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Archive for the ‘Biotechnology’ Category

Richard L. Wang Named Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Kite Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a Joint Venture to Lead … – Business Wire (press release)

Sunday, March 5th, 2017

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kite Pharma, Inc., (Nasdaq:KITE) today announced that Richard L. Wang, Ph.D. will be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Kite Biotechnology Co., Ltd, the companys 50/50 owned joint venture in China with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (600196.SH,02196.HK).The companies announced the formation of the joint venture in early 2017 to develop, manufacture and commercialize autologous T-cell therapies to treat cancer in China, including Kites lead cell therapy product candidate, axicabtagene ciloleucel. Final registration of the joint venture is ongoing.

We are on the cusp of significant change with CAR-T therapy as a treatment for serious blood cancers, said Arie Belldegrun, M.D., FACS, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Kite. This type of revolutionary change requires deft management, a deep understanding of country-specific requirements, and the ability to unite the strengths of partners, collaborators and the local medical community. Together with Fosun Pharma, we believe Dr. Wang has the unique experience essential for the success of Fosun Kite Biotechnology, CAR-T therapy and axicabtagene ciloleucel in China.

Dr. Wang has extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry including US and China based leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Cellular Biomedicine Group, a U.S. listed clinical-stage immuno-oncology and cell therapy company with operations in China. Previously, Dr. Wang was Senior Site Leader and Head of Operations for GlaxoSmithKline research and development in Shanghai. He obtained a B.S. degree in Cell Biology from the University of Science & Technology of China, a Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a M.B.A. degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Under Dr. Wangs leadership, the joint venture will establish business operations in Shanghai and build a senior leadership team to oversee technical operations and clinical development activities.

AboutKite

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based inSanta Monica, CA.For more information onKite, please visit http://www.kitepharma.com. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kitepharma.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The press release may, in some cases, use terms such as "predicts," "believes," "potential," "proposed," "continue," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "may," "could," "might," "will," "should" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: the ability to complete the joint venture registration, the ability of CAR-T therapy to invoke significant change in the treatment for serious blood cancers, and the success of Fosun Kite Biotechnology, CAR-T therapy and axicabtagene ciloleucel in China. Various factors may cause differences between Kite's expectations and actual results as discussed in greater detail in Kite's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Any forward-looking statements that are made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Kite assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

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Richard L. Wang Named Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Kite Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a Joint Venture to Lead ... - Business Wire (press release)

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CBDual Biotechnology Corp. Announces the Completion of their … – Yahoo Finance

Sunday, March 5th, 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 2, 2017 / CBDual Biotechnology Corp. ("CBDUAL") announced today the completion of the company's new clinical trial center in Southern California.

CBDual's new facility provides patients with easy access to participate in clinical trials of new medical cannabis medications, therapies, and products. CBDual will develop protocols to improve patient safety and data integrity in clinical research trials in compliance with the HIPAA.

The first scheduled trial will study the medicinal and therapeutic effects of CBD on oral health. The study anticipates between 1,000-2,000 patients and will test the effects of different CBD based mouthwashes and toothpastes.

CBDual has recently entered into a cross licensing agreement with Cavitation Technologies, Inc (OTCQB: CVAT; Berlin: WTC). This agreement covers intellectual property involving the application of technology and patented processes to produce high quality pharmaceutical grade cannabis materials with increased bio-availability and increased shelf life.

Dr. Greg Rubin, CEO of CBDual Biotechnology Corp., previously commented, "The improvement of consumer and medical products require the development of the best quality and utilization of the most innovative technologies in order to achieve ultimate results. The impact of the new clinical research brings us one step closer to introducing our new products to the US markets."

Recent breakthroughs in Cannabinoid (CBD) therapies and orally administered products prompt strong forecast for 2017. The Hemp Business Journal estimated that the CBD market will emerge as a $2.1 billion market in consumer sales by 2020. That represents a 700% increase from 2016. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a number of studies have shown that CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and has a wide range of medical benefits, such as anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidant and many other health related benefits.

About CBDual Biotechnology Corp

CBDual Biotechnology is a privately held; US based Biotechnology Company with a proprietary technology for enhanced oral delivery of bioactive cannabinoids. This technology promotes good gums health and overall dental health due to higher effectiveness of the delivery methodology. Company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in California with its R&D capability in Israel and Ukraine..

Website: http://www.cbdual.com/

About Cavitation Technologies, Inc.

Founded in 2007, the company designs and manufactures state-of-the-art, flow-through, devices and systems as well as develops processing technologies for use in edible oil refining, renewable fuel production, expeditious petroleum upgrading, algae oil extraction, alcoholic beverage enhancement, water treatment and cannabidiol processing. As an add-on to its existing neutralization systems, the company's patented Nano Reactor allows refiners to significantly reduce both processing costs and environmental impact, while also increasing yield.

Website: http://www.ctinanotech.com/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ctinanotech Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctinanotech

Forward Looking Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions, and include statements regarding the anticipated installation and the timing of the installation, our intent to continue to focus on research and development, marketing and sales of our unique technology, our belief that our company is positioned for accelerated growth and the expected efforts to be made to enhance our shareholder's value. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, among others, the state of the economy, the competitive environment and our ability to perform the installation as anticipated and other factors described in our most recent Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. In light of these risks and uncertainties there can be no assurances that the forward looking statements contained in this press release will in fact transpire or prove to be accurate. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Cavitation Technologies, Inc.

Contact:

Investor Relations Jessica Steidinger Jessica@ctinanotech.com Phone (818) 718-0905

SOURCE: CBDual Biotechnology Corp.

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Why Puma Biotechnology Inc. Got Hammered Today – Motley Fool

Sunday, March 5th, 2017

What happened

Puma Biotechnology (NASDAQ:PBYI) ended the day down 13.8% after Roche (NASDAQOTH:RHHBY) reported that its rival breast cancer drug, Perjeta, had passed its phase 3 trial, dubbed "Aphinity."

Image source: Getty Images.

In Roche's trial, patients either took Perjeta and Herceptin with chemotherapy or just Herceptin with chemotherapy, and then took Perjeta and Herceptin, or just Herceptin, for an additional year. Roche didn't release the full data from the clinical trial, but it did say the triple combination reduced the risk of recurrence of invasive disease or death compared to Herceptin and chemotherapy alone.

The potential to establish a new standard of care where patients take Herceptin and Perjeta for a year could be problematic for Puma Biotechnology because its drug candidate, neratinib, was tested after just Herceptin use, the current standard of care.

Without any data, doctors will likely wonder whether neratinib helps patients that have received Herceptin and Perjeta. And the relapse rate for patients on the current standard of care is already quite low; if adding Perjeta decreases it further, doctors and their patients may decide taking another drug after that isn't worth it, especially given neratinib's side-effect profile.

Investors will have to wait for the full data from Aphinity -- perhaps at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in June -- to know how much better Herceptin plus Perjeta is than Herceptin alone, and how that might affect neratinib's sales, assuming it's approved later this year.

Brian Orelliand The Motley Fool have no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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Why Puma Biotechnology Inc. Got Hammered Today - Motley Fool

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iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (ETF)(NASDAQ:IBB … – ETF Daily News (blog)

Saturday, March 4th, 2017

March 3, 2017 6:13am NASDAQ:IBB

From Taki Tsaklanos: Biotechnology stocks are breaking out. They have been consolidating for nearly 20 months. Investors lost interestand that is exactly what smart investors, in general, want to see in order to buy a market.

