NanoKTN to Host Discussion at BIO 2010 to Look at Challenges of Engineering in Biology for Regenerative Medicine

Issues of an aging population are global and new products in regenerative medicine are needed to help solve these. Many countries are investing heavily in stem cell research and regenerative medicine but the final step of commercialisation still eludes industry.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine hold promise to solve some of the major unmet medical needs faced by healthcare professions today, especially in terms of the major issues of the aging population. Two research areas of particular importance are the development of conditions for robust and reliable cell growth, and the development of nano-structured materials that are biocompatible and integrate with both the host and donor cells.

The workshop will cover the challenges faced in integrating the two discipline of biology and material science to produce the tissue engineered products that have been envisioned for the past 10 years. The panel will also address the business models that companies will need to adopt in order to successfully commercialise these products, as the current pharmaceutical industry model will not work. Delegates will also gain an appreciation of how complex regenerative medicine is from a product development perspective.

“The multidisciplinary nature of science has created an exciting research environment but has delayed product development,” explains Dr Mike Fisher. “The topic is timely as products are now beginning to be demonstrated in the clinic, yet the technical, commercial and regulatory challenges are still not fully understood. This session will impart the latest knowledge in this field and help bring together the companies and researchers to address the challenges.”

The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offering key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends in the industry today

The event features keynotes and sessions from key policymakers, scientists, CEOs, and celebrities. This year’s plenary sessions include a debate between Presidents George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, and a plenary by Regina Benjamin, US Surgeon General. For more information on BIO 2010 visit http://convention.bio.org/