Category Archives: Biotechnology

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire -03/14/12)- Planda Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC.BB: PLPL.OB - News) director, Dr. Ming Hu, recently addressed his published study on the bioavailability of flavonoids and polyphenols and its importance on human health and nutrition.

Dietary polyphenols are derived from plants and are consumed in the forms of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. Collectively they are a main source of antioxidants for humans and are responsible for a variety of biological activities, ranging from anti-aging and anticancer to lowering of blood cholesterol levels and improving bone strength. Millions of women also take a subclass of polyphenols called phytoestrogens to relieve symptoms associated with menopause.

Bioavailability is the body's ability to absorb various nutrients consumed. For most dietary antioxidants, less than five percent of the nutrients are actually absorbed, resulting in the need to consume massive dosages to achieve a clinical effect. Additionally, certain additives, including sugars and dairy, can neutralize the anti-oxidant properties. In the case of green tea, which has become hugely popular as a dietary supplement, you need to consume 8-10 cups a day; but if your green tea is sweetened, it may be useless. According to Dr. Hu's study, historically very little attention has been paid to increasing bioavailability. He asks the question, are these flavonoids and polyphenols as effective as people believe?

Typical polyphenols have oral bioavailability (mostly in animals) of 10% or less, and a range of 2-20% is quite common. For polyphenols to become bioavailable, the following barriers must be overcome: solubility, permeability, metabolism, excretion, target tissue uptake, and disposition.

Planda's proprietary CRS processing system is specifically designed to alter the stereochemical structure of the polyphenols into a ratio more readily absorbable by human tissue. For practical purposes, the converted phytonutrients should be five to eight times more bioavailable than traditional extracts, resulting in a clinical dose being more readily available and affordable as an additive to a variety of beverages, supplements and nutriceuticals.

Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, "We are at the forefront of developing enhanced bioavailable products which, we believe, can revolutionize the nutritional supplement and health drink marketplace. As more research is conducted, such as that done by Dr. Hu, people will be forced to examine what they consume and start to demand products that are based on science rather that slick marketing."

About Planda 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.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Director Dr. Ming Hu Study Demonstrates Significance of Bioavailability

HAYWARD, Calif., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. (MBI) and BP Biofuels have signed a four-year agreement to conduct a demonstration field trial of Mendel's PowerCane Miscanthus and evaluate its performance as feedstock for biofuel production at BP Biofuels' demonstration plant at Jennings, Louisiana.

"This agreement is an important next step in our long-standing partnership with BP Biofuels," said Don Panter, president, Mendel BioEnergy Seeds, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MBI."BP Biofuels will evaluate our new PowerCane Miscanthus product in large field trials and test it at demonstration scale in their biofuel conversion process."

A total of 100 acres of PowerCane Miscanthus will be planted in early 2012 near BP's Jennings facility and the first biomass harvest from these fields is expected in 2013.

"As we move toward commercial production of cellulosic biofuels and work to bring costs in line with conventional fuels, agricultural advancements such as this will be a critical factor," said Sue Ellerbusch, president of BP Biofuels North America.

PowerCane Miscanthus represents a new chapter in biomass production. While the current publicly available miscanthus varieties have outstanding agronomic and biomass performance characteristics, they must be planted as a rhizome or live plug, which requires additional investment and equipment for growers.

"PowerCane Miscanthus varieties are the first miscanthus products specifically developed for biomass production that can be planted as a seed," said Panter. "The PowerCane Miscanthus system will be significantly more economical and efficient for growers, and will allow the industry to scale up more quickly to meet renewable energy goals."

BP Biofuels currently operates a biofuels demonstration facility in Jennings, La that is used to test new cellulosic technologies in the biofuels production process. BP is also constructing a 20,000 acre energy grass farm in Florida that will supply a 36 million gallon a year conversion facility. Construction on the facility is expected to commence later this year.

About Mendel Biotechnology, Inc.Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. (MBI) is a premier independent corporation developing new genetic and chemical solutions for improvement of crop yield and resource use efficiency. It is also dedicated to becoming the leading seed company serving the bioenergy industry. MBI has expertise in the application of functional genomics in studying plant genes and is a pioneer in the production of dedicated energy crops critical for second generation biofuels. MBI has identified and patented the use of genes that control many aspects of plant growth and development, and is applying these inventions to develop or co-develop new plant varieties with improved productivity and quality. MBI has relationships with leading agricultural, energy, forestry and horticulture companies for the commercialization of improved seed and plant products, and is developing new seed and feedstock products for the emerging bioenergy markets. For more information, visit: http://www.mendelbio.com.

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Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. and BP Biofuels to Conduct Demonstration Field Trial of PowerCane™ Miscanthus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (NMBio) has announced a new scholarship award to be presented to a New Mexico high school senior graduating in the spring of 2012. The $1,000 award will be presented to a student meeting the following criteria: 1) be accepted to a two- or four-year accredited New Mexico college, and 2) plan to major in an area that will lead to a career in a biotechnology or biomedical field. The decision to award the scholarship will be based on a one-page letter of intent in which the student describes their biomedical or biotechnology career goals. High school GPA, a letter of recommendation and college entrance exam scores will also be considered. Documentation of acceptance to a school, the letter of intent, an official copy of the high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores should be sent to: NMBioScholarship@gmail.com.

For more information on this scholarship, please check our listing on scholarships.com. Look for The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (NMBio) Scholarship. Scholarship information and an application are also available on our website at http://www.nmbio.org.

NMBio is pleased to invest in the future biotechnology and biomedical professionals in the state of New Mexico though our new scholarship program, said NMBio President Andrew Salazar. One of our primary aims is to foster the growth of the biosciences industry in the state, and this scholarship is one of the ways we will be assisting New Mexico high school students that plan to pursue a career in the biosciences during these challenging economic times.

NMBio Board member Charlotte Mobarak added, We are thrilled to be able to offer this scholarship in addition to our sponsorship of local science fairs and the other educational initiatives of NMBio. We look forward to receiving applications and forming relationships with the future biosciences professionals in the state.

About The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association:

The New Mexico Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (NMBio) actively supports and promotes the development of the biosciences industry in the state. The association provides a forum for information exchange, develops initiatives to enhance business success, offers education regarding bioscience in the state, helps establish collaboration, and serves as a voice of the industry to state, federal and local governments.

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NMBio Announces Scholarship Award

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/12/12)- The biotechnology industry has been on an impressive run this year as companies -- both large and small -- show impressive growth. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (IBB) Fund is outperforming the broader market by a wide margin and is up more than 14 percent this year. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Oncothyreon Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTY - News) & AEterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS - News) (TSX: AEZ.TO - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/ONTY

http://www.paragonreport.com/AEZS

Last week, The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) -- which 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 -- applauded the U.S. House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and explained the legislation's significance on the biotech industry. According to BIO, provisions of the Act would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

"This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the biotechnology industry register with us free at http://www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Larger biotech firms, meanwhile, are looking to rein in costs and plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, according to a survey released by global consulting firm Booz & Company. The study says that many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs).

According to the survey, companies are outsourcing for three main reasons: They lack certain internal capabilities (53 percent), they lack internal capacity (38 percent), and they need to cut costs (44 percent).

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.paragonreport.com/disclaimer

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Biotech Industry Growing Domestically and Abroad -- Oncothyreon and AEterna Zentaris Poised for Growth

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/12/12)- The biotechnology industry has been on an impressive run this year as companies -- both large and small -- show impressive growth. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (IBB) Fund is outperforming the broader market by a wide margin and is up more than 14 percent this year. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: CTIC - News) & Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNR - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/CTIC

http://www.paragonreport.com/AVNR

Last week, The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) -- which 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 -- applauded the U.S. House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and explained the legislation's significance on the biotech industry. According to BIO, provisions of the Act would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

"This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the biotechnology industry register with us free at http://www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Larger biotech firms, meanwhile, are looking to rein in costs and plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, according to a survey released by global consulting firm Booz & Company. The study says that many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs).

According to the survey, companies are outsourcing for three main reasons: They lack certain internal capabilities (53 percent), they lack internal capacity (38 percent), and they need to cut costs (44 percent).

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.paragonreport.com/disclaimer

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Cell Therapeutics and Avanir Pharmaceuticals Look to Make Headway in Strengthening Biotech Industry

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/12/12)- The biotechnology industry has been on an impressive run this year as companies -- both large and small -- show impressive growth. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (IBB) Fund is outperforming the broader market by a wide margin and is up more than 14 percent this year. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Biotechnology Industry and provides equity research on Dendreon Corporation (NASDAQ: DNDN - News) & Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.paragonreport.com/DNDN

http://www.paragonreport.com/ARNA

Last week, The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) -- which 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 -- applauded the U.S. House on the passage of H.R. 3606, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act and explained the legislation's significance on the biotech industry. According to BIO, provisions of the Act would make the pathway to capital formation more attainable for small biotechnology companies.

"This legislation would make capital formation easier for small biotechnology companies, enabling them to focus more on curing and treating disease," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in a statement.

The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the biotechnology industry register with us free at http://www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Larger biotech firms, meanwhile, are looking to rein in costs and plan to outsource R&D and clinical trials and shift this work overseas to places such as China and India, according to a survey released by global consulting firm Booz & Company. The study says that many biopharmaceutical companies will begin outsourcing formerly core activities such as clinical trial monitoring and protocol development to contract research organizations (CROs).

According to the survey, companies are outsourcing for three main reasons: They lack certain internal capabilities (53 percent), they lack internal capacity (38 percent), and they need to cut costs (44 percent).

The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.paragonreport.com/disclaimer

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Biotech Industry Poised for Growth -- Dendreon and Arena Pharmaceuticals Looking Strong