Thursday, November 13, 2008

Paula Newton to chair the nascent New England Biotech Association

New England Biotech Association (NEBA), an umbrella biotech organization comprised of state biotech associations, companies and academic institutions with an aim to support and grow the biotech industry in the six-state region, was formed today and held its first meeting in Cambridge.

Paula Newton, president of the New Hampshire Bio/Medical Council, was tapped to serve as chairman.

Newton is a market analyst for the New Hampshire Office of International Commerce of Portsmouth, assisting companies seeking international trade opportunities, export logistics and documentation issues. Prior to 1997, she worked as a researcher at Millipore Corp., based in Billerica.

NEBA will provide a regional policy and public affairs voice for biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries to ensure New England remains a global leader in biotechnology and life sciences, the group said in a statement.
 
On behalf of 600 members from the six states, NEBA plans to educate policy makers, the media and the public about the biotech industry; promote public policies that foster innovation; encourage economic development in the biotech sector; and advocate continued patient access to breakthrough medicines.
 
NEBA members include the Biotech Association of Maine, Connecticut United for Research Excellence, New Hampshire Bio/Medical Council, Rhode Island BioGroup, Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Massachusetts High Technology Council, as well as the Biotech Association of Vermont, now in formation.