BOSTON (AP) - Boston is playing host to the world's largest biotechnology conference.
The 2012 BIO International Convention opens Monday with more than 15,000 industry leaders from the U.S. and 65 other countries expected to attend.
The four-day conference will include discussions on some of the latest breakthroughs in bioengineered drugs, energy production and agriculture.
Massachusetts officials say there are more than 500 biopharmaceutical companies in the state employing about 48,000 people.
Gov. Deval Patrick will use the gathering at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to announce several new international biotechnology collaborations.
State Senate President Therese Murray is also scheduled to international agreements between Massachusetts, Northern Ireland, Finland and the Catalonia region of Spain.
http://discovermyboston.com
