Ever since the dot-COM bubble burst almost ten years ago, Maryland has been bragging about how biotech would not only become the next big thing in innovation and business but would put Maryland on the map.  Well, while it has mostly been hyperbole, Rockville, Maryland, based Emergent BioSolutions has been the bright-burning exception under the leadership of Chairman and CEO, Mr. Fuad El-Hibri.  Well, Ernst & Young has named Fuad El-Hibri the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009

Emergent BioSolutions Chairman and CEO, Mr. Fuad El-Hibri, Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award Winner in Greater Washington

ROCKVILLE, MD, June 18, 2009 – Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that Fuad El-Hibri, its chairman and chief executive officer, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2009 Award in the Technology category in Greater Washington.  According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.  Mr. El-Hibri was selected by an independent panel of judges and the award was presented at a special gala event on June 18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in Virginia.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award considering the many biopharmaceutical and life sciences companies in the greater Washington region,” said Mr. El-Hibri.  “I am proud of Emergent BioSolutions’ continuous growth and financial strength.  These successes are firmly anchored on the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment of our employees.  All their contributions, in pursuit of our company mission to protect life, have made this award possible.”

Under Mr. El-Hibri’s leadership, Emergent BioSolutions has expanded its capabilities in the development and manufacture of vaccines and immune-related therapeutics.  By strengthening its core biodefense portfolio, which includes the only FDA-licensed vaccine against anthrax disease, Emergent has become the premier biodefense supplier of medical countermeasures to the U.S. government.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year and continues to honor entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world.

As a Greater Washington award winner, Mr. El-Hibri is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 national program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2009.  The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutics that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease.  Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax.  Emergent’s development pipeline includes programs focused on anthrax, botulism, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis B and chlamydia.  Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards Program
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year® Award is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur of the Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

In Greater Washington, sponsors include HSBC Bank, Pillsbury Law, Reznick Group, Lockton Companies and the Washington Business Journal.

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