Piper Jaffray is hosting its 20th annual Health Care Conference Dec. 2-3 in New York. This year's conference will shed light on important questions in the health care sector that include: How is a tough economy impacting the health care universe? How will the new Washington administration impact the health care system in the short term? Where does China fit into international health care strategies?

These questions and other important topics will be addressed as more than 160 public biotechnology, specialty pharmaceuticals, drug discovery, medical technology, medical diagnostics and devices, and health care services companies convene for interactive presentations and unplugged discussions. In addition, the conference will feature sessions with nearly 100 leading late-stage private companies in the health care universe.

Throughout the event, industry experts, physicians and academicians will host panels and address topics of regulatory, reimbursement and legal issues. Further insight will be provided during discussions on atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer and other areas of interest to investors.

"This year's conference is highly relevant and timely as the financial community questions how the economy will impact the future growth prospects of health care companies," said Steve Buell, head of investment research at Piper Jaffray. "Our conference provides a leading forum for investors to look at critical issues and key investing strategies in the health care sector."

About Piper Jaffray
Piper Jaffray Companies (NYSE: PJC) is a leading, international middle market investment bank and institutional securities firm, serving the needs of middle market corporations, private equity groups, public entities, nonprofit clients and institutional investors. Founded in 1895, Piper Jaffray provides a comprehensive set of products and services, including equity and debt capital markets products; public finance services; mergers and acquisitions advisory services; high-yield and structured products; institutional equity and fixed-income sales and trading; and equity and high-yield research. With headquarters in Minneapolis, Piper Jaffray has 28 offices across the United States and international locations in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Piper Jaffray & Co. is the firm's principal operating subsidiary. (www.piperjaffray.com)