Campaigning Clark hails biotech breakthrough

Prime Minister Helen Clark hailed a New Zealand biotechnology breakthrough when she campaigned in Auckland today.

Visiting the Virionyx Corporation's Penrose laboratory, Miss Clark joined executives in announcing a $3 million project to expand a pilot plant so that a new HIV-Aids drug could be further developed.

Miss Clark said the drug, HRG214, had been cleared for multi-dose trials and was "an exciting breakthrough" in the biotechnology sector.

"Both the Investment New Zealand and Technology New Zealand state agencies have been working with Virionyx, enabling the company to build networks with potential investment and pharmaceutical partners," she said.

"It is important that we support ventures that can help New Zealand rebrand itself as a high-tech, high-value, smart and creative country."

Miss Clark later attended Mai Media's 10th anniversary celebrations at Orakei Marae.

Tonight she will take part in a TV3 leaders' debate, the first time she and National Party leader Bill English will be face to face in the campaign.

- NZPA

Full news coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/election

Election links:
The parties, policies, voting information, and more

Ask a politician:
Send us a question, on any topic, addressed to any party leader. We'll choose the best questions to put to the leaders, and publish the answers in our election coverage.