Leader In Biotechnology Research Articles

Agricultural Genetically Modified Crops at the Barangay Level: Viewpoints, Plans and Activities

The global adoption of biotech crops has been increasing through the years leading to favourable impacts on man and society playing a significant role in improving farmers’ productivity, biodiversity protection, environmental sustainability, and in meeting SDGs towards poverty and hunger alleviation. Genetically Modi ed (GM) crops have gained popularity in the Philippines placing the country as the regional biotechnology leader in Asia. However, GM crops integration has sparked debates and regulatory challenges, especially at the local level. This study explores the viewpoints of the Barangay level in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan regarding genetic modification of crops including plans and activities towards GMO information dissemination. The results of the study served as baseline references in developing GMO intervention plans to promote the adoption of GM crops in the locality. A descriptive qualitative research design was used in which in-depth interviews, as the primary data gathering tool were employed among the nine key participants from the Barangays included under the City Network Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAAD). The results of the study revealed that 100% of the participants expressed unawareness of GM crops, emphasizing the need for information dissemination and education. In addition, a prevalent theme emerged reflecting a notable knowledge gap about GMOs which presents an opportunity for targeted interventions to bridge this gap. Furthermore, participants underscored the necessity for enhanced GMO communication and regulatory framework. The Barangay, being the smallest part of the Philippines’ administrative structure, expressed a need for more knowledge and understanding of the technologies used in agriculture, particularly GM crops. Thus, this study can be served as a valuable reference for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders aiming to promote informed decision-making toward responsible adoption of GM crops.

Development of a student-driven undergraduate program in regenerative medicine.

As it begins to enter the clinic, regenerative medicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. Although there exists a growing need for individuals well-versed in the practice of regenerative medicine, few undergraduate institutions offer opportunities to learn about the topic. This article highlights the conception of two novel undergraduate courses in regenerative medicine developed through collaboration between students and faculty at our University to fill this void in the undergraduate curriculum. Lectures from scientists, healthcare professionals, regulatory experts and biotechnology leaders introduced students to regenerative medicine research and the translational process, and a certificate program incorporating relevant coursework and research experience is in development. This pipeline will guide promising undergraduate students to the field of regenerative medicine.

Implications of Current Regulations and Procedures to Genetically-Modified (GM) Maize Seed Importation in the Philippines

Reports of delays in the approval of biosafety permits in the Philippines threaten to undermine the country’s thrust as Asia’s leader in biotechnology. This study examines the implications of current regulations and procedures in the importation of GM maize seeds in an attempt to provide meaningful insights to address the problem. Key informant interviews were conducted with a leading player in the GM industry and with personnel of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Content analysis was done on relevant government issuances. Secondary data was utilized in the analysis of importation trends of GM maize seeds. Results show that the biosafety permit is being processed at an average of 378 days for commercial propagation and 549 days for direct use. The delay is significant considering that the current regulations provide for 85 days processing time for biosafety permit applications. On the other hand, importation trends indicate that the Philippines is becoming successful in the local propagation of GM maize seeds and confirms the growth of the GM industry in the Philippines as evidenced by voluminous importations by leading industry players and the entry of new players.

At BIO, business boomed, and drug pricing loomed

Some 17,000 people descended on Boston during the first week of June for the annual meeting of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). If the crowds were any indication, business is booming. “This has been by far the most successful BIO convention we’ve ever had,” said John Maraganore, CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and chair of BIO. Attendees set a Guinness world record for the largest business-partnering event, with more than 45,000 meetings among people from across the globe. “If you want to be in the business of biotechnology, you need to be here,” said Manu Nair, who came to Boston from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Biotech investment is on track for a record year. “The first quarter was very strong for venture capital investing, and those trends seem durable,” said Glen Giovannetti, global biotechnology leader at the consulting firm EY. Cancer companies, especially immuno-oncology start-ups, are attracting a disproportionate amount

Roche Holding AG: Funding the Genentech Acquisition

This case examines the decision by the Swiss pharmaceutical Roche Holding AG (Roche) to offer a record $42 billion bond in February 2009. In light of a pending acquisition of U.S. biotechnology leader, Genentech, Roche management planned to sell $32 billion in bonds at various maturities from 1 year to 30 years and in three different currencies (U.S. dollar, euro, and British pound). In a context of substantial uncertainty in both world financial markets and the value of the Genentech deal, students are introduced to the pricing of corporate bonds by being invited to price Roche's bold global offering.

