Growing Awareness and Increased Investments Lead to Growth of Biotechnology Applications in the Food & Beverage and Dietary Supplements Sector, Reveals Frost & SullivanMUMBAI - - Frost & Sullivan’s Food & Beverage Focus 2009 Annual Executive MindXchange on Biotechnology Applications in the Food & Beverage and Dietary Supplements Sector Ilaris(R) Recommended for European Approval as New Biologic Drug to Treat a Rare but Serious Group of Auto-Inflammatory DiseasesBASEL, Switzerland - - Not For US Media - Set to Become First Medicine in EU to Treat Patients Aged Four and Older Suffering From Life-Long Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS)(1) Informex Rebrands Into Separate Pharmaceutical and Specialty Chemical Segments to Better Serve Exhibitors and AttendeesPRINCETON, New Jersey - - North America’s Leading Fine and Custom Chemicals Tradeshow Welcomes Registrants with New Format Merck Serono Submits Application for Cladribine Tablets as Multiple Sclerosis Therapy in EuropeGENEVA, Switzerland - Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced today the submission of a marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for Cladribine Tablets, Merck Serono’s proprietary investigational oral formulation of cladribine, as a therapy for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Cladribine Tablets could become the first orally administered disease-modifying therapy available for patients with MS, as all disease-modifying therapies currently approved for the treatment of MS are injectable. Video of EpiDerm Skin Irritation Test (SIT) Method Now AvailableASHLAND, Massachusetts - - PubMed-Indexed EpiDerm SIT Video - Free Online Training Tool for ECVAM-Validated Test Method University of Lodz Invests in the Unique Cellaxess(R)HT System for Research on Multidrug Resistance Genes in CancerGOTHENBURG, Sweden - Cellectricon, a leading provider of cell-based screening solutions for research and drug discovery, today announced its collaboration with University of Lodz, Poland. Under the agreement University of Lodz invests in Cellaxess(R)HT, the world’s first system for high throughput transfection enabling reagent-free delivery of any genetic material to cells. Big Pharma to Big Biopharma: Frost & Sullivan Examines the Latest M&A Trends and OpportunitiesLONDON - There has been a recent upsurge in Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space. While the economic downturn and related credit crunch has had an impact, this alone cannot account for the recent M&A mania, which has including four mega M&As in the first half of 2009. Health Robotics to Launch Germany’s Installations of i.v.STATION(TM) at Charite-Universitatsmedizin BerlinBOZEN, Italy - Health Robotics today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin. Charite will install an i.v.STATION robot at its Centrum 14 during the second half of 2009. Essilor : First Half 2009 RevenueCHARENTON-LE-PONT, France - - Strong Growth in First-Half Revenue, up 9.4% - Operating Margin Holds Firm BRAHMS KRYPTOR Compact is Certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF)HENNIGSDORF, Germany - The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) confirmed that BRAHMS KRYPTOR compact is fulfilling the requirements for first trimester biochemical screening. Shire Receives Fast Track Designation for velaglucerase alfa for Gaucher DiseaseLEXINGTON, Massachusetts - Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, announces it has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for velaglucerase alfa, its enzyme replacement therapy in development for the treatment of Type I Gaucher disease. Shire is working with the FDA to determine subsequent steps and timing for the filing of its NDA. GONAL-f Approved in Japan for Ovulation Induction in Infertile WomenGENEVA, Switzerland - Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has granted approval to extend the indication of GONAL-f(R) (follitropin alfa for injection) to infertile women suffering from irregular or no ovulation (oligoovulation or anovulation) due to a dysfunction in the hypothalamic- pituitary system or polycystic ovarian syndrome. GONAL-f is a recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone currently approved in Japan for the treatment of male infertility. ChemAxon Launches JChem for ExcelBUDAPEST - - Introductory Webinar, July 21st, 11am EDT - End User Workshop at US User Group Meeting; September 15-16, San Diego, CA Gerresheimer Holds its own in Difficult EnvironmentDÜSSELDORF, Germany - - Sales in the First Half of 2009 (Excluding Technical Plastics) at Prior Year Level STALLERGENES: Strong Sales Growth in 1st Half-Year: up 12% Full-Year Guidance MaintainedANTONY, France - Million EUR 2008 08/07 2009 09/08 MEUR %Sales Var.% MEUR %Sales Var.