BIO 2005 Global Health Track Session Summary

Innovative approaches in technology transfer for global health

Monday, June 20, 2005, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Room 108 B, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia

Moderator:
Usha Balakrishnan, Founder, Technology Managers for Global Health & Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Panelists:
Hannah Kettler, Program Officer, Global Health Policy & Finance, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Erik Iverson, Associate General Counsel, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
Lisa Conte, Chief Executive Officer, Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., South San Francisco, California
Gregg Alton, Vice President & General Counsel, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California

Several exciting alliances and approaches -- and funding initiatives -- are transforming the landscape for product development in global health fields.  This session will highlight some new initiatives, partnering strategies, licensing agreements, and intellectual property policy development (by funders).  All of these initiatives are gaining significant momentum among various public, private, governmental and nonprofit sectors as well as across various professional societies.  They are aimed at enhancing access of needed drugs and vaccines for so-called "neglected diseases" for the poorer populations in developing countries.  You will hear from biotechnology companies that have done some creative deals in these areas.  Awareness about these initiatives will lead professionals from different fields to come together in new ways and employ managerial creativity to advance health product innovations.  Audience participation is keenly sought for this session as we learn about different deal-making experiences amidst complex and emerging scenarios.  Please join us for a very interactive discussion.