"While cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, will continue to garner research dollars in years to come, other diseases and conditions like lupus, sleep disorders, hepatitis C and pain are sparking much interest in the labs and among the investment community."

That's what Morrie Ruffin, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) executive vice president of capital formation and business development, said as an invitation to the BIO InvestorForum 2005 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco on October 18-20. These topics and issues comprise the "Growth Watch List" which was developed by a special advisory board appointed this year by BIO comprising of industry thought leaders, investors, media and venture capitalists.

With about 200 public and late-stage private company presentations, the conference will provide opportunities for investors and company representatives to discuss potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

Click here to see the program and other details. The topics for the CEO roundtables are definitely intruiging!