|
 Patient's
own stem cells used to grow facial bone
In a first-of-its kind procedure, stem cells taken from the fat tissue
of a 14-year-old boy were combined with growth protein and donor tissue
to grow viable cheek bones in the boy. 29 Oct 2009
Antibody treatment for ulcerative
colitis reduces need for colon surgery
Ulcerative colitis patients had a 41% reduction in removal of their
colon (colectomy) after a year when treated with the artificial antibody
infliximab, according to a study led by Mayo Clinic. 29 Oct 2009
Med tech programme at Genesis 2009
biotechnology conference
Genesis 2009, the UK's leading biotechnology networking conference
(10-11 December 2009) will have a significant focus on the development
and commercial aspects of medical technology. 27 October 2009
Institute of Biomedical Engineering
wins prize for outstanding contribution to innovation and technology
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, has
been honoured with a top prize for innovation at the prestigious Times
Higher Education (THE) Awards 2009. 27 Oct 2009
Cepheid wins grant to develop
ten-colour real-time PCR detection technology
Cepheid has received a notice of grant award from the US National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop new ten-colour
detection technology for use in its GeneXpert System. 27 Oct2009
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for BMS
in the prescription pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses
global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment
of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs.
Oct 2009
AstraZeneca plc: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for
AstraZeneca in the Rx pharmaceutical sector. The profile encompasses
global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and assessment
of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for key drugs.
Oct 2009
Abbott Laboratories: PharmaVitae Profile
This analysis examines the historical and forecast performance for
Abbott in the prescription pharmaceutical sector. The profile
encompasses global company strategy, portfolio and pipeline analysis and
assessment of financial performance, with 1-6 year sales forecasts for
key drugs. Oct 2009
Kinaxo and Bayer Vital collaborate in
cancer biomarker identification
Kinaxo will apply its quantitative phosphoproteomics technology
PhosphoScout for the identification of novel biomarkers in a clinical
trial conducted by Bayer Vital. 21 Oct 2009
 IBM
building microchip to read human DNA and advance
personalised medicine
IBM scientists are designing a microchip with nano-sized holes
that could thread single strands of DNA and read the genetic code as the
strand passes through.
Affymetrix launches platform for
next-generation genotyping
The Axiom Genotyping Solution is a high-throughput, automated platform
that enables researchers to find novel genetic variations associated
with complex disease. 20 Oct 2009
World Courier triples clinical
trial storage capacity worldwide
World Courier has opened two purpose-driven investigational drug storage
facilities in Melbourne and Johannesburg, bringing its network of
GMP-compliant clinical trial depots to 11 worldwide. 20 Oct 2009
Medifacts wins $2.7m contract for
cardiac monitoring in clinical trial
Medifacts International Inc, has been awarded the contract to provide
comprehensive cardiac safety and efficacy services for a large
late-stage clinical trial. 20 Oct 2009
Stemcell Technologies releases
defined, animal-protein free maintenance medium for hESCs and hiPSCs.
20 Oct 2009
DNA Precision offers tools for
healthcare research, gene discovery and analysis services
DNA Precision is offering services for genetic and healthcare research.
These include gene discovery, Agilent microarray processing and
bioinformatics. 20 Oct 2009
Linguamatics announces I2E 3.1 text
mining tool for pharmaceutical companies
I2E is a high performance natural language processing (NLP)-based text
mining platform that streamlines knowledge discovery from text. 20 Oct
2009
Mathematical tool links 11 genetic
variations to diabetes
Mathematicians at Michigan Technological University have developed
powerful new tools for winnowing out the genes behind some of humanity’s
most intractable diseases. With one they have isolated 11 variations
within genes associated with type 2 diabetes.
Wellcome Trust and Merck launch
joint venture to develop affordable vaccines for low-income countries
The Wellcome Trust and Merck have created the MSD Wellcome Trust
Hilleman Laboratories, a first of its kind research and development
joint venture with a not-for-profit mission to focus on developing
affordable vaccines to prevent diseases that commonly affect low-income
countries. 9 Oct 2009
Biochemical pathways that could
reverse aging of human muscle discovered
By manipulating the pathways, researchers were able to turn back the
clock on old human muscle, restoring its ability to repair and rebuild
itself. 5 October 2009
InVivo licenses CEVEC
pharmaceuticals' human CAP-T technology for production of recombinant
proteins
This license enables InVivo to offer its customers the production of
their diagnostic and preclinical grade material very fast and in highest
quality, including authentic human glycosylation patterns. 2 Oct 2009
 Thailand
HIV vaccine trial first to show preventive effect
The world's largest clinical trial of an investigational vaccine regimen
has shown that it is well-tolerated and has a modest effect in
preventing HIV infection in strains present in Thailand. 25 Sept 2009
Revolutionary antibody technology
gives hope for vaccine against genetically diverse HIV
For the first time an antigen has been created that induces protective
antibodies capable of blocking infection of human cells by
genetically-diverse strains of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
25 Sept 2009
InVitria launches Optiferrin for
mammalian cell culture
Optiferrin is a cell culture supplement which supports cell growth by
regulating the amount of iron transported to the cell. 23 Sept 2009
Phico Therapeutics reaches first
human clinical trials with novel MRSA-beating antibacterial technology
The new technology is based on the antibiotic protein SASP which is
delivered into the target bacterial cells by bacteriophages. 23
September 2009
HIV vaccine a step closer with
discovery of new potent antibodies
Two powerful new antibodies to HIV that reveal what may be an Achilles
heel on the virus have been found. Researchers will now try to exploit
the newfound vulnerability on the virus to craft novel approaches to
designing an AIDS vaccine. 22 Sept
Cepheid accelerates development of
rapid flu A panel test
Cepheid has announced the accelerated development of a Flu A Panel test
for use on the GeneXpert System. The test will be designed to provide
45-minute identification of flu A infection, with specific presumptive
identification of seasonal H1, seasonal H3, and H1N1 novel strain types.