That is also how bull markets start: when nobody talks about it and only a minority of investors is buying it.

Now here it becomes interesting. InvestingHavens research team has closely followed biotechnology, and has written extensively about it last year. The red line throughout all articles was that smart investors are not in a hurry to buy biotech, but prefer to see which direction biotech would go. This is what was published on InvestingHaven until fall of last year:

Biotechnology Close To A Major Breakdown Level

Health Sector Testing All-Time Highs In 2016, Biotech A Buy After Breaking Out

Alert: Biotechnology and Health Sector Testing Long Time Support

Biotechnology Stocks Have News For Investors: It is Now or Never

In other words, on several occasions last year biotechnology stocks were ready to break down, but eventually they did not. The market refused to go lower, and that was a very important observation, which was shared with our readers: Biotechnology Stocks Refusing To Break Down

Then, something very interesting happened in January: Biotech And Health Care Stock Market Sector Showing Signs Of Life. That was the first sign that biotechnology stocks could go higher.

Today, they are attempting to break out.

The most interesting part was what InvestingHavens team wrote last year in April: Biotechnology Sentiment At Multi-Year Extremes. What Should Investors Do? Right at a time when a major breakout attempt in biotechnology stocks was at play, at a time when sentiment was extremely bullish, we wrote this:

What does all this mean to investors? Combining chart patterns with sentiment data is very useful for investors. We believe that a short term top has developed. Biotechnology needs to cool off a bit, which means a retracement is the most likely outcome for the coming weeks. The key is to watch how far the retracement will go: if prices remain within the existing pattern, above support, there is an opportunity for investors to buy the dips. As long as prices remain within the current chart pattern, it is not a good idea to short this market, unless you are a very short term oriented trader.

As a reminder, it was when IBB was trading at 280 points, in April last year, right before it fell 15 percent. Astute readers were very happy, and they keep on thanking us for our wise words.

Right now, biotechnology stocks are going through a serious attempt to break out from their 20-month consolidation period. If the 300 level in IBB holds for at least 5 consecutive days, biotech will go higher in the coming weeks and months.

The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (NASDAQ:IBB) was unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, IBB has gained 12.97%, versus a 6.59% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

IBB currently has an ETF Daily News SMART Grade of A (Strong Buy), and is ranked #2 of 36 ETFs in the Health & Biotech ETFs category.

This article is brought to you courtesy of Investing Haven.

Tags: biotech Health Care NASDAQ:IBB Taki Tsaklanos

Categories: NASDAQ:IBB

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Puma Biotechnology Shares Plunge On Plans To Modify Neratinib European MAA, Competitor Roche’s Perjeta Win – Benzinga

Saturday, March 4th, 2017

Shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc (NASDAQ: PBYI) plunged more than 25 percent following plans to modify the summary of product characteristics (SmPC) in its European Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for its breast cancer drug neratinib.

The company now plans to restrict the intended population to patients initiating neratinib treatment within one year after completion of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy.

Earlier, the proposed indication was for the "extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2-overexpressed/amplified breast cancer who have received prior adjuvant trastuzumab based therapy."

Puma submitted its neratinib MAA last summer.

During the regulators meeting, the timeline for Neratinib was discussed. Neratinib will likely be sequenced immediately after adjuvant trastuzumab. Furthermore, more benefits were observed in the subgroup of patients who received neratinib within one year from prior trastuzumab completion.

Related Link: Here's What To Expect Following Trump's Drug Pricing 'Robbery' Comments

In addition, data from the pivotal adjuvant trastuzumab trials suggest that patients are at higher risk of recurrence closer to completion of adjuvant trastuzumab, and the risk of recurrence may decrease over time.

Puma also noted that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) is continuing to review Puma's MAA and has not yet made a final decision to recommend approval of the drug for the updated or any other indication and there is no guarantee when, if ever, the MAA will be approved.

Separately, Puma reported a wider loss for its fourth quarter. On a GAAP basis, Puma reported a net loss applicable to common stock of $72.7 million, or $2.04 per share, versus a net loss of $61.7 million, or $1.90 per share, a year ago.

Excluding items, the loss came in at $1.22 a share versus loss of $1.23 a share, last year. However, the loss was better than consensus loss estimate of $1.92 a share.

On December 31, 2016, Puma had cash and cash equivalents of $194.5 million and marketable securities of $35.0 million.

Shares of Puma closed Wednesdays trading at $38.05. In the pre-market hours Thursday, the stock plunged 26.41 percent to $28.

According to the verified Twitter account of TheStreet's senior columnist Adam Feuerstein, "Hedge funds that own $PBYI are screaming at sell side analysts to defend the stock."

TheStreet also published on its website a possible connection between Puma's movements and those of Roche Holding Ltd. (ADR) (OTC: RHHBY). Feuerstein and Martin Baccardax wrote: "The Roche AG (RHHBY) breast cancer drug Perjeta notched an important win in the closely followed 'Aphinity' clinical trial, promising to add billions of dollars in sales to the Swiss drugmaker's top line. Perjeta's success spells big trouble for Puma Biotechnology (PBYI), which could see its competeing, but still approved, breast cancer drug neratinib without any patients to treat."

At last check in Thursday's pre-market session, shares of Puma were down 26.54 percent at $27.95. ADR shares of Roche were up 5.75 percent at $32.30.

Posted-In: Biotech Earnings News Health Care FDA Movers Media Trading Ideas Best of Benzinga

2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Puma Biotechnology Shares Plunge On Plans To Modify Neratinib European MAA, Competitor Roche's Perjeta Win - Benzinga

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Why Puma Biotechnology Inc. Got Hammered Today – Madison.com

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

What happened

Puma Biotechnology (NASDAQ: PBYI) ended the day down 13.8% after Roche (NASDAQOTH: RHHBY) reported that its rival breast cancer drug, Perjeta, had passed its phase 3 trial, dubbed "Aphinity."

Image source: Getty Images.

In Roche's trial, patients either took Perjeta and Herceptin with chemotherapy or just Herceptin with chemotherapy, and then took Perjeta and Herceptin, or just Herceptin, for an additional year. Roche didn't release the full data from the clinical trial, but it did say the triple combination reduced the risk of recurrence of invasive disease or death compared to Herceptin and chemotherapy alone.

The potential to establish a new standard of care where patients take Herceptin and Perjeta for a year could be problematic for Puma Biotechnology because its drug candidate, neratinib, was tested after just Herceptin use, the current standard of care.

Without any data, doctors will likely wonder whether neratinib helps patients that have received Herceptin and Perjeta. And the relapse rate for patients on the current standard of care is already quite low; if adding Perjeta decreases it further, doctors and their patients may decide taking another drug after that isn't worth it, especially given neratinib's side-effect profile.

Investors will have to wait for the full data from Aphinity -- perhaps at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in June -- to know how much better Herceptin plus Perjeta is than Herceptin alone, and how that might affect neratinib's sales, assuming it's approved later this year.

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Puma Biotechnology Announces Publication of Abstracts on Neratinib for the AACR Annual Meeting 2017 – Business Wire (press release)

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, announced publication of abstracts on neratinib for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2017. The AACR Annual Meeting will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. from April 1 to April 5.

