Paula? How was the BIO -Conference?

[CTenaLouise]

:)
Dear Paula...

I am ready to read your impression on the bio -conference

or will you post it at grassroots?

keep on going -I am so glad you have the energy for crowds!

[paula_w]

This looks like a safe place to jump in and talk about BIO because it was a fantastic experience and pure networking, in most cases for large dollar amounts. BIO has big big money! oh wipe the surprised look off your faces .....lol..being very dry here.

They have money coming out of the cracks in the walls.There were several sets of steep, long, steps as one way out of the exhibition hall and every single step was painted with the word Amgen. Blue steps, white paint. Just steppin out. A cookie always awaited at the end.

I'll save the description of one of the extravagant galas for another post. The pipeline project shared a table with PDF [translator?] lol......and had, as the Russian break dancer in Everything is Illuminated liked to say,"a premium location." We were on a main drag and directly across a short carpet that simply everyone eventually walked by on, from Genentech hee hee!

On the sides of them were Genzyme [paid for the Fox luncheon] , Johnson and Johnson, Merck, I could go on.

This area attracted lots of attention, too, because of the focus on PD and the FOX outstanding - finally hittin homeruns with patients too - keynote address.

Getting finally to the point, there are many small molecules out there and everyone knows about GDNF. What most didn't realize, especially if from out of the US, was that when they approached our table and we explained we were sponsored by PDF but a separate patient focus, a few got the glazed over look but most brightened up as soon as they realized...connecting two very disjointed thoughts here badly... we had done our homework as we suffered.

Don't want this to be too long and there's plenty more. Many stories and you are all going to be subjected to them if you want to read.

I'll finish by saying this. I understand your desire to find it...but in the meantime, people should be helping us........personally I think that's a better idea. rick....and could be a very effective one.

ooo almost made it through without a pitch. maybe someone else could invest a little time explaining what I'm trying to convey.

Off to dance to Still the One by Linda Ronstadt - we must exercise.

paula
__________________
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[paula_w]

i think i just thanked myself....eeyikes..

[vlhperry]

Didn't you have any freebies to give away? A family physician confessed"the following noninclusive list of material influences received from drug companies sine his freshman year in medical school:"

Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, candy, popcorn, tea herbs, sherry, doughnuts, pizza, wassail mix, books, free journals subsidized by advertising, subscription journals kept to a low price because of advertising subsidies, stethoscope, reflex hammer, black bag, pencils, pens, eraser, EKG caliper, tape measure, various anatomic models, diaphragm fitting set, various wall charts, calendars, Physician's Desk References, date due calculator, various tape cassettes (medical and nonmedical), gym bag, towel, cooler, antique medicine bottle, Moebrius strip, sandglasses, facial tissues, picture frames, clocks, paperclip holders, penholders, desk set, paperweights, chart holders, drug samples for personal and family use, notepads, parenteral drug samples for office administration, prescription pads, calculator, pocket diaries, electronic diary, appointment book, paperclips, "honoria," two children's worth of formula, sun visor, waterproof keyholder, knife, teddy bear pin, letter opener, tongue depressors, bookends, toothbrush, Chapstick, keyring, sunscreen, adhesive bandage dispenser, kilt pen, candy jar, novelty pens, and, his personal favorite, a lighted night-table paper-and-pen holder.

The Industry wouldn't use them if they didn't work!

Thanks for being there,
Vicky

[paula_w]

No Vicky, we primarily operate as recipients, not giver outers...lol

paula

[vlhperry]

Do you think if everone who has an illness ignored by the pharmaceutical companies started advocating for a massive overhaul of the pharmaceutical industry instead of just for their individual illnesses, we might see a huge drop in the cost of medical care in this country and more progress in focusing research back on the patients instead of profit? Strength in numbers and a common goal for anyone on drugs (which is just about the entire U.S. population.

Vicky

[paula_w]

Yes and that is one of many nice experiences; we met other advocates and were all together exhibiting. Here's a spooky experience - I ran into a college friend whom I haven't seen or talked to in 30 some years. She worked in the Fed Patent Office for 25 years and now has moved into a private intellectual property something law firm. Her husband, an attorney, worked for the GAO and both of her daughters are attorneys.

We talked and she stayed at the booth awhile and is a quick study. I love when those kinds of things happen. But I only spotted her because of where we were located. So now after my impromptu encounter with an old friend who understands patents, we have another piece of information available to us and also info about its stepchild, the trademark. lol

Sleepy....zzz
paula

[CTenaLouise]

Welcome to the 2007 BIO International Convention
by Jim Greenwood
President and CEO
Biotechnology Industry Organization


Welcome to the 2007 BIO International Convention - the global event for biotechnology. With its world-class program, renowned keynote speakers, growing exhibition floor, and innumerable networking opportunities, this is the most important event dedicated to the growth of the industry and the one and only event where new ideas, bold ventures, and global benefits come together.

