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At the Focal Point, Checking in on Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ:PRAN) – Morgan Research

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Fredricko

Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ:PRAN) are being monitored closely by investors today as the name is currently priced at$2.22, a-1.77% difference from where it most recently opened. So where is the stock headed from here? We will take a quick look here at how the stock has performed recently.

Most investors are likely looking for that next stock that is ready to take off running. Maybe the focus is on finding a stock that has recently taken a turn for the worse for no real apparent reason. As we all know, as quickly as a stock can drop in price, it can bounce back just as fast.

Although the popular stocks that receive a high level of media coverage tend to recover quicker after a sell-off, there may be plenty of under the radar stocks that are ripe for buying. Scoping out these potential market gems may help repair a portfolio that has taken a hit for any number of reasons.

Is Prana Biotechnology Limited Ready to Move higher? Sign Up For Breaking Alerts on this Stock Before the Crowd.

The average investor might not have the time to monitor every single tick of a given stock, but taking a look at historical performance may help provide some valuable insight on where the stock may be trending in the future. Over the past week, Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ:PRAN) has performed -9.76%. For the past month, shares are -22.38%. Over the last quarter, shares have performed -2.20%. Looking back further, Prana Biotechnology Limited stock has been -10.48% over the last six months, and 36.20% since the start of the calendar year. For the past full year, shares are -39.01%.

There is rarely any substitute for diligent research, especially when it pertains to the equity markets. No matter what strategy an investor employs, keeping abreast of current market happenings is of the utmost importance. Everyone wants to see their stock picks soar, but the stark reality is that during a market wide sell-off, this may not be the case. Recently, shares of Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ:PRAN)have been seen trading -29.89% away from the 200-day moving average and -14.88% off the 50-day moving average. The stock is currently trading -66.82% away from the 52-week high and separated 46.05% from the 52-week low. Prana Biotechnology Limiteds RSI is presently sitting at 34.71.

New investors may sometimes be working with limited capital. Choosing which stocks to own can be a tough decision. Individuals may be deciding on whether to buy 10 shares of a stock trading at $100 as opposed to purchasing 100 shares of a stock trading at $10. We have recently been focusing on stocks that are trading under the $10 price level. We are constantly monitoring technical and fundamental factors that may lead to breakouts for these relatively cheap (in terms of price) stocks.

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At the Focal Point, Checking in on Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ:PRAN) - Morgan Research

Biotechnology researchers turn to landfill sites – Phys.Org

Posted on August 22, 2017 by ev1

Collecting leachate from a capped landfill site. Credit: Bangor University

Far from being a load of rubbish, landfill sites should be considered one of the great untapped resources in the search for new enzymes for biotechnology, and could fuel more efficient biofuel production.

A new research paper in mSphere by biologists at Bangor and Liverpool universities has for the first time identified the enzymes which degrade natural materials such as paper and clothing in landfill sites.

James McDonald, from Bangor University's School of Biological Sciences, who led the research said:

"There is a current impetus to search for new enzymes to improve biomass conversion processes. Our hypothesis is that, due to the volume of waste materials they hold, landfill sites represent a repository of unexplored biomass-degrading diversity. There is significant potential to identify new enzymes of ecological and biological significance."

Cellulose and lignin occur naturally in plant-based materials and take longer to decompose than other waste products. As a result of this, the majority of landfill waste consists of lignin and cellulose. In their plant form, they can be used as the basis for biofuel production, and identifying more effective enzymes for this process would improve the yield from this source.

Scientists have been searching for a number of years for the most effective enzymes which break down the cellulose and lignin within the residual natural fibres. The obvious place to search has been in the rumen of sheep and cows, who eat grasses, and the guts of also other plant eaters such as elephants and termites.

Surprisingly perhaps, landfill sites share many of the same characteristics as the digestive systems of these animals: they are dark, anoxic or un-oxygenated spaces, with a high content of cellulose. It was therefore to landfill sites, which are artificially created 'systems', that this group of scientists turned to find new plant-degrading enzymes.

Within in the paper, the authors describe how they used the liquid or 'leachate' within landfill sites as a source of microbes to decompose cotton, and analysed not only the families or taxa of bacteria, but also identified which bacteria produce groups of enzymes to degrade cellulose.

Emma Ransom-Jones, a postdoctoral researcher at Bangor University, and lead author of the study said:

"Understanding exactly how the cellulose and lignin decompose, and the sources of the active enzymes in the process will enable us to determine ways to improve the degradation of waste in landfill sites, and potentially use this as a source for biofuel production."

Explore further: Enzyme shows promise for efficiently converting plant biomass to biofuels

More information: Emma Ransom-Jones et al. Lignocellulose-Degrading Microbial Communities in Landfill Sites Represent a Repository of Unexplored Biomass-Degrading Diversity, mSphere (2017). DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00300-17

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Biotechnology researchers turn to landfill sites - Phys.Org

Trump’s China ambassador vows to make beef trade and biotechnology priorities – Agri-Pulse

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Fredricko

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, President Trumps choice to be the next U.S. ambassador to China, said today that if confirmed he will make it a priority to get China to lift its ban on U.S. beef and reform its biotechnology approval process.

Branstad spoke at USDAs annual Agricultural Outlook Forum before a scheduled meeting at the Chinese embassy in Washington,

We soon hope to reopen the market for American beef, Branstad said. I want to serve it at the (U.S.) embassy and I certainly want to do what I can to convince the Chinese leadership to do that sooner than later.

It was in September last year that China announced it was going to lift its 14-year-old ban on U.S. beef, but there have been no signs since then that the country was actually following through with that promise.

China was just one of many countries that banned U.S. beef in 2003 after theU.S. discovered its first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).Since then most countries have lifted those bans, and in 2013 the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) announced that it was placing the U.S. into the negligible, or lowest risk category, for BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease.. Previously the U.S. fell into the higher controlled risk category.

Mad cow disease is long since gone in this country, Branstad said. Theres no reason why the Chinese should continue to restrict American beef. Thats one of the things high on my priority list.

Another thing high on his priority list is persuading China to reform its biotechnology approval process. The Obama administration tried for years to get China to begin the approval process of new seed traits at the same time as regulators in the U.S. or other countries begin. But little progress has been made.

China, to the growing frustration of U.S. farm groups and biotech seed companies, continues to refuse to begin its approval process until new traits have already been approved in another country first. That can add years to the time that it takes for seed companies to get their products on the market.

Furthermore, Branstad said another priority wouldbe to persuadethe Chinese to remove stiff import duties on U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

It was just last month that Chinas Commerce Ministry slapped new duties and taxes on DDGS that total roughly 90 percent of the price of the commodity, a byproduct of ethanol production and a popular livestock feed ingredient.

