Biotech Stocks Are In a Position to Break Out in 2020, Analysts Say – Barron’s

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Danzig

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In biotech, 2020 could be a year for stock pickers.

Thats the case made in a note Thursday morning from Wedbush that previews 2020 in the biotechnology sector. As other analysts have also argued in recent weeks, the fundamentals of the sector look strong. Biotech surged in the third quarter, approvals from the Food & Drug Administration are coming through above the average annual rate, the valuation of large-cap biotechs are attractive, and there have been significant mergers and acquisitions in past years.

Still, there are question marks. As Wedbush analyst Laura Chico wrote, the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (ticker: NBI) has a mean annual return of 5% in election years since 2000, versus 12% in non-election years. That is a small sample, to be sure, but the election will bring a number of worries for biotech investors, including policy proposals over drug pricing.

Chico argued that the setup means there is opportunity for careful investors. Should 2020 prove a more challenging year, we think this creates a stock-picking opportunity.

Wedbush analysts highlighted a handful of their top picks, including Myokardia (ticker: MYOK), Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC) and Albireo Pharma (ALBO).

David Nierengarten highlighted Myokardia, which he rates Outperform with a $90 price target. The stock closed Wednesday at $67.83. The companys lead asset, mavacamten, is in Phase 3 trial in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, data from which is expected in the second quarter. With a positive Phase 3 readoutwe would expect a potentially lucrative commercial partnership for mava or a MYOK acquisition, Nierengarten wrote.

Nierengarten also highlighted Applied Genetic Technologies, a gene therapy company working on therapies for rare eye diseases, which he rates Outperform with a $12 price target.The stock closed at $2.75 on Wednesday. The company is expected to release key data in January. We believe that current share levels are at a marked discount to the value of AGTCs [X-linked retinitis pigmentosa] program alone (even when significantly discounted for risk) and offer an attractive entry point ahead of Januarys updated data release, Nierengarten wrote.

Liana Moussatos flagged Albiero Pharma, which she rates Outperform with a $69 price target, and which closed Wednesday at $20.83. Albiero is working on bile acid modulating drugs, and is expected to release key data in the middle of next year. We recommend shares of ALBO ahead of multiple inflection points in 2020, Moussatos wrote.

Biotech stocks are keeping pace with the broader market as the year closes after a slow first three quarters of 2019. The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology ETF (KBB) is up 25% this year, while the S&P 500 is up 27.3%. Much of that gain has come in the final quarter of the year. The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology ETF was up 21.2% in the third quarter, while the S&P 500 has climbed just 7.2%.

The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF closed Wednesday at $120.56, just off its 52-week high of $122. The ETF was flat in premarket trading on Thursday.

Write to Josh Nathan-Kazis at josh.nathan-kazis@barrons.com

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Biotech Stocks Are In a Position to Break Out in 2020, Analysts Say - Barron's

Opinion | The fast-evolving ethical conundrums of biotechnology – Livemint

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Danzig

In the information technology world, we have seen an explosion of Artificial Intelligence, automation, blockchains and data science tools in the last few years. All of these technologies, while distinct in their approach, actually cross-pollinate each other. The worlds denizensand their governmentshave rightly started to worry about issues such as data privacy, control over fiat currencies, job losses and widening income disparities. I had written in this column earlier that governments started getting significantly more active in the regulation of this space in 2018.

Sure enough, this debate has continued into 2019. These questions are not simply for governments and philosophers; the world needs leadership and self-governance by technology giants in the formation of ethics to help us navigate turbulent times ahead. In my opinion, most attempts at self-governance came after the negative effects of new technologies were felt. The profit motive did not allow for Big Tech to pause before it rushed headlong into grey areas. Now that the world has begun to call them out, they claim to be in ethical introspection mode.

There is another area of technology that is beginning to raise concerns. Technology and bioengineering have begun to take over in the life sciences industry. We have already seen ethical questions that arose from a Chinese experiment on interfering with the DNA of babies. Our capacity to re-engineer the biological world is truly mind-boggling in its scope now, and many technological offshoots attempt to fuse man and machine into a cohesive super-human".

I was recently in Cambridge, Massachusetts, visiting my sister Seeta Pai and brother-in-law James Gray, who both hold doctoral degrees from Harvard in human development. Cambridge has become a hotbed for bio-tech innovation and startups. Gray works for MIT Media Lab and gave me a quick tour.

Thankfully, the MIT Media Lab, along with other bodies, has established a Community Biotechnology Initiative to both share tools and research as well as create an ethical framework for the worlds researchers to follow. This is to be done by engendering discussions by researchers and hosting various events to facilitate such debates.

One such event is the Global Community Bio Summit. During its recent 2019 conference, it came out with a list of ethical principles that bio-tech researchers will have to ask themselves on a regular basis. The fact that these questions have already been identified before the damage is done is an important achievement that sharply contrasts with the approach of Big Tech.

In the rest of this column, I will paraphrase the Bio Summits list of areas where ethical conundrums lie, while attempting to remain faithful to the original text with some of the questions suggested for further reflection. This list is enough to engender thought along several vectors. The summit said that these could be applied in any community bio" context, but made clear that it was not a central fiat. It is just a list that would allow for discussions in both local and global contexts.

One, respect: How can we prioritize the rights of humans, animals and ecosystems? How can we attune our ways so that our practices do not harm other living beings?

Two, credit: How do we make sure our work serves as a resource for the community and the broader public while still valuing those who do the work?

Three, community: How do we make decisions collectively? How do we identify and engage non-bio stakeholders?

Four, autonomy: How do we decide what forms of self-determination we value? How do we identify relationships of power that impact autonomy?

Five, education: How can we create space to learn and the confidence to teach?

Six, open science: How can we encourage replicability and collaboratively share results? How do we stay open while being mindful of the risks posed by openness?

Seven, transparency: How do we stay open about our failures? How can we acknowledge ethical conflicts? How do we decide what acceptable funding sources are?

Eight, data privacy: How do we respect the sovereignty of data, treat stakeholders as peers, and agree on terms of use through informed consent?

Nine, safety: How do we embrace safe practices in unconventional contexts? How do we protect each other and create resources for communities to experiment safely?

Ten, justice and fairness: How do we engender justice and fairness in our practices? How can we avoid perpetuating systems of winners and losers? How do we account for the varied impact of our work?

Eleven, diversity and inclusion: How do we make sure our organizations respect vulnerabilities and acknowledge privilege? How do we make our spaces valuable and accessible to communities whose interests are historically under-represented in the sciences?

And twelve, accountability: Is there an active commitment to consider these questions? How will we be accountable to these ethics? How do we hold each other accountable and make ourselves accountable to those outside this community?