Full abstracts of the following presentations are available online at http://www.aacr.org:

Apr. 4, 2017, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT Abstract 4818 (Poster): Neratinib/fulvestrant but not fulvestrant alone maintain complete tumor responses after treatment with trastuzumab + paclitaxel of mice bearing ER+/HER2+ xenografts. L.J. Schwarz et al, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

April 4, 2017, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT Abstract 4157 (Poster): Co-blockade of mTORC1, ERBB and estrogen receptor signaling pathways in endocrine resistant breast cancer: combating tumour plasticity. R. Ribas et al, Institute of Cancer Research.

April 4, 2017, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT Abstract 4038 (Poster): Exploring optimal targeted combination therapies with neratinib for HER2+ breast cancer. M. Zhao et al, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

April 5, 2017, 8:00 - 12:00 p.m. EDT Abstract 5167 (Poster): Stem-like colorectal cancer cell lines show response to the ERK1/2 inhibitor, SCH772984, alone and in combination with neratinib while the combination of MEK-162 and neratinib work to decrease tumor growth in inflammatory colorectal cancer subtypes. R. Pal et al, NSABP.

April 5, 2017, 8:00 - 12:00 p.m. EDT Abstract 5684 (Poster): NSABP FC-7 Correlative Study: HER2 amplification in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) resistant to anti-EGFR therapy. S. Rim Kim et al, NSABP.

Full abstracts of the following presentations are expected to be available online March 31, 2017, after 4:00 p.m. EDT:

April 2, 2017, 12:45 - 3:00 p.m. EDT Abstract CT001 (Oral, Clinical Trials Plenary Session): Neratinib in HER2 or HER3 mutant solid tumors: SUMMIT, a global, multi-histology, open-label, phase 2 basket study. D. Hyman et al, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

April 2, 2017, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT Abstract CT011 (Oral, Minisymposium): Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing for HER2 mutation (HER2mut) screening and response monitoring to neratinib in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). C. Ma et al, Washington University School of Medicine.

April 2, 2017, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT Abstract CT013 (Oral, Minisymposium): NSABP FB-10: Phase Ib dose-escalation trial evaluating trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) with neratinib (N) in women with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer (MBC). J. Abraham et al, NSABP.

April 3, 2017, 10:30 a.m. 12:45 p.m. EDT Abstract LB103 (Oral, Major Symposium): Landscape of Somatic ERBB2 Mutations - Findings from AACR GENIE and Comparison to Ongoing ERBB2 Mutant Basket Study. A. Schram et al, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

April 4, 2017, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT Abstract CT128 (Poster): Effects of adding budesonide or colestipol to loperamide prophylaxis on neratinib-associated diarrhea in patients (pts) with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer (eBC): the CONTROL trial. E. Ibrahim et al, Beaver Medical Group LP.

About Puma Biotechnology:

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company with a focus on the development and commercialization of innovative products to enhance cancer care. The Company in-licenses the global development and commercialization rights to three drug candidatesPB272 (neratinib (oral)), PB272 (neratinib (intravenous)) and PB357. Neratinib is a potent irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks signal transduction through the epidermal growth factor receptors, HER1, HER2 and HER4. Currently, the Company is primarily focused on the development of the oral version of neratinib, and its most advanced drug candidates are directed at the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The Company believes that neratinib has clinical application in the treatment of several other cancers as well, including non-small cell lung cancer and other tumor types that over-express or have a mutation in HER2.

Further information about Puma Biotechnology may be found atwww.pumabiotechnology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, the risk factors disclosed in the periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

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When Celebrity And Science Collide: Hollywood And The Anti … – Genetic Literacy Project

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

Julie Kelly, cooking instructor, food writer, blogger and a Mom who lives in the Chicago area. In 2015, she got passionate about GMOs. Kelly is a contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Huffington Post, The Hill and other media outlets.| March 2, 2017

HIGHLIGHTS:

Hollywood is in our homes daily,often spreading misconceptions about science, and GE crops in particular Gary Hirshberg, founder of Stonyfield Organic and Just Label It, is the key celebrity organizer Gwyneth Paltrow has emerged as the face of celebrity moms who question the safety of GE foods Mark Ruffalo questions GE foods but also rejects biotechnological solutions beyond food, such as the gene-edited mosquito that could curtail the Zika virus Celebrity misinformation campaigns have filled a void created by the agricultural and food industries, which have been reticent to defend the science of biotechnology While the Internet and social media are valuable tools for disseminating information about complicated subjects like science and agriculture, it has also given rise to a modern-day monster: the expert celebrity From movie stars to television chefs, a cadre of self-promoting yet often ill-informed celebrities are influencing the public discussion about topics way beyond their expertise, particularly consequential issueslike vaccines and biotechnology

The explosive growth of cable television and more recently of the Internet has led to a celebrication of everyday lifeHollywood has invaded our homes in an oddly intimate way. Celebrities have long weighed in on public issues, which is okay if the issue is what clothes to wear next season, but science is different: it actually can impact peoples lives.

If Big Bang star Mayim Bialik talks about Zikas impact on the brain, we might be interested because she has a PhD in neurosurgeryshe has genuine credentials. But science-educated stars are few and far between. For example, campaigns led by Robert Kennedy, Jr., reality TV star Jenny McCarthy and her former husband Jim Carrey and flip comments by Bill Maher have convinced a lot of credulous fans to forgo getting their kids vaccinated the lowest vaccination rates in the country are in the swanky Hollywood suburban playgrounds. And thats just one of many misguided celebrity-driven campaigns.

Celebrities may have any number of motives for injecting themselves into the middle of debates over controversial, scientific issues. Ego, for example. Its a way to get publicity for themselves (McCarthy is more known now for her anti-vaccine activism than for her acting.) And as we know, stars are eager to follow the cause du jour. It is science-as-fashion.

While some people wisely ignore celebrity advice, their ill-informed and selectively ignorant comments can sway public opinion in destructive ways. Thats whats happening in the ongoing debate over our food and farming systems. In the last few years, movies such as Consumed and GMO OMG have fueled misperceptions about genetic engineering. And celebrity chefs such as Tom Colicchio have joined the fray, partnering with other anti-GMO chefs in a Facebook page, Chefs Against GMOs, and making appeals in Washington and on TV shows. But Hollywood is where anti-GMO groups draw their most visible campaigners.

A slew of Hollywood celebrities, have lent their names to one anti-GMO or pro-labeling campaign or another, among them a fading generation of actors and musicians: Morgan Freeman, Paul McCartney, Dave Mathews, Danny DeVito, Woody Harrelson and Neil Young, to name just a few. But there are some younger faces who have lobbied hard against modern agriculture, mostly B-list actresses, with Gwyneth Paltrow the most prominent. They rail against GMOs in an effort to persuade consumers our food system is hopelessly broken, and that crop biotechnology is scary, unnatural and part of a corporate conspiracy to control the worlds food supply. Its easily dismissible nonsense to those who know the consensus science, but their distortions have consequences outside of clickbait headlines.

Paltrow has emerged as the face of the anti-GMO movement over the last few years. Its unclear exactly how or why she decided to take up this cause except that she has worked closely with one of the most powerful figures in the organic movement, Gary Hirshberg, founder of Stonyfield Organic, who also started Just Label It, which has campaigned for mandatory labels. Just Label it and the organic industry in general have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years to demonize conventional agriculture and mislead consumers into thinking organic food is healthier, safer and more nutritious than conventional food.

