Governor Blunt's Legislative Delegation Makes Strongest Showing at International Biotechnology Convention

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 18, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITYGov. Matt Blunts special delegation of businesses, local and state economic development agencies and associations includes the largest legislative delegation from any single state working to advocate for the continued growth of biotechnology research and job creation. Gov. Blunt had planned to attend the convention but cancelled his plans so he could be in Missouri for the states response to the flood emergency. The legislative delegation representing Missouris interests at the BIO 2008 International Convention in San Diego is larger than even the host states delegation.

"The strength and size of our delegation reflects the strength and opportunity inherent in Missouris biotechnology sector," Gov. Blunt said. "We have introduced economic change and drivers that have turned our states economy around, attracted tens of thousands of new jobs and taken critical steps to demonstrate that Missouri is built for biotechnology."

Gov. Blunt has worked to make Missouri a leader in biotechnology. He has demonstrated 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 biotechnology in Missouri.

Under the governors leadership the state boasts:

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



The governor and state leaders continue 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.