Category Archives: Biotechnology

19 March 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

("Angel" or "the Company")

Notice of EGM

Proposed Placing

The Board of Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc announces that today it has posted a Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company ("EGM") and a Form of Proxy to Shareholders convening an EGM, to be held at 50 Broadway (SES: E1:B69.SI - news) , London SW1H 0BL on 13 April 2012 at 10am. A copy of the Circular is available from the Company's website, http://www.angelbio.com.

The purpose of the EGM is to consider and, if thought fit, pass a special resolution on the terms set out in the Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting. If passed, it would enable the Board to allot equity securities on a non pre-emptive basis by an aggregate nominal amount of 370,000, which would be in addition to the original nominal amount of 750,000 (the "Authority") granted to the Board at the last Annual General Meeting of the Company ("AGM") held on 8 June 2012. The additional Authority would run until the conclusion of the next AGM at which time Shareholders will be asked to approve new authorities for the following 12 months.

The Company is seeking to raise up to a further 1m through a placing of shares at the same price as the Placing that was announced on 22 December 2011. Following the Placing in December, 175,000 of the original Authority (or 175,000,000 ordinary shares) was left unutilised, which, at the price of the December 2011 Placing, would enable the Company to raise a further 350,000.

However, one of the institutional investors who was not in a position to invest at the time of the December Placing has agreed to invest 360,000, while other institutional investors who supported the December 2011 Placing have asked to provide follow-on investments. These additional investments would be in excess of the remaining original Authority.

On behalf of the Board, Dr. Paul Harper, Executive Chairman, said: "The Placing would further strengthen Angel's shareholder base and provide additional working capital that will enable the Company to respond quickly to new business development opportunities recently available to it. The Directors also believe that in the light of the current uncertain financial markets, it is prudent to raise funds when they become available."

See the article here:
Angel Biotechnology - Notice of EGM and Proposed Placing

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -03/19/12)- Planda Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News), a producer of highly bioavailable plant extracts, today announced the launch of a new, investor friendly website designed to educate the public about the company's proprietary CRS processing system and the importance of bioavailability in nutrition.

The website is easy to navigate and provides investors with quick access to historical SEC filings and press releases. The website also has several excellent photos of the Senteeko tea estate located in South Africa, along with discussions on the nature of tea production, ongoing research, and the importance of bioavailability. Company contact information and newsletter sign up is also provided.

The benefits of delivering high concentrate bioavailable phytonutrients allow the body to more efficiently absorb the active and stable nutrients and antioxidants. For example, green tea, which is rich in antioxidants critical for protecting white and red blood cells and boosting the body's immune system, is not readily absorbed in its natural state. According to published research, the average person needs to consume 8-10 cups of green tea in order to receive a clinical dose of the necessary gallate catechins. Planda's CRS hydrodynamic process is able to alter the isomeric properties of plant material so that they are more in line with that found in human tissues, thus increasing the absorbability by up to eight times that of other extracts.

Roger Duffield, Chief Executive Officer of Planda, commented, "As a management team, we value the importance of educating the public about bioavailability. Billions of dollars are spent annually on supplements and vitamin-enhanced products, but these are wasted dollars if what is being consumed is not in a form that the body can absorb and process. Our new website will be a useful tool for getting timely information to shareholders and concerned consumers while also providing updates as new research is completed and we draw nearer to full production."

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

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

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 Planda'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. Planda 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.

Continued here:
Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Launches New Investor-Friendly Website

Biotechnology, as the term indicates, is the technical use of living organisms and biological processes for obtaining bio products. These products are used in the field of medicine, agriculture and industries. Biotechnology has been used in various day to day processes since time immemorial. From preparation of wine, cheese, curing of tea leaves to natural manures and jute processing, the knowledge of biology has been put to effective use in the various spheres of our lives. With the advent of modern biotechnology in the 1980s, this field has seen a great boom in its totality. The first major footprint of this modern era is believed to have begun when the American Supreme Court granted patent to Ananda Chakraborty for the genetically modified Pseudomona species capable of breaking down crude oil. Ever since it has spread its root wide in every possible field. Hence, now it is being considered as a bright prospect for the future industries.

