Regional biotech on the world map

The Australian-New Zealand Biotech Alliance (ANZBA), in partnership with Invest Australia, has launched a web-based directory to promote the fast-growing regional biotechnology industry to the global market.

The directory will help global companies access local companies engaged in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

The Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, said it would ensure a broader knowledge of the region's biotech capabilities.

"Australia and New Zealand both offer a world-class, competitive location for conducting clinical trials and world-leading research," Brumby said.

The directory will include more than 700 participants, ranging from pre-clinical services to clinical trial stock manufacturers, along with a disease and demographic overview of the two countries.

Recent figures show that Australia and New Zealand provide 2% of global medical research publication output and 3% of world pharmaceutical sales, but only 1% of early pharmaceutical and biotech development.

The online directory is available at www.biotechalliance.org.