The biotechnology industry has advanced significantly due to artificial intelligence and other computerized tools.

FREMONT, CA: Biotechnology companies and various health organizations worldwide maintain massive databases. Drug manufacturing, chemical analysis of multiple compounds, RNA and DNA sequencing, enzyme studies, and other similar biological processes require the strong support of computerized tools and applications to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.

Today, the world is confronted with an unprecedented public health crisis in the form of a Coronavirus pandemic. Economies are collapsing, countries are being placed on lockdown, and all hope is being placed in the biotechnology industry to develop a safe, effective vaccine in the shortest amount of time possible. Artificial intelligence is critical in biotechnology and related applications for managing biological processes, increasing drug production, managing supply chains, and overlooking the industry's data pool.

Increased and improved predictability for both structured and unstructured data enables businesses to plan their operations more efficiently and effectively, resulting in increased productivity and a faster pace of work.

The following are some significant AI trends that will reshape the biotechnology industry.

Advancing Innovations: From the Laboratory to the Market

The demand for drugs, industrial chemicals, food-grade chemicals, and other biochemistry-related raw materials has increased over the last decade. Artificial intelligence in biotechnology is critical for accelerating drug discovery and development (right to the point where it reaches the market). AI-based tools and apps help develop molecule structures based on target markets. It uses machine learning to calculate permutations and combinations of various chemicals to find the best variety without manual experimentation in the lab. Predictive analysis can forecast market demand for a particular drug or chemical using artificial intelligence in biotechnology. AI in biotech can also help manage the intelligent distribution of raw materials required by the biotechnology industry.

Open-Source Artificial Intelligence Platforms: Accelerate Data Analysis

Scientists around the world are researching AI programs that can automate data maintenance and analysis. Using open-source AI programs such as CRISPR libraries and H2O.ai frees lab assistants from repetitive data entry and analysis tasks. Other critical informatics tasks are also systematically analyzed to produce more accurate and timely results. Removing manual functions from healthcare providers and scientists can focus on innovation-driven processes enabled by biotechnology AI.

Expanding Agricultural Biotechnology's Boundaries: Improving Quality and Quantity

Biotechnology is crucial in the development of more and better crops. AI-based tools are required to study crop features, note and compare qualities, and forecast plausible yield. Aside from these tools, the agricultural biotechnology industry uses robotics for packaging, harvesting, and other essential tasks. By combining weather forecasts, farmland data, and the availability of seeds, manure, and pesticides, AI in biotech helps plan future patterns in material movement.

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How Innovative AI Trends Can Reshape the Biotechnology Industry - CIOReview

In April 2020, Weida designed and started producing a highly comfortable protective overall made up of protective clothing, a pair of goggles and a mask after realizing that it was quite inconvenient for medical staff to put on and take off traditional protective gear with poor breathability as well as the separate set of goggles and mask that could easily leave marks on the face. Compared with traditional offerings, the protective overall extends the effective protection time from four hours to eight hours and reduces the number of individual pieces that make up a complete set from 15 to 7 while shortening the time required to suit up and later remove the outfit from 27 minutes to 9. The company has obtained six patents for the protective product based on its advantages, including virus isolation, a high level of air and moisture permeability, the wide window, no facial marks, anti-fog lens and a design that makes it easy to put on and take off.

In March 2020, Weida received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration and the CE Mark in Europe to export medical masks and isolation gowns to Europe and the US. Notably, the firm's EIDA protective suits, isolation gowns and masks have been exported to 57 countries and regions worldwide, including Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US.

Weida's protective suits, isolation gowns, masks and protective masks have become the preferred choice for the frontline workers at a number of public organizations across China, including the 301 Military Hospital in Beijing, airports in Qingdao and the mobile cabin hospitals in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

SOURCE Information Office of the People's Government of Shandong Province

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Within weeks of first COVID-19 outbreak, China's Qingdao Weida Biotechnology had switched all production capability over to PPE - PRNewswire

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. Having said that, unprofitable companies are risky because they could potentially burn through all their cash and become distressed.

So should Lixte Biotechnology Holdings (NASDAQ:LIXT) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway.

Check out our latest analysis for Lixte Biotechnology Holdings

A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. When Lixte Biotechnology Holdings last reported its balance sheet in March 2021, it had zero debt and cash worth US$7.7m. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through US$2.7m. That means it had a cash runway of about 2.8 years as of March 2021. That's decent, giving the company a couple years to develop its business. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below.

