Biotech News
Human Cloning Foundation
Human Cloning Foundation Hails British Scientists
The Human Cloning Foundation (HCF) hailed recent news that a University of Newcastle team in the United Kingdom had successfully cloned a human embryo in Britain for the first time.
The Human Cloning Foundation
"The significance of this achievement is that the cloned human embryo can provide stem cells that can be used for all kinds of degenerative diseases," said David Madrigal, HCF spokesman. "It's a major step forward for British research into human cloning."
The British scientists said their aim is to get stem cells from these cloned embryos for treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's as well as for paralyzed victims of spinal injuries.
Madrigal noted that this achievement by Newcastle University comes right on the heels of a study in the USA that showed that human stem cells were successfully used to help paralyzed rats walk again. The US study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience barely two weeks previously.
"We are ecstatic that human cloning research has taken great strides in the last few weeks," said Madrigal.
He added that "the HCF is totally in favor of therapeutic cloning" or cloning with the objective of treating disease and disability.
People can reach the HCF on www.humancloning.org. The Foundation is currently soliciting comments from human cloning advocates for a position paper for the U.S. Senate, which is considering legislation on human cloning.
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[ biotech news ] Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture
Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture
http://www.fao.org/biotech/forum.htm
This site from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) provides a series of email conferences: the Electronic
Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture. The conferences
discuss biotechnologies presently available in the crop, forestry,
animal, and fish sectors (respectively) for food production and
agriculture in developing countries. Users can sign up to join
conferences. A glossary of biotechnology terminology and contact
information is also provided.
Conference 13 runs from 6 June to 3 July 2005 and is dedicated
to "The role of biotechnology for the characterisation and
conservation of crop, forest, animal and fishery genetic resources
in developing countries". The conference, as usual, is open to
everyone, is free and will be moderated. Instructions for
registering are given.
http://www.fao.org/biotech/conf13.htm
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Helping America Stay Competitive - Nanoscale Science and Nanotechnology
Helping America Stay Competitive
The U.S. has a deficit of qualified people in the fields of science, technology and Nanotechnology. One institution is helping to build an educated and globally committed workforce in the fields of
ANCHOR LEAD: One institution is helping to build an educated and globally committed workforce in the fields of science and technology. T.K. Anderson has more. (: 60)
SCRIPT: Technology Now, I’m T.K. Anderson. The U.S. has a deficit of qualified people in the fields of science, technology and Nanotechnology. George Scalise is President of the Semiconductor Industry Association. Mr. Scalise what is Nanotechnology and how will it affect the tech industry?
CUT: (Scalise) Nanotechnology is dealing with materials where you are down to the atomic level. What it will do is take the chip era and extend it beyond what the current chip technology will allow. And what that means is we have to generate new materials to deal with. And the method for designing and manufacturing these technologies. The University of Albany College of Nanoscale Science and engineering is doing is first of all they’ve put together a state of the art facility and they have a number of industry partners working with them so that they have the benefit of both the most advanced hardware as well as the most advanced research and application work form companies that are involved in the business. One of the best places to go I think is http://CNSE.Albany.edu.
SCRIPT: That’s your Technology Now from Albany Nanotech. I’m T.K. Anderson.
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Produced for The University of Albany College of Nanoscale Science
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[ biotech news ] National Geographic & IBM Unveil Unprecedented Global Study Genographic Project
National Geographic and IBM Unveil Unprecedented Global Study of the
Human Species - Genographic Project
The National Geographic Society and IBM have launched a
groundbreaking five-year international study in Washington DC that
will trace the history of the human species with more depth than
ever before and is expected to reveal unprecedented information
about how the earth was populated.
Scientists of The Genographic Project will set up ten centers around
the world and study more than 100,000 DNA samples from a variety of
populations, including indigenous groups and the general public. The
resulting database will be home to one of the largest, most valuable
collections of human population genetic information ever assembled.
Public Encouraged to Participate By Anonymously Donating Cheek Swabs
The National Geographic Society and IBM have launched a
groundbreaking five-year international study in Washington DC that
will trace the history of the human pecies with more depth than ever
before.
The five-year research partnership is expected to reveal
unprecedented information about how the earth was populated.
Scientists will set up ten centers around the world and study more
than 100,000 DNA samples from a variety of populations, including
indigenous groups and the general public. The resulting database
will be home to one of the largest collections of human population
genetic information ever assembled and will serve as a vital
resource for scientists, historians and anthropologists.
The centers will be located in Philadelphia at the University of
Pennsylvania, as well as in China, Russia, India, Lebanon, Brazil,
South Africa, Britain, France and Australia.
Members of the general public will be able to become a part of
history by participating in the study. By purchasing a participation
kit and submitting their own cheek swab samples, everyday
individuals will be able to track their own migratory history as
well as the overall progress of the project. Personal results will
be stored securely and anonymously to ensure privacy.
To learn more or to purchase a participation kit, go to
www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic
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[ biotech news ] BioLink USA-Ireland - Ireland-USA Biotechnology Initiative
Ireland-USA Biotechnology Initiative
Blood, Sweat and Tears -- History repeats itself? Using contemporary
building blocks for a different type of Infrastructure -- the Irish
are building an amazing Life Science Linkage between the USA and
Ireland.
BioLink USA-Ireland, an educational networking organization
responsible for connecting and fostering relationships between Life
Scientists in the US and Ireland, announces its 3rd Annual Life
Science Conference, entitled "International Innovation and
Entrepreneurship."
The conference will be held June 16th-17th in Boston, Massachusetts
at the Boston Sheraton Hotel. Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, the
Trade and Technology Board of the Irish Government, the conference
will focus on Life Science Governance, Cutting Edge Technologies and
Commercialization of Research from IP to IPO. Topics range
from "Stem Cell Research and Bio Ethics" to "Global Life Science
Investing."
Attending the conference will enable you to:
-- Understand new regulations and industry trends
-- Learn about the emergence of a world class life science research
environment
-- Identify funding opportunities for doing research and starting a
business in the US and Ireland
-- Meet Ireland's emerging entrepreneurs and discuss opportunities
for partnering -- over 13 Irish companies will be participating
-- Network with leading life scientists from the European Union and
the United States
-- Follow-up research, licensing, contracting, partnering,
investment, and employment opportunities
According to BioLink President, Dr. Denis Headon of the Rice
University in Texas, "The past two conferences have produced
agreements that currently translate to over $5 million in
investments with a later funding potential of over $10 million
between small indigenous Irish companies and their larger US
counterparts. This year's Third Annual Conference promises even
greater returns for its participants."
BioLink USA-Ireland has, during its short existence, launched a
network of over 700 scientists, engineers and life science business
professionals in the United States. Over 300 participated in its two
previous conferences that were held in New York and San Francisco. A
number of strong national and international delegates are expected
to attend this year's conference.
Speakers at the Boston conference will include high level
representatives from the Irish government and biotech start-ups, as
well as top level speakers from the US academic, governmental and
industrial biospace. These include, on the U.S. side, Dr. Lester
Crawford, Commissioner Designate of the FDA, Mr. Tom Finneran,
President of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Dr. Frances
Toneguzzo, Director of Corporate Sponsored Research and Licensing at
Massachusetts General Hospital, Mr. Thomas O'Toole, Chief Licensing
Officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Donald Black,
Global Head of R&D for GE Healthcare, among others.
Representatives from Ireland include the Honorable Isolde Moylan,
Consul General of Ireland in Boston, Mr. Alan Dixon, Director of
Life Sciences for Enterprise Ireland, and Mr. Pat O'Mahony, Director
of the Irish Medicines Board and thirteen CEO's of indigenous Irish
biotechnology companies.
In coordination with Irish America Magazine, there is a very
exciting component to this year's conference: The Irish America Top
15 Life Science Awards, where renowned individuals who have made a
significant contribution to the Lifescience sector will be honored.
Awardees include Tommy Thompson, Former Secretary of Health and
Human Services, Dr. Lester Crawford, Commissioner of FDA, Dr. Garret
Fitzgerald of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Donald Black,
Global Head of R&D for GE Healthcare, and Mr. James Lenehan, Former
Worldwide Chairman of Johnson and Johnson, amongst others.
A full agenda, lists of speakers and awardees, registration form and
information on chapters across the US are available at
www.biolinkusaireland.org or through email,
info@biolinkusaireland.org. Registration fee is $300 for members and
$500 for nonmembers, with student pricing set at $175. Registration
includes one year's membership in BioLink USA-Ireland.
For more information, please contact:
Conference Coordinator
Ms. Edel McCarville, edel.mccarville@enterprise-ireland.com,
212-546-0470
For general information on the BioLink USA-Ireland
organization, please
contact: info@biolinkusaireland.org
Follow on Interviews
Dr. Denis Headon, President, BioLink USA-Ireland,
headon@rice.edu
About BioLink USA-Ireland:
BioLink USA-Ireland (www.biolinkusaireland.org) is an association of
scientists, engineers and business professionals from Ireland
working in the life sciences in the USA, and others who are
similarly engaged and who support the aims of the organization. The
aims of BioLink USA-Ireland are connecting and fostering relations
and interactions among members for mutual benefit, and providing
support to the development of the biosciences in commercial,
academic and government settings in Ireland.
About Enterprise Ireland:
Enterprise Ireland (www.enterprise-ireland.com) is the government
organization charged with assisting the development of Irish
enterprise. Its core mission is to work in partnership with client
companies to develop a sustainable competitive advantage, leading to
a significant increase in profitable sales, exports and employment.
About Irish America Magazine:
Since its inception in October 1985 Irish America has become a
powerful vehicle of expression on a range of political, economic,
social and cultural themes that are of paramount importance to the
Irish in the United States. It helped re-establish the Irish ethnic
identity in the U.S. (40 million according to the last U.S. Census)
and spotlighted political and business leaders, organizations,
writers and community figures, who previously had no national
vehicle for their aspirations.
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Source: Enterprise Ireland
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[ biotech news ] Biotech Forum in Eorope - Windhover Information Euro-Biotech Forum
<a href="http://www.eurobiotechforum.com/EB2005/Main.asp">Windhover
Information's Euro-Biotech Forum</a>
Windhover Information's Euro-Biotech Forum is the industry's most
important and prestigious venue for bringing together senior
biotechnology and pharmaceutical executives from around the world to
meet, discuss and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Now in its 12th year, Euro-Biotech features corporate presentations
from a select group of American and European biotechs providing the
information you need for understanding what each company offers -
and expects - as a potential partner.
Biotech presenters in 2004 included some of the most interesting
newer firms, like Ambrx, Rinat Neuroscience, Saegis Pharmaceuticals
and Neuro3d SA, as well as more established players like Biogen
IDEC, BioVitrum and Abgenix. Last year's meeting attracted more than
450 participants from the top European and American pharmaceutical
companies as well as many dozen biotechs.
http://www.eurobiotechforum.com/EB2005/Main.asp
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Genomics One Corporation announces the sale of its BioCan Scientific Inc. subsidiaries to Medicorp Inc
Genomics One Corporation announces the sale of its BioCan Scientific Inc. subsidiaries to Medicorp Inc.
LAVAL, QC, May 27 Genomics One Corporation (TSX Venture Exchange: GNX) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the terms of a Sale Transaction between Genomics One and Medicorp Inc. of Montreal for the sale of the assets of its BioCan Scientific subsidiaries in Canada and in the US. The Asset Sale Agreement contemplates purchase of all of the trade related assets of BioCan Scientific by Medicorp Inc. The Sale Transaction has a total estimated value of $677,330, all payable in cash.
The closing of the Sale Transaction is planned for May 31st, 2005 at which time Medicorp Inc. will pay $500,000, with the balance of $177,330 being held in escrow for 90 days. The escrow amount, with accumulated interest, will be paid to the sellers, after customary trade adjustments, if any, to be agreed between the parties. The Sale Transaction requires the approval of a majority of the Shareholders of Genomics One. Two major shareholders, and co-founders, of Genomics One with total holdings representing 49.18% and 9 other shareholders representing 1.45%, for a total of 50.63% of the outstanding shares of Genomics One, are approving the Sale Transaction.
The market for research reagents and components is a very competitive market and over the past years Genomics One Corporation has been working on new business opportunities. As previously announced, the Corporation has decided to enter into the BioDefense market with innovative Mass Spectrometry Technology. The Corporation will now focus all of its efforts and resources on this significant market opportunity. Successful conclusion of this transaction will enable Genomics One to focus on and execute its new strategic plan in the BioDefense market while at the same time pursuing its related equity financing activities.
