Urinary tract infections are not only a painful, recurring problem for millions of women, they’re getting more dangerous as bacteria develop resistance to the most common treatments. Scientists from the University of Michigan, however, have moved one step closer to a vaccine that could prevent a majority of urinary tract infections, which are caused by E. coli bacteria.
The researchers studied how bacteria operate using a genetic technique rarely used to look at infections in human hosts and discovered key differences between how E. coli genes behave in women and how they behave in the mice that are often used in experiments.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Olympus cellSens Dimension Multi-position Solution module
Olympus has today released the Multi-position Solution module for its cellSens Dimension software. The module works in tandem with the cellSens Dimension Multiple Image Alignment (MIA) tool to facilitate the simple creation of high-resolution, panoramic images capable of covering the complete microscope stage. The Multi-position software puts the user in the best position possible to accurately and automatically investigate large or complicated samples without sacrificing magnification power or image quality.
Genotypic Technology awarded SAP ACE Awards 2010 for Customer Excellence
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| Alok Goyal, COO, SAP India, and Dr Sudha Rao, VP, Genotypic Technology Pvt Ltd |
The SAP ACE award honours organizations for business value creation through innovative use of IT, in every major industry vertical. This award for the best on-demand implementation was instituted by SAP for the first time this year. Genotypic gets the honour of being the very first organization in the field of genomics in India to get the ACE award, and the first ever in this category.
Enhanced search speeds and increased accuracy of analyses
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| SORCERER provides the SBMRI team with enhanced search speeds and increased accuracy |
The company will use the system to enhance the speed of data searches and increase data generation for its proteomics projects which range from the identification of proteins in gel bands to quantitative total proteome and total phosphoproteome analyses.
SBMRI's Proteomics Facility offers liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based proteomics services to support the Institute's researchers.
Over recent years the facility has used a variety of search engines to undertake database searches and has recently chosen to implement the Sage-N Sorcerer Enterprise platform for its large-scale analyses.
Discovery of small molecule and therapeutic antibody leads against GPCR targets
Heptares Therapeutics Ltd, the drug discovery company focused on G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targets, provides a positive update on the progress it has made in the discovery of novel therapeutic leads against important GPCR targets.
Since its founding in 2007, Heptares has established an integrated drug discovery capability around its StaR (stabilised receptor) technology platform and now employs more than 40 people at its fully equipped research facilities at BioPark.
Heptares’ StaR technology1 enables its scientists to stabilise GPCRs in functionally relevant conformations that retain their drug-binding characteristics. Subsequently, the Company has shown that these StaRs can be used with powerful but hitherto unavailable discovery techniques, including X-ray structure-based design, receptor binding kinetics analysis, fragment screening, and antibody generation.
Since its founding in 2007, Heptares has established an integrated drug discovery capability around its StaR (stabilised receptor) technology platform and now employs more than 40 people at its fully equipped research facilities at BioPark.
Heptares’ StaR technology1 enables its scientists to stabilise GPCRs in functionally relevant conformations that retain their drug-binding characteristics. Subsequently, the Company has shown that these StaRs can be used with powerful but hitherto unavailable discovery techniques, including X-ray structure-based design, receptor binding kinetics analysis, fragment screening, and antibody generation.
Dr Barry Buckland joins the Mucosis Supervisory Board
Dutch biotechnology company Mucosis BV announced today that Dr Barry Buckland was elected to its Supervisory Board. Dr Buckland brings extensive experience in vaccine design and development.
From 1996 to 2009, Dr Buckland was Vice President, BioProcess R&D at Merck & Co, Inc. He built the unit and was responsible for process development for 14 new commercial products, including 10 new vaccines. More recently Dr Buckland has been a consultant to Hilleman Laboratories, the vaccine venture established between Merck and The Wellcome Trust. Dr Buckland received many professional and academic honors, including the 2008 Marvin Johnson Award from the American Chemical Society for lifetime contribution to biotechnology. He has authored 77 scientific papers.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the success of Mucosis” commented Dr. Buckland. “The Company’s mucosal immunity platform will have many applications in developing superior vaccines”.
John Lambert, Chairman of Mucosis added: “Barry’s insight and experience stem from being involved in the design, development and commercialization of many of today’s blockbuster vaccines. He will be invaluable to Mucosis”.