The statistics

Recently, the reports of a study on the economic viability of biotechnology, conducted by the Centre for the study of Living Standards (a nonprofit Canadian organization aimed at economic research), was published. It was based on the figures provided by the Statistics Canada’s Biotech Use and Development Survey (BUDS). The research was headed by economist Ricardo de Avellez. The study showed great promise in the field with a forecast of $144 billion industry by 2030 at an average growth rate of 9.4%. Canada, being the world’s 10th largest economy, though generates only 1.19% of the total economy GDP from the biotechnology industry, it has seen phenomenal GDP growth at 10.7% between 1999-2007 preceded only by the mining and oil and gas extraction industry at 20.5%. This shows the rich economical implications that this field awaits in the mere future. In 2005 the number of innovative biotech firms increased from 358 in 1999 to 532, almost a 50% growth. Besides the impressive GDP, the employment that the industry has generated around itself is also a boon. Around 13,500 employees were employed in the various firms in 2005, a 74% increase from the figures in 1999. This figure definitely points to the immense potential of this yet to be explored field.

Biotechnology started in three different waves in three different time periods but now they overlap:

1. The Green Wave-Agricultural Biotechnology

This has been there right from the cradle of ancient civilizations. Nowadays with the development of genetically modified crops better yielding, pest resistant, seed less crops are being yielded. Only 20.1% firms and 9.8% of the work force are involved in the agricultural biotechnology and it generates 24.6% of the total revenue. Surely this field has a greater potential and would play an important role in meeting the food demands of the future.

2. The Red Wave-Medical Biotechnology

This field has seen the greatest growth. 58.3% of the biotech companies were involved in the health care system. A majority of 80.9% employees lent their workforce and it generated 70.6% of the revenue. The obvious reasons for its growth are the vaccines, artificial hormones, diagnostic tests, genetically tailored medicine and the list goes on.

3. The White Wave, the most recent Industrial Biotechnology

It is particular to term this a virgin field as its potential has been put to use the least whereas this is the field which shows the greatest promise. From development of biomining to bioremediation, from biofuels to biosensors, this field is teeming with unexplored industrial potentialities. With a small amount of industries into it, the field actually has seen a 10.1% decline in its revenues.

The bottomline

Biotechnology will definitely play a significant role in the country’s economy as more industries based on it will come up. Also the need for sustainable systems and cleaner and greener technology will provide impetus to this versatile field. Combined with the rich abundant natural resources, biotechnology will take the country a long way.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/rss.xml

America, the name itself conjures an image of prosperity, high standards of living, a staggering economy, flourishing industries, and everything nice and good. But all these nice and good things were not achieved in a day. It took years of hard work and organization to reach this epoch. Most importantly, this is the fruit of years of continuous research and innovations which have helped this country to surge ahead of the rest in all fields. A few prime gifts of this country to the world includes Internet, and many others as the country gears up to continue its quest to remain not only the most powerful economy but technologically also the country should dig into new found mines of biotechnology. Biotechnology uses micro-organisms and the various biological processes to generate commercially viable bioproducts. At some instances, biotechnology is not used commercially but more importantly just to protect our mother nature and create a greener environment.

Early years

Long before the term biotechnology came into existence, it was indigenously used in various food processing processes like making beer, wine, cheese, etc. Other than that it was used in various aspects of agriculture like selection of high yielding crops, use of legumes to fertilize soil, making natural manures, etc. The advent of modern biotechnology took place in the 1970s. The red wave, in which the potential of biotechnology were appreciated in the field of medicine and put to practical use. The medical industry has found a new direction on the shoulders of biotechnology and surely it’s way ahead is shining bright with the newer discoveries and methodologies. The white wave, the last to strike the field is the industrial application of biotechnology.Yet to build a strong wave and flood the industry and economy with its immense potentialities.

1. Advancement in the field of agriculture

America’s farming is highly mechanized. With that, the use of biotechnology has led to production more than sufficing the needs of the country. High yielding, pest and drought resistant, better nutritional value, altered tasting crops have been produced. This has provided the country food security. And surely in future, with more advancements in biotechnology will take the agriculture up the ladders of prosperity.

2. Advancement in the field of medicine

Currently more than 50% of the biotechnology industry is concentrated in the medical field with the prime work force, staggering growth rate, speedy discoveries and millions of dollars pumped into research. This field has truly bloomed to serve the cause of human health. Genome mapping, monoclonal antibodies, synthesis of antibiotics and artificial hormones, gene therapy, rapid diagnostic methods, anti cancer drugs are the result of the meticulous research in this field. All this helped improve the health of the people and indirectly the nation. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act has been passed to control the disease and at the same time develop new drugs to treat it. Though a lot has been achieved, but this field shouldn’t be allowed to stagnate under any circumstances. As newer resistant viruses and bacteria emerge, the medical force should be prepared with the weapons made from biotechnology.

3. Advancement in the field of industrial application

Industries entirely based on biotech seem just round the corner as the potential of this field are being recognized with rapidity. Biodiesel now, generated at a commercial level can do away with the country’s dependence on the oil supplies from the gulf countries. Also it is a greener technology. Biomining is a method in which a solution of bacteria is used for extraction of metals (copper and gold). Bio-oxidation, a method in which bacteria is used to extract metal from their oxidized form. Both the forms yield high extraction rates upto 85-95%. Bioplastics, enzymes and many other products are awaited to be produced at an industrial level. Jatropha has the potential to replace petroleum as fuel. If the wonders of biotechnology are tapped commercially definitely it would contribute to the flourishing economy of the country. Although its contribution to the country’s GDP is meager, already it is one of the fastest growing sectors employing 130305 in 2005, with a turnover of US $51,655 million the same year. Needless to say that America is leading in all aspects of the biotechnology industry and hopefully it will continue to do so.

Last but not the least

Recently, America is facing steep competition from other developing nations like India and China and so the country needs to be on its toes. The current policies of the Barak Obama government are very favorable for extensive research and large amount of investments in the field. The other brighter side of this industry is the employment it is generating which has become particularly very important after the unemployment during and after recession. The upcoming new industries, the health and as well as the agriculture sector depend hugely on the advancements of biotechnology, so extensive research is being undertaken at all levels. The National Institute of Health is instituted for biotechnology training programs. Lastly the future of NASA, America’s prime space agency, also rests on newer biotech products as it aims to sustain life for a prolonged period outside earth. We hope that biotechnology will bloom to the most beautiful and prosperous future of America.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/rss.xml

Biotechnology, as the term indicates, is the technical use of living organisms and biological processes for obtaining bio products. These products are used in the field of medicine, agriculture and industries. Biotechnology has been used in various day to day processes since time immemorial. From preparation of wine, cheese, curing of tea leaves to natural manures and jute processing, the knowledge of biology has been put to effective use in the various spheres of our lives. With the advent of modern biotechnology in the 1980s, this field has seen a great boom in its totality. The first major footprint of this modern era is believed to have begun when the American Supreme Court granted patent to Ananda Chakraborty for the genetically modified Pseudomona species capable of breaking down crude oil. Ever since it has spread its root wide in every possible field. Hence, now it is being considered as a bright prospect for the future industries.

The statistics

Recently, the reports of a study on the economic viability of biotechnology, conducted by the Centre for the study of Living Standards (a nonprofit Canadian organization aimed at economic research), was published. It was based on the figures provided by the Statistics Canada’s Biotech Use and Development Survey (BUDS). The research was headed by economist Ricardo de Avellez. The study showed great promise in the field with a forecast of $144 billion industry by 2030 at an average growth rate of 9.4%. Canada, being the world’s 10th largest economy, though generates only 1.19% of the total economy GDP from the biotechnology industry, it has seen phenomenal GDP growth at 10.7% between 1999-2007 preceded only by the mining and oil and gas extraction industry at 20.5%. This shows the rich economical implications that this field awaits in the mere future. In 2005 the number of innovative biotech firms increased from 358 in 1999 to 532, almost a 50% growth. Besides the impressive GDP, the employment that the industry has generated around itself is also a boon. Around 13,500 employees were employed in the various firms in 2005, a 74% increase from the figures in 1999. This figure definitely points to the immense potential of this yet to be explored field.

Biotechnology started in three different waves in three different time periods but now they overlap:

1. The Green Wave-Agricultural Biotechnology

This has been there right from the cradle of ancient civilizations. Nowadays with the development of genetically modified crops better yielding, pest resistant, seed less crops are being yielded. Only 20.1% firms and 9.8% of the work force are involved in the agricultural biotechnology and it generates 24.6% of the total revenue. Surely this field has a greater potential and would play an important role in meeting the food demands of the future.

2. The Red Wave-Medical Biotechnology

This field has seen the greatest growth. 58.3% of the biotech companies were involved in the health care system. A majority of 80.9% employees lent their workforce and it generated 70.6% of the revenue. The obvious reasons for its growth are the vaccines, artificial hormones, diagnostic tests, genetically tailored medicine and the list goes on.

3. The White Wave, the most recent Industrial Biotechnology

It is particular to term this a virgin field as its potential has been put to use the least whereas this is the field which shows the greatest promise. From development of biomining to bioremediation, from biofuels to biosensors, this field is teeming with unexplored industrial potentialities. With a small amount of industries into it, the field actually has seen a 10.1% decline in its revenues.

The bottomline

Biotechnology will definitely play a significant role in the country’s economy as more industries based on it will come up. Also the need for sustainable systems and cleaner and greener technology will provide impetus to this versatile field. Combined with the rich abundant natural resources, biotechnology will take the country a long way.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/rss.xml

America, the name itself conjures an image of prosperity, high standards of living, a staggering economy, flourishing industries, and everything nice and good. But all these nice and good things were not achieved in a day. It took years of hard work and organization to reach this epoch. Most importantly, this is the fruit of years of continuous research and innovations which have helped this country to surge ahead of the rest in all fields. A few prime gifts of this country to the world includes Internet, and many others as the country gears up to continue its quest to remain not only the most powerful economy but technologically also the country should dig into new found mines of biotechnology. Biotechnology uses micro-organisms and the various biological processes to generate commercially viable bioproducts. At some instances, biotechnology is not used commercially but more importantly just to protect our mother nature and create a greener environment.

Early years

Long before the term biotechnology came into existence, it was indigenously used in various food processing processes like making beer, wine, cheese, etc. Other than that it was used in various aspects of agriculture like selection of high yielding crops, use of legumes to fertilize soil, making natural manures, etc. The advent of modern biotechnology took place in the 1970s. The red wave, in which the potential of biotechnology were appreciated in the field of medicine and put to practical use. The medical industry has found a new direction on the shoulders of biotechnology and surely it’s way ahead is shining bright with the newer discoveries and methodologies. The white wave, the last to strike the field is the industrial application of biotechnology.Yet to build a strong wave and flood the industry and economy with its immense potentialities.

1. Advancement in the field of agriculture

America’s farming is highly mechanized. With that, the use of biotechnology has led to production more than sufficing the needs of the country. High yielding, pest and drought resistant, better nutritional value, altered tasting crops have been produced. This has provided the country food security. And surely in future, with more advancements in biotechnology will take the agriculture up the ladders of prosperity.

2. Advancement in the field of medicine

Currently more than 50% of the biotechnology industry is concentrated in the medical field with the prime work force, staggering growth rate, speedy discoveries and millions of dollars pumped into research. This field has truly bloomed to serve the cause of human health. Genome mapping, monoclonal antibodies, synthesis of antibiotics and artificial hormones, gene therapy, rapid diagnostic methods, anti cancer drugs are the result of the meticulous research in this field. All this helped improve the health of the people and indirectly the nation. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act has been passed to control the disease and at the same time develop new drugs to treat it. Though a lot has been achieved, but this field shouldn’t be allowed to stagnate under any circumstances. As newer resistant viruses and bacteria emerge, the medical force should be prepared with the weapons made from biotechnology.

3. Advancement in the field of industrial application

Industries entirely based on biotech seem just round the corner as the potential of this field are being recognized with rapidity. Biodiesel now, generated at a commercial level can do away with the country’s dependence on the oil supplies from the gulf countries. Also it is a greener technology. Biomining is a method in which a solution of bacteria is used for extraction of metals (copper and gold). Bio-oxidation, a method in which bacteria is used to extract metal from their oxidized form. Both the forms yield high extraction rates upto 85-95%. Bioplastics, enzymes and many other products are awaited to be produced at an industrial level. Jatropha has the potential to replace petroleum as fuel. If the wonders of biotechnology are tapped commercially definitely it would contribute to the flourishing economy of the country. Although its contribution to the country’s GDP is meager, already it is one of the fastest growing sectors employing 130305 in 2005, with a turnover of US $51,655 million the same year. Needless to say that America is leading in all aspects of the biotechnology industry and hopefully it will continue to do so.

Last but not the least

Recently, America is facing steep competition from other developing nations like India and China and so the country needs to be on its toes. The current policies of the Barak Obama government are very favorable for extensive research and large amount of investments in the field. The other brighter side of this industry is the employment it is generating which has become particularly very important after the unemployment during and after recession. The upcoming new industries, the health and as well as the agriculture sector depend hugely on the advancements of biotechnology, so extensive research is being undertaken at all levels. The National Institute of Health is instituted for biotechnology training programs. Lastly the future of NASA, America’s prime space agency, also rests on newer biotech products as it aims to sustain life for a prolonged period outside earth. We hope that biotechnology will bloom to the most beautiful and prosperous future of America.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/rss.xml