Biology in Industry, a new student group that focuses on integrating biology with economics and entrepreneurship, will be hosting its first event tonight, featuring speakers Dr. Nipon Das '95, a director at Bionest Partners, and Dr. James Revkin MD'81, senior director and clinical lead for the development of torcetrapib/atorvastatin with Pfizer and an associate professor of internal medicine at Yale Medical School.
Biology in Industry was organized over winter break by Riaz Gillani '09, Daniel Ludwig '09 and Ashwin Cadambi '09. Gillani said the group is "an attempt to capture the interface of biology and industry."
Cameron Rementer '10, a biomedical engineering concentrator, said he plans to attend the event because he "would like to hear more about various biotech companies."
Gillani said the group is a practical endeavor designed to provide career opportunities to students interested in biology and other fields. He added that students of all concentrations can benefit from the group's programs.
Biology in Industry will invite alumni speakers involved in businesses related to life sciences to speak about their professions, their companies and how students can get involved, he said.
Gillani contacted the speakers using BRUnet, Brown's online alumni directory, and the Career Development Center. "People are helpful when you approach them in a nice way and are excited to share experiences," he said.
Pfizer is one of the largest research-based pharmaceutical companies in the world. Bionest Partners is a consultant for life sciences companies.
Torcetrapib, the drug that was being developed by Revkin, was described in a Dec. 4, 2006 Wall Street Journal article as "a potential blockbuster drug designed to replace the powerhouse Lipitor." Torcetrapib never made it to drugstores, as more people died than expected during the clinical trials. The demise of torcetrapib "(threw) a wrench into the plans of Pfizer Inc. Chief Executive Jeffrey Kindler to remake the world's biggest drug company," the Journal reported.
Biology in Industry's first alumni guests will speak in MacMillan 115 tonight at 8 PM, and students are encouraged to bring resumes.
