Novartis collaboration boosts Epistem
Epistem, the biotechnology and research company based in Manchester, has posted a 90 per cent rise in like-for-like sales for the six months to 31 December, boosted by a research and development contract signed with pharmaceutical giant Novartis last April. The company posted a turnover of £2.8m for the period, up from £1.5m a year earlier. High staff numbers in its novel therapies division, which supports the Novartis collaboration, represented the company’s largest year-on-year cost increase.
Nanoco secures $2m milestone payment
Nanoco Group, the University of Manchester spinout company, which is a world leader in quantum dots, is set to receive a $2m milestone payment after receiving a key landmark in its supply and licence agreement with a major Japanese corporation. In a statement to the stock exchange, Nanoco said that the milestone was achieved after its quantum dots met a performance criteria specified by the corporation, which is developing next-generation LEDs for solid state lighting.
IS Pharma to acquire licence for Episil
Pharmaceutical business IS Pharma, based in Chester, will pay £1.59m to acquire the licence and distribution rights for Episil across Europe. Episil is a patented oral spray for the treatment of pain associated with oral mucositis, a side effect of cancer treatment. The product has been developed by Swedish life science business Camurus. The deal will be funded from IS Pharma’s existing cash balance and a draw down from its debt facilities.
Also, IS Pharma has sold two of its products for a combined cash consideration of £1.4m. The Chester business said the sale of Volplex and Isoplex, which are mature plasma substitute products, is in line with its strategy of developing, acquiring and commercialising late-stage speciality pharmaceutical and medical devices. It will use the cash generated to support and pursue high-margin patented products which have European potential.
Swedish company acquires Farfield Group
Crewe-based analytical instrument provider Farfield Scientific Group has been acquired by Swedish business Biolin Scientific for an undisclosed sum. Biolin said the deal will complement its product portfolio and provide new application opportunities in bioscience. Farfield’s products are scientific instruments based on its patented technology known as Dual Polarization interferometry.
Gentronix secures three-year Glaxo deal
Manchester-based university spin-out Gentronix has secured a three-year agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to provide its GreenScreen HC and BlueScreen HC genotoxicity assays for use by GSK in genotoxicity screening. The company, which has developed a human cell-based assay technology which gives an indication of whether or not a drug compound could damage genetic or cell structures, already had an agreement in place with the pharma giant from March 09, but the new deal extends the existing relationship between the firms.
Shares shot up for Provexis
Liverpool-based Provexis saw its share price rise by 14per cent to 6.59p on 9 March after it published the results of its Fruitflow product. Fruitflow, a tomato extract which counters clotting in the bloodstream, was tested against and with aspirin for its anti-thrombotic properties. The trial, which was conducted by Provexis, showed a 30 per cent reduction from baseline platelet aggregation in each of three different biological pathways.
A new milestone payment to Renovo of $5m from Shire
Renovo Group plc, announced on 2 March that it has revised its licensing deal with Shire for Juvista® and acquired from Shire the rights to sell and license Juvista in all territories other than the USA, Mexico and Canada. In 2007 Renovo and Shire signed a licensing agreement giving Shire the rights to sell Juvista throughout the world excluding the EU which Renovo retained. Juvista is currently in its first Phase III trial to support a European Marketing Authorisation. Renovo and Shire have agreed to simplify the current arrangements to better align both parties interests in making Juvista a successful product.
Assura sell medical services division
Warrington healthcare provider and property company Assura Group has sold a 75.1per cent stake in its medical services business to Virgin Healthcare. Assura will retain a 24.9per cent share in Assura Medical and receive a £4m loan note which it must reinvest. In November, the business announced plans to separate its joint-venture GP business from its property and pharmacy operations in order to accelerate the prospect of a return to dividend payments.
Also, Assura Group has secured a £30m facility from Santander to refinance its portfolio of 16 medical centres. The funding will enable the group to pay down some of their existing debt with NAB, more than a year ahead of schedule.
