Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/29/2008 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation, a world-class nonprofit research organization headquartered in Doylestown, Pa., announces the promotion of Patti McAloon to Accounting Manager.

McAloon will handle accounting for the Hepatitis B Foundation, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research. She will be responsible for general accounting duties such as journal entries, bank reconciliations, cash analysis and monthly closings. McAloon will also perform a range of human resources responsibilities.

"Patti's knowledge and insight have been an invaluable addition to our team since she joined the Foundation," said Hepatitis B Foundation Chief Operating Office, James Horan. "She has made a significant contribution to the Foundation and we look forward to continued growth with Patti in this essential role."

McAloon brings more than 20 years of accounting industry expertise to the Foundation and its affiliates. She was previously employed as an Accounting Supervisor at Peirce-Phelps, Inc. of Philadelphia, one of the largest independent distributors of heating, air conditioning, ventilating, hearth and fireplace and kitchen remodeling products and services.

McAloon received her B.S. in Finance from Villanova University and her MBA in Accounting from St. Joseph's University. McAloon volunteers with Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

She lives with her husband and three children in Buckingham, Pa. In her spare time, McAloon enjoys attending her children's sporting events, reading, traveling and photography.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit http://www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/15/2008 -- James Horan has been named the Chief Operating and Financial Officer of the Hepatitis B Foundation, a world-class nonprofit research organization headquartered in Doylestown, Pa. Horan also serves as COO for the Foundation's affiliate organizations, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research.

"We're pleased to have Jim's strong financial, strategic and operational expertise on the Hepatitis B Foundation team," said Hepatitis B Foundation President, Dr. Timothy Block. "His breadth of financial experience and operations background will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue to grow our worldwide cause and outreach."

Prior to working with the Foundation, Horan co-founded LScan Technologies, Inc., of Conshohocken, Pa., a mobile computing solution provider focused on supplying mobile bar code scanning software, technologies and expertise to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He also held executive positions at Deloitte & Touche and Katz Capital.

Horan exemplifies a dedication to serving his community by sitting on several boards of Philadelphia-area organizations including LScan Technologies, Inc., Chester County Angels, La Salle University, Fieldstone Place Association, Northampton Nursery, LLC, and Northampton Building Solutions.

A Certified Public Accountant, Horan received his B.S. in Finance and Accounting and MBA in Finance from La Salle University where he currently serves as an adjunct professor. He teaches courses on Mergers & Acquisitions, Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management and Financial Statement Analysis. Horan is also an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Association for Corporate Growth – Philadelphia Chapter, the American Accounting Association, the American Management Association and the Association for Financial Professionals.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Horan currently resides in Buckingham, Pa., with his wife and two children. He enjoys spending time in Cape May, N.J., cooking, fishing and watching sports.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit http://www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/31/2008 -- Stimulating discussion about alternative biofuels…Showcasing exciting new initiatives

WHAT: Science and Entrepreneurism in Alternative Energy Technologies Workshop

WHEN: Friday, February 29, 2008
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

WHERE: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center
3805 Old Easton Road
Doylestown PA 18902

MORE DETAILS:

Workshop speakers will include:
David M. Weiss, Co-Founder and Manager, Tornado Recycling
"Technologies "Municipal Solid Waste to Refuse-Derived Fuel"

Bill Gilloum, Ph.D., Vice President, Terracycle
"Green Science"

Ira Pierce, Ph.D., Chairman, and Steve Kammerman, Ph.D., CEO, Green Oil
"Bio Fuels, Bio Lubes and Alternative Petroleum Substitutes"

Tom Richards, Ph.D., Professor, Penn State University
"The Science of Biofuels: Promises and Challenges"

Larry Hepner, M.S., CPSS, Professor Delaware Valley College
"From Wind and Waste to Fuel"

Pennsylvania State Representative Marguerite C. Quinn

Ms. Madeleine Wille, Grants Coordinator for U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Murphy

*A networking reception will follow the workshop

Cost:
$15.00 RBC Members / $25.00 Non-members / Free for Students

Sponsored By:
· Regional Biotech Council of the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research
· Pennsylvania Biotech Center: Bucks County Biotechnology Keystone Innovation Zone
· Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Please register online at http://www.ihvr.org/rbc or email info@ihvr.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

(Hepatitis B Foundation says discovery suggests earlier treatment could benefit patients)

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2008 -- Scientists working at the Hepatitis B Foundation, in partnership with Drexel University College of Medicine, think they may have discovered a reliable alternative to liver biopsy for the early detection of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which afflict more than 5 million Americans. People with hepatitis B and C infections, as well as fatty liver diseases, are at greatest risk for progressing to cirrhosis that can lead to liver cancer.

Successful treatment depends on the early detection of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Currently, detection involves a surgical liver biopsy, which is an unpleasant, expensive procedure and carries some risk. Patients and doctors would prefer tests that are "not invasive" such as a blood test to detect and monitor liver disease.

Lead investigators Drs. Anand Mehta and Timothy Block report in the upcoming Journal of Virology, which appeared online in December 2007 and in print February 2008, their discovery that the blood of most, if not all, people they tested with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, contains high levels of a special antibody that recognizes a carbohydrate sugar commonly found on bacteria. Detection of this antibody in the blood of an affected person correlates very well with a diagnosis of increasing fibrosis and cirrhosis in the new study.

