Category Archives: Biotechnology

Transparency Market Research Report Added "Animal Health Biotechnology Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024"

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2017 -- Animal Health Biotechnology Market: Overview

Biotechnology utilized in animal healthcare dates back to 19th century when the first vaccines were prepared for its use in animals. Considerable progress in the animal health biotechnology took place recently when biotechnology applications were utilized in both detecting and treating various infectious and parasitic diseases of animals. This has led to the development of a range of applications and procedures, which will benefit both domestic and wild animals. This will also improve the health of various companion animals, help in improving sporting animals' performance and the productivity of farm animals. However, the globalised trade in live animals, animal products, and their feeds is leading to a continuously increasing threat of infectious diseases worldwide. Thus, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) emphasizes the importance of very rapid, accurate, highly specific and sensitive detection and identification of infectious agents; and prompt and effective control of those diseases.

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.

Download PDF brochure for this Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=11465

Animal Health Biotechnology Market: Current Outlook

Presently, various reagents and diagnostic techniques have been developed, which are more specific, sensitive, rapid, reproducible and robust that have been updated through recent discoveries in biochemistry, immunology and molecular biology (monoclonal antibodies, nucleic probes, DNA amplification and others). The development of new vaccines, such as subunit vaccines, synthetic vaccines, recombinant vaccines and anti-idiotype vaccines, which combine efficacy, innocuity, duration of protection, ease of use, stability and multivalence. The availability of new anti-parasitic and anti-infective agents and immunomodulatory therapeutic agents specifies that biotechnology is continuing to find new applications in the field of animal health. These new vaccines, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic substances will add to the knowledge, which, in future, will extend to the development of transgenic animals with improved genetic potential and will be more disease resistant and more productive at the same time. Thus, the most important objective of animal health biotechnology is to serve human healthcare as well as its environment at the same time.

Animal Health Biotechnology Market: Drivers

Major factors that will drive the demand from this market mainly includes advancements in cloning and development of transgenic animals, favorable government approval scenarios, and increasing research and development from major firms across the globe. Development of various transgenic animals and cloning will add to the animal's ability to fight diseases and at the same time it will benefit the human society and environment. This will increase the demand for these animals; hence will contribute towards the growth of animal health biotechnology market in the future. Favorable government policies as well as supportive approval agencies will further help in the growth of this market in future. Major firms across geographies are conducting extensive R&D, which will add to the development of advanced vaccines, therapeutics as well as transgenic animals, will add to the growth of this market in future.

Animal Health Biotechnology Market: Regional Dynamics

Geographically, North America and Europe is expected to dominate the Animal Health Biotechnology market. Major factors that will be responsible for their growth in this market can be high awareness levels of the population about cloning, transgenic products etc. and high investment in research and development activities from both public and private firms in these regions. Asia-Pacific region is also expected to show a rapid growth in this market due to availability of huge livestock population as well as dependency of various regions on animals for their daily activities. Some of the major players operating in the animal health biotechnology market are Bayer AG, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi, and Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.

Browse Full Research Report on Animal Health Biotechnology Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/animal-health-biotechnology-market.html

About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.

Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.

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For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/worldwide-animal-health-biotechnology-market-by-analysis-of-major-industry-segments-2024-772649.htm

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Worldwide Animal Health Biotechnology Market by Analysis of Major Industry Segments 2024 - Digital Journal

February 20, 2017 6:42am NASDAQ:IBB

The biotech sector has gotten a lot of attention lately both in the financial markets and in Washington. The sector, which was one of the worst performing areas of the market in 2016 posting a loss of more than 20%, has started posting gains again and is looking like the rally may be poised to continue.

The biggest play in the sector, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB), is up more than 10% on the year (its smaller equal weight counterpart, the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI), is up over 17%).

The sector has alternatively gotten good and bad news from the White House. For many months, there has been talk of lowering drug prices through open competition or price caps putting pressure on the big drug manufacturers. On the other hand, President Trump spoke recently of his desire to reform the entire drug approval process in order to speed the approval of life-saving medications and cutting the red tape at the FDA. That notion was welcomed by the equity markets even though it received a tepid response from big pharma companies.

