PRINCETON, NJ--(Marketwire -06/19/12)- Agile Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing more convenient women's contraceptive products, announced today that Al Altomari, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention's Business Forum. The event will be taking place June 18-21, 2012 in Boston.

Mr. Altomari will be speaking at the Business Forum at 9:45 am ET on June 20. His presentation will provide a company update on Agile and a commercialization overview as Agile prepares for its first commercial launch and enters the contraceptive market with AG200-15, a once-weekly, low-dose contraceptive patch. Agile recently filed the NDA for AG200-15, and anticipates a response in 1Q 2013.

"I am excited about this opportunity to discuss our strategies for commercialization and growth at this key industry event," said Mr. Altomari. "In support of the anticipated approval and launch of our lead product, AG200-15, we are planning to use the most effective strategies to successfully enter the competitive contraceptive market and respond to a need for more convenient contraceptive choices."

About AG200-15AG200-15 is a combination hormonal contraceptive patch, which in clinical studies has been shown to deliver a low dose of ethinyl estradiol, as well as a dose of levonorgestrel that is consistent with the efficacy and safety profile of low-dose oral contraceptives. The phase III trials for AG200-15 enrolled more than 2,000 women and formed the basis for the Company's application to the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012.

The AG200-15 patch is applied once weekly for three weeks, followed by a fourth, patch-free week. The patch may be applied to the abdomen, buttocks, or upper torso, is soft and flexible with a cloth-like, silky feel, and designed to provide excellent adhesion, comfort, and appearance.

About Agile Therapeutics Agile Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical development company specializing in Women's Healthcare products, with an initial focus on providing women with more options and more convenient methods of hormonal contraception. The company's lead product, AG200-15, is a once-weekly contraceptive patch that has been submitted to the FDA for approval. In addition, Agile is also developing a low dose, progestin-only contraceptive patch, AG890 (formerly AG900). Both AG200-15 and AG890 incorporate proprietary transdermal delivery technology, Skinfusion, developed by Agile, consisting of an active and peripheral adhesive system that allows stable drug delivery and dependable adhesion over seven days. For more information, please visit http://www.agiletherapeutics.com.

About Biotechnology Industry Organization

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. For more information, visit http://www.bio.org.

About the BIO International Convention

The annual BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry.

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Agile Therapeutics to Present at Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization today hosted two former Secretaries of the U.S. Treasury, Robert E. Rubin and Henry M. Paulson, Jr., during a luncheon keynote session where they discussed the current state and future prospects of the global economy.

The event held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center was a part of the 2012 BIO International Convention the worlds largest biotechnology event, which is expected to attract more than 15,500 attendees from 48 states and 65 countries. BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood moderated the discussion, tackling vital issues such as the present global economic trials facing the European sovereign debt crisis, the need to balance austerity and growth, and how such challenges and public policy reactions will affect biotechnology innovation and investment in the coming years.

Global economic developments impact all facets of the biotechnology sector, from startups seeking the next funding round to the largest multinational planning its growth strategy for the years to come. Small- and medium-sized biotech companies also continue to face challenges in accessing the necessary capital required to bring their innovative cures, breakthrough medicines, cleaner fuels and more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture technologies to market.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

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The State of the Global Economy Takes Center Stage During 2012 BIO International Convention Keynote Address

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Rohan Batra, a junior at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida and Olivia Smith, a senior at Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida, have been named two of 37 finalists in the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge. Ten U.S. National finalists will be selected to join students from Canada and Australia to compete in the International BioGENEius Challenge which will be held June 19, 2012 at the 2012 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention in Boston. Now entering its 14th year, the BioGENEius Challenge is a competition for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.

Batra and Smith competed in the local challenge that was held in May in South Florida, and included students from throughout the state.

Batras project, titled, Potential Use of Black Olive (Bucida buceras) Extracts with Antibiotics to Combat Bacterial Infection, seeks to investigate an alternate way to combat the problem of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginos, a usually harmless organism that can only cause disease when the host's resistance is low. Buceda buceras is a native south Florida plant.

Smiths project, titled, Silence is Golden: Assessing the Role of SLC35F2 in Osteosarcoma Through the Programmed Delivery and Release of siRNA-AuNP Conjugates, seeks to understand how to specifically target mutated cells while avoiding debilitating side effects on somatic cells.

Batra and Smith will now advance to the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge and have a chance to compete in the International competition at the BIO International Convention, the largest global event for the biotechnology industry with approximately 16,000 attendees each year. The convention attracts the biggest names and companies in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities and provides insights on the major trends affecting the industry. Winners of the competition will be announced at the conventions June 19 keynote luncheon.

By highlighting the amazing research of these students, at such a young age, the BioGENEius Challenge promotes scientific excellence and curiosity. We encourage our students to make the connection between their research and the potential for solving real, everyday human health, food and environmental problems, says Tom Wiggans, chairman of The Biotechnology Institute. With more than 430 students competing in the Challenge each year, we hope to encourage these students as well as others - to consider pursuing a career in biotechnology.

The International BioGENEius Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute, the national organization dedicated to biotechnology education. Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of leading global pharmaceutical company Sanofi and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, are the generous lead sponsors of the Challenge.