"This is a fascinating discovery and is important because, if confirmed, the test could help us replace liver biopsy as a method for staging liver disease. In addition, it may be teaching us something about how liver disease occurs," said David Thomas, M.D., Chief, Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Working with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Early Detection Research Network, the researchers have been able to test this approach in 300 blood samples from people with liver disease, and can conduct the new test in thousands. Although the test is still experimental and more is needed before it can be used to monitor disease, the discovery is promising.

"If this work is validated, it may offer a new, non-invasive way to test for liver disease, allowing people to either avoid biopsy or to know when they really need one. It also implies that bacteria may have a much bigger role in initiating liver disease than realized, and even lead to new therapies," said Block.

Complications from bacteria in people with cirrhosis are well understood; however, bacteria are not usually seen early in the disease. The significance of this new discovery may suggest earlier treatments with antibiotics could benefit patients with chronic liver disease.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Visit http://www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900 for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

(Hepatitis B Foundation and PA Biotech Center collect 1,067 pounds of food)

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/21/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation and the PA Biotechnology Center, in the spirit of giving, collected 1,067 pounds of non-perishable food items for a local Doylestown food pantry. The 20 day holiday food drive ended December 15 and was organized as a team competition among the 80 plus researchers and professional staff. The five teams competed to collect the widest "per pound" assortment of baby food and diapers, canned meats, pasta, healthy snacks, and much more. The prizes for the most pounds collected were coffee gift certificates and the knowledge that families in need were being helped during this holiday season. Next year, the Hepatitis B Foundation and PA Biotechnology Center hope to compete against another local organization to double the amount collected this year.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, visit http://www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Peggy Farley, Community Relations Manager of the Hepatitis B Foundation, presented a free seminar titled “The ABC’s of Hepatitis” at Doylestown Hospital’s Health and Wellness Center on September 27.

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/22/2007 -- Peggy Farley presented several types of viral hepatitis commonly referred to as A, B and C to attendees of the free seminar at Doylestown Hospital's Health and Wellness Center. She explained the definition of the word "hepatitis" which translates to the inflammation of the liver and provided the participants with an overview of how research, conducted at the Hepatitis B Foundation's headquarters in Bucks County, is making progress toward treatment of the disease.

According to Bruce Uhrich, Ed.D., Doylestown Hospital Learning Coordinator for Health and Wellness, "Ms. Farley addressed a critical topic affecting our community. She guided the participants through the myths and facts regarding hepatitis and answered many audience concerns."

Farley joined the Foundation because of her strong commitment and passion for making a difference in people's lives. "What you do really matters at the end of the day and I want my work to be for the good of all people," said Farley.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Calendar Listing

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/17/2007 -- What: The 7th Annual Regional Biotech Conference – "Biotech Success Stories: What Big And Small Companies Are Looking For"

When: Friday, November 9, 2007 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Where: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center 3805 Old Easton Road Doylestown, PA 18902

Who:
The Regional Biotechnology Council (RBC), which was established in 2000, is sponsored by the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research and the Hepatitis B Foundation. The mission of the Council is to provide a networking environment for biotech entrepreneurs as well as small and emerging biotech companies. The Council provides timely seminars on topics important to start-up biotech companies and valuable networking opportunities through regular meetings. Funded in part by a grant from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania the Council serves the Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia and Bucks Counties.

Cost to register is $100 which includes breakfast and lunch for the day. Register online at www.ihvr.org/rbc.

More

Details:
Speakers and topics featured at the conference include:
· Keynote: Honorable Chuck McIlhinney, Pennsylvania State Senator, 10th Senatorial District
· Mr. James Self, Executive Director, Business Development, Merck Vaccine Division, Merck & Co. – "Importance of Partnering for Big Pharma"
· Dr. Eli Mordechai, President and CEO, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories – "Taking an Idea to a Successful Diagnostic Company in 5 years"
· Dr. Vail P. Garvin, Executive Director, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce
· Mr. Edward L. Erickson, Former Chairman and CEO, Immunicon – "Why Diagnostics is Hot – Opportunities for the Entrepreneur!"
· Dr. Rifat Pamukcu, Founder, Cell Pathways – "Case Study of a Successful Biotech Company"
· Ms. RoseAnn Rosenthal, President, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania

To wrap up the conference, the Regional Biotech Council's award for "Outstanding Achievement in Biotechnology 2007" will be presented to Mr. Paul Raetsch by Dr. Timothy Block, President of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and the Hepatitis B Foundation, and Professor and Director of the Drexel Institute of Biotechnology and Virology Research of Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Mohan Philip, Director of the Regional Biotech Council and Ms. RoseAnn Rosenthal, President and CEO of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Informal tours of the PA Biotech Center will also be provided upon the conclusion of the conference.

For more information on the conference or to register online, visit http://www.ihvr.org/rbc or email info@ihvr.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Hepatitis B Foundation, a world-class nonprofit research organization headquartered in Doylestown, Pa., is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Groft as the Foundation’s new Director of Development.

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/10/2007 -- Groft's primary responsibilities as Director of Development are to provide dynamic leadership for the Foundation's fundraising programs and build the Foundation's base of philanthropic support. She is responsible for all fundraising activities, including annual fund, corporate and Foundation grants, special events and individual major gifts.

According to Dr. Timothy Block, Hepatitis B Foundation President, "Ms. Groft plays a key role at the Hepatitis B Foundation. With more than five years of development and major gifts experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to advance the mission of the Foundation."