It is heartening to note that the scientific community, unlike its technology counterpart, is beginning to consider these questions at the outset, long before we find ourselves overrun by droids and Frankensteins

Siddharth Pai is founder of Siana Capital, a venture fund management company focused on tech

Biotechnology Algae Cultivation Process (Micro Algae) Market 2019: Growth, Latest Trend Analysis and Forecast 2025 – Techi Labs

Posted on November 17, 2019 by Danzig

According to a latest report published by Global Marketers Biz named as Quartz Tubing Market offers data for the forecast period 2019-2024. A comprehensive research updates and data which includes following key aspects for the global Quartz Tubing Market in terms of volume and revenue Visitor Demographics, Facility Size, Demand & Growth Opportunities, Global Industry Forecast Analysis and Revenue Source.

The Quartz Tubing Market report offers in-depth analysis and insights into developments impacting businesses and enterprises on global & regional level. A detailed breakdown of key trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities influencing revenue growth is presented in this research report. This study focuses on the global Quartz Tubing market by share, volume, value, and regional appearance along with the types and applications.

Request a free sample report on Quartz Tubing market @https://www.globalmarketers.biz/report/chemicals-and-materials/global-quartz-tubing-market-2019-by-manufacturers,-regions,-type-and-application,-forecast-to-2024/130825#request_sample

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Momentive (US)Heraeus (DE)QSIL (DE)SAINT-GOBAIN (FR)Shin-Etsu (JP)Ohara (JP)Atlantic Ultraviolet (US)TOSOH (JP)Raesch (DE)Pacific Quartz (CN)Guolun Quartz (CN)Dongxin Quartz (CN)Fudong Lighting (CN)Dong-A Quartz (CN)Yuandong Quartz (CN)Zhuoyue Quartz (CN)Lanno Quartz (CN)Ruipu Quartz (CN)

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Biotechnology Algae Cultivation Process (Micro Algae) Market 2019: Growth, Latest Trend Analysis and Forecast 2025 - Techi Labs

Immortality Medicine | Prometheism.net – Part 30

Posted on August 26, 2017 by ev1

Age management medicine believes that by following a plan of health strategies and lifestyle changes, you can achieve the goal of optimising your ...

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Immortality Medicine | Prometheism.net - Part 30

Karnataka IT and Biotechnology Dept Grants Rs 3.18 cr to 12 Start-ups – News18

Posted on June 28, 2017 by ev1

Bengaluru: The Karnataka IT and Biotechnology department on Wednesday granted Rs 3.18 crore to fund 12 start-ups in the areas of agriculture, biotechnology, security, communications and robotics.

"The dozen start-ups have been selected for funding to innovate products and solutions as they have been part of the Idea2PoC (Proof of Concept) scheme of the IT department's Start-up Cell," said an official statement in Bengaluru.

The Idea2PoC is a part of the country's first multi-sector start-up policy, unveiled by the state government to encourage entrepreneurs with funding to commercialise their innovation.

The start-ups with seed funding are Dr. Live Software (Rs 10 lakh), EasyKrishi (Rs 15 lakh), Lightmetrics (Rs 30 lakh), PiOctave Solutions (Rs 30 lakh), Geeksynergey Technologies (Rs 30 lakh), ispAgro Robotics (Rs 20 lakh), Astrome (Rs 30 lakh), Esyasoft (Rs 20 lakh), Geotraq Safety (Rs 45 lakh), NammaNimma Cycle Foundation (Rs 10 lakh), Sirena Technologies (Rs 48 lakh) and Selfdot Technologies (Rs 30 lakh).

"Though Bengaluru is the country's IT hub, we are seeing its start-up culture spreading to other areas, including agriculture, biotechnology, security, communications, robotics and gaming rapidly. Our aim is to mentor and help them to become self-sufficient," said IT & BT Principal Secretary Gaurav Gupta on the occasion.

Kartnataka Biotechnology and Information Techology Services (KBITS) Managing Director Salma K. Fahim said the state government was also targetting start-ups in emerging technologies such as animation, artificial intelligence, big data and virtual reality.

"These technologies can solve our long-standing problems, create hundreds of jobs and help in the 'Make in India' programme of the central and state governments," added Fahim.

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Karnataka IT and Biotechnology Dept Grants Rs 3.18 cr to 12 Start-ups - News18

Cellect Biotechnology Ltd (APOPW) Seeing Increased Volatility in Session – Morgan Research

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Danzig

Shares ofCellect Biotechnology Ltd (APOPW) have seen the needle move-15.66% or -0.341 in the most recent session. TheNASDAQ listed companysaw a recent bid of $1.839 on4792 volume.

After an investor has figured out their financial and investment goals, they may be interested in designing a specific stock portfolio that will serve those goals and help create and sustain profits well into the future. There is an overwhelming amount of information available on creating winning stock portfolios. Some strategies will work well for certain individuals, and some strategies will not. Understanding the challenges that are involved with creating the perfect portfolio may help the investor ascertain how much time is needed to properly manage the portfolio. Some investors will want to be hands on and do everything. Others will seek and employ the expertise of industry professionals.

Taking a deeper look into the technical levels ofTakung Art Co Ltd (TKAT), we can see thatthe Williams Percent Range or 14 day Williams %R currently sits at -84.52. The Williams %R oscillates in a range from 0 to -100. A reading between 0 and -20 would point to an overbought situation. A reading from -80 to -100 would signal an oversold situation. The Williams %R was developed by Larry Williams. This is a momentum indicator that is the inverse of the Fast Stochastic Oscillator.

Takung Art Co Ltd (TKAT) currently has a 14-day Commodity Channel Index (CCI) of -63.91. Active investors may choose to use this technical indicator as a stock evaluation tool. Used as a coincident indicator, the CCI reading above +100 would reflect strong price action which may signal an uptrend. On the flip side, a reading below -100 may signal a downtrend reflecting weak price action. Using the CCI as a leading indicator, technical analysts may use a +100 reading as an overbought signal and a -100 reading as an oversold indicator, suggesting a trend reversal.

The RSI, or Relative Strength Index, is a widely used technical momentum indicator that compares price movement over time. The RSI was created by J. Welles Wilder who was striving to measure whether or not a stock was overbought or oversold. The RSI may be useful for spotting abnormal price activity and volatility. The RSI oscillates on a scale from 0 to 100. The normal reading of a stock will fall in the range of 30 to 70. A reading over 70 would indicate that the stock is overbought, and possibly overvalued. A reading under 30 may indicate that the stock is oversold, and possibly undervalued. After a recent check, Takung Art Co Ltds 14-day RSI is currently at 38.50, the 7-day stands at 39.11, and the 3-day is sitting at 28.14.