Science-based corporations need to do all we can to encourage and support young students interest in the sciences, and this competition is one way to do that, explains Jeffrey Almond, Ph.D., VP for Discovery Research at Sanofi Pasteur.

Janssen recognizes the tremendous value that innovation in biotechnology has brought and will continue to bring, says Jay P. Siegel, M.D., Chief Biotechnology Officer and Head, Global Regulatory Affairs, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. As part of our commitment to promoting innovation we are proud to support strong science education programs such as the BioGENEius Challenge.

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Two High School Students Represent Florida as Finalists in Biotechnology Research Competition

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and 16 other original cosponsors for introducing the Rural Energy Investment Act of 2012, which would reauthorize Farm Bill Energy Title programs, provide significant mandatory funding, and ensure eligibility for additional biorefineries and products, such as biobased products and renewable chemicals. BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement:

I agree with Representative Kaptur that Farm Bill energy programs are working. The programs have had a tremendous positive impact in revitalizing rural America, helping new agricultural markets emerge, and reducing the need for direct payments to farmers. Through these programs, companies are unlocking private capital for construction of the nations first cellulosic and advanced biofuel biorefineries; and farmers in 12 states are putting more than 160,000 acres of underutilized farmland back into production raising next generation energy crops. There has also been an explosion of renewable chemicals innovation, demonstration and early commercialization here in the United States, and Representative Kapturs bill would support its continued momentum.

The Farm Bill energy programs have produced a high rate of return for American taxpayers, in terms of viable projects funded and operating and new employment opportunities in rural areas. We will work with Representative Kaptur and other Members of Congress to ensure that these successful programs continue to work.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

Upcoming BIO Events 2012 BIO International Convention June 18-21, 2012 Boston, MA

BIO Business Forum June 18 21, 2012 Boston, MA

BIO India International Conference September 12 13, 2012 Mumbai, India

Livestock Biotech Summit September 19 21, 2012 Kansas City, MO

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BIO Applauds Rep. Kaptur’s Energy Investment Act of 2012

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ten of the brightest young minds in biotech have won the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge. The winners will now advance to compete with students from Canada and Australia in the International BioGENEius Challenge, which will take place at the 2012 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention here in Boston. Winners of the International BioGENEius Challenge will be announced tomorrow at the keynote luncheon at the BIO International Convention.

The U.S. National and International BioGENEius Challenges are competitions for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.

U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge winners are:

Julia Abelsky, Sandy Springs, Ga. for her research on Analysis of Cylindrically Confined Diblock Copolymers and Gold Nanocomposites for Metamaterials; Aprotim Bhowmik, Lilburn, Ga. for his research on Arterial Hemodynamics in Atherosclerosis Patients - A Mathematical Model; Nikhil Buduma, San Jose, Ca. for his research on Pertussis Toxin-Mediated Inhibition of Lymphocyte Trafficking into Lung Tissue: Considerations for an Improved Whooping Cough Vaccine; Nidhi Gandhi, Sherwood, Ark. for her research on Phase II: Improving the Effectiveness of Anticancer Drugs with Cell Death Modulators; Nathan Kondamuri, Dyer, Ind. for his research on A Novel Porphyrin Based Solar Cell Combining Coordinated Metal Ion Substitution and Self-Assembly to Broaden the Absorption Spectrum to Efficiently Create Sustainable Electrical Energy; Natalie Ng, Cupertino, Ca. for her research on Interrogation of Cancer: Development of a Novel Biomarker Discovery Tool to Identify Clinical Signatures from Statistically Deconvoluted Expressions; Kevin Nguyen, Plano, Texas for his research on The Development of Novel Sutures that Store and Deliver Nitric Oxide for Wound Healing; Aishwarya Raja, Ramsey, N.J. for her research on Spicing Up the Caspase Pathways: Novel Targeted Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Alzheimer's Treatment; Morgan Sinko, San Antonio, Texas for his research on Pop Goes the Diesel: A Linoleic Acid/R. rhodochrous Mixture as a Bioremediation Agent of Diesel Contaminants in Saltwater and Freshwater Environments; Megan Smith, Lenexa, Ky. for her research on The Effect of Coffee Extract & Caffeine on the Locomotory Rate and Basal Slowing Response of a LRRK2 Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (G2019S Mutation) Model of Parkinson's disease.

The U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge is like the Olympic trials for life science, promoting excellence, curiosity and a biotech-driven career among its participants and these ten students get a chance to compete for gold in the International BioGENEius Challenge, said Tom Wiggans, chairman of the Biotechnology Institute. We encourage our students to understand and make the connection between their research for the vast potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems.

Students were evaluated on the quality of their research and display, their responses to questions relating to their scientific knowledge, and the potential commercial applications of their research.

Each year, the BioGENEius Challenge showcases the biotech industrys next generation of leaders and I continued to be amazed at the steep level of competition. These students are the best of the best and all gold medal scientists in my book, said Jeffrey Almond, Ph.D., Vice President for Discovery Research at Sanofi Pasteur.

As exemplified by the upcoming Olympics, competition can inspire the best. Giving ones best in biotechnology means helping create a better world for us all, said Jay P. Siegel, M.D., Chief Biotechnology Officer and Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. We are proud to support, encourage, and recognize the outstanding efforts of these students in the BioGENEius Challenge.

