Corporate News 2006

MichBio Announces the "Asterand Translational Research Competition" for the Upcoming MichBio Expo 2006

August 28, 2006

Ann Arbor, MI - MichBio today announced the "Asterand Translational Research Competition" as part of its upcoming MichBio Expo event on October 11 and 12 in Grand Rapids, MI. Sponsored by Asterand, this competition is part of the larger effort to promote partnerships and accelerate business development in the life sciences in Michigan as well as develop solutions that target specific needs in pharmaceutical
R & D.

Asterand will grant three Award Recipients Asterand Services of up to the following values: (a) $20,0000 for First Place; (b) $10,000 for Second Place; and (c) $5,000 for Third Place.

Randal Charlton, Chief Executive Officer of Asterand, noted "This competition gives researchers in Michigan the opportunity to gain access to one of the most comprehensive human tissue banks for medical research in the world. Asterand has built this bank with support from the State of Michigan, Wayne State University, MichBio and other members of the Michigan Life Sciences community. This competition is one way of saying thank you to Michigan for helping to make Asterand a Michigan success story." The submission process opened on Monday August 21 and closes on Monday September 25, 2006.

A panel of scientists from various Michigan institutions will review the applications and select up to three award recipients, to be announced on Thursday, October 12 at the MichBio Expo. Complete information on the Asterand Translational Research Competition (eligibility, research areas of interest, application submission details) as well as the terms and conditions are available at www.MichBioExpo.com.

The MichBio Expo is October 11 and 12 at the DeVos Conference Center in Grand Rapids. Agenda details and online registration for the event are available at www.MichBioExpo.com.

About the MichBio Expo
MichBio Expo, a dynamic three-day event for the Michigan Life Science community is being held on October 10, 11 & 12, 2006. The first day, held at the Van Andel Institute and the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, is an invitation-only career day for high school students, which will bring in a range of Life Science professionals to discuss topical issues and career tracks. The second day, located at the DeVos Conference Center will feature tours and a series of educational seminars focused on life science companies. The third day, also located at the DeVos Conference Center, will focus on attracting professionals from across the life sciences spectrum and at every stage of business development. More than just a conference or trade show, it consists of four components: a life science conference covering the latest developments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, government and academia in Michigan; an industry exposition with more than 50 of the area's most exciting life science leaders in finance, research, government, and business; a research business plan competition for early life science companies; and exclusive business development meetings between emerging technology companies and pharmaceutical and medical device industry leaders in a private setting. The MichBio Expo is hosted by MichBio with sponsorship from Pfizer Global Research and Development, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Van Andel Institute, Asterand and Esperion.

About MichBio
MichBio is dedicated to driving life sciences industry growth within the State of Michigan. For new and established biosciences companies, MichBio provides a community focal point by offering networking and educational events, a roster of support services, and a portal to state and national information. MichBio represents biosciences companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers and related organizations. MichBio is focusing on the human resource, funding, and infrastructure issues affecting the state bioscience industry. MichBio is affiliated with BIO, the national organization that represents biotechnology companies across America. The knowledge based economy presents the state of Michigan with unprecedented economic opportunity, the MichBio Expo serves to act as a catalyst in bringing academic and industry leaders together for a briefing on the dynamics shaping life sciences.

Contact information:
Stephen Rapundalo
Tel Tel:734-615-9670