Exchange traded funds following the biotechnology sector are up as much as 20% this year to handily outperform the S&P 500 on a favorable outlook for the drug industry and M&A speculation.

Despite the lingering Eurozone debt crisis and signs of weakness in housing and employment data there are some things that are actually working, says Josh Brown at the Reformed Broker blog.

The biotech sector is a stealth bull market no one ever talks about it, he said during a CNBC appearance Wednesday. [ETF Chart of the Day: Biotech Sector]

SPDR S&P Biotech (XBI - News) is up 22.7% year to date, compared with a 5.4% gain for iShares S&P 500 (IVV - News), according to Morningstar.

If you look you look at the ETFs that own all the biotechs, theyre all making 52-week highs and all-time highs in some cases, Brown remarked. I think thats a really interesting way to look at it and say these companies are not cyclical, this is a secular story. The [baby] boomers want to live forever and theyre going to spend as much money as they can trying to do that. [Biotech ETFs for an M&A Boom]

Brown in an email said his firm Fusion Analytics is long XBI, the biotech ETF. The sector fund tracks an equal-weighted index, so it has a tilt to smaller-cap stocks relative to its ETF peers.

Other ETFs for this industry include iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB - News), First Trust Amex Biotechnology (FBT - News) and Market Vectors Biotech ETF (BBH - News). [Biotech ETFs Break Out]

The Dow Jones Biotechnology Index hit an all-time high this month and the sector has been among the few to weather the sell-off, writes Matt McCall at Investopedia.

The combination of new drug approvals by the FDA and the speculation of more mergers have been the catalysts behind the recent outperformance. There is no reason to doubt that this action will end anytime soon, he said.

SPDR S&P Biotech

Continue reading here:
Biotech ETFs in ‘Stealth’ Bull Market

NEW YORK, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Markets for Media, Sera and Reagents in Biotechnology

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0870777/Global-Markets-for-Media-Sera-and-Reagents-in-Biotechnology.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_Diagnostic

INTRODUCTION

STUDY OBJECTIVES

BCC's goal in conducting this study is to provide an overview of the current and future characteristics of the global market for media, sera and the reagents used in biotechnology. The key objective is to present a comprehensive analysis of the current market and its future direction in the media, sera and biotechnology reagents markets as an important tool for the cell culture industry.

This report explores present and future strategies within the media and sera market, including reagents used in biotechnology. The improvisation of the market, the setbacks and the needs of the market are discussed in this report. The types of cell cultures and the products from cell culture technology are also presented in this report. The advantages and disadvantages for the use of various types of media are also covered in this report.

A detailed analysis of the cell culture industry structure has been conducted. This includes the biotechnology reagents, media and the sera used. Revenues are broken down by global region. Sales figures are estimated for the five-year period from 2011 through 2016.

Applications for the cell culture industrymedia, sera and reagents used in biotechnologyare also discussed in the report, with an emphasis on the usage in the research, production and contract segments. The report also covers significant patents in each segment.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

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Global Markets for Media, Sera and Reagents in Biotechnology

NEW YORK, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Markets for Media, Sera and Reagents in Biotechnology -- Focus on Europe

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0870806/Global-Markets-for-Media-Sera-and-Reagents-in-Biotechnology----Focus-on-Europe.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_Diagnostic

INTRODUCTION

STUDY OBJECTIVES

BCC's goal in conducting this study is to provide an overview of the current and future characteristics of the global market for media, sera and the reagents used in biotechnology. The key objective is to present a comprehensive analysis of the current market and its future direction in the media, sera and biotechnology reagents markets as an important tool for the cell culture industry.

This report explores present and future strategies within the media and sera market, including reagents used in biotechnology. The improvisation of the market, the setbacks and the needs of the market are discussed in this report. The types of cell cultures and the products from cell culture technology are also presented in this report. The advantages and disadvantages for the use of various types of media are also covered in this report.

A detailed analysis of the cell culture industry structure has been conducted. This includes the biotechnology reagents, media and the sera used. Revenues are broken down by global region. Sales figures are estimated for the five-year period from 2011 through 2016.

Applications for the cell culture industrymedia, sera and reagents used in biotechnologyare also discussed in the report, with an emphasis on the usage in the research, production and contract segments. The report also covers significant patents in each segment.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

Excerpt from:
Global Markets for Media, Sera and Reagents in Biotechnology -- Focus on Europe

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI), a development stage biopharmaceutical company, announced that Alan H. Auerbach, its Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Founder, will present an overview of the Company at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 6, at the Jefferies 2012 Global Healthcare Conference.

