NEW YORK, May 5—Weber Shandwick Worldwide has launched a biotechnology practice group, an expansion of the firm’s global healthcare practice. The new group will address what the firm sees as a growing need for broader strategic communications support within the burgeoning biotechnology industry. The biotech practice will be based in the firm’s New England office.
 
“The combination of Weber Shandwick’s global technology experience and our healthcare and public affairs expertise is unique,” said Micho Spring, chairman of Weber Shandwick’s New England operations. “Since the 1980s, we’ve helped some of the world’s leading technology companies launch, thrive, and finally dominate in their industry sectors.
 
“As biotechnology grows in New England and around the world, we will provide companies with the expertise they need to articulate their brands and launch their new products.”
 
Says Laura Schoen, who heads the firm’s healthcare practice, “Given the intersection of science, business, government regulation and public scrutiny, it is crucial that successes, challenges, and issues are
addressed early and clearly in a way that is meaningful to a host of audiences. The terms of public engagement are critical to the industry’s ability to grow and prosper, and we believe our breadth of services can add tremendous value.”