Annual BioPartnering China conference launched at Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel

The 3^rd Annual BioPartnering China conference, co-produced by TVG and the Zhangjiang Biotech Pharmaceutical Base, launched today at the Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel. The conference attracts a global representation of industry leaders from China, Europe and the USA. For the 3^rd year running, BioPartnering China^TM (BPC) is proving to be an important venue for international life science executives to access the innovation and partnering opportunities represented in China's rapidly-growing life science industry.

“Understanding the potential China value of a drug candidate is essential before engaging deeply in partnership or licensing discussions.”

Today delegates had the opportunity to hear a keynote address offering insights into China's emerging market and "The Power of Partnering" from Dr. Karen Atkin, Vice President of R&D China, AstraZeneca. According to Dr. Atkin, AstraZeneca has active plans to capitalize on the tremendous growth forecasted for the region. Emerging markets grew at three times the rate of established markets last year and for the next five years, are forecasted to contribute around 70% of pharma growth. In order to take advantage of this growth potential, AstraZeneca has been looking at its R&D strategy and reshaping its business model to add new capabilities and tap into external collaborations and partnerships.

"AstraZeneca is committed to being an active partner in finding creative, collaborative ways to address the most pressing health issues in China and across the globe. We believe that our continued success depends on our ability to build and sustain relationships across the healthcare ecosystem." - Dr. Karen Atkin, Vice President of R&D China, AstraZeneca

Dr. Samantha Du, CEO, Hutchison MediPharma presented how to Build a World Class Biotech Company in China, describing key factors in constructing a successful R&D company in China. Dr. Du explained how to assemble the best R&D team, how to leverage China resources to set up efficient R&D strategy, how to build a balanced pipeline and most importantly, how to build successful strategic partnerships.

Mr. Matthew Chervenak, CEO, General Biologic offered a keynote address titled, Navigating the China Life Science Landscape. Knowing that China is fast becoming an important player in the life science industry, his address focused on the vital players of the life science industry in China. The importance of knowing who you are doing business with is the key to the success of your company.

"Understanding the potential China value of a drug candidate is essential before engaging deeply in partnership or licensing discussions." - Mr. Matthew Chervenak, CEO, General Biologic

The last keynote address was given by Mr. William R Keller, GM Deputy, Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotech & Pharmaceutical Base Development, from the largest science park in China. He explained how China's Future Role as a Life Science Leader can assist Western and Chinese companies grow and prosper.

Following the success of BPC, TVG is excited to offer a global network of partnering opportunities in 2011 including BioPartnering North America^TM, BioPartnering India^TM, C21 BioVentures^TM, BioPartnering Latin America^TM and BioPartnering Europe^TM.

"The life science industry in China is developing very rapidly. China is seizing the moment and is playing a growing role in global innovation. BioPartnering China has attracted companies from 18 countries, to experience this phenomenon, and to look for new business opportunities. TVG is strongly committed to a long-term presence in China, to facilitate partnering between Chinese life sciences companies and the rest of the world." - Dr. Robert Lee Kilpatrick, Partner, TVG