Scientometric assessment of selected R&D priority areas in South Africa: A comparison with other BRICS countries

A scientometric analysis of selected research priority areas in South Africa was done using the Web of Science database for the period 2002–2012. The performance of the country in the areas of biotechnology, energy, astronomy and palaeontology in terms of the publication output in these areas is compared using two classic scientometric indicators, the activity and attractivity indices. These are important priority areas as highlighted in various government policy documents and the aim was to identify whether outputs in these field correspond with government policy. The study also identifies leading institutions in the country in terms of publication output while the performance is also benchmarked against that of the other BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) group of countries as well as Egypt. It was found that the country is doing relatively well in research areas in which it enjoys geographical advantage such as astronomy and palaeontology and compares favourably with comparator countries in all areas reviewed. In terms of the institutional profile and based on publication outputs over the period considered, the University of Cape Town is a leader in biotechnology and energy, University of the Witwatersrand in palaeontology and the National Research Foundation in the area of astronomy.

The Impact of Myriad on the Future Development and Commercialization of DNA-Based Therapies and Diagnostics.

One of the reasons that the United States is a leader in biotechnology is its strong and reliable patent system. However, the Supreme Court's decision in Myriad potentially limits an inventor's ability to protect her DNA-based inventions. Fortunately, with creativity, there are numerous ways in which to "claim around" Myriad, enabling inventors to fully protect their diagnostic or therapeutic inventions. Thus, under a proper reading of the holding, the potential negative effect of Myriad on the progress of biotechnology would be negligible. Unfortunately, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has promulgated revised examination procedures in the wake of Myriad that have the potential to greatly limit the patentability of all inventions based on products found in nature and create uncertainty that will not be resolved in the near future.

Phenotypic correlations between ovum pick-up in vitro production traits and pregnancy rates in Zebu cows.

The growth of the Gyr breed in Brazil in terms of genetic gain for milk, along with conditions for market, has led to the use of ovum pick-up in vitro production (OPU-IVP) as a leader in biotechnology for the multiplication of genetic material. The aim of this study was to investigate phenotypic correlations between OPU-IVP-linked characteristics and pregnancy rates registered in an embryo transfer program using Gyr cows as oocyte donors. Data collected from 211 OPU sessions and 298 embryo transfers during the years 2012 and 2013 were analyzed and statistical analysis was performed. Estimates of simple Pearson correlations were calculated for NVcoc and PVcoc (number and proportion of viable cumulus-oocyte complexes, respectively); NcleavD4 and PcleavD4 (number and proportion of cleaved embryos on day 4 of culture, respectively); NTembD7 and PTembD7 (number and proportion of transferable embryos on day 7 of culture, respectively); NPrD30 and PPrD30 (number and proportion of pregnancies 30 days after transfer, respectively); and NPrD60 and PPrD60 (number and proportion of pregnancies 60 days after transfer, respectively). Moderate to moderately high correlations were found for all numerical characteristics, suggesting these as the most suitable parameters for selection of oocyte donors in Gyr programs. NVcoc is proposed as a selection trait due to positive correlations with percentage traits and pregnancy rates 30 and 60 days after transfer.

Future aspects of biotechnology and biological science in India

Everybody wants to enter a field which is hot one such field is biotechnolog, Biotechnology has prcious scope, Its new and booming field and most important there is less saturation. Biotechnology is the offshoot of science in which livings being are used for production. Students, who have keen interest in Biotechnology and want to make their bright future in this field, have a lot of career opportunities in this field. Scientists, Pharmacists, Biomedical engineer, Medical scientists, Lecturer, Patent agents, Patent lawyer etc. Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary Science; it is like a growing tree. About a dozen of specialization branches of science like Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Cell biology, Bioinformatics, Chemical engineering, Food science, material science and so an these are the root of biotechnologynological tree, and animal health, Vaccine, Crop yields, Environmental monitoring, pollution control, Therapeutics are the applications of this branch. The term biotechnology was introduced by Karl Ereky in 1917. He used the term for large scale culture of pigs by the use of sugar beets the source of food material.. As biotechnology is a subject with lot of promises, students are getting attracted to this stream of science and with India emerging as one of the biggest leader in biotechnology.