Medicorp Inc. is the largest manufacturer and distributor of diagnostic research reagents in Canada, with sales worldwide. Its head office is in Montreal. For more information about Medicorp Inc. you can visit their website at www.medicorp.com .
Founded in 1995, Genomics One Corporation is a Biotechnology Company dedicated to supplying the Life Sciences Market with high quality technology and products. Our goal is to ensure that our core business continues to be the key to the success of our clients; who are scientists, physicians, graduate students and technicians around the world that work in research and diagnostic laboratories. Genomics One sells its products directly in North America through its wholly-owned subsidiaries BioCan Scientific Inc., (Canada) and BioCan Scientific Inc., (USA). For more information about Genomics One Corporation visit www.genomicsone.com .
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
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American Biotech Labs Announces New Joint Venture with General Resonance, LLC
American Biotech Labs Announces New Joint Venture with General Resonance, LLC
ALPINE, UT, - Clifton Mining Company (Clifton) (OTC:CFTN - News) announces that American Biotech Labs (ABL), a private company in which Clifton holds a 25% interest, has recently signed an MOU with General Resonance(TM), LLC, to form a Joint Venture.
General Resonance, a cutting-edge science and technology company located in Maryland, scrutinized the science and technologies of ABL, along with Professor Rustum Roy, who concurrently holds appointments with The Pennsylvania State University, Arizona State University and The University of Arizona. Professor Roy helped found the number one ranked materials science laboratory in the world, the Materials Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University. Professor Roy is regarded as one of the top material scientists in the world and sits on several countries' national academies of science.
In discussions regarding ABL products, General Resonance (GR) was impressed with the scientific engineering aspects, and the very high quality of ABL products; ABL was equally impressed with GR's fundamental understanding of the engineering, physics, and medical phenomena associated with ABL's products, as well as GR's business and marketing background. As a result, the companies have agreed to form a joint venture.
This ABL-GR Joint Venture will broaden and accelerate the development and applications of ABL's engineered, silver nano-particles. The combination of GR science and technology with ABL's existing products and technologies creates a new scientific and commercial synergy that promises to generate even greater opportunities for the future.
Clifton trades on the U.S. OTC: (CFTN).
Note: Any statements released by Clifton Mining Company that are forward looking are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Editors and investors are cautioned that forward looking statements invoke risk and uncertainties that may affect the company's business prospects and performance.
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Source: Clifton Mining Company
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GENOMICS ONE ACQUIRES PATENTS IN THE FIELD OF BIODEFENSE
GENOMICS ONE ACQUIRES PATENTS IN THE FIELD OF BIODEFENSE
LAVAL (Québec) CANADA, January 31, 2005 - Genomics One Corporation ("Genomics One") (TSX: GNX) announced today that the Corporation has signed a letter of intent to purchase patents from Valorisation-Recherche, a limited partnership, for the development of Mass Spectrometry equipment using the Metastable Atoms Bombardment (MAB) Technology. The Corporation will pay a sum of $350,000 CAN and 40,000 common shares of its capital stock for the patents, which will be used in the development and the manufacture of high-end Mass Spectrometry equipment.
The transaction between Genomics One and Valorisation-Recherche is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and consists of two equal installments of $175,000 each. Genomics One has already made a deposit payment of $50,000 and the remaining balance for the first installment of $125,000 will be paid at the closing of the transaction, on or before March 31, 2005. Genomics One will also issue 40,000 common shares of its capital stock to Valorisation-Recherche at closing. The second installment of $175,000 is payable at the first anniversary date of the closing. This transaction allows Genomics One to be the exclusive owner of the patents on the MAB Technology.
"This transaction will enable Genomics One to lay the foundation of a new BioDefense Division. Once we raise the required funds, we will aggressively pursue development and commercialization of the acquired patents. Our goal is to become an important player in Mass Spectrometers for the Life Sciences and BioDefence markets," said Dr. Suzanne L. Lebel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. "Mass Spectrometers are presently in great demand in the fields of research, medical diagnostics, and biodefense. Mass Spectrometers enable research scientists to separate, recognize, and identify peptides, proteins, pathogen bacteria, viruses, and numerous dangerous and illegal chemical products such as gases, toxic liquids and solids, each of theses were formerly requiring a specific Mass Spectrometer. The patents acquired represent a commercial advantage of great importance for our Corporation which is already deeply involved in the field of Life Sciences. This new Genomics One equipment will have major advantages over its competition, first the Mass Spectrometer to be manufactured is compact equipment that can detect and identify both chemical and bacterial contaminants, second, the time of analysis is calculated in terms of a second depending on the type of analysis, third, the equipment generates reproducible results and fourth this equipment offers high resolution" explained Dr. Lebel.
"BioDefense is a rapidly growing market; it is a field of great importance to governments, industries, and societies worldwide. This acquisition will enable Genomics One to access a new global market, while expanding its offerings to its current Life Sciences clients" added Dr. Lebel.
About Genomics One
Founded in 1995, Genomics One Corporation is a Biotechnology company dedicated to supplying the Life Sciences market with cutting-edge technology and superior products. The Corporation’s goal is to ensure its core business continues to be the key to the success of its clients; who include scientists, physicians, graduate students and technicians working in every corner of the world in research and diagnostic laboratories. Genomics One sells products directly in North America through its wholly-owned subsidiaries BioCan Scientific Inc., (Canada) and BioCan Scientific Inc., (USA). For more information about Genomics One Corporation visit www.genomicsone.com.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not take responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Any and all statement that may be prospective shall not be interpreted as such.
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[ biotech news ] TGen s Von Hoff, colleagues, publish comprehensive pancreatic cancer textbook
TGen's Von Hoff, colleagues, publish comprehensive pancreatic cancer
textbook
54 chapters and commentary from over 100 international experts in
the field
05-23-2005
Phoenix, Arizona, May 23, 2005--The Translational Genomics Research
Institute's (TGen) Daniel Von Hoff, MD, and colleagues at M. D.
Anderson Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins have edited and published
the first comprehensive reference book on pancreatic cancer. The
text, entitled Pancreatic Cancer, features contributions from over
100 international experts in the field and boasts 54 chapters and
supporting commentaries that provide expert analysis and
counterpoint on selected topics.
Until now, physicians and researchers interested in pancreatic
cancer had to track down and gather each individual scientific paper
on the subject.
"Our goal was to create a definitive text that will allow current
and future researchers entering the field to get up to speed in a
short period of time," says Dr. Von Hoff, Senior Investigator and
head of TGen's Pancreatic Cancer Research Division.
The book offers a knowledge base to anyone with an interest in
pancreatic cancer, from a young surgeon to scientists to patients
and their families, says Dr. Von Hoff, one of the world's leading
experts on pancreatic cancer.
In 2005, an estimated 32,000 individuals in the U.S. will be
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As the fourth leading cause of
death from cancer in the US, the disease is the most deadly of all
cancers with the 1-year survival rate of only 24 percent and the 5-
year survival rate of approximately 4 percent.
Published by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, the groundbreaking new
text is dedicated to improving these statistics by providing
comprehensive information about the epidemiology, molecular biology
and pathogenesis of the disease.
The Heriette Pickelner Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research at the
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center donated the funding
to colorize the graphic elements including photos, charts and MRI
scans.
"I hope patients, their families and healthcare professionals will
use this book as a knowledge instrument," explains Von Hoff.
In addition to Von Hoff, Douglas B. Evans, MD, a distinguished
professor of surgery at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer
Center, and Ralph H. Hruban, MD, a professor of pathology and
oncology at the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at
Johns Hopkins, edited the book.
To purchase the book, contact Jones and Bartlett Publishers at 800-
832-0034 or info@jbpub.com.
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Targeted Genetics Expands AAV Vector Patent Portfolio
Targeted Genetics Expands AAV Vector Patent Portfolio
Targeted Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq: TGEN - News) today announced the issuance of an additional patent related to its adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector technology. U.S. patent #6,893,865, titled "Methods, Compositions and Cells for Encapsidating Recombinant Vectors in AAV Particles," expands Targeted Genetics' AAV vector systems used for gene delivery. Targeted Genetics' leading gene delivery vehicle, AAV, is used to deliver a gene of interest into cells of the patient to impact disease. The Company uses AAV technology for its current development programs targeting AIDS prophylaxis, inflammatory arthritis, hyperlipidemia, congestive heart failure, and Huntington's disease. AAV can be used in general to deliver a broad range of nucleic acids as disease therapeutics or prophylactics.
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The patent describes AAV vectors that utilize a small, human DNA sequence, P1. AAV vectors require a recognition signal in order to promote the formation of AAV viral particles containing the therapeutic gene of interest. In this patented vector system, the human P1 segment efficiently provides that function.
"Targeted Genetics' latest patent expands the Company's AAV vector technology," said Barrie J. Carter, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Targeted Genetics. "This patent complements our existing patent that issued for the use of P1 in our manufacturing processes. The utilization of P1 provides alternative AAV design strategies that enhance and protect our competitive position. This expansion of Targeted Genetics' patent portfolio further solidifies our leadership position in the field of AAV vector technology and AAV manufacturing."
About Targeted Genetics
Targeted Genetics Corporation develops molecular medicines for the prevention and treatment of acquired and inherited diseases. The Company has clinical product development programs targeting AIDS prophylaxis and inflammatory arthritis. The Company also has a promising pipeline of preclinical product development programs focused on hyperlipidemia, congestive heart failure, and Huntington's disease. For more information about Targeted Genetics, visit its website at www.targetedgenetics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding our intellectual property, research programs and clinical trials, our product development and our potential development platforms including AAV vectors and other statements about our plans, objectives, intentions and expectations. In particular, the statements regarding the Company's pipeline and potential application of this patent to any future product candidates are forward-looking statements. These statements, involve current expectations, forecasts of future events and other statements that are not historical facts. Inaccurate assumptions and known and unknown risks and uncertainties can affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect our actual results include, but are not limited to, results of animal research are not necessarily indicative of results in humans, the timing, nature and results of our research, potential development of alternative technologies or more effective products by competitors, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory or institutional approvals, our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property and our ability to raise capital when needed, as well as other risk factors described in the section entitled "Factors Affecting Our Operating Results, Our Business and Our Stock Price" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2005. You should not rely unduly on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this release. We undertake no duty to publicly announce or report revisions to these statements as new information becomes available that may change our expectations.
Contact: Stacie D. Byars, Director, Communications of Targeted Genetics Corporation, +1-206-521-7392.
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Source: Targeted Genetics Corporation
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[ biotech news ] Bolder BioTechnology, Inc wins National Institutes of Health Grant
Bolder BioTechnology, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a
$99,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of
The National Institutes of Health. The grant supports research to
improve the pharmacological properties of a human protein, gamma
interferon, to enhance its ability to stimulate the body's immune
system to fight infections. The optimized gamma interferon protein
may prove useful for the treatment of viral infections,
immunodeficiencies and various cancers.
Bolder BioTechnology, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a
$99,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of
The National Institutes of Health. The grant supports research to
improve the pharmacological properties of a human protein, gamma
interferon, to enhance its ability to stimulate the body's immune
system to fight infections. The optimized gamma interferon protein
may prove useful for the treatment of viral infections,
immunodeficiencies and various cancers.
The SBIR program is a peer-reviewed grant program that provides
research support to small businesses to discover and develop
innovative biomedical products for the treatment of serious unmet
medical needs. Companies that successfully meet the goals of the
Phase I grant are eligible to apply for an additional $750,000 in
Phase II grant support to continue their product development efforts.
Bolder BioTechnology, Inc. uses advanced protein engineering
technologies to create proprietary, long-acting human protein
pharmaceuticals for the treatment of hematopoietic and endocrine
disorders, cancer and infectious diseases. For additional
information about Bolder BioTechnology, Inc., please visit our web
site at http://www.bolderbio.com/.
Statements contained herein that are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements that are subject to a variety of risks
and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed
in any forward-looking statements made by the Company. These factors
include, but are not limited to: (1) the Company's ability to
successfully complete product research and development, including
pre-clinical and clinical studies, and commercialization; (2) the
Company's ability to obtain required government approvals; (3) the
Company's ability to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, sales,
distribution and marketing partners; and (4) the Company's ability
to develop and commercialize its products before its competitors.
Web site: http://www.bolderbio.com/
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[ biotech news ] Fraunhofer USA's Center for Molecular Biotechnology Receives Grant
Fraunhofer USA's Center for Molecular Biotechnology Receives Grant
from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for Trypanosomiasis Research
Fraunhofer USA's Center for Molecular Biotechnology (CMB), a non-
profit research organization based in Newark, Delaware, has received
a $1.2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for
pre-clinical studies towards the development of a vaccine against
African trypanosomiasis.
