HAYWARD, Calif., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. (MBI) and BP Biofuels have signed a four-year agreement to conduct a demonstration field trial of Mendel's PowerCane Miscanthus and evaluate its performance as feedstock for biofuel production at BP Biofuels' demonstration plant at Jennings, Louisiana.

"This agreement is an important next step in our long-standing partnership with BP Biofuels," said Don Panter, president, Mendel BioEnergy Seeds, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MBI."BP Biofuels will evaluate our new PowerCane Miscanthus product in large field trials and test it at demonstration scale in their biofuel conversion process."

A total of 100 acres of PowerCane Miscanthus will be planted in early 2012 near BP's Jennings facility and the first biomass harvest from these fields is expected in 2013.

"As we move toward commercial production of cellulosic biofuels and work to bring costs in line with conventional fuels, agricultural advancements such as this will be a critical factor," said Sue Ellerbusch, president of BP Biofuels North America.

PowerCane Miscanthus represents a new chapter in biomass production. While the current publicly available miscanthus varieties have outstanding agronomic and biomass performance characteristics, they must be planted as a rhizome or live plug, which requires additional investment and equipment for growers.

"PowerCane Miscanthus varieties are the first miscanthus products specifically developed for biomass production that can be planted as a seed," said Panter. "The PowerCane Miscanthus system will be significantly more economical and efficient for growers, and will allow the industry to scale up more quickly to meet renewable energy goals."

BP Biofuels currently operates a biofuels demonstration facility in Jennings, La that is used to test new cellulosic technologies in the biofuels production process. BP is also constructing a 20,000 acre energy grass farm in Florida that will supply a 36 million gallon a year conversion facility. Construction on the facility is expected to commence later this year.

About Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. (MBI) is a premier independent corporation developing new genetic and chemical solutions for improvement of crop yield and resource use efficiency. It is also dedicated to becoming the leading seed company serving the bioenergy industry. MBI has expertise in the application of functional genomics in studying plant genes and is a pioneer in the production of dedicated energy crops critical for second generation biofuels. MBI has identified and patented the use of genes that control many aspects of plant growth and development, and is applying these inventions to develop or co-develop new plant varieties with improved productivity and quality. MBI has relationships with leading agricultural, energy, forestry and horticulture companies for the commercialization of improved seed and plant products, and is developing new seed and feedstock products for the emerging bioenergy markets. For more information, visit: http://www.mendelbio.com.

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Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. and BP Biofuels to Conduct Demonstration Field Trial of PowerCane™ Miscanthus

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/12/12)- The biotechnology industry has been on an impressive run this year as companies -- both large and small -- show impressive growth. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (IBB) Fund is outperforming the broader market by a wide margin and is up more than 14 percent this year. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: CTIC - News) & Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNR - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/CTIC

http://www.paragonreport.com/AVNR

Last week, The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) -- which 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 -- applauded the U.S. House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and explained the legislation's significance on the biotech industry. According to BIO, provisions of the Act would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

"This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the biotechnology industry register with us free at http://www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Larger biotech firms, meanwhile, are looking to rein in costs and plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, according to a survey released by global consulting firm Booz & Company. The study says that many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs).

According to the survey, companies are outsourcing for three main reasons: They lack certain internal capabilities (53 percent), they lack internal capacity (38 percent), and they need to cut costs (44 percent).

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.paragonreport.com/disclaimer

Link:
Cell Therapeutics and Avanir Pharmaceuticals Look to Make Headway in Strengthening Biotech Industry

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/12/12)- The biotechnology industry has been on an impressive run this year as companies -- both large and small -- show impressive growth. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (IBB) Fund is outperforming the broader market by a wide margin and is up more than 14 percent this year. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Oncothyreon Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTY - News) & AEterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS - News) (TSX: AEZ.TO - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/ONTY

http://www.paragonreport.com/AEZS

Last week, The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) -- which 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 -- applauded the U.S. House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and explained the legislation's significance on the biotech industry. According to BIO, provisions of the Act would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

"This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the biotechnology industry register with us free at http://www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Larger biotech firms, meanwhile, are looking to rein in costs and plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, according to a survey released by global consulting firm Booz & Company. The study says that many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs).