Although state-of-the-art meta studies conclude there are no meaningful differences, and some research shows organic farming is more stressful on the environment than farming using advanced technology including genetically engineered crops, organic companies peddle that narrative in hopes of driving consumers toward their pricier products. As the self-appointed priestess of all that is healthy and good in the world, Paltrow promotes organic food, which is by definition non-GMO.

Hirshberg has fueled and funded anti-GMO advocacy under the guise of promoting mandatory GMO labels. He has organized several anti-GMO groups, and has used celebrities like Paltrow to push his agenda. At his invitation, Paltrow was featured at a press conference on Capitol Hill in August 2015 to voice her support for mandatory GMO labeling. A bill the organic industry opposed had just passed in the House, and Paltrow wanted to use her powers of persuasion to stop the bill from advancing in the Senate:

Im not here as an expert, Im here as a mom who honestly believes I have the right to know whats in the food I feed my family. And we dont even know, the science is still inconclusive about GMOs, there are arguments they could possibly be harmful and there are arguments that they could be incredibly beneficial. But at this point, we just dont know.

The presser echoed widely on social media, but most disturbingly, her comments were reported uncritically by major media sites, giving her credibility on an issue she did not deserve.

Here is where Paltrow is wrong. We do know that GMOs are safe. They hold tremendous potential and promise to alleviate global hunger now and into the future as food demands are expected to nearly double by 2050.Nearly every major independent scientific organization and governmental agency in the world, including most recently the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NAS), have affirmed that genetically engineered crops and food are just as healthy and environmentally safe as other conventionally grown foods, including organic. American farmers have been using genetically modified seeds for 20 years and most of the corn, soy, cotton and sugarbeets grown are from those seeds. This has cut down on the use of pesticides (since some of those crops have been developed to include natural pesticides already used by organic farmers), which has reduced crop losses and increased yield, a huge boon to both farmers and consumers.

In its analysis of the GMO controversy, the NAS also noted several problems with mandatory labeling, such as higher costs to consumers and the probability that companies might eliminate genetically engineered ingredients in order to avoid labels. The report also outlined several crops that can only be achieved through genetic engineering that boost nutrients, withstand climate challenges and resist crop diseases. Promising new crops in the pipeline include nutritionally enhanced rice and bananas and disease-resistant cassava, a plant that hundreds of millions depend on every day. So, its galling for an ultra-rich celebrity to spread falsehoods about a technology that can feed and fortify the diets of hundreds of millions of poor people around the world.

That wasnt the last we heard from Paltrow. In April 2016, she made a brief cameo in a video sponsored by Just Label It (with Hirshberg taking a star turn) entitled GMO Transparency in the Real World. A harried mother attempts to use her smart phone to scan a QR code on a can of soup to see if the soup contains GMOs (QR codes are anathema to the pro-GMO labeling crowd). As she stumbles to use her smart phone, and her kids smash a watermelon in the aisle, a fresh-faced Paltrow appears from the dairy aisle, asking the distraught mom if she has a scanner on her smart phone that she could use.

Paltrow isnt the only actress to play the Im not an activist, Im a mom card. Around Mothers Day 2015, several B-list mom-actresses appeared in a Moms Against GMOs video produced by another Hirshberg group to talk about GMOs, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, The Talks Sarah Gilbert, UnREALs Constance Zimmer, Once Upon a Times Ginnifer Goodwin, Furious 7s Jordana Brewster, The Biggest Losers Jillian Michaels, Mariel Hemingway and Sharon Osbourne. They pledged to protect their little ones from the dangers of GMOs: This Mothers Day, give moms the right to know whats in the food we feed our kids. Tell the FDA to require GMO labeling.

These actresses are now part of a coordinated, calculated attack on American agriculture and an attempt to stop millions of farmers from using technological tools necessary for their livelihood and Americas food security. They are part of a destructive campaign to hurt American farmers and our overall agricultural and food system.

Since a bill requiring mandatory GMO labels passed Congress and was signed into law by President Obama in August 2016, the GMO labeling groups have been more forthcoming about their true motives. Anti-GMO activist and Institute for Responsible Technology founder Jeffrey Smith, who makes regular appearances on Dr. Oz and other celebrity-type shows, acknowledged their real agenda:

Labeling GMOs was never the end goal for us. It was a tactic. Labels make it easier for shoppers to make healthier non-GMO choices. When enough people avoid GMOs, food companies rush to eliminate them. Labeling can speed up that tipping pointbut only if consumers are motivated to use labels to avoid GMOs.

Some celebrities brazenly profit by spreading misinformation about biotechnology. Jessica Alba parlayed her fame into selling organic, non-GMO products as part owner of The Honest Company. She boasts about the naturality of her products, from organic baby formulameticulously blended using non-GMO, naturally derived, organicto organic tampons to non-GMO lip balm. Many items brandish a non-GMO label. Alba explains her healthy eating habits as trying to have the least amount of GMOs and pesticides you have energy, arent starving and dont have to count calories.

Actor and progressive environmental activist Mark Ruffalo, who does not have a college education, has embraced any number of controversial causes, from fracking to GMOs, where the science is contested. He became a rock star in the anti-GMO community, even confronting Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant in a CBS green room rant before a joint TV appearance and later bragging about it.

You are wrong, he lectured Grant. You are engaged in monopolizing food. You are poisoning people. You are killing small farms. You are killing bees. What you are doing is dead wrong. Its the horrible stuff you guys do that makes you and your company horrible. People like you and your company are horrible because you are horrible.

He has more than 2 million followers on Twitterthats scary. His obsession to demonize genetic engineering took a bizarre turn earlier this year when he started tweeting that the Zika virus was caused by a chemical manufactured by an obscure Japanese company that has a research pact with Monsanto, the bete noire of anti-GMO activists. By doing so, he deflects attention from what experts now say is the only feasible solution to containing Zikathe release of genetically engineered sterile mosquitoes to drive out the poison-carrying ones.

Chef Attack

Many celebrity chefs have taken up the anti-GMO crusade, apparently believing their ability to run a restaurant or cook on television gives them special insight into how food is grown on a farm. Tom Colicchio, the star of Bravos Top Chef program, gathered signatures of more than 4,000 chefs on a petition he delivered to Capitol Hill in March 2016 demanding mandatory GMO labels and rejecting a Senate bill that would have made the labels voluntary.

He claims he only supports the right to know. But his twitter feed is filled with anti-GMO propaganda and like most activists in the GMO labeling movement, he is also broadly against the technology. In a December 2015 op-ed in the New York Times entitled, Are you eating Frankenfish? Colicchio warned readers that the newly approved GE fast-growing salmon could escape enclosed tanks and endanger native speciesclaims multiple US and Canadian regulators have reviewed and rejected as untrue. Colicchio has also come out in opposition to insect-resistant eggplant, grown with government developed seeds distributed free to farmers in Bangladesh, which has reduced the spraying of dangerous chemicals by 85 percent.

Why are celebrities getting so much traction in their campaign against GMOs? They are filling an information void left by the scientific and agricultural communities. Scientists are reluctant to engage the public, either out of trepidation or arrogance, convinced that science will win the day. Infighting has plagued the science communications effort as leaders dispute the best way to fight misinformation from people like Paltrow and Ruffalo.