Currently, the 14-day ADX for Takung Art Co Ltd (TKAT) is sitting at 43.90. Generally speaking, an ADX value from 0-25 would indicate an absent or weak trend. A value of 25-50 would support a strong trend. A value of 50-75 would identify a very strong trend, and a value of 75-100 would lead to an extremely strong trend. ADX is used to gauge trend strength but not trend direction. Traders often add the Plus Directional Indicator (+DI) and Minus Directional Indicator (-DI) to identify the direction of a trend.

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Cellect Biotechnology Ltd (APOPW) Seeing Increased Volatility in Session - Morgan Research

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.’s Wholly-owned Foreign Enterprise, CBD Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Will Launch its First Hemp … – PR Newswire (press release)

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Danzig

The new skin care line is expected to be launched in the third calendar quarter of 2017. CBD Biotechnology Co. Ltd. plans to use multiple sales channels to implement its sales plan including Tmall, TaoBao, the Company's official website, broadcasting platforms of internet celebrities, mobile news applications, and a multi-level direct selling system in cooperation with Shangdong Yibao Biologics Co. Ltd.

"Following the launch of OptHemp Ultra Premium Hemp Oil by CIIX's wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, ChineseHempOil.com, Inc., I am very pleased to announce the launch of CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd. non-industrial hemp infused skin care line," says Summer Yun, CEO of CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd. "CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd. will be one of the first companies in China to incorporate hemp-based CBD into skin care products, which we believe will spark public interest.

"An estimated 55,700 metric tons of industrial hemp are produced around the world each year with China, Russia, and South Korea leading in production, accounting for 70 percent of the world's industrial hemp supply. Although China is one of the leading producers of industrial hemp, the benefits to the human body have not yet been widely recognized in mainland China," says Yun. "As one of the companies company to introduce a skin care line infused with hemp-based CBD to China, CIIX looks forward to educating the almost 1.4 billion people in China about the benefits of hemp-based CBD and the positive effects it can have on the largest, visible human organ - the skin!"

About ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX)

Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com endeavors to be an innovative company providing: (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) advertising and public relation related support services; and (c) retail, online sales and direct sales of hemp-based products and other health related products.

For more information visit ChineseInvestors.com

Subscribe and watch our video commentaries: https://www.youtube.com/user/Chinesefncom

Like us on Facebook to receive live feeds:https://www.facebook.com/Chinesefncom

Add us on WeChat: Chinesefn or download iPhone iOS App: Chinesefn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Contact: ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. 227 W. Valley Blvd, #208 A San Gabriel, CA 91776

Investor Relations: Alan Klitenic +1-214-636-2548

Corporate Communications: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York http://www.NetworkNewsWire.com +1-212-418-1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com

SOURCE ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.

Diabetes: J&J and Seventure Partners launch investment – European Biotechnology

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Danzig

European venture capitalist Seventure Partners and Johnson & Johnson have invested US$12m in Israel-based DayTwo. Based on HbA1c, lifestyle factors and genetic analysis of the individual microbiome, the companys app analyses the individual microbiome to predict blood sugar responses to thousands of different foods.

Seventure Partners said it ran the investment through its Health for Life Capital investment vehicle, as part of a $12m series A fundraising.

DayTwo has exclusively licensed technology from Weizmann Institute to predict how a specific diet impacts the individual blood glucose level. After the companys app is fed with HbA1c results, lifestyle factors and sequence analyses of the individual microbiome, its machine-learning predictive algorithms provide personalised nutrition recommendations on a users smart device.

Seventure Partners announced its investment was made in syndication with Johnson & Johnson as well as historical investors. DayTwo wants to use the fresh capital to commercialise its product internationally beyond Israel and develop new products tailored for other user segments. According to DayTwo, currently, the app is marketed in Israel as a wellness product that targets highly-motivated consumers, giving them insight into how to manage the food choices that are best for them. The company is currently preparing the US market launch with the same purpose.

However, the companys ultimate goal is to additionally enter a higher-price market segment for its app: as a proven medical product that prevents or slows the development of diabetes. In February, DayTwo joined forces with J&J susidiary Janssen Biotech to develop personalised microbiome analysis for diabetes nutrition. The cooperation is designed to provide clinical data that will help DayTwo to submit the product for approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and corresponding authorities in other countries.

According to Seventure Partners CEO Isabelle de Cremoux, DayTwo rounds out our microbiome portfolio. Current investments include French Enterome SA (microbiome modulator drugs, diagnostics and companion diagnostics), LNC (drug-probiotic and nutrition microbiome-modulator products), Maat Pharma (autologous microbiome transplant), TargEDys (bacteria for regulation of appetite) and Vedanta (drug-probiotic).

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Diabetes: J&J and Seventure Partners launch investment - European Biotechnology

Explore Innovations in Industrial Biotechnology at Upcoming Workshops – Newswise (press release)

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Danzig

Newswise Industrial biotechnology scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and executives from around the globe will be convening on the University of California San Diego campus this summer to explore the latest advances and world-changing innovations heating up the white-hot field of industrial biotechnology with workshops in microbial fermentation and metabolic engineering.

UC San Diego Extension will host its annual Industrial Biotechnology Workshops on Aug. 14 through 18. Participants can attend the whole program or attend the workshops on microbial fermentation or metabolic engineering separately.

Now in its fifth year, this widely acclaimed educational event creates an informal, intimate environment for robust exchange of knowledge and ideas among world-class academic instructors and leaders of cutting-edge companies of every size from startup to mature, said Hugo Villar, associate dean of Professional & Continuing Education for UC San Diego Extension.

Whether from California or China, biotechnology professionals attending these workshops will have a front-row seat to learn about current developments and advanced scientific skills being used to solve some the worlds most difficult problems, Villar said.

Microbial Fermentation

For the past four years, the workshop focused primarily on microbial fermentation, which is the transformation of feedstocks, such as plant sugars, into useful products, like fuels, chemicals, beer or antibiotics, by bacteria, yeast, fungi or algae.

The Microbial Fermentation Workshop will be held Aug. 16 to 18. Participants will be introduced to the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed to design, develop, optimize, control, scale-up, analyze and troubleshoot fermentation processes.

As one of just a handful of programs in the world that provide in-depth, practically oriented coursework in microbial fermentation, it is expected to draw participants from Connecticut to Croatia.

While workshop participants should have some basic knowledge and experience in fermentation, everyone from scientists to biotech business executives to graduate students could benefit from the microbial fermentation workshop.

This years program features some of the brightest minds in the field, including:

Jeff Lievense, senior advisor of Bioengineering & Technology, Genomatica;

Rachel Dutton, assistant professor of Molecular Biology, UC San Diego;

Michael Japs, senior director of Process Technology, Genomatica;

Jon Hansen, principal of New Leaf Biotech;

Jason Ryder, vice president, Process R&D, Hampton Creek; and

Karen Fortmann, senior research scientist, White Labs.

Five interactive case studies, including production of microbes for cheese and beer, will allow attendees to practice what they learn, while the Fermentation Firing Line segment will offer a lively, open ended forum for posing questions to the instructional team on fermentation-related topics.

