BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague, September 5, 2024 – One of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies, Bristol Myers Squibb, is joining Prague.bio, an association focused on advancing the biotechnology sector in the Czech Republic. Through its membership, Bristol Myers Squibb aims to support the promising ideas from Czech scientific institutions. Globally, the company focuses on cardiology, neurology, gene therapy, and innovations in cancer research, particularly immunotherapy.
“At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe in the power of science to address some of the toughest challenges of our time in diagnostics, treatment, and patient care for serious illnesses. Our focus on these unmet needs comes at a remarkable time when unprecedented scientific breakthroughs are elevating disease treatment to new levels in human history. We are pleased that our partnership and support of Prague.bio is a concrete example of this commitment in the Czech Republic,” emphasized Karin Bacmaňáková, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb in the Czech Republic.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) annually invests 20% of its revenue, equivalent to $9 billion, into research and innovation. The company also has a global scouting department that seeks out promising companies and biotech startups for potential investment or knowledge expansion. In addition to its commercial representation in the Czech Republic, BMS also operates a clinical trials division.
“The goal of Prague.bio is not only to raise the visibility of the Czech biotech ecosystem globally but also to connect science, innovative technologies, and business. Our collaboration with BMS is an exciting opportunity for Czech scientific teams and companies. After all, every scientific institution within Prague.bio is engaged in immunotherapy research,” said Petra Kinzlová, CEO of Prague.bio.
BMS Joins Prague.bio Conference 2024
The world’s seventh-largest biopharmaceutical company has also become the General Partner of the Prague.bio Conference 2024, which the association is hosting on September 24, 2024, at Slovanský dům in Prague. This year’s second edition of the prestigious industry event will welcome over 30 ambitious Central European tech startups and R&D teams, connecting them with leading investors and key industry players. The event will feature experts in innovation, investment, and technology transfer, with participants from Central Europe, Silicon Valley, and the University of Oxford.
Bartek Madej, Director of Global Commercial Strategy in Digital Health at BMS, will represent the company at the event. In addition to lectures, the conference will offer panel discussions with investors and legal experts. A new feature of this year’s event is the Investor Speed Dating, a series of brief meetings between tech teams and investors. The main media partner of the event is Czech Television, and it is held under the auspices of the Mayor of Prague, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation.
About Prague.bio
Founded in August 2023, Prague.bio aims to develop the biotechnology sector in the broader Prague region. The association connects key players from the public, private, and academic spheres and promotes the region as a biotech hub on the European map. Members of Prague.bio include the Institute of Biotechnology CAS, i&i Prague, Kapaji, MCB Lab, the Institute of Microbiology CAS, the Institute of Molecular Genetics CAS, the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Zentiva, and now also Bristol Myers Squibb.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
BMS is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. BMS focuses on helping millions of patients worldwide in areas such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, immune system disorders, and more.
Media Contact:
Martin Opatrný
+420 602 252 405