Burrill's predictions on what lies ahead for US biotech in 2010

As a prelude to the upcoming release of Biotech 2010-Life Sciences: Adapting for Success - the 24th edition of US life sciences-focused merchant bank Burrill & Company's annual report on the biotechnology industry, chief executive Steven Burrill has provided his predictions for what lies ahead for the biotechnology sector in the new global financial environment.

Biotech 2010 expands on this insight and the 400-page book will contain detailed analysis and perspectives on 2009 and forecasts for 2010 and beyond. Highlights of Mr Burrill's forecasts include:

' Financial Environment: The worldwide financing environment in 2010 will be more robust but choppy and selective at times. This environment favors risk mitigated companies rather than earlier stage development companies. Capital markets in the US and globally will continue to strengthen, building on a return of investor confidence. Much of the global economic recovery has so far been driven by stimulus funding and, as a result real economic growth will remain uncertain.