Roche Holding AG: Funding the Genentech Acquisition

This case examines the decision by the Swiss pharmaceutical Roche Holding AG (Roche) to offer a record $42 billion bond in February 2009. In light of a pending acquisition of U.S. biotechnology leader, Genentech, Roche management planned to sell $32 billion in bonds at various maturities from 1 year to 30 years and in three different currencies (U.S. dollar, euro, and British pound). In a context of substantial uncertainty in both world financial markets and the value of the Genentech deal, students are introduced to the pricing of corporate bonds by being invited to price Roche’s bold global offering.The case is designed to introduce the concept of a risk premium and to accomplish the following potential additional teaching objectives: 1. Motivate the concept of a risk premium and the notion of a cost of debt by exposing students to estimating default risk, credit ratings, and credit spreads. 2. Review yield curve principles and mechanics. 3. Practice bond math and credit market terminology. 4. Establish institutional detail for the public security offering process. 5. Introduce the risk-return paradigm in finance.This case, as well as supplementary instructor materials, is available through Darden Business Publishing and Harvard Business Publishing.

INDIAN BIOGENERICS MARKET HEATS UP

ALTHOUGH STILL TINY, the Indian market for biogenerics is attracting major industry players. Large Indian drug companies are gaining experience developing, producing, and selling generic versions of popular biologic drugs for local consumption while they await the adoption of regulatory standards in larger markets. “It’s a gamble,” says Yusuf K. Hamied, the chairman and managing director of Cipla, India’s largest pharmaceutical company in terms of domestic sales. “Because of their higher prices, our biogenerics sales could one day exceed our sales of chemical-based drugs, but who knows?” Cipla is ramping up production in a new facility at its Goa site on the west coast of India. The company is a relatively late entrant. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories entered the biogenerics market in 2001 with Grafeel, a generic version of Amgen’s neutropenia treatment Neupogen. Dr. Reddy’s later launched a second biogeneric and has eight others in various stages of development. Meanwhile, Biocon, India’s biotechnology leader, ...

Exploring technology agglomeration patterns for multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms

This paper provides an empirical analysis of leading global multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms with respect to technology agglomeration patterns, proximity to alliance partners and firm performance for the period 1996–2006. Our findings suggest that multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders are converging in terms of their technology agglomeration strategies; and increasingly competing over innovation from small biotechnology companies. Further, our analysis suggests that the absolute number of alliances is more than twice as important compared to proximity to partners in terms of firm performance defined as revenue, profitability and market valuation growth. Thus, for market leaders this study indicates a strategy of relentless pipeline building, with less regard to geographic proximity of alliance partners, appears to enhance relative and absolute performance of biopharmaceutical industry leaders.

BUSINESS CLUSTERS AND THE POTENTIAL OF THE BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR IN LITHUANIA

What are the unique circumstances that allow innovations in an economy to take hold and mature into productive business sectors? We pose the given question in our discussion of the uncommonly favorable circumstances surrounding the biotechnology sector in Lithuania. The purpose of this paper is to analyze Lithuania’s ability to expand its economy during a time of crisis, focusing on its unique ability to innovate in such sectors as biotechnology.Our primary hypothesis is as follows: Lithuanian biotechnology sector is expanding because business clusters have been established. Drawing upon Schumpeter’s ideas of innovation and Porter’s business cluster theory, we argue that Lithuania is “at the right place and the right time” to make itself a regional leader in biotechnology. We draw upon the world-systems theory to argue that biotechnology is one means whereby Lithuania can rise in the global core-periphery hierarchy.

