Italian Chromogenix. India. Chennai-based pharmaceutical manufacturing
company,. Grandix Pharmaceuticals Ltd has entered into a tie- up with the Italy-
based ...
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Industry Watch
India
Grandix Ties Up with Italian Chromogenix
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hennai-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company, Grandix Pharmaceuticals Ltd has entered into a tieup with the Italy-based, Chromogenix group of companies, for marketing chromogenic substrates in India. Grandix will market chromogenic substrates from Chromogenix, which has a portfolio of more than 70 products in the field of coagulation and fibrinolysis throughout India. Chromogenic substrates are the synthetic peptides that react with proteolytic enzymes in the human body. They are specific, low molecular weight synthetic substrates for various serine proteinases in the coagulation system. They can be used in diagnostics tests for single factors of coagulation or fibrinolysis or their inhibitors as well as during in-process control of enzyme production. They are used widely in pharmaceutical, biotechnology companies, research and development laboratories, blood banks, clinical laboratories and hospitals.
About Grandix Grandix was founded in 1996 and spearheaded by eminent professionals from the medical fraternity and the pharmaceutical industry. Its products includes antibiotics, anti-diabetics, antihypertensives, NSAIDS and pulmocare products.
Contact Details: Grandix Address: Jamals Sonu Terrace, No: 42, Loganathan Nagar, Ist Sreet, 100 ft. Road, Choolaimedu, Chennai - 600 094, India Tel: +91 44 23614403 Fax: +91 44 23614407 URL: www.grandixpharma.com
About Chromogenix Chromogenix is a group of companies that focuses on diagnostics using chromogenic substrates. It is one of the world's largest diagnostics major instrumentation company. The company works with hospitals, clinical laboratories, blood banks and pharmaceutical industry worldwide. Chromogenix’s product line includes individual chromogenic substrates as well as complete kits including all the reagents needed to perform specific analysis on automated instruments.
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Contact Details: Chromogenix Address: Viale Monza, 338, 20128 Milano, Italy Tel: +39 02 25 22 880 Fax: +39 02 25 22 889
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Industry Watch
Singapore
Bio*One Capital's A-Bio Pharma Secures A Second Deal With GlaxoSmithKline About Bio*One Capital Bio*One Capital, the investment arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is a leading management company for biomedical sciences in Asia. With a global presence through EDB offices in the US and Europe, Bio*One Capital plays an important role as a business and scientific bridge between biomedical companies in Singapore, Asia, the US and Europe. It manages more than S$1.2 billion (US$0.72 million) in funds that invests in promising biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology companies and start-ups to facilitate the growth of a vibrant biomedical sciences industry in Singapore. Bio*One Capital has invested in over 80 companies to date. About A-Bio A-Bio Pharma Pte Ltd is Asia's leading biologics contract manufacturer who provides a full range of manufacturing solutions for mammalian cell culture systems, including process development, optimization, manufacturing scale-up, GMP production, quality control and regulatory compliance. A-Bio, funded by Bio*One Capital Pte Ltd, started operations in November 2003.
Contact Details: Bio*One Capital Pte Ltd 20, Biopolis Way, #09-01 Centros, Address: Singapore 138668 +65 6395 7700 Tel: +65 6395 7796 Fax:
[email protected] Email: www.bio1capital.com URL: About GSK GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a world leading research-based pharmaceutical company. GSK's mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. Headquartered in the UK and with operations based in the US, the new company is one of the industry leaders, with an estimated seven per cent of the world's pharmaceutical market.