The International BioGENEius Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute, the national organization dedicated to biotechnology education, and sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi; and Janssen.

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BayBio: Ten U.S. High School Students Win Biotechnology Research Competition

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Small- to medium-sized biotechnology companies are bringing innovation to global health, according to a report published today by BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). The report shows that 134 biotechnology companies are participating in neglected disease research and development, which represents participation in 39% of the 191 new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics in development for neglected diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever, and others.

Partnering is an important driver for todays biotechnology companies. The new report, Biotechnology: Bringing Innovation to Neglected Disease Research and Development, finds that 64% of all products in development by biotechnology companies across the pipeline of drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for neglected diseases involve partnering.

According to the report, product development partnerships (PDPs) a unique public-private partnering mechanism created to increase biopharmaceutical participation in neglected disease R&D, government agencies, and academic institutions are driving this biotechnology company partnering for neglected diseases. Although PDPs are the focal point of industry engagement in global health, they are the second most frequent partner to biotechnology companies after academia with involvement in 52% of partnered projects. When a PDP is not involved in a project, biotechnology partnerships with government agencies increase, especially for vaccines and diagnostics.

Across all neglected diseases, biotechnology companies work alone 36% of the time, according to the report. For tuberculosis and dengue fever, companies more frequently overcome barriers and leverage some market potential to work alone. This may be because small to medium-sized companies perceive a potential market opportunity.

We were very pleased to see the level of the biotechnology sectors engagement in global health research and development, as a critical source of innovation. To continue progress in addressing the unmet medical needs of the developing world, both biotechnology companies and global health groups should ramp up commitment and involvement, says Don Joseph, CEO of BVGH. Our new report provides specific recommendations both to biotechnology companies and neglected disease stakeholders from academia, governments, nonprofits, and foundations to increase and improve their collaborative work in neglected disease research. Accelerating solutions for these devastating diseases presents major challenges but can happen if these groups continue and increase their work together.

While the report finds that small to medium-sized biotechnology companies are involved in 39% of all projects for neglected disease, BIO estimates there are nearly 3,000 public and private biotechnology companies worldwide. At least 90% of these companies focus on health research and development, suggesting that the 134 biotechnology companies participating in neglected disease research and development identified in the report represent about 5% of global biotechnology companies.

It is encouraging that small- to medium-sized biotechnology companies that lead the charge in developing life-saving medicines and technologies in the developed world are so engaged in creating new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for the neglected diseases primarily affecting the poor in the developing world, says Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. The true value of this weeks BIO International Convention is to bring together industry leaders who can share insights and engage in discussions focused on potential collaborations that could lead to scientific breakthroughs that will address these and other global challenges.

More than 1.4 billion people are affected by neglected diseases the majority of those affected are poor and living in developing countries. When the term neglected is applied to a disease, it can carry a wide range of implications. Neglected can describe the patient population affected by the disease, the scientific effort underway to understand the disease, or the extent to which new products to prevent, diagnose, and treat a disease are being pursued. Neglected can also describe a health disparity where drugs, vaccines, or diagnostics are available and in use in wealthier or developed countries, but these technologies have not been extended to poorer countries due to challenges of cost, feasibility, or political will.

The BIO International Convention will bring together global biotechnology and pharmaceutical leaders to discuss partnering and collaborations that are focused on moving innovation forward, including scientific breakthroughs for neglected diseases that will have a global impact. More than 15,500 industry leaders will attend the Convention, including companies and advocacy organizations that are focused on finding cures and treatments for tuberculosis, malaria, and dengue fever, among others. More information on the BIO International Convention can be found at http://convention.bio.org.

Continued here:
New Report Finds Biotechnology Companies are Participating in 39% of All Projects in Development for New Medicines and ...

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

In the list of U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge winners, Megan Smith is from Lenexa, Kan. not Lenexa, Ky.

The corrected release reads:

TEN U.S. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH COMPETITION

Ten of the brightest young minds in biotech have won the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge. The winners will now advance to compete with students from Canada and Australia in the International BioGENEius Challenge, which will take place at the 2012 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention here in Boston. Winners of the International BioGENEius Challenge will be announced tomorrow at the keynote luncheon at the BIO International Convention.

The U.S. National and International BioGENEius Challenges are competitions for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.

U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge winners are:

Julia Abelsky, Sandy Springs, Ga. for her research on Analysis of Cylindrically Confined Diblock Copolymers and Gold Nanocomposites for Metamaterials; Aprotim Bhowmik, Lilburn, Ga. for his research on Arterial Hemodynamics in Atherosclerosis Patients - A Mathematical Model; Nikhil Buduma, San Jose, Ca. for his research on Pertussis Toxin-Mediated Inhibition of Lymphocyte Trafficking into Lung Tissue: Considerations for an Improved Whooping Cough Vaccine; Nidhi Gandhi, Sherwood, Ark. for her research on Phase II: Improving the Effectiveness of Anticancer Drugs with Cell Death Modulators; Nathan Kondamuri, Dyer, Ind. for his research on A Novel Porphyrin Based Solar Cell Combining Coordinated Metal Ion Substitution and Self-Assembly to Broaden the Absorption Spectrum to Efficiently Create Sustainable Electrical Energy; Natalie Ng, Cupertino, Ca. for her research on Interrogation of Cancer: Development of a Novel Biomarker Discovery Tool to Identify Clinical Signatures from Statistically Deconvoluted Expressions; Kevin Nguyen, Plano, Texas for his research on The Development of Novel Sutures that Store and Deliver Nitric Oxide for Wound Healing; Aishwarya Raja, Ramsey, N.J. for her research on Spicing Up the Caspase Pathways: Novel Targeted Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Alzheimer's Treatment; Morgan Sinko, San Antonio, Texas for his research on Pop Goes the Diesel: A Linoleic Acid/R. rhodochrous Mixture as a Bioremediation Agent of Diesel Contaminants in Saltwater and Freshwater Environments; Megan Smith, Lenexa, Kan. for her research on The Effect of Coffee Extract & Caffeine on the Locomotory Rate and Basal Slowing Response of a LRRK2 Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (G2019S Mutation) Model of Parkinson's disease.

