Pennsylvania Bio Forms Collaboration with Italian Biotechnology Association

WASHINGTON -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pennsylvania Bio, the only statewide trade association representing Pennsylvania’s entire bioscience industry, and Assobiotec, the Italian Association for the development of biotechnology, announced today BioBridge, a collaborative relationship to develop, evolve and sustain the Life Sciences industry relationship between Italy and Pennsylvania.

The joint collaboration was formalized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a ceremony at the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC that included:

• Christopher P. Molineaux, President of Pennsylvania Bio
• Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, Ambassador of Italy in Washington
• Luigi Scotto, The Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia
• Marina Del Bue, Vice President of Assobiotec

This collaborative effort provides an opportunity for present and future partnerships between the United States and Italy, and will unite their respective Life Sciences communities and tremendous bases of scientific talent.

“Combined with the scientific talent in Pennsylvania’s life sciences companies and research institutions, this MOU provides the foundation for a strong and mutually beneficial collaboration between Pennsylvania and Italian Life Sciences organizations.”

“This agreement timely provides the needed vehicle to facilitate business and scientific collaboration of mutual interest between USA and Italian Life Sciences companies,” commented Marina Del Bue, Vice President of Assobiotec. “Italy is home to more than 370 biotech companies and in 2010 Italy registered the largest growth rate of pure biotech companies in Europe.”

As part of the agreement, each organization will provide opportunities for companies to meet representatives from each association. In the near term, Pennsylvania Bio will provide Italy Bio an opportunity to participate in a panel presentation at its BIOTECH 2011 Symposium as well as coordinate meetings between Pennsylvania based life sciences companies and Italy Bio. Likewise, Italy Bio will provide Pennsylvania Bio with similar opportunities to participate at BioItaly Investment Forum 2012 which will be held in Milan, Italy.

Pennsylvania Bio is the only state-wide trade association for the life sciences in Pennsylvania and serves as a catalyst to ensure Pennsylvania is the global leader in the biosciences by creating a cohesive community that unites our biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, research, and financial strengths.