The DIA's 41st Annual Meeting Breaks Attendance Records

HORSHAM, Pa.– August 2, 2005 – The Drug Information Association (DIA) today announced a record number of attendees to its 41st Annual Meeting, which took place from June 26-30, 2005 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. With over 8,300 biotechnology, pharmaceutical and regulatory professionals in attendance, the meeting was the largest event the association has ever held.

"The program committee put together an operational action plan that focused on maintaining and enhancing the overall quality of tutorials, meeting tracks, sessions and presentations," said Dr. Ron Fitzmartin, chairperson of the DIA's 41st Annual Meeting. "The implementation of this plan by dedicated DIA volunteers and marketing staff was integral to the success of this meeting."

The event featured more than 370 sessions in 29 different course tracks. Over 1,000 speakers, including more than 150 industry regulators, delivered presentations on topics ranging from health policy and international regulatory issues to the FDA's Critical Path Initiative.

The DIA also hosted its largest exhibit floor ever at this year's annual meeting. More than 550 companies were represented at over 815 exhibit booths. From CROs and technology vendors to site research centers and academia, the exhibit hall at the event showcased multiple facets of the pharmaceutical industry.

"The annual meeting is our flagship," said David Maola, executive director of the DIA. "It provides a neutral, world-class forum for all members of the field to meet, network, announce breaking news and learn about hot topics from some of the finest professionals in the field. There truly is nothing else like it in the pharmaceutical market."

About the Drug Information Association

The Drug Information Association serves over 25,000 professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and regulatory industries worldwide. Through its domestic and international meetings, training courses and workshops, the DIA provides a neutral, global forum for the exchange of information critical to the advancement of the drug discovery and lifecycle management processes. Headquartered in Horsham, Pa., USA, the association is led by its volunteer-based Board of Directors and executive management team. For more information, please visit www.diahome.org or call 215.442.6100.