The U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge is like the Olympic trials for life science, promoting excellence, curiosity and a biotech-driven career among its participants and these ten students get a chance to compete for gold in the International BioGENEius Challenge, said Tom Wiggans, chairman of the Biotechnology Institute. We encourage our students to understand and make the connection between their research for the vast potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems.

Students were evaluated on the quality of their research and display, their responses to questions relating to their scientific knowledge, and the potential commercial applications of their research.

Original post:
CORRECTING and REPLACING Ten U.S. High School Students Win Biotechnology Research Competition

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Industrial biotechnology is being used to improve production of cleaner, healthier products, saving energy, reducing costs, and reducing pollution from manufacturing. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today congratulated member companies Elevance Renewable Sciences and Codexis on receiving 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards.

Industrial biotechnology is already being used to produce products for the home that are cleaner and safer for the environment, require less energy for manufacturing and lower production costs, said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section. BIO congratulates our members who have been recognized through the Presidential Green Chemistry Awards for their pioneering advances in applying industrial biotechnology to manufacturing. Their achievements show that more widespread adoption of industrial biotechnology processes can help establish a new path for sustainable economic growth and job creation, without continued reliance on foreign oil.

Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. received a Small Business Award for producing high-performing, renewable specialty chemicals at advantageous costs. Elevance employs Nobel-prize-winning catalyst technology to produce novel, high-performance renewable specialty chemicals for many uses that combine the benefits of both petrochemicals and biobased chemicals. The technology consumes significantly less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent compared to petrochemical technologies.

Codexis, Inc. received a Greener Synthetic Pathways Award for an efficient biocatalytic process to manufacture simvastatin, a leading drug for treating high cholesterol. The previous multistep method for producing simvastatin was wasteful and used large amounts of hazardous reagents. Codexis optimized the chemical process to greatly reduce hazard and waste, be more cost-effective and meet the needs of customers.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

2012 BIO International Convention June 18-21, 2012 Boston, MA

BIO Business Forum June 18 21, 2012 Boston, MA

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Industrial Biotechnology Companies Receive Green Chemistry Awards for Cleaner, Safer Production and Energy Savings

USDA’a Advisory Committee has prepared a report titled ‘Opportunities and Challenges in Agricultural Biotechnology: The Decade Ahead’ which talks about the advancements made by agricultural biotechnology in the first decade and the future of it over the next ten years. As of now it is difficult to predict which modern biotechnology generated animals or plants we would be able to see in the market in the next ten years but some of the possibilities have been stated in the report and they have been mentioned below: (1) Genetically engineered plant varieties that provide improved human nutrition (e.g., soybeans enriched in omega-3 fatty acids) (2) Products designed for use in improved animal feeds (providing better nutritional balance by increasing the concentration of essential amino acids often deficient in some feed components, increased nutrient density, or more efficient utilization of nutrients such as phosphate that could provide environmental benefits) (3) Crops resistant to drought and other environmental stresses such as salinity (4) Crops resistant to pests and diseases (e.g., fusarium-resistant wheat; chestnut-blight resistant chestnut; plum pox resistance in stone fruit; various insect resistant crops) (5) Additional crops containing a number of transgenic traits incorporated in the same plant (stacked traits) (6) Crops engineered to produce pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines and antibodies (7) Crops engineered for particular industrial uses (e.g., crops having improved processing attributes such as increased starch content, producing useful enzymes that can be extracted for downstream industrial processes, or modified to have higher content of an energy-rich starting material such as oil for improved utilization as biofuel) (8) Transgenic animals for food, or for production of pharmaceuticals or industrial products (e.g., transgenic salmon engineered for increased growth rate to maturity, transgenic goats producing human serum factors in their milk, and pigs producing the enzyme phytase in their saliva for improved nutrient utilization and manure with reduced phosphorus content).

