European Biotech Industry Delegation Hosts EU Commissioners

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 16 Oct 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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Today, a delegation from EuropaBio, the European Biotechnology Industry Association, will host Vice-President Gunter Verheugen and Commissioner Janez Potoenik.

Industry leaders will underline the importance of biotechnology as a corner stone for Europe's growth and jobs strategy. The meeting will be mainly focused on the implementation of the Mid Term Review of the European Strategy for Life Sciences and Biotechnology and the need to achieve coherent policy across Europe.

Key topics to be addressed are:

- Value of innovation and the development of a patient centered public healthcare system
- Market access and approval system for biotech products
- Access to renewable resources at world market prices for the bio-based economy
- Adventitious Presence of GM materials in seeds and commodities
- Possible solutions for the "funding crisis" in Europe
- The review of Clinical Trials Directive
- How to develop a European Sustainability Certification System for biofuels
- Improving communication on green biotechnology
- Advanced Therapies: making the Regulation effective
- The need for "pull measures" for biobased products in Europe

"The biotech industry is delighted to welcome Commissioners Verheugen and Potoènik to discuss how Europe's biotech industry can help stimulate growth and create jobs across Europe" said Steen Riisgaard, President and CEO of Novozymes and Chairman of EuropaBio. He continued: "Europe was the first region in the world that has developed a Strategy for Life Science and Biotechnology. This Strategy can serve as a useful basis for policy makers and industry leaders to work together to support a competitive biotech industry in Europe while meeting today's challenges in innovative, economically prudent and environmentally friendly ways."

Notes:

Mid term review

EuropaBio web page on the Mid Term Review of the EU 's Life Science and Biotechnology Strategy
http://www.europabio.org/eu_strategy.htm

About EuropaBio

EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, has 85 direct members operating Worldwide, 12 associate members and 5 bioregions as well as 25 national biotechnology associations representing some 1800 small and medium sized enterprises involved in research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products.

http://www.europabio.org

Source:
Adeline Farrelly
and Dirk Carrez
http://www.europabio.org

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