A live webcast will be available on the Companys website at http://www.pumabiotechnology.com. The presentation will be archived on the website and available for 30 days.

About Puma Biotechnology

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. is a development stage biopharmaceutical company that acquires and develops innovative products for the treatment of various forms of cancer. The Company focuses on in-licensing drug candidates that are undergoing or have already completed initial clinical testing for the treatment of cancer and then seeks to further develop those drug candidates for commercial use. The Company is initially focused on the development of PB272 (oral neratinib), a potent irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer.

Further information about Puma Biotechnology can be found at http://www.pumabiotechnology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Companys actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, the risk factors disclosed in the periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Continue reading here:
Puma Biotechnology to Present at Jefferies Healthcare Conference

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce the Pipelines of Promise Buzz of BIO winner for the 2012 BIO International Convention is Deuteria Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a virtual biotechnology company based in Boston, Mass. and founded in 2010.

The Buzz of BIO competition is an exciting opportunity for emerging companies to capture the spotlight and level the playing field a bit amongst their more established industry peers, said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. As a Buzz winner, this company will now enter the Convention with a heightened sense of anticipation and buzz, allowing for endless partnering opportunities.

More on the Pipelines of Promise Buzz of BIO Winner:

As an emerging company with a pioneering approach to therapeutics, Deuteria Pharmaceuticals is pleased to be recognized as the Pipeline of Promise company by the premier conference in the biotechnology industry. This recognition from BIO 2012 provides and strengthens the visibility of Deuteria Pharmaceuticals, said Dr. Sheila DeWitt, President, Deuteria Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

As the winner, Deuteria Pharmaceuticals will receive complimentary registration to the Convention, held June 18 -21, 2012 in Boston, MA, with partnering, and a 15-minute Company Presentation in the BIO Business Forum. To learn more about what makes Deuteria Pharmaceuticals the Buzz of BIO, watch their presentation in the Business Forum, Tuesday, June 19th at 10:15 a.m. (Patriots Room), and find them in the One-on-One Partnering System to schedule a 1x1 partnering meeting.

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 Buzz of BIO Winner Announced

Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Nominates Dr. Christian Itin, former President and CEO of Micromet Inc., as a Non-executive Director

Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland, May 29, 2012 - Cytos Biotechnology Ltd (Cytos or the Company), a Swiss biotech company developing a new class of biopharmaceutical products called Immunodrugs(TM), announced today the nomination of Dr. Christian Itin to its Board as a Non-executive Director and that the Board of Directors will propose to the Companys shareholders the election of Dr. Itin as member of the Board at the Companys next general meeting.

Dr. Itin (age 48 yrs) is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Micromet Inc., a formerly Nasdaq-listed biopharmaceutical company, with headquarters in Rockville, MD and a R&D center in Munich, Germany, which was acquired in March 2012 by Amgen, Inc. for USD 1.16 billion in cash. He spent 13 years with Micromet in a number of senior management roles, becoming CEO in 2004. Prior to joining Micromet in 1999, Dr. Itin co-founded Zyomyx, Inc., a protein chip company based in Hayward, CA, USA.

Dr. Itin received a diploma in biology and a Ph.D. in cell biology from the University of Basel. In addition, he performed post-doctoral research at the Biocenter of Basel University and at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Thomas Hecht, Chairman of Cytos, said: Christian is an experienced biotech entrepreneur with significant expertise and a strong track record in areas such as R&D strategy, corporate, business and product development. These attributes are extremely important to Cytos as Cytos is looking to build significant value from its Immunodrug(TM) platform following its recent CHF 33.5 million (USD 36.2 million) financing round. We are looking forward to Christians contributions to Cytos growth and future success.

Christian Itin, commented: Over recent months, Cytos has established a strong foundation on which to build an exciting company based on CYT003, a novel potentially disease-modifying approach to asthma and also on its unique Immunodrug(TM) platform. I believe the Company has a promising future and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to support its growth and development.

For further information please contact:

Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Harry Welten Chief Financial Officer Tel.: +41 44 733 46 46 e-Mail: harry.welten@cytos.com Website: http://www.cytos.com

About Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Cytos Biotechnology Ltd is a Swiss public biotechnology company that specializes in the development and commercialization of a new class of biopharmaceutical products - the Immunodrugs(TM). Immunodrugs(TM) are intended for use in the treatment and prevention of common chronic diseases, which afflict millions of people worldwide. Immunodrugs(TM) are designed to instruct the patients immune system to produce the desired therapeutic antibody or T cell responses that modulate chronic disease processes. Cytos Immunodrug(TM) candidates are being developed both in-house and together with Novartis, Pfizer and Pfizer Animal Health. Founded in 1995 as a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, the Company is located in Schlieren (Zurich). Cytos Biotechnology Ltd is listed according to the Main Standard on the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd under the symbol CYTN.

