Is Boston losing its biotech crown? BIO conference takes place amidst industry fears

Is Boston losing its biotech crown? BIO conference takes place amidst industry fears

The biotech industry’s largest annual conclave comes to Boston next week, and it’s a stressful time for those in the business of developing new drugs. Companies are declaring bankruptcy or shedding employees because of a dearth of venture capital funding and a stock market that has been unwelcoming to biotech stock debuts. About one-quarter of the laboratory space in the Boston area is sitting vacant, according to the commercial real estate firm…