In addition, everyone in attendance can participate in a tour of the global headquarters of White Labs, which produces yeast for beer making, and attend a hosted reception in its craft beer tasting room.

Metabolic Engineering

A new segment on metabolic engineering, which will run Aug. 14-15, will also be offered.

Recently named as one of the top 10 emerging technologies by the World Economic Forum, metabolic engineering focuses on the design and development of equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as agriculture, food, animal feed and pharmaceuticals.

Instructors joining the interactive course with case studies throughout the curriculum include:

John Pierce, MIT lecturer and former scientist at multinational firms BP and DuPont;

Adam Feist, project scientist, UC San Diego;

Ben Griffin, senior director, Microbial and Enzyme Engineering, Synthetic Genomics;

Jeff Lievense, senior advisor, Genomatica;

Jim Mills, chief technology officer, BioAmber, Inc.;

Bernhard Palsson, principal investigator, UC San Diego; and

Kristy Salmon, head of research, BP.

Those who attend the Metabolic Engineering segment are also invited to participate in a tour of the global headquarters of White Labs, which produces yeast for beer making, and attend a hosted reception in its craft beer tasting room.

Those interested in finding out more about the upcoming workshops can visit http://extension.ucsd.edu/industrialbiotech , call (858) 534-9353 or email unexbio@ucsd.edu.

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Explore Innovations in Industrial Biotechnology at Upcoming Workshops - Newswise (press release)

iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (IBB) Rating Reduced by Vetr To Keep – Insider Tradings

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Fredricko

IShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (NASDAQ:IBB) was lowered by investment analysts at crowd sourced stock rating company Vetr from a buy recommendation to a hold recommendation in a research note released to investors and clients on early Mon, Jun 5th. Firm has a $307.00 PT on the financial services providers shares. Vetrs target price points a possible drop of 1.25% from the firms prior close.

IShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund (IBB) transacted up 1.443% through out intraday market trading on early Mon, topping $315.375. 899,883 stocks of the shares transacted hands. Companys 50 Day SMA is $293.14 and its 200 SMA is $286.87. iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund has a 1 year low of $240.30 has a 1 year high of $316.00.

On the other hand, Credit Suisse Group boosted iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund from a market weight recommendation to an overweight recommendation in a study on Tue, Mar 21st. The move was based on the current stock valulation.

Most recently the business also announced a periodic dividend, expected to be paid on early Fri, Jun 30th. Investors with a record date on Early Thur, Jun 29th will be given a $0.1768 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tue, Jun 27th. this indicates a $0.71 dividend on a yearly basis and a payout of of 0.23%.

Quite a few investment firms and many large funds have acquired or sold some of the position in IBB. Morgan Stanley upped its stake in iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund by 16.3% in the Q1. Morgan Stanley has an ownership of 1,774,505 stocks of the financial services providers shares valued $520,408,000 after scooping up an extra 248,914 shares through out the quarter. JPMorgan Chase boosted its position in stocks of iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund by 45.7% in the Q1. JPMorgan Chase has an ownership of 782,179 stocks of the financial services providers shares valued at $229,389,000 after scooping up an extra 245,458 shares through out the quarter. Alliancebernstein boosted its position in stocks of iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund by 40.9% in the Q1. Alliancebernstein has an ownership of 481,442 stocks of the financial services providers shares valued at $141,192,000 after scooping up an extra 139,657 shares through out the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group boosted its position in stocks of iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund by 1.0% in the Q1. PNC Financial Services Group has an ownership of 210,978 stocks of the financial services providers shares valued at $61,872,000 after scooping up an extra 2,112 shares through out the quarter. Lastly, Janney Capital Management boosted its position in stocks of iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund by 34.6% in the Q1. Janney Capital Management has an ownership of 110,807 stocks of the financial services providers shares valued at $32,496,000 after scooping up an extra 28,503 shares through out the quarter. hedge fund investors and investment firms has an ownership of 69.06% of the firms stock.

About iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund

IShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment data that correspond generally to the price and pay out performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (the Index). The Index contains securities of NASDAQ listed companies that are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark as either biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, which also meet other eligibility criteria determined by NASDAQ.

Applikon Biotechnology – European Pharmaceutical Review

Posted on June 28, 2017 by ev1

Our mission: providing reliable solutions for the bioprocess market that will enable an improved quality of life

Applikon Biotechnology is a world leader in developing and supplying advanced bioreactor systems from laboratory scale to production scale. We are the only company that can take a customer from the initial screening stage up to full-scale production using the same platform. This minimizes scale-up risks and guarantees the shortest time to market for our customers new product development.

Applikon is known for bringing new technologies to the market. These new technologies offer advantages in process efficiency for research and development as well as pilot plant and production scale processes.

As a focused medium sized company we live by our motto A Step Ahead to differentiate ourselves from other suppliers. Our focus on developing bioreactor systems only, allows us to produce state-of-the-art equipment. This has resulted in a steady growth to the top position of the worldwide laboratory bioreactor market. The basis for our new product development lies in our strong cooperation with leading international universities and institutes.

As a privately owned company our focus is not on short-term shareholders value but on building a healthy company by supplying the best product offering for our customers now and in the long-term future. This is the basis of many long-term relations with our clients all over the world.

All our efforts are focused on supplying the best solution for our clients in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Validation and documentation is a vital part of our development procedures and this is extended throughout our whole company.

Applikon Biotechnology is unique in the mini and micro bioreactor range. No other company can offer a complete solution on this very small scale. We develop systems on a small scale that generate results that can be scaled to production scale. At the moment there are thousands of Applikon bioreactors used in the world from small scale R&D up to full scale cGMP production.

Since we started in 1974 we have shown a healthy growth and profit. R&D is done in house in our headquarters in Delft, The Netherlands. Design and engineering is done in house but real manufacturing is outsourced. Final assembling is done in-house (in our manufacturing sites in Delft and Guangzhou) as well as the final testing and documentation. We have our own sales and service organizations in the USA (Foster City, California and Dover, New Jersey), the UK (Tewkesbury) and China (Guangzhou). We have well trained local distributors for sales and service in over 30 countries.

We are continuously executing strategic plans to grow the top-line and strengthen our financial performance. New and ongoing programs are exploring new markets, developing innovative products, improving service to customers, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs.

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Applikon Biotechnology - European Pharmaceutical Review

66m Life Sciences Fund focused on Germany and Benelux – European Biotechnology

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Danzig

Venture Capitalist Biogeneration Ventures has exceeded the target size of its life sciences fund BGV III through investments from the European Investment Banks InnovFin Equity Facility and the Dutch Venture Initiative II.