One thing working in favor of biotech right now is M&A and the big prize could be Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY). A StreetInsider article from this week called the company in play and listed Roche (RHHBY), Novartis (NVS), Gilead (GILD) and Pfizer (PFE) all as potential buyers. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) could also be up for grabs with Biogen (BIBB) rumored to be a possible bidder. In its quarterly analyst meeting, Amgens (AMGN) CEO Bob Bradway discussed how his company was going to be on the lookout for acquisitions both big and small.

Even Gilead, the big biotech that just caught Wall Street off guard when it significantly lowered 2017 revenue guidance due to weak sales in its hepatitis C drugs, even provided some reason for optimism. The stock dropped roughly 10% on its weak forecast, from a pre-earnings level of around $73 down to a post-announcement low in the $65 area. Since then, however, it has, somewhat surprisingly, begun rallying anew. The stock closed Friday at $70, gaining back nearly of what was lost. Does this signal something of a capitulation point and indicate that buyers are ready to return?

From a technical standpoint, the fund just broke out to the upside from a wedge pattern that has been forming over the past several months.

I wrote earlier this month that I felt the Biotech ETF could close out February above $300 if it could break through the resistance level around $285. It has and now it feels like that $300 level is well within reach.

Despite its rally so far this year, the fund is still about 13% off of its 2016 highs and 26% off of its all-time highs. Valuations in the sector look very reasonable right now as well. Thomson Reuters estimates put the forward P/E of the sector at less than 13, a level it hasnt seen in several years.

Gileads results notwithstanding, the Q4 earnings season has been pretty good for biotech. Big players such as Amgen, Celgene (CELG), Illumina (ILMN) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) all top 10 holdings in the fund popped strongly after announcing earnings. If the sector can continue posting generally good revenue and earnings results and get a little help from the White House along the way, this could be a nice spot to add a few shares.

The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBB) closed at $294.35 on Friday, up $1.37 (+0.47%). Year-to-date, IBB has gained 10.92%, versus a 5.17% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

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

About the Author: David Dierking

David Dierking is a freelance writer focusing primarily on ETFs, mutual funds, dividend income strategies and retirement planning. He has spent more than 20 years in the financial services industry and his background includes experience in investment management, portfolio analytics and asset/liability management at both BMO Financial Group and Strong Capital Management.

He has written for Seeking Alpha, Motley Fool, ETF Trends and Investopedia and was also included in the panel for ETFReference.coms 101 ETF Investing Tips from the Experts. He has a B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University and lives in Wisconsin with his wife and two daughters.

You can connect with David on Twitter and LinkedIn. Also be sure to visit his new website, ETFFocus.com.

Tags: biotech david dierking NASDAQ:IBB

Categories: NASDAQ:IBB

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This Biotech ETF Looks Primed To Rally Again - ETF Daily News (blog)

Puma Biotechnology Inc (NYSE:PBYI) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday.

According to Zacks, Pumas progress with the lead candidate, neratinib, has been impressive. Currently, neratinib is under review in both the U.S. and the EU for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. An approval would be a huge boost for the company given the immense commercial potential in the target market. Several additional studies on neratinib targeting different types of breast cancer patient populations are currently underway. Being a development-stage company, Puma does not have any approved product in its portfolio yet. Thus, the company is totally dependent on neratinib for growth. Puma has had its share of setbacks related to neratinib. With so much depending on the successful development and approval of neratinib, any further kind of development or regulatory setback could hamper the companys growth prospects and the stock adversely. Shares of the company have underperformed that of the industry in the past one year.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Citigroup Inc. set a $88.00 price target on Puma Biotechnology and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 3rd. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a $88.00 price target on shares of Puma Biotechnology in a research note on Wednesday, November 30th. J P Morgan Chase & Co set a $89.00 price target on Puma Biotechnology and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 14th. Cowen and Company restated a market perform rating on shares of Puma Biotechnology in a research note on Tuesday, November 15th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group restated an outperform rating and set a $111.00 target price on shares of Puma Biotechnology in a research note on Tuesday, November 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $68.56.

