Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Lec 9 | Special Topics in Supply Chain Management
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April 28th
Healthcare and Life Sciences Requirements for RFID Michael Rose, Johnson and Johnson Robert Celeste, EPCglobal Thomas Pizzuto, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Ted Ng, McKesson View the complete course at...
Healthcare and Life Sciences Requirements for RFID
Michael Rose, Johnson and Johnson
Robert Celeste, EPCglobal
Thomas Pizzuto, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
Ted Ng, McKesson
View the complete course at: http://ocw.mit.edu/ESD-290S05
License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
More information at http://ocw.mit.edu/terms
More courses at http://ocw.mit.edu
Category: Education
Friday, October 10, 2008
Understanding Embryonic Stem Cells
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Embryonic stem cells, or ES cells, are cells that can be isolated from early embryos, before they differentiate into specific types of cells. Because stem cells have the potential to generate fresh...
Nobel Prize for Medicine 2008
.
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Finaly, we heard the name of Luc Montagnier!!
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Finaly, we heard the name of Luc Montagnier!!
Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus
.
Glad that a muslim from a very poor country get recognized for who he is!!
Glad that a muslim from a very poor country get recognized for who he is!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Biotechnology, Healthcare and Life Sciences:
E-mail: msfilali@biotechclonicalconsulting.com
Amana BHTM’s strength is stems from its scientists, economists, public relations and alliances in the USA and in Europe for developing business opportunities for our clients. Amana BHTM’s combines basic biomedical science knowledge, industry understanding and transaction experience to bring practical, action-oriented business solutions to: Investors including VCs, Institutions and Banks. We are committed to support Research based Nano-/Biotech Companies, Pharmaceutical industry , Chemical Industry, Companies in Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Medical Device and Analytical Instrument and equipments.
Scientific and Technical Assistance:
- Assistance in conceptualizing, planning and realizing of new projects in the field of Biomedical and health Care.
- Strategic planning and process development based on six sigma and lean practices.
- Legal advising for trade and business rights (e.g. patentability of your inventions, ideas and creations or products. - - The accuracy and compliance of the methods, preparation of patent applications, support of employee’s inventions, evaluation of patents and trademarks, registration of trade marks, litigation) and survey of the company’s patent portfolio. Implementation of intelligence platforms of technology searches, technical or scientific searches and patent searches.
Business Financing:
Business Development in the Asian-Pacific Region:
- Based on in-depth industry knowledge and international business experience of Amana BHT management and an extensive network of our partners, we offer expert services in the Asian-Pacific Region, including:), licensing and acquisition opportunities with Asian Companies.
- Assistance in structuring, negotiating and closing of strategic partnerships with Asian Healthcare, Nano-/Biotech Companies.
E-mail: msfilali@biotechclonicalconsulting.com
Amana BHTM’s strength is stems from its scientists, economists, public relations and alliances in the USA and in Europe for developing business opportunities for our clients. Amana BHTM’s combines basic biomedical science knowledge, industry understanding and transaction experience to bring practical, action-oriented business solutions to: Investors including VCs, Institutions and Banks. We are committed to support Research based Nano-/Biotech Companies, Pharmaceutical industry , Chemical Industry, Companies in Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Medical Device and Analytical Instrument and equipments.
Scientific and Technical Assistance:
- Assistance in conceptualizing, planning and realizing of new projects in the field of Biomedical and health Care.
- Strategic planning and process development based on six sigma and lean practices.
- Legal advising for trade and business rights (e.g. patentability of your inventions, ideas and creations or products. - - The accuracy and compliance of the methods, preparation of patent applications, support of employee’s inventions, evaluation of patents and trademarks, registration of trade marks, litigation) and survey of the company’s patent portfolio. Implementation of intelligence platforms of technology searches, technical or scientific searches and patent searches.
Business Financing:
Business Development in the Asian-Pacific Region:
- Based on in-depth industry knowledge and international business experience of Amana BHT management and an extensive network of our partners, we offer expert services in the Asian-Pacific Region, including:), licensing and acquisition opportunities with Asian Companies.
