How New Research Technologies Are Changing the Rules of the Game

Dramatic advances in the tools needed to conduct life science research are enabling researchers to undertake studies they could formerly only dream of-the studies that will drive the next wave of advances in science and medicine. In a panel session at the 2009 BIO International Convention next week, individuals on the front lines of this revolution will explore what it takes to develop and successfully commercialize these "disruptive" technologies, as well as the impact they could have on our future health and well-being. The panel, "Transformational Tools. How New Research Technologies Are Changing the Rules of the Game" will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm EDT.

From a user-friendly benchtop flow cytometer with performance similar to systems costing many times more, to microfluidic droplets that serve as tiny test tubes, to a system potentially capable of analyzing the entire human genome for just $100, these technologies have the potential to change the rules of the game, making it possible to bring powerful, fast and affordable new research capabilities within the reach of most scientists. But the development and commercialization of transformative technologies involve daunting technical, financial, regulatory and market hurdles, and many will fail.

This panel includes individuals with first-hand knowledge of the requirements for success-CEOs of three entrepreneurial companies developing revolutionary life science tools, the head of research and development for a global industry leader and an investment banker who specializes in securing the funds needed to bring these innovations from concept to market.

"Advances in such diverse fields as nanotechnology, electronics, microfluidics, semiconductors and informatics are empowering biomedical scientists and engineers to re-imagine how to accomplish the complex and sophisticated analyses at the heart of scientific progress," noted panel moderator Roopom Banerjee, director and head of life science tools & diagnostics investment banking at Leerink Swann. "The radical innovations in life science tools that are resulting from these advances have the potential to help drive the breakthroughs needed to address the challenges of the 21 st century. But creativity alone is not enough, and too many promising new technologies will fall by the wayside. In this highly interactive panel, we will mine the varied experiences of individuals on the front lines of innovation to identify and debate those strategic factors and operational practices most likely to result in technological, market and ultimately, business success."

Panel members include.

• Jennifer Baird, president and CEO of Accuri Cytometers, who will discuss the road to development and commercialization of the Accuri C6 Cytometer® System, which is propelling advanced cell analysis capabilities out of centralized core facilities into the labs of life science researchers everywhere.
• Michael Boyce-Jacino, Ph.D., president and CEO of BioNanomatrix, who will discuss the opportunities and challenges of developing pioneering nanoscale technology designed to greatly increase the utility of genome analysis while dramatically reducing the required time and cost.
• Christopher McNary, president and CEO of RainDance Technologies, who will discuss his company’s innovative and flexible RainStorm™ microdroplet-based solutions that accelerate biomedical research and empower researchers to rethink the way they design experiments and approach discovery.
• Brian Pollok, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, head of global research and development at Life Technologies, who will discuss why this global life science leader is committed to working with start-ups and universities to develop potentially transformative technologies and how they can contribute to the company’s strategic path forward.

The panel, Transformational Tools: How New Research Technologies Are Changing the Rules of the Game will be held on May 20, 2009 from 2:00-3:30 pm EDT at the 2009 BIO International Convention, Georgia World Congress Center (Building B), Room B304.

The 2009 BIO International Convention is being held May 18-21, 2009 in Atlanta. More information can be found at convention.bio.org/.