The disease, known in cattle as Nagana and in humans as Sleeping
Sickness, is spread by the bite of the tsetse fly and is fatal if
left untreated. It occurs in 36 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. It
is reaching epidemic proportions and is having a devastating impact
on local economies there.
CMB will apply its newly developed suite of technologies to
engineer, produce and evaluate candidate vaccines to combat this
disease. This project is a collaborative effort between CMB, the
Institute of Parasitology at McGill University in Canada, and
Makerere University in Uganda.
The new plant-based technology developed at CMB has the potential to
provide safe, effective and affordable vaccines against a variety of
pathogens.
"Our plant-based approach is highly time-efficient and ensures
economic production of vaccines," said Vidadi Yusibov, Executive
Director of CMB.
"An affordable vaccine against trypanosomiasis could prevent tens of
thousands of deaths each year," said Dr. Douglas Holtzman, senior
program officer for the Infectious Diseases Program of the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation. "We're pleased that the Fraunhofer USA
Center for Molecular Biotechnology is applying its unique expertise
to this critical research."
About Fraunhofer USA CMB
Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) is a non-
profit research organization that is part of Fraunhofer USA, Inc., a
Rhode Island incorporated, with Headquarters in Plymouth, MI. CMB is
located at the Delaware Technology Park in Newark, Delaware, and is
a unique institution conducting research in the area of plant
biotechnology, utilizing newly developed/developing cutting edge
technologies to assist the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of
human and animal diseases.
Web site: http://www.fraunhofer-cmb.org
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Arizona Biotech
Biotech News
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Arizona Small Business Opportunity Program
Arizona Small Business Opportunity Program
Arizona Small Business Opportunity Program
Arizona Technology Council Announces Passing of SB 1335 -Small Business Opportunity Program- Legislation
May 20, 2005--The Arizona Technology Council announces that Governor Janet Napolitano has signed the SB 1335 (Small Business Opportunity Program) legislation. This is a "key win" for the tech industry in the state of Arizona. Program details are as follows:
Arizona Small Business Opportunity Program
SB 1335: Small Business Investments
Arizona Small Business Opportunity Program
Purpose -- to expand early stage investment in Arizona's small businesses.
Background -- Small businesses comprise more than 80% of Arizona's economy. Assisting small businesses as they grow, particularly those well positioned to create high-wage jobs, is critical to Arizona's economic growth.
A significant area of need for small businesses is access to "early-stage" equity capital when building their operations. This is so because they are too small to secure adequate financing through bank loans and other traditional sources of capital, or enter the stock market as a publicly traded company.
Private equity investments by individuals and specialized "angel" funds and venture capital firms can be used by small businesses to gain access to these resources. Yet, as the economy boomed in the latter half of the decade and "early stage" and "venture" capital investments soared nationwide, Arizona fell behind.
Arizona cannot afford to lose its knowledge-based small businesses to other states. The critical shortage of equity capital for new businesses in Arizona represents a serious shortcoming and, as a result, small, homegrown businesses face difficulties in expanding operations and taking new ideas, products and services to market.
Description of Program -- A state tax credit is made available to investors who invest in early-stage "qualified small businesses." The credit is 30% of the investment, increasing to 35% for investments in bioscience companies and companies located in rural Arizona.
The credit may be offset against Arizona taxable income in equal amounts over a 3-year period. The credits are not transferable.
A "qualified investment" must be an equity investment in a minimum amount of 25K per investment and each investor is limited to a maximum of 250K in investments in all qualified small businesses eligible for the credit per year. Credits are not available to persons who already hold 30% or more of the equity of a qualified small business.
A "qualified small business" must:
(1) have at least a portion of its operations in Arizona;
(2) have at least two full-time employees or full-time independent contractors in Arizona;
(3) not have a principal business in retail, restaurants, real estate, professional services, personal services or health care services;
(4) have total assets less than $2 million; and
(5) have received not more than $2 million in investments eligible for the credit.
The total tax credits are capped at $20 million over a 5-year period with no general fund impact in fiscal year 2006. Credits will be available to investors on a first-come, first-serve basis starting July 1, 2006.
"The Council believed strongly that we could not be complacent about the need for capital for our emerging tech companies," said Todd Bankofier, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "To build a knowledge-based economy will require, among other things, a commitment to investing in start-up companies. The Council placed a central focus on this issue in this year's session and our efforts paid off for the tech community."
About The Arizona Technology Council
Since its inception in 2002, the Arizona Technology Council has stood as the largest association of technology companies in Arizona, whose shared vision is for the state to be recognized as a top-tier center for technology-based businesses. The Council works to carry out this vision by driving partnerships, policies and programs that advance the business climate for Arizona's technology community and by representing, supporting and advocating for member companies through initiatives, advocacy, networking and effective communications. The Arizona Technology Council represents 30,000-plus employees at more than 475 of the leading technology companies across Arizona. Represented industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, e-learning, environmental technology, software, Internet applications, semiconductors and telecommunications.
For more information, visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.
Contacts
Arizona Technology Council, Tempe
Tonya Emrick, 602-343-8324, ext. 107 (Public Relations)
temrick @ aztechcouncil.org
Todd Bankofier, 480-688-4579
Arizona Technology Council Announces Passing of SB 1335
[ biotech news ] CryoPort Updates Shareholders on Development of Disposable Cryogenic Shipper
CryoPort Updates Shareholders on Development of Disposable Cryogenic
Shipper
CryoPort, Inc. (OTC.PK: CYRX) announced today new information
regarding the development of its one-way, one time use, disposable
cryogenic shipper. Initially, this revolutionary new shipper was not
expected to be ready for client use until the spring of 2006, with
clinical trials commencing during the summer of 2006. However, due
to an accelerated R&D schedule as the result of additional funding,
the development stage of the "phase one" shipper is now complete.
Prototype models of the new disposable cryogenic shipper are
scheduled to be made available to select clients as early as July
2005.
CryoPort is currently working with a number of biotech and
pharmaceutical companies who have a high level of interest in the
disposable cryogenic shipper for use in drug delivery. Several of
these companies are already using CryoPort's reusable cryogenic
shipper which is currently being used to successfully ship product
in ongoing clinical trials.
Cell Genesys, recently purchased 100 of CryoPort's reusable
lightweight shippers with a projected need over the coming months
for several hundred more. This initial order is intended to serve as
a "Proof of Concept" for the technology that will be incorporated
into the soon to be released disposable shipper.
The use of a cryogenic shipping protocol, rather than a dry ice
protocol, helped Cell Genesys avoid significant logistical problems
that they would have faced had they been forced to use traditional
dry ice shipping methods. Dry ice shippers can maintain temperatures
of negative seventy-eight degrees Celsius for a maximum of 48 hours
before the shipment must be handled and repackaged. If not
repackaged on fresh dry ice within a small time frame, the frozen
material risks thawing and becoming unusable. CryoPort's cryogenic
shippers maintain negative one hundred and ninety six degrees
Celsius and can maintain this same level of temperature for up to a
period of 2 weeks, depending on the application. Additionally, dry
ice emits gas vapors, which result in its classification as a
hazardous material. CryoPort's shippers, including the new one-way
shipper, are non-hazardous and can even be shipped using traditional
postal services.
Once the new disposable shipper completes its initial testing phase
with select clients during the summer of 2005, large scale
manufacturing is expected to commence in early 2006 in an effort to
meet the anticipated demand from biotech and pharmaceutical
companies worldwide.
"SAFE HARBOR":
Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on
current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's
industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by
management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject
to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult
to predict. Since such statements involve risks and uncertainties,
the actual results and performance of the Company may turn out to be
materially different from the results expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company also
disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or
uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to
the forward-looking statements made herein; however, readers should
carefully review reports or documents the Company files from time to
time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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[ biotech news ] Bioscience Industry News at Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Workforce Dev
<a href="http://www.maricopa.edu/workforce/bionews.html">Bioscience
Industry News</a>
Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Workforce Development
Division of Academic Affairs Bioscience Industry News
Research
Biotech corn OK'd for feed, not food
Arizona Republic
Ribomed sees success
Arizona Republic
Arizona nanobiotechnology
firm scores 108th patent
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Big deal for Ariz. firm
Arizona Republic
Biotech firm spun off from UA
research hopes to stunt tumors
Arizona Republic
Phoenix biotech firm gets
grant to detect airborne pathogens
Arizona Republic
Valley joins organic food boom
Arizona Republic
Medtronics granted approval
to sell new pacemaker
The Business Journal of Phoenix
State scientists reach out to Mexico
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Ribomed signs $3M deal
for bioterrorism device
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Genetically engineered crops up 15 percent
Arizona Republic
Arizona Biodesign Institute
selected for arthritis tests
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Barrow, UA get nicotine-research grants
Arizona Republic
Advanced technology helps Tempe
biotech firm land $3.7M in grants
The Business Journal of Phoenix
TGen announces Mexican collaboration
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Ribomed receives funding
for research on smallpox
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Scientists of very small
draw disciplines together
The New York Times
Gene Expression and Cancer:
Getting It Together
Nature Genetics
General Industry Information
Human Genome to cut 20% of staff
CNN/money
Cluster Marketing Research: Bio-Industry
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
What is Bioindustry?
Arizona BioIndustry Association
Biotech not everywhere,
despite claims to the contrary
The Site Selection
Best Practices
Phoenix looks at Canada
to help build bioindustry
The Business Journal of Phoenix
San Diego provides biotech model for Phoenix
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Georgia schools building
big base for research labs
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Workforce and Education
Biotech law draws interest
Arizona Republic
ASU to offer 1st master's
degree in biotech, genomics law
Arizona Republic
Five colleges get $5 million for biotech
AACC, Community College Times
Three key sciences making
an impact on Arizona's economy
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Utah firm signs research deal
with Arizona Biodesign Institute
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Promoting bioscience puts
cooperation first among cities
The Business Journal of Phoenix
'Big thinker' to direct ASU's biodesign unit
Arizona Republic
Phoenix, UA lobby for funds
for downtown medical campus
Arizona Republic
ASU researchers to get seed money
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Universities shift tech transfer
efforts toward commercialization
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Phoenix, ASU sign pact to
build biomedical campus
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Kitchell to build research facility for NAU
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biodesign institute starts
phase 2 on ASU campus
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Chandler develops biomed
center, adds 270 jobs
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Five biomedical campus plans
prepared for Regents review
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Staffing needs seen in biotech industry
San Diego Union Tribune
ASU reaches out to tech, biotech startups
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Phoenix Union, TGen coming
together for biotech high school
The Business Journal of Phoenix
DeVry adds biomedical
engineering degree program
The Business Journal of Phoenix
IBM installing super computer for genomics
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Plans expand for biotech center
The Business Journal of Phoenix
ASU opens nanoscience center
East Valley Tribune
Plans expand for biotech center
The Business Journal of Phoenix
College district pledges
$1.5 million to biotech industry
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Maricopa Community Colleges
make workforce training
commitment to biotech industry
PRESS RELEASE
Read EdCetera article
Biotech training gaining support
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Colleges train workers for biotech companies
AACC, Community College Times
ASU, Tempe team on biotech
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech training gaining support
The Business Journal of Phoenix
New federal support for UA Institute for Biomedical Science and
Biotechnology
UA News.org
Arizona colleges commit
$2.5m to lure genomics group
AACC, Community College Times
Maricopa Community College District
puts big bucks into biotechnology
East Valley Tribune
Local Bioscience Industry
Biosciences, health care expected
to drive economy into the future
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Boost in state's biotech efforts
Arizona Republic
States, cities court biotech,
but is it worth it?
