June 2003. Budapest, Hungary - The Hungarian Biotechnology Association (HBA) has been established by 15 of Hungary's leading biotechnology companies with the aim of promoting the development and representation of the Hungarian biotechnology sector.

The founding members established the Association in order to promote the biotechnology industry as a strategic sector in Hungary's economy. The Association's major objectives include obtaining financial support for the continued development of national life sciences and the commercialization of scientific achievements. The Hungarian Biotechnology Association carries out the task of communicating and co-ordinating among its members and continuously monitors national and international trends related to biotechnology, research and development and production, based on which it offers scientific and technical information and assistance to its members. The Association also engages in coordinated lobbying activities for relevant issues of interest to its members.

The member companies of HBA are involved in leading-edge areas of research such as target identification/validation, stem cell research, combinatorial chemistry, pharmacogenomics, genomics, proteomics, biocompatible materials, gene therapy, as well as supplying services and equipment related to these technologies.

Executive Board members:

- Ernõ Duda Jr., President and Chairman of the Investment Committee;
- Dr. Ferenc Darvas, Chairman of the Bioinformatics Committee;
- Dr. József Gaál, Chairman of the Consulting Committee;
- Dr. György Kéri, Chairman of the Drug-discovery Committee;
- Dr. László Korányi, Chairman of the Diagnostics Committee;
- Dr. László Ürge, Chairman of the Platform Technologies Committee.
Founding members:

Biorex Rt., Biostatin Kft., ChemAxon Kft., ComDrug Kft., ComGenex Rt., DRC Kft., GenoID Kft., InFarmatik Bt., MegaPharma Kft., N-Gene Kft., Solvo Rt., Tomtec Kft., TRC Kft., TRIO-LAB Kft., Vichem Kft.

Organisations interested in finding out more about joining or collaborating with the Hungarian Biotechnology Association should visit www.hungarianbiotech.org or contact info@hungarianbiotech.org.