- Assistance in structuring, negotiating and closing of strategic partnerships with Asian Healthcare, Nano-/Biotech Companies.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Stems Cells from Mature parents
Scientists have found a way to convert mature cells into an embryonic-like state that could eliminate an earlier method's risk of triggering cancer, potentially overcoming a big hurdle in the quest to develop new transplant therapies.
Though demonstrated only in mice so far, the result marks another key achievement in the fledgling science of cellular reprogramming. The hope is to create human, embryonic-like stem cells -- which can be turned into all the other tissue types of the body -- without using eggs or destroying embryos. That freshly derived tissue could then be transplanted into patients to treat various diseases.
Progress has been brisk. In 2006, Japanese researchers first showed that four genes inserted into the mature skin cell of a mouse were enough to return the cell to a primordial, embryonic-like state. Several groups of scientists have since achieved the same result with human cells.
More recent experiments have shown that fresh tissue derived in this manner can alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and sickle-cell anemia in mouse models. Earlier this month, scientists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill showed that mature human skin cells could be reprogrammed into cells that produce insulin, the hormone used to treat diabetes.
However, those earlier experiments share a key limitation: The reprogramming genes have to be transported into the cell with the help of retroviruses. While such viruses are good at penetrating cells, they also integrate into the cellular DNA and can cause cancer or other unwanted genetic changes.
Now, there may be a way around that problem. In the latest mouse study, published in the journal Science, researchers show that by using a different kind of transport vehicle -- an adenovirus -- it is possible to avoid the permanent genetic damage seen in previous experiments.
"The adenovirus doesn't integrate permanently, so the cells aren't altered genetically," said Konrad Hochedlinger, geneticist at Harvard Stem Cell Institute in Cambridge, Mass., and lead author of the paper.
There is still a lot of work to be done. The same experiment has to be shown to work with human cells, and its efficiency has to be improved. Previous tests using retroviruses showed that only one in 1,000 adult cells got reprogrammed and turned into an embryonic-like cell. The latest experiment using adenovirus showed an even lower efficiency rate: Only one in 10,000 to one in 100,000 adult cells got reprogrammed.
While the latest advances have spurred a rush to improve the reprogramming technique, they have also given fresh ammunition to those who oppose research on human embryos, an alternative technique.
Earlier this week, the International Society for Stem Cell Research issued an "open letter" calling for the U.S. government to fund all avenues of research. The letter noted that while reprogramming had "captured the imagination" of scientists everywhere, research on human embryonic cells shouldn't be abandoned.
Write to Gautam Naik at gautam.naik@wsj.com
Though demonstrated only in mice so far, the result marks another key achievement in the fledgling science of cellular reprogramming. The hope is to create human, embryonic-like stem cells -- which can be turned into all the other tissue types of the body -- without using eggs or destroying embryos. That freshly derived tissue could then be transplanted into patients to treat various diseases.
Progress has been brisk. In 2006, Japanese researchers first showed that four genes inserted into the mature skin cell of a mouse were enough to return the cell to a primordial, embryonic-like state. Several groups of scientists have since achieved the same result with human cells.
More recent experiments have shown that fresh tissue derived in this manner can alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and sickle-cell anemia in mouse models. Earlier this month, scientists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill showed that mature human skin cells could be reprogrammed into cells that produce insulin, the hormone used to treat diabetes.
However, those earlier experiments share a key limitation: The reprogramming genes have to be transported into the cell with the help of retroviruses. While such viruses are good at penetrating cells, they also integrate into the cellular DNA and can cause cancer or other unwanted genetic changes.
Now, there may be a way around that problem. In the latest mouse study, published in the journal Science, researchers show that by using a different kind of transport vehicle -- an adenovirus -- it is possible to avoid the permanent genetic damage seen in previous experiments.
"The adenovirus doesn't integrate permanently, so the cells aren't altered genetically," said Konrad Hochedlinger, geneticist at Harvard Stem Cell Institute in Cambridge, Mass., and lead author of the paper.
There is still a lot of work to be done. The same experiment has to be shown to work with human cells, and its efficiency has to be improved. Previous tests using retroviruses showed that only one in 1,000 adult cells got reprogrammed and turned into an embryonic-like cell. The latest experiment using adenovirus showed an even lower efficiency rate: Only one in 10,000 to one in 100,000 adult cells got reprogrammed.
