This week’s biotechnology news headlines include, biotech vs. big pharma, Novavax starts Ebola vaccine trial, mesothelioma candidate receives orphan drug designation, Eisai’s thyroid cancer drug receives approval, biotech boom, Valeant to buy Dendreon, and Lonza to manufacture for TiGenix.

Cell Culture Events

February

Cell Culture World Congress – February 23-25, 2015 –Munich Germany

The region’s premier congress for the bioprocess industry. Where all major existing and emerging players obtain practical and technical outcomes to Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing. Cell Culture World Congress is THE networking forum where pharma, biotech, academia and associated vendor stakeholders wanting to progress within the Cell Culture and Biomanufacturing market meet, debate and partner with those already strategically positioned.

50% off Cell Culture World Congress Attendance for Cell Culture Dish Readers by using the link below –

https://secure.terrapinn.com/V5/rCalc.aspx?E=6871&R=NXJD

Downstream Processing World Congress – February 24-25, 2015 – Munich Germany

Technology and process optimization for pharma, biotech and CMOs. Co-located with Cell Culture World Congress, the event is THE genuine meeting place for bioprocess scientists to meet, source new technologies and share best practice.

50% off Downstream Processing World Congress Attendance for Cell Culture Dish Readers by using the link below –

https://secure.terrapinn.com/V5/rCalc.aspx?E=7159&R=PJQK

March

Introduction to Cell Culture Workshop – 4 days by BioSciConcepts

March 10-13, 2015

One of our most popular workshops, this Cell Culture Workshop covers essential fundamentals, providing a solid basis for the understanding of the growth of animal cells.  We combine lecture and laboratory exercises aimed at  giving participants a deeper understanding of serum-free media applications and related topics.

Topics include: Introduction to cell and tissue culture, serum containing media and the use of serum. cell counting and viability determination, development of growth curves, growth of adherent and suspension cells, transfection technologies for recombinant protein expression in animal cells, cryopreservation and cryothawing of animal cells, cell cloning , primary cell culture and so much more.

Genome Editing Applications – March 18-19, 2015 – Hilton Boston Back Bay, Boston MA

www.IBCLifeSciences.com/GenomeEditing

Biopharmaceutical Development and Production Week – March 30-April 2, 2015 – Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, Huntington Beach, CA. Co-located with Single-use Applications and Flexible Facilities.

http://www.ibclifesciences.com/BDPWeek/overview.xml

Headlines

“Data Snapshot: Dwarfed By Big Pharma, Biotech By The Numbers,” Forbes

“Biotech fills the news these days – whether it’s the announcement of exciting new clinical data, another high-flying IPO, or a big M&A deal. Amidst the significant “share of voice” in the coverage of young and emerging biotech in the media, it’s easy to forget the relative scale of the sector relative to larger BioPharma companies.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “The Benefits of Implementing Bioprocess Monitoring and Quality by Design in Process Development”

“Novavax starts Ebola vaccine trial in humans,” Reuters

“Novavax Inc has begun early-stage human trials of an Ebola vaccine that it hopes can win the race to become the most effective shot for the deadly virus.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “Developing Ebola Vaccine and Securing Your Cold Chain Logistics Plan”

“FDA grants orphan drug designation to VS-5584 for mesothelioma,” Healio

“The FDA granted orphan drug designation to VS-5584 for the treatment of mesothelioma, according to a press release from the drug’s manufacturer.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “Small Molecules in Stem Cell Research”

“FDA approves Eisai’s thyroid cancer drug,” Reuters

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it approved Japan’s Eisai Co Ltd’s drug to treat the most common form of thyroid cancer more than two months ahead of the review date.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “Biologics Development: How do you Solve a Problem Like Data Management?”

“Biotech boom drives blockbuster VC investments in Boston, San Francisco,” Fierce Biotech

“The venture boom that funneled billions of dollars into life sciences companies last year included a big surge in first-time deals, according to a fresh analysis of the numbers for 2014. And the boom in venture investing looks set to continue well into 2015, according to the analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association, working with data provided by Thomson Reuters to put out the MoneyTree report.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “Reprogramming Blood Cells: How to Decrease Variability in Your Workflow”

“Valeant to buy bankrupt vaccine maker Dendreon,” Reuters

“Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc will scoop up bankrupt cancer vaccine maker Dendreon Corp, after no additional qualified bids came forward by Tuesday’s deadline, Valeant said.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “The Evolution of Vaccine Manufacturing – Past, Current, and Future Trends”

“Lonza to manufacture Cx601 product for TiGenix’s Phase III trial in US,” Pharmaceutical Business Review

“Swiss development and manufacturing firm Lonz has entered into an agreement for the supply of Belgian biopharmaceutical firm TiGenix’s eASC product, Cx601, indicated to treat complex perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease patients.”

If you like this story, please see our blog titled “Intestinal Organoid Culture: a Convenient and Physiologically Relevant Model for Intestinal and Stem Cell Research”