Australia
to give $2.4 mn for biotechnology research with India
Top scientists will receive funding for cutting-edge research
into everything from bioenergy and biofuels to vaccines and
medical diagnostics as part of a joint multi-million dollar
program with India
WHO
asks Shantha Biotechnics to recall Shan5 vaccine
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended recall
and destruction of all lots of the Shantha Biotechnics (India)-produced
five-in-one, or pentavalent, Shan5 vaccines as a precautionary
measure, after the discovery of undissolved white sediments
in the vaccine
Biocon
Biopharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd becomes wholly owned subsidiary
Biocon recently announced that its subsidiary company Biocon
SA., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the
49 percent equity stake held by CIMAB SA in Biocon Biopharmaceuticals
Pvt Ltd ('BBPL')
Evergreen
Enzymes
The ability of enzymes to make industrial processes environment
friendly has made them an important tool in the battle against
rising pollution and global temperatures. Sachin Jagdale writes
about their use in the biopharma industry
Newsmaker
'We
regularly search for cost effective methods without compromising
on quality'
Acton Biotech recently introduced genetic tests in the Indian
market for identifying the right dose of warfarin. Sandeep
Saxena, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Acton Biotech
India, highlights the company's innovative products, in conversation
with Usha Sharma
'Our
vision is to help customers improve lives of psychiatric patients'
With an exclusive chakragati mouse model, Chakra Biotech has
attracted quite a few investors. The company is also in talks
with global and Indian pharma companies for research collaborations.
Anthony Bishop, CEO, Chakra Biotech Sdn Bhd (Malayasia) shares
the future plans of the company with Arshiya Khan
Regulation
Watch
Follow-on
biologics in the US--The next frontier in generic medicine
With the passage of healthcare reform in the United States,
legislation opening the pathway to generic versions of biologics
(follow-on biologics) finally became a reality. In this article
Dr Jitendra Malik and Jeffrey Connor, senior associates in
the intellectual property litigation group of Alston &
Bird LLP provide an overview of the follow-on biologics legislation
and discusses what any company should consider in the development
of a follow-on biologics programme
Industry
Voice
Biotech
industry showing resilience
Despite challenging conditions, world's established centres
of biotech activity have reached aggregate profitability for
the first time. An Ernst & Young report
Tech Visor
Eliminating
particulates while processing for parenterals
With parenteral formulations, control of several key variables
(potency, pH, sterility, pyrogenicity, and particulate matter)
is essential for the assurance of quality for that product.
In the eighth of a series of 10 articles on 'Processing for
parenterals' encompassing aseptic dosage, Monisha Narke, Director,
Klenzaids GMP Academy describes the different methods that
are currently being utilised for measuring sub-visible particulate
matter, and the factors that affect their measurement
Tech Talk
Searching
for sustainability
To spark more curious creative minds, Klenzaids has initiated
an interactive column TECH TALK where frequently asked questions
will be addressed by experts. As we celebrate World Environment
Day, Monisha Narke, Director, Klenzaids GMP Academy answers
queries on the theme for this issue, "Sustainability
for pharmaceutical industry"
GPC
/ SEC triple detection allows comprehensive analysis of biomaterials
Researchers at the NMI (Natural and Medical Sciences Institute)
of the University of Tübingen in Germany are using the
Viscotek TDAmax GPC/SEC triple detection system with Omnisec
software, both from Malvern Instruments, in their analysis
of biomaterials
Sartorius
Stedim Biotech launches FlexAct
In December 2009, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, launched FlexAct,
an innovative system for pre-configured single-use solutions
to meet process requirements
Tech Bytes
Strand
develops Genomic Reviewer Desktop solution for the FDA
Strand Life Sciences (Strand), a pioneer in scientific intelligence,
has entered into an agreement with the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to deliver the Genomics Reviewer Desktop (GRD), a solution
to enable FDA reviewers to manage and analyse pharmacogenomic
data submitted through its Voluntary Exploratory Data Submissions
(VXDS) program
Veriteq
launches new cleanroom monitoring solution
Pharmaceutical, biotechnical and critical environment quality
managers who maintain absolute cleanroom conditions can now
ensure gap-free records for temperature, relative humidity
and differential pressure with the viewLinc™ 3-in-1 monitoring
solution
More
GPU Routines for Drug Discovery Research
Pharmaceutical developers involved in DNA sequencing and dynamic
molecular modeling for drug discovery who are interested in
achieving top performance from GPUs in diverse applications
using Monte Carlo simulations can now obtain an updated version
of NAG numeric routines for GPUs from the Numerical Algorithms
Group (NAG) - www.nag.com/numeric/GPUs
Networking
Consortia
Bangalore
INDIA BIO: your gateway to Indian biotech
Bangalore Bio, started in the year 2001, and now Bangalore
INDIA BIO has emerged as India's biggest national event attracting
participation from biotech, pharma and allied industries,
research institutes and all the major biotech States
Global
biotech event 'BIO' coming to India
BIO brings to India more than 10 years of experience and expertise
in biotech and pharmaceutical partnering in Hyderabad. The
two day conference will begin from September 21, 2010
Centre
to set up 'National Institute of Bio-Medical Genomics' in
Bengal
In a major development, which will boost the fortunes of West
Bengal as a 'bio-tech hub', the Centre has decided to set
up National Institute of Bio-Medical Genomics (NIBMG), an
autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology,
Government of India (DBT) at Kalyani
Bio-economy
gets a boost in Europe and Asia
With an aim to boost the bio-economy in Europe and Asia, the
Eurasian Biotechnology Federation (EABF) was established recently
during the 2nd international EurasiaBio 2010 in Moscow, Russia
Indian
Red Cross Society promotes blood stem cell therapy
On the occasion of World Red Cross Day, Indian Red Cross Society,
Mumbai City Branch conducted a forum discussion to create
awareness on the new vulnerabilities of emerging diseases
of urbanisation by creating knowledge regarding 'Blood and
Cell Therapy'
Ranbaxy
and Pfenex enter into agreement
Ranbaxy Laboratories recently signed an agreement with Californian
- based biotech company Pfenex, for developing an undisclosed
biosimilar therapeutic produced in the Pfenex Expression Technology
platform, a Pseudomonas-based recombinant protein expression
technology
One
billionth vaccine dose from Bharat Biotech
Bharat Biotech recently announced that it just delivered its
one billionth vaccine dose. This accomplishment demonstrates
the determination and dedication of Bharat Biotech in providing
health care solutions to millions of people in India and the
developing world
Biocon's
arm signs pact with Endo Pharma
Syngene International, a subsidiary of Biocon entered into
a discovery and development collaboration with Endo Pharmaceuticals
USA to develop novel biological therapeutic molecules against
cancer
Quintiles
announces new brand positioning
Quintiles, biopharmaceutical services company, has launched
a new positioning and brand identity, driven by the company's
growing ability to solve customers' emerging clinical and
commercial challenges
Cover Story
Regenerating
stem cell guidelines
As stem cell therapy in India advances stage by stage, the
country could become an even more promising destination for
global stem cell research. Usha Sharma writes
Spotlight
Maharashtra Special
Maharashtra
continues to dominate
Under the able leadership of Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ashok
Chavan, many industrial sectors in Maharashtra are touching
new heights and biotech industry is one of them. Sachin Jagdale
puts across a few queries to him to know more
Obliged
to Maharashtra
Actis Biologics, a leading biotech company, owes a lot to
Maharashtra for its successful journey. Reports Sachin Jagdale
Sterilisation
of parenterals by saturated steam
In the seventh of a series of 10 articles encompassing aseptic
processing for parenterals, Monisha Narke, Director, Klenzaids
GMP Academy focuses on sterilisation by saturated steam
Tech Products
New
cascade impactor automation tool from Copley Scientific
The new Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) cleaning system from
Copley Scientific provides an integrated solution for the
post-test ultrasonic washing and drying of the ACI, an instrument
widely used throughout the pharmaceutical industry for inhaled
product testing
Aditi
Technologies launches DNA PReDuST
Aditi Technologies, a leading provider of software product
and application development services, recently announced its
foray into IP led solutions by launching "DNA PReDuST"
Ocean
Optics launches dedicated OEM website
To augment its dedicated OEM engineering resources, Ocean
Optics, the industry leader in miniature photonics, has launched
www.OceanOEM.com, devoted to the needs of its OEM customers
Sigma-Aldrich
launches new life science brand platform
Sigma-Aldrich unveiled its new Sigma Life Science brand and
website platform, designed to elevate the company's current
focus on biology and provide a single destination where researchers
can access deep biological knowledge and market-leading products
and technologies
Networking
& Consortia
USAIC
to host annual US-India BioPharma & Healthcare Summit
in USA
The USA-India Chamber of Commerce (USAIC), a bilateral Chamber
of Commerce aimed at promoting and facilitating trade and
investment between the US and India is organizing its annual
US-India BioPharma & Healthcare Summit on May 6th, at
Hyatt Regency Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
UKTI-BIA
biotech delegation scans India for tie ups
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in association with the BioIndustry
Association (BIA), UK brought a delegation of small IP-rich
UK companies to India in March
SRMTE
holds STEM 2010
To increase awareness levels of the technical details in the
field of stem cells , which is at a revolving stage, the Society
for Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (SRMTE) organised
the STEM 2010, the sixth annual conference on biotechnology
focusing on stem cell research, regenerative medicine and
tissue engineering on January 31 and Feb 1 in Goa
Bharat
Biotech begins Phase I Trials of HN-VAC
Bharat Biotech recently announced that it has commenced Phase
I clinical evaluation of HN-VAC, its cell culture based H1N1
vaccine candidate
Eisai
and Quintiles announce collaboration
Eisai recently announced that it has concluded a strategic
collaboration agreement with Quintiles to develop six anticancer
compounds in its oncology pipeline to further expedite its
product creation strategy for the oncology-related disease
area
Biological
E signs agreement with US based VaxInnate
Eyderabad-based Biological E, a leading vaccines and therapeutic
healthcare company has entered into an agreement with USA's
VaxInnate Corporation to license its recombinant H1N1 pandemic
swine flu vaccine
RMS
Regrow proves its cartilage cell treatment
To illustrate the use and benefit of advanced cell therapy
for treating sports injuries, Regenerative Medical Services
Regrow (RMS Regrow), Indian Stem Cell Therapy Services organization,
and Dr Anant Joshi, a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon with a specialization
in Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine and Fitness Management, recenlty
shared the success story of Ankit Parashar, State level (Madhya
Pradesh) Cricketer, at the Cricket Club of India, Mumbai
Cover Story
Prospective
future or a pipe dream?