Boston is a significant stage for the 2007 BIO International Convention. Many major biotechnology companies call Boston or Cambridge their home, including Genzyme, Biogen Idec, Vertex, and the research headquarters for Novartis. Along with these biotechnology stalwarts, the Boston area is home for many smaller companies and over 50 colleges and universities, each representing the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that is inherent to the region and the industry.

When the 2000 BIO International Convention was held here in Boston seven years ago, it attracted just over 10,000 attendees. This year, we expect 20,000 attendees from more than 60 countries. The 2007 BIO International Convention will feature seminars sponsored by countries such as Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and The United Kingdom.

If you've attended the convention in past years, you know the event is truly an extraordinary gathering. Innovators in biotechnology from around the world will connect here with investors, executives, policy makers, government leaders, and journalists to discuss the boundless potential of biotechnology in health care, agriculture, energy, and industry.

The 2007 BIO International Convention is an important opportunity to showcase Boston to an international audience, to help attract additional biotech investments, and to bring economic benefits to the region.

Each year the convention attracts the best scientists, the best investors and the best business managers currently working to develop new, life-enhancing products. The conference also provides a platform to communicate biotechnology's benefits and potential to policymakers in Congress, in the administration, the states, the localities and around the world, which can help them shape policies that enhance, rather than impede, innovation.

So make the most of this year's convention. Discuss the latest advancements and trends in the industry with your peers. Take the opportunity to educate yourself and others about the life-saving, life-enhancing work this industry does. And enjoy all that Boston has to offer

[CTenaLouise]

dear paula-

does MONEY sum it all up?

yes -I have seen this type of stuff at large corporate meeting
and it made me sick, my husband used to work for a drug company that Eli Lily bought, and now
my exhusband works for WALMART
he makes the big bucks now, the Walmart people cheer every morning
for the day -to build enthusiasm for "MONEY"

I do not get a dime from my exhusband, it took away my state aid benefits.

although
I remember having fun dancing
when I was very young maybe 14 years old -we laughed and danced to music called - DISCO! :eek:

I loved
Donna Summer
Earth Wind and Fire
Kool and the gang
The BeeGees

but there was one song even though it had a great beat and we could disco
to it - we could do "the hustle"

even in catholic highschool freshman year Sister MaryTeresa taught us the hustle! :rolleyes:

here is the song that they had to have had playing subliminaly or blasting
from every speaker,

"For The Love Of Money" by The O'Jays, lyrics below:

Money money money money, money (x6)
Some people got to have it
Some people really need it
Listen to me y'all, do things, do things, do bad things with it
You wanna do things, do things, do things, good things with it
Talk about cash money, money
Talk about cash money- dollar bills, yall

For the love of money
People will steal from their mother
For the love of money
People will rob their own brother
For the love of money
People can't even walk the street
Because they never know who in the world they're gonna beat
For that lean, mean, mean green
Almighty dollar, money

For the love of money
People will lie, Lord, they will cheat
For the love of money
People don't care who they hurt or beat
For the love of money
A woman will sell her precious body
For a small piece of paper it carries a lot of weight
Call it lean, mean, mean green

Almighty dollar

I know money is the root of all evil
Do funny things to some people
Give me a nickel, brother can you spare a dime
Money can drive some people out of their minds

Got to have it, I really need it
How many times have I heard you say
Some people really need it
How many times have I heard you say
Got to have it, I really need it
How many times have I heard you say
Lay down, lay down, a woman will lay down
For the love of money
All for the love of money
Don't let, don't let, don't let money rule you
For the love of money
Money can change people sometimes
Don't let, don't let, don't let money fool you
Money can fool people sometimes
People! Don't let money, dont let money change you,
it will keep on changing, changing up your mind.

I feel nauseated - how many times did you hear the word networking?
networking is a word that means -how many people can one use
to climb the ladder that leads to gold.

there isn't enough money in this world that can heal anyone, this I know.

[paula_w]

Oh boy don't get me started about money. I've never seen such extravagance although we all know it's there. A Frenchman came by to interview the gal from PDF. To make conversation while he waited for her, I asked about where he was from and he quickly said - "Oh I don't have any money, don't ask me for any." Of course I wasn't going to and said I didn't have any either even though people came by to ask. I sent them to FOX lol.

But the purpose of this conference was to get money for various kinds of research...all kinds of research...energy, agriculture, medical - biotech serves so many different things. So in that respect the networking is fantastic.

A few of the people I met, and did so by just sitting at my own booth - they came to us - included a man who claimed his friend had helped to develop the original GDNF now patented by Amgen at a university in Germany, a researcher from the UK who has a drug when taken orally produced growth in the brain that he feels was GDNF and cured PD in rats. In imaging, it looked like the same growth as images of GDNF treatment. He needs funding to go on and had an appt with FOX the next morning. There were several like that - with small molecules needing funding - one from Australia.

A man came up with somewhat of an arrogant attitude at first and asked almost begrudgingly what our organization did. I saw that he was from Solvay, and because I am interested in this clinical trial personally, asked if he was the group that was bringing the Duodopa trial over to the U.S. His demeanor changed immediately and he gave me the same response as the lady at PAN did.....trouble with the FDA getting it here. What a difference in attitude when they discover we can talk about it to them.