According to the survey, companies are outsourcing for three main reasons: They lack certain internal capabilities (53 percent), they lack internal capacity (38 percent), and they need to cut costs (44 percent).

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.paragonreport.com/disclaimer

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Biotech Industry Growing Domestically and Abroad -- Oncothyreon and AEterna Zentaris Poised for Growth

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (NMBio) has announced a new scholarship award to be presented to a New Mexico high school senior graduating in the spring of 2012. The $1,000 award will be presented to a student meeting the following criteria: 1) be accepted to a two- or four-year accredited New Mexico college, and 2) plan to major in an area that will lead to a career in a biotechnology or biomedical field. The decision to award the scholarship will be based on a one-page letter of intent in which the student describes their biomedical or biotechnology career goals. High school GPA, a letter of recommendation and college entrance exam scores will also be considered. Documentation of acceptance to a school, the letter of intent, an official copy of the high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores should be sent to: NMBioScholarship@gmail.com.

For more information on this scholarship, please check our listing on scholarships.com. Look for The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (NMBio) Scholarship. Scholarship information and an application are also available on our website at http://www.nmbio.org.

NMBio is pleased to invest in the future biotechnology and biomedical professionals in the state of New Mexico though our new scholarship program, said NMBio President Andrew Salazar. One of our primary aims is to foster the growth of the biosciences industry in the state, and this scholarship is one of the ways we will be assisting New Mexico high school students that plan to pursue a career in the biosciences during these challenging economic times.

NMBio Board member Charlotte Mobarak added, We are thrilled to be able to offer this scholarship in addition to our sponsorship of local science fairs and the other educational initiatives of NMBio. We look forward to receiving applications and forming relationships with the future biosciences professionals in the state.

About The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association:

The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (NMBio) actively supports and promotes the development of the biosciences industry in the state. The association provides a forum for information exchange, develops initiatives to enhance business success, offers education regarding bioscience in the state, helps establish collaboration, and serves as a voice of the industry to state, federal and local governments.

The rest is here:
NMBio Announces Scholarship Award

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/12/12)- The biotechnology industry has been on an impressive run this year as companies -- both large and small -- show impressive growth. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (IBB) Fund is outperforming the broader market by a wide margin and is up more than 14 percent this year. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Dendreon Corporation (NASDAQ: DNDN - News) & Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/DNDN

http://www.paragonreport.com/ARNA

Last week, The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) -- which 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 -- applauded the U.S. House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and explained the legislation's significance on the biotech industry. According to BIO, provisions of the Act would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

"This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the biotechnology industry register with us free at http://www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Larger biotech firms, meanwhile, are looking to rein in costs and plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, according to a survey released by global consulting firm Booz & Company. The study says that many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs).

According to the survey, companies are outsourcing for three main reasons: They lack certain internal capabilities (53 percent), they lack internal capacity (38 percent), and they need to cut costs (44 percent).

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.paragonreport.com/disclaimer

See the rest here:
Biotech Industry Poised for Growth -- Dendreon and Arena Pharmaceuticals Looking Strong

Everyone should have some kind of life insurance. This will protect the family after you pass away. The last thing a family should be doing is cleaning up your financial situation. The amount of the insurance policy should be enough to cover any outstanding debt, pay off utility bills, pay off the home and to bury or cremate the body. It’s hard to swallow pride and go back to work right after losing someone so important to them.

There should be a little extra left over as a thoughtful gift of love and kindness. It should be enough to cover wages for them so they can take time off to grieve over the loss of you. The family will have time to heal knowing that the insurance took care of everything.