Lixte Biotechnology Holdings didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. During the last twelve months, its cash burn actually ramped up 61%. Oftentimes, increased cash burn simply means a company is accelerating its business development, but one should always be mindful that this causes the cash runway to shrink. Lixte Biotechnology Holdings makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow.

While Lixte Biotechnology Holdings does have a solid cash runway, its cash burn trajectory may have some shareholders thinking ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Generally speaking, a listed business can raise new cash through issuing shares or taking on debt. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Lixte Biotechnology Holdings has a market capitalisation of US$37m and burnt through US$2.7m last year, which is 7.5% of the company's market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money.

As you can probably tell by now, we're not too worried about Lixte Biotechnology Holdings' cash burn. For example, we think its cash runway suggests that the company is on a good path. Although its increasing cash burn does give us reason for pause, the other metrics we discussed in this article form a positive picture overall. After taking into account the various metrics mentioned in this report, we're pretty comfortable with how the company is spending its cash, as it seems on track to meet its needs over the medium term. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 3 warning signs for Lixte Biotechnology Holdings (of which 1 is significant!) you should know about.

Of course Lixte Biotechnology Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks that insiders are buying.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. *Interactive Brokers Rated Lowest Cost Broker by StockBrokers.com Annual Online Review 2020

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

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We Think Lixte Biotechnology Holdings (NASDAQ:LIXT) Can Afford To Drive Business Growth - Simply Wall St

SAN FRANCISCO, July 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) today announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2 MARCH (Monoclonal Antibody siRNA Combination against Hepatitis B) trial evaluating VIR-2218 together with VIR-3434 for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection a combination designed to achieve a functional cure.

VIR-2218 is an investigational small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) designed to inhibit the production of all HBV proteins (X, polymerase, S and core), which may be acting as immune tolerogens. VIR-3434 is an investigational HBV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody designed to block entry of all 10 genotypes of HBV into hepatocytes, as well as reduce the level of virions and subviral particles in the blood. It has also been Fc engineered to include the XX2 vaccinal mutation, allowing it to potentially function as a therapeutic T cell vaccine against HBV.

HBV infection remains an urgent global public health challenge associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and we believe that a combination approach focused on immune restoration will be critical to achieving a functional cure, said Phil Pang, M.D., Ph.D., Virs chief medical officer. We are excited about the potential of VIR-2218 to serve as the cornerstone of that approach. We believe that combining it with VIR-3434, which has already demonstrated the ability to markedly lower hepatitis B surface antigen at low doses in an ongoing Phase 1 trial, and, most importantly, has the potential to function as a therapeutic T cell vaccine, could be a game changer.

The multi-center, open-label Phase 2 trial is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the combination of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 in approximately 90 adult patients (ages 18 to 65) with chronic HBV infection receiving nucleot(s)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy. Both VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 will be administered via subcutaneous injection at varying dose levels over the course of the trial for a treatment period ranging from four to 20 weeks, and a follow-up period of up to 116 weeks, depending on the dosing cohort. The primary endpoints of the trial are the proportion of patients with treatment-emergent adverse events and serious adverse events; grading of post-treatment clinical laboratory parameters; and the proportion of patients achieving a functional cure (defined as undetectable HBsAg and sustained suppression of HBV DNA).

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About VIR-2218

VIR-2218 is an investigational subcutaneously administered HBV-targeting siRNA that has the potential to stimulate an effective immune response and have direct antiviral activity against HBV. It is the first siRNA in the clinic to include Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus (ESC+) technology to enhance stability and minimize off-target activity, which potentially can result in an increased therapeutic index. VIR-2218 is the first asset in the companys collaboration with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to enter clinical trials.

About VIR-3434

VIR-3434 is an investigational subcutaneously administered HBV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody designed to block entry of all 10 genotypes of HBV into hepatocytes and reduce the level of virions and subviral particles in the blood. VIR-3434, which has been Fc engineered to potentially function as a T cell vaccine against HBV in infected patients, also incorporates Xencors Xtend in order to have an extended half-life.

