Wake Forest Schools of Business Biotechnology Case Competition Winners Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About LifeScan

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

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

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

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Wake Forest Schools of Business Biotechnology Case Competition Winners Announced

Budget cuts force lay-offs at UN biotechnology centre

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

ICGEB

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austerity measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Budget cuts force lay-offs at UN biotechnology centre

Intnl. Biotechnology – Interim Results

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GREENE KING PLC

28 April 2006

NOTICE

To the Stockholders of the outstanding

£25,000,000 7.75 per cent. Stock due 2027

issued by Greene King (Other OTC: GRKGF.PK - news) plc (the "Company")

Announcement of passing of Extraordinary Resolution

This announcement is made by the Company in respect of the Proposal set out in the Consent Solicitation Memorandum dated 4 April 2006 (the "Memorandum"). Terms and expressions defined in the Memorandum have the same meaning in this announcement.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the Stockholders of £25,000,000 7.75 per cent. Stock due 2027 (the "Stock") that, at the Meeting of such Stockholders held at the offices of Linklaters, One Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8HQ on 27 April 2006 at 3.00 p.m. (London time), the Extraordinary Resolution set out in the Notice of Meeting previously notified to the Stockholders in accordance with the terms of the Trust Deed for such Stock was duly passed.

Important Notice

No offer or invitation to acquire or exchange any securities or proposals to the Stockholders is being made pursuant to this notice. Any such offer, invitation or proposals are only being made in the Memorandum and any such acquisition or exchange or acceptance of such proposals should be made solely on the basis of information contained in the Memorandum.

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Intnl. Biotechnology - Interim Results

BioNJ Diagnostics & Personalized Medicine Innovation Summit and Funding Roundtable Taking Place at Princeton University

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TRENTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioNJ, the trade association for New Jersey’s biotechnology industry, will host its biggest and most interactive event to date for companies involved in diagnostics and personalized medicine on March 14, 2012 at Princeton University. The BioNJ Diagnostics & Personalized Medicine Innovation Summit and Funding Roundtable, part of BioNJ’s ongoing Diagnostics & Personalized Medicine Initiative, will bring together leaders from major global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, diagnostics companies and emerging “innovator” companies for a half-day, interactive summit meeting.

The focus of this half-day summit is to help participants identify opportunities for partnership, funding and growth while updating them on the latest trends, developments and challenges in the evolution and adoption of personalized medicine. All companies and individuals with an interest in diagnostics and personalized medicine are welcome to attend this event. The Summit will include company presentations and opportunities for one-on-one communication and interaction between leading global pharmaceutical companies, emerging diagnostics companies, funding organizations and life sciences company business development professionals.

“This event promises to be truly unique for those who attend,” said Debbie Hart, President of BioNJ. “Not only have we confirmed first-class speakers from all key constituencies involved with diagnostics and personalized medicine, we will also create opportunities for global life science leaders, smaller innovators and members of the investment community to network and establish partnerships that will advance the development and utilization of personalized medicine worldwide.”

Speaking at the Summit will be leaders from the global investment community, global life sciences companies and academia:

G. Steven Burrill
Chief Executive Officer, Burrill & Company

Joseph P. Hammang, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Worldwide Science Policy, Pfizer Inc.

Paul Kildal-Brandt
Global Alliance Leader, Janssen Diagnostics

Aydogan Ozcan, Ph.D.
The Scientist's Top Innovation Award Winner of 2011
Associate Professor, UCLA
Electrical Engineering & Bioengineering Department

The BioNJ Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine Committee, which created the BioNJ Diagnostics & Personalized Medicine Innovation Summit and Funding Roundtable, is also planning additional events focusing on diagnostics and personalized medicine, and will be announcing details for future events on its website.

“The increasing interest in diagnostics and personalized medicine, and its potential to transform medicine, is clear from the participation in the events that the BioNJ Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine Committee has offered so far,” said Steve Carchedi, Committee Co-Chair, Chief Marketing Officer, Medical Diagnostics, GE Healthcare. “The BioNJ Diagnostics & Personalized Medicine Innovation Summit and Funding Roundtable will be our biggest event ever, and I encourage anyone with an interest in diagnostics and personalized medicine to join us on March 14th at Princeton University,” he added.

About the BioNJ Diagnostics Committee

The BioNJ Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine Committee was created to advance personalized medicine through diagnostics by identifying and supporting partnerships with industry, academic, government and investors in the State of New Jersey.