U.S. Grains Council President Tom Sleight says the barriers are high enough to virtually halt U.S. exports to China.

China bought 6.3 million tons of DDGS in 2015, valued at about $1.6 billion, according to U.S. Grains Council officials. That was up from 4.3 million tons, valued at $1.25 billion,in 2014.

Branstad told Agri-Pulse that he expects to succeed where others have failed in China because of his strong personal relationships with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials.

I have the advantage of being an old friend of President Xi, he said.His very first trip to America was to Iowa. He led a corn processing delegation that came to Iowa in 1985.

The two have stayed in contact since then, Branstad said. We have a longstanding personal relationship and thats really important in their culture. I think thats why President Trump chose me.

Branstad also stressed today that the U.S. and China are already major trading partners and he hopes to expand that relationship.

IncreasingChinas demand for U.S. farm commodities took up a significant part of USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson's presentation today at the Outlook Forum.

Are you tracking trade issues? Follow Agri-Pulse for more in-depth coverage. Sign up for a four-week free trial now.

China is the largest destination for U.S. agricultural exports and the country's demand continues togrow for American soybeans, cotton, wheat and other commodities, Johansson said.

In (fiscal year) 2017 U.S. exports to China are projected at $22.3 billion, up more than $3 billion from 2016 and making it the top export market for U.S. agriculture, Johansson said.

The future is especially bright for Chinese imports of soybeans and cotton, he said, predictingthat China will be buying about 14 million bales of cotton from the U.S. annually 10years from now, a 9.6-million-bale increase from present sales.

I look forward to being an advocate for all agricultural exports in this new role. Im humbled by the prospect that a farm kid from Iowa could be chosen to represent our country in China.

#30

For more news, go to: http://www.Agri-Pulse.com

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Trump's China ambassador vows to make beef trade and biotechnology priorities - Agri-Pulse

Pfizer commits $4M to NC Biotechnology Center gene therapy … – WRAL Tech Wire

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Danzig

Posted Feb. 28, 2017 at 3:39 p.m.

Published: 2017-02-28 15:39:55 Updated: 2017-02-28 15:39:55

By JIM SHAMP, NCBiotech Writer

Raleigh, N.C. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has announced that Pfizer has committed to providing funding in the amount of $4 million which will enable the Center to establish and administer a multi-year academic fellowship program to help advance North Carolinas fast-growing expertise in gene therapy.

The new program, to be managed by NCBiotech, will support distinguished postdoctoral fellowships in North Carolina university research laboratories providing advanced scientific training in gene therapy-related research.

Absent or faulty proteins linked to genetic mutations cause numerous devastating diseases, making gene therapy an increasingly important treatment strategy.

Pfizers portfolio in North Carolina has grown in recent years. The company already operates a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Lee County community of Sanford, and in August 2016, it acquired leading-edge gene therapy company Bamboo Therapeutics, Inc. in Chapel Hill.

With that acquisition, Pfizer gained the expertise of Bamboos world-renowned co-founder, R. Jude Samulski, Ph.D., director of the Gene Therapy Centerat the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The deal also included an 11,000-square-foot facility for the highly specialized manufacturing of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors.

Pfizer is one of several biopharmaceutical companies that have added high-profile gene therapy acquisitions, and several partnerships with biotechnology companies and leading academic institutions, to its R&D portfolio. Numerous other North Carolina scientists and companies are also making significant inroads into gene therapy, gene editing and related applications, many with NCBiotech support. For example, Samulski was recruited to UNC in 1993 as part of a $430,000 NCBiotech grant. Additionally, Bamboos former parent company received more than $700,000 in Biotech Center grants and loans.

Gene therapy advances require specific skills in addition to deep scientific knowledge. The fellowship program being established with Pfizers funding aims to boost that talent pipeline, with talent that has already proven to be exceptional in North Carolina. Such funding will enable NCBiotech to provide two-year fellowship support to postdoctoral scientists. The funding will afford the Center the ability to cover salaries, benefits, materials, professional development and travel for such postdoctoral scientists. The Center will encourage competitive applications from scientists interested in establishing research careers in gene therapy and related research activities.

The Biotech Center will also create and manage a related gene therapy Exchange Group. It will join some 25 other exchange groups designed to unite North Carolina-based academic and industry scientists with shared professional interests. The Gene Therapy EG will include these new postdoctoral fellows, their mentors, and others interested in the burgeoning gene therapy sector.

The field of gene therapy research has made tremendous strides in recent years, and we are pleased to be able to further enhance our leadership position in this area through this unique fellowship program, said Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., president of worldwide research and development at Pfizer. We believe that gene therapy may hold the promise of bringing true disease modification for patients suffering from devastating diseases, and North Carolina is uniquely positioned to help us take advantage of collaborative opportunities that can develop the specialized talent well need.

Doug Edgeton, president and CEO of the Biotech Center, said he was deeply honored that Pfizer targeted North Carolina, and the Center, for the groundbreaking fellowship program.

Pfizer embraced the opportunity to work with us given weve proven for more than 30 years that we have the expertise and success metrics to maximize impact, said Edgeton. We not only have outstanding research institutions across our state, but we also have a well-respected culture of partnering and collaboration that allows us to be nimble and responsive. This is a wonderful example.

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Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) Pushes Higher on New Catalysts – The Oracle Dispatch

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Fredricko

Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) is a micro-cap biotech player that has been on the rise of late despite an avalanche of growing debt and no clear route to near term monetization. But such is the case quite often in this sector, even in the case of the best opportunities. GNBT stockis moving higher in recent days following a couple catalysts.

In the first case, the company announced a letter of intent for the acquisition of a controlling equity interest in Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments and therapies, primarily for rare and orphan disease. Initial product development efforts are focused on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder. In the second case, the company just announced that it has achieved the elimination of its outstanding derivative securities.

Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) trumpets itself as a company engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of drug delivery systems and technologies.

As the company states, Generex has developed a proprietary platform technology for the delivery of drugs into the human body through the oral cavity (with no deposit in the lungs). The Companys proprietary liquid formulations allow drugs typically administered by injection to be absorbed into the body by the lining of the inner mouth using the Companys proprietary RapidMist device. Antigen Express, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Generex.

The core platform technologies of Antigen Express comprise immunotherapeutic vaccines for the treatment of malignant, infectious, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Antigen Express has pioneered the use of specific CD4+ T-helper stimulation technologies in immunotherapy. One focuses on modification of peptides with Ii-Key to increase potency, while a second relies on inhibition of expression of the Ii protein. Antigen Express scientists, and others, have shown clearly that suppression of expression of the Ii protein in cancer cells allows for potent stimulation of T-helper cells and prevents the further growth of cancer cells.

