Modern Biotechnology’s Significance to Current Agricultural Scenario
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Our world is threatened by food shortage (among other threats) resulting from climate change and population growth. Climate change is making yields of food crops unpredictable as they depend on the weather under traditional farming practices. And population growth is tending to push up demand for food beyond availability.
A solution to the problem under such a scenario might lie in the adoption of modern biotechnology in traditional societies. For example, Professor Walter Sandow Alhassan, Project Coordinator for Safe Biotechnology Management in Sub-Saharan Africa (SABIMA) under the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), recently called upon the people of Ghana, Africa, to adopt modern biotechnology in farming.
Modern biotechnology is seeking to tackle several issues related to farming. The following are some of the major issues biotechnology is seeking to help with:
* Expansion of arable land by developing crops that can grow in areas formerly unfit for the crops
* Increasing the yield of crops through genetic modification of the crops
* Preventing pollution of human and animal habitats that occurs now from agro-chemical runoffs
* Finding a way to tackle the crop pests that have so far proven intractable
* Finding cures for the diseases that affect plants and animals
* Developing alternatives for fossil fuels used in agricultural operations, as the fuel supplies are not only getting exhausted but also becoming costlier
* Tackling the stresses resulting from climate change
Read the news story at GhanaWeb.
Tags: biotechnology, climate change, food crops, food shortage
Posted in biotechnology, crop science, diseases, genetic modification | No Comments »
Success against H1N1 Virus?
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
AVI BioPharma focuses on “the discovery and development of novel RNA-based therapeutics for rare and infectious diseases, as well as other select disease targets.” The company reports that with its proprietary technologies, it is able “to directly target both messenger RNA (mRNA) and precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) to either down-regulate (inhibit) or up-regulate (promote) the expression of targeted genes or proteins.”
Recently the company announced positive results for AVI-7100 against human pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. According to the announcement, preclinical studies demonstrated statistically significant reductions in average viral titer for AVI-7100 against a fully virulent pandemic H1N1 virus versus saline and Tamiflu(R) controls.
The studies used AVI’s proprietary PMOplus(TM) chemistry, and were supported by the Transformational Medical Technologies program (TMT) of the U.S. Department of Defense to identify RNA-based drug candidates against pandemic H1N1 virus. The report mentions that “the studies were undertaken as part of a rapid response exercise demonstrating TMT’s ability, in partnership with AVI, to rapidly respond to a real-world emerging viral threat.”
According to the company spokesperson, the PMO Plus(R) and other advanced proprietary chemistries already have found success in developing anti-infective therapeutic candidates. As a result, TMT is funding “an accelerated IND enabling program and Phase 1 study, as well as expanded preclinical evaluation that explores AVI-7100’s potential as a broad spectrum influenza therapeutic.”
Read the news release at MarketWatch.
Tags: biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology, H1N1 virus, RNA-based therapy
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Responding to Biological Threats, Natural and Manmade
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
As the spread of H1N1 and AIDS highlighted, pandemic diseases can cause serious disruption to society and the lives of its members. In addition to these natural threats, a new threat lurks in the background, biological terrorism where disgruntled groups are able to deliberately spread biological agents that cause serious diseases. Considering these threats, the Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) of USA released a review on August 19 titled Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Review: Transforming the Enterprise to Meet Long Range National Needs.
The review looks at the federal government’s system to produce medications, vaccines, equipment and supplies needed for a health emergency, known as medical countermeasures. The review examines the current scenario involved in research, development and FDA approval of medications, vaccines, medical equipment and supplies for a health emergency. The review was triggered by the challenges posed by the recent H1N1 pandemic.
Releasing the document, HHS Secretary suggested that “with a strong base of discovery, a clear regulatory pathway, and agile manufacturing, we will be able to respond faster and more effectively to public health threats.”
According to the review, HHS proposes significant investments to help FDA scientists find faster ways to analyze promising new discoveries and to give innovators a clear regulatory pathway to bring their products to market.
Read the report at FierceBiotech.
Tags: biological warfare, biotechnology, medical countermeasures, pandemics, regulatory approval
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Safety of Workers in Biotech Labs
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
In a recent blog post, the Council for Responsible Genetics has listed several shocking cases of workers in biotech labs contracting illnesses apparently related to their work, and yet being denied compensation in a timely manner.