Prior to joining the Hepatitis B Foundation, Groft served as Major Gift Officer and Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at York College of Pennsylvania. There she refined, solicited and generated stewardship of individual major gift prospects, building a portfolio of 150 ranked individual prospects. She also managed and developed both existing and new alumni chapters in the northeast region, and organized programs and events bringing York College alumni back to campus.

Groft received a bachelor's degree in public relations and mass communications from York College of Pennsylvania and a graduate certificate in public relations and integrated communications from Towson University in Towson, Maryland. She is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and serves as an executive committee member of the York College Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter.

A Doylestown, Pa., resident, Melanie enjoys traveling and spending time with her with family and friends.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Collaboration Unveils Novel Compounds for the Treatment of Hepatitis C

New Hope, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/10/2007 -- Bucks County's Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research (IHVR) and BioLeap have entered into a collaboration to develop new therapeutic compounds for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Up to 50% of patients treated with current standard therapies do not respond adequately and often suffer serious side effects from the drugs. Thus there is a critical need for new tools to treat this disease. By combining BioLeap's leading edge computational fragment-based design capabilities with the IHVR's extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of viral diseases, the collaboration will result in new classes of lead drug molecules with novel modes-of-action.

Of particular interest to the IHVR is BioLeap's proprietary technology that rapidly calculates the free energies, or affinities of interactions between small molecular fragments of potential drugs and biomolecular structures of the proteins they will target, displaying the distribution and orientation of these fragments. This information provides a unique insight into how small molecules bind into key protein binding sites that cannot be achieved from the static crystal structure alone, or from methods that can only measure the enthalpic properties of binding. In addition to lead discovery, the quantitative free-energy based analysis of protein-drug-fragment interactions adds significant value to the lead optimization process. In combination, this proprietary approach provides chemists and biologists the information they need to assemble, fragment by fragment, a completely new molecule that not only optimally binds to the targeted protein site but also has properties desirable in a drug, including solubility and bioavailability.

Commenting on the collaboration, BioLeap's Gerry Evans, Executive Vice President of BioLeap, noted: "Dr. Tim Block and his team at the IHVR are renowned for their work in this field. We are very excited by the opportunity to focus our combined expertise on this important target."

Dr. Tim Block, president of the IHVR, is enthusiastic about the prospects for this collaboration. "One approach in discovering new treatments is the time and labor intensive process of screening tens or hundreds of thousands of molecules from compound libraries. BioLeap's technology provides a potential shortcut by eliminating the need to screen compound libraries, while significantly broadening the field of chemical diversity. The molecules designed by BioLeap are not limited by what is present in any compound library. This greatly increases our odds of finding a potential drug that precisely targets the hepatitis C virus and that will not easily succumb to viral resistance. Once BioLeap has identified several candidate molecules, our scientists will test their effectiveness on the hepatitis C virus. Based on these results, we will repeat this iterative process until we have found the ideal drug."

About the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research:
Established as the research arm of the Hepatitis B Foundation, the mission of the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research is to use discovery science to find new therapies for viral hepatitis and liver cancer; to advance its research discoveries through traditional scholarship and educational opportunities; to nurture biotechnology through technology transfer and new company formation; and to promote public health outreach programs to improve the quality of life for those with viral hepatitis.

About BioLeap:
Bioleap is a leader in computational fragment-based drug design. The company's proprietary design technology and process successfully addresses one of the biggest problems in preclinical drug discovery: limited chemical diversity of compound libraries. Development collaborations span a broad spectrum of target proteins including: kinases, nuclear hormone receptors, metalloenzymes, and metalloproteases.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Washington, D.C -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/21/2007 -- Earlier this month the Honorable Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives stood on the floor of Congress in Washington, D.C. and recognized the accomplishments of the Hepatitis B Foundation located in Bucks County, PA. In his public statement, Congressman Murphy emphasized the importance of the Foundation's mission.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its founders for their many accomplishments in Hepatitis B advocacy. The Hepatitis B Foundation started in 1991 around a kitchen, as an effort to help a local family suffering from Hepatitis B. Today it is a one-of-a-kind, world-renowned organization.

Over 2 billion people are infected with Hepatitis B world-wide, including 12 million people in the United States. The disease causes liver infections, leads to cancer, and is particularly dangerous for children. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, but safe and reliable vaccines are available, Because Hepatitis B can be prevented and treated, the Foundation has always believed that education is just as important as research.

The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to Hepatitis B education, research, and advocacy. The Foundation's, hotlines and multilingual literature all promote awareness and understanding of Hepatitis B. Partnerships with government officials helped Pennsylvania become one of the first states to require student vaccinations. Madam Speaker, because of the efforts of ongoing Hepatitis education, there are now 47 States that have Hepatitis B vaccine requirements.

Madam Speaker, I would like to individually recognize Founders and Board Members Paul and Janine Witte, Timothy and Joan Block, and Executive Director Molli Conti for their dedication to Hepatitis B awareness and medical achievements. I thank them on behalf of the countless people who have learned and benefited from the Foundation. Their compassion for one family truly became a desire to change the world for the better.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit http://www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Hepatitis B Foundation recently honored three area college students for their special achievements while participating in the Foundation’s Summer College Research Internship Program.

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/18/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation recently honored three area college students for their special achievements while participating in the Foundation's Summer College Research Internship Program.