Mucosis’s Mimopath technology is based on Lactococcus lactis, a safe bacterium commonly used in the food industry. Mucosis has developed a robust technique to formulate the L. lactis bacteria into non-living bacterium-like particles (BLPs) that can be loaded with antigens from viral, bacterial, parasitic or tumor origin. The antigen-covered BLPs form a vaccine that can be delivered into the nose or mouth, without the need for a needle. These vaccines raise protective immunity by activation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system.
Mucosis BV
From 1996 to 2009, Dr Buckland was Vice President, BioProcess R&D at Merck & Co, Inc. He built the unit and was responsible for process development for 14 new commercial products, including 10 new vaccines. More recently Dr Buckland has been a consultant to Hilleman Laboratories, the vaccine venture established between Merck and The Wellcome Trust. Dr Buckland received many professional and academic honors, including the 2008 Marvin Johnson Award from the American Chemical Society for lifetime contribution to biotechnology. He has authored 77 scientific papers.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the success of Mucosis” commented Dr. Buckland. “The Company’s mucosal immunity platform will have many applications in developing superior vaccines”.
John Lambert, Chairman of Mucosis added: “Barry’s insight and experience stem from being involved in the design, development and commercialization of many of today’s blockbuster vaccines. He will be invaluable to Mucosis”.
Mucosis’s Mimopath technology is based on Lactococcus lactis, a safe bacterium commonly used in the food industry. Mucosis has developed a robust technique to formulate the L. lactis bacteria into non-living bacterium-like particles (BLPs) that can be loaded with antigens from viral, bacterial, parasitic or tumor origin. The antigen-covered BLPs form a vaccine that can be delivered into the nose or mouth, without the need for a needle. These vaccines raise protective immunity by activation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system.
Mucosis BV
GlycoExpress-Technology at BIO-Europe 2010
Glycotope GmbH, a glycobiology company, will present recent advances with its GlycoExpress technology of novel human cell lines during the upcoming BIO-Europe in Munich.
With two of its glycooptimized antibodies produced by GlycoExpress and already undergoing clinical trials, four European regulatory authorities approved GlycoExpress for production of biotherapeutics. This strongly validates this innovative technology for future development and production of therapeutic proteins.The preclinically observed advantages of glycooptimized biotherapeutics are expected to result in a clear clinical superiority. All glycooptimized products are produced in Glycotope´s own GMP facility in Heidelberg (Glycotope Biotechnology GmbH).
GlycoExpress is based on a tool box of glycoengineered human cell lines for glycooptimization and high yield production of glycooptimized biotherapeutics, such as antibodies. The antibody’s fully human glycosylation is optimized to yield a largely improved anti-tumor ADCC activity, bioavailability and contains no non-human immunogenic carbohydrate structures and facilitates treatment of a highly increased number of patients. Glycooptimization with GlycoExpress is not limited to antibodies but suitable for the majority of therapeutically relevant proteins. The technology platform is available for co-operation partners via service & license agreements.
Glycotope GmbH
With two of its glycooptimized antibodies produced by GlycoExpress and already undergoing clinical trials, four European regulatory authorities approved GlycoExpress for production of biotherapeutics. This strongly validates this innovative technology for future development and production of therapeutic proteins.The preclinically observed advantages of glycooptimized biotherapeutics are expected to result in a clear clinical superiority. All glycooptimized products are produced in Glycotope´s own GMP facility in Heidelberg (Glycotope Biotechnology GmbH).
GlycoExpress is based on a tool box of glycoengineered human cell lines for glycooptimization and high yield production of glycooptimized biotherapeutics, such as antibodies. The antibody’s fully human glycosylation is optimized to yield a largely improved anti-tumor ADCC activity, bioavailability and contains no non-human immunogenic carbohydrate structures and facilitates treatment of a highly increased number of patients. Glycooptimization with GlycoExpress is not limited to antibodies but suitable for the majority of therapeutically relevant proteins. The technology platform is available for co-operation partners via service & license agreements.
Glycotope GmbH
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Manual microplate thermal plate sealer
Designed to meet the needs of low to medium throughput laboratories for microplate sealing the MicroSeal is compact and easy-to-use. An ergonomic pull down mechanism makes single action heat sealing of a wide range of plates quick and simple.
Using a pre-set temperature of 170C, ideal for most common sealing applications, and dual LED status display of power and heating, the MicroSeal is very safe and easy to use. A built-in thermostat prevents overheating of plates.
Of the various methods for sealing microplates, heat sealing has become the preferred option as it creates an air tight and chemically-resistant seal without the complication of adhesives being applied to a plate. With its small footprint, ease of use and ability to handle a wide range of plates the MicroSeal is the obvious choice for laboratories looking for an affordable manual thermal plate sealer.