According to company materials, Hema Diagnostic Systems, LLC (www.rapid123.com) is a rapidly growing biotechnology company involved in the development, manufacture, assembly, and distribution of diagnostics targeting primary as well as orphan infectious diseases. Hema Diagnostic Systems continues to expand its product line to meet the needs of the worldwide market. Point-of-Care test devices are made simple to use and are highly cost effective when incorporated into Hema Diagnostic Systems patented and patent pending delivery systems. The Rapid 1-2-3 Hema EXPRESS is a novel delivery system that is self-contained and easy to use.

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In thinking about the potential benefits of a controlling position in Emmaus, Dr. Yutaka Niihara, MD, MPH, Chairman and CEO of Emmaus and Executive Chairman of Generex commented: R&D efforts continue apace at Emmaus, as evidenced by these new patents securing our intellectual property portfolio. We are pleased to add diverticulosis and diabetes as prospective new indications for our PGLG product which we are currently developing for the treatment of SCD.

Joseph Moscato, Generex President & CEO, stated: I am gratified by the confidence Emmaus has expressed in Generex in providing this leeway to allow us to consummate the reorganization of our capital structure which will set the stage for our future successes.

That said, our sense is that the biggest catalyst in recent action may actually be the cap table move through undercutting the companys derivative liabilities.

As noted in the companys most recent release, the consequent reduction in the number of shares coming into the market and the termination of the attendant price protection provisions will unburden the Company. In addition, the elimination of the derivative liability will greatly improve the Companys balance sheet. Thus unencumbered, and with a reinvigorated management team and Board of Directors, the Company will proceed to execute its business plans and to attract value investors.

The chart shows just under 290% piled on for shareholders of the listing during the trailing month. Market participants may want to pay attention to GNBTstock. Generex has a track record that includes a number of dramatic bounces. Whats more, the company has witnessed a pop in interest, as transaction volume levels have recently pushed just shy of 410% above its longer run average levels. Since we last covered the name, the stock has moved 58% higher.

Now commanding a market cap of $15.8M, GNBT has virtually no cash on the books, which compares with a mountain of current liabilities, in excess of $9 million. One should also note that debt has been growing over recent quarters. The company is pre-revenue at this point. This may be a very interesting story and we will look forward to updating it again soon. For continuing coverage on shares of GNBT stock, as well as our other hot stock picks, sign up for our free newsletter today and get our next hot stock pick!

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Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) Pushes Higher on New Catalysts - The Oracle Dispatch

White Biotechnology Market Analysis By Product, By Application and … – Yahoo Finance

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Danzig

LONDON, Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The global white biotechnology market is expected to reach USD 487.08 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising awareness and emphasis for the adoption of greener and environment-friendly technologies in various end-use industries is expected to drive the market over the next eight years.

Biofuels accounted for over 35% of the market in terms of revenue on account of rising government regulations to include the product in combination with conventional energy sources including diesel and gasoline. Growing product use in the agricultural sector is likely to drive the demand over the next eight years.

Rising biodiesel demand as a raw material for the manufacturing of resins, and polymers will fuel industry growth over the forecast period. Volatility of crude oil prices is expected to encourage various manufacturers in the market to increase biofuel production over the next eight years which in turn will propel technology demand.

Increasing technology use in the manufacturing of various high-value products such as base chemicals, consumer chemicals and specialty chemicals is expected to positively impact industry growth. In addition, rising concerns regarding depletion of oil reserves and non-degradability of synthetic resources derived from oil are expected to boost the adoption of this technology in various regions particularly North America and Europe.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

Global white biotechnology market demand was 203.28 billion in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2016 to 2024.

The biofuels segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9% from 2016 to 2024. Advantages such as the ability to use directly in any unmodified diesel engine coupled with reduced particulate emissions are likely to fuel the growth of this industry over the next eight years.

Food and feed additives application are expected to register a CAGR of around 10% from 2016 to 2024 accounting for over 20% of the total revenue in 2015. Rising use of this technology in improving the texture, edibility and extending the shelf life of perishable food products is expected to drive the growth over the forecast period.

Biochemicals held the significant share, owing to its wide application scope in the chemical production process. Growing application scope of this technology on account of its use in efficient processing of chemicals is expected to drive the demand over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific accounted for a significant share of over 20% in 2015. The ready availability of biobased raw materials coupled with cheaper manufacturing costs is expected to fuel the growth. The region is also projected to witness a growth of over 8% from 2016 to 2024.

The industry is fragmented with a large number of major manufacturers present across the globe primarily in Europe and North America. Leading companies present in the global white biotechnology include DSM, Bayer, DSM, Evonik, Dow Chemicals, Henkel, BASF, DuPont, and LANXESS.

BASF is involved in manufacturing chemicals, performance products, plastics, oil & gas and crop protection products. The company has six business segments including plastics, gas exploration & production, chemicals, performance products, agricultural products and functional solutions. In March 2015, BASF along with eight other companies launched a project called PRODIAS (Processing Diluted Aqueous Systems) which focuses on optimizing various production processes for renewable products

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4230383/

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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/white-biotechnology-market-analysis-by-product-by-application-and-segment-forecasts-to-2024-300407371.html

Harry Boxer’s stocks to watch: biotechnology and technology … – MarketWatch

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Fredricko

Biotechnology and technology stocks are dominating our charts to watch this week, because they are displaying strong technical momentum.

Esperion Therapeutics Inc. ESPR, -1.79% is absolutely rocketing. The clinical-stage biopharma, which is focused on developing drugs that treat cardiovascular disease, popped 29% on Friday in response to good clinical news from Amgen AMGN, -0.39% regarding its own cardiovascular drug. The stock followed through on Monday and then again Tuesday, up $2.48, or 14%, to $20.14 on nearly 3.4 million shares traded. The stock pulled back toward the close, testing the bottom of its rising channel and resting in a tight wedge formation. This formation looks poised to break to the upside, with the next target at the channel top near $22.

Exelixis Inc. EXEL, +4.12% also had a strong session on Tuesday, up 54 cents, or 2.7%, to $20.57, on nearly 6.7 million shares traded. The cancer-drug companys stock needs to get through the rising trendline, near $21, connecting the most recent tops from September, December and January. The challenge beyond that would be the mid-channel line at around $22.75, a break through that could accelerate the stock into the high $20s.