The Foundation's 2007 College Research Internship Program was comprised of six junior and senior level students with interests in pursuing careers in biomedical research and medicine. The students, competitively selected from national major universities and area colleges, participated in a 10-week internship program. Each intern took part in faculty-supervised research projects as well as other scholarly activities, including attending professional scientific seminars and research discussion groups. Upon completion of the program, each student presented a summary of their research projects in a special symposium for their peers and research faculty. The program, held at the Foundation's Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, was hosted in partnership with the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research (IHVR) and the Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research (DIBVR).

According to Hepatitis B Foundation Academic Advisor, Dr. Pamela Norton, "This unique internship experience allows the students the opportunity to gain a personal perspective on the scientific process: from formulating and testing hypotheses, to working with a faculty advisor in a high tech research laboratory." She added, "Each year this innovative program continues to grow through funding from Merck's West Point Charitable Contributions Committee and other private sources such as the Charles Sigety Family Research Fellowship."

Of the six summer interns, three were honored for special recognition. These students include Cornell University student Nikhil Philip, and Johns Hopkins University student Alex Artaki who were both named 2007 Merck Scholars. Delaware Valley College student Nikki Barnes was named the 2007 Sigety Scholar.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

(Central Bucks School District supports unique research opportunity for students)

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/17/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation piloted a two-week "High School Science Enrichment Program" this summer for talented students interested in gaining hands-on research experience and learning more about biotechnology and public health in the context of hepatitis B and liver cancer. The Central Bucks School District Science Department offered encouragement, support and specific ideas for the Foundation's exciting new initiative.

Each student was paired with a Hepatitis B Foundation scientist and mentor to shadow and conduct well-supervised research projects in an assigned lab. High School student participants for the 2007 program included; Ayusa Sinha, Central Bucks South senior mentored by Nikki Barnes; Felix Lu, Hatboro-Horsham junior mentored by Jason Lamontagne; Matthew Mudalel, Central Bucks South senior mentored by Anny Dougherty, and Sohum Bhatt, Piscataway senior mentored by Ender Simsek, Ph.D.

According to Peggy Farley, Hepatitis B Foundation Community Relations Manager, "One of the Foundation's key priorities is to help build the ranks of future researchers by offering a variety of educational opportunities to attract young people to consider a career in hepatitis research. This year, we selected high school students who were highly motivated and benefited from this research opportunity, which is unique in Bucks County."

In addition to working in the labs, students learned about public health research, enjoyed special guest lectures and attended professional seminars. They were given the resources to learn about the outreach and advocacy initiatives of the Hepatitis B Foundation from the organization's dedicated public health professionals. Each student was also asked to present a summary of their two week experience at the conclusion of the program. Students shared newly learned lab skills, findings of research projects in which they assisted, and a greater appreciation for how research can help reduce the burden of disease in the world.

"My two week experience gave me a more accurate view of how real labs function and how scientists do their work. Much of the knowledge and insight I have acquired here will be very useful for me in college and ultimately in my career choice," said CB South High School student Matt Mudalel.

Based on the enthusiasm of the students during their final presentations to the Hepatitis B Foundation and Central Bucks School District representatives, the pilot summer High School Science Enrichment Program was a huge success. The students were unanimous in their recommendation that the program should continue next year and expand to allow more students to participate in this valuable experience.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

About Central Bucks School District
The Central Bucks School District is a suburban school district located in the heart of Bucks County, with administrative offices in Doylestown, the county seat. The district includes nine municipalities: the Boroughs of Chalfont, Doylestown, and New Britain; and the Townships of Buckingham, Doylestown, New Britain, Plumstead, Warrington, and Warwick. Central Bucks has an area of 122 square miles and a population of over 101,000. The Central Bucks Schools provides all students with the academic and problem solving skills essential for personal development, responsible citizenship, and life long learning.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

House Appropriations Committee Approves $1 Million Budget Increase for CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/02/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation's advocacy efforts to raise hepatitis B as a national health priority has successfully resulted in the House Appropriations Committee's recent approval of a $1 million budget increase for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Viral Hepatitis for 2008. Congressman Mike Honda spoke publicly on July 17 during the first session of the 110th Congress to express his commitment to increased funding for hepatitis B. "The budget for this Division [of Viral Hepatitis] has remained almost flat since fiscal year 2002 and Asian Americans face a near epidemic, with 1 out of 10 infected with chronic hepatitis B. This appropriation begins a long overdue reversal of the inadequate budgets given to this Division," Honda said.

The Hepatitis B Foundation, headquartered in Bucks County, PA, worked closely with Congressman Mike Honda to help educate lawmakers about the importance of making hepatitis B a national health priority since it chronically affects up to two million Americans, and is a leading cause of liver cancer, which is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S.

According to Hepatitis B Foundation Executive Director Molli Conti, "The new budget increase for the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis is a huge advocacy success for the Foundation and its partners, and will help expand urgently needed screening, prevention and education programs to stop the further spread of hepatitis B among Asian Americans and other individuals at risk.

The House Appropriations Committee also included a $750 million increase for the National Institutes of Health 2008 budget that would, if approved, lift a two-year freeze on the average cost of new research grants, support another 545 new and competing research grants over last year, and provide additional funding to help train the next generation of researchers.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Hepatitis B Foundation, announced the promotion of Chari Cohen, MPH, from Program Coordinator to Senior Research Associate in its newly created Public Health Research Department.

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/25/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation, a world-class nonprofit research organization headquartered in Doylestown, Pa., announced the promotion of Chari Cohen, MPH, from Program Coordinator to Senior Research Associate in its newly created Public Health Research Department.

