Category Archives: Biotechnology

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AR -- For the second time in three months, an industry chooses to plant roots in Jefferson County. County leaders welcomed Vivione Tuesday.

"It's going to allow us to take the next step in our life cycle to develop products and platforms that can address a lot of the problems we see out here today," said Kevin Kuykendall, the company's CEO.

The company will sell diagnostic test systems to food producers to detect any bacteria. Most companies make tests that reveal results in days, but Vivione's system makes it known in minutes!

"It allows manufacturers to ship their products sooner, provide a safer product, waste less product, less reprocessing if they have to clean and reprocess," said Melinda Miller, the lab manager.

Company leaders looked at other places to open but say Jefferson County leaders offered a deal too good to walk away from. That deal is a result of the economic development tax voters approved last year.

"There is such a tremendous promise for Vivione's future here, a promise for a safer food for our consumers and promise for additional job growth," Lou Ann Nesbitt, the county's economic development alliance, said.

The company employs six people right now, but by 2016, executives plan to have over 100 employees. If you don't have a background in the sciences, don't worry. The company will be looking for people in other arenas to staff. They'll make those positions known at a later date.

Link:
Biotechnology company opens in Jefferson County

Public release date: 8-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kimberly Brown brownk@aaps.org 703-248-4772 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

WHO: American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

WHAT: The 2012 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (NBC) will gather scientists from industry, government, and academia for three days of educational offerings specifically geared toward the biotechnology sector of the pharmaceutical sciences. The conference kicks off with a brand new advanced Immunogenicity Training Course and two AAPS Workshops, transitions into the 2012 NBC programming, and concludes with three AAPS sponsored short courses. The 2012 programming consists of a Plenary Session, 19 symposia, 17 roundtables (including BioTalk) and mini-symposia, eight sunrise sessions, Posters, and Hot Topics. Additionally, an Exposition Hall will be hosting over 100 major companies.

WHEN: May 21-23, 2012

WHERE: Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, CA

Plenary Speakers: C. Anthony Blau, M.D. of the University of Washington; Timothy R. Cot, M.D., MPH of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD); Anthony Coyle, Ph.D. of the Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI).

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Editor's Note: ALL PRESS MUST BE REGISTERED AND PROVIDE PRESS CREDENTIALS TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. For media registration prior to the conference, please contact Kimberly Brown at 703-248-472 or BrownK@aaps.org.

About AAPS: The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists is a professional, scientific society of approximately 12,000 members employed in academia, industry, government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS provides a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to serve the public and enhance their contributions to health. AAPS offers timely scientific programs, on-going education, information resources, opportunities for networking, and professional development. Visit http://www.aaps.org today.

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2012 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference heads to San Diego

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

David Allan, founding Chairman of YM BioSciences and its 13-year CEO is being recognized by the industry in BIOTECanadas naming him as recipient of the Gold Leaf Award for Industry Leadership. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates exemplary vision and leadership in Canadian biotechnology in a global context. He is being recognized for his commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of biotechnology in Canada.

David Allan has had an important impact on the recognition of Canadian biotechnology internationally with his unwavering commitment about the importance of international public and private capital markets as the lifeblood of the industry, commented Brad Thompson, Chair BIOTECanada. YM BioSciences has demonstrated versatility and resilience, utilizing international partnerships to offset the capital constraints faced by Canadian biotechnology companies. This is a model for many industry colleagues.

During his 17-year involvement with YM the company has enjoyed numerous "firsts" including being the first North American biotechnology company to float its IPO on the London Exchange, which occurred in 2002 simultaneously with listing on the TSX, as well, it is believed, as being the first company outside the United States to receive a Special Protocol Assessment from the FDA. Prior to YM David created the first science and technology-specific investment banking team in Canada to support the capital requirements of the biotechnology industry in the country and creating such novel biotechnology structures as Drug Royalty Corporation as well as YM BioSciences.

"I am thrilled that this 20-year commitment to the industry is being recognised by this exceptional and prestigious award. My commitment to the industry preceded my involvement with YM by being the first in Canada to import, in 1992, the model so successfully established in the United States of biotech-specific investment banks. From that experience came the recognition of the senseless chasm between the billions of dollars spent by our government-level programs supporting basic research and the low enthusiasm of Canadian venture capital funds and public capital markets in Canada to support the conversion of our scientific excellence into medicines useful for human health. I shall continue to work tirelessly, striving to eliminate the established impediments on accessing capital in Canada similarly to a prior successful engagement as Chair the Toronto Stock Exchange's Market Access Committee that created a specific framework encouraging previously unavailable financing of Small and Medium Enterprises through that exchange. I expect that my extensive experience in the management, M&A and financing of biotechnology companies will be useful as a mentor to others and I am delighted to continue broad involvement with the biotechnology industry in Canada as the Chair of YM, Executive Chair of Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp, Lead Director at DiaMedica Inc, and as Chairman of AvidBiologics Inc. in Toronto.

Join us as we celebrate industry leadership during the BIO International Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The Gold Leaf Awards ceremony will take place at the Canada Caf (booth number 735) June 19, 2012 in Boston, MA at 4pm.

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David Allan Lauded for Leadership – Biotechnology Leader Named to Industry Award

SEATTLE, May 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plandai Biotechnology, Inc., a producer of highly bioavailable plant extracts, today filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission announcing that it has executed the final loan documents with the Land and Agriculture Bank of South Africa. The total amount of the loan is 100 million Rand (US $13 million).

Plandai Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, "Closing this loan is a significant milestone for Plandai because it provides us with the capital necessary to move immediately into production of our highly bioavailable Green Tea extract without causing any dilution to our shareholders. Since first receiving approval for the loan from the Land Bank in December 2011, we have worked diligently to gather the necessary legal documents and ensure compliance with the loan terms. Gratefully, that patience and effort has finally paid off."

In discussing the use of proceeds from the loan, Mr. Duffield added, "We are working on a very short time table in order to reach our goal of having product market ready by early 2013. We have already contracted with our USA engineering partner, CRS Technologies Inc. Delaware, to commence the manufacture of our first hydrodynamic processing and extraction system, in order that we can begin the first commercial, bioavailable Green Tea catechin extract production by the end of the year. At the same time, we have begun work on our Senteeko tea estate to make sure there is suitable and adequate green tea crop available in the last quarter 2012. True to the purpose of the Land Bank loan, we will be employing many of the local Shamile community members to help in the farming and extraction process."

The Land and Agriculture Bank of South Africa (http://www.landbank.co.za/) is a specialist agricultural bank guided by a government mandate to provide financial services to the commercial farming sector and to agri-business and to facilitate access to finance by new entrants to agriculture from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. 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. Web site: http://www.plandaibiotech.com/

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.

Link:
Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces the Closing of $13 Million Loan From the Land Bank of South Africa

This is the main question that is lurking the minds of biologists for quite some time now because many possibilities for the occurrence of a homosexuality gene exist. During the 1990s many researcher were studying the topic but by the end of the 20th century all such research work was slowed down as many people are shy when they are asked on topics related to sex and specially homosexuality. Scientists Sergey Gavrilets and William Rice have developed some guidelines for explaining the causes of homosexuality. During the past decade the scientists have discovered some patterns that might point to genetic causes of homosexuality. Among the discoveries the main finding was that in case of male homosexuality it seems to be inherited more from the mother than the father and the female maternal relatives of gay men have higher that average reproduction capacity. Another shocking discovery was that the chances of homosexuality increases in males with the number of older brothers he has even if the child has grown up away from his brothers. The reason for this is that the with each male fetus the mother develops an increased immunization to an antigen that is produced by male fetuses and this antigen plays an important role in masculinizing the brain. All the studies have strong evidences that homosexuality is caused by a gene but no research has pointed to any specific gene and the idea to which each research points is towards a polymorphic gene. Rice commented that, ‘We know that homosexuality (gay or lesbian) can be caused by simple genetic changes in fruit flies, and since so many reproductive and neurological genes are shared by flies and humans, it seems highly likely that there are major genes influencing homosexuality in humans, However, we also have firm evidence for a birth-order effect on male homosexuality, and discordance in the expression of homosexuality of identical twins, so clearly there is also an environmental influence on the trait.’ This research is the most guiding research on the topic, though it also has not pointed out any particular gene but this will be the backbone of all future researchers that can one day tell us the exact cause of Homosexuality.

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For more than 20 years, the main choice for breast implants has been some form of silicone rubber. Recent cancer research suggests nanotechnology may make breast implants safer as an alternative to silicone. Approximately 75 percent of post-mastectomy patients choose some form of breast reconstruction. While no medical device is free of risks, silicone breast implants still present a relatively high level of risk. This makes nanotechnology a promising alternative.

Similarly, nanotechnology may speed up recovery after breast reduction. Recovery from plastic surgery of any type has its risks. A University of Akron study suggests that nanotechnology produces additional properties that offer additional medical benefits patients cannot get from silicone or other traditional procedures. Some of the potential dangers of silicone materials include a greater instance of various forms of cancer, systemic diseases and psychological diseases. Dr. Judit E. Puskas, who led the study at the University of Akron, believes that nanostructured material may eliminate such risks and present a safer alternative to silicone-based breast implants.

Dr. Laura Kruper of the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, California is among doctors pointing out the psychological benefits of reconstruction following a mastectomy. While expense is a concern for some women, another factor is safety. This adds to the appeal of materials constructed using nanotechnology. The idea of using nanotechnology in breast implants is to alter the characteristics of the silicone. The manipulation would take place in the atoms of the silicone. Implants with the capability of delivering chemicals may speed up the recovery process and reduce side effects following surgery and initial treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is the leading cause of death among women of all races. While breast cancer rates have been decreasing by about 2 percent since 2005, it is still estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop some form of breast cancer during their lifetime. This makes exploration of nanotechnology a worthwhile effort, according to Dr. Puskas and other doing similar research. The primary goal is to ensure that such technology is safe. Early research has shown promise. Some researchers have gone beyond Dr. Puskas’ early optimism and suggest that nanotechnology may result in materials that are not only safer, but materials that have the ability to deliver cancer medications more directly.

Nanostructured materials, by nature, are smaller. This includes smaller components within the material that minimizes complications. The new material will also have the ability to deliver certain cancer drugs more locally. The ability to deliver cancer drugs in this manner could help patients who have a breast reduction or have to have a mastectomy or double mastectomy due to breast cancer. Delivering cancer drugs this way could further minimize risks and side effects associated with chemotherapy. Right now, such technology is in the testing phase. The goal of nanotechnology research is to create alternatives to silicone implants that sharply reduce side effects and potential risks at the time of the implants and in the future. According to Breastcancer.org, there are about 3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. A common concern among survivors, especially those who had some form of mastectomy or lumpectomy, is finding a way to restore the natural appearance of the breast.

Some women express a hesitation to get breast implants following breast cancer due to a fear that the implants themselves will cause additional medical problems. According to a study of breast cancer patients in California, fewer women are electing to have breast implants following mastectomy. On a nationwide level, however, statistics show that about 90 percent of women who have had a mastectomy following breast cancer choose some form of reconstruction. Nanotechnology is showing promise among all fields of science, but still must receive FDA approval to be used in breast implants. Early studies, however, are highlighting the potential of nanotechnology.

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