Michael J Fox Keynote Speech in BIO International Convention

In his speech as the keynote speaker in 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston, Michael J Fox addressed the need for creative approaches to speed translation of the significant investments in research and discovery into meaningful, patient-relevant advances in human health, and explore strategies and solutions to "de-risk" investment in novel therapeutics for the biotechnology industry and academia alike. Other keynote speakers of the convention include Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy.

---Houston Chronicle----

Fox said grants from the National Institute of Health have created a system that mainly encourages academic scientists to publish papers that yield academically interesting answers. But the system fails to translate the discoveries into new treatments and cures.

He said pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies aren't interested in high-risk studies critical in determining whether creative ideas could yield therapies for the 20,000 human diseases that have no cure. They are more interested in repackaging old ideas and compounds in an effort to continue reaping vast returns.

"Levodopa is the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson's ... But it's a little frustrating that the best drug we've got is one that's been around for 40 years. 40 years!" Fox said Monday at the BIO International Convention, a four-day event expected to attract more than 20,000 researchers, investors, activists and others.

"But, hey, credit where credit is due _ I couldn't be happier about the recent advances. What comes to mind is antidepressants for dogs, which makes it a little easier for me because my dog is feeling better," said Fox, who either put one hand in his pocket or gripped the podium to control visible symptoms of his disease.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Michael
• J.
• Fox
• Health
• Medical
• biotechnology
• Parkinson's
• Foundation
• Queen
• Noor
• of
• Jordan
• Senator
• Edward
• Kennedy

[gogolbb]

Fatozzy, you are such a silly man. Are you hating on MJF because he's talking about issues that you couldn't understand? Don't get mad at him because he knows more than you. You can always go back to school to get a degree, you know?

[lasvegasviper]

This is absolutely a wonderful man trying his best to find a cure, not just to find more pills to cover up this deadly disease. My Ex husband of over 30 years ago is also fighting this crippling disease. He is 58 years old and was diagnosed 13 years ago. DBS was done. His brain rejected the probes. We do not know why. Richard is on a lot of pills and has slurred speech. Soon the pills will no longer help. He would like to try Human stem cell research.what about Scripps research in La Jolla CA.

[korsholm88]

Oh my god! His heart is made of pure gold!

[lp7185sober]

@nicolethebean85 Thanks for the right on

I am awake @ 3:00 am 4/15/11 the family is asleep, grover our guard dog snoring,a full moon and i am a Parky

diagnosed 4 yrs ago.I would like you to know that someone with PD doesnt intentionaly go off thier meds to get attention or wants the attention. Its been over 4 yrs now and i still havent figured out the meds. FYI Michael was diagnosed 20 yrs ago if he was off the meds he would not be able to get to the stage.Well time to go Thanks

[shelloz09]

"the goal is for everybody to win." <3

[timverleg09]

big respect for this dude

[CMLiedtke]

@korsholm88 must be too dense to pump enough blood to his legs XD

[carlosperezvidal]

he moves a lot i thought he just had a problem in his hands

[TomGreenUK]

This disease must be very distressing for him and his family. Imagine trying to sleep at night. I hope they find a cure for it one day.

[hugboxx]

Wow, you managed to mis-spell almost every word.

[nicolethebean85]

@dcslewis

I'm pretty sure it was intentional. I think he went off his meds or something a few days before the speech too, to get the audience's attention. I think he was right on.

[jherikomark]

This convention was not just for Michael. Are you saying they should've made the podium opaque and 7 feet tall so we don't see him at all? Have you seen how many podiums on awards shows are transparent now? If it was a Michael J Fox convention then I might agree with you, but this is an annual Biotechnology convention which includes biofuels, industrial & environmental studies, etc. Btw, I'm sure he wasn't embarrassed, he goes through it everyday while you comfortably sit still everyday.

[dcslewis]

Interesting that they used a transparent podium. If that is their normal podium, wouldn't the event organizers think to cover it so as not to embarrass Michael?

Or did they want Micheal's condition to be "In your face"?

I think they did it on purpose.