In her new position, Ms. Cohen will help develop public health programs to meet the Foundation's strategic priorities which include determining the true number of Americans living with chronic hepatitis B, raising public awareness about the strong link between liver cancer and hepatitis B, and addressing the growing concerns about HIV co-infections with hepatitis B. She will also publish research papers based on findings from these programs, seek funding opportunities, and partner with health departments and other nonprofit organizations that share in the Foundation's mission of eradicating hepatitis B. A member of the Foundation's staff for more than five years, Cohen successfully obtained significant federal and private grants to support its outreach activities and website development. She will continue to coordinate the valuable email helpline and monthly e-newsletter titled B News You Can Use that she created.

"Chari is a key member of the Foundation's new public health research department, which will complement our comprehensive outreach program," said Molli Conti, Executive Director of the Hepatitis B Foundation. "She is a true asset to our organization and contributes valuable research talent, strong grant writing skills, and a sincere dedication to the global problem of hepatitis B."

Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Cohen was a Teaching Assistant and Assistant Project Coordinator at Temple University where she was responsible for all aspects of course instruction for 75 students per semester. Cohen also worked as a Research Associate with the National Cancer Institute, Pediatric Branch, of the National Institutes of Health. While at the NIH, Cohen performed laboratory research on pediatric cancers such as soft tissue sarcoma, bone cancer and anti-cancer drug taxol which is currently used in the treatment of many cancers.

Currently, Cohen is an adjunct faculty member at Temple University in the Department of Public Health and teaches undergraduate and graduate classes on the topics of human sexuality, public health and public health research program development and grant writing.

Cohen received her bachelor's degree from Lafayette College and master's degree in public health from Temple University. A Newtown, Pa., resident, Cohen enjoys organic gardening, cooking and baking, reading and spending time with her husband and four year old daughter.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/27/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation presented its first-ever Hepatitis B Foundation Science Awards to three graduating students of the Central Bucks School District.

The Hepatitis B Foundation Science Awards have been established for graduating high school seniors who excel in science studies. The awards are offered to three talented high school students in the Central Bucks School District – one student each from Central Bucks West, East and South. These students have demonstrated both the ability and a strong interest in majoring in science at college. Each student receives a $500 award and is eligible to apply for an internship at the Hepatitis B Foundation research institute after completing their first year of college.

Chelsea Dolan of Central Bucks South, Katharine Russell of Central Bucks East and Christine Schultheiss of Central Bucks West were presented with the Foundation's Science Awards on the day of their high school graduation. Chelsea Dolan, a Warrington, Pa. resident plans to attend Moravian College in the fall to pursue a degree in Nursing. Katharine Russell, a Doylestown, Pa. resident, hopes to one day better the lives of others through a profession in the field of science. And Christine Schultheiss, a resident of Doylestown, Pa. and long-standing Honor Society student, aspires to become a doctor.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation

The Hepatitis B Foundation is a world-class nonprofit research organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Doylestown, PA, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Advancing the Science and Medicine of Hepatitis B

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/03/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation held its annual Crystal Ball Gala on Saturday April 28, 2007 at the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. Almost 200 guests and community leaders attended the Foundation's signature fundraising event. The evening was highlighted by a special presentation of its prestigious "Distinguished Scientist Award" to Francis V. Chisari, M.D., Professor and Head of the Division of Experimental Pathology in the Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. He was honored with the Foundation's highest scientific award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the science and medicine of hepatitis B.

Dr. Chisari has been a part of every major advance in the understanding of the immunopathology of hepatitis B since the 1980's. His seminal work in the immuno-pathology of hepatitis B has significantly advanced the current understanding of this serious liver disease and changed the way science thinks about hepatitis. Past recipients of the Foundation's distinguished awards include Nobel Laureate Baruch S. Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus; National Academy of Sciences members Dr. Jesse Summers and Dr. Harvey Alter; Fellow of the Royal Society Dr. Raymond Dwek; and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to recognize the accomplishments and commitment of Dr. Frank Chisari whose work is bringing hope to the 400 million people living with chronic hepatitis B worldwide - a liver disease that infects silently and can progress to fatal cirrhosis and liver cancer," said Timothy M. Block, Ph.D., President of the Hepatitis B Foundation.

Hearing of Dr. Chisari's remarkable contributions to advancing hepatitis B research, the guests were moved to give him a standing ovation. In accepting the award, Dr. Chisari shared he was humbled and appreciative of being honored by the Foundation and would return to his research with new energy in order to live up to the award. He concluded with a reciprocal gesture of appreciation saying, "The Hepatitis B Foundation is making a big impact in the world, and now I understand that a large measure of its success is due to the caring community of friends and supporters who are represented in part by all of you who are here tonight."

Dr. Chisari is internationally renowned for his pioneering work in the host-virus interactions that determine the outcome of viral infections, using the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) as models. He developed the first transgenic mouse models of a human viral pathogen in collaboration with other researchers, and used these models to define the immunological basis of viral hepatitis, whereby he discovered that chronic immune-mediated hepatocellular injury initiates primary liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dr. Chisari is a member of the National Academy of Sciences; was awarded the Ernst Jung Prize in Medicine, the Rous-Whipple Award of the American Society of Investigative Pathology, and the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. He received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Anatomic Pathology.

For more information about the Hepatitis B Foundation and its distinguished honoree Dr. Francis V. Chisari, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. It is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/25/2007 -- Distinguished health and medical experts from the Hepatitis B Foundation in Bucks County, Pa., will participate in a symposium addressing critical issues on the challenges of developing an HIV vaccine and ensuring the eradication of Hepatitis B, on May 10 at the Library of Congress. The Kluge Center is holding the symposium in partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), with support from the Dana Foundation.