This foregoing press release may contain forward-looking statements that include words or phrases such as are intended for, are designed to, or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of significant uncertainties, including scientific, business, economic and financial factors, and therefore actual results may differ significantly from those presented. There can be no assurance that any further therapeutic entities will enter clinical trials, that clinical trial results will be predictive for future results, that therapeutic entities will be the subject of filings for regulatory approval, that any drug candidates will receive marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or equivalent regulatory authorities, or that drugs will be marketed successfully. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not rely on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or adapt them to future events or developments.

See original here:
DGAP-News: Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Nominates Dr. Christian Itin, former President and CEO of Micromet Inc., as a Non ...

Background:
Previous studies on the use of SO2 and CO2 as impregnating agent for sugar cane bagasse steam treatment showed comparative and promising results concerning the cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis and the low formation of the inhibitors furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural for the use of CO2 at 205C/15 min or SO2 at 190C/5 min [10]. In the present study sugar cane bagasse materials pretreated as aforementioned were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Infrared (FTIR spectroscopy) aiming a better understanding of the structural and chemical changes undergone by the pretreated materials.
Results:
SEM and TEM data showed that the structural modifications undergone by the pretreatment with CO2 were less pronounced in comparison to that using SO2, which can be directly related to the combined severity of each pretreatment. According to XRD data, untreated bagasse showed, as expected, a lower crystallinity index (CI = 48.0%) when compared to pretreated samples with SO2 (CI = 65.5%) or CO2 (CI = 56.4%), due to the hemicellulose removal of 68.3% and 40.5%, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy supported SEM, TEM and XRD results, revealing a more extensive action of SO2.
Conclusions:
The SEM, TEM, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy techniques used in this work contributed to structural and chemical analysis of the untreated and pretreated bagasse. The images from SEM and TEM can be related to the severity of SO2 pretreatment, which is almost twice higher. The crystallinity index values obtained from XRD showed that pretreated materials have higher values when compared with untreated material, due to the partial removal of hemicellulose after pretreatment. FTIR spectroscopy supported SEM, TEM and XRD results. CO2 can actually be used as impregnating agent for steam pretreatment, although the present study confirmed a more extensive action of SO2.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

Background:
Pure bacterial strains give better yields when producing H2 than mixed, natural communities. However the main drawback with the pure cultures is the need to perform the fermentations under sterile conditions. Therefore, H2 production using artificial co-cultures, composed of well characterized strains, is one of the directions currently undertaken in the field of biohydrogen research.
Results:
Four pure Clostridium cultures, including C. butyricum CWBI1009, C. pasteurianum DSM525, C. beijerinckii DSM1820 and C. felsineum DSM749, and three different co-cultures composed of (1) C. pasteurianum and C. felsineum, (2) C. butyricum and C. felsineum, (3) C. butyricum and C. pasteurianum, were grown in 20 L batch bioreactors. In the first part of the study a strategy composed of three-culture sequences was developed to determine the optimal pH for H2 production (sequence 1); and the H2-producing potential of each pure strain and co-culture, during glucose (sequence 2) and starch (sequence 3) fermentations at the optimal pH. The best H2 yields were obtained for starch fermentations, and the highest yield of 2.91 mol H2/ mol hexose was reported for C. butyricum. By contrast, the biogas production rates were higher for glucose fermentations and the highest value of 1.5 L biogas/ h was observed for the co-culture (1). In general co-cultures produced H2 at higher rates than the pure Clostridium cultures, without negatively affecting the H2 yields. Interestingly, all the Clostridium strains and co-cultures were shown to utilize lactate (present in a starch-containing medium), and C. beijerinckii was able to re-consume formate producing additional H2. In the second part of the study the co-culture (3) was used to produce H2 during 13 days of glucose fermentation in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). In addition, the species dynamics, as monitored by qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR), showed a stable coexistence of C. pasteurianum and C. butyricum during this fermentation.
Conclusions:
The four pure Clostridium strains and the artificial co-cultures tested in this study were shown to efficiently produce H2 using glucose and starch as carbon sources. The artificial co-cultures produced H2 at higher rates than the pure strains, while the H2 yields were only slightly affected.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

SHENZHEN, China, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd ("Beike") announced that it has been awarded AABB accreditation for cord blood and cord tissue banking. This accreditation has been granted following an intensive on-site assessment by AABB assessors and establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the facility is in accordance with the AABB standards or exceeds those set by AABB. With this achievement, Beike becomes China's first and only AABB-accredited stem cell bank for both cord blood and cord tissue banking.