Considering the fact that cancer vaccines are the next most
promising approach to fight various cancers, and are still
at a very experimental stage, will they be able to become
more than just a small element in the medical treatment of
cancer? Aashruti Kak writes
Spotlight
Bharat
Biotech A glocal vision
Vaccines manufactured at Bharat Biotech are protecting millions
in the world from dreaded diseases today. Sachin Jagdale reveals
more about the company
BioIP
Pitfalls
to protecting and enforcing antibody therapeutic patents
As big pharma tries to fill a dwindling pipeline, antibody
therapeutics seem to be showing particular promise. But developers
need to know about the patentability, patent infringement
and patent validity issues related to antibody therapeutic
products so that they can effectively protect the intellectual
property related to these products. Konstantina Katcheves,
Partner, and Sandhya Kowdley, IP Specialist, Saul Ewing LLP,
USA highlight a few pitfalls along the way
Tech Visor
Sterilization
of parenterals by filtration
In the sixth of a series of 10 articles encompassing asceptic
processing for parenterals, Monisha Narke, Director, Klenzaids
GMP Academy focuses on sterilization by filtration
Tech Trendz
SS
vs. disposables: weighing the odds
Single use technologies have been the buzzword in modern global
biopharma manufacturing, and Indian players too are taking
to the technology, albeit in a phased manner. But benefits
need to be balanced with the economical and environmental
impact, finds Viveka Roychowdhury
FDA's
New Process Validation Guidance: It's as easy as 1,2,3
The US FDA's Guideline on General Principles of Process Validation,
first published in 1987 had many shortcomings. These were
addressed in a subsequent publication, Pharmaceutical cGMPs
for the 21st Century - A Risk Based Approach. While the new
guidance states that FDA's current thinking on process validation
is consistent with the principles first introduced in 1987,
the new document re-defines process validation. John Hyde,
Chairman and Founder, Dr Peter Watler, Chief Technology Officer,
and Karan Manocha, Regional Manager, Asia-Pacific, Hyde Engineering
+ Consulting present some highlights of this new guidance
Tech Zone
Ribonomics
approach to drug discovery
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play important roles in the differentiation
of the nervous system, in muscle development and in germ line
development. Correspondingly, as befits a central role in
gene expression, any mutations or aberrant production of RBPs
can have profound organismal affects, from outright lethality
to cancer, muscular disorders, eye disorders, bone marrow
failure, epilepsy and mental retardation. Studies to elucidate
their role in drug resistance could lead to development of
novel therapeutic targets. Latha Chukki, Senior Scientist,
Polyclone Bioservices reviews the technological advances in
this field and potential therapeutic applications of this
work
Tech Zone
Benefits
of closed vial technology
Contaminated injectable drugs are a major problem and the
focus on aseptic filling techniques has increased considerably.
Jean-Sébastien Parisse, Sales Manager, Aseptic Technologies
gives details of a filling technology which not only increases
quality but also simplifies the filling process for the manufacturer
compared to the classical glass vial. In addition, new features
have been introduced to secure the supply chain such as on-line
coding by RFID or laser-coding
Tech Products
Sartorius
Stedim Biotech launches FlexAct
In December 2009, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, launched FlexAct,
an innovative system for pre-configured single-use solutions
to meet process requirements
Millipore
unveils Mobius® FlexReady Solutions
Launched at INTERPHEX 2009, Millipore Corporation's Mobius
FlexReady Solutions are made up of Flexware™ single-use
filter assemblies and process-ready hardware systems optimized
for clarification, media and buffer preparation, tangential
flow filtration (TFF) and virus filtration unit operations
Thermo
Fisher Scientific introduces new small capacity incubators
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced a new smaller capacity
Thermo Scientific Midi 40 CO2 incubator that delivers the
reliable culturing performance of a full-sized incubator in
a convenient, space saving footprint
Tech Bytes
Waters
SDMS Vision Publisher certified compliant with Safe-BioPharma
Digital Standard
Waters Corporation announced that SDMS Vision Publisher™
(v.7.1 SR4), an electronic laboratory notebook solution for
its NuGenesis® Scientific Data Management System (SDMS),
a secure electronic repository that stores and manages all
types of scientific data to a centralized database and is
used to boost efficiency in life sciences laboratories, has
been certified compliant with the SAFE-BioPharma digital identity
and signature standard
Ambry
Genetics, SoftGenetics form exclusive alliance
Ambry Genetics and SoftGenetics announced the signing of an
agreement to provide extended bioinformatics genomics services
using SoftGenetics' NextGENe software for next-generation
sequencing projects performed at Ambry
Aiming
to develop the industry and attract investments
The need of the hour is encouragement and support for India's
biotech industry which is the main moto of Bio Asia 2010,
one of the largest biotechnology events in the nation. Dr
B S Bajaj, Secretary General, FABA and convenor of Bio Asia,
speaks about the annual Global Bio Business Forum. By Amal
Tewari
Wilson
College seminar portrays potential in biomedical sciences
Rudyard Kipling once said, "Words are, of course, the
most powerful drug used by mankind." The words spoken
by five distinguished researchers in the field of biology
on the January 4, 2010 to an audience comprising of students
and teachers, are definitely what everyone would like to see
being translated into drug discovery
IIPS
seminar discusses hot button issues in biotech IP
SVKM's NMIMS University Institute of Intellectual Property
Studies (IIPS) recently organized a one day seminar, 'The
Futurz: An Intellectual Property Biotech Conclave'
We
are known for quality and after sales service
Pheroh Filters and Equipments is known for the products that
avoid cross contamination as well as dust contamination. Shreekant
Dalvi, Director, Pheroh Filters and Equipments reveals more
to Sachin Jagdale
We
have total required product range for our market
Clestra, a global veteran in the cleanroom industry, is growing
strongly in Indian markets as well. Jignasu Mehta, COO, Clestra,
reveals more to Sachin Jagdale
StemOne
Biologicals
StemOne Biologicals was first established in 2005 as Cord
Life Biotech P.L. StemOne is India's second and Maharashtra's
first autologous Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank
RMS
to set up new facility in Pune
Mumbai-based stem cell therapy provider of cartilage and bone
repair, Regenerative Medical Services (RMS) is in the process
of setting up new laboratories in
Pune for R&D based stem cells autologous activities
Bharat
Biotech on growth spree
Bharat Biotech expects its anti rabies vaccine 'Indirab' to
double its sales within the next two years. Indirab sales
crossed the 10 million doses sales mark in the current year
Avesthagen
forms global JV with Limagrain
Avesthagen recently announced the formation of a joint venture
(JV) 'Atash Seeds' with Limagrain, an international cooperative
group
News Maker
'IBPL
is the first Indian biotech company to plan biosimilars for
European markets'
Intas Biopharmaceuticals is focusing more on the oncology
segment by extending its research in the therapeutic area.