Porvair Sciences Ltd
More than 100 delegates attend OGT’s aCGH Workshop at ASHG 2010
Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, attracted over 100 delegates to its workshop during the recent American Society of Human Genetics Conference (ASHG 2010) in Washington, USA. Entitled “From Genomic Studies to Cytogenetics Research — An Integrated and Standardised Solution”, those present heard leading researchers talk about how OGT’s array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) solutions are helping to advance research into disease and cytogenetics.
Professor Stephen Rich, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Public Health Genomics, presented details of how his group are using OGT’s Genefficiency™ aCGH technology as the basis of a pioneering study exploring the relationships between genome copy number variation and type 1 diabetes. Following this was a talk by Professor David Ledbetter, Chief Scientific Officer of Geisinger Health System, who provided updates on recent developments regarding the International Standards for Cytogenomic Arrays (ISCA) Consortium and the ISCA Database, as well as discussing recent data describing the detection of uniparental disomy (UPD) using OGT’s new CytoSure™ ISCA UPD array.
Dr Mike Evans, OGT’s CEO, who also presented at the meeting, commented: “It was a very well-received series of presentations, and very gratifying to see such interest in OGT’s work at the forefront of microarray development.” Dr Evans continued, “Our ongoing collaborations with internationally esteemed researchers and consortia, such as Professor Rich, Professor Ledbetter and ISCA, are testament to OGT’s dedication to providing outstanding microarray products and services.”
Oxford Gene Technology
Professor Stephen Rich, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Public Health Genomics, presented details of how his group are using OGT’s Genefficiency™ aCGH technology as the basis of a pioneering study exploring the relationships between genome copy number variation and type 1 diabetes. Following this was a talk by Professor David Ledbetter, Chief Scientific Officer of Geisinger Health System, who provided updates on recent developments regarding the International Standards for Cytogenomic Arrays (ISCA) Consortium and the ISCA Database, as well as discussing recent data describing the detection of uniparental disomy (UPD) using OGT’s new CytoSure™ ISCA UPD array.
Dr Mike Evans, OGT’s CEO, who also presented at the meeting, commented: “It was a very well-received series of presentations, and very gratifying to see such interest in OGT’s work at the forefront of microarray development.” Dr Evans continued, “Our ongoing collaborations with internationally esteemed researchers and consortia, such as Professor Rich, Professor Ledbetter and ISCA, are testament to OGT’s dedication to providing outstanding microarray products and services.”
Oxford Gene Technology
Nanotechnology diagnostics built into mobile phones to detect sexually transmitted infections
The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) and HealthTech and Medicines KTN, are pleased to announce that the support they have offered through events and networking has helped build a consortium of micro engineers and micro biologists that has recently received a £4 million grant for research into telecommunication-dependent STI diagnosis.
The eSTI2, electronic self-testing instruments for STI consortium, was developed under a UKCRC Strategy Development Grant and aims to conduct high quality translational research in rapid, accurate, polymicrobial, personalised and telecommunication-dependent STI diagnosis and management.
The eSTI2, electronic self-testing instruments for STI consortium, was developed under a UKCRC Strategy Development Grant and aims to conduct high quality translational research in rapid, accurate, polymicrobial, personalised and telecommunication-dependent STI diagnosis and management.
Glyco-engineering technology for the generation of afucosylated antibodies
ProBioGen announces the launch of its innovative Glyco-Engineering Technology GlymaxX for the generation of afucosylated antibodies with strongly increased potency.
GlymaxX is a universally and rapidly applicable technology to enhance the ADCC effector function and thus strongly boosting the cell-killing capability of therapeutic antibodies.
GlymaxX is a universally and rapidly applicable technology to enhance the ADCC effector function and thus strongly boosting the cell-killing capability of therapeutic antibodies.
Novel biomarkers for early disease detection and treatment
NanoSight, manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterization technology has announced its founder and CTO, Dr Bob Carr, will be speaking at the 2010 Technology World/NanoForum event at London’s ExCeL centre on December 7th.
This meeting annually showcases UK science & technology and this is the third year when NanoSight will give a mainstream presentation in the event which attracts more than 2,000 visitors from all around the world over the two day meeting. Dr Carr will discuss the potential of nanotechnology for early disease detection.
This meeting annually showcases UK science & technology and this is the third year when NanoSight will give a mainstream presentation in the event which attracts more than 2,000 visitors from all around the world over the two day meeting. Dr Carr will discuss the potential of nanotechnology for early disease detection.