The symposium, titled "Combating HIV and Hepatitis B," will coincide with World AIDS Vaccine Day on May 18 and Hepatitis B Awareness Week, May 7-11.

The program will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public.

Although the number of people chronically infected with hepatitis B worldwide (400 million) is not challenged, HBF has suggested that the number of people in the United States who are chronically infected has been significantly underestimated. There is a safe and effective vaccine to immunize people against hepatitis B, but HBF suggests that vaccine-induced "escape mutants" are emerging to threaten current worldwide control strategy.

The development of an HIV vaccine is one of the most important global public health priorities, according to experts. Five million new infections with HIV and three million deaths from AIDS occurred in 2005 alone, with approximately 95 percent of these cases in the developing world.

The symposium was organized by Raymond Dwek, HBF and the University Oxford. Participants from the Hepatitis B Foundation include Timothy M. Block, HBF and Drexel University College of Medicine; Baruch S. Blumberg, HBF and Fox Chase Cancer Center; Molli Conti, HBF; Alison Evans, HBF and Drexel University School of Public Health. Additional participants include: Seth Berkley and Wayne Koff, IAVI; Dennis Burton, Scripps Research Institute; Mary C. Kuhns, Abbott Laboratories; Gary J. Nabel, National Institutes of Health; David Thomas, Johns Hopkins University; Bruce Walker, Harvard Medical School; and John Ward, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The symposium will be cybercast live on the Library's Web site at www.loc.gov. After May 10, it will be featured at http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc.

Through a generous endowment from John W. Kluge, the Library of Congress established the Kluge Center in 2000 to bring together the world's best thinkers to stimulate, energize and distill wisdom from the Library's rich resources and to interact with policymakers in Washington. For more information on fellowships, grants and programs at the Kluge Center, visit www.loc.gov/kluge.

The mission of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is to ensure the development of safe, effective, accessible, preventive AIDS vaccines for use throughout the world. For more information about IAVI, visit www.iavi.org.

The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) is dedicated to finding a cure and works on important state and federal initiatives that advance hepatitis B as an urgent public health priority. For more information about HBF, visit www.hepb.org.

The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation with principal interests in science, health and education. For more information, visit www.dana.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Feature Appearance by CBS 3 Anchor Larry Mendte

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/24/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation will sponsor the May 4, 2007 First Friday Doylestown in support of National Hepatitis Awareness Month for a second year.

The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research mission.

The Foundation's role in First Friday is to educate local community leaders, educators, business owners and residents that one in 20 individuals in the U.S. has been affected by hepatitis B. That means someone you know and love has been touched by the deadly virus. Tim and Joan Block, Co-Founders of the Foundation, will be on hand to speak to members of the public about their work. The Foundation will provide a tent featuring Larry Mendte CBS 3 Anchor; local singer/songwriters; O'Liver, the Hepatitis B Foundation's mascot; a display of local elementary students' artwork; distribution of hepatitis B literature for adults and youth and much more.

It's a joint evening to educate the public and celebrate the arts. Doylestown establishments will stay open late to exhibit artwork from local artists and invite you to enjoy the sounds of local musicians. The event runs from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and is FREE.

Come to the Hepatitis B Foundation Tent (parking lot at Main and Hamilton Streets)
- Opening Duet Alexandra Veltri and Kristina Lewis (Cold Spring Elementary students) 6 pm – 6:30 pm;
- CBS 3's Larry Mendte and O'Liver (photograph opportunity and autograph signing) 7:30 pm – 8:15 pm;
- HelenaMaria (local singer/songwriters) 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm;
- Christy Jefferson (local singer/songwriter) 8 pm – 8:30 pm and 8:50 pm – 9:30 pm

First Friday Doylestown was designed to generate excitement for visiting historic Doylestown, build a greater sense of community and foster a better appreciation for local artists and musicians. Each participating venue will display a First Friday Doylestown flag outside their shops, restaurants or business so that visitors know they are open for business and entertainment. Just follow the yellow-and-black flags around town to discover a new side of Doylestown!

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, please visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce has selected Bucks County scientist and community leader Dr. Timothy Block as its 2007 Lifetime Achievement Humanitarian Award recipient.

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/03/2007 -- The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce has selected Bucks County scientist and community leader Dr. Timothy Block as its 2007 Lifetime Achievement Humanitarian Award recipient. As the co-founder and volunteer president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Dr. Block has touched immeasurable lives locally, nationally and internationally. Through Dr. Block's unparalleled devotion to helping others, individuals and families affected by hepatitis B now have access to resources, support and information that simply did not exist prior to the Foundation's creation. The Foundation also offers hope to those suffering from this deadly liver disease in the form of a new $15 million research center located in Doylestown, Pa.

The Foundation's story began in 1991 when Dr. Block, his wife Joan and their friends Paul and Janine Witte first became aware of the need for a charitable organization dedicated to hepatitis B sufferers. With the help of family and friends and the personal support of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus, the Blocks and Wittes established the Foundation. While its reach is global, its mission is simple: to help find a cure for hepatitis B and to help all those in need. The Foundation, located in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, remains a beacon of hope for the hundreds of millions of people who suffer from chronic hepatitis B.