The third fund of the Dutch company now comprises 66m, 16 more than the BVG IIIs initial target size. Biogeneration did not provide figures about the exact financial contributions of its new investors but said that investments will focus on medtech, diagnostic and drug development companies in Germany and Benelux.

The new fund will build on the first two BGV funds which yielded some success for investors including a 1,55bn divestment of Dezima Pharma into Amgen and the 7bn exit of Acerta Pharma, the largest private exit in Europe in the biotech sector to date.

Four investments have already been made from BVG III into German immuno-oncology company Catalym, and Dutch companies Escalier Biosciences, Scenic Biotech and Varmx, working on autoimmune diseases, target discovery, and haematology, respectively.

Our third fund makes BGV amongst the largest life sciences funds dedicated to seed investments in Europe, said Edward van Wezel, Managing Partner. Over the last decade we have made over twenty investments in the European life sciences ecosystem. Weve observed an ever-increasing interest from pharma in acquiring innovations earlier. With this third closing we are significantly exceeding our target fund size and are delighted with the commitment of EIF and other new and existing investors in BGV III. We expect to reach the maximum fund size of EUR 75m before the end of 2017.

BGV operates as a joint venture with Forbion Capital Partners, providing access to the later stage perspective on early innovation and a global network of experts and pharma companies. The BGV team has broad experience in investment, life sciences, business development, and commercial operations. The team includes experienced biotech entrepreneurs as venture partners and advisors.

ASA provides input to USDA, FDA on advances in biotechnology – High Plains Journal

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Danzig

The American Soybean Association submitted comments recently to both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding regulations in response to advances in genetic engineering.

ASA included in comments to USDA, that biotechnology is an essential tool in farmers quest to produce enough food to meet the needs of 9.7 billion people by 2050, creating the need for a clear, science-based regulatory system in the U.S. as an example and standard for regulatory systems of biotechnology internationally.

While applauding USDAs efforts to reduce the burden on regulated entities, ASA expressed concern that aspects of the rule as proposed will increase the regulatory burden and stifle research and innovation.

Additionally, ASAs comments to FDA cheered USDAs proposal to exclude certain genome-editing techniques from requiring pre-market approvals because they are low risk and could be found in nature or achieved through traditional breeding methods.

ASA concluded its support saying, Technological advancements such as genome editing offer an additional tool to combat threats while also improving sustainability in production agriculture.

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Is Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) Stock a Good Buy in Biotechnology – InvestorsObserver

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Danzig

The 70 rating InvestorsObserver gives to Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) stock puts it near the top of the Biotechnology industry. In addition to scoring higher than 90 percent of stocks in the Biotechnology industry, AXSMs 70 overall rating means the stock scores better than 70 percent of all stocks.

Click Here to get the full Stock Score Report on Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) Stock.

Finding the best stocks can be tricky. It isnt easy to compare companies across industries. Even companies that have relatively similar businesses can be tricky to compare sometimes. InvestorsObservers tools allow a top-down approach that lets you pick a metric, find the top sector and industry and then find the top stocks in that sector.

These scores are not only easy to understand, but it is easy to compare stocks to each other. You can find the best stock in an industry, or look for the sector that has the highest average score. The overall score is a combination of technical and fundamental factors that serves as a good starting point when analyzing a stock. Traders and investors with different goals may have different goals and will want to consider other factors than just the headline number before making any investment decisions.

Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) stock is trading at $102.06 as of 9:59 AM on Thursday, Dec 19, a gain of $12.49, or 13.94% from the previous closing price of $89.57. The stock has traded between $94.88 and $102.84 so far today. Volume today is below average. So far 696,750 shares have traded compared to average volume of 1,576,586 shares.

To see InvestorsObserver's Sentiment Score for Axsome Therapeutics Inc click here.

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Is Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) Stock a Good Buy in Biotechnology - InvestorsObserver

Consortium of Medical Schools Led by Mount Sinai Fast-Tracking COVID-19 Detection Test Utilizing Fluidigm Microfluidics Technology – GlobeNewswire

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Danzig

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluidigm Corporation(Nasdaq:FLDM), an innovative biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight, today announced that a consortium of medical schools led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinaiis utilizing Fluidigm microfluidics technology to create an epigenetic test for early detection of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The spread of this disease has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Part of the Epigenetic CHaracterization and Observation (ECHO) program of the U.S.Defense Departments Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the consortium is developing a testusing real-time PCR for host detection assays targeting epigenome and viral RNA for early-stage monitoring of potentially infected individuals.

Incorporating the Fluidigm Biomark HD system and the companys microfluidics technology, a single integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) can screen 192 samples across 24 different parallel processed assays to allow early detection of the virus infection. Labs will be able to generate more than 6,000 individual test results per day with just one hour of hands-on time, representing a scale and parallel processing of assays not possible using microwell plates.

The consortium led by the Icahn School of Medicine plans to submit the test for Emergency Use Authorization, in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, for a high-throughput screening assay for COVID-19 based on robust real-time PCR. It will employ the high-throughput sample processing capacity of the Biomark HD coupled with parallel multi-assay interrogation of microfluidics.

Speed, scale and early detection are critical in addressing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ability to rapidly screen a large number of samples will enhance capabilities in identification and management of infected individuals, including those who are asymptomatic, said Chris Linthwaite, President and CEO of Fluidigm. We believe the application of Fluidigm microfluidics technologies to epigenetic testing for COVID-19 has significant potential to increase the speed and capacity of these critical screening efforts.

Fluidigm is committed to supporting the efforts of the consortium and others in addressing the rapidly evolving global COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that partnering with other developers and labs seeking Emergency Use Authorization for tests utilizing our unique IFC technology has the potential to add significant testing capacity. Quick and reliable detection is crucial to combat this rapidly advancing pandemic.

Microfluidics technology generates more data and uses a fraction of expensive testing reagents per precious sample as compared with more traditional, microwell plate-based PCR technology. Fluidigm Biomark HD and microfluidics technology, in particular, enable the automated assembly of PCRs at the nanoscale level in a massively parallel manner.

We appreciate the unique expertise Fluidigm brings to this multi-institution, DARPA-supported effort to develop an early test for COVID-19, said Professor Stuart C. Sealfon, MD, principal investigator of the DARPA ECHO program and Director of the Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Neurology at the Icahn Sinai School of Medicine.

About FluidigmFluidigm(Nasdaq:FLDM) is an industry-leading biotechnology toolsprovider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight. We focus on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy. Using proprietary CyTOF and microfluidics technologies, we develop, manufacture, and market multi-omic solutions to drive meaningful insights in health and disease, identify biomarkers to inform decisions, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies. Our customers are leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and plant and animal research laboratories worldwide. Together with them, we strive to increase the quality of life for all. For more information, visitfluidigm.com.

