April 09, 2009 12:52 PM Eastern Time 

Delaware Bio to Recognize Industry Leaders and AstraZeneca at Annual Awards Gala

NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Members of Delaware’s bioscience community will honor three industry leaders at the Delaware Bio Annual Awards Gala on April 29, 2009 at the DuPont Country Club. The event will also celebrate the ten-year anniversary of AstraZeneca’s decision to locate its U.S. headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. Delivering the keynote address for the evening will be Governor Jack A. Markell.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Governor Markell recognize the award recipients and honor AstraZeneca for their many contributions to Delaware,” said Jennifer Kmiec, Chair of Delaware Bio. “In addition to developing innovative medicines to treat disease, AstraZeneca has created jobs for our state, provided growth opportunities for related industries, and offered significant philanthropic support and services to the community,” Ms. Kmiec added.

Recipients of the 2009 Delaware Bio awards, which go to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the biosciences in Delaware are:

• Innovation: Dr. Barry Marrs, Chief Scientific Officer of Athena Biotechnologies,
• Service: Dr. David Weir, Director of the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP) at the University of Delaware,
• Government Official: Senator Thomas R. Carper, United States Senate.

“McCarter & English LLP is proud to once again be the awards sponsor for the Delaware Bio Gala where we will have the opportunity to recognize individuals for their achievements and contributions in support of the bioscience community,” said Patrick Walker, attorney at McCarter & English and a member of the Gala planning committee.

The 2009 Delaware Bio Annual Awards Gala is sponsored by AstraZeneca, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Conner Strong, Fish & Richardson, McCarter & English, the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers Association (PhRMA), ProTecs, and VWR Scientific.

More information on the award winners, event and registration details can be found at www.delawarebio.org

About Delaware Bio

The Delaware BioScience Association is a non-profit trade association that serves its members and the State of Delaware by collaborating with other local businesses and organizations to advance the growth of the bioscience industry in Delaware and the region. www.delawarebio.org