This competition is part of a larger effort by Pfizer to promote partnerships and accelerate business development in the life sciences in Michigan as well as develop solutions that target specific needs in pharmaceutical Research & Development.

“We are delighted with the quantity and quality of the applications submitted,’’ said Dr. Ed Pagani, Senior Director and Site Head Strategic Alliances For Pfizer Global Research and Development. “It was quite difficult to trim the field down to these finalists.”

The five finalists are as follows:

Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, Prof. Robert Mark Worden, East Lansing;

Center for Complex Systems Studies, Kalamazoo College, Prof. Péter Érdi, Kalamazoo;

NeuroNexus Technologies, Dr. Rio J. Vetter, Ann Arbor;

Originus Inc., Dr. Maria Ines Morano and Dr. Chi Shun Ho, Ann Arbor;

Atodyne Technologies, Dr. Ray W. Chrisman, Ann Arbor;

These MichBio member applicants will present their research proposals to the Pfizer selection panel at the MichBio Expo 2005 at COBO Hall September 29. The panel will select up to three proposals for funding and negotiation of a contract. Based on the recommendations of the scientific review team, awards will be provided to three finalists at the closing award celebration end of the MichBio Expo 2005.

The MichBio Expo, is a two-day event for the Michigan Life Science community that will be held September 28 and 29. The first day, held at Wayne State University is an invitation-only career day for high school and college students. The second day, at COBO Hall, focuses on attracting professionals from across the life sciences spectrum and at every stage of business development.

MichBio Expo consists of four components: a life science conference covering the latest developments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and government; an industry exposition with more than 50 of the area’s most exciting life science leaders in finance, research, government, and business; a research contract competition for early life science companies with Pfizer; and exclusive business development meetings between local companies and national pharmaceutical and medical device leaders in a private setting.

MichBio hosts the MichBio Expo 2005 with sponsorship from Pfizer Global Research and Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Asterand, Esperion, Van Andel Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.

For more information, MichBio.Org/Expo