Some want to take a submissive approach and others want to fight fire with fire. The agricultural community and companies that benefit from genetic engineering arent standing up to defend the technology, either.

While science and farming communicators struggle with how to best educate consumers and the media, organic executives and celebrities are defining the narrative on GMOs. This is not without serious ramifications if we turn away from genetically modified crops. Food prices will rise and farmers will be forced to use more insecticide and more toxic herbicides. Its wonderful to celebrate the performances of TV, movie and music celebrities, but their opinions on science issues are no more relevantnow than they were when they were waiting tables in Hollywood and Nashville looking for a break. Hit the mute button when they start opining on serious policy issues that have considerable consequences for vulnerable people around the world.

Julie Kelly is a cooking instructor, food writer, blogger and mother of two who lives in the Chicago area. In 2015, she got passionate about GMOs. Kelly is a contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Huffington Post and other media outlets.

The Genetic Literacy Project is a 501(c)(3) non profit dedicated to helping the public, journalists, policy makers and scientists better communicate the advances and ethical and technological challenges ushered in by the biotechnology and genetics revolution, addressing both human genetics and food and farming. We are one of two websites overseen by the Science Literacy Project; our sister site, the Epigenetics Literacy Project, addresses the challenges surrounding emerging data-rich technologies.

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Genesis Biotechnology Group Expands Preclinical Contract Research Portfolio by Acquiring PharmOptima – Yahoo Finance

Thursday, March 2nd, 2017

HAMILTON, N.J., March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesis Biotechnology Group (GBG), a consortium of an integrated group of biotechnology and research companies, announced that it has expanded its drug development services by the acquisition of PharmOptima.

PharmOptima, a preclinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) company, joins Invivotek and Venenum Biodesign in the existing drug development segment of GBG. This acquisition expands GBG's catalogue of available services, while providing the same high quality service each company's clients have grown to expect. Effective with this acquisition, GBG will provide new and existing customers with the added value of a single point-of-contact for the efficient development and coordination of their unique preclinical drug development program.

According to Dr. Eli Mordechai, GBG's CEO, "This partnership brings together highly complementary services of three companies creating a dynamic and efficient enterprise that will enable clients to have access to a comprehensive portfolio of bio-analytical and in vivo services in multiple therapeutic areas." This spirit of collaboration was supported by PharmOptima's CEO, Steven Weber, who stated, "PharmOptima is excited to become a part of the GBG consortium that will have the synergistic effect of expanding both the breadth and depth of expertise in advancing the drug development activities of our clients and partners."

About GBG

GBG is a consortium of vertically integrated corporate research entities, which facilitates the overall market implementation and delivery of biomedical science products and services related to diagnostics and drug discovery. Through the consolidation of research activities, and the collaboration of diverse groups of scientists with expertise in molecular biology, genetics, high throughput screening (HTS), pharmacology, molecular modeling, and medicinal chemistry, GBG will be better positioned to create and sustain complex research platforms in drug discovery and the design of surrogate biomarkers for chronic diseases.

About PharmOptima

Since 2003, PharmOptima has been advancing drug discovery and development in various therapeutic areas and has filled a niche in ocular drug development. PharmOptima's in vivo services include studies in the fields of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacology.It provides liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) bioanalysis in support of discovery and development programs, including method development and validation in accordance with regulatory guidelines.Its biochemistry expertise allows them to assess the role of biomarkers in numerous disease models. PharmOptima's biochemical capabilities include in vitro and cell based assay development for compound profiling as well as protein cloning and expression. Its expertise extends to the custom development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and electrochemiluminescence multiplex formats.

About Invivotek

Invivotek offers both custom and standard preclinical services for drug discovery and development programs for their clients. Services offered by Invivotek include studies in animal models and bioassays to test compounds related to immunology and inflammation, oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.Invivotek's in vivo testing capabilities are supported by biochemical and molecular biology techniques as well as by functional assays with primary cell cultures. These assays provide tools to study the mechanisms of action of various test therapeutics or potential target genes and to explore biomarkers for drug efficacy. Invivotek's experience across multiple therapeutic areas and its efficient project management, positions the company as a leading provider of preclinical in vivo services.

About Venenum Biodesign

Venenum Biodesign (Venenum) focuses on the identification of potentially therapeutic compounds starting with ultra-high throughput screening (UHTS) against their proprietary 5.5 million ECLiPS compound collection. Compounds identified by UHTS are advanced into preclinical drug candidates using in-house medicinal chemistry, crystallography and molecular modeling. Venenum's drug discovery biology capabilities are supported by expertise in in vitro andcell-based assay development, protein expression and purification, and assay reagent generation. Venenum has extensive experience working in a wide variety of therapeutic areas with conventional target classes, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enzymes, nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs), as well as with protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions.

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BRIEF-Puma Biotechnology provides update on review of marketing authorisation application for PB272 – Reuters

Thursday, March 2nd, 2017

March 1 Puma Biotechnology Inc:

* Puma Biotechnology provides update on review of marketing authorisation application for PB272

* Puma Biotechnology Inc - company plans to modify summary of product characteristics in its marketing authorisation application

* Puma Biotechnology-plans to modify summary of product characteristics based on meeting with rapporteur, co-rapporteur, review team members, EMA

* Puma Biotechnology - proposed summary of product characteristics will continue to include both hormone receptor positive, hormone receptor negative patients

* Puma-Will be revising proposed smpc for neratinib to restrict intended population to patients within a year after completion of Adjuvant Trastuzumab Therapy

* Puma-Committee for medicinal products for human use continuing to review co's maa and has not yet made a final decision to recommend approval of drug Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

BRUSSELS, March 2 Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer, raised its forecast for savings from its near $100 billion takeover of SABMiller after weaker than expected earnings as beer sales suffered in Brazil.

TOKYO, March 2 Japan's Nikkei share average hit a 14-month peak on Thursday as the yen weakened against the dollar on heightened expectations for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this month and after Wall Street soared to record highs.

* Acquired privately held Ontology Systems for a total consideration of US$7.6 million, net of cash

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PUMA BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC. (NASDAQ:PBYI) Files An 8-K Other Events – Market Exclusive

Thursday, March 2nd, 2017
PUMA BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC. (NASDAQ:PBYI) Files An 8-K Other Events
Market Exclusive
Puma Biotechnology, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the development and commercialization of products for the treatment of cancer. The Company focuses on in-licensing the global development and commercialization rights to over ...
Puma Biotechnology Announces Publication of Abstracts on Neratinib for the AACR Annual Meeting 2017Business Wire (press release)
Puma Biotechnology Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 ...Yahoo Finance
Puma Biotechnology Inc (NYSE:PBYI) Registers a Net Consolidated EPS Of $-7.4483Equities Focus
NewsDen
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Pfizer commits $4M to NC Biotechnology Center gene therapy … – WRAL Tech Wire

Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

Posted Feb. 28, 2017 at 3:39 p.m.

Published: 2017-02-28 15:39:55 Updated: 2017-02-28 15:39:55

By JIM SHAMP, NCBiotech Writer

Raleigh, N.C. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has announced that Pfizer has committed to providing funding in the amount of $4 million which will enable the Center to establish and administer a multi-year academic fellowship program to help advance North Carolinas fast-growing expertise in gene therapy.

