Representative Bean Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL) as Legislator of the Year for 2009-2010. Representative Bean receives the award at today’s BIO Legislative Day Fly-In reception.

“As a member of the New Democrat Coalition and the House Committee on Small Business, Representative Bean lead a strong bi-partisan coalition in favor of a regulatory pathway for biosimilars that preserves innovator incentives”

“As a member of the New Democrat Coalition and the House Committee on Small Business, Representative Bean lead a strong bi-partisan coalition in favor of a regulatory pathway for biosimilars that preserves innovator incentives,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “Representative Bean’s leadership ensures that the biotechnology industry can remain vibrant and research-intensive while remaining dedicated to providing life-enhancing and life-saving therapies to patients.”

“The life sciences industry provides nearly 85,000 jobs in Illinois, making us one of the leading biotechnology states. Congressman Bean has been a strong advocate for an industry that benefits the people of Illinois. Her influential voice has helped to protect patient care and preserve incentives for new miracle drugs,” said David Miller, President of the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization. “On behalf of all Illinois life sciences companies, we salute Congressman Bean’s efforts."

During the BIO Legislative Day Fly-In, more than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 32 states, including Washington, will participate in hundreds of meetings with key Members of the House and Senate. Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry, including patent reform, NIH/ FDA funding, drug importation risks, and restored eligibility for Small Business Innovation Research grants.

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.