Scotland Highlights New Partnerships and Cutting-Edge Drug Discovery Research

At this year's conference, Scotland will present a panel on 'The Ubiquitin Story,' a look at an exciting new research area in which Scotland has invested heavily through the $15 million Scottish Institute for Cell Signaling (SCILLS) and the $14 million ITI Life Sciences Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) drug discovery program. Participating in the panel session will be University of Dundee's Sir Philip Cohen, world-renowned biochemist and newly inducted member of the U.S. National Academy of Science, whose leadership developing protein kinases as key drug targets has paved the way for several of the leading oncology therapies available to patients today. Professor Mike Tyers, Director of the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance (SULSA), along with industry experts from around the world, will offer scientific, business and investment perspective on the potential of this area to become the next generation of biopharmaceutical drug targets.

"In these challenging times, Scotland's world-class talent, high-tech infrastructure and commitment to cross-sector collaboration provide a rich and innovative environment for life science investors," said Rhona Allison, Senior Director Life Sciences, Scottish Enterprise.

"Major capital investments such as the new Edinburgh BioQuarter and the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine -- led by Sir Ian Wilmut -- are only a few examples of how Scotland is helping companies quickly and effectively bring novel technologies and products to market."

Earlier this year, Scottish companies and organizations achieved stem cell breakthroughs in synthetic blood and embryonic and iPS (Induced pluripotent stem cells) technology and began stem cell clinical trials for corneal blindness and stroke, further reinforcing Scotland's world-leading position in the use of stem cell-based therapies.

At BIO, government-sponsored innovation fund ITI Life Sciences and stem cell company Cellartis AB will offer insights into the company's new license to produce large volumes of high-quality, ethically-derived human embryonic stem cell lines (hES) and expand Scottish operations. NovaBiotics, one of Scotland's leading biotech companies focused on the design and development of antifungal and antibacterial therapeutics, will also be on hand to discuss the development of its lead product Novexatin(TM), a novel treatment for fungal nail infection.

For further information or interviews with representatives from Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, or Scottish companies attending the show, please contact Emily Hyman at 617-520-7094 or ehyman@webershandwick.com.