Contact: Matt Schutte, Director of Corporate Communications | 614-675-3686
Expanding pharmaceutical industry in Ohio is focus of upcoming statewide conference

Next Wednesday, February 28, Ohio’s state and local economic development leaders, elected officials, business professionals, academics and researchers will gather for the second installment of BioPharma in Ohio. This year’s conference, BioPharma in Ohio II: Positioning Ohio as a Pipeline State, will explore the pharmaceutical industry’s global trends of outsourcing its research, development and production processes, and Ohio's ability to respond to that opportunity.

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most vibrant sectors of the American economy, providing an increasing number of high-wage jobs, strengthening local and state economies. While last year’s conference focused on building local and state environments attractive to the pharmaceutical industry, this year’s conference will focus on how Ohio can position itself as a “pipeline partner” to the industry.

The event will be held from 12 to 4:30 pm at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus, 75 E. State St. Please visit www.biopharmaohio.org for more information and to view the conference agenda.

The conference is presented by a consortium of state and national partners including Omeris, the Ohio Department of Development, JumpStart, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Economic Development Association, the Ohio Venture Association, the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Omeris President & CEO Tony Dennis thinks Ohio is well positioned to benefit from the increase in outsourcing among pharmaceutical companies. "From drug discovery through clinical trials expertise to marketing, Ohio boasts hundreds of companies that serve the world's pharmaceutical leaders," he said. "We believe that this breadth and depth creates an inviting business climate for pharmaceutical companies interested in getting products to market faster and more economically."

Speakers include business, research and academic leaders from across the state. David K. Rosen, Head of Development & Commercial Strategic Alliances for Pfizer Global Research & Development, will give the luncheon remarks.

Omeris is a non-profit organization supported by the Thomas Edison Program of the Ohio Department of Development. Its mission is to accelerate bioscience discovery, innovation and commercialization of global value, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life in Ohio. Omeris is headquartered in Columbus, with regional business development affiliates in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Athens.