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/rss.xml

Malaysia is realizing the importance of biotechnology and for that purpose it has allocated a sum of around RM210 million in its budget for developing its biotechnology sector. Malaysia has plans to acquire technology through the Biotech Acquisition Programme with a grant of RM60 million. Under the Biotechnology Commercialization Fund, commercialization of R&D findings would be undertaken by international corporations and companies. Along with that around RM59 million have been allocated under the R&D for production of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, genomics and molecular biology and promotion of agro-biotechnology activities. The government is also planning to set up Bio Innovation Centre in order to offer site facilities and equipment for new companies in order to undertake bio-manufacturing activities and commercialization. Some of the other incentives which the Malaysian government would be offering are: First: bionexus companies be given income tax exemption for 10 years, beginning from the first year the company is profitable. Second: after the expiry of the 10-year exemption period, a bionexus company will be taxed at a concessionary rate of 20 per cent for another 10 years. Third: tax deduction equivalent to the amount of investment made in seed capital and early stage financing be given to companies or individuals investing in bionexus companies. Fourth: stamp duty and real property gains tax exemptions be given to a bionexus company undertaking merger with or acquisition of a biotechnology company, within a period of five years. Fifth: buildings for research activities related to biotechnology be given Accelerated Industrial Building Allowance, whereby the cost of constructing or acquiring the building is written off over a period of 10 years.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/rss.xml

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

EvaluatePharma, the premier source for pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector analysis and consensus forecasts, today released a report, titled Surveying Tomorrows BioPharma Landscape: The NASDAQ Biotech Index Up Close, which shows that the quantity of biologic drugs on the market will likely soar by 2018. A thorough analysis of companies listed on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI) revealed that while less than 10 percent of these companies currently marketed products are biologic drugs pharmaceuticals derived from living organisms these products comprise a hefty 40 percent of the companies drug pipelines. [Note to editors: The report is available for download at http://www.evaluatepharma.com/NBI2012.%5D

The EvaluatePharma report also reveals the diversity of the 117 companies listed on the index, with insights about pipeline development and consensus sales estimates. The analysis points to a growing focus on biologics, including drugs treating cancer, infection and central nervous system diseases.

EvaluatePharma the first company to provide reliable consensus forecasts of global drug sales developed the report to give investors and the life science community at large a better understanding of the products and trends driving the index.

The NASDAQ Biotech Index is cited all around the world, but rarely do we see a detailed aggregate analysis of these leading, publicly traded biotechnology companies. This analysis provides insight into the breadth and scope of todays products and looks at where this dynamic sector is heading.

Among the reports key takeaways:

Access the complete report online. A PDF version is available at http://www.evaluatepharma.com/NBI2012.

About EvaluatePharma

Since 1996, EvaluatePharma has been the premier source for pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector analysis, delivering exclusive, trusted commercial insight into industry performance through its proprietary platform. EvaluatePharma is staffed by a team of 75 dedicated healthcare analysts employing rigorous methodologies to collate, organize and deliver the most-up-to-date commercial performance data available. An award winning editorial team of journalists writing under the EP Vantage name support EvaluatePharmas analysis, and enable the life science community to make sound business decisions about value and opportunity. For more information please visit http://www.evaluatepharma.com.

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EvaluatePharma Analysis Provides Insight on Tomorrow’s BioPharma Landscape with Close-Up Look at NASDAQ Biotech Index

Background:
A previously developed mathematical model of low solids thermophilic simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (tSSF) with Avicel was unable to predict performance at high solids using a commercial cellulase preparation (Spezyme CP) and the high ethanol yield Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum strain ALK2. The observed hydrolysis proceeded more slowly than predicted at solids concentrations greater than 50 g/L Avicel. Factors responsible for this inaccuracy were investigated in this study.
Results:
Ethanol dramatically reduced cellulase activity in tSSF. At an Avicel concentration of 20 g/L, the addition of ethanol decreased conversion at 96 hours, from 75% in the absence of added ethanol down to 32% with the addition of 34 g/L initial ethanol. This decrease is much greater than expected based on hydrolysis inhibition results in the absence of a fermenting organism. The enhanced effects of ethanol were attributed to the reduced, anaerobic conditions of tSSF, which were shown to inhibit cellulase activity relative to hydrolysis under aerobic conditions. Cellulose hydrolysis in anaerobic conditions was roughly 30% slower than in the presence of air. However, this anaerobic inhibition was reversed by exposing the cellulase enzymes to air.
Conclusion:
This work demonstrates a previously unrecognized incompatibility of enzymes secreted by an aerobic fungus with the fermentation conditions of an anaerobic bacterium and suggests that enzymes better suited to industrially relevant fermentation conditions would be valuable. The effects observed may be due to inactivation or starvation of oxygen dependent GH61 activity, and manipulation or replacement of this activity may provide an opportunity to improve biomass to fuel process efficiency.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

Background:
Higher seed yield is one of the objectives of jatropha breeding. However, genetic analysis ofthe yield traits has not been done in jatropha. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping wasconducted to identify genetic factors controlling growth and seed yield in jatropha, apromising biofuel crop.
Results:
A linkage map was constructed consisting of 105 SSR (simple sequence repeat) markersconverged into 11 linkage groups. With this map, we identified a total of 28 QTLs for 11growth and seed traits using a population of 296 backcrossing jatropha trees. Two QTLsqTSW-5 and qTSW-7 controlling seed yield were mapped on LGs 5 and 7 respectively, wheretwo QTL clusters controlling yield related traits were detected harboring five and four QTLsrespectively. These two QTL clusters were critical with pleiotropic roles in regulating plantgrowth and seed yield. Positive additive effects of the two QTLs indicated higher values forthe traits conferred by the alleles from J. curcas, while negative additive effects of the fiveQTLs on LG6, controlling plant height, branch number (in the 4th and 10th months post seedgermination), female flower number and fruit number respectively, indicated higher valuesconferred by the alleles from J. integerrima. Therefore favored alleles from both the parentscould be expected to be integrated into elite jatropha plant by further backcrossing andmarker assisted selection. Efficient ways to improve the seed yield by applying the two QTLclusters are discussed.
Conclusion:
This study is the first report on genetic analysis of growth and seed traits with molecularmarkers in jatropha. An approach for jatropha improvement is discussed using pleiotropicQTLs, which will be likely to lead to initiation of molecular breeding in jatropha byintegrating more markers in the QTL regions.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that Michael Rosenblatt, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer for Merck, will deliver a keynote address at the BIO Convention in China, October 24-25, 2012, in Shanghai. The event expects to bring together global biotechnology executives, pharmaceutical companies and investment firms to meet and explore business opportunities within Chinas emerging biotech sector.