The goal of the committee is to define and accelerate new areas of diagnostics, such as in vivo and in vitro tests, biomarkers, imaging, information systems and other innovative technologies.

About BioNJ

With more than 300 member companies, BioNJ is singularly focused on the growth and prosperity of New Jersey’s biotechnology cluster. Founded in 1994 by New Jersey industry CEOs, BioNJ serves as the voice of biotechnology companies located in New Jersey, seeks to advance their economic growth and development and works to encourage new and established companies from around the world to locate to New Jersey. BioNJ represents companies engaged in biopharmaceutical, biomedical, bioagricultural and bioremedial endeavors.

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BioNJ Diagnostics & Personalized Medicine Innovation Summit and Funding Roundtable Taking Place at Princeton University

Functional expression and characterization of five wax ester synthases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and their utility for biodiesel production

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

Investor Optimism in Biotech Skyrockets – Cardium Therapeutics and Oncothyreon on the Upswing

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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -02/23/12)- Biotechnology stocks have performed well of late as companies from across the globe earn more investments. According to a report from Boulder-based data company OnBioVC, biotech companies attracted close to double the amount of investment in the fourth quarter of 2011 than they did in the same period of 2010. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Cardium Therapeutics Inc. (AMEX: CXM - News) & Oncothyreon, Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTY - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/CXM

http://www.paragonreport.com/ONTY

According to BIO Industry Analysis survey data, there is renewed optimism surrounding the biotechnology industry among investors amid signs that FDA approvals may be on the rise in 2012. "The BIO CEO & Investor Conference synthesized the overall mood within the industry of momentum and progress with recent approvals and increased M&A activity, and optimism for the year ahead," said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president of Emerging Companies and Business Development at BIO.

The BIO survey shows that 56 percent of investors think now is a good time to invest -- specifically with early stage companies and those focused on autoimmune disease and oncology.

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

Biotech stocks have been on an impressive upswing this year, handedly outperforming the broader market. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) -- which holds an equal amount of large companies as well as small companies, translating to increased risks and potentially higher rewards -- is up more than 15 percent year to date.

Cardium Therapeutics' current medical opportunities portfolio, which is focused on health sciences and regenerative medicine, includes the Tissue Repair Company, Cardium Biologics, and the Company's in-house MedPodium Health Sciences healthy lifestyle product platform. In late January, Cardium reported on new insights and confirmatory preclinical study results on the Generx (Ad5FGF-4) angiogenic therapy product candidate based on the Company's sponsored research conducted at Emory University.

Oncothyreon's primary product candidate, Stimuvax is in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The company also develops PX-866, a small molecule that is in Phase II trials. In addition, it engages in the preclinical development of ONT-10, a cancer vaccine. Shares of Oncothyreon have been on a tear this year -- gaining more than 17 percent.

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

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Investor Optimism in Biotech Skyrockets - Cardium Therapeutics and Oncothyreon on the Upswing

CEL-SCI and Threshold Pharmaceuticals on the Upswing as FDA Optimism Grows

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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -02/23/12)- Biotechnology stocks have performed well of late as companies from across the globe earn more investments. According to a report from Boulder-based data company OnBioVC, biotech companies attracted close to double the amount of investment in the fourth quarter of 2011 than they did in the same period of 2010. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on CEL-SCI Inc. (NASDAQ: CVM - News) & Threshold Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: THLD - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/CVM

http://www.paragonreport.com/THLD

According to BIO Industry Analysis survey data, there is renewed optimism surrounding the biotechnology industry among investors amid signs that FDA approvals may be on the rise in 2012. "The BIO CEO & Investor Conference synthesized the overall mood within the industry of momentum and progress with recent approvals and increased M&A activity, and optimism for the year ahead," said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president of Emerging Companies and Business Development at BIO.

The BIO survey shows that 56 percent of investors think now is a good time to invest -- specifically with early stage companies and those focused on autoimmune disease and oncology.

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

Biotech stocks have been on an impressive upswing this year, handedly outperforming the broader market. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) -- which holds an equal amount of large companies as well as small companies, translating to increased risks and potentially higher rewards -- is up more than 15 percent year to date.

