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EuropaBio Congratulates The 2008 Winners Of The Nobel Prize For Medicine
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009 (GST)
EuropaBio, the biotech industry association wishes to congratulate the winners of this year's Nobel Prize for Medicine.
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The 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine has been awarded one half to Dr. Harald zur Hausen and one half jointly to Dr. Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Dr. Luc Montagnier. This year's Nobel Prize for Medicine recognizes the discovery of the human papilloma viruses (HPV) causing cervical cancer and the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus causing AIDS.
Dr. zur Hausen's discovery of the HPV viruses has led to the development of preventive vaccines against some forms of cervical cancer. Dr. Barre-Sinoussi's and Dr. Montagnier's discovery of the HIV virus in 1983 led to the emergence of antiretroviral treatments that help to prolong the life of patients.
EuropaBio recognizes the excellence of these European scientists and calls for continued support of research for the development of novel and innovative products and treatments that improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Biotechnology is a significant part of this healthcare story - today biotech medicines are estimated to account for approximately 20% of all marketed medicines and represent 50% of all medicines in the pipeline.
EuropaBio congratulates Dr. zur Hausen, Dr. Barre-Sinoussi and Dr. Luc Montagnier on their ground breaking discoveries which are leading to more effective treatments for patients around the world. "We ask European policy makers to increase their support to biotech SMEs and academia as they develop innovative medical treatments. This support should also include policies to lessen the 'brain drain' which continues to hamper our efforts to develop world class medicines" said Willy De Greef, EuropaBio's Secretary General.
EuropaBio
EuropaBio is the European Association for Bioindustries, solely and uniquely bringing together bioscience companies from all fields of research and development, testing, manufacturing and distribution of biotechnology products. It has 79 corporate and 5 associated members, 5 BioRegions and 25 national biotechnology associations representing some 1800 small and medium sized enterprises involved in research.
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