Ying Song, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Beike, stated, "It is a proud moment for us that Beike is the first and the only stem cell bank in China to possess AABB accreditation for both cord blood and cord tissue and this reflects our commitment to quality. It is also noteworthy to mention that Beike is among the first stem cell banks in the world to receive AABB accreditation for cord tissue banking which positions Beike as a leader in stem cell preservation."

Beike began the comprehensive AABB accreditation process in March 2010 and completed the on-site assessment in September 2011. The accreditation assessment included stem cell processing, records, document control, inspection and testing, technician training, sample identification, traceability and validations. During this audit, it was determined that Beike's medical, technical and administrative performance met the standards set by the AABB. Beike was issued its AABB certificate in January 2012.

Dr. Shengqin Ye, President of Beike, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have been granted this accreditation. With this, Beike has once again demonstrated a commitment to advanced learning, continuous improvement and innovation to sustain the highest possible level of quality and safety."

To meet AABB standards, Beike adopted new technology for stem cell processing (AXP AutoXpress system), storage (BioArchive Systems), and testing (Beckman hematology analyzer LH750 and Tecan Freedom EVOlyzer). Additionally, the company optimized its information technology platform and software systems, adding an advanced bar code management system, real-time monitoring capabilities, and an advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to its call center.

About Beike Biotechnology Company:

Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is China's leading biotechnology company focusing on banking adult stem cells and developing new cell based medicinal products. Headquartered in Shenzhen (near Hong Kong) with a flagship regenerative medicine facility at the China Medical City in Jiangsu province, Beike produces a full line of stem cell products derived from umbilical cord, cord blood and autologous bone marrow.

About AABB:

AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) is an international non-profit body dedicated to developing the highest standards in blood and cord blood banking, transfusion medicine and cellular therapy. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety.

Based in the United States, AABB represents more than 2,000 institutions and 8,000 individuals in 80 countries, involved in collecting, processing, testing, distributing, or transfusing blood, blood components, or cellular therapy products.

Read more here:
Beike Earns AABB Accreditation for Cord Blood and Cord Tissue Banking

Background:
The desulphurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT), a recalcitrant thiophenic fossil fuel component by Serratia marcescens (UCP 1549) in order for reducing the sulphur content was investigated. The study was carried out establishing the growth profile using Luria Bertani medium to different concentrations of DBT during 120hours at 28oC, and orbital shaker at 150rpm.
Results:
The results indicated that concentrations of DBT 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mM do not affected the growth of the bacterium. The DBT showed similar Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MCB) (3.68 mM). The desulphurization of DBT by S. marcescens was used with 96 hours of growth on 2mM of DBT, and was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. In order to study the desulphurization process by S. marcescens was observed the presence of a sulfur-free product at 16 hours of cultivation The results show that S. marcescens oxidizes DBT to its corresponding DBT-5 oxide and then to DBT-sulfone, without the formation of any biphenyl.
Conclusions:
The data suggests the use of metabolic pathway "4S" by S. marcescens (UCP 1549) and formed biphenyl. The microbial desulphurization process by S. Serratia can be suggest significant reducing sulphur content in DBT, and showed promising potential for reduction of the sulfur content in diesel oil.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement in support of the U.S. Senates approval of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA):

BIO commends the bipartisan Senate approval of FDASIA, which includes a reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).

In particular, we appreciate the leadership shown by Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY) to craft a bipartisan measure which will continue to ensure patient safety, access to the newest cures and therapies, and job growth in America. FDASIA reflects the enhancements to PDUFA agreed upon by industry and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will enhance the development and review of innovative new therapies through increased transparency and scientific dialogue, advancements in regulatory science and strengthened post-market review.

The inclusion of an enhanced Accelerated Approval pathway, crafted by Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), will help expedite the development of modern, targeted, and personalized therapies for patients suffering from serious and life-threatening diseases while preserving the FDAs robust standards for safety and effectiveness. Senator Hagan is to be congratulated for her hard work and leadership on this very important provision.

FDASIA also enables a transparent, predictable and balanced regulatory framework for the review and approval of biosimilars by establishing reasonable performance goals and dedicated, independent funding for biosimilar review activities. This will allow the FDA to continue to prioritize the review of innovative drugs and biologics so that safe and effective new therapies many for currently serious, untreatable diseases can be available to the patients who need them.