22 Sept 2009
New role discovered for vitamin C
in protecting the skin
Researchers at the University of Leicester and the Institute for
Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal have discovered new
protective properties of vitamin C in cells from the human skin, which
could lead to development of better skin-regeneration products. 19 Sept
2009
PROdesign launches 96-well plate
cell-feeding station for live cell imaging
PROdesign GmbH has launched the PROcellcare cell-feeding station
based on a 96-well plate. It supplies live cells (in vitro) under the
microscope with biological nutrient and working solutions thus allowing
the scientist/developer to execute efficient and automatic dispensing
and controlling processes of the equipment. 18 Sept 2009.
Deutsch
Illumina delivers first
individual's genome sequence through new service
Illumina, Inc. has delivered the genome sequence for the first customer
of its new gene sequencing service. It points to a future where genome
sequencing will become a routine practice that will enable physicians to
make better healthcare decisions for the individual. 5 September 2009
Bruker announces availability of
world’s first 18 Tesla FTMS magnet
This will open up new capabilities in mass spectrometry in a variety of
research areas, including protein identification, petroleomics,
metabolomics, small molecule tissue molecular imaging, and environmental
sample analysis. 5 September 2009
Diagnostic Hybrids releases
Thyretain for specific detection of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin
Thyretain is the first FDA-cleared test that specifically detects TSI
and is to be used as an aid in the differential diagnosis of Graves’
disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder.1 September 2009
 Space
Shuttle carries vaccine processing platform to International Space
Station
The Space Shuttle Discovery carried a scientific payload for the
International Space Station from Austin-based Astrogenetix that will
help develop vaccine candidates for MRSA and Salmonella. 1
September 2009
MicroPhage opens clinical trial on
bacteriophage-based platform to identify MRSA
The MicroPhage platform is based on bacteriophage amplification to
rapidly identify bacterial infections and determine antibiotic
susceptibility. 1 September 2009
The US NIH awards Advaxis $210,000
for the development of dual antigen vaccine
Advaxis has been awarded the grant from the US National Institutes of
Health to develop a single bioengineered Listeria monocytogenes
vaccine to deliver two different antigen-adjuvant proteins. 1 September
2009
Genetically engineered bacteria deliver protein therapy for colitis
For the first time, scientists have used a genetically engineered
bacterium to deliver a therapy. In studies of animals with colitis, the
bacterium Bacteroides ovatus activated a human growth factor protein
when exposed to a specific type of sugar, xylan. 28 August 2009
Leica launches integrated platform
to study dynamics of cellular processes
Leica Microsystems has released the first single-molecule detection
(SMD) system that offers an integrated platform for the most common
single molecule techniques, such as FLIM and FCS. 28 August 2009
Deutsch
Stanford University professor
sequences own genome with 'low-cost' technology
A Stanford University professor has sequenced his entire genome for less
than $50,000 and with a team of just two other people, compared to the
early efforts costing millions of dollars and using teams of hundreds.
26 August 2009
Universal flu vaccines to be
developed under Inovio and US Vaccine Research Center collaboration
The VRC and Inovio will pool technologies to develop the vaccines as
well as rapidly advance development of vaccine candidates targeting the
emerging pandemic 2009 H1N1 swine flu strains. 20 August 2009
Omnio Healer selects Eden Biodesign
for production of wound healing and anti-infection products
Eden Biodesign will provide process development and production services
for Omnio Healer’s wound healing and anti-infection products for
supplying the products for clinical trials. 20 August 2009
Baxter completes production of
first commercial batches of A(H1N1) flu vaccine
Baxter International Inc. completed production of its first commercial
batches of Celvapan A(H1N1) flu vaccine using its proprietary Vero cell
culture technology in late July and is discussing plans for distribution
with national health authorities, subject to obtaining appropriate
authorizations. 20 August 2009
Ichor awarded US$3.3m grant to
develop DNA-based Alzheimer’s disease vaccine
Ichor Medical Systems of San Diego has been awarded the grant from the
US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for
development of the vaccine and studies required to support eventual
initiation of human clinical testing. 20 August 2009
Bacterial evolution shows how to
fine-tune novel anti-cancer drug
Biochemists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen and Nereus
Pharmaceuticals have illuminated a reaction pathway that shows how the
uncontrolled growth of cancer cells can be thwarted by blocking the
action of proteasomes. 20 August 2009
Alzheimer's risk shown by
cerebrospinal fluid proteins
A combination of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid can reliably
identify which patients with early symptoms of dementia will
subsequently develop full-blown Alzheimer's disease, according to an
international study. 20 August 2009
ImmunoVaccine Technologies partners
with Scancell to advance DNA vaccine delivery
Canadian company IVT has signed an agreement with UK-based Scancell Ltd
to explore the potential of using IVT's DepoVax delivery system for
Scancell's novel ImmunoBody DNA vaccines. 17 August 2009
Novavax achieves milestone in novel
H1N1 influenza vaccine production technology
Novavax has announced that it has manufactured a virus-like particle
(VLP) vaccine candidate in 11 weeks after receiving the gene sequence
for the H1N1 strain using novel production technology which is not
dependent on growing influenza virus in eggs. 17 August 2009
Sigma-Aldrich offers customisable
synthetic extracellular matrix for stem cell research
Under an agreement with Glycosan BioSystems, Sigma-Aldrich can offer the
HyStem platform for stem cell research. This consists of hydrogel cell
culture scaffolds that provide a complex, three-dimensional environment
in which cells are able to proliferate. 17 August 2009
Dutch Center for Translational
Molecular Medicine completes €265 million funding
The funding, which was completed with the approval of a prostate cancer
research project, makes CTTM one of the largest public-private
partnerships in the world. 17 August 2009
Origin of malaria discovered
An international group of researchers has traced the source of malaria
to chimpanzees and showed that malaria jumped from animals to humans,
much the way that HIV, SARS and swine flu originated. The findings could
provide key insights for drug development. 17 August 2009
Simple blood test may help predict
risk of Alzheimer's