While the latest advances have spurred a rush to improve the reprogramming technique, they have also given fresh ammunition to those who oppose research on human embryos, an alternative technique.
Earlier this week, the International Society for Stem Cell Research issued an "open letter" calling for the U.S. government to fund all avenues of research. The letter noted that while reprogramming had "captured the imagination" of scientists everywhere, research on human embryonic cells shouldn't be abandoned.
Write to Gautam Naik at gautam.naik@wsj.com
Negotiating a Bail-out Deal with DC??
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration and Congress closed in on a new compromise aimed at stabilizing U.S. financial markets, a move designed to assuage conservatives who one day earlier had staged a revolt against the controversial $700 billion project.
The potential compromise isn't yet final, and details could change. But as of Friday night it appears that the plan's central elements, as originally envisioned by the Treasury Department, remain intact.
Associated Press
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Dodd, center, standing with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Frank and Sen. Schumer.
Congressional leaders were planning for possible votes Sunday.
The renewed effort represents a remarkable turnaround from the fracas that engulfed Washington Thursday night. In a sign of the political tensions at play, an earlier compromise plan was thrown into disarray after a White House meeting of top leaders -- including the two presidential candidates -- descended into a shouting match.
Republican nominee Sen. John McCain had returned to Washington to attend bailout negotiations. But the interjection of the presidential campaign, and the resulting finger-pointing, upset the delicate balance that had been struck in negotiations between congressional Democrats and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
"I would hope the two presidentials would go to the debate tonight and leave us alone to get our work done here," said Sen. Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, sounding exhausted on the Senate floor Friday morning.
Under the Bush plan, the Treasury Department would be able to buy $700 billion of toxic investments currently burdening many financial institutions. The hope is that doing so would encourage investors to recapitalize the struggling banks, and get the nation's bond markets working again.
It would also, however, put taxpayers on the hook for potential losses if the investments bought by the government didn't later recover some of their value.
House Republicans, antsy about the power granted to the Treasury under that original plan, wanted to replace it with one based on an insurance model: Banks would pay premiums into a pool of money that would then be used to cover losses on the bad assets in question.
Treasury officials had earlier told lawmakers the concept was unworkable, people familiar with the matter said. Indeed, officials there briefly considered it, but concluded it wouldn't be as effective in clearing the rot from banks' balance sheets.
The compromise being hammered out Friday night would graft the insurance concept onto the original Treasury plan, most likely as an option. That would satisfy the administration, which could chose not to use it, as well as conservative lawmakers, who can claim to have influenced the legislation.
The White House has already agreed to other Democratic demands for the bailout, including greater oversight of the plan, and pay curbs for executives at some companies that benefit from the bailout.
The administration also agreed to a commitment to help struggling homeowners. And it agreed for the $700 billion to be released in installments; $250 billion would be made available immediately.
As Friday unfolded, Democrats signaled a willingness to consider including some version of the insurance proposal. "Adding insurance as an option...that's never been an issue," said Rep. Barney Frank (D., Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and a lead negotiator.
At a late-afternoon news conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sounded conciliatory, suggesting that Mr. Paulson should have "the latitude to accept any and all proposals," so long as they don't interfere with the core goals of the bailout plan.
The unexpected opposition from House Republicans on Thursday had thrown into chaos efforts to craft a rescue package for the financial markets. Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, after working with the Bush White House for several days on details, said they felt blindsided by the Republican move.
The face-off reflected years of tension between the Bush White House and House Republicans, and exposed the ideological differences within the Republican Party over the role of government in free markets.
President George W. Bush, who urged lawmakers to "rise to the occasion" Friday, has said his first instinct is to not intervene in the market. But he became convinced of the need after Mr. Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned that the financial crisis could spread to Main Street from Wall Street and throw the country into a deep recession.
Many Senate Republicans, including Bob Bennett of Utah and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, have tried to be supportive of the White House's efforts to find common ground with Democrats. But conservatives who dominate the Republican Party's caucus in the House have been less amenable, particularly those disaffected with the Bush administration's sizable domestic spending and the realities of life as a minority party.