About Vir Biotechnology

Vir Biotechnology is a clinical-stage immunology company focused on combining immunologic insights with cutting-edge technologies to treat and prevent serious infectious diseases. Vir has assembled four technology platforms that are designed to stimulate and enhance the immune system by exploiting critical observations of natural immune processes. Its current development pipeline consists of product candidates targeting COVID-19, hepatitis B virus, influenza A and human immunodeficiency virus. For more information, please visit http://www.vir.bio.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as may, will, plan, potential, aim, promising and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Virs expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the ability of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 (as monotherapies or combination therapies) to treat and/or prevent chronic HBV infection, and the timing, design and enrollment plans for the Phase 2 MARCH trial. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results, including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, challenges in the treatment of hospitalized patients, difficulties in collaborating with other companies or government agencies, challenges in accessing manufacturing capacity, successful development and/or commercialization of alternative product candidates by Virs competitors, changes in expected or existing competition, delays in or disruptions to Virs business or clinical trials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical changes or other external factors, and unexpected litigation or other disputes. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Virs filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section titled Risk Factors contained therein. Except as required by law, Vir assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.

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Vir Biotechnology Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial Evaluating the Combination of VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 as a Functional Cure Regimen for Chronic...

ISPE announced a world-class line-up of eight leading biotech experts as keynote presenters for the 2021 ISPE Biotechnology Virtual Conference & Workshop. This unparalleled fully interactive virtual event will bring together leading pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers, technology providers, academic scientists, and international regulators to network, share knowledge, and provide an outlook on the evolving landscape and future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing and therapies.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) announced a world-class line-up of eight leading biotech experts as keynote presenters for the 2021 ISPE Biotechnology Virtual Conference & Workshop. Taking place 22-24 September 2021, this unparalleled fully interactive virtual event will bring together leading pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers, technology providers, academic scientists, and international regulators to network, share knowledge, and provide an outlook on the evolving landscape and future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing and therapies.

"This year, in particular, the industry rallied together to innovate at record speed and partnered in ways that were unprecedented to address not only the public health crisis brought on by the pandemic, but also to ensure patients worldwide would continue to have access to necessary therapies," said Program Co-Chair David Doleski, Head of Global Quality Audit, Sanofi. "This conference will help prepare biopharmaceutical professionals and their organizations for the impact of innovations in biologics that will influence their operations and shape the future."

Keynote presenters will kick off day one of the conference with presentations on industry-critical topics such as regulatory aspects for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), cell and gene therapies, and COVID-19 therapies and vaccines. Then they will come together for a compelling panel discussion.

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Keynote Presenters:

Matthew JH Davis Senior GMP Inspector Therapeutic Goods Administration

Raj Puri Director, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies CBER/FDA

Wilson Bryan Director, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies CBER/FDA

Francesco Cicirello Director, Quality Assurance Evelo Biosciences

Jessica Beyer Director, Cell Therapy Manufacturing Bristol Myers Squibb

Oliver Henning Senior Vice President Operations BioNTech SE

Rino Rappuoli Chief Scientist GSK

Sandy Douglas Academic Clinician University of Oxford

The ISPE Biotechnology Virtual Conference & Workshop is a leading interdisciplinary forum for all stakeholders of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical value chain to unite and learn about the latest innovations and trends, and openly discuss practical challenges and solutions, from a technical, logistical, and regulatory perspective.

Event exclusives include plant tours featuring state-of-the-art facilities and two in-depth workshops. Workshop participants will be presented with a case study and practice finding solutions with the help of trainers. Topics include control strategy, technology transfer, CMC, computer-based modeling, ATMPs, facility design, and GXP compliance.

"The impact of the evolving regulatory environment and the need to ensure continued innovation and continuity in the supply chain in light of this crisis and assuring preparedness for future crises will be integrated throughout the conference agenda, panel discussions, and accompanying workshops," said Program Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Michelangelo Canzoneri, Global Head of Digital and Data, Healthcare, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

To explore the educational agenda and to register, please visit ISPE.org/Bio21.

About ISPE The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) is the world's largest not-for-profit association serving its members through leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement across the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 18,500 members of ISPE are building solutions in the development and manufacture of safe, effective pharmaceutical and biologic medicines, and medical delivery devices in more than 90 countries around the world. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters and training center in North Bethesda, Maryland USA, and its operations center in Tampa, Florida USA. Visit ISPE.org for more information.

For more information, contact: Amy Henry Marketing Communications Manager International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Email: ahenry@ispe.org ISPE.org

Media Contact

Amy Henry, ISPE, 8139602105, AHENRY@ISPE.ORG

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Top Biotech Experts to Speak at the 2021 ISPE Biotechnology Virtual Conference & Workshops - Yahoo Finance