Scientists at UCLA have discovered a way to measure the amount of
amyloid beta that is being absorbed by immune cells in the blood. If the
immune system isn't adequately clearing amyloid beta, it may indicate
Alzheimer's risk. A diagnostic blood test is now being developed for
public use. 9 August 2009
Wellcome Trust continues funds for
Edinburgh's SPRINT high-performance gene-analysis tool
SPRINT is a prototype framework developed at Edinburgh University that
allows biostatisticians to more easily exploit high-performance
computing systems for analysing the large amount of data generated from
microarray analysis. 7 August 2009
Injection of growth factor reverses
heart-attack damage
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have shown that injection of a
growth factor, called neuregulin1 (NRG1), can spur heart-muscle growth
and recovery of cardiac function when injected systemically into animals
after a heart attack. 31 July 2009
Mechanism of bacteria's internal
time bomb discovered
Researchers at VIB, the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology in Belgium,
have determined the structure and operating mechanism of the proteins
involved in the ‘internal time bomb’ of bacteria. 31 July 2009
Dutch researchers discover way to
give complete protection against malaria
Researchers from the Medical Centre of the Radboud University of
Nijmegen have successfully induced complete protection against malaria
in a group of volunteers, opening the way for the development of a
vaccine. 29 July 2009
UK life sciences sector applauds government's
Life Sciences Blueprint
The associations say that it provides an excellent basis for firmly
securing the future of the life sciences sector and re-establishing the
UK’s global competitive position. 16 July 2009
UK government launches strategy to put innovative
technology into health
services
The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) Blueprint sets out to transform the
UK environment for life sciences companies and ensure faster patient
access to cutting-edge medicines and technologies. 16 July 2009
Creato Flu develops
salmonella-based broad spectrum oral flu vaccine
Using a technique applied to veterinary vaccines, a vaccination strain
based on living salmonella is modified by genetic engineering so that
the bacterial cells express highly conserved antigens of various
influenza subtypes. 15 July 2009
Invitrogen launches microarray
system to simplify immunogenetic testing
The new Prodigy system is an advanced DNA and protein analysis tool that
simplifies and accelerates histocompatibility research, vaccine and drug
development, and disease association studies. 15 July 2009
First human receives cardiac stem
cells to repair damage caused by heart attacks
Doctors have completed the first procedure in which a patient's own
heart tissue was used to grow specialized heart stem cells that were
then injected back into the patient's heart in an effort to repair and
re-grow healthy muscle in a heart that had been injured by a heart
attack. 15 July 2009
Key gene giving embryonic stem cells ability to differentiate into
any cell identified
The gene, discovered
by an international team of researchers from the US, Portugal and
Israel, and seems to act by maintaining the genetic
material open and poised to express any gene. 14 July 2009
How obesity increases the risk of
diabetes
Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified
the missing link between obesity and insulin resistance Their findings,
explain how obesity sets the stage for diabetes and why thin people can
become insulin-resistant. 8 July 2009
New detector promises earlier
detection of viral infections
A new respiratory virus detector developed at Vanderbilt University is
sensitive enough to detect an infection at an early stage, takes only a
few minutes to return a result and is simple enough to be performed in a
doctor's office. 8 July 2009
New fluorescent nanoparticles could
track uptake of drugs
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a method to
create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that could be used to track
biologically sensitive materials in the body. 8 July 2009
Chemical nose could provide more
accurate indication of cancer than biomarkers
Using a 'chemical nose' array of nanoparticles and polymers, researchers
have developed a new, more effective way to differentiate between
healthy and cancerous cells and also between metastatic and
non-metastatic cancer cells. 8 July 2009
New discovery shows how cancer
spreads
A Finnish-led research group has discovered a mechanism that lung cancer
cells use when spreading around the body to form metastases. 6 July 2009
Rubicon Genomics introduces
PicoPlex single cell whole genome amplification kit. 2 July 2009
BioSante Pharmaceuticals and Cell
Genesys sign merger agreement. 2 July 2009
GE Healthcare and Geron in global
agreement to commercialize stem cell drug discovery technologies. 2
July 2009
GlaxoSmithKline signs contract for
Phase Forward clinical trials software. 2 July 2009
Mechanism for fine regulation of
RNA synthesis discovered
German and US researchers have discovered a new piece in the puzzle of
epigenetics — they have shown that the enzyme TFIIH kinase is involved
in epigenetic regulation. 29 June 2009
Cell reprogramming project gets go-ahead in Andalusia
A favourable report for the development of the first cell reprogramming
project ever in Andalusia has been made by The Spanish commission for
the monitoring and control of the donation and use of human cells and
tissues. 29 June 2009
Prostate cancer translational
research in Europe: the search for biomarkers continues
Collaboration in prostate cancer translational research in Europe is not
only vital to sustain the progress achieved in recent years but also to
streamline current efforts between researchers and clinicians and avoid
duplication or overlaps. 29 June 2009
Molecular automatons could detect
and treat disease in the body
Researchers from the Artificial Intelligence Group (LIA) at the
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid's School of Computing have designed a
biomolecular automaton and several genetic circuits with potential
future applications in the field of vanguard medicine. 29 June 2009
Drug against winter vomiting virus
a step closer
A new finding on how winter vomiting virus invades cells could be an
important step in the development of a drug against the regular
hospital-based epidemics caused by the virus. 29 June 2009
Enzyme replacement therapy gives
significant benefits for women with Fabry disease
Shire Human Genetic Therapies (HGT), has announced that results from an
observational study demonstrate that enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)
with REPLAGAL 0.2mg/kg is effective in treating some of the signs and
symptoms of Fabry disease in women. 18 June 2009
Unexpected discovery of
tuberculosis spores opens door for new treatment
This is a sensational finding because researchers have long been
convinced that these kinds of bacteria — mycobacteria — were incapable of forming spores.
17 June 2009
Genomic data shows swine flu
infectivity will increase but lethality will remain low
Boston-based biotech firm Replikins Ltd has analyzed the most recent
peptide genomic sequence data available and determined that the
infectivity of the H1N1 virus will increase markedly, while its
lethality will remain relatively low for the immediate future. 16 June
2009
Siemens develops RAPID2 system for
fast discovery of pathogen signatures
Siemens Corporate Research has developed the RAPID2 system to speed the
biomarker discovery process for the development of rapid diagnostic
tests. This system marries the power of information technology with
genomic sequencing to quickly identify genomic signatures unique to
tested organisms. 16 June 2009
Roche NimbleGen introduces the MS
200 Microarray Scanner
The scanner acquires two-colour fluorescent array image data down to 2
micron pixel resolution and generates high-quality image files for data
analysis. 15 June 2009
CLC bio expands next-generation
sequencing solutions with ChIP-sequencing
CLC bio has released new versions of their premier solutions for
analyzing and visualizing next generation sequencing data, the desktop
application CLC Genomics Workbench, version 3.5 and the award-winning
enterprise platform CLC Genomics Server, version 1.5. 15 June 2009
European experts launch think tank for chronic
fatigue syndrome
Ten leading scientists in Europe have formed a Think Tank for ME and
will hold their first meeting on the 13th of June. They want to initiate
an effective research effort to find the secret behind the mystery
disease that cripples an increasing number of lives. 10 June 2009
New peptide indicates Alzheimer's
disease before brain is damaged
Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have discovered a peptide in
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that can show whether a person is developing
Alzheimer's disease. Measuring the level of this peptide could show that
the disease process has started, long before any serious damage is done
to the brain and allow early treatment. 10 June 2009
Bruker's new solariX mass
spectrometer gives ten-fold increase in sensitivity
The solariX is the culmination of a number of key technology
developments that deliver unique capabilities and unparalleled
ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry performance and versatility. 5
June 2009
Satoris launches blood tests for
Alzheimer’s research and drug development
Satoris has launched of three research-use tests — two panels of plasma
biomarkers shown to be significant in the neurodegenerative disease
process, and a dementia discrimination panel. 5 June 2009
El IRB Barcelona lidera un
consorcio europeo para hallar pre-fármacos contra diabetes y obesidad.
28 Mayo 2009
(Article is in Spanish: IRB Barcelona co-ordinates a European consortium to find
pre-drugs against diabetes and obesity. You can copy the article text and paste
into an online Translation service)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
to develop field kit to detect insecticide resistance in mosquitoes
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has been awarded a £1.1m
grant by the US National Institutes of Health to lead a five-year
project to develop a Field Applicable Screening Tool (FAST) kit to
detect resistance to public health insecticides in mosquitoes. 28 May
2009
Roche launches detection kit for
influenza A(H1N1)
Roche Applied Science has launched a new detection kit for the Influenza
A(H1N1) virus for use in life science research. Roche is filing to get
approval of the local health authorities worldwide for use of the kit in
emergency situations. 28 May 2009
Sartorius Stedim Biotech introduces
innovative single-use bioreactors
Sartorius Stedim Biotech has introduced two prototypes of innovative
single-use bioreactors that operate based on novel mixing technologies.
27 May 2009
Bruker introduces next-generation
ultra-sensitive ion trap
Bruker Daltonics amaZon series ion trap has 10-times improved MS/MS
sensitivity over current platforms, novel technology for accelerated
data acquisition, significantly enhanced mass resolution, and
second-generation fast and sensitive ETD/PTR capabilities. 27 May 2009
Antibody fragment production
breakthrough with 2nd generation EBA
Richter-Helm BioLogics GmbH & Co. KG has announced a technological
breakthrough in the purification of antibody fragments from an E.
coli expression system. 27 May 2009
Generic pharmaceuticals saved US
healthcare $734 billion over last decade
The use of generic pharmaceuticals saved the American healthcare system
more than $734 billion from1999-2008, with approximately $121 billion in
savings in 2008 alone, according to a report published by the Generic
Pharmaceutical Association. 19 May 2009
Biotech business model
unsustainable in current economic crisis
The global biotechnology industry delivered a solid financial
performance in 2008 despite worldwide economic turmoil, according to
Ernst & Young's 23rd annual report on the biotech industry. 19 May 2009
UK company produces first DNA test
kit for Mexican swine flu
PrimerDesign Ltd based in Southampton says it has won the race to
produce the first DNA test kit for the Mexican swine flu A (H1N1). The
rapid test gives results in only two hours compared to two days for
current diagnostic tests. 11 May 2009
Chemical compound that may stop
brain tumours identified
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of
Medicine have identified a compound that could be modified to treat one
of the most deadly types of cancer, and discovered how a particular gene
mutation contributes to tumour growth. 8 May 2009
Autism genes discovery suggests
biological reasons for altered neural development
A research team has connected more of the intricate pieces of the autism
puzzle, with two studies that identify genes with important
contributions to the disorder. 8 May 2009
New rodent virus implicated in
human sudden infant death syndrome
Ljungan virus which was only discovered in the 1990s in rodents, has
been found in 11 of 12 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by
investigators from Sweden and the USA. 8 May 2009
Custom-designed nanoparticles key
to new generation of highly effective vaccines
Liquidia Technologies has developed a method to custom design and
produce nanoparticles for carrying vaccines that can enhance immune
response up to 10-fold. 7 May 2009
Modified antibiotics could treat
genetic diseases
By modifying the properties of the common antibiotic gentamicin,
researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have
developed what could become an effective treatment for many human
genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular
dystrophy, Usher Syndrome and numerous cancers. 7 May 2009
Common human virus kills cancer
stem cells
Reovirus, a common virus in humans that does not cause disease, has been
found to effectively target and kill cancer stem cells in breast cancer
tissue. The finding could lead to new ways of treating cancer. 7 May
2009
Phase Forward signs agreement with
Novo Nordisk for use of InForm for clinical trial data capture
The multi-million dollar agreement allows Danish company Novo Nordisk to
use Phase Forward’s InForm electronic data capture product across all
clinical trial phases, from Phases I through IV. 7 May 2009
Axela introduces assay kits for
validating tumour markers
Axela Inc. has launched nine plate based tumour marker assays
designed for stand alone use or to simplify the transition to automated
dotLab assays. They can significantly transform the speed with which
putative biomarkers can be validated. 24 April 2009
Applied Biosystems/MDS Analytical
Technologies launch new mass spectrometer for proteomics research
Applied Biosystems and partner MDS Analytical Technologies have
introduced the AB SCIEX TOF/TOF 5800 System, a high-speed sensitive
MALDI-based mass spectrometer. 24 April 2009
Bionanotechnology: a revolution at
single molecule level
Progress in bionanotechnology is essential for our understanding of
cells and for the development of new therapeutics, which nowadays
increasingly function at the molecular level, according to Prof Nynke
Dekker of the Delft University of Technology. 24 April 2009
Nanobiotix reports ‘proof of concept’ for nanoparticles in
treating brain cancer
Nanobiotix has announced that an independent
preclinical study has validated the applicability of using its
nanoparticles — nanoPDT — to treat glioblastoma multiforme, one of the
most prevalent brain tumours. 23 April 2009
Agilent introduces human copy
number variation microarrays for study of diseases
Agilent Technologies has introduced the Human CNV Association 2x105K
microarray for studying associations between genomic copy number
variations (CNV) and disease. The array is based on a design by the
Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium. 23 April 2009
Helicos BioSciences releases transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq)
datasets on open access website
Helicos BioSciences has released transcriptome
sequencing (RNA-Seq) datasets on the HeliSphere Technology Center, the
company’s open access website for sharing Helicos datasets and
bioinformatics software tools. 23 April 2009
Breakthrough in preclinical model
for human cancer may lead to new drug development
Aveo Pharmaceuticals has announced findings from its novel
human-in-mouse (HIM) cancer model system, in which it successfully
created invasive human tumours from primary human breast tissue that
develop over time in mice and mimic human tumour behaviours and
response. 23 April 2009
Rigel Pharmaceuticals and Proteros
extend research collaboration
The collaboration gives Rigel access to Proteros’ Gallery Structures
enabling Rigel to rapidly deliver high quality protein-ligand structural
information. 23 April 2009
Discovery of tuberculosis bacterium
enzyme paves way for new drugs
A team of University of Maryland scientists has paved the way for the
development of new drug therapies to combat active and asymptomatic
(latent) tuberculosis infections by characterizing the unique structure
and mechanism of an enzyme in M. tuberculosis, the bacterium
that causes the disease. 22 April 2009
Dutch Consortium builds registry
for care of rare diseases
The Dutch Orphan Disease Registry Consortium is building a disease
registry framework to collect information on rare diseases, encourage
drug development and optimize patient care. The consortium focuses on
inborn errors of metabolism as a target group of diseases. 22 April 2009
Roche completes xCELLigence family
of cell analyser products
The new RTCA DP Instrument is applicable for flexible low-throughput
research assays and uses up to three 16-well plates for simultaneous
experiments. 9 April 2009
Parabon NanoLabs to use power of grid computing to design novel
macromolecules based on synthetic DNA
Parabon Computation has spun off Parabon NanoLabs to develop nano-scale products based on designer DNA technology.
It will initially focus on developing nano-scale sensors for
therapeutics, diagnostics and other molecular detection systems.
9 April 2009
Fluidigm quantification system
allows genetic sequencing of picogram samples
The new system allows researchers to sequence rare genetic samples,
lower costs, improve data quality and speed up time-to-results for
next-generation DNA sequencing. 9 April 2009
BioImagene launches new Ki-67
algorithm for prostate image analysis
The algorithm is used to detect and provide quantitative measurement of
the protein biomarker Ki-67. 9 April 2009
BioAdvance Greenhouse invests
$550,000 in Novira Therapeutics' antiviral drug technology
Novira is focused on the development of novel small-molecule drugs
against medically-important viral targets. 8 April 2009
Affymetrix launches
microarray-based analysis system for cytogenetics
The new system, which includes arrays, reagents, and software, enables
fast and reliable detection of known and novel chromosome aberrations. 8
April 2009
Genedata strengthens TcLand
Expression’s research informatics infrastructure for personalized
medicine. 8 April 2009
AVEO and Biogen Idec in partnership
to develop ErbB3-targeted antibodies. 8 April 2009
Aphios collaborates with VivaCell
Biotechnology España to develop combination therapy for HIV latency.
8 April 2009
Gene Bridges licenses recombineering
technology to Daiichi Sankyo
Heidelberg-based Gene Bridges GmbH, has licenced its Red/ET
recombination technology to Japanese company Daiichi Sankyo. 7
April 2009
Smart Cells establishes base in Italy
London-based Smart Cells International, the UK's longest-established
cord blood stem cell processing and storage organisation, has
established a base in Milan, Italy, with a joint venture with Laborest,
one of Italy's leading pharmaceutical businesses. 25 March 2009
Report: Bioinformatics Markets: Strategies, Business Models and Trends for the
Future
This study is arranged to provide an overview of bioinformatics market
segments and offer evidence that these segments are poised for
significant future growth. Each segment is accompanied by analysis and
forecasts by product type and application. March 2009.
read more ...
Report: Top 10 Biotech Companies. Market Outlook, 2008-2023
The global biotech drug market was worth over $75bn in 2007, with
double-figure growth noticeably higher that that of the overall
pharmaceutical market. This report will help you to understand those
developments and their significance. That report provides valuable
commercial information on this exciting industry that no healthcare
company should ignore.
read more ...
Domainex in collaboration to develop
novel breast cancer drug targets
Domainex has announced a collaboration on drug-discovery programmes with
the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre and The UK Institute of
Cancer Research to identify and develop inhibitors of two recently
validated breast cancer targets, tankyrase and IKK-epsilon. 23 March
Cranfield's first health conference to
focus on translational and regenerative medicine
Professor Lord Robert Winston is to head a world-class line-up of
science professionals and academic speakers at Cranfield Health’s first
conference for biomedical scientists and health professionals in June
this year. 23 March 2009
febit's next-generation DNA sequencing
paves the way for personalised medicine
febit has launched its new DNA sequence-capture technology HybSelect.
Biomedical studies have demonstrated superb enrichment factors and deep
sequencing coverage for a broad range of human genes and genomic
regions. 23 March 2009
Proof-of-concept for breast cancer
diagnostics shown for ExonHit's RNA splicing platform
Paris-based ExonHit Therapeutics has reported the publication in Lancet
Oncology of a study conducted by Institut Gustave Roussy, which
describes the identification of a deregulated cell function in breast
cancer through the analysis of alternative RNA splicing. 23 March 2009
Généthon produces first batch of
HIV-derived vectors in Europe for gene therapy trial
French laboratory Genethon has produced a batch of lentiviral vectors
derived from the human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus for a gene therapy
trial in humans with the rare immune deficiency Wiskott-Aldrich
syndrome. 19 March 2009 Francais
Deutsch
Italiano
StemCells to acquire drug discovery
technology of Stem Cell Sciences
StemCells, Inc. is to acquire the operating subsidiaries and certain
related assets of Stem Cell Sciences (SCS), a Cambridge, UK-based
company focused on commercializing applications of stem cell
technologies for drug discovery and regenerative medicine research. 10
March 2009
Lab21 acquires Biotec Laboratories
Lab21 Ltd of Cambridge, UK, has announced that it has purchased the
majority shareholding of another UK company Biotec Laboratories Ltd, a
clinical diagnostic company with particular emphasis on infectious
diseases. 10 March 2009
High-throughput screening finds
chloroquine effective against lethal viruses
Two highly lethal viruses that have emerged in recent outbreaks have
been found using high-throughput screening techniques to be susceptible
to chloroquine. Chloroquine is a long-established drug used to prevent
and treat malaria. 6 March 2009
 Common
weak point in flu virus strains could lead to universal flu vaccine
Two recent studies have discovered a common Achilles’ heel in a wide
range of seasonal and pandemic influenza A virus strains. Two teams of
researchers have found a common attachment site for human antibodies
that provides a constant region of the flu virus for scientists to
target in an effort to develop a so-called universal flu vaccine. 6
March 2009
Gene therapy shows promise as HIV
treatment
Researchers at the UCLA AIDS Institute has found that cell-delivered
gene transfer has the potential to be a once-only treatment that reduces
viral load, preserves the immune system and avoids lifelong
antiretroviral therapy. 5 March 2009
Biotech sector needs to embrace
economic reality, says Amgen
The biopharmaceutical industry must embrace the challenges posed by the
current financial downturn and transform its way of conducting business
in order to survive, says Dr Ran Zheng, Plant Manager of Clinical
Operations at Amgen. 4 March 2009
Study on role of hormone oxytocin
in causing autism
A research team at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile
Packard Children’s Hospital in the US will test whether impaired social
behaviours in autism are linked to levels of the hormone. Preliminary
research has hinted that autism may be associated with oxytocin deficits
2 March 2009
 New
antibiotics produced from marine bacteria found in Norwegian fjords
Norwegian scientists have produced completely new antibiotics from
bacteria found in the sea around Norway. Eleven species of bacteria that
create substances that kill cancerous cells and three other bacteria
that produce new antibiotics were discovered. 27 February 2009
Kinaxo contributes quantitative
phosphoproteomics platform to find a drug to treat pancreatic cancer
German company Kinaxo Biotechnologies GmbH has been awarded a grant to
expand applications for its quantitative phosphoproteomics platform to
contribute to a drug efficacy study to find a treatment for pancreatic
cancer. 27 February 2009
Rats dying from type 1 diabetes
restored to health without insulin
Terminally ill rodents with type 1 diabetes have been restored to full
health with a single injection of a substance other than insulin. The
rats were given a single injection of the hormone leptin. 23 February
2009
Lab robot uses innovative
information technology to find new drugs
A robot scientist that can make informed guesses about how effective
different chemical compounds will be at fighting different diseases
could revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry by developing more
effective treatments more cheaply and quickly than current methods.
23 February 2009
Oxford Nanopore moves closer to
label-free, single molecule DNA sequencing
Oxford Nanopore Technologies has announced the publication of new
research in Nature Nanotechnology, demonstrating accurate and continuous
identification of DNA bases using nanopores. 23 February 2009
APR acquires new drug delivery
nanotechnology for innovative treatment of critical diseases
Swiss company Applied Pharma Research s.a. (APR) has acquired a
nanocoating process for the preparation of new products for the
treatment of several critical diseases. APR is already developing
specific applications in ophthalmology and dermatology. 22 February 2009
Datamining finds new target for
diabetes treatment
A team of researchers from Oxford and Southampton Universities have
identified a new molecular player in insulin secretion process by mining
a free database of 5 million drug compounds. This finding could spark a
completely new class of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes. 22 February 2009
Agilent Technologies removes major
bottleneck for DNA sequencing
Agilent Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Agilent SureSelect Target
Enrichment System, a unique tool for greatly streamlining DNA-sequencing
research by enabling scientists to sequence only genomic areas of
interest with next-generation sequencing instrumentation. 16 February
2009
Applied Biosystems' new platform
enables human genome sequencing for $10,000
Applied Biosystems, has begun shipment of a new, genomic analysis
platform, the SOLiD 3 System. The company says the new system delivers a
roadmap that will ultimately enable scientists to sequence a human
genome for less than $10,000 dollars in 2009. 16 February 2009
Symphogen secures €33m financing to
support clinical development of antibody products
Copenhagen-based Symphogen A/S has announced the closing of €33 million
(approximately US $44 million) financing. The financing will be used to
mature the company’s product pipeline of antibody therapeutics,
particularly within the field of oncology. 16 February 2009
Cloned human embryos successfully
reprogrammed using human eggs
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. and its collaborators have reported that
human oocytes (or ‘eggs’) have the capacity to extensively reprogram
adult human cells. 16 February 2009
Cambridge University research group
employs Fluidigm’s EP1 system for cancer studies. 16 February 2009
Mirna Therapeutics and UCSF to
explore therapeutic potential of microRNAs
Mirna Therapeutics and the University of California, San Francisco
have entered into a collaboration agreement to evaluate the capacity of
specific microRNAs to reduce or eliminate tumours in mouse models of
cancer. 16 February 2009
Expression Analysis in partnership
with Complement Genomics to offer genomic services in UK. 16
February 2009
Response Genetics closes UK
facility
Response Genetics has announced that it is closing its Edinburgh, UK
facility and increasing the capacity of its genetic testing laboratory
in Los Angeles, USA. 16 February 2009
deCODE genetics offers cut-price
genetic test for heart risks during February
deCODE genetics is offering its deCODEme Cardio Scan, a unique new tool
that enables individuals to better understand their inherited risk of
heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm,
for $100. 12 February 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation
begins pre-clinical trials on human corneal epithelial cells
The trials aimed at improving photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a form
of corrective laser eye surgery. 11 February 2009
TwistDx’s rapid test for MRSA winner in NHS
Smart Solutions Programme
TwistDx, a DNA diagnostics company based in Cambridge, UK, has been
selected as a winner in a National Health Service competition to find
new ways to help combat healthcare associated infections. 10
February 2009
Roche exome sequencing a giant step
towards personalized medicine
A key milestone for personalized medicine has been achieved by two Roche
Applied Science companies, Roche NimbleGen and 454 Life Sciences, in
developing revolutionary technologies to resequence all human exons from
individual genomes. 9 February 2009
FORMA to collaborate with Cubist to
develop novel antibacterial drugs
FORMA Therapeutics has signed a collaboration agreement with Cubist
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to leverage FORMA’s transformative chemistry
platform to discover novel antibacterial compounds for development by
Cubist. 9 February 2009
IAVI and Algonomics to collaborate on HIV protein design project
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Belgian company
Algonomics have announced a collaboration to develop novel vaccine
candidates capable of controlling HIV infection.
9 February 2009
Graffinity and Elan in
fragment-based drug-discovery collaboration
Under the terms of the agreement, Graffinity will receive technology
access fees and success payments for the generation of novel small
molecule hits against a number of drug targets. 4 February 2009
BioGenes designated partner in
EU-funded dementia project
BioGenes GmbH has been chosen as a new partner of cNEUPRO. an EU-funded
research project to analyse neurodegenerative diseases and discover
novel biomarkers. 4 February 2009
University of Nottingham leads
European study into lethal 'super' strains of C. difficile
The British Midlands Development Corporation has announced that
scientists at The University of Nottingham are leading a major European
study to unravel the genetic code of one of the most lethal strains of
hospital acquired infections. 31 January 2009
Sigma-Aldrich launches bioscience
web portal
Sigma-Aldrich and
Ingenuity Systems have launched Your Favorite Gene powered by
Ingenuity, a web-based biological search portal for exploring
dynamic gene-based content. 31 January 2009
Genetic markers associated with
psoriasis identified
Scientists at the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology, the
U-M School of Public Health and their collaborators have found DNA
'hotspots' that may reveal how genetic differences among individuals
result in psoriasis, an autoimmune disease of the skin. 31 January 2009
Johnson & Johnson joins Enlight
Biosciences in US$52 million in novel drug discovery initiative
As a partner, Johnson & Johnson will have the opportunity to invest in
the development of strategic technologies that have the potential to
fundamentally transform drug discovery. 31 January 2009
Cell Biosciences introduces kits for
oncoprotein analysis
Cell Biosciences, Inc., has launched its first kits for the analysis of
specific oncoproteins on the Firefly 3000 Protein Analysis System. The
new kits are optimized for characterization of proteins in the MEK and
ERK families, which play critical roles in cancer cell survival and
proliferation. 31 January 2009
Richter-Helm and Athera
Biotechnologies in partnership to develop recombinant protein for
cardiovascular disease
The partnership will develop and manufacture Athera's novel product for
prevention of plaque rupture and athero-thrombosis through binding of
the protein, Annexin A5, to endothelium. 31 January 2009
European project to unravel C
difficile genome
Scientists in Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia and the UK have joined
the EU-funded HYPERDIFF project as part of an effort to control the
spread of the highly virulent, multi-drug-resistant bacteria. 31 January
2009
Iris BioTechnologies launches Health
Passport for personalized and targeted medicine
BioWindows is a HIPAA compliant, web based, medical information storage
system that allows participants to grant selective or full sharing
capabilities of their confidential medical and lifestyle information to
physicians or family members anywhere in the world. 28 January 2009
e-Therapeutics enters drug discovery
partnership with Cresset BioMolecular Discovery
e-Therapeutics plc (AIM: ETX) has entered into an agreement with
UK-based Cresset BioMolecular Discovery Ltd, a specialist in molecular
field technology. The initial focus of the collaboration will combine
e-Therapeutics’ computational platform with Cresset’s advanced
technology in chemical comparison. 27 January 2009
PerkinElmer launches new MicroBeta2
microplate counter platform
The platform enables improved radiometric and luminescent detection in
drug discovery and basic life science research. 25 January 2009
 Worm
gene gives hope for restoring injured nerves
University of Utah scientists have identified a worm gene that is
essential for damaged nerve cells to regenerate, and have shown that
they could speed nerve regeneration by over-activating the gene. This
could be a step toward new treatments for nerves injured by trauma or
disease. 25 January 2009
Tyrian Diagnostics and Becton,
Dickinson and Company complete feasibility study for tuberculosis diagnostic
Tyrian Diagnostics Limited has completed Milestone 4 of a feasibility study
in collaboration with Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) to determine the
suitability of Tyrian’s proprietary tuberculosis (TB) protein markers for
the development of rapid diagnostic tests to detect active TB disease. 22
January 2009
Genetic analysis reveals diversity of
America's first waves of humans
America’s earliest ice age people included diverse genetic groups traveling
widely separated migratory paths during the same time period, according to
an international team of scientists. 22 January 2009
MicroPhage successfully completes beta
trial for rapid MRSA test
MicroPhage has announced that its new bacterial identification test that
rapidly identifies MRSA infections has concluded its first multicenter
clinical trial. The company also reported the trial results have surpassed
its early-stage performance expectations. 21 January 2009
Genetic snapshot of Icelandic
population 1000 years ago published
deCODE genetics has presented the results of the largest study of ancient
DNA from a single population ever undertaken. The study provides the most
detailed look to date at how a contemporary population differs from that of
its ancestors. 21 January 2009
UK must maintain leadership in stem
cell technology
Excalibur, an international investment house specialising in medical
sciences, says that the UK must 'maintain its momentum' to deliver
pioneering stem cell treatments if it is to remain at the forefront of
medical technology. 21 January 2009
Sigma-Aldrich acquires Seppro depletion
technology from GenWay Biotech
Sigma-Aldrich has expanded its proteomics offerings with the acquisition of
Seppro affinity depletion technology and a library of 700 avian-derived
antibodies from GenWay Biotech, Inc. Seppro depletion products enable
scientists to measure more precisely the expression of protein biomarkers
from a range of mammalian and plant biological samples. 16 January 2009
Clarient launches gene expression test
for prostate cancer
Clarient, Inc. has announced the commercial launch of its new gene
expression test for prostate cancer. This new test will be available through
Clarient’s virtual reporting tool and accessible to the company’s entire
pathology network. 15 January 2009
Two common biomarkers improve
prediction of stroke risk
Two common biomarkers associated with inflammation, lipoprotein-associated
phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP)
have been shown to improve the ability to predict who will suffer from a
stroke. 15 January 2009
Genes that made 1918 flu lethal
isolated
Researchers have identified a set of three genes that helped underpin the
extraordinary virulence of the 1918 virus. The genes gave the virus the
capacity to reproduce in lung tissue. 15 January 2009
Alfred P Sloan Foundation funds studies
on societal issues of synthetic biology
The Alfred P Sloan Foundation has launched a new initiative to study the
societal issues associated with synthetic biology — a rapidly developing
scientific field where researchers are constructing novel organisms from the
building blocks of DNA. 12 January 2009
PerkinElmer launches Operetta high
content screening system
PerkinElmer, Inc., has launched its Operetta system, a benchtop instrument
that provides high content screening (HCS) and high content analysis (HCA)
capabilities to drug discovery and cellular science research laboratories.
Abbott acquires Ibis Biosciences
Abbott has exercised its option to purchase the remaining equity ownership
in Ibis Biosciences, Inc., an Isis subsidiary, for a closing purchase price
of $175 million. 12 January 2009
Discovery of new link between
inflammation and Alzheimer's disease opens way for new treatments
Researchers at the Roskamp Institute in the US have uncovered a new link
between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease and have identified a potential
target for developing novel therapeutics for intervention in this disease.
12 January 2009
Roche licenses Fujirebio's ovarian
cancer test
Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. has granted Roche Diagnostics a worldwide
license and supply agreement for its HE4 ovarian cancer test. Roche will
develop an assay kit using the test on its automated immunoassay analyzers.
9 January 2009
Cambridge team discovers novel pathway
involved in therapy-resistant cancers
Scientists at The Babraham Institute at Cambridge University have identified
a novel target that may help to combat the growing problem of
therapy-resistant cancers and pave the way for innovative therapeutic
approaches. 8 January 2009
Immune-related diseases have a strong
genetic overlap
A limited number of genes appear to be involved in the development of eleven
immune-related diseases such as type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, Crohn’s
disease and rheumatoid arthritis. 8 January 2009
Belfast and Dublin join in £1.5m cancer
research project
New treatment options for cancers with low survival rates are to be
developed as the result of a new £1.5 million project between Queen’s
University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin. 8 January 2009
Pigs and dogs can bridge gap in
research into drugs and regenerative medicine
Human and veterinary medicine could receive a big boost through the use of
larger animals, especially pigs and dogs, in research, says the European
Science Foundation. 8 January 2009
Invitrogen launches solutions to
simplify DNA and RNA sequencing workflows
The solutions provide basic and clinical researchers with an innovative
workflow that greatly reduces the time, cost, and experimental variability
associated with next-generation sequencing library preparation. 8 January
2009
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