% Southern Europe (1) 26.7 71 15 28.5 68 7 Other EU countries (2) 9.3 24 20 11.4 28 23 Other markets 2.0 5 47 1.5 4 (23) SLIT 30.3 80 21 33.8 82 12 SCIT 6.1 16 7 5.9 14 (3) Other products 1.6 4 4 1.7 4 9 Q2 sales 38.0 100 18 41.4 100 9 Southern Europe (1) 64.7 75 15 70.3 72 9 Other EU countries (2) 18.6 21 18 24.1 25 30 Other markets 3.7 4 46 3.2 3 (12) SLIT 71.3 82 19 81.0 83 14 SCIT 12.3 14 4 12.8 13 4 Other products 3.4 4 6 3.8 4 10 H1 sales 87.0 100 16 97.6 100 12 (1) Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece; (2) Switzerland included Canadian Researchers Discover Gene Related to the Appearance of AgingHALIFAX, Canada - Scientists in Atlantic Canada have found a gene that may play a role in skin aging. Researchers were investigating the genetic cause of a rare disorder known as cutis laxa type 2 (CL2), which causes skin on the hands, feet and face to be loose and older looking, as well as growth and developmental delays including effects on the brain. In the process, researchers found some interesting correlations with the synthesis of proline, a chemical associated with skin and joint health. Israel Adds Wyeth’s 7-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7) to their National Immunisation ProgrammeMAIDENHEAD, England - - Prevenar Vaccine to Help Protect Children Against the Leading Vaccine-Preventable Cause of Death in Young Children Worldwide Synthetic Genomics Inc. and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company Sign Exclusive, Multi-Year Agreement to Develop Next Generation Biofuels Using Photosynthetic AlgaeLA JOLLA, California - Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI), a privately held company applying genomic-driven commercial solutions to address a variety of global challenges including energy and the environment, announced today a multi-year research and development agreement with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) to develop next generation biofuels using photosynthetic algae. Evidence for a New Genetic Link to Therapeutic Efficacy for Alzheimer’s DiseaseBROOMFIELD, Colorado - - Study to be presented at the 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease Santaris Pharma - Interim Report for the Period 1 January to 30 June 2009HORSHOLM, Denmark - The Board of Directors of Santaris Pharma has approved the Interim Report for the period 1 January to 30 June 2009. Pfizer Statement on the Life Sciences BlueprintLONDON - Pfizer welcomes today’s launch of the Life Sciences Blueprint by the Office for Life Sciences, and believes that the proposals, if implemented in full measure, will materially improve the UK environment for the life sciences sector, support the NHS in its drive for innovation, and deliver a higher standard of care for UK patients. Improving Transfusion Safety: Fenwal, Verax Biomedical Sign Agreement for Rapid, Point-of-Care Bacteria TestLAKE ZURICH, Illinois - Fenwal Inc., a global medical technology company focused on improving blood collection, separation, safety and availability, announced today it has signed a five-year exclusive worldwide agreement with Verax Biomedical Incorporated to market, sell and distribute Verax’s unique PanGenera(R) Detection (PGD) technology, a rapid diagnostic test used to detect bacterial contaminants in donated blood platelets. New RISI Report Analyzes South American Tree Farm and Biomass Energy Investment OpportunitiesBEDFORD, Massachusetts - RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry, today announced the publication of the South American Tree Farm Update: Opportunities for Investment in Forest Industry and Biomass Energy Plantations. This new study updates and expands on the South American section of an earlier RISI study -Global Tree Farm & Managed Forest Industry. The report describes in detail how the convergence of the timberland, bioenergy, and carbon markets is creating a flood of new investment opportunities in South America’s plantation forest industry and analyzes the structure of that industry. The study also provides an outlook on future fiber supplies, and includes RISI’s database of 130 ownerships in 8 countries, totaling 6.2 million hectares. Finesse Solutions Forges Agreement With Leading Biotechnology Company for Single-Use Technology ExplorationSAN JOSE, California - Finesse Solutions, LLC, San Jose, CA, a manufacturer of measurement and control solutions for biologics applications today announced a development agreement with Biogen Idec, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) aimed at evaluating emerging technologies for single-use bioprocessing. These technologies include novel disposable sensors, software platforms, and control algorithms. Sirius Genomics Announces New Collaboration With Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de ParisVANCOUVER, Canada - Sirius Genomics, a developer of pharmacogenomic diagnostics, announced today that it has signed a collaborative agreement with the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP) to study genomic correlations in severe sepsis patients. The agreement focuses on the continued development of Sirius’ pharmacogenomic diagnostic intended to assess responsiveness to recombinant human activated Protein C (sold by Eli Lilly and Company under the trademark Xigris (R)) in patients with severe sepsis at high risk of death. German Alliance for Industrial Biotechnology Debuts in MontrealBERLIN - The new “German Alliance for Industrial Biotechnology” is making its first appearance. An initiative recently launched by Germany Trade & Invest, the network includes both research institutions and producers, namely industrial biotechnology clusters and chemical parks, in addition to regional investment agencies. The alliance aims to bolster Germany’s biotechnology sector by creating new business opportunities across the entire value chain. Members of the alliance will be presenting together at the Sixth Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing from July 19-22 in Montreal, Canada. Health Robotics Expands and Diversifies Global Channel Strategies With Joint-Ventures & Direct OperationsBOZEN, Italy - Health Robotics today announced that it has decided to complement its successful indirect channel strategies with direct investments in local infrastructure at a few territories where a couple of Health Robotics’ distributors have been negatively affected by a number of factors, such as the global economic crisis, a distributor’s litigation with investors, and some financial difficulties supporting our customers. Some of these new channel strategy decisions have followed a direct channel operation model, while others have taken the form of JV (joint venture) channel strategies. Majority of Physicians,(1) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Carers(1) and the General Public(1) in Five European Countries Understand the Need to Detect and Treat AD Early, Yet the Disease Remains Significantly Under-Diagnosed(2)VIENNA - - Attitudinal and Behavioural Barriers(1) - Combined with Inability to Recognize Disease Symptoms(1) - Contribute to Delay in Diagnosis and Treatment Celesio Acquires Majority Stake in Number One Brazilian Pharmaceutical Wholesaler PanpharmaSTUTTGART, Germany - - Celesio CEO Dr Fritz Oesterle: No Pharmacy Chain Planned in Brazil High-Tech ‘Smart’ Face Mask Helps Hong Kong Families Combat Swine FluHONG KONG - Beginning today, Hong Kong people and their children will have direct access to Filligent’s affordable patented anti-microbial face mask, the BioMask(TM). The revolutionary mask, which traps and kills germs like H1N1 upon contact, was launched at Asia’s leading drugstore chain, Watsons, today. In addition, Hong Kong’s biggest travel agency, Hong Thai, will be providing the BioMask(TM), on a complimentary basis, to all air travelers through the end of August. Up until now, the CE-certified, specialist mask has only been available to medical and healthcare professionals. The launch and availability of the BioMask(TM) in consumer retailers and service providers is significant because, as CEO Melissa Mowbray-d’Arbela says, “The BioMask(TM) is the first ‘intelligent’ face mask. You don’t have to be a health care worker or medical professional to use it correctly. Instead, the mask is very easy to put on, wear and dispose of properly. Thus, it’s one of the best forms of protection for ordinary people and their children during this year’s swine flu crisis.” SRG Wins Syngenta Temp Recruitment ContractLONDON - SRG, the UK’s leading scientific and technical recruitment company, announced today that it has successfully implemented a UK-wide temporary staff RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) solution on behalf of Syngenta in the UK. Syngenta is a world-leading plant science company with 5 large UK sites and around 1,600 permanent UK employees. Temporary staff are used proactively to cope with seasonal fluctuations, to cover maternity and holiday leave, and to provide an ongoing additional resource pool for Syngenta’s research, development and manufacturing activities. Funxional Successfully Completes Initial Clinical Trial of FX125L, an Anti-Inflammatory Drug With a Novel Mechanism of ActionCAMBRIDGE, England - Funxional Therapeutics Ltd (Funxional) has announced today the successful completion of the first Phase I study with FX125L, an orally available small molecule which belongs to a new therapeutic class named Broad Spectrum Chemokine Inhibitors (BSCIs). Essilor: Essilor Forges New Strategic Partnerships Around the WorldPARIS, France - Essilor is pursuing its external growth strategy through a number of recent transactions in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Sanofi Pasteur Files for Approval in Thailand and Australia of IMOJEV(TM), Single-dose Japanese Encephalitis VaccineLYON, France - - Novel Vaccine IMOJEV(TM) for the Prevention of Japanese Encephalitis in Children and Adults Living in Asia Unisense FertiliTech A/S Receives CE Mark of Approval for EmbryoScope(TM) Embryo Monitoring SystemAARHUS, Denmark - Unisense FertiliTech A/S ( www.fertilitech.com) announces that the EmbryoScope(TM) Embryo Monitoring System and EmbryoSlide(TM) tray have received CE approval as class IIa medical devices for use in IVF. Unisense Fertilitech A/S also received the DS/EN ISO13485:2003 and AC:2007 quality system certificate for production, installation and servicing of IVF incubators and related accessories |