Earlier this week shares of Threshold Pharmaceuticals skyrocketed more than 40 percent after the company reported that in a mid-stage clinical trial, patients who took its drug candidate TH-302 and an older chemotherapy drug had progression-free survival of 5.6 months, compared to 3.6 months for patients who took only the chemotherapy drug. TH-302 is Threshold's most advanced drug candidate. The company is studying the drug as a treatment for soft tissue sarcoma, solid tumors, leukemia, and several other cancers.

CEL-SCI Corporation researches and develops drugs and vaccines. The company's lead product, Multikine, is under the Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of head and neck cancer. CEL-SCI reported that net loss available to shareholders for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 was ($4,156,833) versus ($6,250,952) during the same quarter ended December 31, 2010.

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

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CEL-SCI and Threshold Pharmaceuticals on the Upswing as FDA Optimism Grows

Lifeforce Bio Technology – Video

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21-02-2012 18:49 If you are suffering from many disorders such as back pain, low energy, arthritis, bad sleep, should or neck pain. You may be suffering from Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome. People go all day for many years of their lives not knowing what this natural cure can do for you. The reason why many people don't experience these healing sensations is because many products, such as cell phones, lap tops, Wi-Fi hotspots, electrical wires, etc, prevent our bodies from absorbing the natural gravitational pull of Earth's Magnetic Field. The bran New Life Force technology uses rare earth magnets which allow the body to re-establish this natural cure and give our body the supplements it needs. This new product had been used by thousands since 1996 and was a proved by Naturals Cure author Kevin Trudeau. Life Force Biomagnetics is a product you won't want to live without, Go to 111.weneedmagnets.com to place your order today.

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Lifeforce Bio Technology - Video

Biotech Investments on the Upswing – Keryx and ADVENTRX Poised to Benefit

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NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -02/23/12)- Biotechnology stocks have performed well of late as companies from across the globe earn more investments. According to a report from Boulder-based data company OnBioVC, biotech companies attracted close to double the amount of investment in the fourth quarter of 2011 than they did in the same period of 2010. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: KERX - News) & ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: ANX - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/KERX

http://www.paragonreport.com/ANX

According to BIO Industry Analysis survey data, there is renewed optimism surrounding the biotechnology industry among investors amid signs that FDA approvals may be on the rise in 2012. "The BIO CEO & Investor Conference synthesized the overall mood within the industry of momentum and progress with recent approvals and increased M&A activity, and optimism for the year ahead," said Alan Eisenberg, executive vice president of Emerging Companies and Business Development at BIO.

The BIO survey shows that 56 percent of investors think now is a good time to invest -- specifically with early stage companies and those focused on autoimmune disease and oncology.

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

Biotech stocks have been on an impressive upswing this year, handedly outperforming the broader market. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) -- which holds an equal amount of large companies as well as small companies, translating to increased risks and potentially higher rewards -- is up more than 15 percent year to date.

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, together with its subsidiaries, focuses on the acquisition, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for the treatment cancer and renal disease.

ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., specialty pharmaceutical company, focuses on acquiring, developing, and commercializing proprietary product candidates.

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

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Biotech Investments on the Upswing - Keryx and ADVENTRX Poised to Benefit

New project could herald cheaper and more efficient biotechnology

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Public release date: 21-Feb-2012
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Contact: Tracey Jewitt
press.office@bbsrc.ac.uk
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

A team of chemists from the Universities of Southampton and Oxford have been awarded over ?4 million to develop a new technique for 'clicking' DNA and RNA segments together. Their project, which is being funded by a strategic Longer and Larger (sLoLa) grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) could make biotechnology research cheaper and more efficient.

The scientists hope that their research could enable the production of useful DNA and RNA structures more efficiently and on a larger scale than is possible using current enzyme-based technologies. The project could also lead to the creation of previously unimaginable molecular machines with new industrial and medical uses.

Professor Tom Brown of the University of Southampton, who will jointly lead the project, explains "At the moment, synthesising long DNA molecules by chemical methods is slow and requires a great deal of skill. To avoid this, biologists usually ask chemists to make a large numbers of very short DNA strands which they glue together using enzymes. These enzymes, which have evolved to work under very specific conditions, work brilliantly if you treat them kindly. However, they are delicate, temperamental, and refuse to work with heavily modified DNA or RNA. We have found that we can 'click' DNA and RNA segments together using chemical methods that can replace the enzymes. These chemical linkages are stronger and less choosy than those formed by enzymes and can be produced in large amounts for industrial scale applications."