Finisar Corp. FNSR, +2.89% edged above resistance on Tuesday, though closed slightly below it, up 76 cents, or 2.5%, to $30.89, on 2.7 million shares. The provider of optical subsystems for data communications recently traversed from the top of its price channel at around $37 in December to the bottom just above $27 on January 23, before rallying in the last two weeks. The stock did close above its 50-day moving average at $30.77 on Tuesday, and a break above current levels could get it to $33.25 next, followed by $35.50.

KEMET Corp. KEM, +2.99% has been in a steady rising channel since its breakout in November. The stock last week bounced off the channel bottom and rallied after the electronic-capacitor maker beat Wall Streets third-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts. The stock popped on Thursday and Friday, had an inside day on Monday (remaining inside the price range from Friday), and on Tuesday it had another solid day, up 17 cents, or 2.2%, to 7.81, on 652,900 shares traded. The stock looks like its about to take out the $7.90 area, and run up toward the channel top in the $9-$9.75 area.

See Harrys video chart analysis on these and other stocks.

The writer has no investments in the stocks mentioned in this column.

Harry Boxer is the founder of TheTechTrader.com, a live trading room featuring his stock picks, technical market analysis and live chart presentations.

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Harry Boxer's stocks to watch: biotechnology and technology ... - MarketWatch

IBB: Merck Joins The Drug Pricing Coalition For Transparency – Seeking Alpha

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Fredricko

Introduction

Although the political uncertainty has abated, Donald Trump has been able to single handily influence the movement of specific stocks [i.e. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Ford (NYSE:F), Boeing (NYSE:BA) and others] and sectors (i.e. automotive, biotechnology, defense and healthcare). The overall healthcare sector has become volatile on the heels of any statement or tweet from Donald Trump. Case in point, Trump recently held a press conference and stated his stance with regard to the pharmaceutical industry and more specifically drug pricing. Trump stated that drug companies are "getting away with murder" when speaking to the drug pricing issue that has taken the spotlight. These remarks immediately resulted in a broad sell-off across the entire biotech cohort. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBB) shed more than 2.5% or $7 per share as these comments were heard during the live broadcast. The healthcare sector has been faced with a political backdrop that's put the entire industry on edge. The overall healthcare umbrella has become sensitive to any tweet from President Trump as he vows to bring down drug prices. As he pursues his agenda against drug pricing, much of these threats may have already been priced-in as seen in many healthcare related stocks [i.e. McKesson (NYSE:MCK), CVS (NYSE:CVS), AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) and Allergan (NYSE:AGN)] that have seen sharp and sustained sell-offs. Lately, many large-cap pharma companies have create a drug pricing coalition of sorts to reign in transparency, separate themselves from a few bad actors and get out in front of Trump's crusade against the drug companies.

Figure 1 - IBB price activity over the previous 6 months with pronounced volatility that coincide with political rhetoric against drug pricing

Merck Joins Drug Pricing Coalition

Big pharma companies are joining forces as of late to address the price increases that the public and governmental officials have been demanding. Allergan, J&J (NYSE:JNJ), Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) and AbbVie have committed to limiting any annual drug pricing increases to less than 10%. J&J went further stating that they will be publishing an annual report regarding its portfolio and the price increases they've implemented. AbbVie released data on its increases as well stating that Humira was increased by 8.4% with an only once annual increase moving forward. Merck (NYSE:MRK) becomes the latest pharma to join this drug pricing transparency coalition. Merck raised list prices by an average of 9.6% with an average net price increase of 5.5%

M&A and Repatriation Catalysts

The M&A activity has heated up as of late with J&J and McKesson making a big splash with acquisitions of Actelion and CoverMyMeds, respectively. Johnson & Johnson made an all-cash offer of $30 billion to acquire Swiss drug maker Actelion. This acquisition was approved unanimously by the boards of both companies and valuing the transaction at $280 per share, payable in U.S. dollars. This acquisition will be financed by cash held outside the U.S. while Actelion shares spiked 20% on the news. The drug discovery operations of Actelion will be spun off as a standalone company, termed R&D NewCo. Johnson & Johnson will own a 16% stake in the newly formed company with rights to an additional 16% ownership equity via a convertible note. McKesson reached an agreement to acquire privately-held healthcare IT company CoverMyMeds for $1.1 billion in an effort to strengthen its technology offerings to pharmaceutical manufactures, clinicians and payers. In addition to the latest moves, Pfizer's acquisition of Medivation for $14 billion, Allergan's acquisition of Tobira for $1.7 billion and J&J's acquisition of Abbott's Medical Optics unit for $4.3 billion. Recently, Ariad (NASDAQ:ARIA) Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceuticals for $5.2 billion.

As campaign promises of repatriation of overseas assets and decreases in corporate taxes come to fruition, this could serve as a catalyst for M&A. These events taken in conjunction with chronically depressed valuations of many companies may accelerate M&A within the sector. The governmental stance on M&A activity may loosen up with the new administration while its pro-business agenda. Potential repatriation of overseas assets, decreases in corporate taxes and the loosening of M&A push back may bode well for the industry in the intermediate term. As the cohort remains suppressed, many prospective buyout candidates become more financially appealing to the acquirer due to beaten down valuations in concert with the maturity of pipelines coming into play. As this acquisition activity heats up, be on the lookout for stocks that have been rumored as takeover targets to heat up and possibly take IBB along for the ride.

Summary

As Donald Trump pursues his crusade against drug pricing, much of these threats may have already been priced-in as seen in many healthcare related stocks that have seen sharp and sustained sell-offs that have now leveled off. President Trump may be up against a formidable challenge with the formation of this new coalition on drug pricing transparency within large pharma. As transparency and responsible drug price increases enter the market, reigning in these costs may be more challenging when countered with this coalition and its vow to limit drug price increases. If this debate can be stymied by the coalition and largely put behind the industry, this cohort will likely rise. Potential M&A activity and a favorable repatriation environment can further support this sector. Collectively, all these potential events bode well for the sector and as IBB attempts to break through the $300 barrier be on the lookout for these events in propelling the index higher.

Disclosure: I am/we are long IBB.

I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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IBB: Merck Joins The Drug Pricing Coalition For Transparency - Seeking Alpha

Why Cellect Biotechnology Ltd Shares Skyrocketed Higher Today – Fox Business

Posted on February 9, 2017 by ev1

What happened

Cellect Biotechnology (NASDAQ: APOP) stock is up nearly 30% at 12:06 p.m. EST after the company announced that it treated the first patient in the biotech's phase 1/2 trial, dubbed ApoGraft01, testing its stem cell technology ApoGraft in patients with blood cancer.