The new program, to be managed by NCBiotech, will support distinguished postdoctoral fellowships in North Carolina university research laboratories providing advanced scientific training in gene therapy-related research.

Absent or faulty proteins linked to genetic mutations cause numerous devastating diseases, making gene therapy an increasingly important treatment strategy.

Pfizers portfolio in North Carolina has grown in recent years. The company already operates a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Lee County community of Sanford, and in August 2016, it acquired leading-edge gene therapy company Bamboo Therapeutics, Inc. in Chapel Hill.

With that acquisition, Pfizer gained the expertise of Bamboos world-renowned co-founder, R. Jude Samulski, Ph.D., director of the Gene Therapy Centerat the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The deal also included an 11,000-square-foot facility for the highly specialized manufacturing of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors.

Pfizer is one of several biopharmaceutical companies that have added high-profile gene therapy acquisitions, and several partnerships with biotechnology companies and leading academic institutions, to its R&D portfolio. Numerous other North Carolina scientists and companies are also making significant inroads into gene therapy, gene editing and related applications, many with NCBiotech support. For example, Samulski was recruited to UNC in 1993 as part of a $430,000 NCBiotech grant. Additionally, Bamboos former parent company received more than $700,000 in Biotech Center grants and loans.

Gene therapy advances require specific skills in addition to deep scientific knowledge. The fellowship program being established with Pfizers funding aims to boost that talent pipeline, with talent that has already proven to be exceptional in North Carolina. Such funding will enable NCBiotech to provide two-year fellowship support to postdoctoral scientists. The funding will afford the Center the ability to cover salaries, benefits, materials, professional development and travel for such postdoctoral scientists. The Center will encourage competitive applications from scientists interested in establishing research careers in gene therapy and related research activities.

The Biotech Center will also create and manage a related gene therapy Exchange Group. It will join some 25 other exchange groups designed to unite North Carolina-based academic and industry scientists with shared professional interests. The Gene Therapy EG will include these new postdoctoral fellows, their mentors, and others interested in the burgeoning gene therapy sector.

The field of gene therapy research has made tremendous strides in recent years, and we are pleased to be able to further enhance our leadership position in this area through this unique fellowship program, said Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., president of worldwide research and development at Pfizer. We believe that gene therapy may hold the promise of bringing true disease modification for patients suffering from devastating diseases, and North Carolina is uniquely positioned to help us take advantage of collaborative opportunities that can develop the specialized talent well need.

Doug Edgeton, president and CEO of the Biotech Center, said he was deeply honored that Pfizer targeted North Carolina, and the Center, for the groundbreaking fellowship program.

Pfizer embraced the opportunity to work with us given weve proven for more than 30 years that we have the expertise and success metrics to maximize impact, said Edgeton. We not only have outstanding research institutions across our state, but we also have a well-respected culture of partnering and collaboration that allows us to be nimble and responsive. This is a wonderful example.

(C) N.C. Biotechnology Center

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Training in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology – Mathrubhumi English

Sunday, February 26th, 2017

New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology has invited applications from eligible candidates for admission to Molecular Biology and Biotechnology for Fisheries Professionals. This program is completely sponsored by Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.

The three-month training program comprises 45 days of theory classes with hands-on practical sessions and 45 days of research work. All basic molecular biology and genetic engineering and molecular genetics techniques are included in the course along with their applications in various aspects of aquaculture and fisheries.

Participants are also expected to prepare research proposals and reports in DBT prescribed formats to familiarize them with the procedure of seeking extramural funding from DBT or other funding agencies.

Programme dates: CIFA & CMFRI : 15 Feb to 13 May 2017 CIFE : 7 March to 6 Jun 2017 CIFA, CMFRI and CIFE : 01.11.2017 to 30.01.2018

Eligibility Assistant Professors/ Scientists and above/ Post-doctoral fellows employed in SAUs, CAUs, Fisheries Colleges, research institutes, traditional universities and engaged in research and teaching in the area of aquaculture, sheries, marine biology, aquatic biology and allied disciplines.

Selection of participants: The total number of participants will be 10 at each collaborating institute. Selection letters will be communicated 20 days prior to the start date of the programme subject to receiving duly forwarded applications.

For more details, visit http://www.dbtindia.nic.in/

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Nasdaq Slips as Biotechnology Shares Decline – Wall Street Journal (subscription)

Friday, February 24th, 2017

Wall Street Journal (subscription)
Nasdaq Slips as Biotechnology Shares Decline
Wall Street Journal (subscription)
Declines in biotechnology shares dragged down the Nasdaq Composite, pressuring an index that has soared so far this year. The Nasdaq fell 0.4% Thursday but is up more than 8% in 2017, outperforming both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P ...

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Origin, Arcadia Announce China Biotechnology Collaboration in Corn – Yahoo Finance

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017

DES MOINES, Iowa & DAVIS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Origin (Origin Agritech, LLC, a subsidiary of Origin Agritech Ltd., NASDAQ: SEED), an agricultural biotechnology trait and seed provider, and Arcadia (Arcadia Biosciences, Inc., NASDAQ: RKDA), a California-based company that develops and commercializes agricultural productivity traits and nutritional products, today announced their collaboration to achieve the first-ever export of a key corn biotechnology product developed in China to the United States for completion of global regulatory trials.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170222005379/en/

The successful movement of this corn seed, containing an insect resistance/herbicide tolerance trait discovered and developed in China, to the Arcadia greenhouse represents a key milestone in Origins strategic business plan to achieve global regulatory approvals for cultivation and international grain movement.

This first-of-its-kind export validatesOrigins leading position in China biotech and its close alignment with Chinese ministries leading the transformation of the domestic seed industry. Combining Origins robust pipeline of value-added Chinese traits and elite corn germplasm with Arcadias research and development infrastructuredemonstrates our plan to capture a sizeable piece of Chinas estimated billion-dollar corn seed trait market, said Bill Niebur, Origin chief executive officer. As a leader in agtech focused on modernizing the traditional corn seed market, our international team remainsfocused on accelerating research and development to improve the lives of Chinese farmers.

Arcadia and Origin signed an agreement under which Arcadia will assist Origin in developing information for submission to regulatory authorities in the U.S., China and other countries for the approval of their traits in corn. This project involves production of inbred and hybrid seed lines under quarantine conditions in Arcadia greenhouses.

Arcadia has the proven expertise to bring traits through the regulatory process successfully and efficiently, said Raj Ketkar, Arcadias president and CEO. We have conducted hundreds of studies in the laboratory, greenhouse and field to gain regulatory approvals for various traits in major crops, and we have a strong regulatory team that has developed complete regulatory dossiers in multiple countries. This collaboration with Origin is an example of how our partners can leverage these capabilities to accelerate the commercialization of novel ag biotech traits.

Ultimately, this milestone achievement will create more choices and opportunities for farmers, said Jihong Liang, Origin chief technology officer. This is an important achievement, showcasing Origins competitive advantage in science and global reach through collaborations inside China and beyond its borders. Origin is leading the way in gaining regulatory approvals for this critical advanced technology globally to drive future business growth.

Origins investment and focus aligns tightly with Chinas 13th Five Year Plan, which calls for the modernization of agriculture as the foundation for building a prosperous society. The Chinese government, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), has advanced a policy vision to facilitate seed industry innovation, improve the competitiveness of the Chinese ag tech industry and cultivate new seed varieties for farmers around the world. Through these actions, China has shown strong commitment to advancing its ag industry through new advances in biotechnology. Origin anticipates China commercialization of corn biotechnology at the end of this decade.