BIO strongly supports the inclusion of the permanent reauthorization of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and Pediatric Research Equity Act. The provisions included in FDASIA will encourage continued investment in pediatric research and help ensure that new drugs and biologics can be used safely and appropriately in pediatric patients.

"We greatly appreciate the Senate defeat of amendments which would have threatened final approval of FDASIA, including an amendment which would have slowed the FDA's consideration of genetically-modified salmon. We thank Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS), John Kerry (D-MA) and Scott Brown (R-MA) for working to defeat this amendment. BIO also appreciates the Senate defeat of amendments pertaining to patent settlements, importation, and the elimination of innovator data protections.

We look forward to working with Senate and House leaders as they continue their work on PDUFA reauthorization, in order to address differences between the two bills and to ensure final passage of a package which meets with overwhelming bipartisan approval. Timely reauthorization, well in advance of the expiration of PDUFA IV in September, is critical in order to avoid a reduction in force at the FDA. Even the threat of a downsizing would be devastating to the Agencys public health mission and its ability to review new drugs and biologics.

About BIO

See the original post here:
BIO Lauds Senate Passage of User Fee Package

Background:
The concerted effects of changes in gene expression due to changes in the environment are ultimately reflected in the metabolome. Dynamics of metabolite concentrations under a certain condition can therefore give a description of the cellular state with a high degree of functional information. We used this potential to evaluate the metabolic status of two recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during anaerobic batch fermentation of a glucose/xylose mixture. Two isogenic strains were studied, differing only in the pathways used for xylose assimilation: the oxidoreductive pathway with xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) or the isomerization pathway with xylose isomerase (XI). The isogenic relationship between the two strains ascertains that the observed responses are a result of the particular xylose pathway and not due to unknown changes in regulatory systems. An increased understanding of the physiological state of these strains is important for further development of efficient pentose-utilizing strains for bioethanol production.
Results:
Using LC-MS/MS we determined the dynamics in the concentrations of intracellular metabolites in central carbon metabolism, nine amino acids, the purine nucleotides and redox cofactors. The general response to the transition from glucose to xylose was increased concentrations of amino acids and TCA-cycle intermediates, and decreased concentrations of sugar phosphates and redox cofactors. The two strains investigated had significantly different uptake rates of xylose which led to an enhanced response in the XI-strain. Despite the difference in xylose uptake rate, the adenylate energy charge remained high and stable around 0.8 in both strains. In contrast to the adenylate pool, large changes were observed in the guanylate pool.
Conclusions:
The low uptake of xylose by the XI-strain led to several distinguished responses: depletion of key metabolites in glycolysis and NADPH, a reduced GTP/GDP ratio and accumulation of PEP and aromatic amino acids. These changes are strong indicators of carbon starvation. The XR/XDH-strain displayed few such traits. The coexistence of these traits and a stable adenylate charge indicates that xylose supplies energy to the cells but does not suppress a response similar to carbon starvation. Particular signals may play a role in the latter, of which the GTP/GMP ratio could be a candidate as it decreased significantly in both strains.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCBB: PBYI.OB - News), a development stage biopharmaceutical company, announced that clinical data for its lead drug candidate PB272 (neratinib) in patients with metastatic breast cancer will be presented in the HER2/ER Breast Cancer poster session at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2012 Annual Meeting. The ASCO Annual Meeting will be held June 1 5, 2012, in Chicago.

Details of the poster presentation are as follows:

Abstract #611: A phase I dose-escalating study evaluating weekly paclitaxel with neratinib and trastuzumab in women with metastatic HER-2 positive breast cancer, NSABP FB-8. Rachel C. Jankowitz, MD Poster Board #10F, S Hall A2, Saturday, June 2, 8:00 a.m. 12 Noon

About Puma Biotechnology

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. is a development stage biopharmaceutical company that acquires and develops innovative products for the treatment of various forms of cancer. The Company focuses on in-licensing drug candidates that are undergoing or have already completed initial clinical testing for the treatment of cancer and then seeks to further develop those drug candidates for commercial use. The Company is initially focused on the development of PB272 (oral neratinib), a potent irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer.

Further information about Puma Biotechnology can be found at http://www.pumabiotechnology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, the risk factors disclosed in the periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Link:
Puma Biotechnology to Present Clinical Data on PB272 at ASCO 2012 Annual Meeting

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that a panel of top industry executives will discuss where biotech will be in the next ten years and how the pharmaceutical industry landscape is changing. With the biotech and pharmaceutical industries facing considerable challenges but also tremendous growth opportunities, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the future of biotech and big pharma.

