CHARLOTTE– Oct. 1, 2008 – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Charlotte Research Institute will present the Seventh Annual Charlotte Biotechnology Conference (www.CharlotteBiotechnology.com) taking place at the Barnhardt Student Activities Center, Oct. 28.  This flagship conference represents the region’s top biotechnology thought leaders in research, investment, education, economic development and entrepreneurship. 

World-class scientist, entrepreneur, educator and investor, Dr. Roger Newton will deliver his compelling story on creating, selling and relaunching Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. From 1981-1998, Dr. Newton was with Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis (now Pfizer) as a Distinguished Scientist and Chairman of the Atherosclerosis Drug Discovery Team.  He co-discovered and championed what is now considered the most prescribed cholesterol reducing drug in the world, Lipitor®.

In 1998, Dr. Newton founded Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., in Ann Arbor, Mich. Esperion was dedicated to the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases through the use of a new treatment approach called "HDL Therapy". Esperion was acquired by Pfizer in February 2004 for $1.3 billion. In May 2008, Dr. Newton led the cause to divest Esperion from Pfizer and restarted the company as an independent enterprise with $23 million in venture capital.

More than 25 speakers will participate in the conference, including many of the lead researchers who have relocated to the $2 Billion North Carolina Research Campus.  Three hundred professionals are expected to attend.  Early online registration ends Oct. 3, 2008.  Visit www.CharlotteBiotechnology.com for additional details and registration information.

Sponsors of the 2008 Charlotte Biotechnology Conference include: UNC Charlotte; Charlotte Research Institute; Bruker Bio-Spin; Carolinas Healthcare Center; City of Charlotte Economic Development; PPD; Aerotek Scientific; Black Diamond Capital Group; Cabarrus Economic Development, Charlotte Chamber; Charlotte Regional Partnership; Community Bank of Rowan; City of Concord; Central Piedmont Community College; dHinnant Business Solutions; Duke Energy; F&M Bank; Greiner Bio-One; Hammer & Associates P.C.; City of Kannapolis; North Carolina Biotechnology Center; On Assignment Lab Support; Rowan Cabarrus Community College; Summa, Allan & Additon, P.A.; BioConnect; Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Council; The Ben Craig Center; Bright Yellow Jacket; SE Bio Investor Forum; Business Wire; SwampFox and SBTDC.