Puma Biotechnology (NYSE:PBYI) traded up 0.73% on Tuesday, hitting $34.60. Puma Biotechnology has a one year low of $19.74 and a one year high of $73.27. The firms 50-day moving average is $37.28 and its 200-day moving average is $45.81. The companys market capitalization is $1.27 billion.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its position in shares of Puma Biotechnology by 53.2% in the third quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 16,700 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,120,000 after buying an additional 5,800 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA increased its position in shares of Puma Biotechnology by 112.0% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 2,133 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $143,000 after buying an additional 1,127 shares during the period. Northern Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Puma Biotechnology by 1.2% in the second quarter. Northern Capital Management LLC now owns 16,288 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $485,000 after buying an additional 190 shares during the period. Traynor Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Puma Biotechnology during the second quarter valued at about $246,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Puma Biotechnology by 31.4% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 231,875 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $6,907,000 after buying an additional 55,345 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 80.98% of the companys stock.

About Puma Biotechnology

Puma Biotechnology, Inc is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the development and commercialization of products for the treatment of cancer. The Company focuses on in-licensing the global development and commercialization rights to over three drug candidates, including PB272 (neratinib (oral)), which the Company is developing for the treatment of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), positive breast cancer, and patients with non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and other solid tumors that have a HER2 mutation; PB272 (neratinib (intravenous)), which the Company is developing for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, and PB357, which is an orally administered agent.

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The Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Stock Rating Decreased by the ... - DailyQuint

By: Express News Service | Mohali | Published:February 19, 2017 4:43 am The National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, on Saturday observed its 7th foundation day.

The National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, on Saturday observed its 7th foundation day at the NABI premises at Phase 8 in Mohali. The NABI is an autonomous institute aided by the department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and carries out research in the area of biotechnological applications at the intersection of agriculture, food and nutritional biotechnology.

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A gathering of heads of the institutes and faculty from the Tricity region joined the function. More than 200 scientists, students and staff participated in the foundation day ceremony. Prof. Nagendra Kumar Singh, national professor, B P Pal chair and project director, ICAR National Research Centre on Plant Bioterchnology, New Delhi was the chief guest.

He delivered the foundation day lecture on Decoding the genomes of crop plants uniquely important for India. Dr T R Sharma, executive director, NABI highlighted the achievements of NABI and mentioned that NABI is poised to play an important role in generating world-class knowledge in the area of agri-food and health security. NABI is working on strategies to overcome anti-nutritional activity, and make food crops a better quality source for nutrition.

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National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute celebrates seventh foundation day - The Indian Express

Market Summary Follow

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a A biopharmaceutical company

PBYI - Market Data & News

PBYI - Stock Valuation Report

Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) had a good day on the market for Friday February 17 as shares jumped 7.76% to close at $40.25. About 1.37 million shares traded hands on 9,969 trades for the day, compared with an average daily volume of 928,303 shares out of a total float of 36.82 million. After opening the trading day at $37.25, shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc stayed within a range of $40.50 to $36.70.

With today's gains, Puma Biotechnology Inc now has a market cap of $1.48 billion. Shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc have been trading within a range of $73.27 and $19.74 over the last year, and it had a 50-day SMA of $34.47 and a 200-day SMA of $41.58.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of products to enhance cancer care.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is based out of Los Angeles, CA and has some 156 employees. Its CEO is Alan H. Auerbach.

For a complete fundamental analysis of Puma Biotechnology Inc, check out Equities.coms Stock Valuation Analysis report for PBYI.

Want to invest with the experts? Subscribe to Equities Premium newsletters today! Visit http://www.equitiespremium.com/ to learn more about Guild Investments Market Commentary and Adam Sarhans Find Leading Stocks today.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is also a component of the Russell 2000. The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.

Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.

To get more information on Puma Biotechnology Inc and to follow the companys latest updates, you can visit the companys profile page here: PBYIs Profile. For more news on the financial markets and emerging growth companies, be sure to visit Equities.coms Newsdesk. Also, dont forget to sign-up for our daily email newsletter to ensure you dont miss out on any of our best stories.

All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.

DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer

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Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Soars 7.76% on February 17 ... - Equities.com

Biotechnology The Degree

Associate in Science (A.S.)