Fluidigm, theFluidigmlogo, Biomark, and CyTOF are trademarks and/or registered trademarks ofFluidigm Corporationinthe United Statesand/or other countries. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Forward-Looking Statements for FluidigmThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding the implementation of Fluidigm microfluidics technology and products by third parties and the anticipated benefits of, and applications and demand for, such products. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; risks relating to company research and development and distribution plans and capabilities; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, Fluidigm products; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; and competition. Information on these and additional risks and uncertainties and other information affectingFluidigmbusiness and operating results is contained in Fluidigms Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2019, and in its other filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.Fluidigmdisclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

Contacts:

Media:Mark SpearmanSenior Director, Corporate Communications650 243 6621mark.spearman@fluidigm.com

Investors:Agnes LeeVice President, Investor Relations650 416 7423agnes.lee@fluidigm.com

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Consortium of Medical Schools Led by Mount Sinai Fast-Tracking COVID-19 Detection Test Utilizing Fluidigm Microfluidics Technology - GlobeNewswire

iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (IBB) Suddenly Looks Bullish – ETF Daily News (blog)

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Danzig

Paul Weisbruch is the VP of ETF/Options Sales and Trading at Street One Financial. Prior to joining the team at Street One, Paul served as the Director of RIA and Institutional ETF Sales at RevenueShares ETFs from December 2007 until November of 2009. Before RevenueShares, Paul was employed by Susquehanna International Group from 2000 until 2007 serving in roles including OTC/NYSE Institutional Block Trading, Nasdaq/OTC Market Making, ETF/Derivatives Intelligence and Strategy, Algorithmic Trading, as well as acting as the PHLX Floor Specialist in the ETFs, SPY and DIA.Paul has been actively involved in the ETF space from both a product and trading standpoint since 2000. Additionally, Paul has well forged relationships with national RIAs, institutional pension fund managers and consultants, mutual fund and hedge fund managers, and also the ETF media. Co-authoring the S1F ETF Daily since 2009, the daily piece has become a must for many portfolio managers in the ETF space, with segments regularly appearing in the likes of Barrons, WSJ, and ETFTrends.com for instance.

He holds his Series 4 (Registered Options Principal), 6, 7, 55 (Equity Trader), 63, and 65 licenses. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (B.S. Economics), graduating magna cum laude, and has an MBA from Villanova University.

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iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (IBB) Suddenly Looks Bullish - ETF Daily News (blog)

Biotechnology – UAH – The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Danzig

The Graduate Program in Biotechnology Science and Engineering is an Interdisciplinary Program with faculty from the Departments of Chemistry, Biological Sciences and Chemical Engineering. Adjunct faculty from the Marshall Space Flight Center and Hudson Alpha Institute of Biotechnology and companies are also involved in the program.

The program's mission is to provide Ph.D. level graduates who are broadly trained in the areas of science and engineering pertinent to biotechnology and who will benefit the economic, educational, and cultural development of Alabama. Graduates of the program are expected to be able to make significant contributions to biotechnology in academic, governmental, and business settings.

The interdisciplinary program in Biotechnology Science and Engineering provides broad training in sciences and engineering dealing with the handling and the processing of macromolecules and living systems. Students receive advanced training in one of three specializations: Structural Biology, Biomolecular Sciences or Bioprocess Engineering. The principal core of instructors and research advisors are drawn from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Chemical and Materials Engineering. The program includes significant involvement from local biotechnology companies as well as NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

Biotechnology is not a single area of study, but a multidisciplinary field concerned with the practical application of biological organisms and their subcellular components to industrial or service manufacturing, to environmental management and health, and to medicine. It is a series of enabling technologies drawn from the fields of microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology, fermentation technology, environmental science and engineering which allow one to synthesize, breakdown or transform materials to suit human needs. Biotechnology ("Current Trends in Chemical Technology, Business, and Employment," American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. 1998) can therefore be defined as the safe study and manipulation of biological molecules for development of products or techniques for medical and industrial application. Although biotechnology in the broadest sense is not new, the current ability and demand for manipulating living organisms or their subcellular components to provide useful products, processes or services has reached new heights. Modern biotechnology has resulted from scientific scrutiny of old and familiar processes and from new advances in molecular biology, genetic engineering and fermentation technologies.

The future industrial landscape will continue to include research, development and the manufacturing of products such as proteins and nucleic acids that will be based wholly or in large part on biological processes.

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Biotechnology - UAH - The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Biotechnology Conferences – Asia Pacific Biotech Congress

Posted on June 25, 2017 by Danzig

Sessions & Tracks

Track 1: Advancements in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is an ever emerging field in which biological processes, organisms, cells and cellular components are exploited to develop novel expertise. Over the past two decades there have been revolutionary biotech innovations which helped the mankind. New tools and products developed by biotechnologists are expedient in research, agriculture, industry and the clinic.

Recent advancements in the field of biotechnology will underpin our economy and provide solutions to intractable problems of human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives, food security as well as improving our quality of life.

15th World Congress on Biotechnology and Biotech Industries Meet, March 20-22, 2017 at Rome, Italy; Biotechnology 2017, August 21-23, 2017 at Chicago, USA; 17thEuro Biotechnology Congress, September 25-27, 2017 at Berlin, Germany; Global Biotechnology Congress, Oct 9-11, 2017 at Auckland, New Zealand; 15thInternational Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology Conference, June 21-23, 2017 at London, UK; 2ndInternational Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, March 9-10, 2017 at Colombo, Sri Lanka; BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, July 23-26, 2017 at Montreal, Canada; BioTech 2017, June 13-17 at Prague, Czech Republic; European Federation of Biotechnology; Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB); The Biotech Research Society; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Australias Biotechnology Organization (AusBiotech); New Zealand Biotechnology (NZBIO); Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

Track 2: Agriculture Biotechnology

Agriculture biotechnology or green biotechnology encompasses the use of scientific tools and techniques to understand and transform genetic make-up of living organisms such as plants, animals and microorganisms. The technology offers more precise improvements in crops and livestock and thus increases agricultural productivity. It has greater economic and social impacts as safe and sufficient food supply grown in a responsible method is essential for humanity.

Some of the applications include raising and stabilizing yields using plant breeding; to improve resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses such as drought and cold; and to enrich the nutritional content of foods. Biotechnology is being used to develop low-cost disease-free planting materials for crops such as cassava, banana and potato and is creating new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of plant and animal diseases and for the measurement and conservation of genetic resources.

Track 3: Animal Biotechnology

Animal biotechnology is the practice of science and engineering to transform living organisms. Some of the examples include creating transgenic animals, generate specific inactivated gene using gene knockout technology and producing just about identical animals by cloning. It focuses on improving animal health and its welfare and thus increasing its productivity. Selective breeding and genetic engineering aids the animals in providing resistance to diseases and prevent injury.

Animal feeds and feeding practices are being altered by biotechnology to improve animal nutrition and to reduce environmental waste. Biotechnology is used in disease diagnostics and for the production of vaccines against animal diseases.