The Foundation's first official home was the Jefferson Center for Biomedical Research, located on the campus of Delaware Valley College. This was the result of a unique partnership that Dr. Block forged between the Foundation, Jefferson Medical College and Delaware Valley College. In 2004, the Jefferson Center became the Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research, of which Dr. Block still serves as director. Dr. Block joined the Drexel University College of Medicine as a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology that same year.

Most recently, Dr. Block and the Hepatitis B Foundation, in partnership with Delaware Valley College, spearheaded the creation of Bucks County's first biotech center, the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County in Doylestown, Pa. The Center was built to expand the Foundation's research capabilities and accelerate its research mission. The $15 million "PA Biotech Center" is a 62,000-square-foot renovated warehouse that opened its doors in September 2006.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Block has volunteered all of his time as the driving force behind the tremendous growth of the Hepatitis B Foundation, and now the PA Biotech Center. His vision of a world-class research organization rooted in human compassion has propelled the Foundation from a local grassroots effort into a professional organization with a global reach. As a renowned research scientist, Dr. Block has dedicated his formidable talents toward advancing the Foundation's mission of finding a cure and helping to improve the lives of all those affected by hepatitis B through research, education and patient advocacy.

Hepatitis B is the world's most common serious liver infection. It causes approximately one million deaths each year. An estimated two billion people worldwide – which translates into one out of every three individuals – have been infected with hepatitis B. A cure is desperately needed and it is Dr. Block's mission to see that one is found through the work of the Hepatitis B Foundation.

Dr. Block is slated to receive the Chamber of Commerce's Humanitarian Award on April 21 at 7 p.m. The award ceremony will be held at the Spring Mill Country Club in Warminster, Pa.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. It is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research mission. For more information, visit www.hepb.org or call 215.489.4900.

Hepatitis B Foundation
3805 Old Easton Road
Doylestown, PA 18902
(215) 489-4900
http://www.hepb.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Finding a cure for hepatitis B to complete the circle of discovery

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/02/2007 -- The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to announce that Nobel Laureate Baruch Blumberg, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the organization as the first "Hepatitis B Foundation Trustee Distinguished Scholar."

Beginning January 2007, Dr. Blumberg will spend several days a month at the Hepatitis B Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B, meeting with Foundation researchers and public health professionals to help guide them in their valuable work. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Bucks County (Doylestown), Pa., which the Foundation created to accelerate its research progress.

Dr. Blumberg received the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1976 for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus and invention of the first vaccine against hepatitis B. By joining the Hepatitis B Foundation, he has chosen a valuable opportunity to contribute to the completion of his circle of discovery - finding a cure for hepatitis B.

"I greatly admire the Hepatitis B Foundation and its mission. It is a world-class research organization with one of the largest concentrations of scientists working on the problem of hepatitis B. This is an exciting time for hepatitis B research and I embrace the Foundation's goal of eradicating the disease," said Dr. Blumberg.

Dr. Blumberg has been involved with the Hepatitis B Foundation since the very beginning when Foundation Co-founder Dr. Timothy Block first visited him in 1991 to complete a sabbatical research fellowship with him while Dr. Blumberg was Master of Balliol College at the University of Oxford. During the past 15 years, Dr. Blumberg has served on the Foundation's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and has been an important ally in supporting its international research and public health priorities.

The past eight years of Dr. Blumberg's professional life, however, turned from the human body to astro-bodies. He was asked to serve as the first director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Astrobiology Institute at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, and later as senior advisor to the administrator of Biology at NASA in Washington, D.C. He also serves as the Senior Advisor to the President of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

To advance its mission, the Hepatitis B Foundation has identified three major priorities for the next several years: to ensure that every American with chronic hepatitis B is counted so that appropriate public health attention and funding is provided to improve the care and treatment of those affected; to make the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer clearer in the minds of policy makers and the general public to increase early screening and treatment options for this devastating consequence of chronic hepatitis B infections; and to promote a better understanding of the risks and care of hepatitis B co-infections with other diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

"Working with Dr. Blumberg is a privilege and an honor," said Dr. Timothy Block, Foundation President. "He is a scientist with extraordinary vision and commitment to the problem of hepatitis B and his presence will inspire and guide the Foundation as it seeks to fulfill its mission." The Hepatitis B Foundation is excited to have Dr. Blumberg's professional attention return to hepatitis B as its "Distinguished Scholar."

About the Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected with hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. The Foundation is located in the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, which it created to accelerate its research progress. For more information, visit www.hepb.org or call (215) 489-4900.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/17/2006 -- More than 100 business leaders in the region attended the Regional Biotech Council annual conference on October 13, 2006 to hear James C. Greenwood, President and CEO of Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), give the keynote address – "The Biotechnology Century". The conference was sponsored by the Regional Biotechnology Council (RBC), which is a program of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, and was held at the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County in Doylestown, Pa.

Pennsylvania State Senator Joe Conti, co-host of the conference, highlighted the state's long history of supporting economic initiatives. "Today, [Pennsylvania] is really taking the lead in promoting biotech entrepreneurship and Governor Ed Rendell has already committed $3 billion for economic revitalization," he said. "Now the challenge is to make sure we can bring the state programs back to the county, closer to you to make sure the programs are successful."

Former Congressman Greenwood addressed how biotechnology is making enormous contributions to health care. "Biotechnology is the most transformational human endeavor that promises the greatest good," he said. "Currently we spend $1.3 trillion on health care, but we need to focus on innovation at the biotech level to maximize this investment. The biotechnology century is all about wrestling with disease at the molecular level because the promise of biotechnology is that diseases can now be prevented and eliminated, not just treated."