AstraZeneca suffer setback on lung cancer drug
AstraZeneca has suffered a setback after it announced that its lung cancer treatment Recentin had failed a clinical trial designed to compare it with rival drug Avastin. In a statement, Alan Barge of the company’s oncology division said of the Phase II/III trial ‘While we recognised that challenging Avastin would be a high hurdle, it is still disappointing not to have met the primary endpoint in this study’.
Also, as part of AstraZeneca’s consolidating activities, the number of people working in research and development at Alderley Park, the company’s largest UK R&D site, will increase as employees transfer from other sites.
Cyprotex ends takeover talks
Macclesfield-based Cyprotex Plc has ended talks with an unnamed third party interested in taking it over. The company, which test drugs for big pharma groups, told the stock exchange on 18 March that it is no longer in an offer period after it rejected the ‘unsolicited approach regarding a potential offer’ it received earlier this month.
Also, the company reported a 15 per cent drop in pre-tax profits after some of its larger customers cut spending on outsourcing. In at statement to the stock exchange, Cyprotex said pre-tax profit slipped to £460,413 last year from £542,262 in 2008. Despite this the company plans to invest £300,000 in new facilities and equipment, including doubling the main laboratory space, to enable it to expand into toxicology assays.
Qualoria secures research grant
Daresbury-based Qualoria have been awarded a proof-of-market grant as part of the Northwest Regional Development Agency Grant for Research and Development. The company, which specialises in producing software to connect research, development and commercial organisations has secured £18,800 through the initiative. Qualoria will work with market research consultancy company Inventya, to carry out the proof-of-market research. The grant is available to help investigate commercial potential where technology is at an early stage.
AMS optimistic about future growth
Advanced Medical Solutions, the Winsford-based developer of wound care products, said it has taken ‘major steps’ to exploit its growth opportunities despite posting lower full-year profits. The company, which recently rejected an offer for the business from Consort Medical, reported a pre-tax profit of £2.4m for the year to 31 December, down from £2.9m a year earlier. However, its profit before exceptional costs, which included new premises and an aborted acquisition was £4m.
Verna doubles sales of biodegradable washbowls
A desire among healthcare bosses to improve environmental performance is leading to increased sales for Bolton-based healthcare products supplier Verna Group. The company said that sales of its biodegradable single-use washbowl, which is made from recycled paper, have doubled in the past 12 months. The company’s pulp bed pans, urinals and patient care products are all made from recycled paper, and are disposed of using its own macerator machine that breaks down products using cold water.
Eden and Millipore partnership
Eden Biodesign and Millipore Corporation announced a partnership on 24 March, that will provide biopharmaceutical companies with access to a powerful combination of Eden’s cGMP manufacturing and Millipore’s Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Elements (UCOE(R)) expression technology. As part of this agreement, Eden Biodesign will employ Millipore’s proprietary UCOE(R) expression technology to undertake mammalian cell line development projects and cGMP production for third-party clients.
Kays Medical feels the force
Liverpool healthcare company Kays Medical is to supply Formula One team Force India with a new safety product. The company’s Hexafluorine product neutralises hydrofluoric acid that can be emitted from seals and tubing in and around the engine when a vehicle bursts into flames. Contact with hydrofluoric acid can cause severe burns and cardiac arrest.
Intellihep Ltd grows in the Merseybio Incubator
Intellihep Limited has expanded their activities within the MerseyBio Incubator. Intellihep is exploiting novel technologies and expertise to deliver new heparin-based glycans as novel drug leads in specific disease applications. Their in-house research and development activities will enable the company to develop their novel candidate molecules as Alzheimer therapeutics, as well as supporting strategic collaborative alliances with external partners on other disease areas.
Assura CEO stands down
The chief executive of Warrington-based healthcare company Assura Group, is set to leave just days after completing a deal with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin empire. Richard Burrell, who founded Assura in 2003 and led it to the stock market, has been replaced by chief financial officer Nigel Rawlings. As a result of the deal with Virgin, Mr Burrell is to join the board of Virgin Healthcare.