Dr Urmish H Chudgar, Managing Director, Intas Biopharmaceuticals,
discusses the company's ongoing venture, in conversation with
Usha Sharma
'We
are extending our reach to the Middle East'
Stem cell technology has become more user-friendly with the
rapidly increasing demand for cord blood bank centres, and
LifeCell seems to be taking aggressive step towards its development.
Mayur Abhaya, Executive Director, LifeCell International,
reveals to Usha Sharma the company's latest developments
'Comvac5
sales to reach Rs 25 crore from Rs 2 crore'
With a strong focus on product-oriented R&D, Bharat Biotech
International Ltd (BBIL) has launched combo vaccine Comvac5
in India in early March 2009. Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman and
Managing Director, BBIL discects the success of Comvac5, in
conversation with Usha Sharma
'We
invest Rs 200 crore every year in new plant and machinery'
The largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute of India, had plans
to explore the generics market, but due to the high price
erosion, will stick to the niche area of vaccines, for long
term growth, says Adar Poonawalla, Executive Director-Operations,
Serum. He shares some insights on the status of the H1N1 vaccine
and investment plans, with Arshiya Khan
'Customers
do not want to be tied down to a facility that will not enable
them to process multiple molecules'
Biopharmaceutical companies are increasingly making the change
from stainless steel systems to disposable technologies. Millipore's
Mobius disposable solutions bets on lower risk of contamination,
reduced cleaning and validation requirements and increased
flexibility in multi-products facilities and biotech start
ups. Mani Krishnan, Director, Product Management, DSP Business
Unit, Millipore Corporation speaks to Arshiya Khan on this
solution
'One
molecule to treat HIV and H1N1 disease'
To enhance further research work on HIV and H1N1 diseases,
Indus Biotech is taking quantum efforts on the research front
and is set to develop new molecules with one formula for both
the diseases. Sunil Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Indus Biotech,
provides an insight into the company's R&D to Usha Sharma
‘Biocity
will be a success’
Standing up to the challenges posed by global economic downturn
Actis Biologics is determined to complete its ambitious 'Biotech
city' project in Malaysia before the set deadline. Sanjeev
Saxena, Chairman and CEO, Actis Biologics reveals more to
Sachin Jagdale
'Global
alliances of mid-size companies will make these seeds available
globally'
With its recent JV with Limagrain, Dr Villoo Morawala-Patell,
Founder and CMD, Avesthagen, believes that new seed varieties
will come up with technologies linked to more Environment
Adjusted Crops (trademarked by Avesthagen). She shares details
on the potential that the global seeds market holds, in conversation
with Arshiya Khan
Cover Story
Peptides
to fuel drug discovery
As experts feel the next wave of new drugs would come from
peptides, due to the potential this segment holds, companies
are gearing to tap the same with different business models.
By Arshiya Khan
Spotlight
Panacea
Biotec—Re-defining the use of vaccines
One of the main leaders in the Indian biotech industry, Panacea
Biotec that has many firsts to its credit had always been
known for its unique business modus operandi. Dr Rajesh Jain,
Joint Managing Director, Panacea Biotec speaks about the company
with Suja Nair
Tech Interview
Life
sciences industry in India is at a very exciting stage'
Nanotechnology has tremendous possibilities in drug discovery
and in drug delivery systems. And it is no longer a futuristic
technology at the conceptual stage, feels Sudhir Kant, President,
Millipore, India. He shares the strategy adopted at Millipore
to tap the life sciences market with Arshiya Khan
Aseptic
Process Simulation
In the fifth article of a series encompassing aseptic dosages,
Monisha Narke, Director, Klenzaids GMP Academy dwells on the
the process of validating an aseptic processing operation
Tech Trendz
Proteins
in biotechnology : Research and Production
Proteins are the basic building blocks of the cells. Many
proteins and enzymes are part of the expression systems and
have significant medical applications. Dvelopment and manufacture
of such medically useful proteins have largely been made possible
and simple by technologically advanced companies like Millipore.
Dr Aditya Sengupta, National Manager, Technology Bioscience
Millipore India expands on the current trends in biotech research
and production
Tech Zone
Capillary
electrophoresis
In 1989, Beckman Instruments introduced the first fully automated
capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument (P/ACE™ 2000)
to the scientific community. At that time, CE demonstrated
exceptional resolving of selected compounds, but the new technology
lacked a track record of applications. The subsequent application
of automated CE to real-world separation problems has propelled
the advancement of this technology to the robust, dedicated
analyzers in use today
Networking
& Consortia
Big
biosimilars
Sessions and discussion on biosimilars will be getting thicker
and louder with many drugs going off the patent, analyses
Sachin Jagdale
Tech Trendz
Biosafety
inside biologics research laboratories
A host of issues like the threat of bioterrorism coupled with
loss of business have led to the integration of biosafety
and bio-security in biologics research laboratories. Monisha
Narke, Director, Klenzaids GMP Academy takes us through the
tenets of biosafety, biorisk assessment and current practices
regarding spills and leakages as well as aerosols
BioPh2009
Special
Indian
Oncology Market: Trends and Outlook
With the release of a report on the oncology market in India,
Datamonitor hopes to address the absence of reliable and latest
information regarding the size and characteristics of this
market. Jumana Barnagarwala, Head - Healthcare Consulting,
Datamonitor, India provides some excerpts
PharmaLeaf
India focuses on regulatory affairs
Two years ago, Shenaz Khaleeli, left a long career in an MNC
pharma company to set up PharmaLeaf India, a regulatory affairs-focused
KPO consultancy. She gave details of the company's journey
to Viveka Roychowdhury
Moving
forward: Sharon Bio Medicine
With a strong focus on the oncology market, Sharon Bio Medicine,
is set to take on to the global markets, Usha Sharma profiles
the journey of the company
Unique
USV
There is no second opinion on the fact that USV is a leader
in cardiovascular and diabetes segment by prescription sales.
