Denver Forum Brings "Generations" of Diverse Colorado Bioscience Together

Many of the world's current problems such as creating alternative fuels and treating cancer are being solved by bioscience researchers and companies. The state of Colorado has a thriving bioscience industry, and one of the reasons is the existence of the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA). In addition to working with government and allied businesses, the CBSA also holds the BioWest Mature Company Forum, where CEOs of top companies in the field in Colorado gather to share insights and ideas. According to CBSA, CEO attendees at the event this year, which takes place December 6, 2007, include Bob Conway, Array Biopharma; Greg Baldwin, Baxa Corporation; Jeff Probst, Blue Sun Biodiesel; Chris Smith, Cochlear Americas; and Bob Grieve, Heska Corporation.

As a group, these CEOs represent the diversity of Colorado companies active in the bioscience field, from assisting with hearing loss to creating new sources of transportation fuel. Here are some details on each company:

Array Biopharma

Array BioPharma Inc. is located in Boulder, Colorado and nearby Longmont. They focus on discovering, developing and commercializing "targeted small molecule drugs to treat debilitating and life-threatening diseases." Cancer and inflammatory disease are their areas of specialty, and some of their clinical candidates include drugs to "regulate therapeutically important targets."

Baxa Corporation

Baxa focuses on pharmacy solutions for fluid medications, including preparing, handling, packaging and administration of the medications. Their products help with pharmacy efficiency, patient safety, and operating costs. Baxa is located in Englewood, Colorado.

Blue Sun Biodiesel

Blue Sun specializes in the development of high-grade biodiesel fuel using special low-cost oilseed which is designed to grow in dry areas such as the High Plains of Colorado and nearby states. This helps to address the concerns about corn-based biofuels which consume feed crops and highly valued farmland. Blue Sun has a production and distribution network, connecting with major customers and fuel distributors in the region.

Cochlear Americas

Cochlear's Americas office in Englewood, Colorado provides access to their "innovative cochlear implant and bone-anchored solutions" which are provided worldwide, already benefiting over 120,000 people. The 25 year old company is based in Australia.

Heska Corporation

Heska, based in Loveland, Colorado specializes in filling unmet needs in the advanced canine and feline veterinary market, including "single use, point-of-care tests, vaccines and pharmaceuticals." They also offer diagnostic and monitoring products.

The conference will also include poster presentations of development at area institutions, and speakers from around the country involved in various aspects of the industry including venture capital, national specialty organizations, and industry analysis. The keynote speaker will be "best-selling author & noted management scholar Jim Collins," who will speak on the topic of his best-selling book about companies making the transition "From Good to Great." He will speak and also discuss important topics about company growth with the audience.

"Five Top Colorado Bioscience Company CEOs Present at This Year's BioWest Mature Company Forum", http://www.prleap.com/pr/102892/

"Colorado Bioscience Association", http://www.cobioscience.com