Complementary capabilities will cut development time and expand options for a wide range of drugs
Bend Research Inc, an independent drug formulation development and manufacturing company, and Quotient Clinical, a developer
of compounds through clinical trials, have announced a non-exclusive collaboration that can speed the advance of compounds to clinical trials and expand options for drug delivery.
The collaboration combines Bend Research's advanced drug formulation capabilities and Quotient's clinical trial design service, RapidFACTTM. The result is a clinical trial program that will allow cliens to screen and select optimized formulations rapidly during human testing. For example, optimum bioavailability-enhancing formulations relying on amorphous and nanocrystalline dispersions can be quickly identified using the highly flexible clinical trial designs pioneered by Quotient.
"This collaboration takes advantage of the proven strengths of our two companies," said Bend Research President and CEO Rod Ray. "The versatility of designing and implementing clinical trials using RapidFACT provides our clients with a game-changing advantage in advancing their compounds."
Mark Egerton, Managing Director of Quotient Clinical, agreed on the value of the collaboration. "Poorly soluble compounds are becoming ever more prevalent in the industry's pipeline, and we have many customers who require formulation help to advance such problematic compounds. Access to Bend Research's leading formulation expertise through this collaboration will
provide our customers with reliable, rapid and efficient drug formulation platforms," he said.
Accessing Bend Research formulations at Quotient's clinical research site means that clinical studies can happen much more quickly than was previously possible. One client has already taken advantage of the collaboration with the successful transfer of a Bend Research formulation to Quotient's cGMP manufacturing facility in Nottingham, UK.
Ray and Egerton will be available for discussions at the upcoming American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in November in New Orleans.
of compounds through clinical trials, have announced a non-exclusive collaboration that can speed the advance of compounds to clinical trials and expand options for drug delivery.
The collaboration combines Bend Research's advanced drug formulation capabilities and Quotient's clinical trial design service, RapidFACTTM. The result is a clinical trial program that will allow cliens to screen and select optimized formulations rapidly during human testing. For example, optimum bioavailability-enhancing formulations relying on amorphous and nanocrystalline dispersions can be quickly identified using the highly flexible clinical trial designs pioneered by Quotient.
"This collaboration takes advantage of the proven strengths of our two companies," said Bend Research President and CEO Rod Ray. "The versatility of designing and implementing clinical trials using RapidFACT provides our clients with a game-changing advantage in advancing their compounds."
Mark Egerton, Managing Director of Quotient Clinical, agreed on the value of the collaboration. "Poorly soluble compounds are becoming ever more prevalent in the industry's pipeline, and we have many customers who require formulation help to advance such problematic compounds. Access to Bend Research's leading formulation expertise through this collaboration will
provide our customers with reliable, rapid and efficient drug formulation platforms," he said.
Accessing Bend Research formulations at Quotient's clinical research site means that clinical studies can happen much more quickly than was previously possible. One client has already taken advantage of the collaboration with the successful transfer of a Bend Research formulation to Quotient's cGMP manufacturing facility in Nottingham, UK.
Ray and Egerton will be available for discussions at the upcoming American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) in November in New Orleans.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Developing novel analytical methods for sports drug testing and toxicological studies
Waters Corporation today welcomed into its Centers of Innovation Program the Drug Control Centre within the Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring at King’s College London.
In a symposium and ceremony held at King’s College today, Waters recognized researchers Prof David Cowan and Dr Norman Smith for their ongoing work in the area of sports medicine and separation science.
Waters Centers of Innovation Program is a new, corporate initiative which recognizes and supports the efforts of scientists facilitating breakthroughs in health and life science research, food safety, environmental protection, sports medicine and many other areas.
In a symposium and ceremony held at King’s College today, Waters recognized researchers Prof David Cowan and Dr Norman Smith for their ongoing work in the area of sports medicine and separation science.
Waters Centers of Innovation Program is a new, corporate initiative which recognizes and supports the efforts of scientists facilitating breakthroughs in health and life science research, food safety, environmental protection, sports medicine and many other areas.
French pavilion highlights biotech expertise at Genesis 2010
The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London will showcase five innovative companies from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors at the Genesis Conference, which will be held on 9 December 2010 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in central London. These French companies are aiming to establish new professional contacts and explore business opportunities between France and the UK.