Can new technology firms succeed in coordinated market economies? A response to Herrmann and Lange

The performance of the therapeutics segment of the German biotechnology industry has become a focal case for debate over the usefulness of the varieties of capitalism (henceforth VOC) perspective in helping to explain cross-national variation in the organization and strategy of companies (Hall and Soskice, 2001). Articles in a recent and the current volume of SER by Herrmann (2008) and Lange (2009) draw on the existence of numerous German biotechnology firms focused on therapeutics discovery to contest the saliency of one of the VOC approach’s core claims: that patterns of comparative institutional advantage structure patterns of national specialization across different types of innovation focused industries. Both authors present evidence that German firms in recent years have come close to matching the performance of those in the United Kingdom, once Europe’s clear leader in biotechnology and an ideal-typical liberal market economy, in inventing new drug therapies. Lange also demonstrates that between 2001 and 2007, German biotechnology firms have narrowed a once large gap between the two countries in the drug development pipeline. The apparent success of German firms in a radically innovative industry such as biotechnology clearly runs counter to the key claim made by VOC proponents, including myself, that coordinated market economies should perform poorly in radically innovative industries.

Global Development

Procyon Comments on Colorectalert™ Study — Success with colorectal cancer screening test continues. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Ribopharma merge to Create Biotechnology Leader in RNA Interference. LEE Jong-wook Takes Office as WHO Director-General.

Trends & Prospects

Taiwan Well-placed to be Biotechnology Leader.

GENENCOR SEEKS GREENER PASTURES

For 18 years, Genencor International appeared to be a quiet joint venture that made industrial enzymes. Then, on Aug. 2, it went public, and a very different face emerged. Now, Genencor is billing itself as a global leader in biotechnology that's entering the lucrative health care business. It's going to take the high-tech tools it uses to develop enzymes and apply them to making new products for the drug and personal care markets in partnership with big pharmaceutical makers. It's an inspiring plan, but it has a catch: So far, Genencor hasn't made any of these new products. Virtually all its sales are of enzymes like proteases and cellulases used in cleaning, textile treatment, corn refining, and other industrial applications. There's no doubt that Genencor has succeeded admirably in these fields. Using sophisticated biotechnology, it has modified bacteria and fungi to express increasingly effective strains of enzymes. It has won the business of major industrial ...

House hearing tackles safety, trade issues surrounding agricultural biotechnology

Agricultural biotechnology leaders from industry, government agencies, and farming groups went before Congress this month to discuss progress in this rapidly advancing field, to address rising safety concerns, and to outline the escalating trade issues surrounding the export of genetically modified organisms produced in the U.S. The hearing was held by the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research & Specialty Crops. Congress is concerned with these issues because of opposition to genetically modified crops around the world, particularly in the European Union, and the threat this poses to agricultural trade. Speakers at this hearing consistently maintained the safety of these products, describing genetic engineering of crops as part of the continuum from more traditional farming methods such as crossbreeding and hybridization. Several of them stressed the benefits of biotechnology, such as decreased dependence on pesticides and increased crop yields. August Schumacher Jr., the...

Mycogen: Building a Seed Company for the Twenty-First Century

This decision case presents the strategic choice set and reasoning of Mycogen, an agricultural biotechnology leader, for how to grow and effectively compete in the fast-changing seed market. Use the case as a basis for discussing strategies and structural changes in the seed industry, the integration of the biotechnology industry and, even more broadly, the formation of firm agribusiness networks.

U.S. biotech lead dependent on links with Japan

The U.S. is at risk of losing its leading position in biotechnology by the end of the decade unless technology exchanges between the U.S. and Japan become a two-way street. This is the view taken in a new report, U.S.-Japan Technology Linkages in Biotechnology: Challenges for the 1990s, from the National Research Council's Committee on Japan. Cochaired by Hubert J. P. Schoemaker, chairman and chief executive officer of Centocor, and G. Steven Burrill, national director for high-technology industry services at professional services firm Ernst & Young, the committee evaluated current relationships between Japanese and U.S. firms, universities, and research institutions to assess their long-term impact. The U.S. is considered to be the world leader in biotechnology in both basic and applied science, the latter having been demonstrated through the commercialization of new products. Biotechnology also is an area of tremendous anticipated growth. Product sales for the industry were $2 billion in 1990 and are ...