A scientist who worked for Pfizer developing genetic delivery systems for cloning into viruses fell ill, and was sacked by the company when she could not return to work by the deadline date. She had to wage a struggle for several years before she was awarded compensation, and that too not for the illness but for the company violating her free speech and whistleblower rights.
It appeared that Pfizer could legally deny data on workers’ lab exposures, as it is protected as a trade secret.
Another person who worked as a researcher and technician on crop and insect control projects was exposed to living bacteria, fungi and insects, which he claims sickened him. He could not get any compensation due in no small measure to his employer providing him with the wrong name of its insurer. When finally he found the actual insurer, the latter also denied the claim.
The fact is that many of the microorganisms the researcher worked with were found in his body.
Read about these and other cases at CRG Blog.
Tags: biotechnology, business, worker safety
Posted in biotechnology, business, worker safety | No Comments »
The Ninth Biotechnology Industry Organization Investor Forum
Saturday, August 21st, 2010
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Investor Forum is a national investor conference held in the US. Participants of the forum include leading private and emerging public biotech companies, venture and private equity investors in healthcare, and investors interested in buying or selling. Business development executives from leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies participating in the forum will have the opportunity for networking and exploring for the kinds of deals they are looking for.
At this year’s conference, Chairman/CEO of Advaxis Inc., a biotechnology company developing proprietary, live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) vaccines that deliver engineered tumor antigens, will discuss recent developments in the areas of clinical trials and financing.
Other topics slated to be discussed include:
– First patient group dosing in US-based, Phase II cervical dysplasia (CIN) trial
– Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) clearance to proceed with a India-based, Phase II cervical cancer trial
– National Cancer Institute — Gynecologic Oncology Group’s trial in cervix cancer
– CRUK trial in Head and Neck cancer
– Collaborative research and development agreement (CRADA) signing with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to study Listeria in animals
– $7.5 million in financing agreement with life science fund
Read the news release at Market Watch.
Tags: biopharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, investors forum
Posted in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology | 1 Comment »
Scientific Development in Your Community: How do you Help?
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization’s stated objective is to “to make Illinois and the surrounding Midwest one of the world’s top life sciences center.” The organization makes annual iBIO Institute iCON Awards to “celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding science teachers and researchers whose work provides the basis for biotechnology developments worldwide.”
The fourth annual awards recipients of 2010 illustrate the kinds of contributions individuals can make to their community in the area of scientific development.
The Innovator Award (University Level) winner this year is Dr Brenda Russell, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology, Biophysics, Bioengineering and Medicine, and Executive Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr Russell has:
* spent several years guiding some of the brightest and most highly motivated research students in the state
* chaired several cross-disciplinary task forces at UIC including regenerative medicine with stem cells, environmental science, tobacco-related research (prevention psychology, clinical treatment and more), bioinformatics and structural biology
* lectured in the iBIO Institute’s TalentSparks! teacher development program and iBIO IndEx conferences
* lent her talent to Chicago’s Science in the City community outreach efforts
The Knowledge Builder Award (Grades 6-12) winner this year is Elizabeth Babcock, Ph.D., Vice President, Education and Library Collections at The Field Museum in Chicago. Dr Babcock:
* is responsible for the development and implementation of education programs, outreach initiatives and digital programming to over 800,000 adults, families, teachers and students each year
* helps improve the public’s understanding of natural history and to serve diverse audiences by leveraging the Museum’s exhibitions, collections and scientific research
* focuses on increasing the public’s access to and utilization of the Museum’s rare book collection, photo and institutional archives, and general collection of over 300,000 items
StockNod.
Tags: biotech industry development, biotechnology, life sciences development
Posted in biotechnology | No Comments »
Market Reports on Biochips, Stem Cell Research and more
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Market Publishers Ltd has just announced release of new market reports on drugs and biotechnology. The new reports cover Biochips, Stem Cell Research, Prions, Intravenous Solutions and Bionanotechnology.
Biochips: Biochips is a major thrust area under biotechnology along with such areas as genomics, protenomics and pharmaceuticals. Combining the understanding of cell functioning gained from the latter studies and the advanced micro-miniaturization capabilities of the semiconductor industry, one can develop biochips that act as sensors inside the body, where they can perform even thousands of biochemical reactions. Biochips have applications in various fields including disease diagnosis to detection of bioterrorism agents.