The ability to 'click' DNA together opens up the possibility of producing new DNA structures decorated with a variety of useful chemical modifications for industrial uses in the Bioeconomy, including in clinical applications. However the 'click' method has not had the luxury of millions of years of evolution, and it inserts an unusual linkage into DNA. Importantly though, the researchers have recently demonstrated that a bacterial cell can copy and read a strand of DNA that has been 'clicked' together, and enzymes can also use it to make RNA. It seems that cells don't notice the unusual 'click' linkages and so process the click-linked DNA normally.

Scientists are currently exploring whether we can use DNA to treat a whole range of diseases including certain cancers and HIV. We know that people who possess certain genes are more susceptible to these diseases so if we can turn off the appropriate gene we might be able to help combat the disease. One of the problems holding back this approach is that long strands of DNA are more effective at turning off genes than shorter ones, but are less readily taken up by the cells in our bodies. Using 'click' chemistry it might be possible to send in a series of short strands which then self-assemble in the cell and turn off the disease gene.

Professor Andrew Turberfield of the University of Oxford is another leading researcher on the project. He said "This new technology is an important addition to the toolbox of molecular techniques that is allowing researchers to explore how biological systems function by creating simplified and modified biomolecular machinery."

"We're really excited by the possibilities that this project could open up" said Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive of BBSRC. "The 'click' technique could make DNA production cheaper, quicker and more efficient and deliver a range of useful new clinical and commercial molecules. However, we also need to be aware of the implications of making DNA assembly more widespread and accessible. BBSRC ran a public dialogue in 2010 on 'synthetic biology' which encompassed new technologies like these. The dialogue aimed to gauge people's hopes and fears for these new technologies so as to make sure that we, and the scientists engaged in this research, don't lose sight of the social and ethical dimensions of their work. This grant illustrates our commitment to investing in synthetic biology. This research clearly has the capacity to do great good but must be done thoughtfully with an eye on the wider implications. "

###

CONTACT

BBSRC External Relations

Tracey Jewitt, Tel: 01793 413355, email: tracey.jewitt@bbsrc.ac.uk
Rob Dawson, Tel: 01793 413204, email: Robert.dawson@bbsrc.ac.uk
Mike Davies, Tel: 01793 414694, email: mike.davies@bbsrc.ac.uk

About sLoLas

Strategic Longer and Larger award (sLoLa). sLoLas provide internationally-leading research teams with the resources to conduct multidisciplinary research to address major global challenges.

For more information see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/grants/lola/lola-index.aspx

About BBSRC

BBSRC invests in world-class bioscience research and training on behalf of the UK public. Our aim is to further scientific knowledge, to promote economic growth, wealth and job creation and to improve quality of life in the UK and beyond.

Funded by Government, and with an annual budget of around ?445M, we support research and training in universities and strategically funded institutes. BBSRC research and the people we fund are helping society to meet major challenges, including food security, green energy and healthier, longer lives. Our investments underpin important UK economic sectors, such as farming, food, industrial biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

For more information about BBSRC, our science and our impact see: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk

About the University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship across a wide range of subjects in engineering, science, social sciences, health and humanities.

With over 23,000 students, around 5000 staff, and an annual turnover well in excess of ?435 million, the University of Southampton is acknowledged as one of the country's top institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine. We combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.

The University is also home to a number of world-leading research centres including the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the Optoelectronics Research Centre, the Institute for Life Sciences, the Web Science Trust and Doctoral training Centre, the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, the Southampton Statistical SciencesResearch Institute and is a partner of the National Oceanography Centre at the Southampton waterfront campus.

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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New project could herald cheaper and more efficient biotechnology

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces the Appointment of World Renowned Scientist to Its Scientific Board

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SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -02/22/12)- Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News) Chief Executive Officer Roger Duffield announced today that Dr. Volker Böhm has accepted a position on the company's scientific board. This appointment was enthusiastically supported and approved company-wide, particularly by Dr. Tom Matula, Chairman of the scientific Board.

Mr. Duffield stated, "Dr. Böhm brings to the team a wealth of experience and technical know-how in our specific field and having him on board is an indication of how committed we are to validating our claims of having the highest levels of bioavailability in plant extracts."