However, coming years will see USV dominating many other disease
segments as well. Sachin Jagdale reveals more
Turning
silver, aiming for gold
For a 25 year old company, Neuland Laboratories continues
to show the same enthusiasm as it did when it started. Aashruti
Kak traces its growth
Looking
ahead to 2010
Bio-Solutions for Pharma (BioPh) 2010 will be once again hosted
alongside CPhI, ICSE and PMEC. BioPh 2010 will offer unrivalled
networking and commercial opportunities, creating a perfect
synergy in the world of drug research and manufacturing
SRL
to conduct the most affordable swine flu test
The Super Religare Laboratories (SRL) lab in Gurgaon India's
largest network of diagnostic labs recently got an approval
from the Government of Delhi and Government of Maharashtra
to carry out sample collection and testing for Swine Flu in
Delhi and NCR
NIPER
and Genzyme India sign MoU for biotechnology fellowships
Genzyme, one of the world's foremost biotechnology companies
tied-up with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education
and Research (NIPER) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals,
Government of India for two 'Genzyme India Fellowships' for
excellence in biotechnology
Shantha
Biotechnics awarded large vaccine contracts by United Nations
Agency
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group
announced that Shantha Biotechnics was awarded contracts by
a United Nations agency for supplies of pentavalent vaccine
SHAN5 (combination vaccine of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus,
haemophilus influenza B, and hepatitis B)
Bhat
Bio-tech aiming to grow
Bangalore based Bhat Bio-tech, specialising in the design
development, manufacturing and marketing of diagnostic test
devices, is having robust new therapeutic lines to explore
Boston
Scientific Founder John Abele joins Nanobiosym global advisory
board
Nanobiosym, a leading global nanotechnology organisation announced
that John Abele, Co-founder and former Co-Chairman of the
multibillion-dollar global medical device company, Boston
Scientific has joined the Nanobiosym global advisory board
Cover Story
mAbs:Magic
bullets
Like much in medical progress, the development of monoclonal
antibodies (mAbs) has not been a straight line to good results.
The technique brought a great deal of excitement at the outset,
followed by disappointment. In recent years, however, the
medical world has re-looked mAbs with renewed enthusiasm,
as many of the earlier problems were resolved. By Rajshri
Srinivasan
Spotlight
Reliance
Life Sciences A towering presence
As Reliance Life Sciences nears the close of its first decade
of existence, Viveka Roychowdhury does a status check on this
market leader
The
promise and problems of stem cells
Though the identification, differentiation and the continuous
research on stem cells opened an exciting era for basic understanding
of human biology and disease processes such as cancer, this
research is not without controversy and opposition. Dr Sanjay
Agrawal, Head, Medical Department, Corona Remedies gives the
background and update
Tech Visor
Microbiological
Evaluation
This is the fourth of sequelae of 10 presentations encompassing
aseptic processing areas
Tech Trendz
The
next frontier in biomarker assays
Known for his expertise in the areas of Protein Research Assays,
Dr Jehangir Mistry, Director, R&D BioScience at Millipore,
US has also previously been Director of Manufacturing, Director
of Automated Systems at Millipore Corporation. He currently
heads Millipore's Protein Research Assay Group. This interview
pertains to developments, trends etc in Protein Research,
Drug Discovery etc
Tech Zone
Mark
22 Release of the NAG TOOLBOX FOR MATLAB®
Drug developers seeking a broad range of mathematical and
statistical functionality important to pharmaceutical engineering
without the considerable expense and bother of sourcing multiple
MATLAB toolboxes, can now access 1,415 rigorously tested numerical
routines in the Mark 22 Release of the multipurpose NAG TOOLBOX
FOR MATLAB
Tech Bytes
SIGMA-ALDRICH
receives grant for Parkinson's disease research
Sigma-Aldrich and The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) recently
announced a collaboration that is expected to develop more
accurate preclinical research models of Parkinson's disease,
a neurodegenerative disorder of unknown cause that affects
nearly five million individuals worldwide
Thermo
Fisher Scientific webinar on MS
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the availability of a new
webinar showcasing the unique benefits of multiplexing technology
for mass spectrometrists
Tech Products
Isolated
Lung Perfusion Systems for Mice
The Hugo Sachs Elektronik - Harvard Apparatus IL-1 Isolated
Lung Perfusion System is a complete Respiratory Physiology
workstation for isolated lungs of mice
PHD
22/2000 Advanced Syringe Pumps
Harvard Apparatus has introduced the PHD 22/2000 Advanced
Syringe Pump. These pumps offer the ultimate in flexibility
and versatility to accommodate your research needs
Fully-Ejecting
Working Heart Perfusion Systems
The Hugo Sachs Elektronik- Harvard Apparatus IH-SR Isolated
Heart perfusion system utilizes a patented flow resistance
and compliance chamber to faithfully mimic the in-vivo cardiac
afterload in small rodent models
Networking
Consortia
I
would like to see a major push towards innovation
Dr Vijay Chandru, Chairman and Chief Executive, Strand Life
Sciences recently took over as the new President of the Association
of Biotech-Led Enterprises (ABLE). He took a few quick queries
from Express Biotech encompassing his plans for ABLE
BioPh
India, Biosimilars Conference finds many takers
After the successful introduction in 2007 of the Biotech Zone,
the Bio trail @ CPhI and the Bio Production Breakfast seminar
in Frankfurt 2008, CPhI India introduces BioPh India: Bio-Solutions
for Pharma from 1 - 2 December 2009, Mumbai
International
stem cell meet in Chennai
An international meeting on stem cells will be held in Chennai
on the 24th October 2009 in commemoration of the fourth anniversary
of Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM)
Post Event
MHRA,
NICE officials meet Indian industry, government
On a recent visit to India, the MHRA and NICE officials engaged
with both national and state level regulators and key life
sciences companies in a bid to forge closer ties and understand
concerns on both sides. An Express Biotech report
HealthCare
- BioPharma Job Fair at Hyderabad a big success
'Healthi Jobfair 2009' at Hyderabad was a big success. Many
healthcare, medical, pharma, biotech and other life sciences
