The News Review:
- First Biotech Firm Sets Up Shop At Penang Science Park
- National study of colorectal cancer genetics
- Muldoon daughter battles with illness
- Virginia company picks Raleigh for HQ 500 jobs
First Biotech Firm Sets Up Shop At Penang Science Park
Bernama – Bernama – Sep 25, 2007
Progenix an independent contract research organisation which provides pre-clinical research facilities in biotechnology pharmaceuticals agrochemistry and related industries was set up by Springhill Management Ltd a biotechnology venture capital (VC) fund management firm based in Britain. The VC fund was formed by Springhill BioVentures Sdn Bhd whose shareholders are Khazanah Nasional Bhd Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd PacificMas Group and TH Group Bhd. Springhill Management chairman Datuk Tan Kim Sze said the state government has cleared 120ha to develop the science- and biotechnology-based industry. “The Penang Government is very committed in developing the biotechnology sector and is always ready to provide support for these companies to locate here” he told reporters after Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon officially opened the company Tuesday. Tan said Progenix which occupies a 230000m site has 76 laboratories and more than 200 staff who have graduated in medicine biology and physical science.
National study of colorectal cancer genetics
Nature.com – Nature.com (subscription) – Sep 25, 2007
The National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) was established to provide support for clinical cancer research in England and is one of the most substantial and constructive developments in the area of cancer research to be made in the United Kingdom in recent years. The NCRN is made up of 40 geographically distinct Networks covering the entire country (33 in England 3 in Scotland 3 in Wales and 1 in Northern Ireland). Within each Network there are clinical research support staff and infrastructure to promote accrual of patients into trials and studies and the collection of high-quality clinicopathological data and appropriate biological samples. Hence the NCRN presents a major scientific initiative not only in the field of clinical trials but also in the field of genetic epidemiology. To create a resource for identifying low-penetrance predisposition alleles for CRC we established the National Study of Colorectal Cancer Genetics (NSCCG) in March 2003 to collect DNA and clinicopathological data from 20 000 cases. Through linkage with the NCRN it has been possible to create a world-class resource with samples from over 8500 patients in less than 4 years. Top of pageMaterials and methodsMaterials and methods Results Discussion References Acknowledgements… Additional support was provided by grants from the European Union (CPRB LSHC-CT-2004-503465) and Cancer Research UK. Leukaemia Research funded Peter Broderick Steven Lubbe and Gabrielle Sellick. Ian Chandler was in receipt of a Clinical Research Fellowship grant from St George’s Hospital Charitable Foundation Medical Research Committee and Elli Papaemmanuil a Studentship from the Institute of Cancer Research. Extra navigationHomeFor authorsServicesARTICLE NAVIGATIN – FULL TEXT.
Muldoon daughter battles with illness
Stuff.co.nz – Sep 25, 2007
She also has a special feeding tube through the wall of the stomach because she can only swallow a few sips of liquid at a time. Sir Robert once said that from the age of four Barbara wanted to be a nurse. She continued nursing until taking on the position of clinical research associate with a major pharmaceutical company in Sydney. Now unable to speak Mrs Williams has reluctantly returned home. Her managerial role required her to travel around Australia and New Zealand which became difficult. She now works from home in Birkenhead. Her busy Sydney-based life meant she had little time to pick up on small symptoms of the disease including increasing cramps in her legs toes and chest a dry cough and the need to yawn at inappropriate times throughout the day.
Virginia company picks Raleigh for HQ 500 jobs
Bizjournals.com – Sep 25, 2007
Further she said PRA isn't necessarily directly competing with PPD and Quintiles except to attract employees. "What we're going to be doing is hiring the individuals here but our clients are all over the world and our work is done all over the world" she said. Clinical research organizations such as PRA conduct trials that test the safety and effectiveness of drugs in humans. The company which is currently publicly traded is being taken private by San Francisco private equity firm. The acquisition announced earlier this summer is the culmination of a turnaround plan that's seen the company cut jobs in the face of falling revenue.