Biotech and Big Pharma Whats Next? panelists include: Moderator: Joshua Boger, PhD, Founder and CEO (Retired), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Panelists: Rachel K. King, Chief Executive Officer, GlycoMimetics, Inc; Christopher A. Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi, Chairman, Genzyme and H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Human Genome Sciences

Wednesdays Keynote session is sponsored by Amgen, a leading human therapeutics company in the biotechnology industry.

Immediately preceding the Keynote panel, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) will address the 2012 BIO International Convention, this years global event for biotechnology, which will take place June 18-21, 2012 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, MA. Additionally, the Keynote will feature the presentation of awards for the Biotech Humanitarian of the Year and the Governor of the Year.

Senator Kerrys speech will address the major challenges to the life sciences innovation ecosystem. He is scheduled to speak Wednesday, June 20th at 12:00 p.m., during the Keynote luncheon.

Each year, we strive to provide attendees with a Keynote address by an industry thought leader to share their perspective on the state of the industry, said Robbi Lycett, Vice President of Conventions & Conferences at BIO. We anticipate Senator Kerry will continue this tradition and share his insights and vision for the future with our attendees.

John Kerry was elected to the United States Senate in 1984 and he has won reelection four-times since. He is now serving his fifth term. Senator Kerry has fought to protect our natural environment and has proved to be a leader on the global AIDS issue and confronting the climate crisis.

In 2003, Senator Kerry announced that he would be a candidate for President of the United States and he went on to mount a come from behind campaign that won the Democratic nomination and was nearly elected President.

Today, Senator Kerry is the tenth most senior Senator and the second longest serving Senator in his seat. He is chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee as well as holds a senior position on the Finance, Commerce and Small Business Committees.

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Panel of Top Industry Executives to Discuss Biotech and Big Pharma – What’s Next? – 2012 BIO International Convention ...

16 May 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

("Angel" or "the Company")

Angel signs new contract with ReNeuron to provide GMP (KOSDAQ: 018290.KQ - news) cell manufacturing services for completion of stroke clinical trial

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, (AIM:ABH), the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, has signed a new contract with ReNeuron Group (Berlin: RQE.BE - news) plc (AIM:RENE) to perform GMP manufacturing services in support of the final part of the PISCES Phase 1 clinical trial of its ReN001 stem cell therapy for stroke; the value of the contract was not disclosed.

Dr Stewart White, Acting CEO, Angel Biotechnology (Berlin: A3G.BE - news) said: "Angel is very proud to be providing ReNeuron with additional manufacturing support to complete this ground breaking Phase 1 clinical trial. This contract is further recognition of the strong partnership between Angel and ReNeuron, and also reaffirms both companies commitment to provide solutions for a real clinical need."

For further information:

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

Lorna Peers, Finance Director +44 (0) 131 445 6077

Stewart White, Acting CEO/Commercial Director http://www.angelbio.com

Read the rest here:
Angel Biotechnology - Angel signs new contract with ReNeuron

NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDX - News) today announced that the Company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI), effective prior to market open on Monday, May 21, 2012. The NBI includes biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies listed exclusively on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or on the NASDAQ Global Market that meet predetermined eligibility requirements, including a minimum market capitalization of $200 million and an average daily trading volume of at least 100,000 shares, amongst other criteria.

The index is ranked semi-annually in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index Fund (Nasdaq:IBB - News). In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges. For more information about the NBI, including eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/methodology_NBI.pdf.

About Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.:

Celldex Therapeutics is the first antibody-based combination immunotherapy company. Celldex has a pipeline of drug candidates in development for the treatment of cancer and other difficult-to-treat diseases based on its antibody focused Precision Targeted Immunotherapy (PTI) Platform. The PTI Platform is a complementary portfolio of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-targeted vaccines and immunomodulators used in optimal combinations to create novel disease-specific drug candidates. For more information, please visit http://www.celldextherapeutics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those related to the Companys strategic focus and the future development and commercialization (by Celldex and others) of rindopepimut (CDX-110), CDX-011, CDX-1135 (formerly TP10), CDX-1401, CDX-1127, CDX-301, Belinostat and other products. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, they give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and you should be aware that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the clinical trials that we initiated in 2011 and plan to initiate in 2012; our ability to adapt APC Targeting TechnologyTMto develop new, safe and effective vaccines against oncology and infectious disease indications; our ability to successfully complete product research and further development of our programs; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our limited experience in bringing programs through Phase 3 clinical trials; our ability to manage research and development efforts for multiple products at varying stages of development; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; the failure of the market for the Company's programs to continue to develop; our limited cash reserves and our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; our ability to protect the Companys intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Companys products; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2011, anditsForms 10-Q and 8-K.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We have no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Celldex Therapeutics Added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index