No one knows when their final day on earth will be. Having a backup plan just in case things don’t go as planned is a great idea. Life insurance is that backup plan. This will get the family over the rough patch of missing you in their lives. It’s already a stressful time and life insurance will help the family focus on the next unknown chapter of their lives.

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

Background:
Currently, the major barrier in biomass utilization is the lack of effective pretreatment of plant cell wall (PCW) so that the carbohydrates can be subsequently hydrolyzed into sugars to be fermented into fuel or chemical molecules. Termites are highly effective in degrading lignocellulosics thus can be used as model biological systems for studying plant cell wall degradation.
Results:
This study discovered combination of specific structural and composition modification of lignin framework and partial degradation of carbohydrate in softwood with physical chewing in termites C. formosanus, which is critical for efficient cell wall digestion. Comparative studies on the termite-chewed and native (control) softwood tissues at the same size were conducted with the aid of advanced analytical techniques; such as, pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, along with thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). The results strongly suggested a significant increase in the softwood-cellulose enzymatic digestibility after termite chewing, accompanied with utilization of holocellulosic counterparts and increase in hydrolysable capacity of lignin collectively. In another words, termite chewing process should have combined with specific biological pretreatment on the lignin counterpart in the plant cell wall, resulting in increased enzymatic cellulose digestibility in vitro. For the specific lignin unlocking mechanism at this chewing stage, there were mainly specific bonds cleavage of its network, together with modification and redistribution of its functional groups in the resulting chewed plant tissue for better exposure of the carbohydrate within the plant cell wall. Moreover, cleavage between holocellulosic network and lignin molecule during the chewing process resulted in a much better exposure of the carbohydrate within the plant cell wall.
Conclusion:
Collectively, these data indicated participation of lignin-related enzyme(s) or polypeptide(s) and/or esterase(s), along with involvement of cellulases and hemicellulases in the chewing process of C. formosanus, resulting in a mechanical and enzymatic combined for efficient initial pretreatment on biomass. This process could be mimicked for industrial biomass conversion.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

05-03-2012 16:44

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Classical Dance by Biotechnology Department (2nd year girls) - Video

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) applauds the House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. The JOBS Act, which passed the House by a vote of 390-23, contains several provisions which would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

The JOBS Act creates an on-ramp to the public market for emerging growth companies, allowing them five years to focus on conducting critical research that can lead to cures for debilitating diseases before having to divert funds to costly regulations. Through this legislation, emerging growth companies would be exempt for their first five years on the public market from the compliance burdens of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404(b), which SEC studies estimate cost companies up to $2 million per year. An on-ramp would ease certain accounting and disclosure requirements for a companys first five years. In addition, the legislation would:

BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood made the following statement today:

BIO supports these reforms, which are especially important to innovative biotechnology companies that do not yet have product revenue and must spend investor dollars on compliance rather than the search for cures and breakthrough medicines for patients living with debilitating diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and Parkinsons.

This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease. Bringing groundbreaking cures and treatments from bench to bedside is a long and arduous road, and biotechnology companies are at the forefront of the effort.

It can take more than a decade to bring a new medicine from discovery, through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III clinical trials, and on to FDA approval. The entire endeavor can cost more than $1.2 billion. Due to this capital-intensive process, biotechnology companies must cultivate a wide range of public and private investors to finance the early stages of development.

In addition to the research and development hurdles that biotechnology companies face on their search for cures and breakthrough medicines, biotech leaders also must deal with the day-to-day challenges of running a small business with the hopes of one day entering the public market. Of great import in the biotechnology industry is the need to lessen the constant struggle to find working capital to support this critical research.

For the majority of biotechnology companies that are without any product revenue, the significant capital requirements necessitate fundraising through venture capital firms. These venture capital investors need to know that the companies they support will have the opportunity to be successful on the public market. Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate, it is becoming harder for biotech companies to go public. As a result, venture capital firms are turning elsewhere to make their investments, leading to a dearth of innovation capital in the biotechnology industry and undermining the ability of these innovative firms to develop their research into breakthrough medicines and cures to aid patients.

