Prestigious Janssen Industry Excellence Awards announced

The prestigious Janssen Industry Excellence Awards were announced as part of the official opening reception for the AusBiotech 2013 Conference at Brisbane City Hall last night; among them, internationally-acclaimed Brisbane-based researcher, Professor Ian Frazer.

The cervical cancer vaccine pioneer and CEO and Director of Brisbane’s new Translational Research Institute (TRI), was awarded the 2013 Industry Leadership Award, which recognises an ongoing and very significant contribution to the life sciences industry.

“Professor Frazer’s leadership has demonstrated exceptional success in navigating the research, clinical trial and commercialisation pathways that are essential for success in this industry,” said AusBiotech’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Anna Lavelle.

Frazer’s early work in Australia was fostered by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and University of Queensland (UQ), and he is now a director of biotechnology start-up company, Coridon, which is developing DNA vaccines. His work has attracted significant research funding from several Australian and US funding bodies.

“Professor Frazer is an excellent ambassador for Australia’s biotechnology sector and is actively supporting the growth of Australia’s bio-economy, which is a central focus for this year’s conference,” said Dr Lavelle.

Allied Healthcare Group, which is one of the key financial backers for Coridon, was awarded Janssen’s Emerging Company of the Year, in recognition of the company’s accomplishments. Allied is in the process of commercialising its innovative tissue engineering technology ADAPT® for regenerative medicine and its share price has more than doubled in the past twelve months.

Sydney-based Nanosonics took out the top gong for Company of the Year. Its lead product, the trophon® EPR, is an automatic device using hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate ultrasound probes. In a watershed year for the company, Nanosonics broke ground in international markets, recorded outstanding sales and piqued the interest of the investors on a regular basis.

Janssen-Cilag Managing Director Chris Hourigan said this year’s recipients are at the forefront of thriving biotech, innovation and healthcare sectors in Australia.

“These award recipients are actively improving the lives of people across the globe, which is a very noble mission,” said Mr Hourigan.

“They are doing so with a commitment to world class research, industry collaboration and commercial acumen, which will support a healthy pipeline of novel medicines, medical devices and other new technologies for the community in years to come. Janssen is proud to sponsor these awards which will help recognise and incentivise these companies and individuals as they continue their excellent work.”

The AusBiotech conference is the largest event of its kind in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for the biotechnology industry. AusBiotech 2013 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30 October – 1 November.