Dr. Volker Böhm has a double qualification in Food Science and Human Nutrition. His prior research has focused on combining both fields. He has achieved an excellent international reputation for his specific expertise in the field of secondary plant products (carotenoids, polyphenols) with an emphasis on antioxidant capacity and he is especially renowned for human intervention studies, isomer-specific HPLC of carotenoids and the determination of antioxidant activity/capacity of single compounds as well as food and plasma extracts. Dr. Böhm also successfully manages interdisciplinary projects, funded by the European Union and other scientific or industrial project partners, and participates with the valuable knowledge of his research group. He communicates eloquently on the subject to media and is a sought-after partner for both scientific and consumer-oriented discussions.

"I am proud to share my expertise with Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc.," says Dr. Volker Böhm. "The field of functional foods is an expanding one with a lot of questions to be clarified. Thus, interdisciplinary discussions within the newly formed board will provide clarity to the plethora of unanswered questions in our field today."

About Plaindaí Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc., through its recent acquisition of Global Energy Solutions, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principal holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces the Appointment of World Renowned Scientist to Its Scientific Board

BIO Applauds Sen. Stabenow’s Grow It Here, Make It Here Initiative

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

With strong policy direction, the United States can leverage its leadership in biotechnology, agricultural productivity and manufacturing innovation to build a biobased economy. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanks Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) for announcing additional policy proposals for the Grow It Here, Make It Here initiative.

BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood said, “Building a biobased economy in the United States will generate good jobs in manufacturing, agricultural production and forestry, transportation and distribution, and construction. Biomanufacturing opportunities can help revitalize traditional manufacturing regions, such as Michigan, and rural areas, creating a healthy, sustainable biobased economy. The biobased product industry already employs more than 50,000 people in the United States and can generate tens of thousands more in the next five years.

“Renewed economic growth and security depends on producing affordable domestic alternatives to all of the products that come from foreign oil. Senator Stabenow’s Grow It Here, Make It Here initiative will help bio-based manufacturers access vital capital, strengthen market opportunities for biobased products, and spur commercialization of agricultural and industrial biotech innovations. Technology neutral support for all biobased products, renewable chemicals, and biofuels such as this initiative will help build a robust biobased economy.”

BIO’s report, “Biobased Chemicals and Products: A New Driver for Green Jobs,” documents the potential for job creation through biomanufacturing and is available on the BIO.org website.

About BIO

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

Upcoming BIO Events

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

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

More here:
BIO Applauds Sen. Stabenow’s Grow It Here, Make It Here Initiative

BIO Plenary Speakers for the 2012 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

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February 21, 2012 - BIO's 9th annual World Congress on Biotechnology and Bioprocessing will feature plenary program with 6 panel sessions. Topics will include Fostering a Biobased Economy; A Global Vision for Biomass Utilization: How Biotech Can Get Us There; The Future of Biocatalysis in Global Manufacturing; Promoting Biotech Innovation; Financing Innovation in the Industrial Biotech Space: Creative Models and Future Trends; What's Driving Demand for Biotech Products?: A Customer's Perspective.

Biotechnology Industry Organization
1201 Maryland Ave., SW, Ste. 900
Washington, DC, 20024
USA

Press release date: February 16, 2012

BIO Plenary Speakers for the 2012 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing to Address Advanced Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals and Creation of a Biobased Economy World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing

WASHINGTON-- Company executives, scientists and government officials will bring a global perspective as featured presenters at BIO's 9th annual World Congress on Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. The world's largest industrial biotechnology conference for business leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and biomass comes to Orlando, April 29 - May 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.

The plenary program will include six panel sessions:

Fostering a Biobased Economy
A Global Vision for Biomass Utilization: How Biotech Can Get Us There
The Future of Biocatalysis in Global Manufacturing
Promoting Biotech Innovation
Financing Innovation in the Industrial Biotech Space: Creative Models and Future Trends
What's Driving Demand for Biotech Products?: A Customer's Perspective

Featured plenary speakers include:

Harry Baumes, Director, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, United States Department of Agriculture
David A. Benko, Director, Materials Research & Development, Goodyear Tire Paul Bryan, Consultant
James C. Collins, President, DuPont Industrial Biosciences
Andrew Hagan, Associate Director, Head of Chemicals Industry, Global Leadership Fellow, World Economic Forum
Jennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer, LanzaTech
James Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer, Verenium Corporation
Philip New, Chief Executive Officer, BP Biofuels
Mark Niederschulte, Chief Operating Officer, INEOS Bio
Valerie Sarisky-Reed, Acting Program Manager, Biomass Program, United States Department of Energy
Vincent Schachter, Vice President, Research & Development, Total Oil and Gas
Scott Vitters, Sustainable Packaging Director, The Coca Cola Company
Roger Wyse, Managing Director, Burrill & Company

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO's Industrial & Environmental Section, said, "Speakers at the World Congress will highlight the growing biobased economy, in which homegrown biomass resources are transformed into consumer products. Some of the most widely used consumer products are joining the biobased economy. We are excited to offer this information-packed plenary program covering high profile topics and providing company executives an unparalleled opportunity to network with their colleagues and learn about the latest developments in the field of industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing."

