Cutting Edge Japanese Companies to Exhibit at Biotech Convention in Philadelphia

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Jun 1, 2015) - Twenty Japanese companies will exhibit in the Japan Pavilion (Booth 3649) at the 2015 BIO International Convention (BIO 2015), to be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The event is scheduled to run from June 15-18. The Japan Pavilion is organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japanese government's economic development and trade promotion organization.

The annual BIO Convention, organized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, is the largest event for the biotechnology sector. More than 16,000 people from all over the world are expected to attend BIO 2015.

The companies in the Japan Pavilion represent some of Japan's most innovative biotechnology and life science companies. Key technologies to be exhibited at BIO 2015 include new treatments for oncology, pain management, cognitive and neurological disorders; advancements in regenerative medicine; drug discovery tools; and contract manufacturing and R&D. Five companies will be exhibiting in the Japan Pavilion for the first time:

• BioComo Inc., which is developing new technologies to prevent pathogenic infections and malignant tumors
• MicroBiopharm Japan, a drug discovery and manufacturing firm, utilizing proprietary fermentation techonolgy
• Oncolys BioPharma Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology focusing on the drugs to treat HIV, hepatitis C and cancer
• Pharma Foods International, which develops innovative functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals
• Pola Pharma, part of the Pola Orbis Group, which focuses on cosmetic dermatology
  
  

The Japan delegates will also participate in BIO's One-on-One Partnering meetings. The exhibitors are eager to meet new strategic development and distribution partners. The full list of the Japan Pavilion exhibitors is available online at http://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/topics/bio2015.html

During the convention, Hidetaka Nishimura, Director of the Bio-Industry Division at Japan's Ministry of Trade, Economy & Industry (METI) will participate in the Global Innovation Hub Spotlight program. Mr. Nishimura will make a presentation on Japan's efforts to accelerate regenerative medicine. As a part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic revitalization plan, new laws have been enacted to speed the process of development and commercialization for innovative regenerative therapies. The Japanese government is also aggressively increasing funding for stem cell research. Japan's Global Innovation Hub presentation is scheduled for 10:45 AM on Wednesday, June 17 in Room 110AB.

As the world's second-largest life science market, Japan accounts for approximately 10% of global drug and medical device sales. The international accounting firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu valued Japan's pharmaceutical market at approximately $115 billion in 2013; by 2018, it is expected to increase to more than $128 billion.

ABOUT JETRO

JETRO promotes trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. With more than 70 overseas offices and 40 in Japan, JETRO carries out a range of activities, including: facilitating foreign direct investment into Japan; helping Japanese firms maximize their export potential; and promoting Japanese products abroad. In the life science sector, JETRO provides market information and consulting to Japanese companies interested in entering foreign markets and to foreign companies interested in expanding into Japan. JETRO has organized the Japan Pavilion at the BIO Convention since 2003.