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Regulatory, Media, Entertainment and Sports Figures to Make Plenary Addresses at BIO 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 4, 2003) — Major figures from the regulatory, media, entertainment and sports sectors will headline the plenary sessions at BIO 2003 — the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO’s) annual meeting and convention, which will be held June 21-25 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center.

BIO 2003, which is expected to draw more than 15,000 biotechnology industry executives, scientists, legislators, regulatory officials and journalists, will feature 25 programming tracks with 940 speakers covering 199 sessions and symposiums. The six plenary sessions at BIO 2003 will feature the following speakers:

Jerry Stackhouse. This Washington Wizards basketball star and leading NBA scorer advocates for awareness, prevention and treatment of juvenile diabetes as part of his Triple Threat Foundation. Stackhouse will speak during the plenary breakfast session on Monday, June 23, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Mark B. McClellan. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner McClellan serves as the chief regulator for the biotech industry. Recently, McClellan publicly expressed a commitment to streamlining the agency’s approach to new drug and biologic review and approval — an initiative that could have significant, positive consequences for both the biotech and pharmaceutical industries and the patients who rely on their products. Dr. McClellan will speak during the plenary luncheon session on Monday, June 23, 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Tony Snow. As host of FOX News Sunday, Fox Broadcasting’s Sunday morning public affairs program, and a political analyst with the FOX News Channel, Snow will offer some insight into current events inside the Beltway. Snow is the featured speaker for the plenary breakfast session on Tuesday, June 24, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Carl B. Feldbaum. BIO 2003 marks the 10th anniversary of the organization. BIO President Feldbaum, who has led the association since its inception in 1993, will deliver his keynote address during the plenary luncheon session on Tuesday, June 24, 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Sam Donaldson. As a veteran White House correspondent and co-host of the This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts television program on the ABC Network, Donaldson has covered several administrations and top national news stories in his distinguished career as a journalist. Donaldson will be the featured speaker during the plenary breakfast session on Wednesday, June 25, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Terri Garr. The actress, best known for her comedic roles in "Tootsie," "Mr. Mom" and "Young Frankenstein," revealed in October 2002 that she has multiple sclerosis (MS). Since then, she has become an advocate for MS research and treatment. Garr will speak during the plenary luncheon session on Wednesday, June 25, 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Tom Ridge. As secretary of the new federal Department of Homeland Security, Ridge oversees a range of national activities designed to protect and combat the threat of terrorism against the United States. Ridge will also speak during the plenary luncheon session on Wednesday, June 25, 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

For detailed information about the BIO 2003 program, go online at www.bio.org/events/2003/. Reporters can register online until June 13 at www.bio.org/events/2003/media/mediarules.asp.

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.