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

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

The world's largest industrial biotechnology conference for business leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and biomass comes to Orlando, Fla., April 29 - May 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Online registration for the conference is open. Early bird registration ends Feb. 29, 2012. Please visit http://www.bio.org/worldcongress/ for additional information, or email worldcongress@bio.org.

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

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BIO Plenary Speakers for the 2012 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

Biohydrogen production from arabinose and glucose using extreme thermophilic anaerobic mixed cultures

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Background:
Second generation hydrogen fermentation technologies using organic agricultural and forestry wastes are emerging. The efficient microbial fermentation of hexoses and pentoses resulting from the pretreatment of lingocellulosic materials is essential for the success of these processes.
Results:
Conversion of arabinose and glucose to hydrogen, by extreme thermophilic anaerobic mixed cultures was studied in continuous (70oC, pH 5.5) and batch (70oC, pH 5.5 and pH 7) assays. Two EGSB reactors, Rarab and Rgluc, were continuously fed with arabinose and glucose, respectively. No significant differences in reactor performance were observed for arabinose and glucose organic loading rates (OLR) ranging from 4.3 to 7.1 kgCOD m-3 d-1. However, for an OLR of 14.2 kgCOD m-3 d-1, hydrogen production rate and hydrogen yield were higher in Rarab than in Rgluc (average hydrogen production rate of 3.2 and 2.0 LH2 L-1 d-1 and hydrogen yield of 1.10 and 0.75 molH2 mol-1substrate for Rarab and Rgluc, respectively). Lower hydrogen production in Rgluc was associated with higher lactate production. DGGE results revealed no significant difference on the bacterial community composition between operational periods and between the reactors. Increased hydrogen production was observed in batch experiments when hydrogen partial pressure was kept low, both with arabinose and glucose as substrate. Sugars were completely consumed and hydrogen production stimulated (62% higher) when pH 7 was used instead of pH 5.5.
Conclusions:
Continuous hydrogen production rate from arabinose was significantly higher than from glucose, when higher organic loading rate was used. The effect of hydrogen partial pressure on hydrogen production from glucose in batch mode was related to the extent of sugar utilization and not to the efficiency of substrate conversion to hydrogen. Furthermore, at pH 7.0, sugars uptake, hydrogen production and yield were higher than at pH 5.5, with both arabinose and glucose as substrates.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

India's Biocon to set up insulin plant in Malaysia

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Home » business » India's Biocon to set up insulin plant in Malaysia SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION
Bangalore, India

February 20, 2012 1:00 am

Speaking to visiting Asean journalists, the Biocon chief said the first phase should cost US$160 million (Bt3.7 billion) and the facility should start producing by 2014. The facility, investment for which is the largest in Malaysia's biotechnology sector, will become a production base not just for Southeast Asia but also for the global market, she said.

Biocon is currently conducting clinical trials for insulin with a partner in Thailand, where the market for the product is sizeable, she said. Mazumdar-Shaw established the company in 1987 as a pioneer in biotechnology for healthcare. The company now has more than 5,500 workers.

Biocon's objective is to produce pharmaceutical products at affordable prices, she said, noting that the company had managed to bring down the price of insulin significantly.

The secret behind such success is India's low-cost engineering capabilities, notably in Bangalore, where many people in the field are based and research can be conducted at a competitive price, she added.

Unlike many other countries, research in the biotechnology field in India is purely conducted by the private sector with no government subsidies, she said.

Biocon's biosimilar insulin, an outcome of incremental innovation, is one of the world's most affordable therapies for insulin-dependent diabetics, she said.

The company also has expertise in other fields such as chronic kidney disease, heart disease and cancer.

Biocon is developing conjugated antibodies with a US biotech start-up, IATRICa, to potentially deliver therapeutic cancer vaccines. It is also pursuing a path of breakthrough innovation through Phase III human clinical trials to develop the world's first oral insulin, she said.