Dr. Michael Rosenblatts unique combination of academia, industry and global public health experience makes him distinctly qualified to highlight the opportunities and challenges associated with biopharma research and development in China and the West, said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president of Emerging Companies and Business Development at BIO.

Dr. Rosenblatt will provide one of two keynote addresses by westerners. Governor Jon Huntsman, former U.S. Ambassador to China and Governor of Utah, will also provide a keynote address. Attendees will also hear keynote addresses from Chinese leaders, who will be announced at a later date.

Noted for his work in drug development, training of medical students, and major medical center leadership, Dr. Rosenblatt has served as dean of the Boston-based Tufts University School of Medicine; George R. Minot Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School; and president of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). He was the Harvard faculty dean and senior vice president for academic programs at BIDMC. He was also director of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. He returned to Merck in late 2009 as the companys first chief medical officer.

During my trips to China, Ive been struck by the energy, power and still-growing potential of that great nation. There is enormous opportunity to improve the health of millions of people in China through novel collaborations among industry, academia, government and others committed to contributing to the success of Chinas healthcare reform plan, Dr. Rosenblatt said.

Dr. Rosenblatt is engaged in Merck efforts now underway in China, including collaborations with academic medical centers in the areas of clinical research and medical education.

The BIO Convention in China will feature plenary sessions and workshops on health and regulatory issues, intellectual property, business development and vaccines, and global health. The conference will also feature company presentations, partnering meeting opportunities, and an Exhibition. The convention will include biopharmaceutical industry leaders from North America, Europe and Asia.

BIO brings to China more than 16 years of experience in organizing international conferences for the biotech industry, including the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest annual biotech conference. BIO is renowned for its successful business development, partnering and investor meetings in North America, Europe and Asia. Partnering at this conference will be powered by BIO One-on-One Partnering, an interactive environment to intelligently search, contact and schedule private meetings with potential partners and investors.

For more information on BIO China, please visit here.

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BIO Announces Dr. Michael Rosenblatt, Merck Chief Medical Officer, as Keynote Speaker for the BIO Convention in China

TORONTO--(Marketwire -06/13/12)-

Cynapsus Therapeutics Has Article Published in Journal of Commercial Biotechnology

Cynapsus Therapeutics (CTH.V) today announced that an article discussing its APL-130277 drug candidate will be published in the July 2012 Issue of the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology. The article titled "Creating systemic oral transmucosal drug delivery strategies: Case study of APL-130277" was co-authored by Anthony Giovinazzo, President and CEO of Cynapsus, Nathan Bryson, Chief Scientific Officer of Cynapsus, and Timothy Tankosic, Managing Director of Aqua Partners, LLC.

The July 2012 issue of the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology will be published on July 1, 2012 and distributed earlier at the BIO International Convention (http://convention.bio.org/) being held in Boston, MA, USA, from June 18 to 21, 2012.

The article broadly addresses the strategic application of systemic oral transmucosal (i.e., sublingual and buccal) drug delivery. The article also provides a specific discussion of the scientific, clinical and commercial considerations driving APL-130277, an easy-to-administer, fast-acting, oral reformulation of an approved drug, apomorphine, being developed to rescue Parkinson's patients from "off" episodes. The principal advantages the oral transmucosal route and APL-130277 include: circumvention of first-pass hepatic metabolism in the gut, rapid onset of action, easy access via the oral cavity, easy administration for patients with dysphagia, and a high level of patient acceptance.

The full text version of the article is available at http://commercialbiotechnology.com (Subscription Required), or by contacting Anthony Giovinazzo at ajg@cynapsus.ca.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

About Cynapsus Therapeutics

Cynapsus is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing an improved dosing formulation of an approved drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Over one million people in the United States and an estimated 5 million people globally suffer from Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts motor activity, and its prevalence is increasing with the aging of the population. It is estimated that between 25 percent and 50 percent of patients experience off episodes in which they have impaired movement or speaking capabilities. Current medications only control the disease's symptoms, and most drugs become less effective over time as the disease progresses.

Cynapsus' lead drug candidate, APL-130277, is an easy-to-administer, fast-acting, oral reformulation of an approved drug, apomorphine, used to rescue patients from off episodes. Cynapsus is focused on rapidly maximizing the value of APL-130277 by completing pivotal studies in advance of a New Drug Application expected to be submitted in 2014. Cynapsus anticipates out-licensing to an appropriate pharmaceutical partner before such an application is submitted.

