New England Biotech Assn. holds first meeting

Local biotech companies now have another trade group to represent their industry. The New England Biotech Association, which plans to represent biotechs in the six New England states, officially got off the ground today with its first board meeting in Cambridge.

In a written statement, the group pledged to "serve as a regional policy and public affairs voice" for the biotech industry.

The organization's members include the Biotech Association of Maine, Connecticut United for Research Excellence, New Hampshire Bio/Medical Council, Rhode Island BioGroup, Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Massachusetts High Technology Council, and the Biotech Association of Vermont (which is still being formed).

In addition to the regional groups, the biotech industry is also represented nationally by the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
(By Todd Wallack, Globe staff)