CORDIA to act as a platform to debate on partnership strategies

European Biotech Industry at risk under new EU consultation on technology transfer regulations.

November 20, 2003: The European Commission is running a consultation on new technology transfer licensing legislation, which, if accepted, could make licensing deals difficult to implement in the European Union. This could seriously hinder the competitiveness of the European Biotechnology industry. Indeed, licensing strategies are key to building a sustainable European bioindustry, and this will be one of the talking points at CORDIA, the major biotechnology industry event, taking place in Vienna 2-4 December 2003.
The new proposal to change the regulations for licensing of technologies comes at a time when licensing deals are crucially important for biotech companies and academic researchers to capitalise on their innovative technology, and for the pharma industry to feed its ailing pipeline with novel molecules. Until now, explicit Commission approval was necessary for any technology licensing agreement that didn't fall into certain categories, covered under the so-called 'block exemption'. The new regulation, if approved, would reduce the number of licenses covered by the block exemption and being retroactive, it could also affect existing licensing deals. The deadline to comment on the European Commission's draft legislation is 26th November.
"Licensing deals with pharmaceutical companies signify the maturity of the European biotech industry. These partnerships not only feed the pipeline of big pharmaceutical companies, but are also essential to enable the advancement of molecules developed by biotechnology companies and ensure their availability to patients," commented Mr Jean-Francois Mouney, CEO of Genfit and Chairman of CORDIA's session on Partnership strategies.
CORDIA-EuropaBio Convention will provide a forum of discussion and debate on the outcome of this key issue within the conference track untitled: "Partnerships of the Future - Stimulating Growth". CORDIA's partnering forum will also be a unique opportunity for companies to discuss partnership opportunities.
Contacts
For all countries except Germany, Austria and Switzerland:,Richard Anderson at the CORDIA Press Office,De Facto Communications plc ,E-mail: [e-mail] ,[phone]
For Germany, Austria and Switzerland:,Till C. Jelitto at the CORDIA Press Office,PR & D,E-mail: [e-mail] ,[phone]
About CORDIA,The first convention of its kind in Europe, CORDIA - EuropaBio Convention 2003 takes place from 2-4 December 2003 at the Messe Wien, Vienna, Austria.
CORDIA - EuropaBio Convention 2003, is the first Pan-European biotechnology Conference specifically tailored for the sector. Through partnering, networking and exhibitions, it will explore and influence the issues impacting on bioscience growth across Europe including technology transfer, product development and commercialisation, regulation, capital and resourcing.
The Convention will be an opportunity to showcase science and technology innovations, as well as providing the European industry with an unprecedented critical mass for learning, networking and doing business.
CORDIA - EuropaBio Convention 2003 will provide an environment for small, medium and large life science and biotech companies in the sector, along with investors, regulators, policy-makers, contract service providers and advisors as well as entrepreneurial scientists and clinicians to meet up and explore the potential of their business together.
CORDIA 2003 is being organised by three partners; EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, Technomark the specialist life science consulting and investment group and Reed Exhibitions, the world's largest event organiser. EuropaBio represents about 35 member companies operating worldwide and 22 national biotechnology associations with over 1200 SME members. Industry representatives, financiers, regulators, patients, NGO's, and politicians have all been involved in preparations to date to ensure relevant, high-level conference topics and seminars.
Background,- The proposed regulation and guidelines on Licensing agreements for the transfer of technology can be found at:,http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/antitrust/legislation/entente3_en.html

Countries

Austria