Track 4: Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology is a system of science and engineering knowledge used in prevention, treatment and monitoring of environmental pollution through bio-treatment, bio-remediation of polluted environments, and bio-monitoring of environmental and its treatment processes. The process has been shown to play a substantial role inmaintainingzero waste agricultureand most significantly through the operation of over 15 millionbiogas digestersworldwide.

The main application of this system is the biodegradation/detoxication of hazardous substances in industrial waste. Some of the biotechnological agents used include bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa.

Track 5: Food Biotechnology

Biotechnology has an extensive history in food production and processing. Food biotechnology involves the use of various techniques such as genetic engineering to improve productivity in food production and processing. This technology enables to produce new products with desirable characteristics such as leaner meat and nutritional rich foods.

Through newer biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques such as recombinant DNA (rDNA), researchers can move one gene, with the preferred specific traits, from one organism to another and omit the undesirable traits. This facilitates food producers to obtain animal and crop improvements in a much more precise, controlled and predictable manner.

Track 6: Industrial and Microbial Biotechnology

Industrial biotechnology, also known as white biotechnology in Europe, is one of the promising approaches that enable in averting pollution, conserve resources and thus cost reduction. The technology uses living cells and components of cells such as enzymes to yield industrially useful products in various sectors such as chemicals, bio-fuels, food etc. Microbial biotechnology implicates the manipulation of microorganisms at the gene and molecular level to yield useful products.

The above said biotechnology procedure enables to use renewable raw materials and can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and stirring away from a petrochemical-based economy.

Track 7: Marine Biotechnology

Marine biotechnology, also called as blue biotechnology, is defined as the application of biotechnology principles in marine resources to derive new cancer treatments for marine organisms. Marinebiotechnologyhas focused largely onmarine biomolecules, especiallyproteins, which may have uses in medicine or engineering. Marine environments are the home to many exotic biological materials that may stimulatebiomimetic materials.

Track 8: Nano Biotechnology

Application of nanotechnology in biological systems is known as nano-biotechnology. This is a newer technological approach to imagine and create newer systems that can be used for biological research. Biologically inspired nanotechnology uses biological systems as the reference for technologies which have not been created yet.

Nano-biotechnology is assisting modernmedicineevolve from treatingsymptomsto generatingcuresand regeneratingbiological tissues. Some of the applications of nano-biotechnology include stem cell treatments, growing uterus outside the body and then placed inside in animals and developing fluorescence polymers.

Track 9: Plant Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology applies scientific tools and techniques that accustom plants for precise purposes by cross-breeding, prolonging their growing seasons, adjusting height, color and texture and several other mechanisms. It can also be applied to exchange plant genes to produce novel genetic combinations and superior hybrid species.

Applications of plant biotechnology include biochemical production, rapid clonal multiplication, production of hybrid plants, genetic modification in plants etc.

Track 10: Medical Biotechnology

Medical biotechnology, also called as red biotechnology, involves the use of living cells and cell materials to create pharmaceutical and diagnostic products which helps to treat and prevent human diseases. The principles of medical biotechnology are applied in pharmacology, gene therapy, stem cells and tissue engineering.

The application of biotechnology to basic science has empowered wider knowledge and understanding ofbiology. As a result of our development in scientific knowledge of normal and disease biology, we could able to develop newer medicines to treat previously untreatable diseases.

Track 11: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical biotechnology involves the application of principles of biotechnology in the development of drugs. Techniques such as recombinant DNA are used to design more effective drugs. Biotechnology has added to the discovery and manufacturing of traditionalsmall moleculepharmaceutical drugsas well as drugs. Modern biotechnology allows manufacturing existing medicines relatively easy and less economical.

Modern biotechnology facilitates its use in pharmaceutical drugdiscovery, production and development,pharmacogenomics and genetic screening.

Track 12: Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Bioengineering refers to the usage of molecular biology to study advance applications and to create biotechnology. It extends to the creation of artificial organs and develops genetically modified organisms. It employs knowledge from pure and applied sciences such as mass and heat transfer, kinetics, biocatalysts, biomechanics, bioinformatics etc.

Bioengineering is applied in the design of medical devices, diagnostic equipment, biocompatible materials, renewable bioenergy and other areas that progress the living standards of societies.

Track 13: Bio-products and Bioenergy

Bio-products are biologically derived products such as chemicals, materials and energy from renewable resources. There are two types of bio-products namely conventional bio-products and emerging bio-products. Examples of conventional bio-products are pulp and paper, building materials and forest products whereas emerging bio-products include bioenergy, biofuels, bio-chemicals, bio-plastics etc.

Bioenergy is a renewable energy from materials derived from biological resources. It is a single largest renewable energy source providing 10% of worlds primary energy supply.

Track 14: Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is a branch of biotechnology that involves use of computer applications such as applied math and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. It helps in organizing the large-scale information and analysis of biological queries using mathematical and statistical techniques. It is used in the identification of candidate genes and nucleotides which helps in better understanding of genetic basis of disease and its properties.

Bioinformatics is useful in areas such asfunctional genomics,structural genomics, andproteomics, and acts as a key constituent in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector.

Track 15: Biotech Industry

Biotechnology industry harnesses cellular and bio-molecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat incapacitating and infrequent diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, use less energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.

The biotech industry broadly segments into the medical and agricultural markets. Although enterprising biotechnology is also being applied to other exciting areas like industrial production of chemicals, andbioremediation, the use in these areas is still specialized and limited. Biotechnology introduced a whole new approach to drug development that did not easily integrate into the chemically-focused approach most of the established pharmaceutical companies were using.

Scope and Importance of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, medicine, technology and other fields requiring bio-products. Modern use similar term includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue culture technologies. It is the integrated use of molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology to achieve technological application of the capabilities of biological agents. Biotechnology is emerged as a science with immense potential for human welfare ranging from food processing, human health to environment protection. The field of biotechnology is constantly advancing. From finding ways to slow down the process of food spoilage, advancements in genetic engineering, to adapting organisms to clean up contaminated environments, new applications and biotechnological inventions are continuously being developed to help improve our world.

Modern biotechnology applies not only modern genetics but also advances in other sciences. However, there is a third revolution that is just emerging, which is nanotechnology. The development of techniques to visualize and manipulate atoms individually or in small clusters is opening the way to an ever-finer analysis of living systems. Nano-scale techniques are now beginning to play substantial role in the application of biotechnology.

World renowned experts and intellectuals agree that biotechnological innovation is the foundation-stone of our future, and a game changer. It is anticipated that it will underpin our economy and provide solutions to intractable problems of human and animal diseases, climate change, fuel alternatives, food security as well as improving our quality of life.