The Genesis Conference, which is organised by the ONE NUCLEUS cluster (London and Cambridge), and, this year, celebrates its tenth anniversary, is a key event in the life-sciences sector. For the fifth consecutive year, Genesis will give five innovative French companies the opportunity to showcase their services and expertise, thanks to the support provided by the French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London.
The Genesis Conference, which is organised by the ONE NUCLEUS cluster (London and Cambridge), and, this year, celebrates its tenth anniversary, is a key event in the life-sciences sector. For the fifth consecutive year, Genesis will give five innovative French companies the opportunity to showcase their services and expertise, thanks to the support provided by the French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London.
Software offers path from spectra to structure
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc today announced Mass Frontier 7.0, the newest release of its small molecule structural elucidation software. The software simplifies the management, evaluation and interpretation of mass spectral data and can be used for metabolism, metabolomics, forensics, natural products, impurities and degradants research. Thermo Fisher will showcase the software within its booth during the 27th Montreux Symposium on LC/MS, being held November 10th - 12th, in Montreux, Switzerland.
Thermo Scientific Mass Frontier 7.0 software delivers features that improve ease-of-use, increase throughput of compounds analyzed, reduce potential for false results and offer more confident structural elucidation.
Thermo Scientific Mass Frontier 7.0 software delivers features that improve ease-of-use, increase throughput of compounds analyzed, reduce potential for false results and offer more confident structural elucidation.
Meeting on scanning probe microscopy and optical tweezers
For the ninth year, JPK Instruments hosted the ninth annual international symposium on the applications of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and optical tweezers.
Held in the historic Umspannwerk Ost in Berlin in early October, the meeting focused on applications developments in life sciences once more attracting over 100 scientists from around the world.
The papers and parallel poster sessions inspired discussions as attendees presented their results and shared scientific knowledge in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere.
There were eighteen invited talks from leading scientists from Europe and Canada together with more than forty poster contributions provided a comprehensive overview about the current research topics in the fields of life sciences.
Held in the historic Umspannwerk Ost in Berlin in early October, the meeting focused on applications developments in life sciences once more attracting over 100 scientists from around the world.
The papers and parallel poster sessions inspired discussions as attendees presented their results and shared scientific knowledge in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere.
There were eighteen invited talks from leading scientists from Europe and Canada together with more than forty poster contributions provided a comprehensive overview about the current research topics in the fields of life sciences.
Flexible partnership key to operation of managed laboratory service
Following a robust and competitive procurement process, with an innovative and flexible approach Roche Diagnostics demonstrated that they could provide an analytical and financial solution that met the aims and objectives of the Cwm Taf Project Team.
Roche thus secured the very first managed laboratory service contract awarded in Wales. Three years on, the Project Team are “delighted” with the way things are working.
European pharmaceutical industry has remained 'insular to the economic crisis'
The European pharmaceutical industry has managed to remain insular to the economic crisis due to government-aided stimulus packages. The demand for pumps in the European pharmaceutical industry is expected to increase because of certain re-initiated projects in the recovering economies. Product types including centrifugal, peristaltic and lobe pumps will have a significant rise in their revenue shares in the total market triggered by competitive factors like total cost of ownership and energy efficiency.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Pumps Market in the European Pharmaceutical Industry, finds that the total market earned revenues of $85.4 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $102.0 million in 2016.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Pumps Market in the European Pharmaceutical Industry, finds that the total market earned revenues of $85.4 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $102.0 million in 2016.
University lab selects Jenway spectrophotometers
With around 30,000 students from 155 countries, London Metropolitan University is one of Britain’s foremost providers of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education and training. The Super Lab is used for teaching courses in Biomedical, Forensic, Molecular and Pharmaceutical Sciences, as well as Chemistry, Applied Biology, Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
LIMS offers manufacturers workflow efficiency benefits and quantifiable savings
Two Fold Software’s easy-to-use Qualoupe LIMS solution directly addresses raw material and finished product specification management requirements. Qualoupe can also be used to support key manufacturing functions such as works order processing, key performance indicator (KPI) reporting, reduced testing of incoming raw material batches together with the ability to quickly assign testing methods to specific production stages.
Immunotherapy innovation spurs 'remarkably aggressive immune response'
Biotechnology innovator TapImmune Inc has engineered a remarkable, yet elegantly simple, way for the body to recognize tumour and infectious disease cells and provoke an aggressive immune response whereby the body’s own killer T-Cells attack and eradicate harmful foreign bodies. This with respect to any form of cancer or disease via a technology that’s entirely non-discriminate in helping the body eradicate dangerous cells of many kinds.