Rep. Tom Davis (R., Va.) said Republicans have felt like "bystanders" the past two years and wanted to be brought into the negotiations as full partners. Democrats "have got to come and meet us halfway," he said.
By midweek, it became clear that only a couple dozen of the 199 House Republicans were likely to support the plan in its existing form.
House Republicans say their alternative proposal would bring stability and new capital to the market. It would also remove regulatory barriers that they say block private investors from investing capital into ailing financial institutions.
"We were simply trying to come up with a constructive solution to break an impasse," said Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), who outlined the plan to Sen. McCain in a meeting Thursday.
The struggle over the bailout bill represents one of the most dramatic congressional showdowns of recent years. In 1990, the Democratic House voted down a major deficit-reduction package backed by the administration of the first President Bush. The package was later brought back to the floor and approved, but only after changes that tilted the measure to the left.
A few years later, the Republican-controlled Congress balked at the Clinton administration's plans to help rescue Mexico's economy, forcing the administration to use other measures to achieve its goals.
At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Friday, House Minority Leader John Boehner and other party leaders received an ovation for having resisted pressure to support the Bush-backed package during a White House meeting the previous day.
Write to Greg Hitt at greg.hitt@wsj.com, Sarah Lueck at sarah.lueck@wsj.com and Deborah Solomon at deborah.solomon@wsj.com
The potential compromise isn't yet final, and details could change. But as of Friday night it appears that the plan's central elements, as originally envisioned by the Treasury Department, remain intact.
Associated Press
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Dodd, center, standing with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Frank and Sen. Schumer.
Congressional leaders were planning for possible votes Sunday.
The renewed effort represents a remarkable turnaround from the fracas that engulfed Washington Thursday night. In a sign of the political tensions at play, an earlier compromise plan was thrown into disarray after a White House meeting of top leaders -- including the two presidential candidates -- descended into a shouting match.
Republican nominee Sen. John McCain had returned to Washington to attend bailout negotiations. But the interjection of the presidential campaign, and the resulting finger-pointing, upset the delicate balance that had been struck in negotiations between congressional Democrats and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
"I would hope the two presidentials would go to the debate tonight and leave us alone to get our work done here," said Sen. Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, sounding exhausted on the Senate floor Friday morning.
Under the Bush plan, the Treasury Department would be able to buy $700 billion of toxic investments currently burdening many financial institutions. The hope is that doing so would encourage investors to recapitalize the struggling banks, and get the nation's bond markets working again.
It would also, however, put taxpayers on the hook for potential losses if the investments bought by the government didn't later recover some of their value.
House Republicans, antsy about the power granted to the Treasury under that original plan, wanted to replace it with one based on an insurance model: Banks would pay premiums into a pool of money that would then be used to cover losses on the bad assets in question.
Treasury officials had earlier told lawmakers the concept was unworkable, people familiar with the matter said. Indeed, officials there briefly considered it, but concluded it wouldn't be as effective in clearing the rot from banks' balance sheets.
The compromise being hammered out Friday night would graft the insurance concept onto the original Treasury plan, most likely as an option. That would satisfy the administration, which could chose not to use it, as well as conservative lawmakers, who can claim to have influenced the legislation.
The White House has already agreed to other Democratic demands for the bailout, including greater oversight of the plan, and pay curbs for executives at some companies that benefit from the bailout.
The administration also agreed to a commitment to help struggling homeowners. And it agreed for the $700 billion to be released in installments; $250 billion would be made available immediately.
As Friday unfolded, Democrats signaled a willingness to consider including some version of the insurance proposal. "Adding insurance as an option...that's never been an issue," said Rep. Barney Frank (D., Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and a lead negotiator.
At a late-afternoon news conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sounded conciliatory, suggesting that Mr. Paulson should have "the latitude to accept any and all proposals," so long as they don't interfere with the core goals of the bailout plan.
The unexpected opposition from House Republicans on Thursday had thrown into chaos efforts to craft a rescue package for the financial markets. Democratic leaders of the House and Senate, after working with the Bush White House for several days on details, said they felt blindsided by the Republican move.
The face-off reflected years of tension between the Bush White House and House Republicans, and exposed the ideological differences within the Republican Party over the role of government in free markets.
