Biotech Opportunities in Emerging Markets - 2014 BIO Updates

Biotech Opportunities in Emerging Markets - 2014 BIO Updates
by Sylvia Norman, PhD, PMP

One of the highlights of the 2014 BIO International Convention in San Diego June 23-26, 2014 will be the forums on Emerging Opportunities in Global Markets. Marketplace Morning Report host David Brancaccio will kick-off the program with an interview of Dr. Trevor Mundel, President of the Global Health Division, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The 3 day program includes half day sessions on China's biotech industry, Russia's pharmaceutical industry and the biotech/pharma landscapes in Brazil & India. Additional sessions on emerging markets in Africa and the Middle East, updates on patent & regulatory policy trends and trade agreements will round out the schedule.

In recent years, economic woes, political turmoil, regulatory compliance issues and allegations of misconduct have seemingly dimmed the once bright prospects of investing in emerging biotech/pharma global markets. Or maybe not. Just last month Sequoia Capital announced a $530 million investment fund intended to benefit healthcare and technology startups in India: India Tech and Healthcare Startups Investment. In April 2014 the formation of the Brazilian Industrial Biotech Association (ABBI) was announced. This new trade association collaborative between Brazil and leading global biotech companies & institutions has the goal of promoting interaction between stakeholders, policy makers and the public to improve Industrial Biotech R&D funding, regulatory policy and patent legislation. Global partnering with China biotech/pharma and recent US facility expansions to other Asian countries is on the increase.

The 2014 BIO convention program on emerging markets and daily International Market Briefings provide a great opportunity to learn the current status of global market biotech/pharma collaborations. The Exhibit Hall International Pavilions and hospitality receptions will provide welcome opportunities to network and explore synergies between businesses. Stay tuned this week as I explore opportunities to bring global collaborations to my business.