The 2011 AZBio Expo brought together innovative and life saving companies from across the state along with leaders from across the industry.   Be sure to check out the highlights and a special spotlight interview where Don Isaacs, VP of Communications at SynCardia Systems, Inc. brings EmpowHER's Shana O'Conner up close and personal with the world's only Total Artificial Heart.  It's why SynCardia was named the 2011 Bioscience Company of the Year.

Funding Innovation in a Changing World: Moderator:  Kimberly Ha (BioPharm Insight/Infinata) Panelists:  Les Funtleyder (Poliwogg) and Cynthia Ekberg Tsai (Viropro)

By: Christina Estes ABC15 Tucson-based SynCardia Systems was among the companies showcased at the annual AZ Bio Expo.It’s a chance for bioscience and technology companies to learn more about funding opportunities and hear success stories.According to the Arizona BioIndustry Association, our state is getting more federal funding for research and seeing higher job growth in the bioscience industry compared to the national average.“Tucson and Arizona are the international headquarters for the world’s only total artificial heart,” said Don Isaacs, SynCardia vice president of communications. “They replace the exact same parts of the heart as if you had a heart transplant.”The SynCardia heart is made in Arizona using bio-compatible material also made here. Isaacs says they have 82 employees in Arizona and about 80 people currently using the heart. The device is considered a bridge for people awaiting a transplant or a life saver for those who will not get transplants due to age or medical conditions.“There’s only 2,200 hearts available per year in the United States and the level of donors has been the same for the last twenty years,” Isaacs said.SynCardia is also undergoing FDA clinical trials for the world’s first wearable power supply for their temporary artificial heart. ©2007 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (Republished with permission from ABC15) Read more:  http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/tempe/Arizona-company-SynCardia-Systems-makes-worlds-first-total-temporary-artificial-heart#ixzz2X99ewU3x

Frank Pipitone of Solvonics Medical demonstrates the value of the BloodHound(TM) at AZBio Expo 2013

Each year AZBio celebrates the milestone 

AZBio CEO, Joan Koerber-Walker shares highlights from  the 2011 AZBio Awards.  Meet some of this year's award winners.

A Global Perspective from executives of Arizona’s Bioscience Companies on why they are in Arizona Panelists Bob Bosserman, CEO, Medelis Janet Spear, Plant Manager, Celgene Joan Koerber-Walker, president & CEO, AZBio (moderator) Dr. Ken Wertman, Scientific Director, Sanofi, Oro Valley Dr. Phil Miller, Ventana Filmed live at the 2011 AZBio Expo

As AZBio celebrates its 10th anniversary as Arizona's statewide bioindustry association, AZBio President and CEO Joan Koerber-Walker calls on the community to do what it does best -  embrace possibilities and come together to build something amazing.

Kulira Technologies is an advanced biomedical engineering company that designs solutions for surgical oncology using state-of-the-art biomaterials. President and CEO, Xenia Kachur, shares where they've been and where they are going at AZBio Expo 2013.

Arizona's focus on the biosciences started with an idea and a small group of leaders that grew and continues to grow.  Joan Koerber-Walker, president and CEO of AZBIo shares a look back at the first 10 years and a look  forward at what comes next.