From altering the genetic information of plants and animals to producing cells to create pharmaceutical products, the science of biotechnology is using cutting-edge technology and the basic ingredients of life to benefit society. Through the biotechnology degree program at FLCC, you will participate in what many consider to be the most important applied science of the 21st century.

Career opportunities in biotechnology are diverse and intriguing. Areas that are explored include:

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of biological technicians is expected to grow 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

The A.S. Biotechnology degree program is designed to prepare you for transfer into a four-year institution as a biotechnology or biology major. Additionally, our hands-on approach to supporting the development of a suite of laboratory skills will prepare you for entrance into the job market.

Skills and Methods: Courses in the program focus on skill development in the following areas:

Facilities: Facilities for the program include a fully equipped biotechnology lab, extensive spectrophotometric resources, cell culture and cryogenic equipment, electrophoresis equipment, high and low pressure liquid chromatography, and a 3L and 5L bioreactor for scale up of cell culture for protein expression.

FLCC's online learning offers you a flexible and convenient way to reach your educational goals. With this option, you can pursue your A.S. in Biotechnology at least 50 percent online. Learn more about FLCC online learning.

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

Research: Under the guidance of faculty members, you will have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research projects. Furthermore, you will collect samples in the field and process DNA samples in the lab at FLCC.

Resources: This program will allow you the opportunity to benefit from FLCC's connection to Bio-Link, which is affiliated with Biotechnology Industry Organization. Bio-Link is an advanced technological education center, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which enhances and expands biotechnology education programs. Bio-Link serves as an educational resource and acts as a network for employment opportunities.

The National Science Foundation recently established the Northeast Biomanufacturing Center and Collaborative. FLCC is the lead institution for the New York hub of this regional center, which is designed to support biomanufacturing in the Northeast United States. The biotechnology program will provide unique opportunities for you. For more information, visit the following links:

With the hands-on experience and lab skills obtained through this program, you will be well-prepared to transfer with junior standing status to four-year colleges and universities that offer biotechnology-related baccalaureate degrees. Some institutions offering a bachelor's degree in this field include:

In addition, FLCC holds an articulation agreement with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) that guarantees you entrance as a full junior into their Bachelor of Science Biotechnology program. While at RIT, you will be able to explore co-op opportunities during your senior year.

Careers and Salary: Upon completion of a four-year degree, graduates are qualified to fill jobs as:

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual salary for biological technicians was $41,650 in May 2015.

With a two-year degree in biotechnology, graduates can expect positions as:

As a biotechnology major, if you meet specific award criteria, you may apply for the following scholarships:

For more information on these scholarships, contact the FLCC Foundation.

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Biotechnology : Finger Lakes - flcc.edu

The Government will issue a new decree on mechanisms for the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, enabling it to play an extremely important role in enhancing the countrys science and technology capacity, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visits a production facility of Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Industry Technology JSC at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park

The PM and other Government and ministry officials visited the park on February 16.

Located in Thach That and Quoc Oai districts, Hanoi, on a land area of 1,586 hectares, the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park is expected to become a science city hosting investors in biotechnology, information communication, new material technology, and automation.

Modern infrastructure is being built at the park using the State budget and the official development assistance (ODA) supported by the Japanese government.

According to the parks management board, it has so far received 1,530 hectares of land out of the total 1,586 hectares.

The park counts 78 valid investment projects, including nine foreign ones, with a total registered capital of over 60 trillion VND (2.68 million USD), in the spheres of high technology, training, trade and services, and social infrastructure.

Thirty-six projects have been put into operation, involved by more than 10,000 people.

The total import-export turnover was estimated at over 2.4 billion USD in 2016.

FPT is currently the biggest investor of the park with two projects: FPT Software Village and FPT University.

After touring several infrastructural facilities and investment projects, the PM noted the foremost task is to build a brand for the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park to draw investors.

He pointed out a raft of shortcomings facing the park, including few hi-tech projects in comparison with that in other industrial parks and snail-speed land clearance.

He asked the Park Management Board and the capital city of Hanoi to complete land clearance this year while entrusting the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance to report him a plan to supplement capital for land clearance and technical infrastructure construction at the park.