Biotechnology in Australia

The Australian biotechnology industry is one of the largest in the world. Despite the challenges of the global economy and the degree of difficulty in building a biotechnology and life sciences sector from scratch, Australia is doing very well by any comparative measure, with an impressive return on investment from a maturing stock of quality companies. Australian biotechnology boasts a raft of success stories and a world-class industry. Since its emergence in the early to mid-nineties, the biotechnology industry in Australia has achieved a great deal.

Australias comparative advantage comes from its world-class science and medical research, its capacity for international partnerships, cost effectiveness, and a transparent and effective regulatory system. Jobs of the future will be found in the biotech and pharmaceuticals sector, and the medical technology sector. In addition, there are many thousands of direct jobs in the agricultural and industrial biotechnology sectors and indirect jobs in dependent areas such as clinical trial teams, high-tech manufacturing, medical research and supplies to the medical technology sector and in services such as those provided by patent attorneys. Innovative industries provide high-skilled jobs with long-term prospects.

The Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive has been a long-established source of funding and support for businesses in the research, development and early developmental commercialization phases. The policy driver behind the R&D Tax Incentive is to encourage more companies to engage in R&D in Australia. And its working: a number of companies have publically stated that they have set up in Australia because of the support provided by the R&D Tax Incentive.

Australian state governments are developing and implementing independent regional initiatives. Each has strong medical research programs, some having specialist expertise in areas including tropical medicine, bio-discovery, regenerative medicine, bioremediation, agricultural/industrial biotech and medical devices. Australian life sciences companies have attracted well over $2 billion in deal flow over the last 18 months. Global recognition of the sectors quality was reflected in major deals, including Novartis acquisition of Spinifex Pharmaceuticals for as much as AU$1 billion and AstraZenecas licensing agreement with Starpharma that could deliver over half a billion (AU) dollars.

List of Major Universities in Melbourne and Australia

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Biotechnology Conferences - Asia Pacific Biotech Congress

Eli Lilly Unveils $90M Expanded Biotechnology Center in San Diego – Times of San Diego

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Fredricko

Share This Article: Eli Lilly and Company logo. (PRNewsFoto, Eli Lilly and Company)

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announced the completion of a $90 million expansion of its San Diego biotechnology center, which is now more than double its previous size with the addition of 180,000 square feet of work space.

The facility, on Campus Point Drive near UC San Diego, also includes a new high-tech laboratory and room for what the Indianapolis-based company calls a Life Science Studio.

Eli Lilly moved into San Diego in 2004 with the acquisition of Applied Molecular Evolution Inc., and built its Biotechnology Center in 2009.

Being in the San Diego area for the last 13 years has been a game changer for us, specifically in the arena of discovering medicines for hard-to- treat autoimmune conditions, said Thomas F. Bumol, Lillys senior vice president of biotechnology and immunology research.

Company officials said they hope the new facility will allow closer collaboration among researchers. The center originally focused on immunology, but in the larger facility, scientists will also work on diabetes, oncology, neurodegeneration and pain reduction.

Investing in drug discovery and development is critical to maintaining an ecosystem that encourages and promotes innovation, said Jan Lundberg, executive vice president for science and technology and president of Lilly Research Laboratories.

Our expansion in San Diego is a prime example of investing in a research success story, Lundberg said. Expanding our presence in San Diego will not only help us discover and deliver innovative medicines faster, but will also help us achieve our goal of launching 20 new medicines in 10 years.

According to Eli Lilly, the Life Science Studio will allow researchers across the globe to remotely design, synthesize and screen molecules in an unprecedented manner, expanding the ability of scientists to test new ideas, reduce costs and minimize environmental impacts.

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Biotechnology remains a mystery for many Canadians – Western Producer

Posted on June 24, 2017 by ev1

Canadians generally do not have a solid understanding of what exactly the term biotechnology refers to, according to recently released public opinion research collected by Nielsen Consumer Insights on behalf of Agriculture Canada.

In July 2016, the department issued a contract asking Nielsen Consumer Insights to conduct a comprehensive research project to measure Canadian consumers perceptions and attitudes towards issues related to domestic agriculture and agri-food.

The research would help provide insight while developing the next agriculture policy framework, which comes into force in 2018. The data was collected via a series of focus groups, telephone calls and online consultations.

Overall, researchers found 88 percent of those surveyed have a generally positive or neutral view of biotechnology.

Canadians generally feel that biotechnology will have a positive impact on their future, placing it near the top of a selection of new and emerging technologies in terms of this promise, researchers told Agriculture Canada.

However, Canadian knowledge and view on specific forms of biotechnology varies widely.

Researchers found that most of the people who were surveyed struggled to give examples of biotechnology used in agriculture. Participants typically offered up examples used within the medical and health care fields, such as stem cells, antibiotics and robotics.

The association of the term biotechnology with health applications may be an indication that it is profiting from a halo effect, re-searchers warned.

This could lead to people feeling that biotechnology is positive because the applications that they associate with it promote human well-being.

Researchers reported an aversion to applications of biotechnology that consumers felt had the potential to upset the natural order or would allow scientists to play god.

The closer the application could be seen in terms of living, breathing organisms, the more resistance there was to the specific applications, such as genetically modified animals.

Researchers found less than half (46 percent) of the Canadians surveyed were familiar with the concept of GM animals, which has dropped from previous years.

Canadians werent particularly comfortable with the idea. Many within the focus groups raised moral or ethical concerns about it.

People were much more likely to see the potential risks of GM animals as outweighing the benefits than they were likely to see with other technologies, the report reads.

Those technologies include biofuel, gene editing and genetically modified fish, including fish that could be used to produce insulin for diabetic human patients.

Despite specific consumer concerns around certain applications, researchers found Canadians have not rejected biotechnology all together.

Consumer opinions are built based on the specific use presented and individual knowledge of that particular form of biotechnology, researchers said.

In other words, there does not appear to be a blanket approval or rejection of biotechnologies themselves.

Thats good news for Canadian agriculture, where participants stressed Canada could easily be-come a world leader in the agriculture and food biotechnology re-search field. That conviction, researchers found, is increasing as more attention is paid to it.

It is possible that this is due to the growing role that these technologies are playing in our food supply and a higher level of media attention, Agriculture Canada was told.

Similarly, people agree that these technologies will be developed elsewhere in the world where regulations and control may be less stringent, the report said, which isa situation Canadians said they would like to avoid. The federal government, respondents said, has an important role to play in the biotechnology field.

Over the course of the study, 875 Canadians were contacted last year by phone between Aug. 31 and Sept. 17 and Dec. 1-13. The phone portion of the research has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percent.

Another 220 Canadians participated in the online survey, and 10 focus groups were held, with two meetings each in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax and Calgary.

Kelsey Johnson is a reporter with iPolitics, http://www.ipolitics.ca.

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Category Archives: Biotechnology