The Hindu Business Line : BIO 2004 begins amid protests

A DAY ahead of the opening of BIO 2004 annual international convention here, the mood among participants is upbeat. Several thousand scientists, corporate representatives and others are converging here by the hour. The number is expected to swell to 17,000 according to some estimate.

The multi-faceted convention will feature nine plenary sessions, more than 150 panel sessions, 1,200 exhibit-hall displays, a business forum with 200 company presentations and 4,000 partnering meetings, a biotech career fair; a series of spectacular receptions at San Francisco landmarks, organisers said.

This year the world's largest biotechnology convention is back to the industry's birthplace. It was here in 1970s that recombinant DNA techniques were perfected, the safety and ethical dilemmas of the then-new technology were worked out, and the first biotech companies opened their doors.

According to Mr Carl B. Feldbaum, President of BIO and Mr Richard F. Pops, Chairman BIO and CEO, Alkermes, till date biotech companies have created 190 new medicines, many for previously untreatable diseases, as well as an array of staple crops that increase yields and lower pesticides use.

Biotech companies are now seeking new ways of making everyday products such as paper and fuel more efficiently with less pollution. The convention will seek to find ways and means of bringing the benefits of the new technology to developing nations.

When such a conference is held, activists representing anti-biotechnology lobby cannot be far behind. Thousands are said to be pouring into the city with plans to demonstrate and vocally oppose the meetings. Anti-biotech demonstrations have already begun and are expected to gather momentum.