7th Annual Charlotte Biotechnology Conference to feature Dr. Roger Newton, co-discoverer of Lipitor® and founder of Esperion Therapeutics, Inc

Business Wire, Oct 1, 2008

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Charlotte Research Institute will present the 7th Annual Charlotte Biotechnology Conference (www.CharlotteBiotechnology.com) taking place at the Barnhardt Student Activities Center on October 28, 2008. 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 was the product champion of what is now the most prescribed cholesterol reducing drug in the world, Lipitor[R].

In 1998, Dr. Newton founded Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., in Ann Arbor, MI. 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.

In total, more than 25 speakers will participate in the conference, including many of the lead researchers who have relocated to the $2B NC Research Campus. Over 300 professionals are expected to attend. Early-bird online registration ends October 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.

About UNC Charlotte

A public research university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest campus among the 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina system. It is the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. The university offers 18 doctoral programs, 62 master's degree programs and 90 programs leading to bachelor's degrees. Fall 2008 enrollment exceeds 23,300 students, including almost 5,200 graduate students.

http://www.uncc.edu

About the Charlotte Research Institute

The Charlotte Research Institute is the portal for business-university partnerships at UNC Charlotte. CRI includes eight multidisciplinary research centers and The Ben Craig Center, a business incubator. CRI supports new research ventures, partnerships with regional and national enterprises, and spin-off companies created from UNC Charlotte research results. The centers focus on Precision Metrology, eBusiness Technology, Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, Visualization, Motorsports Engineering, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Systems. http://www.CharlotteResearchInstitute.org