companies like Biocon, Apollo Hospitals, Mediciti Hospitals,
Workhardt Hospitals, G.I. Systems, Medplus, MSN Pharma, Bristle
cone Hospitals, Capricorn Pharma had booths at the Jobfair
Shimadzu
Diamond Club launch in three metro
Shimadzu is striving to become a truly global player and wants
to accomplish this by quickly responding to the changing customer
demands and emerging technologies
Malaysian
govt ties up with two Indian cos
Based on the strong research pipeline and robust frame work
of two Indian research-based companies, the Malaysian Government
has tied up with Mumbai based leading research company Actis
Biologics and Hyderabad contract research firm Vivo Bio Tech
for taking path breaking research knowledge to Malaysia
Syngene
Vivarium gets AAALAC accreditation
Syngene International, a subsidiary of Biocon, has been officially
accredited by The AAALAC International (the Association for
Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International)
Acoris
inks strategic pact with c-LEcta
Acoris Research, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hikal, and c-LEcta,
a Germany-based industrial biotech company entered into a
strategic partnership to develop synthetic routes for chiral
compounds
Swati
Spentose on growth track
Swati Spentose, a company involved in development of biogenerics
like low molecular weight polysacchrides/olygosacchrides)
set up its business operation in India
Sanofi
Pasteur acquires Shantha Biotechnics via Mérieux Alliance
Sanofi-aventis and Mérieux alliance recently announced
the signature of a strategic agreement for the acquisition
by Sanofi Pasteur of Mérieux alliance's French subsidiary
ShanH, which owns a majority stake in Hyderabad, India based
vaccine company Shantha Biotechnics
Novartis
hosts BioCamp in Hyderabad
Novartis India recently hosted its first ever Biotechnology
Leadership Camp (BioCamp) in Hyderabad on August 11 and 12,
2009. Dr Anuradha Sinha and Amit Kumar, both are pursuing
their MBA at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad and
Rodabeh Vania
News Capsule
- International
BioMérieux
launches molecular biology test
BioMérieux, an in vitro diagnostics provider, presented
the latest addition to its HIV testing offer at the European
Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
(ECCMID)
News Maker
A
one-stop-shop
Recently, Kemwell signed a technical alliance with Boehringer
Ingelheim to take its first step into the biologics arena.
Anurag Bagaria, Vice President, Kemwell divulges more details
to Usha Sharma
Cover Story
India's
bioclusters Reaching critical mass
Birds of a feather, flock together: Indian biotech companies
seem to be following this maxim. Viveka Roychowdhury reviews
the pros and cons of this strategy, as well as some promising
future biotech hubs
Spotlight
The
Ace in the pack: Actis
Though relatively new, Actis Biologics is all set to revolutionise
the biotech sector in India. Sachin Jagdale reveals more
Wales—the
complete biosciences destination
Chris Williams, International Business Wales Team Leader-Life
Sciences and Health Care writes on what makes Wales a preferred
destination for life sciences and pharma companies to set
up shop here
Industry
Voice
Sales
tips for tough times
As the world gears up to deal with the economic crunch, Rajiv
Juneja, Executive General Manager, Corporate and Marketing
Communications, Millipore India gives some sales and marketing
tips for the biotech services market to survive the slowdown
Tech Visor
Sterility
assurance during processing of parenterals
Microbial inactivation has been well researched. This is particularly
true for populations of bacteria. Although each type of microorganism
responds differently to various available sterilisation processes,
the form of inactivation of microbial populations is broadly
similar enough to depict a general case based on exponential
death. In the third of a series of 10 articles on 'Processing
for Parenterals' encompassing sterile dosage, Monisha Narke,
Director, Klenzaids GMP Academy focuses on sterility assurance
Tech Zone
- Bioinformatics
'Bioinformatics
will cease to be a separate activity'
Information Technology (IT) giant, Tata Consultancy Services
(TCS), is now a well respected name in the bioinformatics
sector as well. Debashis Ghosh, Vice President & Global
Head - Life Sciences and Healthcare ISU reveals more to Sachin
Jagdale
'Deliver
more, deliver excellence'
In India, as research in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector
rises, in order to give prompt output with prominent tendency,
bioinformatics solution providers are increasing and improving
their solutions. Sekhar Surabhi, President, CaliberLIMS Caliber
Infosolutions, shares the company's strategies with Usha Sharma
Trying
to meet growing demand
Pune-based VLife Sciences Technologies offers a range of software
for molecular modelling, simulation, analysis, visualisation
and prediction, and is also a pioneer in computer aided drug
and molecular discovery technologies. Supreet Deshpande, Chief
Executive Officer, VLife Sciences Technologies reveals his
company's future road map to Usha Sharma
Optimum
Ocimum
Many leading pharma companies, research institutes and emerging
biotech companies have turned to Ocimum Biosolutions, thanks
to their expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms
of diseases, discovery and prioritisation of gene targets
and biomarkers. Sachin Jagdale highlights more features of
the compan
Strand
stands out
Strand Life Sciences is one of the leading service providers
in the field of bioinformatics. With its unique and reliable
product offerings the company has managed to add to its client
list with each passing year. Analyses Sachin Jagdale
'Knowledge
and education is the first barrier'
With the growing needs and demands in the research driven
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, a lot more changes
need to take place in order to advance. Due to the lack of
availability of talent pool in the bioinformatics arena, knowledge
has almost disappeared in its identity. Vishal Jajodia, Chief
Executive Officer, Swati Spentose speaks about the current
scenario with Usha Sharma
Tech Trendz
Surplus
and idle manufacturing asset management
Front page headlines, business magazine covers, industry association
seminars and even Prime Minister's press conferences are filled
with news about the ailing economy. Well-established, multinational
firms and small operations alike, struggle to stay profitable
during tough economic times. What separates the survivors
from the casualties?
