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NEWS RELEASE

04-07-04

Contacts:
Manjit Misra, Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified
Agricultural Products, (515) 294-6821
Teddi Barron, News Service, (515) 294-4778

ISU SYMPOSIUM WILL TACKLE BIOPHARMING ISSUES,
APRIL 22

AMES, Iowa -- Growing genetically modified corn for pharmaceuticals or industrial products could provide producers with new economic options. Before that can happen, however, the risks must be more clearly understood.

An Iowa State University symposium will bring together scientists, regulators, producers and industry representatives to present updates related to the risk assessment of corn-produced pharmaceuticals and industrials.

The symposium, "Corn-Produced Pharmaceuticals and Industrials," will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 22, at the Comfort Suites Hotel, 2609 Elwood Drive, Ames.

The symposium is the inaugural public event of Iowa State's Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP). The institute is developing tools and methodologies for independent and science-based risk/benefit assessment of genetically modified agricultural products. BIGMAP researchers also will develop strategies for mitigating the risks and communicate the results of these activities to key regulatory agencies and public policymakers to safeguard consumers and the environment.

"Science-based risk assessment is the key for safe use of agriculture biotechnology," said Manjit Misra, director of BIGMAP. "Plant and animal biotechnology have the potential to feed and heal the world, but must be managed to safeguard the food supply and the environment."

Symposium speakers will include Julio Baez, FibroGen Inc., San Francisco, who will give a presentation on "State of the Science: Role of Transgenic Technology in the Biosynthesis of Biopharmaceuticals and Industrial Protein." Dominique Mison, Meristem Therapeutics, Clermont-Ferrand, France, will present "Production of Recombinant Proteins in Transgenic Corn: Overcoming Challenges of Technology and Safety Assessment.

Members of the BIGMAP research team that is developing a science-based risk assessment model for genetically modified agricultural products will present a progress report. Jeff Wolt, ISU professor of agronomy and plant biotechnology risk analyst, will talk about "Proposals for the Use of Process Maps." Dermot Hayes, ISU Pioneer Chair in Agribusiness, will present "Economic Cost Associated with Pollen Flow from Transgenic Crops." Bob Peterson, a risk assessment professor at Montana State University-Bozeman, which is a BIGMAP partner, will discuss "Concepts for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment."

Other speakers include Keith Webber, Food and Drug Administration; Neil Hoffman, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Jim Bair, North American Millers Association; and Mike Phillips, Biotechnology Industry Organization.

The symposium luncheon will feature an inaugural celebration of BIGMAP, including remarks by Gregory Geoffroy, ISU president; Catherine Woteki, agriculture dean; and Misra. A wine and cheese reception will follow the symposium at 5 p.m.

The symposium is open to the public. The registration fee is $100. For ISU faculty and staff, the fee is $50 with lunch, or free without lunch. Full time students can register for $25, which includes lunch, or free without lunch. The deadline for registration is April 16, and space is limited. Registration can be made online at http://www.bigmap.iastate.edu/, or by contacting University Conference Services, (515) 294-3597, or confreg@iastate.edu.

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Note to Editors: Reporters are invited to attend. Please contact Teddi Barron, (515) 294-4778, tbarron@iastate.edu, by April 16, if you will attend.