Governor Blunt's Delegation to Promote Missouri's Biotechnology Sector at BIO 2008 International Convention

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 17, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITYGov. Matt Blunts special delegation of businesses, local and state economic development agencies and associations will be advocating for the continued growth of biotechnology research and job creation at the BIO 2008 International Convention, June 17-20 in San Diego.

"In a short period of time, Missouri has taken great steps to earn recognition as a state that is built for biotechnology with outstanding research facilities and innovative companies," Gov. Blunt said. "This is a great opportunity to showcase the many advantages and resources Missouri has for those involved in this growing field."

Gov. Blunt has made it a top priority of making Missouri a leader in the biotechnology field with an unparalleled commitment to first-class research facilities such as the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis; strong universities such as the University of Missouri system, St. Louis University and Washington University; a large and talented scientific pool; globally leading companies and excellent state support networks to promote the continued development of the life sciences in Missouri.

The following facts showcase Gov. Blunts and Missouris commitment to this important field:

 1,040 life science businesses in Missouri in 2007

 31,812 life science jobs in 2007,

 A 17 percent increase in biotechnology jobs in the state since 2002

 Missouri ranks No. 2 in plant genomics funding from the National Sciences Foundation; No. 5 in total life science funding

 Total research and development performed in Missouri in 2002 totaled over $2.4 billion dollars

 The National Institute of Health awarded Missouri more than $473 million through 1,206 grants in 2007

The Blunt administration continues to actively seek new research and job creation opportunities in an economic sector with outstanding growth potential for the future.

In 2007, Missouris General Assembly approved the $13.4 million funding of the Missouri Life Sciences Research Trust Fund to enhance research capacity and transform research into commercial life science technology. In conjunction with Missouris universities and industry, $10.5 million was awarded for research grants and $2.6 million for commercialization grants.

In 2008, the Missouri General Assembly passed legislation which will appropriate $13.4 million to the Missouri Life Sciences Trust Fund. The funding will support research that will focus on agriculture research, animal science, plant science, medical devices, biomaterials and composite research, nanotechnology related to drug development and delivery, diagnostics, clinical imaging, and information technology related to human health.

BIO 2008 is sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), a nonprofit association that represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, state and international affiliates, and related organizations. The four-day annual biotechnology showcase serves to educate the public and policymakers about biotechnology, while fostering partnering meetings and other business development activities that keep the industry growing.