Contact Details: GlaxoSmithKline Address: Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd, Stockley Park West, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1BT, UK +020 8990 9000 Tel: +020 8990 4321 Fax: www.gsk.com URL:
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-Bio Pharma Pte Ltd (A-Bio), a subsidiary of Bio*One Capital Pte Ltd has successfully concluded a second process development and clinical supply service agreement with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK Bio). Under the contract with Glaxo Wellcome Manufacturing Pte Ltd, A-Bio will work closely with GSK Bio to develop and produce clinical lots for one of its promising vaccine products at A-Bio's GMP biopharmaceutical facility in Singapore. This deal follows the first project with GSK Bio that was announced in November 2004 as well as the master service agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S in May 2005. With the securing of these agreements, as well as a few more in the pipeline, there will be a further investment of S$9 million (US$5.5 million) to expand A-Bio's cell culture manufacturing capacity to meet increasing customer demand. A-Bio will add a 500L stirred tank bioreactor to its existing 200L capacity. “We are pleased with A-Bio’s success in securing a second deal with one of the world’s leading vaccine companies, and with A-Bio’s expansion plans. The partnership with GSK Bio is a further endorsement of A-Bio’s strong capabilities in process development and clinical manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. These activities strengthen Singapore’s status as a global biomedical sciences development and manufacturing hub,” said Ms Chu Swee Yeok, CEO of Bio*One Capital Pte Ltd. “Working closely together on the first project, GSK Bio and A-Bio have established a very strong relationship at both the working and management level,” said Dr George Wang, managing director of A-Bio. “With the additional capacity, we expect to meet the needs of our existing customers as well as other potential companies currently under discussion. This expansion will be our first step towards the long term growth of A-Bio,” he added
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Industry Watch
Singapore
Innogene Kalbiotech Collaborates with Recombio SA
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nnogene Kalbiotech has signed a co-development agreement with Recombio SA on a 1E10. 1E10 is an anti-idiotypic cancer vaccine indicated for breast cancer, small cell lung cancer and melanoma. Innogene Kalbotech is a subsidiary of Kalbe Farma. Recombio, based in Spain, is a joint venture company between a subsidiary company of Chemo Iberica and CIM (Centro Immunologica Molecular), founded in Havana. The agreement covers the territory of ASEAN, Taiwan, and Korea. 1E10 is now in phase II clinical trials. 1E10 was first developed by CIM in Havana. Dr Rikrik Ilyas, director of Innogene, hopes that 1E10 could provide breast cancer and small cell lung cancer patients with an affordable option for a novel treatment to prolong survival while still maintaining a good quality of life. Johannes Setijono, the president director of Kalbe Farma, stated that the co-development agreement will open a new opportunity for Kalbe to enter a more advanced market
About Innogene Kalbiotech Kalbe Farma founded Innogene Kalbiotech Pte Ltd in Singapore in 2003. The company focuses on drug development especially in oncology, intensive care, vaccines (both therapeutic and preventive), and medical diagnostics for the global market. Currently, one of Innogene Kalbiotech’s partners includes Fraunhofer-Gessellschaft, the largest European organization in applied science and research to develop biochips for hepatitis C genotyping. Innongene also collaborates with Lynk Biotech, a Singapore biotechnology company that applies revolutionary technology in improving the quality of life and well beings, especially through transdermal preparation.
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Contact Details: Kalbiotech Pte Ltd Address: Kawasan Industri Delta Silicon, Jl. MH Thamrin Blok A3-I , Lippo - Cikarang, Bekasi 17550, Indonesia, P.O. Box 371, Bekasi 17037 Tel : +6221 89907333 Fax : +6221 89907360 URL: www.kalbe.co.id
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Industry Watch
Singapore
CordLife—Southeast Asia’s First AABB Accredited Cord Blood Bank
About the AABB Established in 1947, AABB is an international association of blood banks, including hospital and community blood centers, transfusion and cellular therapy services and individuals involved in activities related to transfusion and transplantation medicine. AABB supports high standards of medical, technical and administrative performance, scientific investigation, clinical application and education. It is dedicated to encouraging the voluntary donation of blood and other tissues and organs through education, public information and research. Approximately 1800 institutions (community and hospital blood banks, hospital transfusion services, cell therapy, cord blood banks, and laboratories) and 8000 individuals are members of AABB, including physicians, nurses, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel. Members are located in all 50 states in the USA and 80 foreign countries. About CordLife CordLife is a subsidiary of CyGenics, a leading stem cell biotechnology and immunotherapy company. The first private cord blood bank to be set up in Singapore, and among the first in Asia, CordLife’s start-of-the-art facility is the first in Southeast Asia to be accredited by AABB, and is the only bank to be so accredited in this region. About CyGenics CyGenics is a cell therapy company focused on the development and commercialisation of adult stem cell-related products, services, applications and technologies. From its headquarters in Australia, CyGenics operates four subsidiaries: Singapore-based CordLife (tissue banking services, in particular, cord blood banking) and Cell Sciences (consumable cell culture products), and Cytomatrix (cell therapeutics and technology development) based in Boston, USA, and CytoVations (new product development) based in New Jersey, USA.