BIO supports passage of the JOBS Act and efforts to incentivize and encourage capital formation for growing companies, and applauds the House for passing this important and timely legislation.

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BIO Praises House Passage of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -03/09/12)- Planda Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News) Chief Executive Officer Roger Duffield, today announced that a patent application has been filed on the company's proprietary process for increasing the absorption of plant phytonutrients, especially antioxidants. The document, which was filed with the U.S. Patent Office on February 14, 2012, covers the process of treating live plant material in a CRS Hydrodynamic Process in order to increase absorption by the body and to efficiently transport and release the phytonutrients into cells. The inventors are Dr. Tom Matula and Mr. Roger Duffield.

According to the literature, live plant materials subjected to the CRS hydrodynamic process releases the phytonutrients and, through the process, alters the stereochemical structure by changing trans-isomers into the cis form, and/or by changing cis-isomers into the trans form. Phytonutrients, such as carotenoids (found in tomatoes) usually have a 95% trans-structure, whereas flavonoids (such as those found in green tea) usually have a 95% cis-structure. The CRS hydrodynamic process alters the isomeric properties of released phytonutrients and rearranges them to a ratio more readily absorbable by human tissue, which ideally has a 50/50 cis/trans isomer ratio.

The benefits of delivering high concentrate bioavailable phytonutrients allows the body to more efficiently absorb the active and stable nutrients and antioxidants. For example, green tea, which is rich in antioxidants critical for protecting white and red blood cells and boosting the body's immune system, is not readily absorbed in its natural state. According to published research, the average person needs to consume 8-10 cups of green tea in order to receive a clinical dose of the necessary gallate catechins. Even the green tea extracts currently on the market lack the necessary bioavailable properties necessary for maximum absorption.

Mr. Duffield commented, "The CRS hydrodynamic process is able to address the release of select plant phytonutrients to maximize the efficiency of absorption, opening up the multi-billion dollar health and wellness market. By protecting the process of increasing bioavailability with intellectuals, this allows the company to focus on bringing the first botanical products to market -- products that we believe will exhibit demonstrably better benefits than what is currently available to consumers."

About Planda Biotechnology, Inc.

Planda Biotechnology, Inc., through its recent acquisition of Global Energy Solutions, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, 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 principal holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa.

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 Planda'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. Planda 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. Files Revolutionary Patent for Increasing Absorption of Antioxidant Protection

06-03-2012 12:21 This screencast focuses on the processes involved with RFLP analysis including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis.

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Biotechnology screencast session 2.m4v - Video

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement applauding Senate passage last night of the Pandemic All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Reauthorization of 2011, S. 1855:

BIO thanks Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Bob Casey (D-PA) for their leadership on the critical issues of public health and emergency preparedness as original sponsors of the legislation.

Biotech companies are willing and active partners in the national security endeavor. The reauthorization of PAHPA streamlines, strengthens and improves the current system and reaffirms our governments commitment to this national security priority.

The bipartisan legislation provides needed clarity for the regulatory process for medical countermeasures at the Food and Drug Administration and strongly encourages the Agency to work with product sponsors to develop regulatory management plans, provide technical assistance and help solve regulatory and scientific issues. These provisions will help provide transparency and consistency which will help accelerate the development and approval of medical countermeasures, improving the nations preparedness in the face of a public health crisis or bioterrorism event.

BIO is pleased that the reauthorization of the Special Reserve Fund within BioShield was included in this legislation. The funding available in the Special Reserve Fund is vital for private companies working on the development of medical countermeasures for which the federal government is the sole market.

The reauthorization of PAHPA and the Special Reserve Fund signify the solid commitment of government attention and funding which will allow the biotech industry to do even more to help protect our nation.

Last year, the House of Representatives passed a companion bill, H.R. 2405, introduced by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI).

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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BIO Hails Senate Passage of PAHPA Reauthorization

01-03-2012 10:53 This screencast focuses on the process of Genetic Engineering.

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Biotechnology Screencast Session 1.m4v - Video

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement of support for the Faster Access to Specialized Treatments (FAST) Act, H.R. 4132, which was introduced yesterday:

BIO thanks Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Ed Towns (D-NY) for their leadership in introducing the FAST Act to speed access to innovative new therapies and cures to patients living with debilitating and life-threatening diseases such asParkinsons, Alzheimer's, diabetes and numerous rare diseases for which there is currently no treatment or cure.

The legislation will modernize the Accelerated Approval pathway to expedite the development of modern, targeted, and personalized therapies for patients suffering from serious and life-threatening diseases, while preserving the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) robust standards for safety and effectiveness.

Like the Transforming the Regulatory Environment to Accelerate Access to Treatments (TREAT) Act, S. 2113, which was introduced by Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), the FAST Act will update the Accelerated Approval process at the FDA so that it works in a transparent, predictable way for all therapies intended to treat debilitating conditions for which there is an unmet medical need. Making this change will better enable biotechnology companies to bring new, safe and effective treatments and cures to patients in need at the earliest point in time.

We look forward to working with Representatives Stearns and Towns, Senator Hagan, and their colleagues to ensure that this critical legislation is enacted.

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.

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

Upcoming BIO Events

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FAST Act Would Provide Patients with Accelerated Access to Innovative Therapies

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -03/07/12)- As biopharmaceutical companies look to cut costs and improve speed-to-market, more of them plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, finds a survey released today by global consulting firm Booz & Company.

This study confirms that outsourcing will become an increasingly important part of the competitive landscape and provides key insights into why and how the outsourcing process will radically evolve in the next two to three years. For example, many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs). This shift will be driven by new service offerings in real-time data processing and virtual platforms that allow people around the world to securely access clinical data in real time. Outsourcing more of these critical activities along the entire R&D spectrum will transform the nature of outsourcing relationships.

"There is a sea change happening in the biopharmaceutical industry," says Matthew Le Merle, a partner at Booz & Company. "Companies first started to outsource to CROs to get R&D done faster and cheaper. However, this study clearly signals that biotech executives are now looking for more -- more value, more expertise, and more innovation. This means we will see outsourcing relationships evolve from transactional to strategic, which will require new capabilities on both sides."

In mid-2011, Booz & Company partnered with BayBio to conduct a survey and interviews with 32 executives in biopharmaceutical companies. BayBio is Northern California's bioscience association, representing more than 450 companies.

Key findings of the study, called Outsourcing in Life Sciences: A Survey of BayBio Members, include:

"The survey results clearly show that outsourcing is here to stay," says Charley Beever, a partner at Booz & Company. "The key question that biopharma companies must address is which capabilities to outsource and which to maintain in-house. Making strategic, coherent decisions about what work is outsourced and why, and how CRO relationships are structured and managed, will help companies build a winning business model that adds value, innovation, and competitive advantage."

To see a full copy of the study, visit: http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-BayBio-Outsourcing-Life-Sciences.pdf

About Booz & CompanyBooz & Company is a leading global consulting firm, helping the world's top businesses, governments, and organizations. With more than 3,300 people in 60 offices around the world, we bring foresight and knowledge, deep functional expertise, and a practical approach to building capabilities and delivering real impact. We work closely with our clients to create and deliver essential advantage. Visit booz.com to learn more.

About BayBioBayBio is Northern California's life science association (www.baybio.org). We support the regional bioscience community through advocacy, enterprise support, and enhancement of research collaboration. We maintain Northern California's leadership in life science innovation by supporting entrepreneurship, science education, and life science career development through the BayBio Institute. Our members include organizations engaged in, or supportive of, research, development, and commercialization of life science technologies. With the support of more than 450 member organizations, BayBio brings the world's greatest life science community to your fingertips.

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Biotechnology Companies Will Increase R&D Outsourcing and Shift It Overseas, Finds Booz & Company Study

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c4ea42/biotechnology_gl) has announced the addition of the "Biotechnology - Global Outlook" report to their offering.

The global outlook series on Biotechnology provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a bird's eye view of the Biotechnology industry. Annotated with 21 fact, and data rich tables the report offers a sneak peek into major end-use industries. Also included is a compilation of all recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. A regional-level of discussion mirrors the prevalent scenario in key regional markets such as the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, France, Germany, Poland, UK, Sweden, Switzerland, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, and Brazil, among few others.

Companies mentioned include Abbott, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Biogen Idec, Elan, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Lexicon Genetics, MedImmune, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, OSI Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, and many others.

Key Topics Covered:

For more information, including full table of contents, please visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c4ea42/biotechnology_gl

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Research and Markets: Biotechnology - Global Outlook

05 March 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

("Angel" or "the Company")

Appointment of Dr. Stewart White as Acting CEO

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, (AIM:ABH), the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, is about to enter what the Directors believe is an unprecedented period of growth. The Cramlington facilty will shortly come on line for non-GMP (KOSDAQ: 018290.KQ - news) activities and we are working on a number of other projects. This means that we must re-structure our staff around the needs of the business and we expect to make a number of new appointments to augment our existing senior team.

As part of this re-structuring activity the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stewart White as Acting CEO following the decision of the COO, Mr. Gordon Sherriff to leave the Company. Dr. White was recruited into his present position as Commercial Director with a view to his progression to becoming CEO in due course. Stewart has made a significant impact on the business since joining Angel in December 2011 and the Board has every confidence in Stewart's ability to fulfill this new role and for the appointment to be made permanent after a period of evaluation.

Dr. Paul Harper, Executive Chairman, said: "Stewart has made an excellent start in his role at Angel, bringing drive, focus and leadership in his current role and more broadly across the business. During Gordon Sherriff's period of absence, Stewart has assumed a broad range of responsibilities alongside Lorna Peers, our FD, and myself. The senior staff have responded magnificently to the new challenges and greater responsibility supported by a steady stream of new appointments at both Pentlands and Cramlington."

For further information:

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

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

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Angel Biotechnology - Appointment of acting CEO

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- Planda Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News) Chief Executive Officer Roger Duffield today discussed a recently published study that demonstrated improved function in the area of the pancreas responsible for insulin production in laboratory mice treated with chemicals found in green tea gallate extract.

The study, published in Nutrition & Metabolism, reported the results of diabetes susceptible mice that had received a clinical dose of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), one of the four primary catechins found in fresh tea leaves. The EGCG supplementation appeared to not only protect the islets of Langerhans in treated mice from the changes associated with onset diabetes, but were shown to have increased the number and size of the islets. Beta cells found in the islets of Langerhans, located in the pancreas, are responsible for insulin production in humans. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of purified ECGC could be a way to confer beta cell protection and encouraged randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Mr. Duffield commented, "The anecdotal benefits of green tea have been known for centuries, with herbalists using it to benefit cardiovascular health and help treat certain cancers among a long list of other perceived benefits. It's exciting to now see medical science coming on board and supporting what we've always known. Planda's proprietary process for producing green tea gallate catechin extract in a manner that is more cost effective and with improved bioavailability sets us in the forefront of this rapidly expanding market."

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes affects more than 220 million people globally and the consequences of high blood sugar kills 3.4 million every year. The total costs associated with treating this condition are estimated at $174 billion annually, with $116 billion being direct costs for medication.

The full study is titled "Diet Supplementation With Green Tea Extract Epigallocatechin Gallate Prevents Progression To Glucose Intolerance In db/db Mice," was published February 14, 2012 in Nutrition & Metabolism, and is available at http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com.

About Planda Biotechnology, Inc.

Planda Biotechnology, Inc., through its recent acquisition of Global Energy Solutions, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, 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.

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 Planda'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. Planda 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. Discusses Impact of Recent Study on Benefits of Green Tea Gallate Extract in Treating ...

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -03/05/12)- Planda Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News) Chief Executive Officer Roger Duffield today addressed the science behind the company's green tea gallate catechin extract, explaining why Planda has a competitive advantage over other bioceutical extracts.

Medical research has long acknowledged the benefits of a diet rich in antioxidants for aiding in cardiovascular health and boosting the immune system. Antioxidants occur naturally within the human body, with the supplement market existing to increase antioxidant levels to their optimum. Antioxidants include Vitamin C found in fresh fruits and vegetables, carotenoids (including lycopene) also found in fruits and vegetable with a high concentration in tomatoes, and flavonoids which are found in tea, red wine, chocolate and cinnamon.

In human tissue, antioxidants are normally found in both cis and trans isomer compounds in a 50/50 ratio. The fruits, vegetables and other antioxidants we consume, however, typically have a 95/5 ratio. Even the extracts sold as supplements maintain this ratio. Synthetic supplements, which may be formulated to the ideal 50/50 ratio are often difficult for the body to absorb and may cause side effects.

Planda's Phytofare Green Tea Gallate Catechin Extract is processed to deliver a highly bioavailable, antioxidant-rich material to a level many times that of other green tea extracts through the creation of the desired ratio of cis/trans isomers. Mr. Duffield added, "Research has shown that green tea gallate catechins are extremely active antioxidants and in a bioavailable form, are able to protect the red and white blood cells against attack. Planda's Phytofare Green Tea Gallate Catechin Extract offers disease prevention and does not provide a cure. For patients suffering from a compromised immune system, including those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from Malaria, HIV-1 and other immunosuppressant diseases, we believe our extract offers meaningful protection to the individuals compromised immune system."

About Planda Biotechnology, Inc.

Planda Biotechnology, Inc., through its recent acquisition of Global Energy Solutions, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, 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.

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 Planda'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. Planda 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. Discusses Advantages of Its Green Tea Extract Over Competing Technology

Background:
An efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates to soluble sugars for biofuel production necessitates the interplay and synergistic interaction of multiple enzymes. An optimized enzyme mixture is crucial for reduced cost of the enzymatic hydrolysis step in a bioethanol production process, and its composition will depend on the substrate and type of pretreatment used. In the present study, an experimental design was applied to determine the optimal composition of a Trichoderma reesei enzyme mixture, comprising the main cellulase and hemicellulase activities, for the hydrolysis of steam-exploded wheat straw.
Methods:
Six enzymes, CBH1 (Cel7a), CBH2 (Cel6a), EG1 (Cel7b), EG2 (Cel5a), as well as the xyloglucanase Cel74a and the xylanase XYN1 (Xyl11a) were purified from a T. reesei culture under lactose/xylose-induced conditions. Sugar release was followed in milliliter-scale hydrolysis assays for 48h and the influence of the mixture on initial conversion rates and final yields is assessed.
Results:
The developed model could show that both responses were strongly correlated. Model predictions suggest that optimal hydrolysis yields can be obtained over a wide range of CBH1 to CBH2 ratios, but necessitates a high proportion of EG1 (13-25 %) which cannot be replaced by EG2. Whereas 5 to 10 % of the latter enzyme and a xylanase content above 6 % are required for highest yields, these enzymes are predicted to be less important in the initial stage of hydrolysis.
Conclusion:
The developed model could reliably predict hydrolysis yields of enzyme mixtures in the studied domain and highlighted the importance of the respective enzyme components in both the initial and the final hydrolysis phase of steam-exploded wheat straw.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/