East Valley Tribune
Myths, realities of Arizona's
bioscience strategy
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Arizona biotech industry makes strides,
but venture capital is lacking
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech progress report
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech race gets crowded
Arizona Republic
The biotech building boom
Arizona Republic
Salt River Pima Community
aids biotech push with campus
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Awaiting an industry
Arizona Republic
Ariz. biotech going global
Arizona Republic
Kyl to hold biotech-oriented
national security hearing
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Design-build team
chosen for biomed facility
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Web portal designed
to help bio connections
The Business Journal of Phoenix
A year of progress: Experts say
2003 a big step in the right direction
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech progress report
The Business Journal of Phoenix
All eyes are on Valley biotech
The Business Journal of Phoenix
What will it take: Building
the Valley's biotech hub
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech key to future economy viability
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech roundup
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Scottsdale begins foray
into biotech research
Arizona Republic
Drug giants poised to fund
local biotech companies
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Proposals expected soon
for downtown biomedical campus
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Canadian biotech firm picks
Valley for U.S. headquarters
The Business Journal of Phoenix
More bioscience companies
seeking venture capital funds
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Chip downslide could help
Valley's biotech opportunities
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Commerce to lead biotech
trade mission to Japan
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Arizona gaining momentum
as biotech industry grows
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Search for biomedical
director begins in Tucson
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Phoenix, Tempe councils to
discuss biosciences, arts
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Flinn Foundation launches bioscience panel
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Arizona contingent set for BIO convention
The Business Journal of Phoenix
State to have big presence at Bio 2003
Arizona Republic
State to prepare tech roadmap,
build on ecosciences strength
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Arizona boosts attendance at
BIO, still less than others
The Business Journal of Phoenix
In biotech, patience is the
building block of finance
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech firms predict
growth for Arizona industry
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Medical research center
adds to biotech mix
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Bioterror strategy readied
Arizona Republic
Arizona battling several states
to get Cleveland biotech star
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Flag a part of bioscience 'roadmap'
Arizona Daily Sun
State money for biotech will be tough sell
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Venture capitalists show
interest in Arizona biotech
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Budget crunch could cripple biotech push
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Study focuses on biosciences' economics
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Bioscience study calls
for extensive investment
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Biotech firms find growth
funding in new PIPE lines
The Business Journal of Phoenix
High Throughput Genomics expands facility
The Business Journal of Phoenix
New blood: Biotech giant
taking root in Arizona
The Business Journal of Phoenix
Special Reports
Arizona Bioscience Workforce Strategy:
Preparing for the Future
Battelle Memorial Institute (2.6M)
Jobs in Biotechnology
Occupational Outlook Quarterly (201K)
Laboratories of Innovation:
State Bioscience Initiatives 2004
(Arizona only)
Battelle Technology Partnership Practice
and SSTI (240K)
Platform for Progress:
Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap
Battelle Memorial Institute (1.3M)
Policy Brief: Biotechnology
Valuations for the 21st Century
The Milken Institute (415K)
Seeds of Prosperity: Public Investment
in Science and Technology Research
The Morrison Institute (1M)
Signs of Life: The Growth of
Biotechnology Centers in the U.S.
The Brookings Institution Center on
Urban and Metropolitan Policy (2.6M)
Under the Microscope,
Biotechnology Jobs in California
State of California
Labor and Workforce Development Agency
Employment Development Department
(link to report)
<a href="http://www.maricopa.edu/workforce/bionews.html">Bioscience
Industry News</a>
Arizona Biotech
Biotech News
Arizona Entrepreneurs
Arizona High Tech
[ biotech news ] One Billionth Biotechnology Acre and Counting
One Billionth Biotechnology Acre and Counting
The one billionth acre using genetically enhanced crops has been
planted this spring. Dean Kleckner, former president of American
Farm Bureau and now chairman of a not for profit group Truth About
Trade and Technology is a national and international leader in
agriculture. Kleckner and the Truth About Trade and Technology
organization have developed a sophisticated monitoring system for
counting the acres and the one billionth acre is expected to be
planted this spring.
May 11, 2005 -- Remember how McDonald's used to boast beneath the
golden arches about how many billions of hamburgers it had sold?
Well, it's time for someone to raise a sign on behalf of
agricultural biotechnology, because somewhere in the world this week
a farmer planted the 1 billionth acre of genetically enhanced crops.
This is a huge milestone for the world. Just ten years ago, biotech
crops became commercially available for the first time. Since then,
they've been adopted with astonishing speed. In the United States,
about 85 percent of all soybeans, 75 percent of all cotton and
nearly half of all corn is biotech enhanced.
Just how big is a billion acres? Let's start by recalling that the
traditional understanding of a single acre is the amount of land a
yoke of oxen can plow in a day. In German, the word "Acker" means,
literally, "a field."
Today, of course, we need more precise measurements--and so a square
acre measures precisely 208.75 feet per side.
A billion acres is a lot of territory. It would take more than 27
land masses the size of Iowa to fill up that much space.
If you lined up a billion square acres, they would circle the planet
at the equator more than 1587 times. They would reach to the moon
and back 164 times. They would go all the way to the sun and all the
way back--and still have some length left to spare.
Some years ago, it was possible to say that biotech crops were a
newfangled concept. Today, with a billion acres of them now planted,
they are a conventional source of food.
There are those who will continue to hurl insults by calling
them "Frankenfood" and the like, but these shrill voices are
increasingly out of step with mainstream methods of food production.
How many more acres must we plant, harvest, and consume before these
radical naysayers admit that biotech enhanced crops are a proven
technology? Must we go all the way to the sun and back before
they'll see the light?
The simple fact is this - biotech crops are the latest developments
in an ancient line of agricultural innovation. Farmers are the
world's original genetic enhancers--they've been crossbreeding
plants for thousands of years. In the wild, there's never been any
such thing as a juicy tomato. But there have been little red berries
that farmers, across generations, have turned into a staple crop.
Something similar could be said of virtually everything we eat, and
biotech crops are a part of this heritage. Farmers have chosen to
adopt them so rapidly because they produce more food at lower costs.
On a planet populated by over 6 billion people--and the number is
growing every day--this is an essential characteristic.
Farmers have also rapidly adopted biotech because we care about the
environment. Biotech crops help the environment in a variety of
ways. Yielding more food on existing farmland reduces the pressure
to cut down rainforests in Brazil and elsewhere. Since 1980, farmers
around the world have increased our corn production by 45 percent
but it was accomplished by adding less than 5 percent more acres to
our fields. That additional corn was produced on the equivalent of
130 million acres of rainforest that has not been cut down!
Moreover, biotech crops protect our environment by allowing us to
use farming techniques that save topsoil and use our resources much
more effectively.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, biotech crops are approved
for commercial use only after regulators at the Department of
Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental
Protection Agency have tested them repeatedly and registered their
approval.
The bottom line is that they're perfectly safe to eat. There's never
been a case anywhere of a biotech plant causing a human being so
much as to sneeze.
In the future, it will become increasingly clear that biotech crops
aren't merely acceptable to eat--they'll be preferable to eat, as
plant breeder's research ways to produce crops that add essential
vitamins and nutrients to our diets. The research is going on right
now and it promises to transform the ways in which we think about
keeping ourselves healthy.
So today, we celebrate a billion acres. At some point in the future,
like McDonald's, so many billions will have been "served" that we'll
quit counting these biotech acres altogether.
Dean Kleckner is chairman of Truth About Trade and Technology, an
Iowa farmer and a past president of the American Farm Bureau. Truth
About Trade and Technology is a national grassroots advocacy group
based in Des Moines, IA, formed and led by farmers in support of
freer trade and advancements in biotechnology. Phone: 515.274.0800
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[ biotech news ] Phoenix, Arizona Biocluster Seeks Business & Research Opportunities
Phoenix, Arizona Biocluster Seeks Business & Research Opportunities
With European Biotech Companies
Wednesday March 23, 2005
Vibrant Urban Setting Creates Unique Ambiance for 28-Acre Biocenter
PHOENIX, AZ
The City of Phoenix has officially become the nation's newest
biotech cluster with the grand opening of its Downtown Biomedical
Center and worldwide headquarters for TGen (Translational Genomics
Institute) and IGC (International Genomics Consortium). The City of
Phoenix and State of Arizona have invested and laid the foundation
for becoming one of the industry's foremost research centers with
regards to neurogenomics and related research areas of alzheimer's,
autism, cancer, and diabetes. The city seeks to attract biotech and
related companies to Phoenix and Arizona from Europe for business
opportunities in R&D, collaboration, partnering, and office
expansion.
Source: City of Phoenix
The Phoenix Biomedical Center provides a unique, urban environment
for cutting edge companies to expand offices or open R&D centers.
The $46 million TGen/IGC building forms the foundation of the PBC, a
28-acre development area planned near the epicenter of Copper
Square -- a thriving and rejuvenated section of Phoenix featuring
sports, music, theatre, restaurants and other entertainment and
cultural venues. The futuristic, 173,000-square-foot TGen/IGC
building is owned by the City of Phoenix.
"Building our biotech industry is very important for the state's
future economic growth and will benefit all its citizens," said
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. "We are committed to investing
resources, and fostering a positive investment climate in
partnership with our universities, to make Arizona more attractive
to out of state companies wishing to open or expand offices here."
"Now that we've completely moved into our state-of-the-art facility,
I'm looking forward to the next stages and milestones we will
accomplish in the scientific community," says Dr. Jeffrey M. Trent,
TGen's President and Scientific Director. "The research conducted
here will be valuable to companies and organizations worldwide."
"In addition to our rich cultural and entertainment venues, Downtown
Phoenix has the resources and infrastructure necessary to attract
and sustain world-class organizations and companies," said Phil
Gordon, Mayor of Phoenix. "We're excited to have TGen, IGC, and
NIDDK in our midst, and we invite biotech companies from out of
state and around the world to investigate the business opportunities
for R&D, collaboration, and expansion that we offer."
Building Grand Opening Features Leaders from Government and
Scientific Community
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be attended by Arizona State
Governor, Janet Napolitano, City of Phoenix Mayor, Phil Gordon, U.S.
Senator, Jon Kyl, and TGen President & Scientific Director, Dr.
Jeffrey M. Trent. A keynote speech will be delivered by Francis S.
Collins, M.D., Ph.D. Director, National Human Genome Research
Institute. Thousands are expected to attend. The celebration also
includes a Health & Research Fair from 7:30 a.m. - noon with exhibit
booths from more than 40 biotech and related partner organizations.
About the Phoenix Biomedical Center The PBC is the keystone of the
state-wide bioscience initiative and is expected to have a
significant impact on biomedical discoveries, the quality of health
care for Arizona's residents, and the expansion and diversification
of the state's economy. Other planned developments for the PBC area
include the Arizona Biomedical Collaborative (a three university
teaching facility), a College of Medicine, a College of Pharmacy,
and a College of Nursing.
Major Regional Biotech Organizations & Resources
-- Arizona Heart Institute
-- Arizona State University
-- Banner Health
-- Barrow Neurological Institute
-- Mayo Clinic
-- NIDDK
-- Scottsdale Healthcare
-- St. Joseph's Hospital
-- The Biodesign Institute of ASU
-- University of Arizona
Phoenix Region Facts
Population: 3.4 million
Bio-Related Companies: 1,000+
Major Airport: 23 major airlines, 7th busiest airport in
the world
Higher Education: 25 institutions of higher learning, 277,000
enrolled students
Weather: Average temperature 73F. 300+ sunny days a
year
Entertainment: 52 theatres, 40 museums, 200 art galleries,
4 pro
sports teams
About TGen
The mission of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)
is to make and translate genomic discoveries into advances in human
health. Translational genomics research is a relatively new field
employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project
and applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics and
therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and other
complex diseases. TGen is focused on personalized medicine and plans
to accomplish its goals through robust and disease-focused research
programs and its state-of-the-art bioinformatics and computational
biology facilities. For more information, visit the Web site:
www.tgen.org.
About Phoenix
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The
region offers a growing and skilled workforce, a competitive
business environment, easy access to major markets and more. The
city has a wealth of programs and activities to assist businesses,
large and small. Phoenix offers just about everything in the way of
sports, recreation, arts, culture, dining, lodging and financial
opportunities. Because of our beautiful weather, activities can be
enjoyed year-round. The city has won many major awards, including
the Carl Bertelsmann Prize, a prestigious international competition
that recognizes the best-run city government in the world. For more
information about Phoenix and regional biotech related business
opportunities, visit the Web site http://phoenix.gov or call 1-866-
TECH CITY (832-4248) or (602) 534-6122.
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[biotech-news] Arizona Technology Council and Arizona BioIndustry Association Sign Partnership
Arizona Technology Council and Arizona BioIndustry Association Sign
Partnership Deal
TEMPE, Ariz. October 12, 2004 The Arizona Technology Council and
the Arizona BioIndustry Association today announced a strategic
alliance in serving their respective memberships. Working to provide
Arizona's technology community with optimal business development
options, public policy progress and overall leadership, the Arizona
Technology Council and the Arizona BioIndustry Association will work
together on matters of mutual interest, including: Cross-cluster
cooperation in Arizona, promotion of the Arizona biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries, communications with national, state and
local government, venture capital resource development, integrated
supply chain development, technology transfer program development
from university and private research, and promotion of K-20
education for Arizona with emphasis on the sciences.