Contact Details: Name: Tel: Email: URL:
Ian Brown +61 (0)3 9642 5580
[email protected] www.cygenics.com
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ordLife subsidiary of CyGenics Ltd had been granted the prestigious American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) accreditation. It is the first such bank in Southeast Asia to achieve this status. AABB is an international non-profit body dedicated to developing the highest standards in blood and cord blood banking, transfusion medicine and cellular therapy. Its very strict and comprehensive standards are today considered the world standard in these fields. Cordlife’s accreditation had been granted after an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained AABB assessors. During this audit, it was determined that CordLife’s level of medical, technical and administrative performance met or exceeded the standards set by the AABB. Only 35 private and public cord blood banks around the world have achieved this standard. “The way we qualify, collect, process, test, store, and even label our units, was very rigorously audited. From our very first sample, we have been adhering very strictly to the AABB’s high standards in everything we do. With our accreditation, that adherence has been formally recognised,” said Dr Toh Keng Kiat, CordLife’s laboratory director. “ The accreditation process extended even into nonlab functions such as sales, marketing and HR. Great emphasis was put on the accuracy of the marketing material used by the company. Everything that CordLife says or does in dealing with its customers, must be supported by technical and scientific data. “The voluntary AABB accreditation is not only necessary in today’s growing cell therapy market, but is the globally recognised standard for all operating cord blood banks. That CordLife is willing to undertake this expensive and time-intensive process, demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to quality,” said Steven Fang, Group CEO, CyGenics. “We are extremely pleased to have been granted this accreditation. From CordLife’s early days, the company had set for itself the goal of providing the best possible service to our customers. We have met or exceeded the AABB’s very stringent standards. Today, that commitment to quality has been validated.”
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Industry Watch
Taiwan
Taiwan's Medigen Collobarates with NZ's Pacific Edge Biotech
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edigen Biotechnology Corp has entered into an agreement to collaborate with Taiwan's New Zealand-based Pacific Edge Biotechnology Ltd to develop new cancer drug technology. Pacific Edge Biotechnology is a biomedical company specializing in the discovery and commercialization of diagnostics and prognostics for human cancer. The company identifies unique gene and protein signatures for targeted cancers. Under the agreement, Medigen will evaluate and develop Pacific Edge's cancer genes into new cancer drug technologies. Pacific Edge will pay Meidgen licensing fees, sponsored research payments, milestones and royalties on any commercialized drug the latter develops. Financial details of the agreement were not finalized yet. Pacific Edge has a large cancer gene database generated from its gene profiling programs which forms the cornerstone of the company's diagnostic and prognostic products development. The deal is seen by the Pacific Edge as an early validation of the commercial potential of its tumor gene profiling program. According to Pacific Edge, the agreement is significant as it has been developed from the company's gene database. It is not part of its core product development program which is the discovery and development of diagnostic and prognostic tools for cancer.
About Medigen Founded in 1999, Taiwan-based Medigen Biotechnology is a cancer drug development company focusing on the development of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of liver, lung, breast and gastric cancers.
