Dr. Hank McKinnell, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Inc., Addresses BC Biotech Community, Announces Event to Explore Pfizer/BC Partnerships

On July 5^th, BC Biotech was very pleased to have brought together approximately 50 biotech and pharma business leaders, members of the research community, patient groups, government, and additional stakeholder organizations at an Executive Roundtable with Dr. Hank McKinnell, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Inc. A native of British Columbia, Dr. McKinnell provided insightful commentary on the inherent relationship between the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors and the healthcare system.

Drawing on his global experience, Dr. McKinnell described policies and practices other jurisdictions have implemented which effectively align economic development via the biotech and pharma industries, with healthcare – policies he feels British Columbia could explore in order to achieve our common goal of better patient outcomes and an effective and efficient healthcare system for the long-term. Dr. McKinnell added that more focus must also be placed on wellness and disease prevention, as this is the only way to ultimately lower healthcare costs for the future, stating that “health equals wealth."

Dr. McKinnell noted that there is tremendous opportunity for government and industry to work together more cooperatively, and to create a climate conducive to increased collaboration with and investment from the pharmaceutical industry. His participation in the session sent a strong message regarding Pfizer’s commitment to such collaboration, and this message was reinforced by McKinnell announcing that further meetings will be held in September to identify specific potential areas of collaboration between Pfizer Inc. and British Columbia’s biotech companies and researchers.

BC Biotech was also very pleased to have the Honourable Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development, and the Honourable Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education present at the Roundtable, as well as additional elected officials Ms. Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Garibaldi, Mr. Gregor Robertson, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview and Mr. Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano. This strong support from both government and opposition reflected their commitment to partner with industry, and to work together to build a world class biotech sector in British Columbia.

Only through such constructive dialogue and action will we continue to move forward, and BC Biotech will now build on this week’s discussion, and continue to work with our policy makers to ensure that we reach our goal of making British Columbia a truly welcoming place for innovation.

BC Biotech sincerely thanks Dr. McKinnell and all members of the Pfizer team for participating in this important event. A full recording of the session will be available to download from our website shortly.

Some highlights of the event include:   

	Dr. Hank McKinnell shares his views on healthcare policy with Roundtable participants.
	Executive Roundtable attendees engaging dialogue.
	The Honourable Colin Hansen, the Honourable Murray Coell and David Hall, Chair of BC Biotech listen in to the presentations made during the Roundtable.
	Dr. Don Rix posing a question to Dr. McKinnell during the Roundtable discussion.
	Jean-Michel Halfon, CEO of Pfizer Canada, and Bob Dawson, Associate Director, Patient Access & Health Policy.
	Karimah Es Sabar, Executive Director of BC Biotech acknowledging Dr. Hank McKinnell and the Pfizer team for attending and participating in the Roundtable

 BC Biotech is pleased to announce that we are now authorized to extend access to the Canada Export Centre for qualified members.

The Canada Export Centre acts like a permanent export trade-show that exhibits and promotes Canadian companies’ products and services to foreign trade missions and other qualified international buyers, investors, distributors, agents, government representatives and joint venture partners from around the world - 12 months of the year. They also provide market intelligence and international market development services to Canadian companies.

BC Biotech is one of only 64 associations nationwide to qualify for the federal government’s PEMD Program to promote exports. The PEMD Program has just announced that it will financially support a finite number of BC Biotech member companies to participate in the Canada Export Centre by covering 50% of the fees and associated costs for up to three years.

There are other eligible associations and only a small number of spaces available, so we strongly encourage you take the time to analyze this opportunity before it disappears. Expect a call from the Canada Export Centre to determine if their services and your organization are well matched.

At BC Biotech, we are always working to maximize the value of your member-ship. Only through this partnership with PEMD and the Canada Export Centre are we able to bring you this extraordinary government funding opportunity.

For more information please contact Mark Mensing at the Canada Export Centre at 604-685-7823 ext.# 116 mark@canadaexportcentre.com

This year marked the 10^th Anniversary of BC Biotech's Annual Salmon BBQ.  With over 175 guests attending and overlooking the panoramic views of the Straight of Georgia and the mountains of Howe Sound, the salmon barbeque offered  members of our biotech community a chance to gather for an informal summer dinner and network amongst their peers.  The Salmon BBQ is one of BC Biotech's most popular events and is held every year at Cecil Green Park at UBC. 

Following are a few pictures of BC Biotech and its members enjoying the evening:  

 

Dorsey & Whitney Become a Bronze Sponsor of BC Biotech

Without the support of our sponsors, all of which have continued their commitment into 2006-2007, we could not have undertaken all our new programs and initiatives in this past year, including the development of the BC Biotech position paper, facilitating linkages between pharma and our industry, and developing a video promoting the benefits of investing in British Columbia. BC Biotech would like to thank all our sponsors for their ongoing support.

The sponsorship year runs from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007, though we are always welcoming new sponsors.

Please view our 2006-2007 Sponsorship Program

If you have any further questions about the program or would like more information, please contact Raman Bhullar at rbhullar@bcbiotech.ca or 604-602-5227.

Last Chance to Renew your BC Biotech Membership

Now in it’s 5^th year, BioPartnering North America (BPN) www.techvision.com/bpn is supported by leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, financial, and service companies from around the world. This key partnering meeting, held in Vancouver, offer companies a focused business development experience that is consistently excellent, efficient, and cost-effective. To register online, visit www.techvision.com/bpn/registration .

A hallmark of BPN is the Open House Presentations that features 56 biopharmaceutical and diagnostics companies that give interactive presentations in specially constructed booths. Presenting companies are available during a 2-hour period for informal discussions with business development executives. Presenting companies devise unique ways to showcase aspects of their businesses including: science and technology; partnering strategies; developmental programs; commercialization plans; product opportunities; and manufacturing capabilities. To apply for an Open House Company Presentation go to www.techvision.com/bpn/registration/presenter/ohapply .

BPN showcases a number of young companies from various parts of the world in the Emerging Company presentations. Twenty companies founded in or after 2002 will offer 14-minute podium presentations in the main plenary hall. Each company will then be available for private discussions directly afterwards. To apply for and Emerging Company presentation go to www.techvision.com/bpn/registration/presenter/ecapply .

If you have any questions about registering for BPN, please contact Saskia Baur at +1.831.464.4230 or by email at sbaur@techvision.com . For questions regarding company presentations, please contact Lila Taylor at +1.831.464.4230 or by e-mail at ltaylor@techvision.com