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Cynapsus Therapeutics Inc. : Cynapsus Therapeutics Has Article Published in Journal of Commercial Biotechnology

Art Pappas and Mike Luther at 2010 Biotechnology Conference. Photo/Julie Fulton

The Charlotte Biotechnology Conference returns to UNC Charlotte for the tenth year. The conference, which will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, will be at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC).

The conference, hosted in conjunction with UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte Research Institute, allows people from all over the university area to learn about advancements and developments within biotechnology.

Clare Faggart, life sciences program manager for the Charlotte Research Institute, is the project manager for the Charlotte Biotechnology Conference. Ive been with Charlotte Research Institute for four years, and before that I worked with the biotech conference, so [I have been involved] for really six years, said Faggart. This is a conference that started at UNC Charlotte years ago. It actually matriculated out of the Office of Technology Transfer.

There are no other events such as this readily available for UNC Charlotte students and faculty to attend, says Faggart. Not in the Charlotte region. Not only is the event unique to the area, the specific event changes each year, and the agenda is already available online. Its ever constantly changing, you know, we always want to make it bigger and better and more interesting for our participants and our attendees. So it is always changing, hopefully all for the better, said Faggart. Theres lots going on.

This year, numerous panel discussions will be available for attendees of the conference to listen in on. These discussions include Biotechnology in the Charlotte Region Past, Present and Future; Biotechnology Start-up Funding Where to Find and How to Get It and A New Biology for the 21st Century. We do several panel sessions for biotech start-ups, anything that might be of interest to life science students, faculty, business partners of the university, community life science organizations and businesses and, of course, any other service provider in that area, said Faggart.

Speakers in these discussions come from the Hanmer Institute, the David H. Murdock Research Institute, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Silicon Valley Bank and numerous faculty members from UNC Charlotte, among other locations. The list goes on and on of incredible speakers we have, said Faggart.

The speaker delivering the keynote speech this year will be Leroy Hood. Hoods speech, titled Proactive P4 Medicine (Predictive, Preventive, Personalized and Participatory): The Science behind P4 Medicine and What It Can Do for You and for Society, will begin directly following the first break in the conference.

Faggart encourages those interested in biotechnology and life sciences attend the event. Everyone is invited to attend, she says, from UNC Charlotte faculty and students to local life science businesses. Its a pretty extraordinary opportunity for our UNC Charlotte students and faculty, said Faggart. Just simply for them to come and take an opportunity to hear world renowned speakers such as Dr. Hood.

Leroy Hood focuses his research on molecular immunology, biotechnology,and genomics. He assisted in founding the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle in 2000. He has co-written numerous textbooks on the subjects he specializes inand has won several awards.

Continued here:
Tenth annual biotechnology conference coming to UNC Charlotte

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will unveil findings from a report on the role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in encouraging upstream R&D and downstream commercialization in biotechnology at the 2012 BIO International Convention in Boston, Mass.

The report, titled Taking Stock: the Gains of Global Biotechnology Research from IPRs, will bring together experts to discuss how IPRs have affected innovation and the development of new biotechnologies and whether they contribute to growth in partnerships and other models of collaboration between biotechnology R&D actors such as universities, small and medium sized entities (SMEs) and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Rachel Chu, Senior Consultant, Pugatch Consilium

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW,a multiblog platform and monthly newsletterthat aims to create an online biotech community where thethe industrycan connect to discuss the latest news. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

For more information: Visit http://www.bio.org Follow us on Twitter @IAmBiotech Join us on LinkedIn/MyBio Become a fan at facebook.com/IAmBiotech

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BIO to Release Intellectual Property Rights Report at 2012 BIO International Convention

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce the BIO International Leadership Award winner for the 2012 BIO International Convention is the Rt Honourable David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, United Kingdom.

It is a real honor to be presented with the BIO International Leadership Award and to have the UKs work to support the life sciences industry recognised internationally, said Minister Willetts. Our life sciences sector is world-class but we are not complacent. Its vital we respond to global changes in the industry with more focus on collaboration and more prompt clinical trials. We want to ensure the industry continues to drive growth, foster innovation and attract overseas investment. The 2012 BIO International Convention is a great place to kick-start global collaborations, and we look forward to tracking the success stories of the hundreds of UK delegates at this event.

In his role as Minister of State for Universities and Science, Minister Willetts is responsible for looking across all departmental business at strategic priorities as well as higher education, science and research, life sciences and innovation. He is also responsible forthe Technology Strategy Board, UK Space Agency and the National Measurement Office.

The BIO International Leadership Award is presented to a Premier, Federal Minister or other high-level public official for his or her commitment to advancing biotechnology through policy mechanisms that facilitate and strengthen a country or regions innovation frameworks. The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 19th at the Public Officials Reception from 5:30 7:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Mass.

The first Annual International Leadership Award was presented in 2008 to The Honourable Peter Beattie for his efforts during his tenure as Premier of Queensland, Australia. In 2009, the Award was granted to The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Canada and in 2010, the Award was granted to The Honourable Miguel Sebastin, Spains Minister of Industry, Tourism & Trade.