The technology associations will also co-sponsor events as part of
the strategic alliance, cross promoting to their respective
memberships. In an effort to further solidify the open communication
between constituencies, one member of the Board of Directors from
each organization will sit as a non-voting delegate on the Board of
Directors of the other organization.
"This partnership represents one of true mutual benefit in that both
organizations' missions are the same: growing the tech sector in
Arizona," said Jon McGarity, Arizona BioIndustry Association
Chairman. "The clear objective is to build the biotech and
pharmaceutical industries in Arizona as part of a strategic vision
to have Arizona recognized as a top- tier center for innovation and
technology based industries."
"The Tech Council has always included bioscience in our cadre of
representation, but the reach will now be deeper," said Todd
Bankofier, President and CEO of the Arizona Technology
Council, "This partnership speaks directly to Arizona's greatest
competitive challenge and that is its ability to build
collaborations that eliminate duplication and serve the greater
good."
About the Arizona Technology Council
Since its inception in 2002, the Arizona Technology Council has
stood as the largest association of technology companies in Arizona,
whose shared vision is for the state to be recognized as a top-tier
center for technology-based businesses. The Council works to carry
out this vision by driving partnerships, policies and programs that
advance the business climate for Arizona's technology community and
by representing, supporting and advocating for member companies
through initiatives, advocacy, networking and effective
communications.
The Arizona Technology Council represents 30,000-plus employees at
more than 400 of the leading technology companies across Arizona.
Represented industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace,
biotechnology, e-learning, environmental technology, software,
Internet applications, semiconductors, and telecommunications.
About the Arizona BioIndustry Association
The Arizona BioIndustry Association is the statewide affiliate of
the Washington, D.C. based national organization, Bio that promotes
the growth of bioindustry in the areas of public policy, member
services, education, business networking, and entrepreneurial
endeavors. The Arizona BioIndustry Association also has a
partnership arrangement with BIO-SA, the biotechnology association
serving Southern Arizona and works with Northern BIOPARTNERS in
Flagstaff.
The Arizona BioIndustry Association currently has over 200 members
and is growing rapidly in membership as the commitment to developing
the biotech and pharmaceutical industries in Arizona continues to
evolve. To learn more about the Arizona BioIndustry Association,
visit www.azbioindustry.org.
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[biotech-news] Biotechnology Industry Trends the Focus at BIO VentureForum East 2005
Biotechnology Industry Trends the Focus at BIO VentureForum East 2005
May 4, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced
additional speakers at BIO VentureForum East 2005, scheduled May 9-
11 at the Intercontinental Hotel-Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia.
BIO VentureForum East is the largest annual East Coast regional
investor conference for venture stage biotechnology and healthcare
firms. It features plenary sessions and workshops on financing and
partnering trends in the biotechnology industry, networking
receptions, and presentations by more than 90 biotech companies
which have been selected by an advisory board of leading equity
capital leaders.
The plenary session from 8 - 9:45am on Wednesday, May 11th, will be
a roundtable discussion on Industry Trends for In-licensing and
Partnering. Pharmaceutical and biotech executives will discuss
pipeline sustainability and examine the value of collaboration.
Panelists will also discuss partnership strategies and consequences.
Kristopher D. Ford, Corporate Strategy and Business Development for
UCB Pharma Inc., will moderate. Panelists include:
-- Donald L. Drakeman, President & CEO, Medarex, Inc.;
-- Robert J. Gould, PhD, Vice President of Licensing and
External
Research, Merck Research Labs;
-- John D. Mendlein, PhD, JD, Chairman & CEO, Affinium
Pharmaceuticals;
-- Herbert S. Ormsbee, PhD, Senior Director of Licensing &
Development,
Pfizer Inc.;
-- John P. Richard, President, BioGrowth.
Thomas H. McLain will present the luncheon keynote address "Managing
Transformative Growth" from 12 - 1:30pm on May 11th. McLain is
Chairman, CEO and President of Nabi Biopharmaceuticals as well as
Chairman of BioFlorida. Headquartered in Florida, Nabi
Biopharmaceuticals ended 2004 with $103 million in cash assets and
positive cash flow from operations.
For more information about BIO VentureForum East, please visit
http://bvf-east.bio.org/ Registration is complimentary for
credentialed members of the news media. Reporters and editors
working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may
register onsite with valid media credentials.
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations
across the United States and in 31 other nations. BIO members are
involved in the research and development of healthcare,
agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
Arizona Biotech
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[biotech-news] Large Scale Biology Corporation and Planet Biotechnology Inc., Announce
Large Scale Biology Corporation and Planet Biotechnology Inc.,
Announce Biomanufacturing Agreement
07/15/2004 -- Large Scale Biology
Corporation (NASDAQ: LSBC) and privately held Planet Biotechnology
Inc., (Planet) of Hayward, California, today announced initiation of
a biomanufacturing agreement to extract and purify Planet's lead
product, CaroRxT, a plant-made antibody to control dental caries.
Planet's CaroRxT is the world's first recombinant plant-made
antibody to be clinically tested, and has been shown to prevent the
adhesion of tooth decay causing bacteria to the tooth surface.
Planet's tobacco plants expressing CaroRxT secretory IgA will be
extracted by LSBC at its Owensboro, Kentucky, manufacturing
facility. CaroRxT has completed Phase I clinical trials under
an approved U.S. FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
"The experience and manufacturing capabilities that LSBC offers in
the area of plant-produced recombinant protein extraction
complements our proprietary gene expression and product development
technologies," stated Elliott Fineman, President and CEO of Planet
Biotechnology. "Larger quantities of CaroRxT are needed for our
expanded clinical trials, and testing of formulations for the
European market. We are happy to be working with LSBC during the
scale-up phase of product development," Mr. Fineman added.
"We are pleased to be working with Planet, a true pioneer in the
development of plant-produced antibodies, as they expand their
development program for their exciting new product, CaroRxT," said
Kevin Ryan, LSBC's President and CEO. "Our new agreement with Planet
further exemplifies LSBC's leadership role in the manufacture of
plant-made pharmaceuticals and demonstrates the versatility of our
Owensboro manufacturing facility in the extraction of a wide range
of products," Mr. Ryan added.
About Large Scale Biology Corporation
Large Scale Biology uses its proprietary gene expression, molecular
engineering and bioprocessing technologies to develop and manufacture
therapeutic and industrial proteins, vaccines and diagnostic
products for
effective characterization and treatment of disease. Corporate
offices, R&D
laboratories and Eclipse Diagnostics Inc. are headquartered in
Vacaville,
California, and the Company's commercial-scale biomanufacturing
facility is
located in Owensboro, Kentucky. For more information about Large
Scale
Biology Corporation, visit the Company's website at www.lsbc.com.
About Planet Biotechnology, Inc.
Planet Biotechnology, Inc. is a privately held, clinical-stage
company whose
mission is to discover, develop and commercialize new
monoclonal-antibody-based therapeutic and preventative products to
meet
significantly underserved medical needs. The Company's unique plant-
derived
antibody-based products ("plantibodies") have been produced through
cultivation of genetically modified tobacco. Planet's headquarters
and
product development laboratories are located in Hayward, California.
For
additional information on Planet Biotechnology Inc. please visit the
Company's website at www.planetbiotechnology.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements about applications
of
LSBC's technologies and potential markets for product of one of our
collaborators. These forward-looking statements involve risks,
uncertainties
and situations that may cause our actual results to differ
materially from
those implied by these statements, including our ability to
commercialize
one of our products, the ability of our collaborators to sell
products we
extract or make for them, the effectiveness of our and our
collaborators'
technologies to produce specific products and/or in a cost-effective
manner,
any difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval to test
and
market such products, and the requirement of substantial funding for
us to
preserve our technology base and product pipeline. We cannot
guarantee
future results. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-
looking
statements, which apply only as of the date of this release. For a
further
list and description of such risks and uncertainties see the reports
filed
by Large Scale Biology Corporation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including our reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Except as
required
by law, we do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
LSBCT, our logo and GENEWARE® are trademarks of Large Scale Biology
Corporation. Planet and CaroRx are trademarks of Planet
Biotechnology, Inc.
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[biotech-news] Bone Care International Announces Advancement of LR-103 Into Human Patients With
Bone Care International Announces Advancement of LR-103 Into Human
Patients With Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
- New Vitamin D Hormone Replacement Therapy for Chronic Kidney
Disease -
Following the successful filing of the Investigational New Drug
(IND) Application in March, 2005, Bone Care International (Nasdaq:
BCII - News) announces plans to move the novel Vitamin D hormone, LR-
103, into human subjects with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
The recently accepted IND focuses on the use of LR-103 to treat
secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with CKD. Data available
from pre-clinical research indicate that LR-103 has the same potency
as calcitriol, but much lower toxicity. "Early safety data from an
ongoing Phase I clinical study with LR-103 in cancer patients
support the expanded testing of LR-103 in patients with chronic
kidney disease," said Charles W. Bishop Ph.D., Chief Scientific
Officer at Bone Care International. The initial study with LR-103 in
CKD will be a Phase I/II dose-ranging efficacy and safety study in
patients with Stage 5 CKD or end-stage renal disease. Additionally,
a separate study is being planned to study LR-103 in earlier stages
of CKD.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million
Americans have CKD and an additional 20 million are at risk.
About Bone Care International
Bone Care International (http://www.bonecare.com) is a specialty
pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and
commercialization of innovative therapeutic products to treat the
unmet medical needs of patients with debilitating conditions and
life-threatening diseases. Our current commercial and therapeutic
focus is in nephrology, utilizing Hectorol®, a novel vitamin D
hormone therapy, to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients
with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal
disease. In addition to chronic kidney disease, the company is
developing vitamin D hormone therapies to treat hyperproliferative
disorders such as cancer and psoriasis.
Contact:
Bone Care International, Inc.
Brian J. Hayden
Chief Financial Officer
(608) 662-7800
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements
relating to future sales, costs of sales, other expenses,
profitability, financial resources, or products and production
schedules, or statements that predict or indicate future events and
trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters identify
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and are based on management's beliefs as well as
assumptions made by and information currently available to
management. Accordingly, the Company's actual results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking
statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that
exist in the Company's operations and business environment,
including, among other factors, the ability of the Company and each
of its suppliers of doxercalciferol, Hectorol® Injection and
Hectorol® Capsules to meet the Company's anticipated production
schedules, technical risks associated with the development of new
products, regulatory policies in the United States and other
countries, risks associated with our ability to avoid or minimize
delays in/or interruption of the manufacture and supply of our
products, including the approvals of regulatory authorities in
connection therewith, reimbursement policies of public and private
health care payors, introduction and acceptance of new drug
therapies, competition from existing products and from new products
or technologies, the failure by the Company to produce anticipated
cost savings or improve productivity, the timing and magnitude of
capital expenditures and acquisitions, currency exchange risks,
economic and market conditions in the United States, Europe and the
rest of the world, and other risks associated with the Company's
operations. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such
factors or to publicly announce any revisions to any of the forward-
looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or
developments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
Source: Bone Care International
Arizona Biotech
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[biotech-news] Foundation for Stem Cell Research
Foundation for Stem Cell Research
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 6 In response to the site selection of the
new Headquarters for the California Institute for Regenerative
Medicine (CIRM), the Following Statement was Made by Susan
DeLaurentis, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Stem Cell
Research:
"Now that the real estate competition is over, we must focus our
collective energy on supporting the critical work of stem cell
research; finding cures for diseases and saving lives."
About the Foundation for Stem Cell Research
The Foundation for Stem Cell Research (FSCR) is dedicated to
educating the public about the importance and potential benefits of
stem cell research, promoting regenerative medicine, expediting the
discovery of cures and treatments for patients with chronic disease
and injuries, investigating best practices for the conduct of
medical research and clinical trials, and advocating the realization
of the goals of Proposition 71.
CONTACT
Susan DeLaurentis
(650) 283 - 8349
SOURCE Foundation for Stem Cell Research
Arizona Biotech
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[biotech-news] Biotech News - Biotech Raises Nearly $15 Billion in First Half of 2004
Biotech Raises Nearly $15 Billion in First Half of 2004
... turning in another strong quarter, biotech is poised for an
excellent
year
SAN FRANCISCO, July 7 "In the history of the biotechnology industry,
the prospects for long term success have never been greater,"
stated G. Steven Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Company, a San Francisco-
based life sciences merchant bank. "You could sense the growing
enthusiasm for this industry at BIO 2004 where nearly 20,000 people
poured into the Moscone Center in San Francisco to network,
showcase, educate, and learn about the latest advances," he
said. "Leaders from science, industry and governments from
all over the world attended ... a huge change from the last time the
convention met in San Francisco in 1995 when 2,700 people came,"
Burrill noted.