Underscoring the vast potential of TapImmune’s approach is its exclusive licensing option agreement with the Mayo Clinic for a breast cancer antigen technology complementary to the company’s TAP (AdhTAP) protocol. In a novel approach, TapImmune and the Mayo Clinic will co-develop a specialized vaccine for patients with very aggressive HER2/neu breast cancer. What’s unique is that TapImmune’s technology actually re-activates the body’s own immune system, triggering mission-critical self-curative mechanisms that would otherwise not function properly.
Underscoring the vast potential of TapImmune’s approach is its exclusive licensing option agreement with the Mayo Clinic for a breast cancer antigen technology complementary to the company’s TAP (AdhTAP) protocol. In a novel approach, TapImmune and the Mayo Clinic will co-develop a specialized vaccine for patients with very aggressive HER2/neu breast cancer. What’s unique is that TapImmune’s technology actually re-activates the body’s own immune system, triggering mission-critical self-curative mechanisms that would otherwise not function properly.
Improved protein solubility solution
Since protein aggregation is the number one cause of inadvertent protein sample loss, Dilyx’ patent pending OptiSol Protein Solubility Screening Kit meets a substantial need in the protein research marketplace.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Research collaboration agreement to evaluate nanocarrier technologies
IN CELL ART, a biotechnology company involved in macromolecular drug (siRNA or DNA) delivery systems, has announced today that the company has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Merial to evaluate IN CELL ART'S nanocarrier technologies in the context of Merial's vaccines programme.
The collaboration is designed to create new opportunities to further improve the efficacy of several of Merial's novel vaccine development targets.
The collaboration is designed to create new opportunities to further improve the efficacy of several of Merial's novel vaccine development targets.
Paroteasome inhibitor agent against viral diseases
ViroLogik GmbH, a biopharma-ceutical company focused on the development of therapies for the treatment of viral infectious diseases, recently received a 1.466 million Euro grant from the "KMU innovative Biotechnology BioChance" Program of the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).
Research & Development projects from small and medium-sized companies in the biotechnological area are supported by this program. The grant will be employed for the completion of the preclinical development of an own proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the preparation of a clinical phase Ia study. Start of the phase I study is planned for the first quarter 2011.
"The BMBF grant supports the strategic orientation of our company to continue the development of our propriatary proteasome inhibitor treatment. Therefore, our Research & Development results and the work done since the company foundation in March 2006 have once again been sustainably convincing. We are confident of being able to test our proprietary proteasome inhibitor VL-01 first in humans already in 2011 and in this way be able to make our contribution to combating viral diseases," emphasises Karl Appelmann, Managing Director of ViroLogik GmbH, in response to the BioChance Programme grant.
ViroLogik develops and tests novel medications for the treatment of virus infection diseases with the main focus on Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and Influenza. The approach consists of preventing the replication of the viruses by inhibition of factors of the host cell. This approach, therefore, possibly represents a way to develop medications without the risk of resistance development.
ViroLogik employs target structures of the host cell, which have already been proven in the clinic and market. In this way the risk for clinical development and market approval is minimized. Extensive partnerships with leading research institutes, hospitals and industrial partners assure access to the necessary expertise and resources. ViroLogik possesses its own patent portfolio and its own proprietary substance, and is focused on the development of a medication to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
ViroLogik GmbH
Research & Development projects from small and medium-sized companies in the biotechnological area are supported by this program. The grant will be employed for the completion of the preclinical development of an own proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the preparation of a clinical phase Ia study. Start of the phase I study is planned for the first quarter 2011.
"The BMBF grant supports the strategic orientation of our company to continue the development of our propriatary proteasome inhibitor treatment. Therefore, our Research & Development results and the work done since the company foundation in March 2006 have once again been sustainably convincing. We are confident of being able to test our proprietary proteasome inhibitor VL-01 first in humans already in 2011 and in this way be able to make our contribution to combating viral diseases," emphasises Karl Appelmann, Managing Director of ViroLogik GmbH, in response to the BioChance Programme grant.
ViroLogik develops and tests novel medications for the treatment of virus infection diseases with the main focus on Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and Influenza. The approach consists of preventing the replication of the viruses by inhibition of factors of the host cell. This approach, therefore, possibly represents a way to develop medications without the risk of resistance development.
