Category Archives: Biotechnology

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and members of the Senate Finance Committee for including the Cellulosic Biofuels Producer Tax Credit (PTC), the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biofuel Plant Property, adding algae biofuels in the tax extenders package, and extending the R&D tax credit for two years.

BIOs President and CEO Jim Greenwood made the following statement:

Tax policy should be focused on driving innovation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lower gas prices, and create high quality U.S. based career opportunities. Perhaps more than any other investment, biorefineries can help achieve these objectives by leveraging U.S. biotech innovation and agricultural productivity to revitalize domestic manufacturing.

Advanced biofuel and renewable chemicals tax credits drive innovation while leveling the playing field for U.S. companies and ensuring these American-born technology innovations are deployed here at home.

U.S. tax policy should support the full range of biorefinery opportunities biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals and extending the tax credits helps to do just that. Producing affordable domestic alternatives to all products that come from foreign oil is vital to renewed economic growth and energy security. These tax credits give companies that are innovating a stable policy to bring commercial-scale alternatives to the market.

By extending the cellulosic biofuels producer tax credit and accelerated depreciation allowance for cellulosic biofuel plant property, and by adding algae-based biofuels to these two sections of the code, this proposal sends an important signal to investors that Congress continues to support the key role these technologies must play in securing our energy future.

Furthermore, BIO strongly supports the provisions of the package which would extend the valuable R&D tax credit for two years. Like others, BIO has consistently urged that this credit be made permanent, and we will continue to work toward this goal."

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 worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

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BIO Thanks Sens. Baucus, Hatch for Extending Tax Policy That Drives Innovation

SEATTLE, Aug. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (PLPL), a producer of highly bioavailable plant extracts, today announced that research has demonstrated the potential use of its proprietary green tea gallate catechin extract, Phytofare(TM), for treating a broad spectrum of infectious parasitic and bacterial infections. Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the green tea catechins, EGCG and ECG, on blood stages with research published in the US National Library of Medicine pointing to use of glucose in establishing a foothold in parasitic infected humans. Simply put, glucose is the food that parasites need to survive and multiply. A new field of research has opened up focusing on developing glucose and hexose inhibitors--agents that essentially cut off the food supply by preventing the infection from up taking the glucose.

A November 2009 in vitro study demonstrated that gallate catechins, such as those found in green tea, are effective glucose and hexose inhibitors. The catechins bind themselves to the adhesion molecules, preventing mobility of the parasite or bacteria and also inhibiting glucose absorption. Unable to move or feed, the infection is unable to replicate itself and, effectively, dies.

Plandai Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, "While the anti-parasitical properties of green tea have been known for years, only recently has science begun understanding the specific mechanism at work. The effectiveness of green tea catechins as a glucose inhibitor opens up an entire new field of research to us. Phytofare(TM) is potentially the long sought-for key to unlocking an effective, inexpensive treatment for the hundreds of millions of people suffering from parasitic infections throughout the world. Many of these infections have become increasingly drug resistant, forcing medicine to explore new methods for eradicating these diseases."

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai 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 principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa.

Safe Harbor Statement

The information provided may contain forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties. Results, events and performances could vary from those contemplated. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, expressed or implied, to differ from predicted outcomes. Risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, and Plandai's ability to meet current or future plans. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Plandai is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Phytofare(TM) Shows Potential for Treating Many Infectious Diseases

Biotechnology stock pickers have to meticulously comb through a lot of startup businesses to finally land on a diamond in the rough. On the other hand, investors may also consider biotech exchange traded funds as a way to gain a diversified position for the overall sector.

According to Paragon Report, the recent FDA Amendment Act of 2007 has forced the biotech sector to accept more strict standards for approvals on new drugs, including mandatory risk evaluation and mitigation strategies.

Consequently, pharmaceutical firms have shifted from primary care driven blockbuster drugs to specialized, niche products targeting oncology, immunology and inflammation, where the need is so high that prices are more easily accepted by regulators, according to a IMAP Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology report. [Biotech ETFs in Multiyear Breakout]

Kaul, the portfolio manager of Fidelity Advisor Biotechnology Fund, draws similarities between the biotech industry and Silicon Valley circa 1984 when startups began their 25 year boom.

My long-term view is that the next five, 10, 15, 20 years for the [biotech] industry will be one of the most promising places to be in the world, Kaul said in a Bank Investment Consultant article.

The quality of drugs in the pipeline should improve, which, he believes, would fuel future growth.

The biotech industry has one of the best business models in the world, with high barriers for entry, high margins and long copyright protections.

Kaul, though, cautions that investors have to be conscious of minimizing the risk of blow-ups and disappointment in the labs, highlighting the difficulty in discovering a workable and potentially lucrative wonder drug.

Investors, though, may gain broad exposure to the overall sector and limit their risks to individual holdings through ETF products.

The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is the largest biotech ETF, with $2.21 billion in assets and a 0.48% expense ratio. IBB is up 29.0% year-to-date.

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Follow the Next Breakthrough Drug Makers with Biotechnology ETFs

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) invites biotechnology, health care, energy, business, government policy and food agriculture experts to submit proposals for breakout sessions at the 2013 BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology, to be held April 22-25, 2013 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

The BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders, and media from around the world. Session speakers will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues and food and agriculture.

Industry experts looking to advance a field of thought, gain wide media exposure plus lasting visibility and establish a dialogue amongst their peers should consider submitting a breakout session proposal. Proposals will be accepted starting August 23 until September 27, 2012, 5:00 p.m. (EDT) and are open to all industry experts. For information on how to submit a session proposal, please visit here.

All submissions received are peer-reviewed by the Convention Program Committee which includes both domestic and international industry professionals, editors from major publications and BIO staff. Applicants will be notified of the status of their session proposal by mid-December.

The BIO Business Forum company presentations provide yet another chance to gain unrivaled exposure. This program allows presenters to spotlight and pitch their companies to powerful business development executives, investors, analysts, policy makers and the press. Open to all attendees, participating companies can take advantage of exclusive resources, including added visibility in the One-on-One Partnering System, webinars, onsite consultations to enhance their presentation skills and video and media opportunities through the BIO Buzz Center. In addition, presenting companies typically schedule more meetings in the Partnering System than non-presenting companies, adding more value to their participation in the Business Forum. Applications for the BIO Business Forum company presentations will be accepted beginning January 14th, 2013. For more information, please visit the BIO Business Forum company presentation homepage.

The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry, offering networking and partnering opportunities. The 2012 BIO International Convention attracted over 16,500 attendees from 50 states and 65 countries. The program included keynote luncheons, Super Sessions, special programs and breakout sessions. For additional attendee and exhibitor information, please visit here.

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 worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

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BIO Issues Call for Sessions for 2013 BIO International Convention

ANN ARBOR, MI--(Marketwire -08/01/12)- Biotechnology Business Consultants, based in Ann Arbor, MI, has changed its name to BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting LLC (BBCetc). The company was founded in 1990 to assist entrepreneurs in building new life science companies. Today, it provides commercialization services, including SBIR/STTR training and one-on-one proposal preparation assistance to technology entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across many sectors.

"We've grown a lot since 1990, and we needed a name that more accurately reflected what we do now in the areas of technology assessment and commercialization, SBIR/STTR and other research grant assistance, training and grant management," said Lisa Kurek, managing partner, BBCetc. "In addition to the Michigan Assistance Program we manage for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, BBC provided services to companies and tech-based economic development organizations in 18 other states last year."

As part of the change, BBCetc has introduced a new logo, newsletter, and website, which features an array of tools for entrepreneurs, including an SBIR/STTR FAQ, important solicitation dates and deadlines, timely updates, the BBCetc training schedule and resource links.

"We will be keeping the site current on a regular basis and adding even more tools and information in coming months," said Kurek.

BBCetc has also announced the addition of Rebecca Aistrup to its staff as a principal consultant. Prior to joining BBCetc, Aistrup was the SBIR/STTR program director for the Minnesota Science and Technology Authority.

"Becky is a rare find and well able to hit the ground running," Kurek noted. "She is thoroughly versed in SBIR/STTR, with particular expertise in the Dept. of Defense, Dept. of Energy and USDA programs, and she also offers extensive experience in commercialization and marketing. All of this will be a great benefit for our clients."

Aistrup's professional background includes over 20 years of experience working within the medical, biotech, advanced materials and electronics industries, and consulting with technology companies on SBIR/STTR funding. In the 1990s, she served as vice president, Business Development & Licensing, for a successful SBIR firm, helping them strategically target proposals and develop Phase II commercialization plans. Aistrup holds a B.A. degree in chemistry from the University of Kansas, an M.B.A. in marketing management from the University of Minnesota, and a Master's Certification in interactive marketing from the University of San Francisco.

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Biotechnology Business Consultants Becomes BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting

EAST SETAUKET, N.Y., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. (LIXT.PK), announced allowance by the Food and Drug Administration to conduct a Phase I trial of its lead, potentially first-in-class, anti-cancer compound, LB-100. The trial will be conducted at a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lixte also reported raising $2,468,250 to initiate this trial and to continue its drug discovery research through an offering to holders of warrants for exercising their rights in cash.

Dr. John S. Kovach, founder and president of Lixte, said that, "LB-100, a novel anti-cancer compound, inhibits a target enzyme that has multiple activities in various tissues, including mediating the response of cells to DNA damage. Many standard anti-cancer drugs and radiation exert their therapeutic activity by damaging DNA. Inhibition of the target enzyme by LB-100 prevents cancer cells from defending themselves against this injury thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment. Our priority is to determine the safety of LB-100 in the upcoming Phase I clinical trial and subsequently the extent of its anti-cancer activity in Phase II trials. Given the novel mechanism of action of LB-100 and its effectiveness in potentiating standard chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation in animal models, we are hopeful that LB-100 will be a significant addition to treatment regimens for a range of cancers. We are grateful to our investors who continue to support our programs as we achieve significant milestones."

About Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc.Lixte is engaged primarily in development of improved treatments for cancer. The company was created to capitalize on opportunities to develop low cost, specific and sensitive tests for the early detection of cancers. Over the past five years, however, Lixte has evolved into what is now primarily a drug discovery company, using biomarker technology to identify vulnerable enzyme targets, which contribute to cancer and other serious non-malignant common diseases, and then design novel compounds to attack those targets.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For example, statements regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, and assumptions and predictions about future product demand, supply, manufacturing, costs, marketing and pricing factors are all forward-looking statements. These statements are generally accompanied by words such as "intend," anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "potential(ly)," "continue," "forecast," "predict," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect" or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, based on information available to it on the date hereof, but the Company cannot provide assurances that these assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct or that the Company will take any action that the Company may presently be planning. However, these forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or experience may differ materially from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, regulatory policies, available cash, research results, competition from other similar businesses, and market and general economic factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for March 31, 2012.

For additional information, please see: http://www.Lixte.com

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Lixte Biotechnology Holdings Announces Increased Funding And FDA Allowance To Conduct A Phase I Trial Of Its Lead Anti ...