Related to University of Florida Receives $15M, and Berkeley Lab Obtains $12.8M in ARRA Funding

• Companies Step In to Fill Gap in Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Gaucher’s
  Shortage could lead to more choices for patients sooner than expected.
  
• Dendreon’s $70M Investment in Production Capabilities Could Woo Firms without Similar Expertise
  If cell-based immune therapy Provenge receives FDA sanction, it may corner a large market share and expand the company’s prospects.
  
• GEN Exclusive: 2009 Laskers Honor Advances in Stem Cell Technology and Cancer Therapy
  Work cited will revolutionize cancer therapy and impact a potential $700 million global stem cell market.
  
• 2009 in Review: Headline-Making Stories in the Biotech Industry
  Even though last year was marred by the economic crash, the life science sector showed significant progress.
  
• Advancing Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
  UKSCF partners with MS Society to financially support clinical development.
  
• Cancer Cell Line Identity Crisis
  Researchers weigh in on the impact of incorrectly labeled cell lines on cancer research and drug development.
  
• Roche Takes a Stab at Getting mAbs Under the Skin
  Firm is testing Herceptin SC in Phase III and expects to couple it with a user-friendly delivery device.
  
• Examining Both Sides of the Sirtuin Coin
  Jury is still out on whether inhibition and/or activation can treat neurodegenerative disorders.
  
• Antibody-Drug Conjugates to Fight Cancer
  While mAbs have been extremely successful, these empowered antibodies are touted as the next big blockbusters.
  
• Avastin: Time for a Predictive Test
  Roche’s strategy to expand the use of Avastin into the first-line and adjuvant settings is particularly dependent on identifying those most likely to see a benefit.
  
• Nanotechnology Enables Precise Cancer Targeting
  While first-generation nanodrugs reduced toxicity, next-gen treatments are being designed to increase efficacy.
  
• No New Parkinson Disease Drug Expected Anytime Soon
  Drugs acting on nondopaminergic systems have yet to prove their mettle in clinical trials.
  
• What Comes After Dendreon’s Provenge?
  Success of prostate cancer vaccine has ushered in a wave of autologous vaccine development.
  
• Will a Nonautologous Cancer Vaccine Be the Next to Make It Through Approval?
  In the race to mimic Dendreon’s success with Provenge, off-the-shelf products make for attractive opportunities.
  
• Tales from the Biotech Crypt: Sam Waksal Is Back in Business
  Former ImClone CEO has started a new firm, made three acquisitions including Three Rivers, and begun licensing.
  
• Melanoma Cells: All Stem Cells in Disguise?
  Researchers believe that the cancer stem cell theory may not apply to all cancers.
  
• Getting Personal: Multigene Testing for Individual Cancer Evaluation
  Scientists find comfort in numbers, using molecular patterns as prognostic markers.
  
• Tumor Cells Back in Circulation for Monitoring Cancer
  With one test on the market, researchers are developing tools that leverage CTCs as biomarkers.
  
• What’s Wrong with Phase II Trials?
  A better early-phase clinical plan could address high attrition rates in Phase III.
  
• Translational Research Is the NCATS’ Meow for Growing NIH’s R&D Role
  Budget will determine new institute’s ability to fill gaps in early drug development and de-risk projects.