Hepatitis B Foundation Co-Founder To Discuss New Book In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, PA — When Timothy M. Block, PhD, an award-winning virologist and accomplished inventor, launched the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) in 2006, he didn’t expect that his brainchild would grow into a powerful scientific and economic engine with nearly 100 member companies and flourishing high-tech facilities in both Doylestown and
Philadelphia.

Today the PABC, which is run by the nonprofit Baruch S. Blumberg Institute in partnership with the Hepatitis B Foundation, is considered one of the most successful life sciences business incubators in the nation. The PABC, the Foundation, the Institute and the member organizations collectively employ more than 400 people.

The creation and development of those organizations are recounted by Dr. Block in a new book, “Curing Disease from the Ground Up: How to Operate a Biotechnology Business Incubator,” published this summer by Springer Nature, Switzerland. Dr. Block writes about the unusual reasons for starting the PABC in the unlikely place of Doylestown, along with providing insights into its success. He also describes launching the Hepatitis B Foundation and later the Blumberg Institute, which play critical roles in the management and success of the PABC.

Dr. Block will give a presentation about the book and the stories it offers, and sign copies, at a community event at 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the PABC, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, 18902.

Former State Senator Joe Conti, a Bucks County native who has been a longtime supporter of the organizations, will serve as moderator. Because of space limitations, online registration is required here, where there is a link for book purchases. The event will be shared live on Zoom.

Dr. Block, who co-founded the Hepatitis B Foundation with his wife, Joan, and Jan and Paul Witte, is donating the book’s royalties to support the Foundation’s programs.

“We greatly appreciate Tim’s generosity, which wonderfully reflects his dedication to our cause, and we’re inviting everyone interested to join us for our Meet the Author event,” Foundation President Chari A. Cohen, DrPH, MPH, said. “It will be a celebration where people from our local community and beyond can discuss the book and the fascinating stories that he tells in it.”

Following Dr. Block’s presentation and a question-and-answer period, a reception will be held with refreshments served.