On Heels Of Swine Flu Outbreak, ILSI-Biomed 2009 To Feature Local AndInternational Companies Developing Universal Flu Vaccines

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health
Article Date: 28 Apr 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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Kenes Exhibitions and ILSI, the organizing bodies of the ILSI-Biomed Israel Conference , Israel's premier life sciences event, announced today that this year's conference, set to take place June 15-17 in Tel-Aviv, will introduce conference participants to companies developing universal vaccines and methods of delivering such vaccines, in an effort to protect humankind from flu strains such as swine flu.

"It is crucial that Biomed Israel, as a leading life science conference, consistently feature issues having the greatest impact on the world," said Ruti Alon, ILSI Chairperson. "We are fortunate that the top innovators in the area of flu vaccines and vaccine delivery platforms are participating in this year's event and we look forward to introducing their technologies to all the conference participants."

Among the companies who will participate at ILSI-Biomed Israel will be BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. a firm developing a revolutionary vaccination that will provide universal multi-season/multi-strain protection against human flu virus strains.

"Outbreaks of strains such as swine flu are exactly the reason why we are developing our vaccine. While vaccinations will cost, the global treatment of a pandemic would be a much more expensive proposition, especially given the global economic challenges we have today," said Dr. Ron Babecoff, DVM, Founder, President & CEO of BiondVax. "ILSI-Biomed Israel is an important venue for Israeli companies like BiondVax to show the world how we in Israel are playing a role in helping people life longer, healthier lives."

The three-day conference will feature executives from leading companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Allergan, Avelere Health, Covidien, Astellas and many others, as well as many dynamic biotech start-ups from around the world, including Oramed Pharmaceuticals, a company that is developing proprietary technology for oral delivery of drugs currently administered only by injection.

"Currently, Oramed has focused its energy on the delivery of insulin for diabetes, but there is no reason why our system can't also be used to deliver other drugs, such as a universal flu vaccine," said Nadav Kidron, Oramed's Chief Executive Officer. "By removing the necessity for needles and injections, we will provide a painless option for the delivery of the flu vaccine, something especially important for children and seniors."

The ILSI-Biomed Conference is a joint venture between the Israel Life Sciences Industry (ILSI) and Kenes International. The ILSI is composed of medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical service companies, universities and private research institutions, and industry service providers aiming to research, develop and advocate policies and actions that promote biomedical science, biotechnology and medical device innovation in the State of Israel. Kenes International, the founding organization of the Biomed Conference, is a leader in the field of global congress organization and association management services.

Source
ILSI-Biomed

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog