Background:
Jatropha curcas is recognised as a new energy crop due to the presence of high amount of oil in its seeds which can be converted into biodiesel. The quality and performance of the biodiesel depends on the chemical composition of the fatty acids present in the oil. The fatty acids profile of the oil has a direct impact on ignition quality, heat of combustion and oxidative stability. An ideal biodiesel composition should have more of monounsaturated fatty acids and less of polyunsaturated acids. Jatropha seed oil contains 30%-50% polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly linoleic acid) which negatively impacts the oxidative stability and causes high rate of NOx emission.
Results:
FAD2 (1-acyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Delta 12-desaturase) is the key enzyme responsible for the production of linoleic acid in plants. We identified three putative delta 12 fatty acid desaturase genes (JcFAD2s) in Jatropha through genome-wide analysis and down-regulated the expression of one of these genes JcFAD2-1 in a seed-specific manner by RNA interference (RNAi) technology. The resulting JcFAD2-1 RNAi transgenic plants showed a dramatic increase of oleic acid (>78%) and a corresponding reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids (<3%) in its seed oil. The control Jatropha had around 37% oleic acid and 41% polyunsaturated fatty acids respectively. This indicates that FAD2-1 is the major enzyme responsible for converting oleic acid to linoleic acid in Jatropha. Due to the changes of fatty acids profile, the oil of the JcFAD2-1 RNAi seed was estimated to yield a cetane number as high as 60.2 that are similar to the required cetane number for conventional premium diesel fuels (60) in Europe. The presence of high seed oleic acid did not have a negative impact on other Jatropha agronomic traits based on our preliminary data of T0 plants under greenhouse conditions. Further we developed a marker-free system to generate the transgenic Jatropha that will help reduce the public concerns for environmental issues in genetically modified plants.
Conclusion:
In this study we got seed specific JcFAD2-1 RNAi transgenic Jatropha without selectable marker. We successfully increased the proportion of oleic acid versus linoleic in Jatropha through genetic engineering enhancing its oil quality.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

28-02-2012 14:28 Video Abstract from author Hanno Richter on his recently published B&B paper entitled "Prolonged conversion of n-butyrate to n-butanol with Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum in a two-stage continuous culture with in-situ product removal." Read the paper online: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Read more:
Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Biological n-butyrate to n-butanol conversion - Video

Background:
Dilute acid pretreatment is a promising pretreatment technology for the biochemical production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. During dilute acid pretreatment, xylan depolymerizes to form soluble xylose monomers and oligomers. Because the xylan found in nature is highly acetylated, the formation of xylose monomers requires two steps: 1) cleavage of the xylosidic bonds, and 2) cleavage of covalently bonded acetyl ester groups.
Results:
In this study, we show that the latter may be the rate limiting step for xylose monomer formation. Furthermore, acetyl groups also are found to be a cause of biomass recalcitrance and hydrolyzate toxicity. While the removal of acetyl groups from native corn stover by alkaline de-esterification prior to pretreatment improves overall process yields, the exact impact is highly dependent on the corn stover variety in use. However, xylose monomer yields in pretreatment generally increases by greater than 10%. Compared to pretreated corn stover controls, the deacetylated corn stover feedstock is approximately 20% more digestible after pretreatment. Finally, by lowering hydrolyzate toxicity, xylose utilization and ethanol yields are further improved during fermentation by roughly 10% and 7%, respectively. In this study, several varieties of corn stover lots were investigated to test the robustness of the deacetylation-pretreatment-saccharification-fermentation process.
Conclusions:
Deacetylation shows significant improvement on glucose and xylose yields during pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis, but it also reduces hydrolyzate toxicity during fermentation, thereby improving ethanol yields and titer, and possibly MESP. The magnitude of effect is dependent on the selected corn stover variety, with several varieties achieving improvements of greater than 10% xylose yield in pretreatment, 20% glucose yield in low solids enzymatic hydrolysis, and 7% overall ethanol yield.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that it has integrated its alliance development activities into one department as a means of expanding engagement opportunities with external groups that share a commitment to unleashing biotechnologys capability to benefit patients and consumers.

Gillian Mullins has been promoted to lead this enhanced effort as the Managing Director, Alliance Development. Mullins will oversee BIO's external relationships with allied organizations, including: patient advocacy organizations, physician and payer groups, universities, venture capital organizations and the state-based bioscience trade groups that comprise the Council of State Bioscience Association (CSBA).

"BIO's Alliance Development activities are a central element of our organization's directive to promote responsible growth of the bioscience industry while improving understanding of policy issues critical to the industry and patients we serve, said Fritz Bittenbender, BIO's vice president of Alliance Development and State Government Relations. "Through these partnerships we support an industry that is researching and developing new cures and treatments for debilitating diseases including cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and HIV/AIDS and by providing cutting-edge technologies to improve crop yields, and discover cleaner forms of home-grown energy."

"BIO's commitment to partnering with and supporting the initiatives of other similarly aligned trade organizations has played an understated yet invaluable role in advancing the bioscience industry's legislative and regulatory interests," said Chris Rivera, president of the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association and chairman of the CSBA. "In particular, BIO's stewardship of the CSBA has brought together 51 life sciences trade organizations with divergent interests from across the U.S. under the unified banner of promoting public understanding and advocacy for sound public policy that benefits us all."

For more information on BIO, please visit our website at http://www.bio.org.

Upcoming BIO Events

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing April 29-May 2, 2012 Orlando, FL

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

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.

View post:
BIO Announces Expansion of Alliance Development Activities

Biotechnology Industry Organization:

WHAT:

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently introduced the Grow It Here, Make It Here initiative, which will allow more renewable chemical, biobased product and bio-manufacturing companies to existing USDA initiatives. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and its member companies will discuss the economic impact and job creation potential of Sen. Stabenows legislation.

WHO:

Chris Adamo, Staff Director, Senate Agriculture Committee;

WHEN:

RSVP:

About BIO

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

Upcoming BIO Events

Original post:
Teleconference for Reporters – Chairwoman Stabenow’s New Legislation Supports Bio-Manufacturing

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/02/12)- Biotechnology shares have been on impressive run of late. Led by the growing popularity in early stage biotechnology companies, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund is up roughly 20 percent over the last three months. A recent survey from BIO Industry Analysis finds that investors are more focused on early stage companies than later. "And, this sentiment is also borne out by the increase in percentage of investors who indicate that they are willing to invest in small market cap biotechs," Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president of emerging companies and business development, explained. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on ImmunoCellular Therapeutics Ltd. (OTC.BB: IMUC.OB - News) and Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: HGSI - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/IMUC

http://www.paragonreport.com/HGSI

Biotech firms continue to negotiate a more challenging regulation process. The FDA Amendments Act of 2007 forced regulators to increase standards for approvals of new drugs, introducing mandatory risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. According to a Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology report from IMAP, several pharmaceutical firms have altered their drug portfolios from primary care driven blockbusters towards specialties such as oncology, immunology and inflammation, where the medical need is "so high that prices are more easily accepted by the regulators."

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.

ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd., a development stage company, focuses on developing and commercializing therapeutics to treat cancer using the immune system. Earlier this week the company entered into an agreement with The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) under which JHU has granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide license to intellectual property surrounding the tumor-associated antigen mesothelin, which is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.

Human Genome Sciences, Inc. operates as a biopharmaceutical company. Its principal products in development include BENLYSTA for systemic lupus erythematosus; and raxibacumab for inhalation anthrax. Earlier this week the company reported $25.7 million in sales of Benlysta for the period that ended Dec. 31 -- $29.1 million, excluding adjustments. U.S. regulators approved the drug in March, and European Union regulators did the same in July.

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

Original post:
ImmunoCellular Therapeutics and Human Genome Science Make Headway in Booming Biotechnology Industry

Nepal plans to set up a national biotech centre.

Ashden Awards

[KATHMANDU] Nepals ministry of science and technology plans to establish by 2013 a national biotechnology centre (NBC) to promote research and development in agriculture, health, environment and industry.

By setting up the new centre estimated to cost US$ 13 million over five years Nepal hopes to follow the success of its neighbours China and India in biotechnology.

"But without a proper government entity in place you cannot do that," Sameer Dixit, country director of the non-profit Centre for Molecular Dynamics, Nepal, and team leader for the NBC project planning, told SciDev.Net.

Nepal has no government agency to oversee biotechnology development and there has been no significant advance since 1982 when the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, started a biotechnology unit.

It took until 1997 before a second biotechnology unit could be set up at the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC).

In 2003 Kathmandu University launched the first undergraduate degree in biotechnology and by 2009 Tribhuvan University, Nepals oldest and largest public university, had established a masters programme.

The university programmes produced 50 degree holders per year, but with no industry or job market to assimilate them many had to seek opportunities abroad.

"It seemed like we were teaching biotechnology just to export people to foreign countries en masse," observed Mukunda Ranjit, president of the Nepal Biotechnology Association, who is also involved in planning for the NBC.

See the rest here:
Nepal plans biotechnology centre

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, today provided additional details based on the Goldman Small Cap Research report issued February 29, 2012, that highlighted the companys cell encapsulation technology and its benefits for treating chronic diseases such as diabetes. The Companys technology involves encapsulating insulin-producing cells that respond to changes in glucose levels into the Cell-in-a-Box platform. As a result, the treatment would potentially eliminate the need for diabetes patients to continually test their glucose levels and inject insulin.

The Goldman report cited the completed animal study wherein SG Austria successfully treateddiabetesin an established, recognized animal model utilizing liveencapsulatedcells. In the study, the introduced cells responded to elevated blood sugar levels by producing insulin, thereby alleviating thesymptoms of diabetes. Moreover, encapsulated cells remained viable and responsive for many months.

The report stated, This data, as well as previously published results, demonstrate it is feasible to overcome the basis for diabetes by implanting encapsulated, insulin-producing cells. This should pave the way for future clinical trials of encapsulated cells as a means to continuously regulate blood glucose for months, eliminating the need for daily glucose assessment and insulin injections. Such treatment would present a more natural means of providing insulin to patients, mimicking the body's own insulin production and thereby maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.

The long term effects of diabetes include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, amputations, and stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports346 million people in the world have diabetes and 4 million deaths occur globally each year. In fact, more than $378 billion is spent annually on diabetes treatment with the number expected to rise to $490 billion by 2030.

The report concluded that, Although it is early in the development process, the prospects on the diabetes front could be huge for the Company. Goldman set a current value of Nuvilex at $0.30 per share with a six month price target of $0.50 per share based on the cell encapsulation technology and the favorable clinical and pre-clinical trial results across multiple biotechnology fields.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, added, We are hopeful that through use of our cell encapsulation platform patients will no longer have to rely on daily insulin injections. The ultimate objective, if future trials prove effective, will be for patients to receive encapsulated live cell treatments intermittently, possibly as infrequently as every 3 to 6 months or longer, dramatically changing their lives.

Investors are recommended to study the Goldman Research Report for a detailed review and valuation methodology regarding Nuvilex.

About Nuvilex

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an emerging international biotechnology provider of biotechnology and clinically useful, therapeutic live-cell encapsulation products and services for the research and medical communities. Through substantial effort, Nuvilex and SG Austria are rapidly moving toward our initial phase of funding acquisition and initial agreement completion. One of our first planned offerings is to include cancer treatments using the companys industry-leading live-cell encapsulation technology.

Original post:
Nuvilex’s Diabetes Treatment Utilizing Implanted Encapsulated, Insulin-Producing Cells Potentially Eliminates Need for ...

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/01/12)- Biotechnology shares have been on an impressive run of late. Led by the growing popularity in early stage biotechnology companies, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund is up roughly 20 percent over the last three months. A recent survey from BIO Industry Analysis finds that investors are more focused on early stage companies than later. "And, this sentiment is also born out by the increase in percentage of investors who indicate that they are willing to invest in small market cap biotechs," Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president of emerging companies and business development, explained. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Tibet Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBET - News) & BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPAX - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/TBET

http://www.paragonreport.com/BPAX

Biotech firms continue to negotiate a more challenging regulation process. The FDA Amendments Act of 2007 forced regulators to increase standards for approvals of new drugs, introducing mandatory risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. According to a Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology report from IMAP, several pharmaceutical firms have altered their drug portfolios from primary care driven blockbusters towards specialties such as oncology, immunology and inflammation, where the medical need is "so high that prices are more easily accepted by the regulators."

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.

Tibet Pharmaceuticals is an emerging pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and manufacturing of modernized traditional Tibetan medicines in China. Earlier this week shares of the company skyrocketed after the company reported that it plans to accept a proposal from its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hong Yu to take the company private. Yu offered to buy remaining shares not owned by him for $3.00 a share in cash.

Shares of BioSante also surged this week after the company reported promising Phase I results for its GVAX vaccine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops products for female sexual health and oncology.

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

Excerpt from:
Shares of Tibet Pharmaceuticals and BioSante Pharmaceuticals on the Upswing - Small Market Cap Biotechs Benefit

NEW YORK, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Biotechnology Industry

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0788386/Global-Biotechnology-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Biotechno

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. The report also includes an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 1,180 companies worldwide.

1. BIOTECHNOLOGY 1

Global Market Overview 1

Global Biotechnology Industry Recovers Strongly from Recession 1

Current and Future Analysis 2

Table 1: Global Biotechnology Market by Geographic Region -

US, Europe, Asia- Pacific and Rest of World with Annual

See the original post:
Global Biotechnology Industry

27-02-2012 03:46 French & American Students Ingrid Coullomb-Clerc and Liuichi Hara talk relate their experience with Grenoble Ecole de Management's Advanced Master in Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Management. More on the program: http://www.grenoble-em.com

Read the original here:
Advanced Master in Biotechnology

SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, announced today Goldman Small Cap Research has reissued its buy recommendation on Nuvilex with a short term price target of $0.50 per share.

According to the research report prepared by Goldman, The current share price represents but a fraction of its true value, in our view. With recently increased interest and valuation in the pancreatic cancer treatment arena, we believe that Nuvilex is worth $0.20 just on the oncology therapies alone and that the shares will reach $0.50 in the next six months. Looking ahead, as milestone events occur, $1.00 per share is within reach over the next 12-18 months.

Goldman bases this value projection, in part, on the pending acquisition of SG Austria assets, and with it complete control over the cell encapsulation technology that forms the backbone of Nuvilexs planned biotechnology development. The report states in part the following:

Following execution of the SG Austria asset acquisition, we expect to see a flurry of events and progress on the development side which will serve as catalysts, including when management submits its protocol for the next stage pancreatic cancer trial. We would not be surprised to see the stock break through the $0.50 price on such news as well as progress on the next stage of trials for other therapies.

One reason we are so convinced of the great buying opportunity is the fact that pancreatic cancer treatments are currently at the forefront of the biotech space and are enjoying very high valuations. Although Nuvilex is a not a drug producer, but an existing therapy enhancer through the use of its live cell encapsulation enhancement platform, the timing of these milestone events could not be better for Nuvilex and a re-valuation of its offering.

The Goldman report also compares alternative oncology therapies, including Gemzar from Threshold Pharmaceuticals and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals drug encapsulation technology, noting that, contrary to these treatments, the Nuvilex live-cell encapsulation technology is not limited to one specific use, but can be adapted to use for a host of cell types. The report states, Its difficult to compare apples-to-apples in this space as Nuvilex is the only firm utilizing live-cell encapsulation therapy for cancer, while all the other treatments are based upon a particular drug usage. Contrasting the results of different Phase II clinical trials, the Goldman report comments that the pancreatic cancer therapy, based on completed Phase 1/2 data, appears to have yielded statistically greater results than competing technologies.

Commenting on The Goldman Report, Nuvilex Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Ryan, stated, The report did an excellent job highlighting the value and capabilities of our cell encapsulation technology, not just for cancer therapy, but also for the vast array of treatments where live-cell encapsulation can aid multiple diseases. In the case of the completed cancer trials, it generated superior results with lower drug dosages, and reduced chemotherapeutic side effects. As we move forward with diabetes and stem cell therapy treatments, we are confident our success will, as Goldman predicts prompt leaders in multiple treatment segments to partner with Nuvilex in order to maintain their respective market shares.

Investors are recommended to study the Goldman Research Report for a detailed review and valuation methodology regarding Nuvilex.

About Nuvilex

Read more from the original source:
Nuvilex Reveals Goldman Small Cap Research Cites Groundbreaking Cancer Therapy in Updating Buy Recommendation

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Biofuel and biobased product company executives, scientists and government officials from across the globe will speak in breakout sessions at BIOs 9th annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. The worlds largest industrial biotechnology conference for business leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and biomass comes to Orlando, April 29 - May 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.

Continued commercialization of the industrial biotechnology sector can drive the creation of a biobased economy, which can strengthen the nations economic security and enhance energy security. Breakout sessions examining the future outlook and keys to commercialization of biofuels and specialty chemicals include:

Biomass Saccharification Enzymes Reaching Cost Targets to Enable Commercial Biorefineries Build-up for Advanced Biofuels Production Monday, April 30, 8:30am 10am

Advanced Biofuels: Keys to Commercialization Monday, April 30, 10:30am 12pm

The Future of Aviation Biofuels Monday, April 30, 2:30pm 4pm

Syngas-based Fuels and Chemicals Gain Industrial Relevance Wednesday, May 2, 10:30am 12pm

Speakers at the World Congress will highlight the keys to commercialization in industrial biotechnology, said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section. Whileindustrial biotechnology offers a clear value proposition, a number of hurdles need to be addressed to fully realize the commercial potential of biobased products and chemicals. Fortunately, we seem to be on the path to commercialize these solutions and to build a worldwide biobased economy, which is good news for business, consumers and our environment.

BIOs World Congress will feature six breakout session tracks over three days, with industry presentations on Advanced Biofuel Technologies; Algae and Feedstock Crops; Renewable Chemical Platforms and Biobased Materials; Specialty Chemicals; Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering; and Technical Presentations. The full program of breakout panel sessions and speakers is available online.

Online pre-registration for reporters and editors is now open. All programs at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing are open to attendance by members of the media. Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters with valid press credentials working full time for print, broadcast or web publications.

See the article here:
Commercialization of Advanced Biofuels to be Key Theme at BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and ...

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

All Canadians deserve care. BIOTECanada supports the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) in marking Rare Disease Day. These devastating, life-threatening and often terminal conditions affect 1 in 12 Canadians. The impact of orphan diseases on patients and families can be profound and life altering. The need to access safe and effective treatments is often urgent and overwhelming.

BIOTECanada congratulates CORD in their work on behalf of the 3.2 million Canadians with one of 7,000 rare diseases, commented Peter Brenders, President and CEO, BIOTECanada. We are recommending the federal government finally recognize Canada needs a national Orphan Product Policy to set a standard of equality for Canadians with rare and life-threatening conditions. Regulatory changes must be introduced to define a rare disease, and provide the conditions for biotechnology companies to bring their research to market.

While over 35 Canadian companies have had orphan products approved in the US, in Canada, the Common Drug Review has issued do not list recommendations (to the provinces) for over 75% of rare disease therapeutics approved by Health Canada.

"We invest in developing novel drug therapies for these rare medical conditions precisely because the need is so great. Our commitment to patients with rare diseases goes beyond innovation, to working with the medical community and governments to ensure that all those in need have access to these crucial therapies, commented Kevin Leshuk, Vice President & General Manager Celgene Inc. But Canadians have been waiting far too long for governments to catch up to the policies that have existed around the world and consequently, some Canadians are left behind.

Biotechnology therapeutics offer new hope in treating rare disorders for Canadians. Due to the genetic nature of these conditions, scientists can identify specific variations in genes or cells linked to a condition. These biomarkers can be used to identify people with a particular disease, or those at risk of developing a disease. This insight helps guide the development of treatments.

Read more here:
BIOTECanada: Canadian Biotechnology Companies Championing Treatments for Rare Diseases

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -02/29/12)- Planda Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News) Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, announced today that Dr. Ming Hu, Professor of Pharmaceutics at the University of Houston, has accepted a position on the company's scientific board. Dr. Hu has published more than 76 peer reviewed journal articles and 13 review articles and book chapters, and is widely considered a leading expert in the field of drug metabolism and natural dietary chemicals. His book titled "Oral Bioavailability" was published in 2011 by Wiley and Sons.

With Dr. Christina Nance from the Baylor School of Medicine, Dr. Hu is the co-investigator in a US government-funded clinical trial NCT01433289, to determine the safety, dosing and antiviral effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in capsule form with HIV-1 infected, clinically stable individuals that are not on concomitant antiretroviral (ARV) Therapy.

Dr. Hu has extensively studied the absorption of chemicals in the upper intestines, as a process for effectively delivering flavonoid nutrients, such as those found in green tea extract; and has proposed a method of understanding the coupling between conjugating enzyme and efflux transporters. Conjugating enzymes are traditionally recognized as one of the major biological barriers to the entry of xenobiotics (drugs) into systemic circulation. Drugs that undergo extensive conjugation generally have poor bioavailability properties. Dr. Hu has also pioneered the concept of using lipozyme as a powerful, fat-digesting complex that aids digestion and enhances absorption of nutrients.

Dr. Hu's extensive published research extends to improving the bioavailability of natural, organic compounds with cancer fighting properties including both phenolics and ginseng; purifying anticancer ingredients of herbal materials and decreasing the bioavailability of dietary carcinogens.

Roger Duffield, Chief Executive Officer of Planda, commented, "In his role on Planda's scientific board, Dr. Hu will be able to apply his specific expertise to the development of highly effective, bioavailable products that are easily metabolized in the body. Having a researcher of his caliber and background on our team is a huge benefit as we continue building Planda into a leader in the field of biotechnology."

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.

Continue reading here:
Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Appointment of Additional Renowned Scientist to Its Scientific Board

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Puma Biotechnology, Inc., a development stage biopharmaceutical company, announced that Alan H. Auerbach, Chief Executive Officer, President and Founder of Puma, will present an overview of the Company at 2:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, March 6, at the Cowen and Company 32nd Annual Health Care Conference. The conference will be held at The Boston Marriott Copley Place.

A live webcast will be available on the Company’s 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 PB-272 (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.

Follow this link:
Puma Biotechnology to Present at Cowen Health Care Conference

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, headquartered in Trieste, Italy, is facing its first budget cut in 25 years.

ICGEB

An international biotechnology research centre is facing lay-offs and equipment shortages following budget cuts by Italy, one of its main funders.

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) was set up in 1987 by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to advance research and training in biomedicine and plant biotechnology for the developing world. The centre is now an autonomous, intergovernmental organization in the UN system. It has 61 member states, many of which are developing countries, and employs more than 500 scientists at campuses in Trieste, Italy; New Delhi; and Cape Town, South Africa. The Italian site focuses on biomedicine and molecular biology, the Indian one on virology, immunology and plant biotechnology, and the South African campus on infectious diseases and cancer.

Marc Van Montagu, founder of the Institute of Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries in Ghent, Belgium, and a scientific advisor to the ICGEB, says that the UN centre has an important role in international development. “The time of giving aid money to developing countries should come to an end; the ICGEB teaches these countries how to have access to their own agricultural resources,” he says. 

The governments of the countries that host the research campuses together cover 95% of the nearly €17-million (US$22.8-million) core budget. But this year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is cutting €2 million from its €12.4-million contribution, as part of a multi-billion-euro package of austerity measures approved by the Italian parliament last November.

“This is the first time we have suffered cuts in 25 years,” says Francisco Baralle, a molecular biologist and director-general of the ICGEB. “Some personnel reduction will be necessary in Trieste and New Delhi.” The Cape Town campus has a separate budget provided by the South African government, and won’t be affected by the funding squeeze.

“No member state seems prepared to take over from Italy.”

Austerity measures

The cuts will be distributed equally between the Italian and Indian sites, which will have to lay off some of the 171 staffers who are paid from the core budget. The ICGEB has already asked for voluntary resignations, with a non-voluntary phase to follow if necessary.

Pierre Chambon, founder of the Institute for Genetics and Cellular and Molecular Biology in Strasbourg, France, and a former scientific adviser to the ICGEB, says that the Trieste campus is “one of the best research centres in Italy, but these cuts will hit it hard”.

Fabian Feiguin, a neurobiologist and group leader at the Trieste site, is worried. “These measures will affect the number and length of fellowships, and are already affecting equipment affordability,” he says.

The New Delhi campus is facing further problems. Its budget is already too small to cover electricity and maintenance expenses, says Baralle; researchers must seek authorization to perform experiments at night not only for security reasons, but also to reduce electricity costs.

In a statement to Nature, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Italy is asking for more cooperation from other member states. “We are supporting the ICGEB mainly on a voluntary basis and will continue to do so, but it is desirable to reach a new equilibrium among donors,” it said. Italy is also urging member states that are behind with their dues to pay up.

Baralle hopes to mitigate the effects of the cuts by expanding the centre’s non-core budget, which currently makes up 30% of the total and comes from external research grants. But, warns Chambon, “it’s not easy to cover such a sum with extra grants”.

The ICGEB will also ask other member countries to increase their contributions. However, Van Montagu fears that it will prove difficult to get more money. “No member state seems prepared to take over from Italy,” he says.

Continue reading here:
Budget cuts force lay-offs at UN biotechnology centre

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Business, law, science and medical students from top universities around the nation converged at the Wake Forest University Schools of Business on Feb. 24-25 for the 3rd Annual Biotechnology Conference and Case Competition.

This MBA case competition is unique in that it unites students from a variety of educational backgrounds to team up to solve a strategic challenge. The student teams had one week to prepare a business plan for case sponsor LifeScan, Inc. to enter a new market. They made presentations to a panel of judges on Feb. 25, 2012.

Winners were announced later that evening during an awards gala at Bridger Field House on the Wake Forest University campus.

University of California-Los Angeles won first place and a $10,000 prize. Students on the team included: Alexey Aleshin, Terrence Allotta, Jeff Chang, Michael Y. Tsai and Baozhong (Jack) Zhu.

Second place and a $5,000 prize went to University of Texas. Team members were: Rohan John, Scott Marrett, Nick Meyerson and Jim Ryan.

Rutgers University placed third, receiving a $2,000 check, and was represented by students Brian Pan, Brandon Saks, Tarak Shah and Mark Slomiany.

LifeScan invested an additional $3,500 in surprise honorable mention awards worth $500 each. Honorable mention recipients included:

Wake Forest University Schools of Business: Best Conceptual Approach University of California-Berkeley: Best Emerging Marketing Analysis University of Chicago: Best Supporting Data Duke University: Best Tag Line Johns Hopkins University: Most Integrated Solution University of Michigan: Best Presentation University of California-San Diego: Most Patient-Centric

The Biotechnology Conference and Case Competition was organized by student co-chairs Justin Kistler (MBA ’12), Travis Riedel (MBA ’11, PhD ’12), Adam Vincent (MBA ’12) and Andrew Wilber (MBA ’12). The faculty advisor is Len Preslar, Distinguished Professor of Practice and Executive Director of Health Management Programs at Wake Forest University Schools of Business.

Preslar told the students, “You are wonderful and so bright, you are all going to be successful.”

We want to thank LifeScan, the judges and all of sponsors for making the Biotechnology Conference and Case Competition so successful,” said Kistler. “We also want to recognize Wake Forest University Schools of Business Professor of Management Mike Lord for working with LifeScan to write this year’s case.”

Other conference events included student networking sessions and a keynote address by J. Donald deBethizy, Ph.D., President and CEO of Targacept.

The event was made possible by generous support from the following sponsors: LifeScan, Inc., Wake Forest Baptist Health, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Novant Health, Amgen, Banner Pharmacaps, Benefit Advocates, Cornerstone Healthcare, Merz Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Sanofi, Targacept and Transtech Pharma.

About LifeScan

LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company and a leading maker of blood glucose monitoring systems in the U.S., is dedicated to creating a world without limits for people with diabetes. For healthcare professional resources, and information on diabetes care and LifeScan products and services, visit http://www.LifeScan.com.

About Wake Forest University Schools of Business (business.wfu.edu)

The Wake Forest University Schools of Business offer undergraduate programs in finance, accounting, mathematical business, and business and enterprise management, and graduate programs including a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accountancy and Master of Arts in Management. Our programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best in surveys by U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, the Economist, Forbes, and the Financial Times. Wake Forest MBAs who sat for a Six Sigma certification exam in 2011 had a 100% pass rate. Wake Forest accountancy graduates have earned the highest passing rate in the nation on the CPA exam for six of the past seven years.

Go here to read the rest:
Wake Forest Schools of Business Biotechnology Case Competition Winners Announced

27 February 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

("Angel" or "the Company")

Grant of Share Options - Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Scheme

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, (AIM:ABH), the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, is pleased to announce share options totaling 16,806,723 were awarded to Dr. Stewart White, Commercial Director, under the Company's Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option scheme on 24 February 2012. All share options are exercisable at a price of 0.238p per share, subject to performance and retention criteria being met and are the first share options awarded to Dr. White since his appointment last year.

The exercise dates are as follows:

Exercise Dates

Number of options

04/06/2012 - 03/06/2022

3,361,345

31/12/2012 - 30/12/2022

6,722,689

31/03/2013 - 30/03/2023

6,722,689

Dr Paul Harper, Executive Chairman of Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc said:

"The Board of Directors is delighted to award these options to Dr. White to reflect the commitment made to ensure the success of the Company."

For further information:

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

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

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

Grant Thornton, Corporate Finance

Colin Aaronson / Melanie Frean / Elliot Berg +44 (0) 20 7383 5100

Hybridan LLP (Broker)

Claire Noyce / Deepak Reddy +44 (0) 20 7947 4350

Media (Frankfurt: 725292 - news) enquiries:

The Communications Portfolio Ltd

Ariane Comstive / Caolan Mahon +44 (0) 20 7536 2028 / 2029

ariane.comstive@communications-portfolio.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc is a full service contract bio-manufacturing partner to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Angel specialises in advanced biologics including biopharmaceutical proteins and cell therapies, such as cellular vaccines and stem cells. At present, Angel's products are principally used in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials with a view to becoming the contract manufacturer of choice on a continuing basis.

Drug development companies outsource their biopharmaceutical manufacturing requirements to Angel to reduce their own capital requirements and enable them to develop products more rapidly. In addition, Angel provides complete regulatory services and documentation to its customers while its manufacturing processes adhere to the most stringent regulatory requirements. Products are produced to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards as required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and in facilities that are certified to European standards by the Medicines (Xetra: 938858 - news) and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Its (Euronext: ALITS.NX - news) customers range from early-stage biotechnology companies including ReNeuron plc and US-based Pathfinder Cell Therapy, to established pharmaceutical companies such as Russian-based Materia Medica Holdings.

Angel has two facilities: Pentlands Science Park near Edinburgh where it employs 38 people, and a site in Cramlington, near Newcastle (Frankfurt: 725198 - news) -upon-Tyne, which is expected to be commissioned by the end of Q1 2012, initially employing up to 10 people.

More information is available at http://www.angelbio.com .

- Ends -

See the original post here:
Angel Biotechnology - Grant of Share Options

Background:
Wax ester synthases (WS) can synthesize wax esters from alcohols and fatty acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) thioesters. The knowledge of the preferred substrates for each WS allows the use of yeast cells for production of wax esters that are high-value materials and can be used in a variety of industrial applications. The products of WSs include fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), which can be directly used as biodiesel.
Results:
Here, heterologous WSs derived from five different organisms were successfully expressed and evaluated for their substrate preference in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We investigated the potential of the different WSs for biodiesel (i.e. FAEEs) production in S. cerevisiae. All investigated WSs, i.e. from Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus DSM 8798, Rhodococcus opacus PD630, Mus musculus C57BL/6, and Psychrobacter arcticus 273-4, have different substrate specificities, but they can all lead to the formation of biodiesel. The best biodiesel producing strain was found to be the one expressing WS from M. hydrocarbonoclasticus DSM 8798 that resulted in a biodiesel titer of 6.3 mg/l. To further enhance biodiesel production, acetyl-CoA carboxylase was up-regulated, which resulted in a 30% increase in biodiesel production.
Conclusions:
Five wax ester synthases from different species were functionally expressed and their substrate preference characterized in S. cerevisiae thus constructing cell factories for production of specific kinds of wax ester. WS from M. hydrocarbonoclasticus showed the highest preference for ethanol compared to the other WSs, and could permit the engineered S. cerevisiae to produce biodiesel.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/