference was the Business Forum one-on-one meetings, with around 14,202 meetings taking place during the conference. This was a similar number to last year, which made it apparent that now, more than ever, companies are keen to strengthen corporate contacts and secure financially sound partnering deals and funding sources. It will be interesting to see how many agreements were sealed at this meeting in the coming year. But for this conference, the optimism of the other delegates was infectious and we left feeling sure that fortune will favour the bold.
Clare Gibbard and Rebecca Bridge
Editorial Analysts
BIO 2010 will be held in Chicago, IL, USA, 3-6 May 2010.