ViroLogik employs target structures of the host cell, which have already been proven in the clinic and market. In this way the risk for clinical development and market approval is minimized. Extensive partnerships with leading research institutes, hospitals and industrial partners assure access to the necessary expertise and resources. ViroLogik possesses its own patent portfolio and its own proprietary substance, and is focused on the development of a medication to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
ViroLogik GmbH
Radiochromatography software aids phospholipid study
The Paterson Institute for Cancer Research at the UK’s University of Manchester is using LabLogic’s Laura 4 software to control all the components of its radiochromatography facility.
Dr David R Jones, an associate scientist in the Institute’s Inositide Laboratory, has a Shimadzu HPLC system and LabLogic’s BetaRAM 4 radio detector for the study of phosphoinositides, a family of phospholipids that regulate many cellular processes.
He is investigating how phosphoinositide levels are regulated using metabolically radiolabelled mammalian cells. The use of LabLogic’s BetaRAM 4 radio detector (in Cerenekov counting mode) means that manual fraction collecting followed by static counting is avoided.
“We find Laura 4 a very convenient way to control the BetaRAM and all the Shimadzu HPLC modules in a single window, and its sample analysis software makes it easy to collect and process data,” says Dr. Jones.
“I rate the detector and software highly compared with other HPLC equipment I’ve worked with, mainly because of their robust performance and ease of use. I anticipate that both will be key components of our phosphoinositide analysis facility for the foreseeable future.”
LabLogic Systems Limited
Dr David R Jones, an associate scientist in the Institute’s Inositide Laboratory, has a Shimadzu HPLC system and LabLogic’s BetaRAM 4 radio detector for the study of phosphoinositides, a family of phospholipids that regulate many cellular processes.
He is investigating how phosphoinositide levels are regulated using metabolically radiolabelled mammalian cells. The use of LabLogic’s BetaRAM 4 radio detector (in Cerenekov counting mode) means that manual fraction collecting followed by static counting is avoided.
“We find Laura 4 a very convenient way to control the BetaRAM and all the Shimadzu HPLC modules in a single window, and its sample analysis software makes it easy to collect and process data,” says Dr. Jones.
“I rate the detector and software highly compared with other HPLC equipment I’ve worked with, mainly because of their robust performance and ease of use. I anticipate that both will be key components of our phosphoinositide analysis facility for the foreseeable future.”
LabLogic Systems Limited
Software enables the integration of CyMek automation with LIMS systems
eXeTek Ltd, a provider of flexible, ready-to-run, automation and software for molecular biology and protein expression, has launched the CyMek Software Developer Kit (CyMek SDK), a new software pack that enables integration of the Company’s range of CyMek automation platforms with laboratories’ existing LIMS systems. This will allow customers to benefit from the CyMek automation, while using all the features of their existing LIMS.
eXeTek’s CyMek platforms are a range of easy-to-use automation solutions for molecular and cell biology processes including Gateway, Klenow treatment, ligation, PCR, QuikChange, restriction digest, SAP treatment and TOPO cloning, cell harvest, lysis, culture inoculation, induction and transformation, and purification of proteins, DNA and plasmids. The CyMek range of platforms is a series of six levels of automation, designed to meet different customer needs, from simple small-footprint entry-level liquid handlers through to fully featured systems. CyMek systems save laboratories time and labour costs, while increasing productivity and traceability.
eXeTek’s CyMek platforms are a range of easy-to-use automation solutions for molecular and cell biology processes including Gateway, Klenow treatment, ligation, PCR, QuikChange, restriction digest, SAP treatment and TOPO cloning, cell harvest, lysis, culture inoculation, induction and transformation, and purification of proteins, DNA and plasmids. The CyMek range of platforms is a series of six levels of automation, designed to meet different customer needs, from simple small-footprint entry-level liquid handlers through to fully featured systems. CyMek systems save laboratories time and labour costs, while increasing productivity and traceability.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Combination antiretroviral drugs with immunomodulating agent may result in decrease in HIV reservoirs
ORVACS (Objectif Recherche VACcin Sida) has launched a Phase II study designed to test the hypotheses that combination therapy with potent antiviral agents and immunomodulator can lead to a decrease in the HIV viral reservoirs and, ultimately, to eradication of the virus. The study is currently being conducted at clinical sites in France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Known as ERAMUNE 01, the Phase II clinical trial is scientifically coordinated by Christine Katlama as Principal Investigator, Brigitte Autran, Vincent Calvez and Dominique Costagliola from the University Pierre et Marie Curie and will use Cytheris’ investigative immunomodulatory agent, recombinant human interleukin-7 (CYT107), in combination with two potent antiretroviral drugs represented by the integrase inhibitor, raltegravir (ISENTRESS(R) - Merck & Co) and the CCR5 inhibitor, maraviroc (SELZENTRY - ViiV Healthcare). The main hypothesis of this study is that by combining the most potent and synergistic antiretroviral drugs, coupled with an immunomodulating agent capable of targeting or inducing activation of latently infected cells, the reservoirs of HIV can be decreased and, in the best case scenario, eradication of the virus may be feasible.