President George W. Bush, who urged lawmakers to "rise to the occasion" Friday, has said his first instinct is to not intervene in the market. But he became convinced of the need after Mr. Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned that the financial crisis could spread to Main Street from Wall Street and throw the country into a deep recession.
Many Senate Republicans, including Bob Bennett of Utah and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, have tried to be supportive of the White House's efforts to find common ground with Democrats. But conservatives who dominate the Republican Party's caucus in the House have been less amenable, particularly those disaffected with the Bush administration's sizable domestic spending and the realities of life as a minority party.
Rep. Tom Davis (R., Va.) said Republicans have felt like "bystanders" the past two years and wanted to be brought into the negotiations as full partners. Democrats "have got to come and meet us halfway," he said.
By midweek, it became clear that only a couple dozen of the 199 House Republicans were likely to support the plan in its existing form.
House Republicans say their alternative proposal would bring stability and new capital to the market. It would also remove regulatory barriers that they say block private investors from investing capital into ailing financial institutions.
"We were simply trying to come up with a constructive solution to break an impasse," said Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), who outlined the plan to Sen. McCain in a meeting Thursday.
The struggle over the bailout bill represents one of the most dramatic congressional showdowns of recent years. In 1990, the Democratic House voted down a major deficit-reduction package backed by the administration of the first President Bush. The package was later brought back to the floor and approved, but only after changes that tilted the measure to the left.
A few years later, the Republican-controlled Congress balked at the Clinton administration's plans to help rescue Mexico's economy, forcing the administration to use other measures to achieve its goals.
At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Friday, House Minority Leader John Boehner and other party leaders received an ovation for having resisted pressure to support the Bush-backed package during a White House meeting the previous day.
Write to Greg Hitt at greg.hitt@wsj.com, Sarah Lueck at sarah.lueck@wsj.com and Deborah Solomon at deborah.solomon@wsj.com
Today's Top Story
Researchers develop safer method to create stem cells
U.S. scientists used an adenovirus to deliver four transformative genes -- Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc -- into ordinary mouse cells to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, which appear and behave like embyronic stem cells. Because the technique does not use retroviruses that may trigger tumors, it could lead to a safer way of testing cell treatments for sickle cell anemia, Parkinson's disease and other disorders, the study's lead author said. Yahoo!/Reuters (9/25) , The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (9/25)
Bioengineered pigs could aid research on cystic fibrosis
U.S. scientists have genetically engineered piglets to have the same mutation that causes cystic fibrosis. Since pigs' lungs share many qualities with human lungs, the scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how the disease develops and how it can be treated in people. Reuters (9/25).
Calif. stem cell institute to devise appeal process for grant requests
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's board was scheduled to meet Thursday to consider developing a unified appeal process that scientists can use to ask for reviews of denied grant applications. The board hopes to develop an appeals process that creates "some order from something that could become disorderly and unreasonable," said Alan Trounson, the institute's president. San Diego Union-Tribune (9/25)
Study: Flu vaccine delivered into lungs is more efficient, cost-effective
Australian researchers found that lower doses of a flu vaccine delivered directly into the lungs of sheep provided stronger immune response than the higher, standard injected dose. The finding suggests that lung delivery could provide improved protection and allow more people to have access to the vaccine because of lower doses, a researcher said. Reuters (9/25)
Performance Management: The Future of Medical Device Manufacturing
In the face of competition, regulation and customer demands, Medical Device manufacturers must confront operational challenges that impact the top and bottom line. Click Here for a free white paper and learn how the leading companies leverage their best of breed systems for optimal productivity.
Company & Financial News
Prices of costly specialty drugs continue to rise
Figures released by AARP show that the wholesale cost of specialty medicines, which are used to treat cancer and other complex diseases, went up last year by 8.7% -- three times the rate of U.S. inflation. The rising costs are "increasing the burden on people with chronic conditions who can least afford it," an AARP official said. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
Ligand to acquire Pharmacopeia in stock deal
Ligand Pharmaceuticals announced that it will purchase biotech firm Pharmacopeia in a stock transaction worth as much as $70 million. The deal will help Ligand bolster its product pipeline and drug-discovery capabilities and is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2009. The Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J.) (9/26) , Reuters (9/24) , San Diego Business Journal (9/24).