The BIO Business Forum has grownover thepast eleven years to become theindustry's largest partnering event, hosting a record breaking 21,000+ partnering meetings in 2011. Powered byBIO's One-on-One Partnering System, the Business Forum fosters the opportunity for companies toinitiate business contacts in a friendly environment and schedule meetings prior to theconference. To take advantage of partnering, please visit here.

The BIO Business Forum also hosts over 160 company presentations, which by participating, will allow the Buzz of BIO winners to increase visibility, attract more partners and pitch their company objectives to a global audience representing over sixty countries and various industry investors, research analysts, policy makers and other business development executives.

The BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and the newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders, and media from around the world. Speakers at the sessions will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues and food and agriculture. For registration, conference agenda and exhibitor information, visit 2012 BIO International Convention.

Upcoming BIO Events

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2012 BIO International Convention International Leadership Award Winner Announced

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 13, 2012) - Cynapsus Therapeutics (CTH.V) today announced that an article discussing its APL-130277 drug candidate will be published in the July 2012 Issue of the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology. The article titled "Creating systemic oral transmucosal drug delivery strategies: Case study of APL-130277" was co-authored by Anthony Giovinazzo, President and CEO of Cynapsus, Nathan Bryson, Chief Scientific Officer of Cynapsus, and Timothy Tankosic, Managing Director of Aqua Partners, LLC.

The July 2012 issue of the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology will be published on July 1, 2012 and distributed earlier at the BIO International Convention (http://convention.bio.org/) being held in Boston, MA, USA, from June 18 to 21, 2012.

The article broadly addresses the strategic application of systemic oral transmucosal (i.e., sublingual and buccal) drug delivery. The article also provides a specific discussion of the scientific, clinical and commercial considerations driving APL-130277, an easy-to-administer, fast-acting, oral reformulation of an approved drug, apomorphine, being developed to rescue Parkinson's patients from "off" episodes. The principal advantages the oral transmucosal route and APL-130277 include: circumvention of first-pass hepatic metabolism in the gut, rapid onset of action, easy access via the oral cavity, easy administration for patients with dysphagia, and a high level of patient acceptance.

The full text version of the article is available at http://commercialbiotechnology.com (Subscription Required), or by contacting Anthony Giovinazzo at ajg@cynapsus.ca.

About Cynapsus Therapeutics

Cynapsus is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing an improved dosing formulation of an approved drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Over one million people in the United States and an estimated 5 million people globally suffer from Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts motor activity, and its prevalence is increasing with the aging of the population. It is estimated that between 25 percent and 50 percent of patients experience off episodes in which they have impaired movement or speaking capabilities. Current medications only control the disease's symptoms, and most drugs become less effective over time as the disease progresses.

Cynapsus' lead drug candidate, APL-130277, is an easy-to-administer, fast-acting, oral reformulation of an approved drug, apomorphine, used to rescue patients from off episodes. Cynapsus is focused on rapidly maximizing the value of APL-130277 by completing pivotal studies in advance of a New Drug Application expected to be submitted in 2014. Cynapsus anticipates out-licensing to an appropriate pharmaceutical partner before such an application is submitted.

More information about Cynapsus (CTH.V) is available at http://www.cynapsus.ca and at the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at http://www.sedar.com.

About The Journal of Commercial Biotechnology

The Journal of Commercial Biotechnology is the definitive international quarterly publication for bioscience business professionals. The Journal is designed specifically for those professionals who need to enhance their knowledge of biotechnology business strategy and management, improve and advance their product development or want to keep up-to-date with current issues and industry trends. Each issue publishes peer-reviewed, authoritative, cutting-edge articles written by the leading practitioners and researchers in the field, addressing topics such as Management, Policy, Finance, Law, Regulation and Bioethics.

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Cynapsus Therapeutics has Article Published in Journal of Commercial Biotechnology

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today co-signed a letter to leaders of the House and Senate sent by nine biofuel trade associations, environmental advocates, and agriculture policy groups expressing strong support for extending and maintaining federal policies that are critical to the ongoing development of advanced biofuels.

Congress made an historic commitment to advanced biofuels in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce oil dependence, improve national security, and spur economic growth. With gas prices recently spiking to record levels and remaining highly volatile, it is self-evident that the United States needs to develop homegrown alternatives to oil to protect American consumers at the gas pump, the letter states.

The advanced and cellulosic biofuels industry is now in the process of building new plants, innovating at existing production facilities with emerging technologies, and introducing new product streams that will allow the renewable fuels sector to become more profitable, diversified and efficient. Significant investment dollars are being secured with the expectation that Congress will remain committed to advanced biofuels. Rapidly commercializing these technologies will provide substantial oil savings to consumers with far lower environmental impacts than todays fuels, the groups go on to note.

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section added, Because of the RFS, innovative U.S. companies in every corner of the nation have moved as rapidly toward commercialization as possible. These companies are at a critical juncture, with new biorefineries under construction and production coming online at a time when major oil refineries are shutting down production capacity. In order to foster the U.S. lead in innovation, the federal government must continue to support development of the advanced biofuel industry. Private investment in the industry relies on policy stability.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

2012 BIO International Convention June 18-21, 2012 Boston, MA

BIO Business Forum June 18 21, 2012 Boston, MA

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BIO Joins Group of Organizations Asking Congress to Ensure Policy Stability for Advanced Biofuels