Aspreva Pharmaceuticals announced as BIOTECanada's Biotech Company of the Year

Ottawa (May 26) - BIOTECanada is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual National Biotechnology Awards. The winners will be honoured at the National Presidents’ Awards Dinner in Toronto on June 19, in conjunction with CANMEDBIO 2006.

BIOTECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR
ASPREVA PHARMACEUTICALS, Victoria, BC
Aspreva Pharmaceuticals has translated a unique business model of indication partnering into a market valuation close to $1 billion. The Company has recruited top talent to Victoria and this team has together transformed the Company into one of the few profitable biotech companies in Canada and around the world.



Other Award Recipients include...

Contribution to Advancing the Benefits of Biotech for Canadians
Dr. Alex McPherson, Biomira
Dr. McPherson has demonstrated exemplary vision and leadership in biotechnology and commitment and support for biotechnology in such areas as public awareness, scientific discovery or commercial application. Dr. McPherson stepped down from Biomira in May after serving as President & CEO since 1991.

Promising Early Stage Company Recognition
The two winners in this category are poised to take off and have distinguished themselves from their peers with demonstrated leadership and significant achievement.
• Rimon Therapeutics Ltd.’s (Toronto, Ontario) growth makes it a clear leader in Canada’s biotechnology industry not only through new technologies developed, but also through the company’s ability to raise funding and begin clinical trials.
• MBEC Bioproducts (Edmonton, AB) has had huge success in 2005 including advancing two R&D programs and turning a profit, demonstrating its ability to be a leader in Canada’s bioproducts industry.

Contribution to the Association
Dr. Luis Barreto, Vice-President of Public Policy, Sanofi Pasteur Limited
Dr. Barreto’s year’s of support of BIOTECanada including his recent work in establishing and co-chairing the new Public Affairs Committee, as well as championing the association to stakeholders and supporting national and international advocacy efforts and events such as National Biotechnology Week have distinguished Dr. Barreto as a leader within the association.

His Excellency David H. Wilkins, United States Ambassador to Canada will deliver the keynote address at the National Presidents’ Awards Dinner taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Monday, June 19. Canada's medical device association, MEDEC, will also be joining us and honoring their award recipients during this celebration.

Register online at: http://www.biotech.ca/canmedbio/register.html