FOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS TO HEADLINE AT BIOFLORIDA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE
For immediate release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 19, 2010) – BioFlorida today announced an impressive roster of keynote speakers for its 13th Annual Conference that includes the former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, biotechnology entrepreneurs, executives and medical researchers.
“Our distinguished speakers bring a wealth of diverse experiences in launching businesses and institutions, as well as successfully running large health and biosciences enterprises,” said Russell Allen, president and CEO of BioFlorida, Inc., the statewide trade association founded in 1997 to advance Florida’s bioscience industry. “We are pleased to offer our conference attendees a varied selection of presentations on topics that directly apply to their industries.”
More than 400 guests are expected at this year’s conference, scheduled for October 24-26 at the Marriott Harbor Beach in Ft. Lauderdale. A total of 50 speakers will share their insights on the latest trends and issues in biomedical research and bioscience business. This year’s conference will also feature dedicated bioscience company presentations, investor panels and interactive workshops.
The 2010 keynote speakers are:
• Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., president emeritus, Morehouse School of Medicine
Dr. Sullivan is certified in internal medicine and hematology, and holds a mastership from the American College of Physicians. He was an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and assistant professor of medicine at Seton Hall College of Medicine before founding the Boston University Hematology Service at Boston City Hospital. In 1975, he became the founding dean and first president of the Morehouse School of Medicine at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., where he served for two decades and is now President Emeritus.
Dr. Sullivan accepted an appointment from President George H.W. Bush as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1989 to 1993, where he was responsible for the country’s major health, welfare, food and drug safety, medical research and income security programs. He later served as chair of the President’s Commission on Historically Black Colleges and Universities from 2002-2009, and was co-chair of the President’s Commission on HIV and AIDS from 2001-2006. He is a recipient of more than 60 honorary degrees and is a member of numerous medical organizations and corporate boards. Currently, he is chairman of the board for the National Health Museum in Atlanta, and chairman of the Washington D.C.-based Sullivan Alliance to Transform America’s Health Professions.
• Cynthia Collins, group vice president, Cellular Analysis Business, Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Cynthia Collins is group vice president for Cellular Analysis Business of Beckman Coulter which is headquartered in Miami. Beckman Coulter is a company that develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical testing. The Cellular Analysis Business is comprised of the Hematology, Flow Cytometry and Hemostasis business centers. Previously, Collins served as CEO of Sequoia Pharmaceuticals, and prior to that was president of Clinical Micro Sensors, a subsidiary of Motorola. She spent over 17 years at Baxter Healthcare in a variety of executive roles, including most recently, president of global oncology. Earlier in her career, she spent six years with Abbott Laboratories. Collins currently serves on the Corporate Strategic Advisory Council of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
• Randal J. Kirk, senior managing director and chief executive officer, Third Security, LLC
Randal J. Kirk founded the venture capital firm Third Security, LLC in 1999. Prior to that, he co-founded General Injectables & Vaccines, Inc. and King Pharmaceuticals Inc. Additionally, in 1996 Mr. Kirk founded and became Chairman of the Board of New River Pharmaceuticals Inc. (previously traded on NASDAQ prior to its acquisition by Shire plc in 2007) and was President and Chief Executive Officer between October 2001 and April 2007. He currently serves on the boards of Clinical Data, Inc.; Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.; Intrexon Corporation; and Cyntellect, Inc. Kirk plans to discuss the “Golden Era of Biotechnology” and show examples of second generation biotech companies that are already displaying superior performance with respect to the rest of the field.
• Tony Japour, M.D., managing director, Anthony Japour & Associates
Dr. Japour is an infectious disease physician and scientist that began his career researching the HIV/AIDS virus at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital before joining Abbott Laboratories to help the company develop HIV/AIDS medications. Currently he has a medical consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning, public health policy, education and research for preventative medicine and emerging infectious diseases. He is also an associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Florida International University. Dr. Japuor is also an art enthusiast and owns the AJ Japour Gallery, a virtual gallery that deals in contemporary fine art and also supports public service organizations dedicated to the health, education and welfare of children.
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About BioFlorida
BioFlorida is the voice of Florida’s bioscience industry association, and represents more than 200 member companies and research organizations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device fields. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, BioFlorida works to facilitate and advance innovations in the healthcare, agriculture and energy sectors for its membership base. BioFlorida members are involved in biomedical research and development, medical device manufacturing, clinics and hospitals, academia, government and non-profit organizations, and industry services/products. BioFlorida’s leadership and programs positively influence the growth of the industry through networking and initiatives related to capital formation, advocacy, workforce development, education and commercialization of research. This year, the BioFlorida Institute was established to provide support for K-12 science education, workforce development programs as well as professional development. For more information, visit www.bioflorida.com.
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