This is the new paradigm that we need and are trying to create.

To answer your question Tena, it is all about money, and also all about connections. But you knew that. Michael got a standing ovation for just walking onto the stage. He commands great respect, because he is trying to help Biotechs. PD is in the spotlight this time around. But not that many treatments are in development that are not "me too" drugs.

I'm sure many on this forum already knew everything in this thread. We can bring something to the table that money can't buy.

paula

[CTenaLouise]

Amgen Inc.

Type Public (NASDAQ: AMGN)
Founded 1980
Headquarters Thousand Oaks, California
Key people Kevin W. Sharer, President & CEO
Industry Biotechnology
Products Epogen, Aranesp, Kineret, Enbrel, Neulasta, Neupogen, and Sensipar / Mimpara
Revenue $12.430 Billion USD (2005)
Net income $3.674 Billion USD (2005)
Employees 16,400 (2005)

Website http://www.amgen.com/

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN, SEHK: 4332) is an international biotechnology company headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California. Amgen is the largest independent biotech firm, with approx. 15,000 staff members in 2005. Its products include EPOGEN, ARANESP, ENBREL, Kineret, Neulasta, NEUPOGEN, and Sensipar / Mimpara. EPOGEN and NEUPOGEN (the company's first products on the market) were the two most successful biopharmaceutical products at the time of their respective releases.

BusinessWeek (as cited in "References") ranked Amgen fourth on the S&P 500 for being the most "future-oriented" of those five hundred corporations.[1] BusinessWeek ostensibly calculated the ratio of research and development spending, combined with capital spending, to total outlays; Amgen had the fourth highest ratio, at 506:1000. Amgen is the largest employer in Thousand Oaks and second only to the United States Navy in terms of number of people employed in Ventura County.

Amgen is also a member of the Pennsylvania Bio commerce organization.[2]


History
AMGen Corporate Logo, 1983

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/a/aa/150px-AMGenelogo.jpg


The word AMGen is a portmanteau of the company's original name, Applied Molecular Genetics, which became the official name of the company in 1983
(three years after incorporation and coincident with its initial public offering).

The company's first chief executive officer, from 1980, was George B. Rathmann, followed by Gordon M. Binder in 1988, followed by Kevin W. Sharer in 2000. The company has made at least five major corporate acquisitions.


Acquisition History
1994 - Synergen, Inc.
2000 - Kinetix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2002 - Immunex Corporation
2004 - Tularik, Inc.
2005 - Abgenix, Inc.
2006 - Avidia, Inc.

Amgen GmbH Contact Information
Amgen GmbH
Hanauer Strasse 1
80992 Munich, Germany
Tel. +49-89-14-90-96-0
Fax +49-89-14-90-96-2000
Type: Subsidiary
On the web: http://www.amgen.de


Amgen GmbH speaks the language of biotech geeks, only with a German accent. Amgen GmbH is a German unit of US-based Amgen, the world's largest biotech company. The subsidiary was established in 1989 to help sell and distribute biotechnical therapies for the treatment of such ailments as chemotherapy side effects, chronic kidney failure, and rheumatoid arthritis. Among the group's products are Epogen and Aranesp, for the treatment of anemia in people with chronic kidney disease; Neupogen and Neulasta, to help restore white blood cell counts for cancer patients; and Enbrel, for the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Officers:
Managing Director: Frank Mathias


Competitors:
Chiron
Genmab
Sandoz International GmbH





if Amgen can hurt abunch of sweet PD people, because of money -
they found another way that was better, they should have offered it to them

I do not trust "DRUG LORDS"... :nopity:

[pegleg]

I can't let Paula take all the credit on this one; I was at BIO, also. This was my second year, having attended when it was in Philadelphia in 2005. At that one I was asked to be part of what they call a "media tour," a panel taking live questions from the field. The topic at the 2005 media tour was "stem cells."

Although I didn't take part in the media tour this time, I did get an interview about my experience in clinical trial participation. Parts of the interview will be broadcast on NPR, but I have no idea when.

BIO is a young, fast-growing business and is cutting edge research (gene therapy, biomarkers, diagnostics, etc.) Paula and I went as representatives of the Parkinson Pipeline Project (along with Perry C. who sometimes posts here). And as Paula said, the researchers were coming up to us - wanting help or suggestions for clinical trial recruitment or information on how to include patient advocacy in their programs.

Yes, there were some extravagant events, but that is everywhere when people with big bucks get together (such as a neurosurgical society or the AMA.) But none were so big that they didn't take time to speak to the lowly patient. Why? Because the patient isn't lowly when it comes to product development. Trials must have human testing to move along the pipeline. That makes us an indespensible commodity.

Networking is what it's all about, and we did plenty of that! Mike Fox's keynote speech was perfect! I hope we can post it here soon.

Peggy ;)

[paula_w]

Hey peg, glad you joined us....i'd be happy to share the credit and will let you manage it too for awhile. I'm sleepy. :)

lots happening though, truly

paula