WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) as Legislator of the Year for 2011-2012. Senator Hagan receives the award in conjunction with todays BIO Legislative Day Fly-In reception.

As the sponsor of the TREAT Act, Senator Hagan has offered renewed hope to patients desperately in need of cures and breakthrough new medicines as well as a boost to our nations economy. The legislation will help the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) retain its leadership position as the global gold standard for regulatory science and consumer protection, said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.

Senator Hagan has distinguished herself as a strong leader for national policy that will help our nations biotechnology sector thrive and benefit people everywhere.She is a proven advocate for patient care and preserving incentives for innovation, said Sam Taylor, President of the North Carolina Biosciences Organization. On behalf of all North Carolina life sciences companies, we salute Senator Hagan's efforts.She is a true friend to our bioscience community and the patients that we serve."

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 41 states will participate in hundreds of meetings with Members of the House and Senate during the BIO Legislative Day Fly-In.Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry including reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, the Transforming the Regulatory Environment to Accelerate Access to Treatments (TREAT) Act/Faster Access to Specialized Treatments (FAST) Act, adequate reimbursement for vital therapies under Medicare, and capital formation issues relevant to biotechnology companies.

Photos of the award presentation are available upon request.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

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Senator Hagan Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year