Known as ERAMUNE 01, the Phase II clinical trial is scientifically coordinated by Christine Katlama as Principal Investigator, Brigitte Autran, Vincent Calvez and Dominique Costagliola from the University Pierre et Marie Curie and will use Cytheris’ investigative immunomodulatory agent, recombinant human interleukin-7 (CYT107), in combination with two potent antiretroviral drugs represented by the integrase inhibitor, raltegravir (ISENTRESS(R) - Merck & Co) and the CCR5 inhibitor, maraviroc (SELZENTRY - ViiV Healthcare). The main hypothesis of this study is that by combining the most potent and synergistic antiretroviral drugs, coupled with an immunomodulating agent capable of targeting or inducing activation of latently infected cells, the reservoirs of HIV can be decreased and, in the best case scenario, eradication of the virus may be feasible.
Collaboration to advance burgeoning discipline of biologically inspired engineering
Agilent Technologies Inc and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University today announced an agreement to work together to develop innovative tools, technologies and instruments that will advance human health and improve the environment.
“Agilent is very pleased to collaborate with the Wyss Institute as we share a strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary contribution, and high-impact research,” said Darlene Solomon, Agilent chief technology officer. “Wyss offers access to visionary researchers and physicians collaborating on enabling technology platforms to address some of the world’s most significant technological and societal challenges.”
“Agilent is very pleased to collaborate with the Wyss Institute as we share a strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary contribution, and high-impact research,” said Darlene Solomon, Agilent chief technology officer. “Wyss offers access to visionary researchers and physicians collaborating on enabling technology platforms to address some of the world’s most significant technological and societal challenges.”
Closing data management gaps between laboratory instruments and software systems
Waters Corporation today introduced Waters NuGenesis Scientific Data Management System (SDMS) Form Designer 2.1, a module for SDMS Vision Publisher, that converts SOPs (standard operating procedures) from several analytical technologies into one electronic form to support prescribed analytical workflows.
Because SDMS Vision Publisher acts as a portal to other laboratory applications such as LIMS (laboratory information management systems), small lab devices, instrument and consumable inventories, chromatography data system, and the SDMS repository, the Form Designer 2.1 module can create a comprehensive electronic workflow form for seamless information transfer.
“SDMS Form Designer was developed to reduce transcription errors compared to manual SOPs and enhance workflow productivity, especially for complex processes found in quality control (QC) laboratories,” said Thomas Schmidt, Informatics Senior Product Manager, for the Waters Division. “An easy-to-use configuration tool to integrate various laboratory instruments and systems, Form Designer 2.1 supports Lean Six Sigma initiatives in most life science companies.”
The new SDMS Vision Publisher Form Designer 2.1 contains new functionalities and upgrades, including simplified configuration features, enhanced tools for external code integration, and the ability to add custom task buttons.
Waters Corporation
Because SDMS Vision Publisher acts as a portal to other laboratory applications such as LIMS (laboratory information management systems), small lab devices, instrument and consumable inventories, chromatography data system, and the SDMS repository, the Form Designer 2.1 module can create a comprehensive electronic workflow form for seamless information transfer.
“SDMS Form Designer was developed to reduce transcription errors compared to manual SOPs and enhance workflow productivity, especially for complex processes found in quality control (QC) laboratories,” said Thomas Schmidt, Informatics Senior Product Manager, for the Waters Division. “An easy-to-use configuration tool to integrate various laboratory instruments and systems, Form Designer 2.1 supports Lean Six Sigma initiatives in most life science companies.”
The new SDMS Vision Publisher Form Designer 2.1 contains new functionalities and upgrades, including simplified configuration features, enhanced tools for external code integration, and the ability to add custom task buttons.
Waters Corporation
Membrane protein purification kit for detergent screening of His-tagged membrane proteins
The Kit contains seven detergents in ready-to-use solution (purity ≥ 99% by HPLC analysis), His Mag Sepharose Ni, buffer stock solutions, and an easy-to-follow protocol, and is sufficient for two complete screening experiments.
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