Premier awards
program recognizes Minnesota’s companies and individuals
who have shown technology innovation and leadership
EAGAN, MN – October 1, 2004 – Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. has been
named as a finalist for a 2004 Tekne Award, Minnesota’s annual
awards program that recognizes companies and individuals who have
shown superior technology innovation and leadership.
Biopolymer Engineering is a biotechnology company that is developing
novel carbohydrate drugs that are immune response modifiers. Its
lead compound is a patented carbohydrate that preclinical studies
have shown enhances the effectiveness of cancer monoclonal
antibodies and vaccines. The company’s goal is to develop the
compound through FDA Phase II and license the technology to a major
pharmaceutical or biotechnology company that would complete
development and market the drug.
The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) and Minnesota Technology,
Inc. (MTI), in partnership with Medical Alley, MNBIO and Minnesota
Project Innovation, join together to recognize technology innovators
and leaders who have made lasting contributions to enhancing the
quality of life and competitiveness of Minnesota. The awards are
separated into categories that recognize the best and brightest in
innovation, development, education, commercialization and management
of technology in Minnesota.
“We are pleased and gratified by this recognition of our efforts to
advance the science of our compounds, particularly in the
development of novel cancer therapies,” said Richard Mueller,
president and chief executive officer of Biopolymer Engineering.
Daniel Conners, chairman and founder of Biopolymer Engineering,
commented: “Seven years ago we founded this company to develop the
vast potential of a unique opportunity in carbohydrate
biotechnology. Today we are planning our first clinical trials for
one of our compounds, which we believe will significantly enhance
the efficacy of a number of new and existing cancer treatments.”
“In the five years that we’ve been naming Tekne Award finalists, the
program has become the premier awards for technology innovators and
leaders in the state of Minnesota,” said Kate Rubin, president of
the Minnesota High Tech Association. “The 2004 Tekne Award finalists
show that Minnesota continues to produce cutting-edge technology and
is a great place to do business.”
Dr. Wayne Pletcher, president of Minnesota Technology, Inc. added:
“We are proud to honor Biopolymer Engineering as a 2004 Tekne Award
finalist and are pleased to recognize its leadership in this
industry.”
The 2004 Tekne Awards will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at the
Minneapolis Convention Center, beginning with a reception at 4:30
p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 7:00
p.m. Don Shelby, WCCO anchor and education and math advocate, will
M.C. the event.
Fifty-one finalists have been named in 17 categories. A list of all
finalists and categories can be found at
www.tekneawards.org
About Biopolymer
Engineering, Inc.
Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. is pioneering carbohydrate
biotechnology to develop proprietary compounds that enhance the
immune system and provide the opportunity to improve global health.
Based in Eagan, Minnesota, the company has more than 40 U.S. patents
and patents pending, with additional filings in more than 20
countries that protect its products and compounds. Biopolymer
Engineering is developing applications for pharmaceuticals,
nutritional supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and animal feed
and nutrition. Website:
www.biopolymer.com.
About MTI
Minnesota Technology, Inc. (MTI) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3
organization whose mission is to help its business customers gain
competitive advantages, support their growth, and contribute to
Minnesota’s economic vitality. It fulfills this work through a
statewide staff of expert professionals who have tested expertise
across a wide variety of business, technology, manufacturing,
engineering, publishing and research disciplines. In the last three
years, MTI has helped nearly 2,000 Minnesota companies and made a
significant economic impact. It helped create and retain over 2,500
jobs, saved its clients more than $70 million, and helped generate
$80 million in new technology investments. For more information
visit www.minnesotatechnology.org.
About MHTA
The Minnesota High Tech Association accelerates the growth, success
and sustainability of Minnesota's technology-based economy through
public policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and
community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that
represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members
include organizations of every size − involved in virtually every
aspect of technology creation, production, application and education
in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with AeA, which represents
Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. More information on
the MHTA can be found at www.mhta.org.
Contact:
David Walsh
Biopolymer Engineering, Inc.
651-256-4606