Treating the first patient shouldn't have come as much of a surprise to investors. In November, the company said the Israeli Ministry of Health had given its approval to begin the trial. Perhaps investors are just really happy that the trial is finally starting. Also keep in mind that Cellect Biotechnology has a fairly low market cap, so the relative increase in valuation wasn't that much.

Image source: Getty Images.

Cellect Biotechnology's ApoGraft attempts to better select stem cells to help prevent graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), which occurs in 25% to 50% of recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. GvHD happens when the donated stem cells produce immune cells that start mistakenly attacking the patients' normal cells because they see it as foreign. GvHD leads to 15% of the deaths that occur after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

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ApoGraft01 will enroll 12 patients, so it shouldn't take too long for Cellect Biotechnology to fully enroll the trial. Before data from that trial reads out, investors will get results from a trial testing ApoGraft in healthy volunteers by the end of the first quarter.

While Cellect Biotechnology is progressing, investors should proceed with caution given the biotech's precarious capital situation. At the end of September, Cellect Biotechnology had just $9.4 million in cash and cash equivalents on the books. The company may be able to raise additional capital, but most biotechs raise capital through secondary offerings, diluting shareholders' equity in the process.

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Why Cellect Biotechnology Ltd Shares Skyrocketed Higher Today - Fox Business

Cellaria Forms Strategic Partnership with AMS Biotechnology … – EconoTimes

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Danzig

Thursday, February 9, 2017 5:11 PM UTC

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 09, 2017 -- Cellaria, LLC, a scientific innovator that develops revolutionary new patient-specific cancer models for challenging tumors, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership withAMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO). As part of the agreement, AMSBIO will distribute, market and sell Cellaria cell models and culture media throughoutEurope.The partnership enables Cellaria to better meet growing demand for its products outside the US.

Cellaria's unique patient-specific cell models and cell culture media products expand the current offering AMSBIO has for physiologically relevant cell culture products for drug discovery and other life science applications. Late in 2016, Cellaria announced the availability of new models for High Grade Serous and Endometriod Ovarian Cancer and an ER-positive breast model.

AMSBIOis a premier provider of quality life science research reagents and services helping customers develop innovative methods, processes, products and medicines. As a leading provider of scaffolds, matrices, kits and proteins for growing and screening spheroids and organoids, AMSBIO has contributed totheaccelerationof discovery programs in medical research.

Alex Sim, managing director at AMSBIO said, "The new partnership with Cellaria expands our existing portfolio by introducing patient-derived cancer models;allowing customers to conduct research and drug discoveryinitiatives to advanceprecision medicine.

"The unique value of our patient-specific cell models makesAMSBIOan ideal partner for Cellaria," said David Deems, chief executive officer at Cellaria. "Our products will expand theAMSBIOcancer product portfolio, and their technical expertise will enable them to support Cellaria's customers throughout Europe."

About Cellaria

Cellaria creates breakthrough oncology models that reflect the unique nature and complexity of a tumor. Using these informative models, cancer researchers are better able to select promising compounds and work towards personalized approaches that would enable physicians to identify the most effective treatment for each patient's needs. Cellaria's innovative products help lead the research community to more personalized therapeutics, revolutionizing and accelerating the search for a cancer cure. For more information, visitwww.cellariabio.comor to learn more about our cell models.

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Cellaria Forms Strategic Partnership with AMS Biotechnology ... - EconoTimes

Science & Technology, Biotechnology & Genetics Jobs in All …

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Danzig

Listed two days ago2d ago

at APFG Management Pty Ltd

This is a Full Time job

Sunpork Farms South, based in South Australia is a part of the SunPork Group of companies, and the second largest pork production company in Australia

at CSIRO

This is a Full Time job

Undertake bioinformatics research and develop computational tools to assist genome editing applications

at Meat & Livestock Australia

This is a Full Time job

Based in Armidale, we are looking a motivated manager to lead a small team to manage the development and continuously improvement of sheep genetics.

at Department of Economic Development, Jobs , Transport and Resources

This is a Full Time job

Facilitate genetic gain in the sheep and dairy industries

at Austcorp Executive

This is a Full Time job

Unique opportunity! Apply TODAY. Interviewing this week!

at CSIRO

This is a Full Time job

Develop and lead projects in livestock genomics, and with a particular emphasis in tropical and subtropical environments of Australia

at Thermo Fisher Scientific

This is a Full Time job

Support our range of genetic analysis technologies including qPCR, Next Generation Sequencing and Microarrays

at Advantage Professional

This is a Full Time job

A unique opportunity for an experienced professional in product development and regulatory affairs of agrochemicals.

at Advantage Professional

This is a Full Time job

A unique opportunity for an experienced professional in product development and regulatory affairs of agrochemicals.

at Checkside

This is a Full Time job

Lead the Company (including the intended ASX listing process), identify market opportunities, commercialise the technology and grow business globaly

at University of Queensland

This is a Full Time job

Contribute to the development of solutions for eResearch and computational biology projects in a fast moving research environment.

at University of Queensland

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Provide expertise in the analysis of omics data such as genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in a fast moving research

at University of Queensland

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Stimulating management and scientific role in a fast moving research environment.

at Sirtex Technology Pty Ltd

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Australian owned global company | 12 month-Fixed Term Contract | Friendly work environment

at Reproductive Health Science Ltd

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Reproductive Health Science Ltd is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated person with 5+ years experience leading a team of scientists.

at CSL Limited

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Assist Senior Research Scientists, you will apply your knowledge of mammalian tissue culture, recombinant protein expression & cell line development

at Employment Office

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Are you a Scientist seeking a varied & interesting position? This is the role for you! Enjoy a supportive environment, w great career progression opps

at On Q Recruitment Pty Ltd

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2IC - Lead, direct and manage the development and supply of pharma products for human clinical trials - proactive company - unique tech platform

at ERA

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Unique opportunity in Brisbane for science graduate to work in business development.

at University of Queensland

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The University of Queensland is seeking a Research Fellow with experience in the area of public health for an exciting new project.

Registration Now Open for the 14th Annual BIO World Congress on … – Business Wire (press release)

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Fredricko

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) announcedregistrationandhousingare now openfor the2017 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology. The conference will be held July 23-26, 2017 at the Palais des congrs de Montral in Montral, Canada.

Now in its 14th year, BIO continues to bring new and exciting features to its annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, stated Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President, Industrial and Environmental at BIO.Two new tracks-Flavors, Fragrances and Food Ingredients and Agricultural Crop Technologies and Biomass Supply-have been added to this years programming to represent the extended value chain of industrial biotechnology. Additionally, BIO brought The World Congress back to Montral so attendees from all over the world can gather and meet in one international location to make those important industry connections.

