BioOhio and the Beijing Pharma and Biotech Center (BPBC) finalized a partnership for collaborative bioscience business and research opportunities in Ohio and Northern China. Both groups also will encourage other organizations and companies in their areas to participate in partnership initiatives.

Forged by BioOhio President & CEO Tony Dennis and BPBC Deputy Director-General Zhang Zegong during the BIO Convention in Chicago, the business development agreement was signed last month in Beijing by BioOhio Vice President & COO John F. Lewis, Jr., and BPBC Director-General Lei Ting. The pact aims to promote the creation, growth, and development of biomedical companies that will have major offices, research and development facilities, and significant employment in both Ohio and Beijing. Both groups also will strive to catalyze basic science, R&D, and clinical collaborations between Ohio and Beijing institutions, researchers and companies.

The signing was part of the Ohio Business Development Trip to China to explore new investment opportunities by Chinese companies in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Development, foreign direct investment from China to the United States increased an average of 30% between 2004 and 2008 – one of the fastest growth rates in the world.

The agreement places special emphasis on medical-device commercialization and cardiovascular innovation. BPBC will assist Ohio medical-devices companies in exploring market opportunities in Beijing and in navigating regulatory and importing requirements. In the cardiovascular space, BioOhio and BPBC will facilitate introductions and subsequent information exchanges between The Cleveland Clinic and other Ohio centers of cardiovascular excellence with Beijing-based medical research institutions and hospitals.

BioOhio is a Columbus-based, non-profit organization with regional business development affiliates in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Athens.

It is supported by the Thomas Edison Program of the Ohio Department of Development. Its mission is to accelerate bioscience discovery, innovation, and commercialization of global value, driving economic growth and improving quality of life.