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.

Question:  What Arizona Research Institutes and organizations celebrated major milestones in 2012?   Hint:  Watch the video.

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

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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

IBM's David Kerr introduces the crowd at the 2011 AZBio Awards to WATSON and looks at the future of healthcare.

Some of the most important messages AZBio received about Mrs. Grimes work came from students she has helped to inspire:  “She has taught each and every one of us that science can be fun too. A lot of people get stuck on the math but she opens it up to where it’s interesting and reels you in like a fish on a hook.” “As a high school graduate I can look back upon my time as a student and pick out a few teachers who have influenced my life and helped me flourish as a student. The number one teacher on that list is Mrs. Grimes. Having had Mrs. Grimes as a teacher for two years has helped me make connections, plan my future, and given me opportunities no other teachers have ever attempted. Without Mrs. Grimes I never would have joined the Biotech Academy at Mesa High School, meaning I would never have discovered my love for science and research.” “One of Mrs. Grimes’ most admirable qualities would be her patience with her students. Mrs. Grimes’ never ending patience and abundant respect for her students makes her an extraordinary teacher and mentor, always willing to answer questions or stay late to help. She does everything she can to ensure her students have every opportunity to advance their knowledge and experience beyond that of a typical high school student.” “Mrs. Grimes always encourages her students to excel in every aspect of their life, whether that be academics, community service, or extracurricular activities. I, and many of my peers, admire Mrs. Grimes for her dedication to her career and her students and wouldn’t be where we are if it weren't for her model of excellence.”  “She has opened my eyes to the world of biotechnology and I am enthralled to be a part of it, I will not go quietly in this field.” The Biotechnology Academy (Mesa Public Schools) is a four-year program that provides freshmen-senior high students with experience in biotechnology theory and techniques, and prepares them for continuing education in Biotechnology Degree programs or related fields.

The Arizona Bioscience Industry is on the move and making great strides forward in discovering and delivering solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges: The Arizona Bioindustry Association provides the connections, resources, and support that are moving us forward... faster.  subscribe to our mailing list  and get the AZBio IN THE LOOP each Monday.

Flagship Biosciences  provides quantitative tissue analysis services for pharmaceutical and medical device development. Flagship offers a broad range of tissue assessment options, achieved through a diverse set of approaches. Flagship Biosciences provides tissue analysis solutions to over sixty biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device clients, with global programs in place for tissue-based companion diagnostics with three of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Their sales grew 400% in 2011, and are on track to triple again in 2012. Flagship scientists published seven peer-reviewed articles in 2011, and filed 4 patent applications during the year. However, the largest development for Flagship was the acquisition of a histology and immunohistochemistry laboratory during the close 2011 which has added tissue procurement to complete their tissue-based analysis operations. Finally, the company’s image analysis technology won a best poster award at the Pathology Visions 2011 conference in San Diego, and a best presentation award at the Pathology Informatics 2011 meeting in Pittsburgh  The company is currently working on a medical device spinout of their existing operations and expansion into Phoenix later this year. Committed to growing not only the company but  also Arizona’s bioscience talent pool, the company currently utilizes many students from Northern Arizona University.  Flagship Biosciences was honored in 2011 with the  2011 AZBio Fast Lane Award .

In 2012, Harry A. George, co-founder of Solstice Capital, was named Arizona Bioscience Leader of the Year.  Watch his acceptance speech recorded live at the AZBio Awards 2012.

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.