BIOs World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology is the worlds largest industrial biotechnology conference that brings together from across the globe business leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in the biofuels, biobased products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and biomass sectors. Industrial and environmental biotechnology is at the forefront of the biobased economy, generating good-paying jobs and making cleaner products and processes.

In 2016, the BIOWorld Congress on Industrial Biotechnologydrew around 907 industry leaders from 529 companies, 32 countries and 31 states, as well as the District of Columbia and hosted a record1,961 partnering meetings.

All programs at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology are open to attendance by members of the media. Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters working full time for print, broadcast or web publications with valid press credentials. For more information and to register, please visithttps://www.bio.org/events/conferences/world-congress-media

For more information on the conference please visithttp://www.bio.org/worldcongress. For assistance, please contactworldcongress@bio.org.

About BIO

BIO is the world's largest trade association representing 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 theBIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.BIOtechNOWis BIO's blog chronicling innovations transforming our world and the BIO Newsletter is the organizations bi-weekly email newsletter.Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO CEO & Investor Conference February 13-14, 2017 New York, NY

BIO Asia International Conference March 14-15, 2017 Tokyo, Japan

BIO-Europe Spring Conference March 20-22, 2017 Barcelona, Spain

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Registration Now Open for the 14th Annual BIO World Congress on ... - Business Wire (press release)

Biotechnology | National Student Leadership Conference

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Fredricko

Find solutions for a better world at the NSLC on Biotechnology. ';

The National Student Leadership Conference has a unique partnership with American University to offer college credit for our high school summer programs. The American University is distinguished as a premier global university and known for turning ideas into action and action into service. As a result of this NSLC/AU alliance, students attending the NSLCs summer programs for high school students have the opportunity to take college credit classes taught by American University faculty at all NSLC locations. This credit option enhances your education within the framework of your program experience, without interrupting NSLC activities.

Read more about earning college credit through your NSLC program.

Visit research labs Learn from scientists, doctors and engineers working in advanced research labs during exclusive hands-on tours.

Hands-on experiments Learn the basics of DNA manipulation during intensive biotech experiments.

Explore cutting-edge technologies used in the fields of medicine, energy production, agriculture, and bioengineering.

Summer 2017 Dates & Locations will be available in mid-October. Please check back then or use the links above to request an NSLC brochure.

While at the NSLC, you will have the opportunity to step into the lab and learn hands-on the skills used in the field of biotechnology to manipulate DNA and create products like better medicines and cleaner fuels.

Lab experiences will include:

While at the NSLC on Biotechnology program, you will meet with and learn from leaders in the biotechnology field. In past years, guest speakers have included:

Dr. Francis S. Collins Director, National Institutes of Health

Dr. Ben Busby Computational Biology Branch, National Center for Biotechnology Information

Dr. Eric D. Green Director, National Human Genome Research Institute (NIH)

Dean Stephen Carr Associate Dean of Undergraduate Engineering, Northwestern University

Dr. Jon R. Lorsch Director, National Insitute of General Medical Sciences

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH)

An important part of the NSLCs Biotechnology youth leadership program is seeing the sites around some of our nations greatest cities. These trips are designed as both sightseeing tours and exclusive educational trips specifically tailored to the area of Biotechnology:

At the heart of each of our youth leadership programs is a curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. From the beginning of your program you will learn to work as a team during an exciting Ropes Challenge Course. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

Leadership topics tailored to the Biotechnology program include:

Tuition

Scholarships

Fundraising

Tuition

Your NSLC tuition is all-inclusive. Your tuition covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation throughout your program.

Learn More...

Program tuition is all-inclusive. It covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation in air-conditioned motor coaches throughout the program. Each student is responsible for the cost of travel to and from the program as well as individual spending money.

Cancellation Fees and Refund Policy All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable). The following cancellation fees apply to all NSLC enrollments:

NSLC will refund all funds minus the cancellation fee listed above. No refunds will be given after May 16th, 2016. Student Protection Plan fees for accepted students are non-refundable.

Instead of cancelling, you may elect to apply your total payments toward a program next year. If so, you will be enrolled in our 2017 Pre-Registration and sent an email in the fall of 2016 to select the program/session you wish to attend. Note: If you choose to cancel your enrollment and not attend a 2017 program, the cancellation fees above will still apply.

Note: If an application is rejected or if space in the program is not available, all deposits/payments will be refunded in full.

Scholarships

We offer a comprehensive scholarship program to assist qualified students with the cost of NSLC tuition, based on financial need, academic merit and extracurriculars.

Apply Now...

Fundraising

Fundraising is a great way to raise funds to contribute toward your NSLC program tuition while also forging relationships with leaders in your community.

Learn More...

Biotechnology – Science and Research

Posted on September 26, 2016 by ev1

The world has witnessed extraordinary advances in science over the last few decades. Biotechnology - one such area of growth - is a term covering a broad range of scientific activities used in many sectors, such as food, health and agriculture. It involves the use of living organisms or parts of living organisms to provide new methods of production and the making of new products.

Biotechnology (also commonly referred to as the life sciences, genetic modification or engineering and genomics) is presenting us with new knowledge, products and methods such as:

Like any new technology there are potential benefits and risks. Health Canada is dedicated to following all aspects of the evolution of this technology in particular assessing the benefits and risks in order to help Canadians maintain and improve their health.

This section outlines Health Canada's role and responsibilities, as well as the department's first-rate regulatory system and the products it regulates. In addition, you will learn about our current biotechnology-related research activities that are aimed at generating new knowledge and developing new ways to evaluate, assess and monitor products. Visit us regularly, as new material and resources will be added in our ongoing effort to provide you with the most current and useful information.

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Biotechnology - Science and Research

Biotechnology A.S. Degree

Posted on October 27, 2016 by ev1

Program Goal:The biotechnology program is designed to prepare students for employment as technicians who will work in a laboratory or industrial setting. Biotechnology is a wide-ranging field encompassing: DNA/RNA and protein isolation, characterization, and sequencing; cell culture; genetic modification of organisms; toxicology; vaccine sterility testing; antibody isolation and production; and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. This hands-on program is designed to meet local, statewide, and national need for laboratory technicians. Graduates are thoroughly grounded in basic laboratory skills and trained in advanced molecular biology techniques. Students are acclimated to both research and industrial environments. The program emphasizes laboratory-based, universal, and scalable technical skills resulting in a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the methodology.