The PM tasked the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Management Board to coordinate with Hanoi authorities along with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Government Office, and the Ministry of Planning and Investment to promote investment in the coming time, while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development.

Apart from infrastructure investment, it is necessary to select and draw knowledge-intensive manufacturing businesses to create high-quality and internationally-recognised products, he advised.

The government leader also suggested persuading domestic scientists to seek technical solutions for pilot production.

Once in six months, the PM or Deputy PM will visit the park to seek to remove difficulties arising during the process of implementing the project, he added.

He expressed his hope that the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park will become an information technology and biotechnology start-up centre in the country.

VNA

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Hoa Lac park hoped to become IT, biotechnology start-up centre ... - VietNamNet Bridge

February 17, 2017 6:33am NASDAQ:IBB NYSE:XLV

From Taki Tsaklanos: Biotechnology was once the darling of stock market investors. Not so anymore, since the summer of 2015 the sector collapsed from 400 points to 250 points in the IBB ETF.

Likewise, the health stock market sector lost its status of outperformer as the XLV ETF went from 75 points to 62 points. Note that biotech is part of the health sector (XLV).

Biotechnology is now showing the first signs of life. The IBB ETF is up 3 percent on the week.

We warned readers to watch closely the 250 level in this alert: Biotechnology and Health Sector Testing Long Time Support. Later on, we noticed that biotech refused to break down, and started to show a pattern of higher lows. Right now, the biotech stock market sector is testing a breakout level. Things will really get bullish once 300 points in the IBB ETF is cleared.

The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (NASDAQ:IBB) fell $1.78 (-0.61%) in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, IBB has gained 10.40%, versus a 5.01% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

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

The broader healthcare sector (XLV ETF) looks even more interesting. It recovered its losses, and is now ready to test all-time highs. Make no mistake, 75 points is a very important price level. A triple-test is significant as, mostly, three tests are sufficient for a breakout. However, a failure to breakout, after 3 tests, is bearish to say the least.

The Health Care SPDR ETF (NYSE:XLV) was unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, XLV has gained 6.70%, versus a 5.01% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

XLV currently has an ETF Daily News SMART Grade of A (Strong Buy), and is ranked #1 of 36 ETFs in the Health & Biotech ETFs category.

This article is brought to you courtesy of Investing Haven.

Tags: biotech Health Care NASDAQ:IBB NYSE:XLV

Categories: NASDAQ:IBB NYSE:XLV

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A Major Recovery Is Brewing In The Biotech & Healthcare Space - ETF Daily News (blog)

2/16/2017 The Executive Board of the European Federation of Biotechnology has selected Maastricht as the host city for their flagship congress from 28 June 1 July, 2020. The European Congress on Biotechnology is the longest established congress in biotechnology and attracts 1,000+ delegates from academia and industry. The scientific programme covers the spectrum of biotechnologies, reflecting the EFBs mission to promote the safe, sustainable and ethical use of biological systems for the benefit of mankind.

Jeff Cole, Vice President, EFB and Chair of the Congress Organising Committee, announced the win for Maastricht, saying Following a competitive process, we are delighted to confirm Maastricht as our host destination for ECB 2020. We were particularly impressed with the Local Organising Committee members from the Dutch Biotechnology Society who have committed their time and connections to ensure we have an outstanding scientific programme and the essential support of industry. The strength of Maastricht as a biotechnology hub will undoubtedly be an attraction for our delegates.

Caroline Windsor, TFI Group - professional conference organiser for the EFB added Maastricht is a superb location for ECB 2020. The MECC lends itself to our congress requirements including integrated space for exhibition, posters and catering as well as multiple auditoria for concurrent sessions. The city is compact with a good choice of hotels and social programme venues for networking out of conference hours.

The bid was led by Jurgen Moors, Managing Director, Maastricht Convention Bureau and Jordy Rijksen, Business Development Manager, Maastricht MECC. They reacted to the news by saying On behalf of the city of Maastricht and the Maastricht Convention Bureau we can state we are pleased to hear that Maastricht has officially been selected as destination for the 2020 edition of the ECB. This underlines that everything our city has to offer, the proactive local congress community and the fact that the Maastricht Region is internally recognised as a main European hub in the field of biotechnology were main decisive criteria for the Executive Board of the European Federation of Biotechnology.