About Origin Agritech Ltd.

Origin Agritech Limited, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Zhong-Guan-Cun (ZGC) Life Science Park in Beijing, is Chinas leading agricultural biotechnology company, specializing in crop seed breeding and genetic improvement, seed production, processing, distribution, and related technical services. Leading the development of crop seed biotechnologies, Origin Agritechs phytase corn was the first transgenic corn to receive the Bio-Safety Certificate from China's Ministry of Agriculture. Over the years, Origin has established a robust biotechnology seed pipeline including products with glyphosate tolerance and pest resistance (Bt) traits. Origin operates production centers, processing centers and breeding stations nationwide with sales centers located in key crop-planting regions. Product lines are vertically integrated for corn, rice and canola seeds. For further information, please visit the Companys website at: http://www.originseed.com.cn or http://www.originseed.com.cn/en/.

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Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.

Based in Davis, Calif., Arcadia Biosciences (RKDA) develops agricultural products that create added value for farmers while benefitting the environment and enhancing human health. Arcadias agronomic performance traits, including Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Water Use Efficiency, Salinity Tolerance, Heat Tolerance and Herbicide Tolerance, are all aimed at making agricultural production more economically efficient and environmentally sound. Arcadias nutrition traits and products are aimed at creating healthier ingredients and whole foods with lower production costs. For more information, visit http://www.arcadiabio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as expect, anticipate, intend, plan, believe, seek, see, will, would, target, similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events which may not be realized. Forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the companys control. Some of the important factors that could cause the companys actual results to differ materially from those projected in any such forward-looking statements are: fluctuations in energy and raw material prices; failure to develop and market new products and optimally manage product life cycles; ability to respond to market acceptance, rules, regulations and policies affecting products based on biotechnology and, in general, for products for the agriculture industry; outcome of significant litigation and environmental matters, including realization of associated indemnification assets, if any; failure to appropriately manage process safety and product stewardship issues; changes in laws and regulations or political conditions; global economic and capital markets conditions, such as inflation, interest and currency exchange rates; business or supply disruptions; security threats, such as acts of sabotage, terrorism or war, natural disasters and weather events and patterns which could affect demand as well as availability of products for the agriculture industry; ability to protect and enforce the company's intellectual property rights; and successful integration of acquired businesses and separation of underperforming or non-strategic assets or businesses. The company undertakes no duty to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of future developments, or new information or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

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Biotechnology company is introducing Nepal to the world market – Republica

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017

Innovation not necessarily comprises a scientific breakthrough but seeks the immediacy of needs to be acknowledged, asserts Rabindra Mohan Sapkota, 43, who is the chairman of Shikhar Biotech established in 2000. In conversation with Republicas Sonam Lama, he shares some of his insights on initiating the first biotechnological company in Nepal, followed by its different setbacks.

Tell us about Shikhar Biotech? Shikhar Biotech is pioneer antibody production company in Nepal which was initiated by the parent biotech company based in the United Kingdom. Our company is a spin-off of the British-Nepali venture Everest Biotech Limited, UK. We aim to manufacture and deliver the highest quality reagents and services to life-science researchers and other biotech companies worldwide.

How is Shikhar Biotech different from other biotech companies? Yes. Many experiments in Nepal are carried out on plant biotechnology but we have been conducting a specific operation on producing and manufacturing goat antibodies. With a smooth manufacture and delivery of more than 3000 antibodies till date, we believe we are attained a renowned space in the international market with our products being on long term demand. We have a strong track record of testing thousands of high quality goat polyclonal antibodies on behalf of our previous parent company. This experience has enabled us to offer this service now to other companies or researchers at competitive prices without any compromise in quality.

How does Shikhar Biotech benefit Nepal? With our company being recognized as an independent one, it has helped acquiring first hand contribution to boost the economy of Nepal. Our rigorous research and hands on activities have increased the growth in productivity. Our operations run further with promoting goat rearing in several villages such as Taulung which has earned a good source of income for the village farmers. On this note, we have gradually been able to provide technological materials such as cell lines to students of Kathmandu and Tribhuwan Universities. We are now extending our work to developing new products within Nepal.

What were the setbacks of initiating a pioneer company in Nepal? There were certain challenges since its inception as there was a congested market with people being highly unaware of biotechnological studies. So we primarily had to struggle for an access to the market outside Nepal. Moreover, limited amount of revenue and acute lack of investments occurred with the scarcity of raw materials and services. In context of Nepal, the financial crisis has been lagging us behind. However, in the case of availability of ample resources, we still fall short for research, innovation, and awareness.

What are your further plans? One of our long term plans is to include the development of testing material of vitamin D. This tester is used to detect the content of Vitamin D in a human body through antibody platform. In order to make it easily accessible and cost cheaper in Nepal, the research on producing diagnostic kits have been under high consideration. We have been conducting researches on developing the glucose tester in Nepal which would serve Nepal in the long run.

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Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) Pushes Higher on New Catalysts – The Oracle Dispatch

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017

Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) is a micro-cap biotech player that has been on the rise of late despite an avalanche of growing debt and no clear route to near term monetization. But such is the case quite often in this sector, even in the case of the best opportunities. GNBT stockis moving higher in recent days following a couple catalysts.

In the first case, the company announced a letter of intent for the acquisition of a controlling equity interest in Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments and therapies, primarily for rare and orphan disease. Initial product development efforts are focused on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder. In the second case, the company just announced that it has achieved the elimination of its outstanding derivative securities.

Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) trumpets itself as a company engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of drug delivery systems and technologies.

As the company states, Generex has developed a proprietary platform technology for the delivery of drugs into the human body through the oral cavity (with no deposit in the lungs). The Companys proprietary liquid formulations allow drugs typically administered by injection to be absorbed into the body by the lining of the inner mouth using the Companys proprietary RapidMist device. Antigen Express, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Generex.

The core platform technologies of Antigen Express comprise immunotherapeutic vaccines for the treatment of malignant, infectious, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Antigen Express has pioneered the use of specific CD4+ T-helper stimulation technologies in immunotherapy. One focuses on modification of peptides with Ii-Key to increase potency, while a second relies on inhibition of expression of the Ii protein. Antigen Express scientists, and others, have shown clearly that suppression of expression of the Ii protein in cancer cells allows for potent stimulation of T-helper cells and prevents the further growth of cancer cells.

According to company materials, Hema Diagnostic Systems, LLC (www.rapid123.com) is a rapidly growing biotechnology company involved in the development, manufacture, assembly, and distribution of diagnostics targeting primary as well as orphan infectious diseases. Hema Diagnostic Systems continues to expand its product line to meet the needs of the worldwide market. Point-of-Care test devices are made simple to use and are highly cost effective when incorporated into Hema Diagnostic Systems patented and patent pending delivery systems. The Rapid 1-2-3 Hema EXPRESS is a novel delivery system that is self-contained and easy to use.

Find outwhen GNBT stock reaches critical levels. Subscribe to OracleDispatch.com Right Now by entering your Email in the box below.