Program Entrance Requirements: To be admitted into the biotechnology Degree Program, a student must have,

Achieved a level of English and reading proficiency which qualifies the student for entry into ENC 1101 or higher as demonstrated by the standard placement criteria currently in use at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF)

Achieved a level ofmathematics proficiency which qualifies the student for entry into MAC 1105 or higher as demonstrated by the standard placement criteria currently in use at SCF

Achieved a level of chemistry and biological content proficiency equivalent to that covered in CHM 1025C and BSC 1007C as demonstrated by the standard placement criteria currently in use at SCF

Suggested course of study:

College Algebra

MAC 1105

Total Hours

Social and

Behavioral

Sciences

Must be an area III

Socialor Behavioral Science.

Total Hours

Follow this link:
Biotechnology A.S. Degree

Sofinnova Partners Announces the Promotion of Michael Krel to Partner of Industrial Biotechnology Team – Yahoo Finance

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Danzig

Sofinnova Partners, a leading European venture capital firm based in Paris, London and Milan and specialized in Life Sciences, announced today the promotion of Michael Krel, PhD, to Partner of the Industrial Biotechnology team. Mr. Krel previously served as Principal on the team, where he focused on early-stage deals in Europe and North America.

"This promotion recognizes Michaels excellent skills in the field of industrial biotech, and also reinforces the leading role that Sofinnova Partners is playing in this emerging sector," said Denis Lucquin, Managing Partner of Sofinnova Partners. "We look forward to working with Michael in his new role, and to the continued value his experience and deep subject area expertise bring to our pioneering work in this space."

Mr. Krel said, "It has been a privilege to serve the firm, and to help pioneer its development in Industrial Biotech. I look forward to continuing our work in this important area, and to the potential impact these investments will have globally."

Sofinnova Partners Industrial Biotech franchise is dedicated to start-ups with a specific emphasis on synthetic biology, food, feed, agriculture, materials and chemicals, and represents more than 200 M under management.

Mr. Krel joined Sofinnova Partners as a Senior Associate in 2013 and has been involved in the venture capital firms investment activities in industrial biotech since then. Mr. Krel is an observer on the board of Comet Bio and a board member of EnobraQ and Afyren.

Prior to joining Sofinnova Partners, Michael spent six years in industrial biotech start-ups, holding business development positions. Additionally, Michael was a consultant focused on R&D strategic and organizational issues.

Mr. Krel has a graduate degree in engineering from Ecole Polytechnique and holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Paris X Orsay University.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm specialized in Life Sciences. Based in Paris, France, with offices in London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of 40 professionals from all over Europe, the U.S. and Asia. The firm focuses on paradigm-shifting technologies alongside visionary entrepreneurs. Sofinnova Partners invests across the Life Sciences value chain as a lead or cornerstone investor, from very early-stage opportunities to late-stage/public companies. It has backed nearly 500 companies over more than 45 years, creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2 billion under management.

For more information, please visit: http://www.sofinnovapartners.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200114005847/en/

Contacts

Press: Media: Kate BarretteRooneyPartners LLC+1 212 223 0561kbarrette@rooneyco.com

France Anne ReinS&I+33 6 03 35 92 05anne.rein@strategiesimage.com

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Sofinnova Partners Announces the Promotion of Michael Krel to Partner of Industrial Biotechnology Team - Yahoo Finance

America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies Working Around the Clock to Beat Coronavirus – BioSpace

Posted on March 21, 2020 by Danzig

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) underscored the industry's commitmentto finding solutions to prevent, diagnose and treat those with COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus. The decades-long investments biopharmaceutical companies have made in new technologies, research and treatments have prepared the industry to act swiftly to respond to the public health crisis.

America's biopharmaceutical companies are working around the clock to:

"I'm confident our industry will achieve its shared goal to beat coronavirus, and our commitment underscores how we are uniquely positioned to do so," said Stephen J. Ubl, president and chief executive officer of PhRMA. "We have deep scientific knowledge gained from decades of experience with similar viruses; the industry has invested billions in technologies that have dramatically shortened the time it takes to decode viruses and develop a potential vaccine; and our companies alone have the ability to manufacture and broadly disseminate vaccines or treatments."

"Researchers at America's biopharmaceutical companies are working around the clock to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus and deliver treatments to those impacted by this deadly disease," said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. "Today, we renew our commitment as an industry to help those in need, protect our workforce and ensure any treatments we develop in response to this pandemic are accessible and affordable for everyone. These are the principles that always guide our industry, and they serve as the foundation for our response to this global health crisis."

America's biopharmaceutical companies are working in close collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders in the quest to beat coronavirus. Everyone has a unique role to play and we are confident that together we can succeed.

View the industry's print ad about our commitment to beat coronavirus here.

View the industry's commitment to beat coronavirus here.

Learn more at PhRMA.org/coronavirusand bio.org/coronavirus.

About PhRMA The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $900 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $79.6 billion in 2018 alone.

About BIO BIO is the world's largest trade association representing 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 theBIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-biopharmaceutical-companies-working-around-the-clock-to-beat-coronavirus-301027591.html

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

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America's Biopharmaceutical Companies Working Around the Clock to Beat Coronavirus - BioSpace

High Growth Industry Profile – Biotechnology

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Danzig

Recruitment and Retention

To succeed and grow in the 21st century economy, biotechnology employers need to fill each position in their companies - from entry-level to the most advanced - with qualified and skilled individuals. Because the industry is experiencing such rapid growth, biotechnology firms often demand more skilled workers than are available and are projected to need more workers than are currently enrolled in training programs.

Skills Competencies and Training

While there may be instances where locally industry-driven career ladders and competency models exist, there is a challenge with the lack of nationally-recognized articulated skills competencies and career ladders as well as sources of training. However, the biotechnology industry's challenges in this area are complicated by the rapidly changing environment in which the industry operates. Advances in the underlying sciences have a continuous effect on the technology and processes used by the biotechnology industry; making it necessary for employees working in the industry to upgrade their skills to maintain productivity.

Image and Outreach to the Public

There is a need for clear information about career options within the biotechnology industry geared towards youth, educators and job seekers for career exploration and recruitment activities. Currently this lack of available information results in a disconnect between these groups and presents a challenge for the industry because the lack of definition and outreach limits the number of people who consider the biotechnology field to be a viable career option.

(Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Survey of the Use of Biotechnology in U.S. Industry and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2006-07 Career Guide to Industries)

In June 2003, ETA announced the High Growth Job Training Initiative to engage businesses with local education providers and the local/regional workforce investment system to find solutions that address changing talent development needs in various industries.

In October 2005, the Community-Based Job Training Grants were announced to improve the role of community colleges in providing affordable, flexible and accessible education for the nation's workforce.

