Agenda

North Carolina has smartly addressed biotechnology and life science over the years with a combination of resources and good thinking, in particular about new or unfolding future opportunities. Natural biotechnology is clearly among such opportunities. A new term and way of thinking, it brings biotechnology to the established and increasingly important world of plant-based natural products. Better understanding of the characteristics, active agents, agronomic requirements, and outcomes of utilized plants can benefit growing, personal and societal benefits, and economic return. The extraordinary and barely explored biodiversity of Western North Carolina can trigger national and international leadership in this emerging sector.

Convener

• George Briggs, Executive Director, North Carolina Arboretum

Speakers

• Greg Cumberford, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Gaia Herbs, Inc.
• Cheryl McMurry, Director, Western Office, North Carolina Biotechnology Center
• Nick Oberlies, Ph.D., Director, Natural Products Laboratory, Research Triangle Institute
• David Ohashi, Ph.D., Duplin Winery and Lead Resveratrol Developer
• Cedric Pearce, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Mycosynhetix, Inc.
• Jeffrey Schmitt, Ph.D., Acting Research Director, International Institute for Natural Biotechnology and Integrative Medicine

North Carolinians use 5.6 billion gallons of liquid transportation fuels annually – all of which is produced elsewhere and yields economic return elsewhere, except for a very small amount of locally produced biodiesel. Gaining 10% of those liquid fuels from biofuels grown and produced internally by 2017 is now a State goal, catalyzed by the recently released North Carolina's Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership. Meeting this goal effectively merges agricultural, technological, consumer, rural, and economic imperatives. Meeting it will also be dependent upon application of biotechnology, requisite for better utilization of existing feed stocks, for development of crops barely explored today, and for development of industrial enzymes and processes for efficient conversion of cellulosic materials.

Conveners

• Steven Burke, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, North Carolina Biotechnology Center
• The Honorable Norris Tolson, Secretary of Revenue, State of North Carolina

Speakers

• Lyle Estill, Vice President, Piedmont Biofuels
• Steve Kelley, Ph.D., Chair, Dept. of Wood and Paper Science, North Carolina State University
• Thomas Nagy, President, Novozymes North America, Inc.
• Ivan Urlaub, Executive Director, North Carlina Sustainable Energy Association

Often times, early stage companies or academic institutions struggle to secure conventional venture capital financing in order to advance preclinical-stage compounds that are more than a year away from human testing. Come hear several panelists describe alternative approaches for supporting further development and adding value to preclinical assets using non-traditional funding mechanisms.

Moderator

• Michael Recny, Ph.D.

Speakers

• Joel Eisner, Ph.D., Associate Principal, Cato BioVentures
• Garheng Kong, M.D., Ph.D., Partner, Intersouth Partners
• Steve Tregay, Ph.D., Managing Director, Novartis Option Fund
• Roger Nolan, Director, Project Operations, Calvert Research Institute

Stem Cells— totipetent, pluripotent, mutipotent, unipotent, embryonic, amniotic, placenta, cord blood, bone marrow, fat, skin...confused yet? You are not alone. Stem cells have revolutionized how scientists think about biology and have opened the door to new research venues and numerous potential therapies never before thought possible. With this novel field advancing rapidly, new challenges are becoming obvious. Cell sourcing, expansion, characterization, production, delivery and viability are just some of the issues that are being addressed. In addition, the ethical debate continues to permeate this area scientifically, in the public arena, and in government. Stem cells and biotechnology— where are we headed? A distinguished panel of scientists, biotechnology experts, and ethicists has agreed to participate in what promises to be a dynamic and informative session.

Speakers

• Andrew Balber, Ph.D., Vice President, Preclinical Development, Aldagen
• Scott Burger, MD, Principal, Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy
• Mark Furth, Ph.D. , Technical Development Officer, Wake Forest University Institute for Regenerative Medicine
• Jonathan Moreno, Ph.D., Professor of Medical Ethics, University of Pennsylvania
• Sharon Presnell, Ph.D., Vice President for Regenerative Medicine and Biology, Tengion, Inc.