"The numbers also tell a heartening tale," continued
Burrill. "Last year at this time, the industry had raised a total
of nearly $8.9 billion, with $5.4 billion coming from financings and
some $3.5 billion from partnering transactions. This year, we've
raised $14.5 billion with $10.2 billion from financings (almost
double last year's numbers) and $4.3 billion from
partnering deals," he noted. "Certainly a portion of the increase
is coming
from the 21 IPOs that have gotten done in 2004 which have raised a
total of
more than $1.2 billion. While the performance of the majority of
these
companies has been relatively flat, Eyetech, which entered the
market in
January, has seen a spectacular increase in value ... up 104%,"
Burrill
said.
Eyetech and Pfizer announced on June 17 that they had completed the
filing
of
a New Drug Application with the FDA for Macugen(TM) as a treatment
for wet
age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of adult
blindness in
the
US.
Another newcomer, Pharmion, has enjoyed an even more dramatic
ascent
with
shares up nearly 250% since its IPO in November 2003. The company's
main
focus is on the development and commercialization of treatments for
haematology and oncology patients. Pharmion owns the development
rights for
thrombosis medications, Innohep and Refludan and also purchased
rights to
both
myelodysplastic syndrome treatment Vidaza (from Pharmacia) and blood
cancer
treatment thalidomide from Celegene. On June 3, the company
announced that
its thalidomide medication was approved in Turkey for the treatment
of
multiple myeloma after failure of standard therapies as well as for
the
treatment of a severe and debilitating complication of leprosy.
Turkey is
the
third country outside the US to approve thalidomide, following the
registrations in Australia and New Zealand for the same indications
in Q4
03.
"It's clear that investors have changed considerably since the
genomics
bubble of 1999-2000," noted Burrill. "The companies that are
entering the
market today are all more mature with strong product stories to
tell, and
yet
only two have really taken off. When you look at the performance of
the
companies that forced open the IPO window in 1999, there's a sharp
contrast,"
he explained. The four companies that debuted in the final days of
the last
century all enjoyed amazing rides, experiencing phenomenal gains on
Wall
Street during their first six months. Symyx saw shares rise 204%
from
November 17, 1999 to June 30, 2000. Likewise, shares of Tularik
rose 111%,
Caliper's share values jumped 188% and Maxygen's shares rose 255% --
all in
the same time period. But this IPO window is different, with
average share
prices up only 29% since entering the market.
"There are two big reasons that we're not seeing the same kind of
momentum
today," explained Burrill. "One is that the general markets are
skittish and
extremely discerning, with both the DJIA and NASDAQ treading water.
The
other
reason is that biotech investors are very tentative and risk
adverse ...
investors are only backing firms with products that have either
reached the
market or are in late stage clinical trials. You can see that there
is far
less in the way of risk taking this time around," Burrill noted.
Financings
IPOs
The biotech IPO window was tight in Q2 04. but open nonetheless,
with 12
new biotech firms entering the publicly traded market, bringing the
total of
new entrants to the publicly traded biotech market from the IPO
class of
2003-
2004 to 28 (7 in 2003, 21 so far this year). In 2Q 04, all but two
companies
-- Barrier Therapeutics and Cytokinetics -- had to discount their
paper in
order to get aloft. Four delivered reasonably good returns since
their
IPO --
Memory Pharmaceuticals, up 30%; Cytokinetics, up 14%; Alnylam, up
26% and
Momenta Pharma, up 36%.
In April, five companies completed IPOs -- Memory
Pharmaceuticals which
develops drugs for the treatment of central nervous system disorders
raised
$40 million and has seen its shares increase 30% since its debut on
April 4.
Corcept Therapeutics which develops drugs for treating psychotic
major
depression and Alzheimer's, launched on April 13, raising $54
million with
share prices dropping 36% thereafter. Immunicon, a cancer
diagnostics
company, raised $48 million on April 15 and has also seen its share
value
drop
by 2%. Barrier Therapeutics, which makes dermatology products, and
drug
discovery company Cytokinetics made their entry on April 28 raising
$75
million and $90 million, respectively. Shares of Cytokinetics were
up 14% at
the end of the quarter while Barrier's shares were trading down 6%.
In May, only three companies managed to go public. Alnylam
Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on RNAi-based treatments for
hepatitis C and
wet age-related macular degeneration raised $30 million with shares
up 26%
since the IPO. Acadia Pharmaceuticals, which is developing a small-
molecule
serotonin receptor inverse agonist for treatment of induced
dysfunction
resulting from Parkinson's disease, raised $35 million but shares
are down
11%
in value since the IPO. Critical Therapeutics, which has remained
unchanged
in
value since the IPO raised $42 million. The company already has an
approved
product, Zyflo -- an immediate-release asthma therapy -- which the
company
expects to market next year.
Four new companies entered the market in June -- Inhibitex,
Metabasis
Therapeutics, Senomyx, and Momenta Pharmaceuticals. Inhibitex, which
develops
antibody-based vaccines and drugs to combat Staphylococcus
infections,
raised
$35 million and ended the month of June up 3%. Metabasis, which
also raised
$35 million, has seen a drop in value of 1% since its IPO on June
16. The
company is developing drugs to treat liver and metabolic diseases
and has
drugs in Phase II testing for diabetes and hepatitis B. Senomyx has
identified about 350 human receptor genes related to the detection
of smells
and tastes. The company raised $35 million and share values have
increased
4%
since the IPO. Also raising $35 million, Momenta Pharmaceuticals is
up 36%
since its IPO making this company the top performer for the quarter.
Momenta
specializes in engineering complex sugars to improve versions of
existing
drugs as well as to create new ones.
In Q2 04 the 12 IPO offerings garnered $599 million, a bit less
than the
previous quarter, which brought in $653 million. The seven
companies that
went public in Q4 03 have, on average, delivered an 11% increase in
value
since their debut. The value of that group of companies has
increased an
average of 15% since the start of the year. On average, the nine
companies
that went public during Q1 04 have delivered a 15% increase in value
since
their IPOs and a 4% increase in value from Q1 to the end of Q2 04.
In
contrast, the twelve companies that got IPOs done during Q2 04
delivered an
average increase of just 2% since entering the market. "We're now
seeing a
slow down in offerings and the market is likely to stay depressed
through
the
summer doldrums," said Burrill. "But there are still 14 deals on
file and
we're expecting more companies to file before the year is out ... so
we've
not
seen the end of this window yet," he added.
Q4 2003 Biotech IPOs
Share Share %
Change
Issue Price Price % Change
since
Price 3/31/03 6/30/04 Q2 IPO
Company Ticker ($USD) ($USD) ($USD) 2004
(6/30/04)
Acusphere ACUS $14.00 $8.35 $6.40 -23% -
54%
Advancis AVNC $10.00 $9.14 $6.73 -26% -
33%
Genitope GTOP $9.00 $11.42 $9.87 -14% 10%
CancerVax CNVX $12.00 $10.61 $7.61 -28% -
37%
NitroMed NTMD $11.00 $7.85 $6.06 -23% -
45%
Pharmion PHRM $14.00 $22.54 $48.92 117%
249%
Myogen MYOG $14.00 $10.95 $7.74 -29% -
45%
AVERAGE $12.00 $11.55 $13.33 15%
11%
Q1 2004 Biotech IPOs
Share Share %
Change
Issue Price Price % Change
since
Price 3/31/03 6/30/04 Q2 IPO
Company Ticker ($USD) ($USD) ($USD) 2004
(6/30/04)
Eyetech
Pharma EYET $21.00 $33.20 $42.92 29%
104%
GTx GTXI $14.50 $10.40 $10.41 0% -
28%
Renovis RNVS $12.00 $10.15 $9.16 -10% -
24%
Corgentech CGTK $16.00 $18.72 $16.12 -14%
1%
DynaVax Tech DVAX $7.50 $7.58 $6.66 -12% -
11%
Xcyte
Therapies XCYT $8.00 $7.49 $4.40 -41% -
45%
Tercica TRCA $9.00 $10.22 $8.11 -21% -
10%
Anadys Pharma ANDS $7.00 $7.18 $7.10 -1%
1%
Santaurus SNTS $9.00 $10.10 $14.74 46%
64%
AVERAGE $11.56 $12.78 $13.29 4%
15%
Q2 2004 Biotech IPOs
Share % Change
Issue Price since
Price 6/30/04 IPO
Company Ticker ($USD) ($USD)
(6/30/04)
Memory Pharma MEMY $7.00 $9.10 30%
Corcept Therapeutics CORT $12.00 $7.72 -36%
Immunicon IMMC $8.00 $7.85 -2%
Barrier Therapeutics BTRX $15.00 $14.03 -6%
Cytokinetics CYTK $13.00 $14.88 14%
Acadia Pharma ACAD $7.00 $6.20 -11%
Critical Therapeutics CRTX $7.00 $7.00 0%
Alnylam ALNY $6.00 $7.56 26%
Inhibitex INHX $7.00 $7.21 3%
Metabasis Therapeutics MBRX $7.00 $6.95 -1%
Momenta Pharma MNTA $6.50 $8.85 36%
Senomyx SNMX $6.00 $6.25 4%
AVERAGE $8.46 $8.63 2%
Convertible Debt
Once again, the most popular financing vehicle in Q2 04 was
convertible
debt through which the industry raised nearly $1.9 billion. The
largest
such
offering was ImClone's pricing in mid May of $500 million of
Convertible
Senior Notes due 2024. The notes will bear interest at 1.375% per
annum and
initial purchasers have a 30-day option to purchase up to an
additional $100
million of the notes on the same terms. Chiron also announced a
convertible
stock offering of 30-year convertible debentures to qualified
institutional
buyers. The company expects gross proceeds of approximately $350
million.
In
addition, the initial purchasers of the debentures will also have a
13-day
option to purchase additional debenture which could provide up to $35
million
more. Holders of the notes will also have the option to require
Chiron to
purchase their debentures at par value in years 6, 10, 15, 20 and 25
for
cash
and accrued and unpaid interest.
"In the uneven market environment that is prevailing,
convertible debt
still looks pretty attractive for some companies," explained
Burrill. "But
it's important to remember that this financing vehicle is only
viable for
companies with a strong balance sheet and good product stories.
ImClone, for
example, now has a drug -- Erbitux -- that's expected to be a
billion dollar
blockbuster," he noted.
Selected Convertible Debt offerings during 2Q 04:
Company Month Est. Value ($USD, M)
ImClone Systems May 500
Chiron Corp. Jun 350
Amylin Pharmaceuticals Apr 200
Medarex Inc. May 150
CV Therapeutics Inc. May 150
deCode genetics Inc. Apr 150
Oscient Pharmaceuticals May 125
Epix Medical Inc. Jun 100
Follow-Ons
During Q2 04, $700 million was raised through follow-on
offerings,
compared to $130 raised during the same period in 2003. The largest
follow-on
for the quarter was Eyetech Pharmaceutical's secondary offering of
4,439,000
shares of its common stock at $38.50 per share. This includes
579,000 shares
sold upon full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
Eyetech
didn't sell any shares in, or receive any proceeds from, the
offering; it
was
an offering to liquidate various investors whose shares were locked
up
during
the offering period.. The joint book-running managers of the
offering were
Merrill Lynch & Co. and Morgan Stanley. Another recent entrant to
the
market,
Genitope sold an aggregate of 7,013,646 shares of common stock at
$8.50 per
share. This resulted in estimated net proceeds to Genitope of
approximately
$55.5 million. WR Hambrecht + Co was the lead underwriter of the
offering.
Selected Follow-ons during Q2 04:
Share
Amount Share Price
Raised Price 6/30/04
Company Ticker ($M, USD) ($USD) ($USD) %
Change
Eyetech
Pharmaceuticals
Inc. EYET 171 $38.50 $42.92
11%
Bone Care
International BCII 98 $21.75 $23.42 8%
Cypress Bioscience
Inc. CYPB 79 $11.50 $13.73
19%
Genitope Corp. GTOP 60 $8.50 $9.87
16%
Isolagen Inc. ILE 60 $8.50 $10.28
21%
Myriad Genetics Inc. MYGN 54 $16.01 $14.92 -
7%
Pharmacyclics Inc. PCYC 42 $13.00 $10.14 -
22%
IntraBiotics
Pharmaceuticals IBPI 39 $13.00 $3.89 -
70%
PIPES
PIPEs (Private Investment in Public Equities) accounted for $472
million
for the quarter, compared to nearly $1.3 billion during the previous
quarter.