Byotrol appoints new chief executive
Manchester-based infection control products specialist Byotrol Plc, has named Dr Gary Millar as its new chief executive. Dr Millar, who will join the company on 1 April, has a background in speciality chemicals and started his career at ICI plc.
Euprotec seek Lab Technician
Euprotec Limited, a successful anti-infective CRO company based in Manchester, is looking to recruit a Laboratory Technician. Duties will include providing technical support in a range of project specific research activities, such as preparation of bacterial and fungal culture media, maintenance of fungal and bacterial stocks and quality control of culture medium. Basic microbiology techniques are preferred, but not essential as training will be given. For further information, or to submit a CV please email [email protected]
UMIC and UMIP join forces to host a BBSRC workshop
UMIC and UMIP will host a BBSRC-sponsored workshop on the morning of 21st April at the Core Technology Facility. The event will focus on informing young academic entrepreneurs of potential careers in start-up businesses and particularly, in the Life Sciences and Environmental business sectors. In addition, the organisations are preparing potential academic candidates at the post-graduate stages of their careers to enter the BBSRC-sponsored YES events. For further information and to book your place, please contact Alison Warren at [email protected].
BioTrinity 2010
Members of Bionow are invited to BioTrinity, Europe’s fastest growing BioPartnering and Investment Conference featuring a host of top 20 global pharma, innovative biotech and medtech R&D companies, investors, and other key industry leaders. BioTrinity will take place at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire between 12-14 April. Bionow Members can receive £50 off the registration fee, by entering ‘Bionow510’ at registration stage. For further information and programme visit www.biotrinity.com.
Funding success in Europe – Life Sciences
The Technology Strategy Board, together with partners, is holding a national event to inform UK life sciences businesses of the opportunities to gain investment. €53 billion is available from Europe through the Seventh Framework Programme for research and development in a range of sectors. This event will focus on funding opportunities in the life sciences and is aimed primarily at UK businesses, particularly small and medium sized enterprises, new to European funding programmes and those wishing to be informed of forthcoming opportunities. The event is taking place on 20 April at the Regent’s Park Conference Centre. For further information, and to register visit www.innovateuk.org/newsevents/events.ashx
KTN HcAI National Group Conference
Medilink NW and Medilink WM are hosting a joint national KTN sponsored event regarding HcAI’s on 29 April in Stoke-on-Trent. Following the launch of the ‘KTN National Special Interest Group for Infection Control’ in January 2009, the conference aims to bring together business, NHS and university professionals across healthcare disciplines with a broad interest in infection control. To register for this free event, please call 0121 452 5630, or email [email protected].
IBIZ2010 – 6-7 October
International Business Innovation Zone (IBIZ) 2010 will help UK Life Sciences companies identify new opportunities and meet international buyers. Companies attending will be able to explore the industry, discuss future plans and interact with counterparts discussing the latest innovations or ideas. UK Trade & Investment is hosting IBIZ and it is being held alongside Innovation EXPO 2010.
Updates on IBIZ2010 including meetings with international buyers, market opportunities and briefings, investment pitches, the seminar programme and availability of exhibitor showcases will be available by email. To request further information or to receive email updates, please contact [email protected]
How to access European grants for developing new products and services
Laser Technology North West are hosting a one-day workshop on 19 May at Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus, aimed primarily at SMEs. The workshop will dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding access to European grants for developing new products and services under the EU Framework Programmes. For further information and to register, please visit www.ltnw.co.uk
Bionow Networking Event 2010
Bionow are hosting a network evening in Manchester on Wednesday 16 June at the Core Technology Facility. If you wish to attend or require any further information please visit www.bionow.co.uk or contact Helen Williams at [email protected].