Stem Cell Research: Stem cells are cells in the body that can renew themselves through miotic cell division and grow into specialized cell types. Such specialized cells can help repair damaged organs by replenishing dead cells, for example. Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into cells of all the embryonic tissues while adult stem cells are more specialized. Bone marrow transplant is an example of adult stem cell therapy. Researchers hope to treat diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and more using stem cell therapy in the future.
The above and other market reports from the publishers provide the type of information that prospective entrepreneurs need.
Read the news release at Market Publishers Website.
Tags: biochips, bionanotechnology, biotechnology, stem cell research
Posted in biotechnology, diseases, stem cell research | 7 Comments »
Bt Brinjal and the GM Crops Dilemma
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
The Indian government has put an indefinite moratorium on the commercial release of genetically modified Bt Brinjal (egg plant). The moratorium was imposed in response to a situation where “there is no clear consensus within the scientific community itself, when there is so much opposition from the state governments, civil society organizations and eminent scientists have raised many serious questions not been answered satisfactorily,” according to the central government minister.
Critics of Bt Brinjal argue that the new engineered crop could destroy the vast bio-diversity of the numerous varieties of local brinjal. Preserving bio-diversity is critical because many of the genetic traits of the different varieties could prove invaluable. For example, new high-yielding varieties of rice that led to the Indian green revolution made governments neglect several local rice varieties that had traits like drought-resistance (though not high yields).
On the other hand, opponents of the moratorium point out that with the “uncertainty prevailing about GM crops, the companies wanting to invest in bio technology in agricultural sector would be hesitant to do so.” They complain that “there has been no palpable, effective and time bound effort to resolve the uncertainties caused by the moratorium.”
The case is an excellent example of the dilemma caused by GM crops with fears such as destruction of bio-diversity and unknown risks on one part and the risk of losing the benefits of scientific research on the other.
Read the news at Financial Express.
Tags: biodiversity, biotechnology, genetic modification, GM crops
Posted in biotechnology, crop science, genetic modification | No Comments »
Biotechnology Industry Issues
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
The 2011 Call for Session Proposals – Educational Track released by convention.bio.org gives an insight into the issues facing the biotech industry.
The impact of regulatory and compliance requirements on the ability of the biotechnology industry to research and develop healthcare products is one major issue. In addition to R&D, marketing is also affected by regulations, not only of FDA of the U.S. but also of regulatory bodies in other countries.
Developing eco-friendly alternative solutions, in the forms of new materials and cleaner manufacturing processes is another issue. Bio-based products from biomass, biofuels and food ingredients are examples and the issues involved with each of these solutions need to be explored in detail. For example, the once promising biofuel is facing criticism on the ground that it reduces the availability of food crops in a world where a large number of people do not get adequate food.
Detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases are helped by developing, validating and qualifying biological markers. Personalized medicine that decides the best treatment for each individual based on the person’s genetic characteristics is another area of major significance.
Intellectual property protection, global biotech licensing, technology transfer, and collaborations is another key issue for the industry. So is a clear picture of emerging trends in business development through partnering and alliances.
Read more by downloading the document from convention.bio.org website.
Tags: biotech industry issues, biotechnology
Posted in biotechnology, business | No Comments »
Biotechnology: What is its real Significance?
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
Biotechnology is attracting attention in more and more countries with research facilities being set up in universities and other institutions in developing countries as well as developed nations. What exactly is its significance? What contributions has the industry made? What is its future potential?
A recent report from BIO, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, titled “Healing, Fueling, Feeding: How Biotechnology is Enriching Your Life” seeks to answer these questions. The intro page of the report starts with some great statistics:
* reduce CO2 emissions annually by 32 million tons simply by lowering the temperature of washing clothes and dishes
* protect 241 million people worldwide from malaria
* ensure no child ever goes hungry
* stop chronic diseases from causing seven out of every ten deaths every year
…
The biotechnology industry believes that it can meet these and other goals that thinking people consider as absolutely essential to create a world that is a better place to live, compared to the planet that we live in now. Biotechnology has already created many “breakthrough products and technologies to combat disease, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, and make useful products.” Most of us are not even aware of the many biotech applications we see in our homes and workplaces.
Learn how the ability of biotechnology to work with cellular and molecular processes are changing everything from the Value of Biotechnology Report.
Tags: biotech contributions, biotechnology
Posted in biotechnology | 2 Comments »