Illumina, which announced in May that it was selling its Sentrix(R)
BeadChips
for large-scale gene expression experiments for as low as $100 per
array
raised $30 million in a registered direct offering. Under the terms
of the
transaction, Illumina sold approximately 4.5 million shares of its
common
stock at $6.75 per share to a select group of institutional
investors.
Oncology biopharmaceutical firm Cytogen raised $26 million in April
through
the sale of 2,570,000 shares of common stock at $10.10 per share
through a
registered direct offering.
Selected PIPES during Q2 04:
Company Month Amount Raised ($USD,
M)
Illumina Inc. May 30
Cytogen Corp. Apr 26
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Apr 25
Northfield Laboratories May 23
Axonyx Inc. May 20
StemCells Inc. Jun 20
Viragen Inc. Jun 20
Prana Biotechnology Ltd. May 20
Sirna Therapeutics Inc. May 19
BioSante Pharmaceuticals May 18
Sonus Pharmaceuticals May 15
Adventrx Pharmaceuticals Inc. Apr 15
VC Investments
Venture capital accounted for $815 million in investments this
quarter,
compared to nearly $1.4 billion in Q1 04. Corus, a biotech and
specialty
pharmaceutical development company, completed a Series C preferred
stock
financing with an additional $5 million, bringing the total raised
to $65
million. Investors included Bear Stearns Health Innoventures,
Hambrecht &
Quist Capital Management, AIG Sun America Ventures, MPM BioEquities,
Burrill
&
Company, and others. Funds will be used for advancing clinical
Phase II
studies for both Corus 1020 (an inhaled antibiotic for the treatment
of
pseudomonal infections in patients with cystic fibrosis) and Corus
1030 (a
treatment for oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma). Additionally,
the
company plans to use the funds to complete Phase III studies and to
increase
its R&D pipeline.
ARYx Therapeutics completed a $55 million Series D financing in
Q2 04
which was led by Nomura Phase4 Ventures. Other new investors
participating
in
the round include JAFCO Life Science Investments, Scottish Widows
Investment
Partnership, Montreux Equity Partners, and Novel Bioventures, among
others.
ARYx anticipates that through the application of its proprietary
retrometabolic chemistry approach, the company can engineer-out
metabolism
and
other safety problems in valuable drugs. The company has forwarded
two
products into Phase I clinical trials: ATI-2042, a treatment for
atrial
fibrillation and ATI-7505, a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux
disease.
Selected venture financings during Q2 04:
Company Month Amount Raised
($USD, M)
Corus Pharma Inc. Apr 65
ARYx Therapeutics Inc. Jun 55
Altus Pharmaceuticals May 51
Archemix Corp. Apr 50
Dynogen Pharmaceuticals Apr 50
Nucleonics Inc. Apr 49
Favrille Inc. Apr 44
Acologix Inc. May 40
Microbia Inc. May 40
Cardiokine Inc. Apr 37
Rejuvenon Corp. Jun 37
ChemoCentryx Inc. Jun 33
Amicus Therapeutics May 31
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals May 28
Idun Pharmaceuticals Inc. Jun 27
M & A and Alliances
M&A activity in Q2 04 was robust with the announcement of more
than 20
transactions totalling $67 billion. In a huge pharma/pharma deal,
Aventis
S.A.
accepted a sweetened takeover offer from Sanofi-Synthelabo S.A.
valued at
$63.2 billion. Approved by the European Commission, the deal
confirms the
complementary nature of the combined group's existing product
portfolio.
Sanofi-Aventis brings together 94 NCE's and vaccines in development
from
Aventis and 56 from Sanofi. The deal also gives Sanofi a significant
number
of
technology partnerships that Aventis has with other companies. In
preparation
for the merger, Sanofi sold global rights to two of its injectable
anti-
thrombotics, Arixtra and Fraxiparine, to GlaxoSmithKline for $547
million in
cash. Sanofi also sold Aventis' rights to its colorectal cancer drug
Campto
to
Pfizer for $620 million.
Belgium's UCB S.A., a chemicals and pharmaceuticals maker,
agreed to pay
$2.7 billion for British biotech company Celltech Group PLC, a
merger which
will create Europe's largest biotechnology company and the fifth
largest
worldwide. "Pharma's reliance on biotech companies to fill their
pipelines
continues unabated," commented Burrill. Celltech's most promising
compound,
CDP 870, is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease
and is
in
late-stage development. UCB's biggest selling drug is the allergy
medication
Zyrtec, which has already lost patent protection in some countries.
In mid June, Canadian drug maker QLT agreed to purchase one of
Colorado's
largest biotechs, Atrix Laboratories, for $750 million in cash and
stock.
The
deal will diversify QLT's revenue base and portfolio and bring
together two
leading products -- QLT's Visudyne for age-related macular
degeneration and
Atrix' prostate-cancer treatment Eligard.
Also in June, Bradley Pharmaceuticals agreed to acquire Bioglan
Pharmaceuticals, the specialty dermatology products subsidiary of
Quintiles
Transnational Corporation, in a transaction valued at $183 million
in cash,
plus direct costs for transferred inventory.
Selected M&A transactions announced during Q2 2004:
Est.
Value
Acquired Acquiree
(USD, $M)
Aventis SA Sanofi-Synthelabo SA
63200
Celltech Group plc UCB Pharma
2600
Atrix Laboratories Inc. QLT Inc.
750
Bioglan Pharmaceuticals Bradley Pharmaceuticals Inc.
183
Verdia (Maxygen subsidiary) DuPont 64
MJ Research Inc. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. 47
Respironics Inc. Profile Therapeutics plc 45
pSivida Ltd. QinetiQ Ltd. 41
OrthoLogic Corp. Chrysalis BioTechnology Inc. 34
V.I. Technologies Inc. Panacos Pharmaceuticals Inc. 27
SeraCare Life Sciences Inc. Genomics Collaborative Inc. 14
Partnering deals generated $2.3 billion in Q2 04, up from $2
billion in
the first quarter and on track with partnering activity in 2003. The
largest
deals centered on big pharma's appetite for development and
marketing rights
for promising drugs to add to their pipelines.
Merck, which has no cancer-fighting drug on the market, has been
aggressively pursuing licensing and partnership deals over the past
year to
give the company a presence in this lucrative market. On June 22,
Vertex
Pharmaceuticals and Merck entered into a collaborative agreement to
co-develop
Vertex's VX-680 experimental cancer drug that targets proteins
called Aurora
kinases, which are believed to help promote tumor growth. Under the
agreement,
Vertex will receive $20 million up front from Merck and an
additional $14
million in research funding over the next two years to develop the
compound.
Vertex could also receive up to $350 million in milestone payments
if VX-680
is successfully developed against one or more cancers.
Swiss pharmaceutical giant, Roche Holding AG, entered into a
partnership
with ArQule Inc. to develop ArQule's E2F cancer fighting agents
aimed at
killing diseased cells without damaging healthy ones. The agreement,
valued
at
$276 million, involves an up front cash payment of $15 million to
support
research and development and additional payments to support research
and
development in 2005. Roche will receive an option to in-license
certain E2F
compounds at a future date and if the company decides to exercise its
option,
ArQule will receive a lump sum license payment and will be eligible
for
milestone and royalty payments depending on further progress of one
or more
E2F compounds.
Eisai entered into a product acquisition agreement worth $240
million
for
Elan which gives Eisai the exclusive North American and European
rights to
market Zonegran(R), Elan's drug for the adjunctive treatment of
epilepsy.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) entered into a strategic alliance with
Theravance,
Inc., a private-held pharmaceutical company, to develop and
commercialize
novel medicines across a variety of important therapeutic areas.
Under the
terms of the alliance, Theravance received $129 million, a
significant part
of
which relates to GSK's purchase of shares to increase its ownership
position
in Theravance from 6% to 19% with an option for a further extension
of GSK
ownership in 2007. In exchange GSK receives an exclusive option to
license
potential new medicines from all current and future programs through
August
2007 on a worldwide basis. This alliance builds on the companies'
existing
collaboration in respiratory diseases.
Finally, in June Vernalis plc and Biogen Idec agreed to advance
research
into Vernalis' adenosine A2A receptor antagonist program which
targets
Parkinson's disease and other CNS disorders. Under the agreement,
Biogen
Idec
receives exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize
Vernalis'
lead compound, V2006, which recently completed an initial Phase I
clinical
study in healthy volunteers. Biogen Idec also has the right to
develop one
back-up compound to V2006 and receives option rights over Vernalis'
A2A
antagonist research program. The deal is valued at $100 million.
Selected partnering transactions during Q2 2004:
Est.
Value
Biotech Pharma/Biotech (USD, $M)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. Merck & Co. Inc. 384
Arqule Roche 276
Elan Eisai 240
Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc. Pliva d.d. 215
Theravance Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc 129
Vernalis plc Biogen Idec Inc. 100
"Considering that the public equity markets have been choppy all
year,
this level of fundraising this quarter is pretty impressive," noted
Burrill.
"Investors have been reticent of late, waiting for the news in Iraq
to
improve
and for the Feds to increase interest rates. Now that the US has
completed
the Iraq handover and Alan Greenspan has announced the .25% increase
in
rates,
we can anticipate some evening out ... but there's still the election
looming
and that will make for some uncertainty," he said. "There is no
question
that
we're on track for a great year and we're sticking by our prediction
that
we'll see a total of 25-30 successful IPO's (21 are done year to
date) and
at
least $20 billion in new financings before year end ($10.1 billion
has
already
been raised in 2004)," Burrill added.
"This doesn't mean guaranteed smooth sailing for the next six
months,
however," said Burrill. "Biotech has become a very competitive
industry.
There is more competition for investment dollars, more competition
for each
government contract, more competition in the marketplace, and more
competition
for coverage and reimbursement," he explained. "The good news is
that more
and more people are looking to become part of this business in one
way or
another. Truly, biotech has become a ubiquitous, global endeavour
with
exploding momentum. With each passing year, hundreds of dreams take
shape
in
real world settings and hope becomes truth, all because of
biotechnology,"
Burrill said. "Plus, there is a payback -- biotech's combined
revenues in
2003 were about $50 billion -- a far cry from just five years'
previous when
the industry pulled in only $20 billion in revenues. But there also
are
huge
costs and huge risks associated with technological advancement and
commercialization, factors that will continue to make biotech a
volatile
segment of the publicly traded market," he added.
2003 2004
YTD
2002 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2003 Q1 Q2
2004
Public
IPO $445 $-- $-- $-- $453 $453 $653
$599
$1,252
Follow-
on 979 517 130 1,340 1,549 $3,536 984
700
$1,684
PIPEs 907 204 522 676 649 $2,051 1,274
472
$1,746
Debt 5,251 152 2,487 2,764 1,767 $7,170 1,363
1,851
$3,214
Private
VC 2,688 549 628 670 994 $2,841 1,369
815
$2,184
Other 178 217 12 15 50 $294 137
$11
$148
Total
Finan-
cings $10,448 $1,639 $3,779 $5,465 $5,462 $16,345 $5,780
$4,448
$10,228
Part-
nering $7,496 $1,203 $2,256 $2,556 $2,918 $8,933 $2,010
$2,262
$4,272
Total $17,944 $2,842 $6,035 $8,021 $8,380 $25,278 $7,790
$6,710
$14,500
Investment Outlook
Whenever the volatile biotech market rallies, there is always
some
momentum trading which may or may not reflect a company's true value
over
the
long run. Investors who wish to avoid being caught up in the tide of
enthusiasm are well advised to remember a few pointers:
Patience is what investors need to remember most. This is not a
segment
in which one makes a killing overnight. The return can take three
to five
years to materialize ... maybe a little less and maybe a little more.
Biotech's wild ride is not for the faint of heart.
Portfolio diversity is a must. Mix up the innovative neophytes
with the
more seasoned pros and vary your therapeutic markets and hotshot
technologies.
Products are biotech's jewels and while it is difficult to
predict a
promising compound's ultimate success, it pays to keep track of
clinical
trial
progress and regulatory setbacks.
Partnering (with larger pharma or biotech companies) has never
been more
important to the survival of biotech. We are seeing increased
activity in
this area and it's good to know how these collaborations are working
out.
