Yet skeptics are wondering if the disparate biotech constituencies represented by these two organizations, which have feuded in the past, will be able to set aside their differences to join in a truly united effort. Further fueling skepticism in some quarters is the fact that the man appointed as president of the merged organization, Carl B. Feldbaum, former chief of staff to Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), has no direct biotech experience-- although those responsible for hiring Feldbaum say his extensive experience in Washington, D.C., makes him an asset to the new group (see story on page 6).
IBA, with 150 member companies, and ABC, whose 340 members include biotech firms as well as noncorporate entities such as universities and research institutes, announced their plans to merge late last month. The unified trade association, to be called the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), will officially come into existence July 1, pending ratification ...