UCB withdraws EU application for expanded use of Vimpat
The European Medicines Agency's negative review of Vimpat's use in diabetic neuropathic pain has prompted UCB to drop its EU application for the expanded use of the epilepsy treatment. A UCB spokeswoman said the Belgian drugmaker plans to conduct an additional clinical study "to further substantiate the magnitude" of Vimpat's effects in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain. Reuters (9/25)
Arca Biopharma reaches merger deal with Nuvelo.
Arca Biopharma is set to merge with Nuvelo under a deal that is expected to be finalized early next year. The move comes after the FDA agreed to review Arca's Gencaro, a treatment for heart failure. "This unique transaction offers us the financial resources, people and pipeline as we continue to build our company," Arca President and CEO Richard Brewer said. American City Business Journals/Denver (9/25)
Other News
Expert: Alabama companies must take advantage of BIO conference
American City Business Journals/Birmingham, Ala. (9/25)
Food & Agriculture.
Biotech cotton could mean surge in crop in India, official says
Cotton production in India is expected to go up by 4.8% in 2009, driven by the increased use of biotech crops and favorable climatic conditions, said the country's textiles commissioner, A.B. Joshi. High cotton yields could raise exports to countries such as China but further weaken prices, which have declined by 10% in New York this year. Bloomberg (9/25)
Industrial & Environmental.
PGE, Columbia Energy will feed algae with CO2 to make biofuel
Portland General Electric aims to generate biofuel by using carbon dioxide emissions from one of its facilities to grow algae in a collaborative effort with Columbia Energy Partners. The companies plan to use oil extracted from mature algae to make biodiesel and livestock feed. The Oregonian (Portland) (9/26)
--Franklin D. Roosevelt,
32nd U.S. president
Researchers develop safer method to create stem cells
U.S. scientists used an adenovirus to deliver four transformative genes -- Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc -- into ordinary mouse cells to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, which appear and behave like embyronic stem cells. Because the technique does not use retroviruses that may trigger tumors, it could lead to a safer way of testing cell treatments for sickle cell anemia, Parkinson's disease and other disorders, the study's lead author said. Yahoo!/Reuters (9/25) , The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (9/25)
Bioengineered pigs could aid research on cystic fibrosis
U.S. scientists have genetically engineered piglets to have the same mutation that causes cystic fibrosis. Since pigs' lungs share many qualities with human lungs, the scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how the disease develops and how it can be treated in people. Reuters (9/25).
Calif. stem cell institute to devise appeal process for grant requests
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's board was scheduled to meet Thursday to consider developing a unified appeal process that scientists can use to ask for reviews of denied grant applications. The board hopes to develop an appeals process that creates "some order from something that could become disorderly and unreasonable," said Alan Trounson, the institute's president. San Diego Union-Tribune (9/25)
Study: Flu vaccine delivered into lungs is more efficient, cost-effective
Australian researchers found that lower doses of a flu vaccine delivered directly into the lungs of sheep provided stronger immune response than the higher, standard injected dose. The finding suggests that lung delivery could provide improved protection and allow more people to have access to the vaccine because of lower doses, a researcher said. Reuters (9/25)
Performance Management: The Future of Medical Device Manufacturing
In the face of competition, regulation and customer demands, Medical Device manufacturers must confront operational challenges that impact the top and bottom line. Click Here for a free white paper and learn how the leading companies leverage their best of breed systems for optimal productivity.
Company & Financial News
Prices of costly specialty drugs continue to rise
Figures released by AARP show that the wholesale cost of specialty medicines, which are used to treat cancer and other complex diseases, went up last year by 8.7% -- three times the rate of U.S. inflation. The rising costs are "increasing the burden on people with chronic conditions who can least afford it," an AARP official said. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
Ligand to acquire Pharmacopeia in stock deal
Ligand Pharmaceuticals announced that it will purchase biotech firm Pharmacopeia in a stock transaction worth as much as $70 million. The deal will help Ligand bolster its product pipeline and drug-discovery capabilities and is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2009. The Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J.) (9/26) , Reuters (9/24) , San Diego Business Journal (9/24).