US trade publication, Med Ad News, ranked Biocon as the world's 20th best biotechnology company in 2008 and Mazumdar-Shaw herself was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

According to its 2011 annual report, Biocon's revenue rose by 17 per cent from 24 million rupees (Bt15 million) in 2010 to 28 million rupees last year.

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India's Biocon to set up insulin plant in Malaysia

BIO Plenary Speakers for the 2012 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing to Address Advanced …

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Company executives, scientists and government officials will bring a global perspective as featured presenters at BIO’s 9th annual World Congress on Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. The world’s largest industrial biotechnology conference for business leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and biomass comes to Orlando, April 29 - May 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.

The plenary program will include six panel sessions:

Fostering a Biobased Economy A Global Vision for Biomass Utilization: How Biotech Can Get Us There The Future of Biocatalysis in Global Manufacturing Promoting Biotech Innovation Financing Innovation in the Industrial Biotech Space: Creative Models and Future Trends What’s Driving Demand for Biotech Products?: A Customer’s Perspective

Featured plenary speakers include:

Harry Baumes, Director, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, United States Department of Agriculture David A. Benko, Director, Materials Research & Development, Goodyear Tire Paul Bryan, Consultant James C. Collins, President, DuPont Industrial Biosciences Andrew Hagan, Associate Director, Head of Chemicals Industry, Global Leadership Fellow, World Economic Forum Jennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer, LanzaTech James Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer, Verenium Corporation Philip New, Chief Executive Officer, BP Biofuels Mark Niederschulte, Chief Operating Officer, INEOS Bio Valerie Sarisky-Reed, Acting Program Manager, Biomass Program, United States Department of Energy Vincent Schachter, Vice President, Research & Development, Total Oil and Gas Scott Vitters, Sustainable Packaging Director, The Coca Cola Company Roger Wyse, Managing Director, Burrill & Company

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said, “Speakers at the World Congress will highlight the growing biobased economy, in which homegrown biomass resources are transformed into consumer products. Some of the most widely used consumer products are joining the biobased economy. We are excited to offer this information-packed plenary program covering high profile topics and providing company executives an unparalleled opportunity to network with their colleagues and learn about the latest developments in the field of industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing.”

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

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

The world’s largest industrial biotechnology conference for business leaders, investors, academics and policymakers in biofuels, biobased products, renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, food ingredients and biomass comes to Orlando, Fla., April 29 - May 2 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Online registration for the conference is open. Early bird registration ends Feb. 29, 2012. Please visit http://www.bio.org/worldcongress/ for additional information, or email worldcongress@bio.org.

About BIO

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

Upcoming BIO Events

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

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

Link:
BIO Plenary Speakers for the 2012 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing to Address Advanced ...

DGAP-News: Cytos Biotechnology Ltd announces full year 2011 financial results

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EquityStory AG-News: Cytos Biotechnology AG / Key word(s): Final
Results
Cytos Biotechnology Ltd announces full year 2011 financial results

17.02.2012 / 07:00

Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland, February 17, 2012 - Cytos Biotechnology
Ltd (SIX:CYTN) today presented its full year 2011 financial results.

The complete press release as well as the Annual Report 2011 can be
downloaded on Cytos Biotechnology´s website (www.cytos.com).

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

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

End of Corporate News

17.02.2012 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.
The issuer is responsible for the contents of the release.

EquityStory publishes regulatory releases, media releases on the
capital market and press releases.
The EquityStory Group distributes authentic and real-time financial
news for over 1´300 listed companies.
The Swiss news archive can be found at
http://www.equitystory.ch/nachrichten

Language:                 English                                     
Company:                  Cytos Biotechnology AG                      
                          Wagistr. 25                                 
                          8952 Schlieren                              
                          Switzerland                                 
Phone:                    +41 44 733 4747                             
Fax:                      +41 44 733 4740                             
E-mail:                   info@cytos.com                              
Internet:                 www.cytos.com                               
ISIN:                     CH0011025217, CH0029060735                  
Swiss Security Number:    -                                           
Listed:                   Freiverkehr in Berlin, München, Stuttgart;  
                          Open Market in Frankfurt; SIX               

End of News    EquityStory AG News-Service  

  
157148 17.02.2012                                                      

Excerpt from:
DGAP-News: Cytos Biotechnology Ltd announces full year 2011 financial results