Congresswoman Dingell Honored as Innovator in Biotechnology

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell was recognized today by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) for her leadership as an Innovator in Biotechnology. Congresswoman Dingell received the award in conjunction with today’s BIO Legislative Day Fly-In.

BIO’s Innovator in Biotechnology award recognizes Members of Congress who have been collaborative partners, advocates, and champions of the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

“The life sciences industry in Michigan provides jobs for over 40,000 people. Congresswoman Dingell has been an invaluable advocate for the biotechnology community – both in Michigan’s 12th District and the nation at large,” said Stephen Rapundalo, PhD and President & CEO of the Michigan Bioscience Industry Association - MichBio. “On behalf of the Michigan life science industry, we thank her for outstanding leadership and dedication to supporting the innovative capacity and job-creating potential of American life science companies.”

“Congresswoman Dingell has been a stalwart advocate for sound public policies that advance the jobs creating potential of America’s biotechnology industry as we address the most pressing medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental challenges facing our nation and the world,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “Her commitment to support the needs of America’s innovative life science companies allows them to focus on what matters – delivering life-saving and life-enhancing products.”

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from over 40 states, representing hundreds of thousands of American workers, will participate in hundreds of meetings with Members of the House and Senate during the BIO Legislative Day Fly-In. Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry, including drug development, discovery and delivery reforms, targeting abuses of the U.S. patent system while protecting innovation, providing adequate reimbursement for vital therapies under Medicare, FDA funding, trade, tax policy, Farm Bill Implementation, protecting the Renewable Fuel Standard and capital formation issues relevant to biotechnology companies.

For more information on MichBio visit www.michbio.org.

For more information on BIO visit www.bio.org.

Michigan Biosciences Industry Association (MichBio) is the recognized voice as well as the foremost source of information, advocacy and resources in Michigan for the biosciences industry.

Photos of the award presentation are available upon request.