SEATTLE, May 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCBB:PLPL.OB - News), a producer of highly bioavailable botanical extracts, today announced a preliminary agreement with ZZ2, a private farming conglomerate in Southern Africa and the largest producer of fresh tomatoes in the continent of Africa. Based on a long-standing working relationship, Dunn Roman Holdings Africa (Pty) Limited, a subsidiary of Plandai, will, under a new contract, acquire tomato waste from ZZ2 which will be processed to recover highly bioavailable antioxidants using the company's exclusive Hydrodynamic Extraction System.

Plandai Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, "As with green tea catechin extract, our hydrodynamic system converts the tomato carotenoid isomers into a highly bioavailable product. This partnership with ZZ2 is especially advantageous because it gives us an extremely inexpensive and readily available source material throughout the year. With an initial agreement to acquire 30 tons of tomato waste per day, we can yield substantial volumes of carotenoids (lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene). With the current market price for even poorly-absorbed lycopene at $3,000/kg, this opportunity could add in excess of $700,000 in monthly revenues.

Discussing the timing of commencing production of these carotenoids, Mr. Duffield added, "A huge portion of our prior research has been in this field and has already been validated through a USDA study. As shown in the recent publication by Dr. Ishida in Food Chemistry--Effects of a Hydrodynamic Process on Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato--Plandai's extraction process has already demonstrated the ability to deliver highly bioavailable carotenoids in numerous studies undertaken in conjunction with the California tomato processing industry and the USDA. In addition, unlike our green tea catechin extract, there will be no delay in getting raw materials ready for extraction. ZZ2 has an ample and ready supply of tomato waste available 365 days a year. We therefore anticipate that the tomato carotenoid extracts could actually come to market well ahead of our green tea gallate extract and bring us one step closer to becoming the world's largest supplier of highly bioavailable botanical extracts from live plant materials."

For additional information on ZZ2, visit http://www.zz2.biz. A memorandum of Understanding is under review by the respective attorneys and is expected to executed shortly. "Effects of a hydrodynamic process on extraction of carotenoids from tomato" Betty K. Ishida, Mary H. Chapman, United States Department of Agriculture, Food Chemistry 132 (2012) 1156--1160

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa. Web site: http://www.plandaibiotech.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

The information provided may contain forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties. Results, events and performances could vary from those contemplated. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, expressed or implied, to differ from predicted outcomes. Risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, and Plandai's ability to meet current or future plans. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Plandai is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Preliminary Agreement With Agriculture Giant, ZZ2, to Produce Highly ...

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INFI - News) today announced that the company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI). The semi-annual re-ranking of the index will become effective prior to market open on Monday, May 21, 2012.

Our inclusion in the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index underscores the strength of our pipeline and our progress toward creating a sustainable, fully integrated biotechnology company, stated Adelene Q. Perkins, president and chief executive officer of Infinity. With six clinical trials ongoing across our three development programs, and the financial strength to execute them, we have the potential to meaningfully impact patients' lives while creating long-term value for shareholders.

The NBI was launched in 1993 and includes securities of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies listed on the NASDAQ that meet minimum requirements, including market value and average daily share volume, among other criteria. The index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology IndexSM Fund (Nasdaq:IBB - News). For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including detailed eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/.

About Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Infinity is an innovative drug discovery and development company seeking to discover, develop and deliver to patients best-in-class medicines for diseases with significant unmet need. Infinity combines proven scientific expertise with a passion for developing novel small molecule drugs that target emerging disease pathways. Infinitys programs focused on the inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway, heat shock protein 90 and phosphoinositide-3-kinase are evidence of its innovative approach to drug discovery and development. For more information on Infinity, please refer to the companys website at http://www.infi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from the companys current expectations. For example, there can be no guarantee that Infinitys strategic alliance with Mundipharma International Corporation Limited will continue for its expected term or that it will fund Infinitys programs as agreed, that any product candidate Infinity is developing will successfully complete necessary preclinical and clinical development phases, or that development of any of Infinitys product candidates will continue. Further, there can be no guarantee that any positive developments in Infinitys product portfolio will result in stock price appreciation. Managements expectations could also be affected by risks and uncertainties relating to: Infinitys results of clinical trials and preclinical studies, including subsequent analysis of existing data and new data received from ongoing and future studies; the content and timing of decisions made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities, investigational review boards at clinical trial sites and publication review bodies; Infinitys ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials; unplanned cash requirements and expenditures, including in connection with business development activities; development of agents by Infinitys competitors for diseases in which Infinity is currently developing its product candidates; and Infinitys ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for any product candidates it is developing. These and other risks which may impact managements expectations are described in greater detail under the caption Risk Factors included in Infinitys quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2012. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Infinity expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Infinity Added to NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