UCB withdraws EU application for expanded use of Vimpat
The European Medicines Agency's negative review of Vimpat's use in diabetic neuropathic pain has prompted UCB to drop its EU application for the expanded use of the epilepsy treatment. A UCB spokeswoman said the Belgian drugmaker plans to conduct an additional clinical study "to further substantiate the magnitude" of Vimpat's effects in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain. Reuters (9/25)
Arca Biopharma reaches merger deal with Nuvelo.
Arca Biopharma is set to merge with Nuvelo under a deal that is expected to be finalized early next year. The move comes after the FDA agreed to review Arca's Gencaro, a treatment for heart failure. "This unique transaction offers us the financial resources, people and pipeline as we continue to build our company," Arca President and CEO Richard Brewer said. American City Business Journals/Denver (9/25)
Other News
Expert: Alabama companies must take advantage of BIO conference
American City Business Journals/Birmingham, Ala. (9/25)
Food & Agriculture.
Biotech cotton could mean surge in crop in India, official says
Cotton production in India is expected to go up by 4.8% in 2009, driven by the increased use of biotech crops and favorable climatic conditions, said the country's textiles commissioner, A.B. Joshi. High cotton yields could raise exports to countries such as China but further weaken prices, which have declined by 10% in New York this year. Bloomberg (9/25)
Industrial & Environmental.
PGE, Columbia Energy will feed algae with CO2 to make biofuel
Portland General Electric aims to generate biofuel by using carbon dioxide emissions from one of its facilities to grow algae in a collaborative effort with Columbia Energy Partners. The companies plan to use oil extracted from mature algae to make biodiesel and livestock feed. The Oregonian (Portland) (9/26)
--Franklin D. Roosevelt,
32nd U.S. president
Amana Biomedical and Health Technology Managment
Biotechnology, Healthcare and Life Sciences:
Amana BHTM’s strength is stems from its scientists, economists, public relations and alliances in the USA and in Europe for developing business opportunities for our clients. Amana BHTM’s combines basic biomedical science knowledge, industry understanding and transaction experience to bring practical, action-oriented business solutions to: Investors including VCs, Institutions and Banks. We are committed to support Research based Nano-/Biotech Companies, Pharmaceutical industry , Chemical Industry, Companies in Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Medical Device and Analytical Instrument and equipments.
Scientific and Technical Assistance:
- Assistance in conceptualizing, planning and realizing of new projects in the field of Biomedical and health -
- Strategic planning and process development based on six sigma and lean practices.
- Legal advising for trade and business rights (e.g. patentability of your inventions, ideas and creations or products. - - The accuracy and compliance of the methods, preparation of patent applications, support of employee’s inventions, evaluation of patents and trademarks, registration of trade marks, litigation) and survey of the company’s patent portfolio. Implementation of intelligence platforms of technology searches, technical or scientific searches and patent searches.
Business Financing:
Business Development in the Asian-Pacific Region:
- Based on in-depth industry knowledge and international business experience of Amana BHT management and an extensive network of our partners, we offer expert services in the Asian-Pacific Region, including:), licensing and acquisition opportunities with Asian Companies
- Assistance in structuring, negotiating and closing of strategic partnerships with Asian Healthcare, Nano-/Biotech Companies.
- Establishment of links and cooperation with scientific institutions, universities, technical bodies in the Asian- Pacific and Middle-East Regions.
Business Development:
- Market studies and survey of competitive market activities, development of product/market strategies.
- Evaluating and establishing international sales distribution concepts and assistance in efficiently entering and expanding in new markets.
- Drafting distribution-, agency-, technology transfer- and Joint Venture contracts, conducting international contract negotiations.
- Strategic Partnering and Product Introduction Services in the Asian-Pacific Region.
- Amana BHTM cooperates with leading Sales and Marketing Organizations to offer to European Healthcare,
Nano-/Biotech Companies tailor made business solutions to expand business through sales, marketing & distribution in the Asian-Pacific Region.
Pre-marketing:
- analyze market feasibility of the products.
- Market Analysis: Desk research to gather quantitative.
- Market Research: Exploratory research to gather.
- qualitative and quantitative information from medical practitioners.
- Advice on regulatory affairs and strategy.
- Establishing a marketing plan.
- contracts for total supply chain and management, contract marketing & sales service
- survey of the performance of the appointed local distributor
- When necessary, local product training
Business Plan Consulting:
Aman BHTM assists HealthCare, Nano-/Biotech and Lifestyle Companies to develop investor-grade business plans for a successful capital or strategic transaction. We support our clients through the creation of top-notch business plans, due diligence analysis, business and scientific background checks, and benefit/risk evaluations.
Human Resource Consulting:
Amana helps to develop and keep the HR program of start-ups and midsize enterprises in line with their corporate direction. We provide HR strategic vision, cost-effective HR infrastructure, and pragmatic advice across all critical areas of human resource management, and guide organizations strategically through any stage of growth. We also take over ad interim tasks, and management mandates in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Amana Biomedical and Health Technology Management
Dedication Creativity Excellence !!! Dedication Creativity Excellence !!!
Amana BHTM’s strength is stems from its scientists, economists, public relations and alliances in the USA and in Europe for developing business opportunities for our clients. Amana BHTM’s combines basic biomedical science knowledge, industry understanding and transaction experience to bring practical, action-oriented business solutions to: Investors including VCs, Institutions and Banks. We are committed to support Research based Nano-/Biotech Companies, Pharmaceutical industry , Chemical Industry, Companies in Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Medical Device and Analytical Instrument and equipments.
Scientific and Technical Assistance:
- Assistance in conceptualizing, planning and realizing of new projects in the field of Biomedical and health -
- Strategic planning and process development based on six sigma and lean practices.
- Legal advising for trade and business rights (e.g. patentability of your inventions, ideas and creations or products. - - The accuracy and compliance of the methods, preparation of patent applications, support of employee’s inventions, evaluation of patents and trademarks, registration of trade marks, litigation) and survey of the company’s patent portfolio. Implementation of intelligence platforms of technology searches, technical or scientific searches and patent searches.
Business Financing:
Business Development in the Asian-Pacific Region:
- Based on in-depth industry knowledge and international business experience of Amana BHT management and an extensive network of our partners, we offer expert services in the Asian-Pacific Region, including:), licensing and acquisition opportunities with Asian Companies
- Assistance in structuring, negotiating and closing of strategic partnerships with Asian Healthcare, Nano-/Biotech Companies.
- Establishment of links and cooperation with scientific institutions, universities, technical bodies in the Asian- Pacific and Middle-East Regions.
Business Development:
- Market studies and survey of competitive market activities, development of product/market strategies.
- Evaluating and establishing international sales distribution concepts and assistance in efficiently entering and expanding in new markets.
- Drafting distribution-, agency-, technology transfer- and Joint Venture contracts, conducting international contract negotiations.
- Strategic Partnering and Product Introduction Services in the Asian-Pacific Region.
- Amana BHTM cooperates with leading Sales and Marketing Organizations to offer to European Healthcare,
Nano-/Biotech Companies tailor made business solutions to expand business through sales, marketing & distribution in the Asian-Pacific Region.
Pre-marketing:
- analyze market feasibility of the products.
- Market Analysis: Desk research to gather quantitative.
- Market Research: Exploratory research to gather.
- qualitative and quantitative information from medical practitioners.
- Advice on regulatory affairs and strategy.
- Establishing a marketing plan.
- contracts for total supply chain and management, contract marketing & sales service
- survey of the performance of the appointed local distributor
- When necessary, local product training
Business Plan Consulting:
Aman BHTM assists HealthCare, Nano-/Biotech and Lifestyle Companies to develop investor-grade business plans for a successful capital or strategic transaction. We support our clients through the creation of top-notch business plans, due diligence analysis, business and scientific background checks, and benefit/risk evaluations.
Human Resource Consulting:
Amana helps to develop and keep the HR program of start-ups and midsize enterprises in line with their corporate direction. We provide HR strategic vision, cost-effective HR infrastructure, and pragmatic advice across all critical areas of human resource management, and guide organizations strategically through any stage of growth. We also take over ad interim tasks, and management mandates in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Amana Biomedical and Health Technology Management
Dedication Creativity Excellence !!! Dedication Creativity Excellence !!!
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