ANN ARBOR ? Roger Newton, who sold his drug development company two years ago to Pfizer for $1.3 billion, will deliver the keynote speech at MichBio?s Student Career Day Sept. 28 at Wayne State University.

Newton will moderate a panel of drug discovery scientists who will take students through the process of developing a medication or medical device. Panel members will discuss their education, training, and why they love what they do. The day will conclude with keynote speakers State Senator Tom George, MD, a practicing physician in Kalamazoo county, and strong life science and state health advocate.

“The number of people with chronic illnesses – especially diabetes – is growing rapidly. The problem is particularly acute in Michigan where over 800,000 people suffer from diabetes and its complications, and more than 1.5 million Michiganders are at risk,” said MichBio President Ed Pagani.

“Only with adequate government funding and support, can Michigan’s life sciences industry play a critical role in addressing this serious health condition. MichBio wants to raise awareness of obesity, diabetes and diabetes prevention with Career Day and encourage Michigan’s best and brightest students to prepare for a career in Michigan’s life science industry that will contribute to the next treatments and cures for this and other devastating diseases.?

Career Day is the first day of MichBio?s Expo. Day two is the Expo and Conference at Cobo Center in Detroit. It will be a day long event for professionals from across the life sciences spectrum and at every stage of business development featuring:

Life sciences conference with leading industry and academic speakers;

Expert panels in medical devices and pharmaceutical business;

Exhibit area for companies to connect with life science industry leaders;

Sponsors include Pfizer Research and Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Asterand, Esperion Therapeutics, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University.

For registration information, click on MichBio.Org