ETA is investing more than $260 million in 26 different regions across the United States in support of the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) Initiative. Through WIRED, local leaders design and implement strategic approaches to regional economic development and job growth. WIRED focuses on catalyzing the creation of high skill, high wage opportunities for American workers through an integrated approach to economic and talent development.

These initiatives reinforce ETA's commitment to transform the workforce system through engaging business, education, state and local governments and other federal agencies with the goal of creating a skilled workforce to meet the dynamic needs of today's economy.

ETA has invested $33,985,520 in the biotechnology industry. This includes 16 High Growth Job Training Initiative grants totaling $22,921,599 and seven Community-Based Job Training Grants totaling $11,063,921. Leveraged resources from all of the grantees total $23,847,037.

For additional background information about the industry and details on the grants, information about employment and training opportunities and workforce development tools for employers, educators and workforce professionals, please visit: http://www.doleta.gov/business/, http://www.careeronestop.org, and http://www.workforce3one.org.

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High Growth Industry Profile - Biotechnology

Cyrus Biotechnology and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Launch Multi-Target Collaboration to Develop Optimized CRISPR Gene Editing Technology -…

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Danzig

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have embarked on a scientific collaboration to optimize CRISPR for use in developing novel human therapeutics.

CRISPR allows for the highly specific and rapid modification of DNA in a genome, which can dramatically accelerate the drug discovery process.

Feng Zhang will be the principal investigator for the Broad for the collaboration. He is also an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Together, researchers from Cyrus and Broad will work together to mitigate the possibility of the body mounting an immune response against CRISPR. The teams are committed to making the results of their collaboration broadly available for research to help ensure that therapeutic development bringing this technology to the clinic has the best chance of success, while also considering important ethical and safety concerns. The teams have also committed to publishing their results in peer reviewed journals and to make this work freely available to the non-profit and academic scientific community.

Issi Rozen, chief business officer at the Broad Institute, said, Broad researchers and their collaborators have pioneered the development and sharing of new genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, which are revolutionizing and accelerating nearly every aspect of disease research and drug discovery around the world. With this collaboration, scientists will continue to improve the technology towards new tools and therapeutics, important to benefiting patients in the long term.

Cyrus CEO Dr. Lucas Nivn added, We have validated our computational deimmunization platform in a variety of systems, and now seek to apply it where it can make a major impact. Given the extensive therapeutic possibilities of CRISPR systems, and the leading position the Broad Institute and Dr. Zhang hold, we are very excited to work in partnership with them to make these molecules more amenable for use in humans with maximal efficacy and minimal side effects.

Cyrus provides commercial and partnered access to Rosetta, which is the worlds leading protein modeling and design software platform. Rosetta has been used to direct the computational design of multiple biologic molecules that have advanced to both pre-clinical and clinical development. Among these are drugs being developed by companies including PVP Biologics, Tocagen, Lyell and others.

About Cyrus Biotechnology

Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc. is a privately-held Seattle-based biotechnology software company offering software and partnerships for protein engineering to accelerate discovery of biologics and small molecules for the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Consumer Products and Synthetic Biology industries. Cyrus methods are based on the Rosetta software from Prof. David Bakers laboratory at the University of Washington and HHMI, the most powerful protein engineering software available. Cyrus customers include 13 of the top 20 Global Pharmaceutical firms and is financed by leading investors in both Technology and Biotechnology, including Trinity Ventures, Orbimed, Springrock Ventures, Alexandria Venture Investments, and W Fund.

Home

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Cyrus Biotechnology and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Launch Multi-Target Collaboration to Develop Optimized CRISPR Gene Editing Technology -...

BioTechnology Careers – www.biotechinstitute.org

Posted on December 14, 2017 by ev1

When most people think of opportunities for careers in biotechnology, they think of a scientist in a white coat in a laboratory developing drugs to improve the quality of life. However, biotechnology has a wide variety of career opportunities ranging from sales and marketing, to research and development, to manufacturing and quality control and assurance.

The biotechnology industry continues to flourish nationwide. Not only are the total number of biotechnology companies increasing, but employment in the biotechnology field continues to grow as well.

Biotechnology in the United States is a dynamic industry so there are many opportunities for employment. Below are some links to job listings and information about careers in the biotech field.

Featured site: The Biotech Career Center

ActionBioScience.orgAmerica's Job BankAmerican Society of Plant BiologistsAmerican Society for MicrobiologyBioJobBlogBioJobNetBiocomInstituteBioSpaceBiotechnology Jobs, Seattle, WAChemistry.orgLifeWorksMedzillaNASA -Exploring Careers @ NASANature JobsNIH CareersPharma opportunities Biotech JobsScience JobsTiny Tech JobsVaultWet Feet

If you are an employer and would like your company's employment page linked to our site, please call the Institute at 202.312.9292 or e-mail info@biotechinstitute.org.

The biotechnology industry is constantly growing; during the past 10 years the number of employees has increased by more than 90 percent! If you enjoy science, math, technology, investigating and solving problems, and making useful products, a career in biotechnology may be for you. To begin to prepare for a career in biotechnology, here are several steps to consider that may be helpful.

Education and training requirements for positions in the biotechnology industry vary greatly depending on the type of position, the size of the company, and the industry sector.

Historically, the biotechnology industry has needed intellectual talent at the master's degree and doctoral levels, but the growth of the industry has caused a shift in the types of workers needed to fill critical skill gaps. The education needed for scientific positions ranges from an Associate's Degree to a Doctoral degree, with many community colleges now offering curricula to train biotechnology technicians.

Additionally, there are many other occupations within biotechnology such as: quality control, quality assurance, information technology, human resources, facilities, and infrastructure maintenance and manufacturing.

While many positions in quality control and assurance, as well as information technology, human resources, and manufacturing do require four-year degrees, a significant and growing number of positions now require two-year degrees or less. Manufacturing positions for example, require only a high school degree and training.

Most importantly, make sure to be well-rounded in all subject areas. Although scientific knowledge is important, people entering biotechnology careers need basic skills such as computer use, effective written and verbal communication, and math ability.

Make contacts and network in the biotechnology field. Talk to professionals. Be familiar with state and national biotech organizations and professional groups. Join the Biotechnology Institute forums and connect with our social media communities. Gain experience in the industry through work-based learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops, work study, and job shadowing.

Be aware of developments in the field. Research on the web, and read newspapers, trade journals, and technical magazines as well as our industry and research news feed on the homepage.

The biotechnology industry is constantly growing. During the past 10 years, the number of employees has increased by more than 90 percent! If you enjoy science, math, technology, investigating and solving problems, and making useful products, a career in biotechnology may be for you!

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BioTechnology Careers - http://www.biotechinstitute.org

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