Two Northwest cluster organisations pick up national ‘Cluster Mark’ Awards
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is delighted to announce that two Northwest cluster organisations have received national recognition at the UK’s first-ever “Cluster Marks” ceremony held in London on 24 March. After taking the regional titles earlier in the year, both Bionow, and the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) have gone on to achieve national success. The “Cluster Mark” is a new award recognising the best of Britain’s manufacturing clusters and their valuable contribution to the country’s economic growth.
The Cluster Mark was established to raise the profile of various UK manufacturers involved in cluster activity and to help promote their local strengths internationally. The awards also aim to boost the reputation of the many manufacturing sector as a whole and highlight its importance to the British economy.
NDWA launches second phase of mentoring programme
The Northwest Regional Development Agency has launched the second phase of its free Business Mentoring Programme, designed to help leaders and senior managers of small businesses develop their leadership and management skills. The sessions are available to businesses with ten employees or fewer and an annual turnover of less than £500,000. For further information, please contact Business Link NW on 0845 00 66 888 or www.businesslinknw.co.uk/mentoring.
Constuction begins on Vanguard House
Construction of a major new facility for high-tech businesses is now underway. The Vanguard House development at the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, will provide 3,300 sq m of accommodation and heralds the next stage of development at the internationally recognised campus. Steven Broomhead Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, which is funding the project, officially broke the soil on the site which is set for completion in the first quarter of 2011.
UMIC welcomes the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
UMIC, the facilities management and business support provider for the University of Manchester, was delighted to welcome Lord Mandelson, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Core Technology Facility on 12 March. Lord Mandelson met with the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Alan North and Robert Hough, Chair of the Northwest Regional Development Agency and found out how UMIC, the University and NWDA work in partnership to support innovative and enterprising research and nurture and develop early stage and start-up companies.
Clinical trials firm look at Oxford Road location
An international clinical trials company is considering a move to Manchester’s Oxford Road corridor. Jackie Potter, chief executive of Corridor Manchester, told delegates at MIPIM that the unnamed firm had visited Manchester and one other possible location, understood to be Asia, to discuss setting up a new facility. The £54m earmarked package of works designed to take traffic off Oxford Road will begin this year and be complete by 2012.
MedTECH Centre launched at Manchester Science Park
Phase one of a new, unique development facility for early stage medical technology companies has been set up on the Manchester Science Park. The MedTECH Centre, with its purpose designed environment, will provide the optimum location for new and growing companies that specialise in developing medical technologies and want improved access to the NHS and general healthcare market.
New study to show how our body clock controls disease
New treatments for inflammatory lung diseases and a host of other conditions could be developed following a study into the impact of circadian rhythms – or body clock – at The University of Manchester. In a partnership between the University of Manchester, the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and GlaxoSmithKline, a team of scientists will investigate how our biological clock controls inflammation in lung diseases such Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is hoped that this project, worth more than £500,000, will lead to the development of new drugs which will target how the internal body clock regulated the severity of inflammation.
Anti-obesity drugs unlikely to provide lasting benefit according to scientists
Scientists at the University of Liverpool argue that anti-obesity drugs fail to provide lasting benefits for health and wellbeing because they tackle the biological consequences of obesity, and not the important psychological causes of overconsumption and weight gain. Dr Jason Halford, Reader in Appetite and Obesity at the University, points out that anti-obesity drug developers focus primarily on weight loss as their end goal, and do not take into consideration the motivational and behavioural factors that most commonly cause obesity.
Dementia study launched within the Deaf community
Researchers at the University of Manchester have launched a unique project to improve early diagnosis and management if dementia among Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL). The research, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society, will examine how to identify dementia in Deaf people and explore how they might best cope with their condition. The study will also investigate how to provide support services for the deaf community and develop assessment tools in BSL.
Scientists make tiny new magnets from old bugs
Scientists in Manchester have found a clean and green way of making tiny magnets for high tech gadgets – using natural bacteria that have been around for millions of years. The work by a team of geomicrobiologists from the University of Manchester paves the way for nanometersize magnets to be made without the usual nasty chemicals and energy intensive methods.
