Business Development and Support Division

HONOLULU— For the sixth consecutive year, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) is promoting Hawaii’s leading life science companies and research organizations at the annual BIO International Convention, the largest global event for the life sciences industry. The event will be held this year June 19 – 22, 2017 at the Convention Center in San Diego.

Prior to the start of the convention DBEDT has been encouraging Hawaii life science companies to connect with BIO participants for one-on-one partnering discussions on potential joint research, licensing and investment opportunities. The consistent presence of the Hawaii Life Sciences pavilion at BIO International will encourage other BIO International participants to engage in discussions with attending Hawaii companies.

The convention is organized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (www.bio.org/), which represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations.

“BIO International presents an opportunity for Hawaii’s life science companies to sell to the world,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “As with other industries, where we promote exports of products unique to Hawaii, our life science companies and research organizations are developing solutions here in Hawaii for the global market. From vaccines for the Zika and West Nile virus, to microtags for product authentication, Hawaii companies have tremendous value, while also growing our educational base.”

At last year’s BIO International, five Hawaii companies reported projected sales of more than $7 million. A sampling of Hawaii companies to be showcased in the Hawaii pavilion at this year’s Convention include:

• Hawaii Biotech, Inc.  – Vaccine candidates in clinical or pre-clinical development targeting: Zika virus, West Nile virus, Tick bore flaviviruses, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Chikungunya virus
• CyThera Pharmaceuticals – Drug development by repositioning FDA-approved compounds for new therapeutic indications in Autoimmune Disease and Cancer
• TruTag Technologies – Instant machine-readable microtags for product authentication
• Scorpio-V: a Division of HNu-Photonics – Automated microfluidics and imaging platforms for cell biology, tissue and physical science microscopy investigations onboard the International Space Station
• Edge-3D – 3D light microscope with the flexibility and multiple features of a universal microscope
• SmarTummy – Programmable abdominal manikin simulating abdominal conditions for use in research and teaching in medical schools

More information on the life sciences industry in Hawaii can be found at:  invest.hawaii.gov/exporting/life-sciences-industry-in-hawaii/.

Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, the Hawaii Pavilion at BIO International is part of a series of initiatives DBEDT has undertaken to increase the export of Hawaii’s products.