Probability or probably sustainability is key to any company's
success.
If there isn't a strong business model or products are failing early
in
clinical trials, you may have to rethink your choice.
Profitability, though hardly a necessary prerequisite for going
public,
is
the goal. The nearer a company is to profitability, the more Wall
Street
likes it.
About Burrill & Company
Burrill & Company is a life sciences merchant bank, focused
exclusively
on
companies involved in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics,
human
healthcare and related medical technologies, wellness and
nutraceuticals,
agricultural technologies, and industrial biotechnology
(biomaterials/bioprocesses).
Venture Capital
The Burrill family of venture capital funds, with over $500
million
under
management, includes the Burrill Life Sciences Capital Fund, the
Burrill
Biotechnology Capital Fund, the Burrill Agbio Capital Fund and its
successor
-- the Burrill Agbio Capital Fund II, and the Burrill Nutraceuticals
Capital
Fund.
Strategic Partnering
Burrill & Company assists life science companies in identifying,
negotiating and closing strategic partnerships between large and
small
companies providing access to resources, technologies or
collaborations
essential for executing their business plans.
Burrill & Company also works with major life science companies to
spinout
internal assets and capitalize on their value, ranging from the
outright
sale
of products or businesses to creation of new companies to exploit
these
assets. Burrill uses its extensive network to help companies
identify,
assess
and capture ("spin-in") products and companies strategic to building
their
businesses.
We have completed more than 25 strategic partnerships with a
value in
excess of $1.5 billion.
Strategic Advisory Services
Burrill & Company works with leaders of life science companies
of all
sizes (from start-up to big pharma) on growth strategy with a focus
on how
strategic transactions and partnerships can enable and accelerate the
achievement of corporate objectives. We combine our scientific,
business,
operations, financial and technical skill sets within an objective
advisory
approach. We then work with our external clients to implement these
plans,
whether it is to succeed through an M&A/partnering transaction or a
financing,
divestiture or a restructuring.
Biotech 2004/Burrill Datacenter
Burrill & Company's annual analysis of the "State of the
Industry" has
been an important part of the biotech industry's view of itself over
the
last
18 years. Biotech 2004 -- Life Sciences: Back on Track, is a
perspective on
where the industry has been and is going and was released Q1 04. In
addition,
the newly created Burrill Datacenter is an online resource for
keeping
up-to-
date information from the biotech industry at your fingertips,
including
updated data from Biotech 2004. To order Biotech 2004 or to
subscribe to the
Burrill Datacenter, visit Burrill & Company's website at
http://www.burrillandco.com
or call (415) 591-5400.
SOURCE Burrill & Company
Web Site: http://www.burrillandco.com
Arizona Biotech
Biotech News
Arizona Entrepreneurs
Arizona High Tech
[biotech-news] Biotechnology News and Information - Seattle Genetics Appoints Biotechnology Exp
Seattle Genetics Appoints Biotechnology Expert Franklin Berger to
Board of Directors
BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 2004--Seattle
Genetics, Inc.
(Nasdaq:SGEN) announced today that Franklin M. Berger, CFA, a
biotechnology
industry analyst with over 25 years of experience in capital markets
and
financial analysis, has been appointed to the company's Board of
Directors.
"Franklin's financial expertise and extensive knowledge of the
biotechnology industry will provide a valuable perspective to the
company,"
stated Clay B. Siegall, Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and
Interim Chairman of the Board of Seattle Genetics. "His appointment
reflects
our ongoing commitment to foster a Board that includes highly
qualified
independent directors to oversee Seattle Genetics' continued growth."
Franklin Berger served most recently as Managing Director,
Equity
Research and Senior Biotechnology Analyst at J.P. Morgan Securities
from
1998 to 2003. In this position, he initiated team coverage of 26
biotechnology companies and was responsible for technical,
scientific and
clinical due diligence as well as company selection. Previously,
Berger
served in similar capacities at Salomon Smith Barney from 1997 to
1998 and
Josephthal & Co. from 1991 to 1997. Prior to his work as a
biotechnology
analyst, he managed Pantagruel Partners, a firm that developed early-
stage
pharmaceutical compounds for sale to drug companies and venture
capital
firms. Berger holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of
Business
Administration and an M.A. in International Economics and a B.A. in
International Relations both from Johns Hopkins University.
About Seattle Genetics
Seattle Genetics discovers and develops monoclonal antibody-
based
therapeutics to treat cancer and other human diseases. The company
has built
a diverse portfolio of product candidates targeted to many types of
cancer,
including three being tested in multiple ongoing clinical trials,
SGN-30,
SGN-15 and SGN-40, and three in preclinical development, SGN-35, SGN-
75 and
SGN-17/19. The product candidates encompass three platform
technologies:
genetically engineered monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug
conjugates
(ADCs) and antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). Seattle
Genetics has developed leading ADC technology comprised of highly
potent
synthetic drugs and stable linkers for attaching the drugs to
monoclonal
antibodies. The company currently has license agreements for its ADC
technology with Genentech, Celltech Group, Protein Design Labs and
CuraGen
and for its ADEPT technology with Genencor International. More
information
about Seattle Genetics can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com.
Certain of the statements made in this press release are
forward-looking. Actual results or developments may differ
materially from
those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements.
Specifically, statements regarding the Company's continued growth are
forward-looking and actual results may differ materially from these
statements for various reasons. Factors that may cause such a
difference
include risks related to adverse clinical results as our product
candidates
move into and advance in clinical trials, risks inherent in early
stage
development and failure by Seattle Genetics to secure collaborators
or
failure of those collaborators to perform their contractual
obligations.
More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seattle
Genetics
is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange
Commission. Seattle Genetics disclaims any intention or obligation
to update
or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
Arizona Biotech
Biotech News
Arizona Entrepreneurs
Arizona High Tech
BioTech News at Arizona Biotech
http://www.forbes.com/investmentnewsletters/2004/03/04/cz_jw_0304soapbox.html
Forbes.com: Nanotech: 2003 Was A Banner Year
"Nanotech: 2003 Was A Banner Year
Josh Wolfe, Forbes/Wolfe Nanotech Report, 03.04.04, 6:42 PM ET
Last year was a monumental year for nanotechnology, from President Bush signing the historic $3.7 billion Nanotechnology Research & Development Act to Wall Street heavyweights like Merrill and Credit Suisse inaugurating coverage. But as we noted last year (see 'Top Five Nanotech Breakthroughs Of 2002'), the most exciting advances in nanotech are still the scientific developments taking place in universities, startups and major corporations. Over the past month, my team at Lux Capital interviewed the world's leading researchers in quantum physics, chemistry, biology and engineering to determine the top nanotechnology scientific breakthroughs of 2003.
biotech-news
Biotech News
Biotech News
[biotech-news] BIOCHEMISTRY: Mad Cow Mechanism
BioTech News at Arizona Biotech
Yahoo! Groups : Biotechnology News
[biotech-news] BIOCHEMISTRY: Mad Cow Mechanism May Be Integral to Storing Memory
BIOCHEMISTRY: PRIONS : ARTICLE: Mad Cow Mechanism May Be Integral to
Storing Memory
Whitehead Institute Contacts: Kelli Whitlock or David Cameron
Phone: 617.258.5183
E-mail: newsroom @ wi.mit.edu
Columbia University Contact: Annie Bayne
Phone: 212.305.3900
E-mail: as862 @ columbia.edu
Mad Cow Mechanism May Be Integral to Storing Memory
"CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Dec. 24, 2003) Scientists have discovered a new
process for how memories might be stored, a finding that could help
explain one of the least-understood activities of the brain. Whats
more, the key player in this process is a protein that acts just
like a prion a class of proteins that includes the deadly agents
involved in neurodegenerative conditions such as mad cow disease.
The study, published as two papers in the Dec. 26 issue of the
journal Cell, suggests that this protein does its good work while in
a prion state, contradicting a widely held belief that a protein
that has prion activity is toxic or at least doesnt function
properly.
For a while weve known quite a bit about how memory works, but weve
had no clear concept of what the key storage device is, says
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Director Susan
Lindquist, who coauthored the study with neurobiologist Eric Kandel
at Columbia University. This study suggests what the storage device
might be but its such a surprising suggestion to find that a prion-
like activity may be involved.
Central to a proteins function is its shape, and most proteins
maintain only one shape throughout their lifetime. Prions, on the
other hand, are proteins that can suddenly alter their shape, or
misfold. But more than just misfolding themselves, they influence
other proteins of the same type to do the same. In all known cases,
the proteins in these misfolded clusters cease their normal function
and either die or are deadly to the cell and ultimately to the
organism.
For this reason, Kausik Si, a postdoc in Kandels lab, was surprised
to find that a protein related to maintaining long-term memory
contained certain distinct prion signatures. The protein, CPEB,
resides in central-nervous-system synapses, the junctions that
connect neurons in the brain. Memories are contained within that
intricate network of approximately 1 trillion neurons and their
synapses. With experience and learning, new junctions form and
others are strengthened. CPEB synthesizes proteins that strengthen
such synapses as memories are formed, enabling the synapses to
retain those memories over long periods.
For the study, the team extracted the CPEB protein from a sea slug.
This lowly creature has achieved high status in neurobiology because
its neurons are so big, they can be manipulated and turned into
unusually powerful investigative tools. The researchers fused this
CPEB to other proteins that would serve as reporters of activity,
and then observed its behavior in a variety of yeast models. The
researchers discovered that CPEB altered its form and caused other
proteins to follow functioning exactly like a prion. A second
unexpected finding was that CPEB carried out its normal function
protein synthesis when it was in its prion state.
This is remarkable not just because the protein executes a positive
function in its prion-like state, says Lindquist, who also is
professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
It also indicates that prions arent just oddballs of nature but
might participate in fundamental processes."
------------------------------------------------------
The full article may be read at the URL above.
A list or resources and links related to this research report is
provided at the end of this document.
Sincerely,
David Dillard
Temple University
(215) 204 - 4584
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[biotech-news] Initiative Seeks To Spark Wash. State Biotech Funding
The url for this has expired.
Initiative Seeks To Spark Wash. State Biotech Funding
Thursday January 22, 3:21 pm ET
By Paula L. Stepankowsky, Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
LONGVIEW, Wash. -(Dow Jones)- If Washington state wants to gain
ground as one of the nation's biotechnology hot spots, it will have
to spend some public money to do it, say biotech boosters who sent
an initiative to the governor this week.
Why and how is the focus of the public/private, nonprofit
initiative, which was commissioned by Gov. Gary Locke and will be
presented to the state legislature during its current 60-day session.
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ASU TECHNOPOLIS' TECHNOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
I believe that this is the first message ever posted to the original Bio Tech News Mailing list back in December of 2003.
I have many of the posts archived and will post them here as I get free time.
Bill Austin
http://www.arizonabiotech.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------
ASU TECHNOPOLIS' TECHNOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
-----------------------------------------------------------
If you have the itch to turn that great idea of yours into a technology or
life science venture, consider beginning the new year with the latest
program from ASU Technopolis. The Technology and Life Science
Entrepreneurship Course (TLSE) begins on Monday evening, January 5th from
6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and continues for six consecutive Monday evenings. At a
price of $200, TLSE represents a value that can't be beat. Space is
limited, so sign up now!
TLSE covers all aspects of starting, funding and growing early stage
technology and life science ventures, allowing would-be entrepreneurs to
gain confidence in starting up their dream venture. Teams are formed within
the class to develop a business concept to be presented in the last course
session to a panel of business experts. Teams can invest in one another's
concepts and this "investment game" will be judged by the same panel.
TLSE is facilitated by Sharon Ballard and Dan O'Neill, both seasoned and
experienced technology entrepreneurs and CEOs. The course also includes
lectures from guest experts in entrepreneurship, intellectual property,
product development, business development, marketing, sales, finance, law
and team building. Jim Garvey, Founder and CEO of Integrated Information
Systems, will kick the series off with the fascinating story of his long and
winding road from one-man startup through Internet boom, IPO, market crash
and reinvention in a new age. It's a great story, not to be missed.
If you are an entrepreneur with a great technology or life science business
idea that you want to think though in a rigorous manner please register
today. Or, if you know such a person or company, pass the word along.
There are only a few spaces left, so sign up now at
http://www.asutechnopolis.org/programsTechnology.htm. Walk-ins are also
welcome. The first session will be held on the sixth floor of the Brickyard
on Mill in Tempe one block north of University.
See you there!