About Pacific Edge Biotechnology Pacific Edge Biotechnology is a biomedical company that combines molecular biology, microarray technology and proteomics with proprietary access to tissue specimen banks to identify unique gene and protein signatures for targeted cancers. The company applies its unique combination of genetic expertise and research tools to produce novel genetic tools to improve the diagnosis and management of disease, in particular cancer. By providing rapid, accurate, and noninvasive diagnostic tools to clinicians, the company intends to facilitate reduced-cost, early detection of disease and to provide tools for the management of existing diseases.
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Contact Details: Medigen Biotechnology Corp Address: 5F, No. 611, Sec. 1, Wanshou Rd., Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County 333, Taiwan +886 2 8209 6998 Tel: +886 2 8200 3292 Fax:
[email protected] Email: www.medigen.com.tw URL:
Contact Details: Pacific Edge Biotech Address: Centre for Innovation, 87 St David Street, P O Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand Tel: +64 3 4795800 Fax : +64 3 4795801 Email:
[email protected] URL: www.pacificedgebiotech.com
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Industry Watch
Taiwan
Sagittarius Life Science Seeks Partner for Commercialization of New Products
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agittarius Life Science Corporation has recently completed Phase II clinical trials of its new product, SO101C. SO101C is a drug used for the prevention of bone fracture and osteoporosis. Sagittarius has already filed a patent for the product in 52 countries, including Taiwan, the US, Japan, Germany and mainland China. The company is now looking for research and development partners to commercialize the new product. The Taiwan-based biotechnology and pharmaceutical company is now looking for international licensing partners to take the herbal-based product onto further clinical trials and subsequent commercialization globally. The recently completed Phase II clinical trials at China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, consisted of a three-month, double-blinded, randomized study of 67 postmenopausal women. Results from the government-sponsored trials indicated that SO101C increased bone mass density in the lumbar spine (3.55 %) and femoral neck areas (5.36 %) of these women. Furthermore, the bone resorption marker, serum NTx, increased at 6 weeks (11.92 % up from baseline) dropping back slightly after 12 weeks (7.92 % up from baseline), while the bone formation marker, serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase, remained at the level of baseline at 6 weeks with an increased at 12 weeks (2.38 % up from baseline). This suggests that SO101C behaves as a bone remodeling cycle modulator with an “activation of osteoclast to remove microlesion, then depression of osteoclast, and then activation of osteoblast to fill the excavation” modality. “We believe that SO101C has great potential to be developed into an anti-aging agent for the prevention and treatment of bone fractures and osteoporosis,” commented Dr. S.Y. Liu, the chief scientist and head of research and development at Sagittarius. “We are confident that further development of the composition will result in a highly successful end product and a win-win situation benefiting any potential licensee,” said Liu. In earlier in-vitro assay and animal studies conducted by Sagittarius, it was demonstrated that SO101C stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts. In ovariectomized rats, high turnover rates of bone metabolism were returned to normal levels as assessed by histomorphometry, and BMD and bone mechanical strength were also increased to normal levels after 70 days’ treatment with SO101C. In a rabbit bone fracture study, SO101C facilitated the healing rate of the fracture significantly.
Contact Details: About Sagittarius Life Science Corp Sagittarius Life Science Corporation is a Taiwan-based biotechnology and pharmaceutical company whose mission is to develop Chinese herbal formulas that are effective, proven, safe and affordable. By addressing a variety of degenerative diseases and by combining state-of-the-art western technology with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), they formulate remedies that can contribute to, and make a positive difference in, the health care of society at large.
Sagittarius Life Science Corp Address: 19F-3, No.266, Sec. 1 Wen Hwa 2nd Rd, Linkou Hsiang, 244 Taipei Shien, Taiwan Tel: +886 2 2600 1288 Fax: +886 2 2600 1537 Email:
[email protected] URL: www.sagittarius.com.tw
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