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Clinical Biotechnology in Switzerland and Europe
(integrated in the Basel Life Science Week, Biovalley)
Basel, 22.10.2005, Pharmacenter University of Basel
10h30 David Winkler, President of the SMPA, opens the meeting.
Prof. F. Bühler, Basel Life Science Week, Biovalley, congratulates the SMPA to fill the gap between clinical medicine, research and industry. He proposes an international MD-PhD program between Strasbourg, Muhlouse and Basel.
Lukas Jeker, board member of the SMPA and main organizer of the meeting, welcomes all speakers and presents the program.
10h40 Dr. A. Huxley, President of Speedel, presents the company, the main research topics (cardiovascular metabolism, diabetic nephropathy) and the elements responsible of the success of the company.
11h10 Dr. W. Fischli, Co-founder of Actelion, presents the company and the reasons for its implantation in CH, BS. He discussed the factors involved in the company success and presents the main research topics (pulmonary arterial hypertension, sleeping disorders)
12h00 Lunch break
12h45 SMPA business meeting, General Assembly 2005
All board members present, 11 members in toto.
David Winkler, President of the SMPA, opens the assembly and reports on the achievements of the SMPA in 2004-2005 (annual report): GA 2004 in Lausanne, organization of the GA 2005, meeting with the VSAO, article by Y. Banz in the VSAO journal, involvement of the SMPA in the reform of the MD-PhD program
Lukas Jeker, Treasurer, presents the financial report, which is accepted all members present
David Winkler discusses the outlooks for next year: to pursue the relationships with the VSAO/FMH, organisation of the meeting/GA 2006.
Prof. Meier-Abt, President of the central MD-PhD committee at the SAMW presents the modalities of the recent reform of the MD-PhD curriculum. He thanks the SMPA for its input.
Dip. Med = Bachelor med.
Candidate selection based on interview, achievements at high school and first years at university
Lab. rotations in 2 labs for 3-6 months
At least one paper as first author for the promotion.
Separate title: MD and PhD title.
Track 1 (PhD, then clinics), Track 2 (clinics max. 3 years, then PhD)
Labs should undergo an accreditation by the SAMW
2 years of the lab time should be recognized for the FMH title
Lukas Jeker reminds the various difficulties encountered by MD-PhD candidates upon laboratory quality, quality of teaching and coaching. Prof. Meier-Abt proposes to the SMPA to collect claims and present them to the SAMW.
13h15 Dr. G. Strasser, CEO AO Foundation, defines the AO foundation as a not profit worldwide network organisation of more than 5000 clinicians working at identifying clinical issues (treatment of osteoporotic fractures, regeneration of intervertebral disks).
13h50 J. Zürcher, Ernst & Young, as an economist, analyses the differences of biotech. companies in the 90ties and today. Industry statistics, financing trends and geographic disparities are discussed.
14h50 Prof. E. Platzer, HBM Bioventure, presents financing routes and strategies for companies. Private equity, venture capital success rate are discussed. Europe and USA are compared.
15h20 P. Friedli, President of New Venturetec, enumerates and discusses risk factors for companies and elements responsible for lack of success.
16h00 Round table discussion: success factors for Biotech Start-Ups are discussed under the light of previous presentations. Competent and motivated people, powerful technologies, multicultural teams are mentioned.
16h45 Lukas Jeker thanks all speakers for their constructive contribution and the audience for its participation. He closes the meeting by inviting everyone to a farewell drink.