Background:
One of the crucial factors for a sustainable and economical production of lignocellulosic based bioethanol is the availability of a robust fermenting microorganism with high tolerance to inhibitors generated during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic raw materials, since these inhibitors are known to severely hinder growth and fermentation.
Results:
A long-term adaptation in repetitive batch cultures in shake flasks using a cocktail of 12 different inhibitors and a long-term chemostat adaptation using spruce hydrolysate were used as evolutionary engineering strategies to improve the inhibitor tolerance in the metabolically engineered xylose utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, TMB3400. The yeast was evolved for a period of 429 and 97 generations in repetitive batch cultures and chemostat cultivation, respectively. During the evolutionary engineering in repetitive batch cultures the maximum specific growth rate increased from 0.18 h-1 to 0.33 h-1 and the time of lag phase was decreased from 48 h to 24 h. In the chemostat adaptation, after 97 generations, the specific consumption rates of HMF and furfural were found to be 3.5 and 4 folds higher respectively, compared to rates after three generations. Two evolved strains (RK60-5, RKU90-3) and one evolved strain (KE1-17) were isolated from evolutionary engineering in repetitive batches and chemostat cultivation, respectively. The strains displayed significantly improved growth performance over TMB3400 when cultivated in spruce hydrolysate under anaerobic conditions, the evolved strains exhibited 25 to 38% increase in specific consumption rate of sugars and 32 to 50% increased specific ethanol productivity compared to TMB3400. The evolved strains RK60-5 and RKU90-3 were unable to consume xylose under anaerobic conditions, whereas, KE1-17 was found to consume xylose at similar rates as TMB3400.
Conclusion:
Using evolutionary engineering strategies in batch and chemostat cultivations we have generated three evolved strains that show significantly better tolerance to inhibitors in spruce hydrolysate and displayed a shorter time for overall fermentation of sugars compared to the parental strain.Key words: Lignocellulose, Inhibitors, Evolutionary engineeringSource:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

Background:
beta-Glucosidase is an important component of the cellulase enzyme system. It does not only participate in cellulose degradation, it also plays an important role in hydrolyzing cellulose to fermentable glucose by relieving the inhibition of exoglucanase and endoglucanase from cellobiose. Therefore, the glucose-tolerant beta-glucosidase with high specific activity for cellobiose might be a potent candidate for industrial applications.
Results:
The beta-glucosidase gene bgl that encodes a 443-amino-acid protein was cloned and over-expressed from Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum DSM 571 in Escherichia coli. The phylogenetic trees of beta-glucosidases were constructed using Neighbor-Joining (NJ) and Maximum-Parsimony (MP) methods. The phylogeny and amino acid analysis indicated that the BGL was a novel beta-glucosidase. By replacing the rare codons for the N-terminal amino acids of the target protein, the expression level of bgl was increased from 6.6 to 11.2 U/mg in LB medium. Recombinant BGL was purified by heat treatment followed by Ni-NTA affinity. The optimal activity was at pH 6.4 and 70oC. The purified enzyme was stable over pH range of 5.2-7.6 and had a 1-h half life at 68oC. The activity of BGL was significantly enhanced by Fe2+ and Mn2+. The Vmax of 64 U/mg and 120 U/mg were found for p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Km value of 0.62 mM) and cellobiose (Km value of 7.9 mM), respectively. It displayed high tolerance to glucose and cellobiose. The Kcat for cellobiose was 67.7 s-1 at 60oC and pH 6.4, when the concentration of cellobiose was 290 mM. It was activated by glucose at concentrations lower that 200 mM. With glucose further increasing, the enzyme activity of BGL was gradually inhibited, but remained 50% of the original value in even as high as 600 mM glucose.
Conclusions:
The article provides a useful novel beta-glucosidase which displayed favorable properties: high glucose and cellobiose tolerance, independence on metal ions or EDTA indicated, and high hydrolysis activity on cellobiose.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/