CyberScan
pH 600
The CyberScan pH 600 series comes with advanced wireless communication
technology-no wires, no cables. Simply send data from meter
to PC with the press of a button
New
Antimicrobial Plastic Fittings
Cole-Parmer India recently presented a new line of single
barb fittings that utilise the revolutionary, AgION antimicrobial
technology to inhibit microbe growth on the interior and exterior
surfaces of the fitting
CP
Filters
Cole-Parmer India offers CP filters developed by Chisso Filter,
Japan. These filters are available in three types--CP Filter,
CP II Filter, and CP Filter Type H (CPH Filter)
Networking
& Consortia
‘The
creation of BioPh reflects big pharma's growing partnership
with biotech’
Completing a logical quartet to CPhI, ICSE and P-MEC, BioPh
will have its first stand-alone showing at CPhI Worldwide
in Madrid (October '09) followed by BioPh India in December.
While 300 CPhI exhibitors, in addition to those at BioPh itself,
will be at Madrid's BioPh, BioPh India already has 14 confirmed
participants. Haf Cennydd, Event Director ICSE, PMEC and BioPh,
UBM International Media gives more details to Express Biotech
Redefining
our biology: the UK's regenerative medicine sector
Regulatory support coupled with a healthy funding environment,
has made big pharma companies set up their research centres
in UK. A snapshot on the expertise of UK being the location
of choice
Regulating
biologics
The absence of regulatory guidance or clarity is often followed
by chaos and misunderstanding. World over, the biopharmaceutical
industry, in all its perplexity, is waiting for concrete rules
to take over the mildly regulated biologics. Aashruti Kak
does a status check
Spotlight
New
faces in the making
GenX seems to be becoming a norm rather than the exception
in the lifecsiences business. Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla
is the next young gun on the block. He cites the growth story
of the company. A profile by Arshiya Khan
Solution
Provider
Gene
Expression
For a researcher interested in doing quantitative gene expression
studies for scores of genes, current techniques of gene expression
are tedious, time consuming and expensive. The solution is
a new technique from Beckman Coulter which uses a patented
universal priming strategy to overcome potential bias in amplified
targets that are typically associated with other types of
multiplexed assays
Region Focus
Milken
Institute Study reinforces PA's strength
The Milken Institute Study released at BIO 2009 reinforces
Pennsylvania's strength and importance of the regional Life
Science industry to the economy. Supriya K, Associate Director,
Pennsylvania Trade & Investment Office- India give some
more details of the specific programmes
Money Moves
A
potential solution for biotech's future funding needs
A 'co-existence' model for Indian pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies will help both camps them survive the current market
conditions, advocates Navroz Mahudawala, Associate Director,
Transaction Advisory Services, Healthsciences practice, Ernst
& Young
Film Review
Poison
on the Platter
When it premiered in February this year, the documentary film
'Poison on the Platter' directed by Ajay Kanchan and presented
by Mahesh Bhatt, opened to mixed reviews. Devinder Sharma,
a food and trade policy expert based in New Delhi, reviews
the film against the backdrop of the controversies surrounding
Genetically Modified (GM) food in India
News Maker
Setting
out national immunisation goals
The SIVAC (Supporting Independent Immunization and Vaccine
Advisory Committees) Initiative aims at contributing to the
development of national immunisation technical advisory groups
in six resource poor countries in Africa and six in Asia.
These committees will help national health authorities to
set up vaccination policy and programmes adapted to their
needs. Dr Kamel Senouci, was appointed as Programme Director
for the SIVAC Initiative in December 2008 and speaks about
this Initiative's strategy to Viveka Roychowdhury
Avesthagen
and Harvard Medical School sign MoU
Avesthagen and The Harvard Medical School's (HMS) Department
of Genetics entered into a long-term collaboration in the
field of genomics that includes data analysis, population
structure and various other studies
Sanofi
Pasteur gets US government's order to produce A (H1N1) vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis
Group has received the first of its series of orders from
the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commence
production of a vaccine to help protect against the new influenza
A (H1N1) virus
Intas
Biopharma to market Bortezomib injection in India
Intas Biopharmaceuticals has launched Bortezomib injection
in India under the brand name of Borviz. It is effective for
the treatment of 'multiple myeloma', which is second-most
common cancer of plasma cell (blood)
Kemwell
and BI to set up biopharmaceutical facility in Bangalore
Kemwell, a formulations and contract manufacturing and development
services company and in a strategic collaboration with Boehringer
Ingelheim (BI), Germany is investing around Rs 200-250 crore
to set up an advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant
in Bangalore
Jubilant's
arm signs research pact with AstraZeneca
Jubilant Organosys's subsidiary, Jubilant Biosys has signed
a research collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca for focused
attention on delivering novel drug candidates into the AstraZeneca's
pre-clinical pipeline
MSD's
Gardasil vaccine obtains WHO prequalification
Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) announced that World Health
Organization has awarded prequalification of Gardasil, a vaccine
means to work against human papillomavirus quadrivalent which
causes cervical cancer
LifeCell
International ties up with Harvest Technologies
LifeCell International India's largest stem cell banking service
provider, which has also pioneered in stem cell research and
technology, has recently announced its association with Harvest
Technologies to bring-in a next generation technology Bone
Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) system in India
Rationale
for clean rooms
Finding a rationale for cleanrooms seems to be a catch 22
situation at every stage. Monisha Narke, Director Klenzaids
GMP Academy advises that one way of avoiding the irrational
tech-trap is to focus on operator protection and protection
of the proximity ambient
Tech Trendz
Cleanroom
technology in India
Cleanroom technology is crucial to the global plans of both
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Sachin Jagdale
analyses trends in the industry
Tech Zone
Understanding
Cleanroom Performance Testing
The majority of the cleanroom owners have started demanding
third party cleanroom performance testing to certify their
cleanrooms to hide errors and presentation of false documents.