Greenwood was honored as the 2006 recipient of the RBC's "Outstanding Achievement in Biotechnology Service" award. It was presented by Dr. Timothy Block, President, Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, and Professor, Drexel University; RoseAnn Rosenthal, President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania; and Dr. Mohan Philip, Director, Regional Biotech Council, and Co-Founder, Immunotope. As head of BIO, the nation's leading biotechnology advocacy organization, Greenwood represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 31 other nations.

In accepting the award, Greenwood joked that as a Congressman he had received many awards, but in his new role as President of BIO, the Regional Biotech Council award was his first from the biotech community. He concluded by thanking all of the biotech leaders in the room, and the RBC, for being part of the vanguard of the future since "Biotech will make the most significant contribution in the betterment of humankind."

Additional speakers at the conference included Dr. Kenneth Blank, Vice Provost for Research, Drexel University, who spoke about "The Spin Cycle: How Drexel Spins Off Successful Companies"; and Marvin Woodall, Chairman, Prescient Medical, who spoke about "Attacking the Terrorists of the Heart", which highlighted the company's new medical device – a coronary stent.

A special guest speaker was Pennsylvania State Senator Robert Wonderling, 24th Senate District, who is chair of the Life Science Caucus that addresses the biotechnology and life science industry. "Biotech represents the fastest growing economic sector in the state," he said. Wonderling also affirmed his strong commitment to the state's continued investment in biotech entrepreneurship. He encouraged the audience to dream big saying, "If you can dream it, you can plan it. If you can plan it, you can do it."

About the Regional Biotechnology Council
The Regional Biotech Council is sponsored by the Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, and funded in part by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Currently, the council has an active membership of almost 500 individuals, and some 95 biotech and related companies in the five surrounding counties. It seeks to provide a networking environment for young and emerging biotech and related businesses, to help them establish and maintain their businesses, and to leverage their technologies. For more information, visit www.rbccb.org.

About The Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through a comprehensive program of research, education, and patient advocacy. The organization is committed to raising funds for focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of hepatitis B information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public. Visit the Hepatitis B Foundation at www.hepb.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Doylestown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/17/2006 -- More than 100 business leaders in the region attended the Regional Biotech Council annual conference on October 13, 2006 to hear James C. Greenwood, President and CEO of Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), give the keynote address – "The Biotechnology Century". The conference was sponsored by the Regional Biotechnology Council (RBC), which is a program of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, and was held at the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County in Doylestown, Pa.

Pennsylvania State Senator Joe Conti, co-host of the conference, highlighted the state's long history of supporting economic initiatives. "Today, [Pennsylvania] is really taking the lead in promoting biotech entrepreneurship and Governor Ed Rendell has already committed $3 billion for economic revitalization," he said. "Now the challenge is to make sure we can bring the state programs back to the county, closer to you to make sure the programs are successful."

Former Congressman Greenwood addressed how biotechnology is making enormous contributions to health care. "Biotechnology is the most transformational human endeavor that promises the greatest good," he said. "Currently we spend $1.3 trillion on health care, but we need to focus on innovation at the biotech level to maximize this investment. The biotechnology century is all about wrestling with disease at the molecular level because the promise of biotechnology is that diseases can now be prevented and eliminated, not just treated."

Greenwood was honored as the 2006 recipient of the RBC's "Outstanding Achievement in Biotechnology Service" award. It was presented by Dr. Timothy Block, President, Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, and Professor, Drexel University; RoseAnn Rosenthal, President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania; and Dr. Mohan Philip, Director, Regional Biotech Council, and Co-Founder, Immunotope. As head of BIO, the nation's leading biotechnology advocacy organization, Greenwood represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 31 other nations.

In accepting the award, Greenwood joked that as a Congressman he had received many awards, but in his new role as President of BIO, the Regional Biotech Council award was his first from the biotech community. He concluded by thanking all of the biotech leaders in the room, and the RBC, for being part of the vanguard of the future since "Biotech will make the most significant contribution in the betterment of humankind."

Additional speakers at the conference included Dr. Kenneth Blank, Vice Provost for Research, Drexel University, who spoke about "The Spin Cycle: How Drexel Spins Off Successful Companies"; and Marvin Woodall, Chairman, Prescient Medical, who spoke about "Attacking the Terrorists of the Heart", which highlighted the company's new medical device – a coronary stent.

A special guest speaker was Pennsylvania State Senator Robert Wonderling, 24th Senate District, who is chair of the Life Science Caucus that addresses the biotechnology and life science industry. "Biotech represents the fastest growing economic sector in the state," he said. Wonderling also affirmed his strong commitment to the state's continued investment in biotech entrepreneurship. He encouraged the audience to dream big saying, "If you can dream it, you can plan it. If you can plan it, you can do it."

About the Regional Biotechnology Council

The Regional Biotech Council is sponsored by the Hepatitis B Foundation and its research affiliate, the Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, and funded in part by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Currently, the council has an active membership of almost 500 individuals, and some 95 biotech and related companies in the five surrounding counties. It seeks to provide a networking environment for young and emerging biotech and related businesses, to help them establish and maintain their businesses, and to leverage their technologies. For more information, visit www.rbccb.org.

About The Hepatitis B Foundation

The Hepatitis B Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through a comprehensive program of research, education, and patient advocacy. The organization is committed to raising funds for focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of hepatitis B information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public. Visit the Hepatitis B Foundation at www.hepb.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm