16 May 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

(“Angel” or “the Company”)

Angel signs new contract with ReNeuron to provide GMP (KOSDAQ: 018290.KQ – news) cell manufacturing services for completion of stroke clinical trial

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, (AIM:ABH), the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, has signed a new contract with ReNeuron Group (Berlin: RQE.BE – news) plc (AIM:RENE) to perform GMP manufacturing services in support of the final part of the PISCES Phase 1 clinical trial of its ReN001 stem cell therapy for stroke; the value of the contract was not disclosed.

Dr Stewart White, Acting CEO, Angel Biotechnology (Berlin: A3G.BE – news) said: “Angel is very proud to be providing ReNeuron with additional manufacturing support to complete this ground breaking Phase 1 clinical trial. This contract is further recognition of the strong partnership between Angel and ReNeuron, and also reaffirms both companies commitment to provide solutions for a real clinical need.”

For further information:

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

Lorna Peers, Finance Director +44 (0) 131 445 6077

Stewart White, Acting CEO/Commercial Director www.angelbio.com

Go here to read the rest:
Angel Biotechnology – Angel signs new contract with ReNeuron

SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (OREX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity, today announced that it will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI) effective Monday, May 21, 2012.

The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is designed to track the performance of a set of NASDAQ-listed securities that are classified as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) and which also meet other eligibility criteria, including market value, average daily share volume, and seasoning as a public company. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is re-ranked semi-annually in May and November.

About Orexigen Therapeutics

Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity. The Company’s lead product candidate is Contrave, which has completed Phase III clinical trials and for which a New Drug Application has been submitted and reviewed by the FDA. The Company has also reached agreement with the FDA on a Special Protocol Assessment for the Contrave cardiovascular outcomes trial which the company plans to initiate this quarter. The Company’s other product candidate, Empatic, has completed Phase II clinical trials. Further information about the Company can be found at www.orexigen.com.

Orexigen Contact:

Media Contact:

McDavid Stilwell

Denise Powell

VP, Corporate Communications and Business Development

WCG

Here is the original post:
Orexigen® Therapeutics To Be Added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NOVATO, Calif., May 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (“Raptor” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:RPTP – News), announced that NASDAQ is adding Raptor to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NASDAQ: NBI and XNBI). The NBI includes seasoned NASDAQ Global Market and Global Select issuers classified as biotech or pharmaceutical companies with a minimum market capitalization of $200 million, minimum daily trading volume of 100,000 shares and other eligibility requirements. More information on the index is available on NASDAQ’s website at:

https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/methodology_NBI.pdf

Raptor’s addition to the index is effective at the close of trading on Friday, May 18, 2012. Raptor became eligible once it effected a market tier upgrade to the NASDAQ Global Market on February 29, 2012.

“We are pleased to receive NASDAQ’s recognition of Raptor’s continued corporate growth in the biotechnology sector, and look forward to the additional exposure provided by our inclusion in the NBI,” said Kim R. Tsuchimoto, Chief Financial Officer of Raptor.

About Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp.

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (Nasdaq:RPTP – News) (“Raptor”) seeks to research, produce, and deliver medicines that improve life for patients with severe, rare disorders. Raptor currently has product candidates in clinical development designed to potentially treat nephropathic cystinosis, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (“NASH”), Huntington’s Disease (“HD”), aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (“ALDH2″), and thrombotic disorder.

Raptor’s preclinical programs are based upon bioengineered novel drug candidates and drug-targeting platforms derived from the human receptor-associated protein and related proteins that are designed to target cancer and infectious diseases.

For additional information, please visit www.raptorpharma.com.

The Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7180

Read the original here:
Raptor Pharmaceutical Added to NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

PLEASANTON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

IntegenX Inc., a privately held company and leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology, DNA sequencing library preparation systems, and DNA/RNA room temperature stability and storage products, today announced the appointment of David V. Smith as Chief Operating Officer.

David V. Smith has more than 30 years of financial and operational management experience, and has held leadership positions in the biotechnology industry for more than two decades. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Thoratec Corporation. Prior to joining Thoratec in 2006, Mr. Smith served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chiron Corporation, a company he joined in 1999. At Chiron, he held a number of increasingly responsible positions including Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller, and Vice President of Finance. Prior to Chiron, Mr. Smith served as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Anergen Incorporated from 1997 to 1999. From 1988 to 1997, Mr. Smith served in various financial management positions with Genentech, Inc., both in the United States and Europe. He previously held finance positions at Syntex Corporation and IBM Corporation.

Of all the advances in life science technology, the integration of complex chemistry and biology systems is now made possible by the practical utilization of microfluidics technology. The resulting sample-to-answer solutions are revolutionizing medical care, medical discovery and other applications that affect our health and safety, said Mr. Smith. I am particularly excited to join IntegenX just as the company prepares to launch the first microfluidics-based rapid DNA human identification system for the law enforcement, defense, forensics and security markets.

Mr. Smith is currently chair of the Audit Committee and a Director of OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and was previously chair of the Audit Committee and a Director of Perlegen Sciences, Inc. He holds a B.A. in Economics and History from Willamette University and an M.B.A. specializing in finance from Golden Gate University.

Dr. Stevan Jovanovich, Chief Executive Officer of IntegenX commented: David has been part of the executive leadership and management of the biotechnology industry since its inception in the 1980s, including working within large public companies operating in highly regulated markets. Having played a key role in pioneering companies such as Genentech, Chiron, and Thoratec, we are proud to have him join us at this exciting phase of growth at IntegenX as we lead the establishment of the emerging rapid DNA identification industry.

About IntegenX Inc.

IntegenX, headquartered in Pleasanton, California, is a leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology, Next-Gen Sequencing library preparation systems, and DNA/RNA ambient temperature stability and storage products. IntegenX technology platforms are the result of the integration of advanced fluidics, optics, and biochemistry capabilities to produce sample-to-answer products for DNA-based human identity testing and forensics, next generation sequencing and biodefense applications. The companys expertise and extensive intellectual property includes its patented MOVe valve technology, patent-pending PrepX reagent kits for next generation sequencing library preparation, as well as a portfolio of patented DNA and RNA reagents including GenTegra for stabilization and storage of purified DNA and RNA, and GenPlate for storage of blood samples. For more information, please visit www.integenx.com.

Read the rest here:
IntegenX Names Biotechnology Veteran David V. Smith Chief Operating Officer

Biotechnology Information Organization (BIO):

WHAT:

WHO:

Jim Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology Information Organization (BIO);

Ryan Stroschein, Co-Director, Agriculture Energy Coalition;

Jerry Taylor, President, MFA Oil;

Gary Haer, Chairman, National Biodiesel Board;

Steve Reinford, Owner, Reinford Farms.

WHEN:

WHERE:

Read more here:
BIO to Testify at Congressional Hearing on 2012 Farm Bill Energy Programs

NEEDHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDX – News) today announced that the Company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI), effective prior to market open on Monday, May 21, 2012. The NBI includes biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies listed exclusively on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or on the NASDAQ Global Market that meet predetermined eligibility requirements, including a minimum market capitalization of $200 million and an average daily trading volume of at least 100,000 shares, amongst other criteria.

The index is ranked semi-annually in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index Fund (Nasdaq:IBB – News). In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges. For more information about the NBI, including eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/methodology_NBI.pdf.

About Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.:

Celldex Therapeutics is the first antibody-based combination immunotherapy company. Celldex has a pipeline of drug candidates in development for the treatment of cancer and other difficult-to-treat diseases based on its antibody focused Precision Targeted Immunotherapy (PTI) Platform. The PTI Platform is a complementary portfolio of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-targeted vaccines and immunomodulators used in optimal combinations to create novel disease-specific drug candidates. For more information, please visit http://www.celldextherapeutics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those related to the Companys strategic focus and the future development and commercialization (by Celldex and others) of rindopepimut (CDX-110), CDX-011, CDX-1135 (formerly TP10), CDX-1401, CDX-1127, CDX-301, Belinostat and other products. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, they give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and you should be aware that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the clinical trials that we initiated in 2011 and plan to initiate in 2012; our ability to adapt APC Targeting TechnologyTMto develop new, safe and effective vaccines against oncology and infectious disease indications; our ability to successfully complete product research and further development of our programs; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our limited experience in bringing programs through Phase 3 clinical trials; our ability to manage research and development efforts for multiple products at varying stages of development; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; the failure of the market for the Company’s programs to continue to develop; our limited cash reserves and our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; our ability to protect the Companys intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Companys products; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2011, anditsForms 10-Q and 8-K.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We have no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Go here to see the original:
Celldex Therapeutics Added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INFI – News) today announced that the company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI). The semi-annual re-ranking of the index will become effective prior to market open on Monday, May 21, 2012.

Our inclusion in the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index underscores the strength of our pipeline and our progress toward creating a sustainable, fully integrated biotechnology company, stated Adelene Q. Perkins, president and chief executive officer of Infinity. With six clinical trials ongoing across our three development programs, and the financial strength to execute them, we have the potential to meaningfully impact patients’ lives while creating long-term value for shareholders.

The NBI was launched in 1993 and includes securities of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies listed on the NASDAQ that meet minimum requirements, including market value and average daily share volume, among other criteria. The index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology IndexSM Fund (Nasdaq:IBB – News). For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including detailed eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/.

About Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Infinity is an innovative drug discovery and development company seeking to discover, develop and deliver to patients best-in-class medicines for diseases with significant unmet need. Infinity combines proven scientific expertise with a passion for developing novel small molecule drugs that target emerging disease pathways. Infinitys programs focused on the inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway, heat shock protein 90 and phosphoinositide-3-kinase are evidence of its innovative approach to drug discovery and development. For more information on Infinity, please refer to the companys website at www.infi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from the companys current expectations. For example, there can be no guarantee that Infinitys strategic alliance with Mundipharma International Corporation Limited will continue for its expected term or that it will fund Infinitys programs as agreed, that any product candidate Infinity is developing will successfully complete necessary preclinical and clinical development phases, or that development of any of Infinitys product candidates will continue. Further, there can be no guarantee that any positive developments in Infinitys product portfolio will result in stock price appreciation. Managements expectations could also be affected by risks and uncertainties relating to: Infinitys results of clinical trials and preclinical studies, including subsequent analysis of existing data and new data received from ongoing and future studies; the content and timing of decisions made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities, investigational review boards at clinical trial sites and publication review bodies; Infinitys ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials; unplanned cash requirements and expenditures, including in connection with business development activities; development of agents by Infinitys competitors for diseases in which Infinity is currently developing its product candidates; and Infinitys ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for any product candidates it is developing. These and other risks which may impact managements expectations are described in greater detail under the caption Risk Factors included in Infinitys quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2012. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Infinity expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Go here to read the rest:
Infinity Added to NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (THE UNITED STATES OR U.S.), CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

MEDIA RELEASE-COMMUNIQUE AUX MEDIAS-MEDIENMITTEILUNG

Cytos Biotechnology Ltd. raises an additional CHF 3.2 million via Rights Offering

Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland, May 10, 2012 – Cytos Biotechnology Ltd. (Cytos) announced today the results of the rights offering launched in April 2012. The shareholders were offered the opportunity to subscribe for 7 new registered shares at a subscription price of CHF 1.87 each for 15 existing registered shares. 63.9% of the subscriptions rights were exercised and, accordingly, 1709700 new registered shares will be issued to the shareholders.

The completion of the rights offering with the issuance of the shares subscribed by the existing shareholders is subject to the completion of the investor capital increase as approved by the shareholders of Cytos on April 20, 2012. Cytos expects that the share capital increase in the total nominal amount of CHF 1665137.50 corresponding to 16651375 new registered shares, will be registered in the commercial register on May 14, 2012 and that trading in these new registered shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange will commence on May 15, 2012.

The total gross proceeds resulting from the shareholder tranche and the investor capital increase (not including the funds to be provided by the investors by way of convertible loan notes) are expected to be CHF 26947133.84.

For a detailed description of the capital increase as well as the recapitalisation of Cytos please refer to the offering and listing prospectus and the supplement, which can be obtained free of charge from Neue Helvetische Bank AG (phone: +41 44 204 56 19, email: prospectus@nhbag.ch) or Cytos Biotechnology AG (phone: +41 44 733 47 47, email: info@cytos.com).

For further information please contact:

Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Harry Welten Chief Financial Officer Tel.: +41 44 733 46 46 e-Mail: harry.welten@cytos.com Website: www.cytos.com

About Cytos Biotechnology Ltd Cytos Biotechnology Ltd is a Swiss public biotechnology company that specializes in the development and commercialization of a new class of biopharmaceutical products – the Immunodrugs(TM). Immunodrugs(TM) are intended for use in the treatment and prevention of common chronic diseases, which afflict millions of people worldwide. Immunodrugs(TM) are designed to instruct the patients immune system to produce the desired therapeutic antibody or T cell responses that modulate chronic disease processes. Cytos Immunodrug(TM) candidates are being developed both in-house and together with Novartis, Pfizer and Pfizer Animal Health. Founded in 1995 as a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, the Company is located in Schlieren (Zurich). Cytos Biotechnology Ltd is listed according to the Main Standard of the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd under the symbol CYTN.

Go here to read the rest:
DGAP-Adhoc: Cytos Biotechnology Ltd. raises an additional CHF 3.2 million via Rights Offering

10 May 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

(“Angel” or “the Group”)

Acquisition of assets of biomaterial manufacturing business

Launch of Angel Biomedical Limited

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, (AIM:ABH), the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, is pleased to announce with immediate effect the acquisition of the assets of an established biomaterial and collagen manufacturing business, through its newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary, Angel Biomedical Ltd (ABL) (www.angelbiomedical.com).

ABL has been formed to enable the Group to become an active service provider and manufacturer of collagen products in the medical device, in-vitro diagnostic and regenerative medicine markets. The formation of this subsidiary also heralds a significant expansion of Angel’s capabilities by supplying specialised high value products and services that will allow access to new clients, whilst synergising with Angel’s existing GMP (KOSDAQ: 018290.KQ – news) bio-manufacturing business.

The assets of the business have been acquired under favourable terms for a total cash consideration of 200,000. ABL will take ownership of the manufacturing plant, equipment and raw material stock based in premises in Glasgow. This, as well as a separate five year property lease on the premises which has also been negotiated on advantageous terms and working capital for the new business, has been made possible via a capital investment in ABL by Angel, financed using part of the proceeds from the Placing announced on 19th March 2012 and approved at the EGM on 13th April 2012.

The facility is 6,500 square feet and comprises one large Grade C clean room, two smaller grade B rooms, with laboratory and office suite. The facility will be staffed immediately by two senior scientists and will draw on Angel’s resources for technical support, Quality Assurance / Quality Control, logistics and administrative support. The facility will operate under an ISO 13485 Quality System.

The facility has historically been used for the production of collagen, which has been the implantable biomaterial of choice for several decades due to its conserved structure across species and its physiologically resorbable nature. Collagen also has the flexibility to enable a range of product formulations and scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Continued here:
Angel Biotechnology – Acquisition of assets

HuffPost’s QuickRead…

Loading…

HuffPost’s QuickRead…

Edition: U.S.

Go here to read the rest:
Biotechnology Is OK With Most People, Survey Says

NEW YORK A onetime powerful biotechnology financier who was among America’s wealthiest before a 1990s criminal fraud conviction pleaded guilty to fresh securities fraud charges Wednesday, admitting that his ban from acting as a securities broker or dealer didn’t stop him from plunging illegally back into the world of biotech companies.

David Blech, 56, his head cast downward, pleaded guilty to two counts of securities fraud in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, agreeing not to challenge any sentence he may receive that isn’t longer than four years and three months in prison.

The plea came 14 years after he was sentenced to probation for actions he took in response to a large decline in the value of biotechnology stocks in the spring of 1994. His footprint on the universe of biotechnology securities at the time was so large that at least a dozen stocks that his defunct company, D. Blech and Co., had underwritten lost nearly a quarter of their value when his company abruptly closed its doors on Sept. 22, 1994, a day known on Wall Street as “Blech Thursday.”

On Wednesday, the Manhattan resident told a magistrate judge that he saw his investments sour again after he invested more than $1 million in late 2006 in a biotech company, Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.

“I was so fascinated with Pluristem and was so convinced that it would be a success that I actually borrowed much of the money I used to help my friends and family to buy Pluristem stock,” he said. “By May of 2007, I was heavily in debt, and my financial obligations to my family and to others who had loaned me funds were overwhelming.”

He said he began selling much of his stock to pay debts but also bought shares through accounts in the names of family and friends so that he wouldn’t damage the value of the company’s stock.

“The court should know, however, that I did not make any money on my investment in Pluristem. In fact, I lost several million dollars on my investment in Pluristem over time,” he said.

He said he had a similar experience with his investment from 2005 to early 2008 in Intellect Neurosciences Inc. He said he “was desperate for money” in early 2008 and began selling Intellect stock to raise money while he was purchasing the company’s shares through accounts in friends’ and relatives’ names.

“I knew what I was doing was wrong and violated the securities laws,” he said.

William Prather, a spokesman for Pluristem, said the company had no immediate comment.

Read the original post:
Despite ban, NY man admits trading biotechnology stocks illegally for 2nd time in 20 years

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire -05/08/12)- The best and brightest high-school students from across the country gathered in Ottawa today for Canada’s annual bioscience competition for youth. Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, congratulated all the competitors and highlighted recent federal support for youth.

“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth and we recognize that as the future workforce, Canadian youth have much to contribute to our country’s long-term prosperity.” said Minister Finley. “Through our grants, tax credits and support for training programs, we are helping youth to gain the skills and experience needed to prepare for and succeed in the workforce.”

During her address, Minister Finley announced that Bioscience Education Canada received over $93,000 in federal funding to organize the Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada competition and encourage more youth to pursue jobs in Canada’s growing biotechnology sector. This investment complements other initiatives, such as apprenticeship grants that provide up to $4,000 to help apprentices complete their training and launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

“Employers in Canada and around the world increasingly require highly skilled workers, and competitions like this one are an exceptional way to inspire young people to explore careers in fields that are in high demand,” added Minister Finley. “By investing in our youth, we are helping contribute to Canada’s long-term growth, competiveness and overall prosperity.”

As part of our Government’s commitment to supporting youth on their path towards successful employment, Economic Action Plan 2012 will invest an additional $50 million over two years to enhance the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) so that more young people can gain tangible skills and experience.

With annual funding of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. YES includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which creates thousands of job opportunities for students every summer.

The Government of Canada is helping youth prepare for, find and maintain meaningful employment through enhanced online services available at Youth.gc.ca.

Follow us on Twitter

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Excerpt from:
Government of Canada Supports Youth in the Biotechnology Sector

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read this article:
Biotechnology company opens in Jefferson County

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO):

WHAT:

WHO:

WHEN:

Thursday May 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT

RSVP:

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

2012 BioEquity Europe May 15-16, 2012 Frankfurt, Germany

Read the rest here:
Roundtable for Reporters on Tax Policy for Renewable Chemicals

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

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

WHO: American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

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

WHEN: May 21-23, 2012

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

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

###

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

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

Read the original here:
2012 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference heads to San Diego

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

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

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

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

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa. Web site: http://www.plandaibiotech.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

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

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