This practice not only helps owners to cross verify the system's
performance but also in preparation and presentation of documents
for regulatory compliance. Bipin Patil, Founder, Aerience,
Institute of Air Science and Contamination Control, Pune gives
some pointers on cleanroom performance testing
Catalysing
Research
Dr Swati Subodh from the Centre For Genomic Application, (an
IGIB-IMM Collaboration) reviews networking initiatives and
collaborations within the Indian scientific community
Life
beyond fear
No parents would like to see their daughter suffering from
painful cervical cancer that took away the life of Jade Goody.
But, now protecting your little girl from cervical cancer
is possible thanks to a vaccine and regular screening. Suja
Nair reports
Spotlight
Avesthagen's
new avatar
Re emerging with four different profit and loss entities,
Avesthagen has a clear vision to become a global company.
Arshiya Khan details a few moves
Industry
Voice
Destination
UK
Various countries are trying to attract Indian biotechnology
companies to locate their early stage research in their incubation
zones, as countries like the UK and US have both the infrastructure
and scientific talent to guide Indian entrepreneurs to fast
track this part of the drug development process. In this issue,
we profile UK as one of these destinations and the role of
UK Trade & Investment (UK TI)
Money Moves
India
in a changing world makeover
An abridged version of the chapter on "India" by
Dr Tania Fernandez, Director, Burrill & Company, San Francisco,
CA from the book 'Biotech 2009-Life Sciences: Navigating the
Sea Change'.
News Maker
Banking
the future
V R Chandramouli, Managing Director, Cryo-Save India who pioneered
the idea of stem cell banking in discusses his company's plans
with Suja Nair
Comvac5
will give healthy competition to existing brands
Bharat Biotech International’s recently launched Comvac5
is safer than other pentavalent vaccines in the market. Dr
Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech
International, reveals more to Usha Sharma
People Matter
The
State of HR: Perspectives of an 'Outsider' Looking 'In'!
Human beings are more complex than monoclonal antibodies and
it requires a special person with the necessary skills and
tools to mould and transform them into human capital. Rajiv
Juneja, Executive General Manager, Corporate & Marketing
Communications Millipore India speaks about the need to engage
well qualified, experienced and skillful HR professionals
News Capsule-
National
Strassenburg
joins hands with CordLife
Strassenburg Pharmaceuticals, a Kolkata based pharmaceutical
company has diversified to set up CordLife Sciences India,
an equity-partnership company between Singapore based cord
blood banking major CordLife
Life
Cell to invest $10 mn
LifeCell International, India's largest stem cell banking
service provider and a pioneer in stem cell research, technology
and therapy is setting up its new unit in Dubai, Middle East
GVK
BIO to set up a new campus in Hyderabad
GVK Biosciences (GVK BIO), the Hyderabad-based contract research
services company is spreading its presence in multiple cities
across India
IBPL
to invest Rs 160 crore for MAbs facility in Ahmedabad
Intas Biopharmaceuticals (IBPL) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Government of Gujarat for setting
up a separate manufacturing facility for Monoclonal Antibodies
(MAbs), a recombinant mammalian platform product
Insuring
your future health
Stem cell banking is an investment for your child's disease
free future. As India has one of the highest birth rates,
the country may prove a land of opportunity for stem cell
bankers. Sachin Jagdale reports
Tech Visor
Patentability
of Bio-Products
Soon we, in India, can demolish the picket fence of US Biotechnology
Patent Law that with cold deliberation forestalls generic
biosimilars from being developed and sold
Tech Zone
Purification
of biomolecules
Different methods are used to eliminate cellular and colloidal
material prior to bioproduct purification, however since devices
involved in these processes are complex; there is significant
loss of product at each step. Klenzaids Institute of Biopharmaceutics
is working to recover and purify the product biomolecule from
the whole broth or a homogenate in one step approach by trying
three solutions that employ specialised adsorbent beads/particles
Growing
against gravity
The start of 2008 was going just right for the biotech industry
world over…until the markets started crashing in the
second quarter. Slowly, the poor economy caught up with the
industry, hitting hardest at its 'umbilical cord' financing.
Aashruti Kak surveys the status of the Indian biotech industry
in the absence of venture capital funding
Bio
Asia-a catalyst for the biotech industry
The sixth consecutive edition of the event, BioAsia 2009 is
to be hosted from February 2-4, 2009 at Hyderabad International
Convention Centre (HICC), Hyderabad
Stem
cells-the phoenix within
'Stem 2009' was the perfect platform to focus on the future
scope of stem cells. Suja Nair reports
Management
Timely
detection, quicker cure
One of the most preferred healthcare options in US, diagnostic
kits, are still to make a mark in Indian healthcare market.
Sachin Jagdale analyses
Cervical
cancer prevention—Early diagnosis or prophylaxis?
Is screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) as an early diagnosis
strategy sufficient to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer,
or do we need to take prophylactic measures like large-scale
vaccination programs? Presenting an analysis of this debate
Our
goal is to continue to provide quality, innovative tests
Besides being College of American Pathologists (CAP) and National
Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
(NABL) certified laboratory, Quest Diagnostics' laboratory
has become one of only five labs in India to achieve National
Glycohaemoglobin Standardisation Program (NGSP) certification
for haemoglobin A1c testing for diabetes. Dr Palat Krishna
Menon, Medical Director, Quest Diagnostics' India, reveals
more to Sachin Jagdale
Technology
Devitalisation
of viral DNA
Glow plasma achieves irreversible metabolic inactivation by
breakdown of vital structural components of bio-entities by
its active species such as photons and radicals comprising
atoms with unpaired electrons that are chemically reactive
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