BIO Honors Dr. Emil D. Kakkis with 2019 Henri A. Termeer Biotechnology Visionary Award

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Biotechnology
Innovation Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce the winner of
this year’s Henri A. Termeer Biotechnology Visionary Award: Emil D.
Kakkis, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ultragenyx
(NASDAQ: RARE) and Founder, EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases.

The award, which will be presented to Dr. Kakkis on June 5 during the BIO
2019 International Convention keynote session, recognizes Dr.
Kakkis’ transformative work to accelerate research and development of
novel treatments for rare diseases.

The Henri A. Termeer Biotechnology Visionary Award was established in
2018 in memory of the late Genzyme CEO. Mr. Termeer’s contributions to
the biotechnology industry were powerful and extensive, from the
creation of Genzyme to his leadership in the orphan rare disease
community. His impact originates from more than his business strategy;
it was born of his perseverance, generosity, intellect and deep
commitment to heal the world. The award is designed to recognize one
individual annually who reflects Mr. Termeer’s contributions and
indelible legacy.

“Dr. Kakkis’ innovative work has pushed the boundaries of our knowledge
in rare diseases and through his efforts our industry better prioritizes
treatments for rare and ultra-rare diseases and understands the unique
needs of clinical trials in this category,” said Jim
Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “His contributions to the study of
rare diseases have been monumental for patients and families, and we’re
looking forward to presenting him with this well-deserved honor at BIO
2019.”

Over the last 25 years, Dr. Kakkis has spearheaded the development of
several treatments, including an enzyme replacement therapy for the rare
and debilitating disorder, mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), which
was approved by the FDA in 2003. Dr. Kakkis has also guided the
development and approval of two other treatments for rare disorders
affecting infants and children with MPS VI and PKU and has contributed
to several other treatment programs.

In 2010, Dr. Kakkis founded Ultragenyx, a biopharmaceutical company
focused on the commercialization of novel products for the treatment of
rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases. He and his team have advanced
clinical stage treatments for seven rare and ultra-rare diseases and
have received approvals for two products for rare diseases, treating
x-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII).

Dr. Kakkis founded and launched the EveryLife Foundation for Rare
Diseases, a non-profit foundation dedicated to accelerating biotech
innovation for rare disease treatments through science-driven public
policy. The organization successfully advocated for an accelerated
approval pathway for rare disease treatments that was passed by Congress
in 2012.

Follow the BIO 2019 International Convention @BIOConvention and join the
conversation @IAmBIOtech.

About BIO

BIO is the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology
companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and
related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other
nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of
innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental
biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO
International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the
biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and
partnering meetings held around the world.

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Contacts

Theresa Brady
202.962.9235
Web:
www.bio.org
Blog:
www.biotech-now.org
Twitter:
@IAmBiotech