In thinking about the potential benefits of a controlling position in Emmaus, Dr. Yutaka Niihara, MD, MPH, Chairman and CEO of Emmaus and Executive Chairman of Generex commented: R&D efforts continue apace at Emmaus, as evidenced by these new patents securing our intellectual property portfolio. We are pleased to add diverticulosis and diabetes as prospective new indications for our PGLG product which we are currently developing for the treatment of SCD.

Joseph Moscato, Generex President & CEO, stated: I am gratified by the confidence Emmaus has expressed in Generex in providing this leeway to allow us to consummate the reorganization of our capital structure which will set the stage for our future successes.

That said, our sense is that the biggest catalyst in recent action may actually be the cap table move through undercutting the companys derivative liabilities.

As noted in the companys most recent release, the consequent reduction in the number of shares coming into the market and the termination of the attendant price protection provisions will unburden the Company. In addition, the elimination of the derivative liability will greatly improve the Companys balance sheet. Thus unencumbered, and with a reinvigorated management team and Board of Directors, the Company will proceed to execute its business plans and to attract value investors.

The chart shows just under 290% piled on for shareholders of the listing during the trailing month. Market participants may want to pay attention to GNBTstock. Generex has a track record that includes a number of dramatic bounces. Whats more, the company has witnessed a pop in interest, as transaction volume levels have recently pushed just shy of 410% above its longer run average levels. Since we last covered the name, the stock has moved 58% higher.

Now commanding a market cap of $15.8M, GNBT has virtually no cash on the books, which compares with a mountain of current liabilities, in excess of $9 million. One should also note that debt has been growing over recent quarters. The company is pre-revenue at this point. This may be a very interesting story and we will look forward to updating it again soon. For continuing coverage on shares of GNBT stock, as well as our other hot stock picks, sign up for our free newsletter today and get our next hot stock pick!

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Cellect Biotechnology (APOP) Announces Positive Results of Clinical Trial of ApoGraft – StreetInsider.com

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017

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Cellect Biotechnology Ltd. (Nasdaq: APOP) announced today positive final results from its clinical trial of ApoGraft in healthy donors. The studys primary objective was to validate the Company's propriety method of stem cell selection by going through the process of production and characterization with ApoGraft, and was conducted on samples obtained in collaboration with two leading medical centers in Israel, The Schneider Children's Medical Center and the Rambam Medical Center.

Cellects technology enables the use of stem cells for regenerative therapies by eliminating mature cells while leaving the stem cells unharmed using a natural process occurring in the human body, apoptosis (programed cell death), which orders cells to commit suicide. Cellects validated scientific platform, and the focus of its 7 families of patents, is that the apoptosis command destroys primarily mature cells, while stem cells remain alive and flourishing. This process allows for natural enrichment of stem cells, thus enabling stem cell-based therapies or transplantation to possess an abundance of quality stem cells with little to no risk of rejection or other complications, such as Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD).

The study included 104 healthy donors of blood stem cells. The samples (collected under approval of Helsinki committees) represented 5% of a graft used for transplantation into patients. The grafts were processed allowing stem cell production for transplantation with Cellects ApoGraft. The use of the ApoGraft resulted in a significant increase in the death of mature immune cells, primarily T Lymphocytes, without compromising the quantity and quality of stem cells. The process takes only a few hours as compared to days of complex and expansive lab work with traditional methods, is anticipated to be extremely cost effective in comparison to current approaches, and has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of GvHD.

Dr. Yaron Pereg, Cellects Chief Development Officer, commented: These results from processing human stem cells for bone marrow transplantation using ApoGraft clearly demonstrated that Cellects proprietary platform could improve the outcome of stem cell transplantations in patients suffering from hematological malignancies.

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Cellect Biotechnology (APOP) Announces Positive Results of Clinical Trial of ApoGraft - StreetInsider.com

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MPs clash with biotechnology researchers over GMO ban – The Star, Kenya

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

MPs on Tuesday clashed with biotechnology researchers over the lifting of the GMO ban.

The law makers dismissed a call to have the ban lifted and called for development of home grown biotechnology solutions rather than imposing "foreign ideologies".

Our researchers should focus on home grown technologies that address some of the challenges farmers are facing such as aflatoxin, drought tolerant crop varieties and the stem borer pest, said Agriculture Parliamentary committee chair Noor Mohammed.

He assured local scientists that as long as they focus on need based research, the committee will lobby the government to allocate more resources.

Mohammed made the remarks during a consultative meeting between the committee and biotechnology stakeholders.

He noted that there has not been any scientific evidence on the safety of GMOs, or any guarantee that it can offer a solution to food insecurity in the country.

Read: University students want government to issue licence of GMO maize

Also read: State launches GMO labelling mark amid jitters of effect on existent ban

There is no research in the world specifically stating on the safety of the technology. Let any scientist give evidence in Kenya own up and that GMO is safe for human consumption, he said.

Mohammed stated that MPs remarks should not be construed to mean that the political class in the country is against the introduction of GMO, but warned the researchers and other experts against issuing conflicting statements.

He said all the Parliamentary committees - health, agriculture, environment, education - and all the biotechnology researchers need to work together with a view to providing a common approach regarding the issue.

Dr Margaret Karembu emphasised on the need by the government to allow application of GMO as one of the tools to taming food insecurity and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Any country that does not give opportunity to researcher will forever rely on other peoples products. GMOs have been proven safe by the World Health Organization and other global biotechnology players, said Karembu.

Willy Tonui, the National Biosafety Authority CEO, assured Kenyans that there is no GMO product in the market and that the government is vigilant in monitoring all the foreign materials that are being imported in the county.

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MPs clash with biotechnology researchers over GMO ban - The Star, Kenya

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Cellect Biotechnology (APOP) Stock: Gaining Big On Positive Clinical Data – CNA Finance (press release)

Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

Cellect Biotechnology Ltd. (NASDAQ: APOP)

Cellect Biotechnology is having an incredibly strong day in the market today. As soon as the session opened, the stock was already trading on overwhelmingly impressive gains. From there, we've seen a continuation of strong movement. Below, we'll talk about what we're seeing from the stock, why, and what we'll be watching for with regard to APOP ahead.

As mentioned above, Cellect Biotechnology is having an incredibly strong day in the market today. At the opening bell, the stock was already trading well into the green. Throughout the morning, we've seen a continuation of gains. At the moment (10:52), APOP is trading at $6.91 per share after a gain of $1.08 per share (18.52%) thus far today.

As is almost always the case, our partners at Trade Ideas were the first to send the alert that APOP was making a run for the top. As soon as we received the alert, the CNA Finance team started digging to see exactly what was causing the movement. It didn't take long to uncover the story. The gains are ultimately the result of a positive data release.

Early this morning, Cellect Biotechnology released positive results from its clinical trial of ApoGraft(TM). The point of the study was to validate the company's proprietary method for stem cell selection. To do so, the company went through the process of production and characterization through ApoGraft. In the announcement, investors learned that the company met its primary endpoint in this study.

Moving forward, the CNA Finance team will continue to keep a close eye on APOP. In particular, we're following ongoing work with regard to ApoGraft as well as the rest of the company's pipeline. We'll keep a close eye on the news and continue to bring it to you as it breaks!

Do you want real-time, actionable news delivered to your inbox? Join the CNA Finance mailing list below!

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Cellect Biotechnology (APOP) Stock: Gaining Big On Positive Clinical Data - CNA Finance (press release)

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