The scientific ambassadors for the bid, Prof. Aldrik Velders, Chair of the BioNanoTechnology Group at Wageningen University, and Dr Emile van de Sandt, Director Research & Development of DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals, added The Dutch Society of Biotechnology is very pleased to host the ECB2020. With our strong academic and industrial network we are looking forward to organising an inspiring conference that will bring together scientists from all over Europe that are active in the more established as well as emerging fields of Biotechnology.

The biennial European Congress on Biotechnology circulates to cities that are centres of excellence in biotechnology. The ECB2018 congress will be in Geneva from 1 4 July 2018: for more information, see http://www.ecb2018.com.

The Maastricht Convention Bureau is the intermediary to promote convention and meeting visits to Maastricht and surroundings. Our goal is to make a structural contribution to the economic development of Maastricht and surroundings. The Maastricht Convention Bureau office is situated in building where the offices of MECC Maastricht are located as well. The complete address details are: Maastricht Convention Bureau | Duboisdomein 5b | 6229 GT MAASTRICHT | THE NETHERLANDS

Contact: info@maastrichtconventionbureau.com

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Maastricht, the Netherlands, Selected to Host European Congress on Biotechnology 2020 - Exhibitor Online

CRISPR is a life-changing genetic modification technology that could potentially cure cancer and eradicate genetic conditions before a child is born. But there is a dark side to the potential of this technology.

The patent dispute over CRISPR technology has been settled.

AN INFLUENTIAL US science advisory committee this week said genetic modification of human embryos should be allowed in the future to eliminate diseases, sparking new debate on a controversial topic.

The report by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) caused concern among some researchers who fear that genetic tools could be used to boost certain peoples intelligence or create people with particular physical traits.

Clinical trials for genome editing of the human germ line adding, removing or replacing DNA base pairs in gametes or early embryos could be permitted in the future, said the report, released Wednesday (AEST).

But only, it added, for serious conditions under stringent oversight.

The emergence of inexpensive and accurate gene-editing technology, known as CRISPR/Cas9, has fuelled an explosion of new research opportunities and potential clinical applications, both heritable and non-heritable, to address a wide range of human health issues, the report said.

The committee of international experts was convened to examine scientific, ethical and governance issues surrounding human genome editing.

The experts noted that clinical trials on gene editing for certain non-hereditary traits are already under way.

These therapies affect only the patient, not any offspring, and should continue for treatment and prevention of disease and disability, using the existing ethical norms and regulatory framework for development of gene therapy, it said.

There is plenty of concern about the designer human floodgates opening.Source:YouTube

The warning come as a major patent battle over the technology was settled in the US in recent days.

What many described as the biotechnology trial of the century, the Broad Institute won the patent to the popular gene-editing process known as CRISPR/Cas-9.

The legal battle over who really invented the technology pitted Feng Zhang of the Broad Institute a research facility affiliated with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology against French microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Max Planck Institute in Berlin and biochemist Jennifer Doudna of the University of California, Berkeley.

Both sides claimed to have developed CRISPR-Cas9, which allows scientists to edit stretches of the genome by removing, adding or changing pieces of the DNA sequence.

Jennifer Doudna of UC Berkeley ultimately lost out in the dispute.Source:Getty Images

Scientists say the technology has the potential to cure diseases but also raises ethical questions, particularly when it comes to the prospect of forever altering the human race.

Charpentier and Doudna have won multiple prizes in the past four years and were widely considered to have discovered this gene-editing technique. Their work was first published in the journal Science in June 2012.

This important decision affirms the inventiveness of the Broads work in translating the biology of the natural world into fundamental building blocks to create unprecedented medicines, said a statement by Katrine Bosley, president and chief executive officer of Editas Medicine, which has an exclusive licence on the Broad Institutes patent for human-therapy applications.

The Atlantic magazine described Editas Medicine as the biggest winner.

Assuming the patent decision does not change, Editas will be the major player in human CRISPR therapies in the foreseeable future, it said.

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The biotechnology trial of the century over CRISPR patent settled in US court - NEWS.com.au