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Merck KGaA completes Millipore acquisition: Merck Chemicals now comprises two new divisions: Merck Millipore and Performance Materials.
Gene on chromosome 21 seems to be involved in cardiac arythmia: Researchers of the AMC found strong evidence that one particular gene can predict heart arythmia after a heart attack.
LSCA welcomes big pharma and invests in proof-of-concept projects. It´s our business!: In the first half of 2010, the Life Sciences Center Amsterdam (LSCA) welcomed three international big pharma companies.
New service for orphan drug development: PSR has launched a new service and dedicated website, OrphanIQ. OrphanIQ is a quick and easy way for companies involved in Orphan Drug development to ask a short question on a variety of topics without the need for setting up time-consuming agreements and contracts.
Center for children's oncology in Amsterdam: The national children's oncology center (KNOC), the start of which was announced earlyer this year, will be established on the terrain of the Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AvL) in Amsterdam.
GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab amend ofatumumab agreement: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Genmab A/S announced an amendment to the ofatumumab co-development and commercialization agreement.
Mead Johnson settles in Amsterdam: Mead Johnson Nutricion, woldwide marketleader in baby food, has opened its new European headquerters in Amsterdam on July 1st.
Van der Hoeven continues to support innovation in food: The programme Food & Nutrition Delta (FND) is being continued until 2014.
Abbott sells former Solvay flu-vaccine business: Abbott Laboratories is seeking a buyer for the flu-vaccine business it picked up in its recent purchase of Solvay SA's pharmaceutical unit. The deal could be worth €500 million.
Ablynx wins second European Mediscience Award: Ablynx has won the award for 'Best Technology' at the 2010 European Mediscience Awards for the second time in two years.
ABMC granted subsidy to accelerate growth: According to a bio-cluster benchmark study by InnoTact Consulting the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has all the necessary ingredients to grow into an internationally leading bio-cluster.
Eberhard van der Laan mayor of Amsterdam: Amsterdam City Council have selected former Integration Minister Eberhard van der Laan as the final candidate for the position of mayor of Amsterdam.
Immunotherapy against skin cancer: An AMC researcher has discovered that seeded melanoma, an agressive form of skin cancer that is difficult to treat, can be fought by artificially inducing a different skin condition: vitiligo.
Almere starts company building Bipharma: Mayor of Almere Annemarie Jorritsma will officially start the building of company building Bipharma on June 25.
FDA approves new HIV test Abott: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an innovative new diagnostic tool which will allow HIV patients to be diagnosed earlier than ever before.
Gamida, Teva get FDA fast-track status for StemEx: Gamida Cell said its joint venture with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has gained FDA fast-track status for the development of StemEx.
European headquarters Fonterra to Amsterdam: The New Zeeland dairy company Fonterra is moving its European headquarters from Hamburg (Germany) to Amsterdam.
It’s now or never, in China!: The Dutch Life Sciences Week, held in Shanghai from June 13 till 18, offered a perfect introduction to business opportunities in China today.
Tranzyme Pharma and Norgine jointly develop product: Tranzyme Pharma and Norgine have entered into a licensing agreement that provides Norgine with the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Tranzyme’s novel ghrelin agonist, ulimorelin, in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, South Africa and North Africa.
Van de Winkel CEO Genmab: Prof. Jan G.J. van de Winkel is the new Chief Executive Officer at Genmab.
Genzyme’s Alemtuzumab granted Fast Track Status: Genzyme Corporation announced that its alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis development program has been granted Fast Track status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This designation covers patients with relapsing-remitting forms of the disease.
Sanquin and NKI win Amsterdam Inventor Award: Sanquin and NKI have received the Amsterdam Inventor Award. The winner was announced at the Amsterdam Inventor Dinner on June 10.
Agendia disappointed in Dutch innovation policy: Agendia in Amsterdam, developer of Mammaprint, is focussing its attention more and more on the United States in stead of the Netherlands.
Red Herring Top 100 award for BMEYE: BMEYE, the innovator of combined noninvasive, beat-to-beat blood pressure and cardiac output monitoring, received the prestigious European Red Herring Top 100 Award 2010.
AMT Reports Positive Data from Glybera Study: Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) reports new data showing that it’s lead product Glybera results in break-down of chylomicrons in lipoprotein lipase deficient (LPLD) patients.
Merck aims for FDA approval of 5 drug candidates: Merck & Co. said it will apply for FDA approval of extended-release diabetes drug Janumet, hepatitis C treatment boceprevir and three other medicines this year to make up for losing $4.7 billion when generic versions of its asthma drug Singulair reach the market in 2012.
Amsterdam engine of Noord-Holland economy: Amsterdam is the drawer of the economy of the province Noord-Holland this year. According to ING, the city's economy will grow 2% this year, more than in the rest of the province.
Zilveren Kruis covers Agendia's MammaPrint: Zilveren Kruis is the first Dutch health insurance company to cover Agendia's MammaPrint.
4 million for childhood cancer research: The Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding) will finance a joint research programme of EKZ/AMC Amsterdam and the Erasmus MC Sophia children's hospital in Rotterdam.
Continuation of TI Pharma remains uncertain: The continuation of TI Pharma remains uncertain after a meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 28.
Biogen, Abbott advance MS drug trial: Biogen Idec will pay Abbott Laboratories $30 million to advance a new phase 3 trial for a drug candidate targeting multiple sclerosis. The two companies announced Monday that the study’s first patient had been enrolled.
Teva Targets Roche’s Rituxan in Drug Trial: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is testing a copy of Roche Holding AG’s second-biggest-selling drug Rituxan.
Genzyme gets FDA approval of drug for Pompe disease: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted U.S. marketing approval for Genzyme's drug Lumizyme for patients age 8 and older with non-infantile Pompe disease.
Promising data on AMT gene therapy study: Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) reported positive preclinical data from a study using an AAV gene therapy product to lower cholesterol.
Dutch pavillion at BIO Malaysia: NFIA Malaysia is planning to organize a Dutch pavilion at Bio Malaysia 2010 to showcase Dutch technology and know-how as well as what the country has to offer as a gateway to Europe.
New VU study combines science, business and innovation: VU announces that NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders, has accredited the bachelor Science, Business & Innovation (SBI).
Fornix sells Dutch Allergy Division to ALK-Abelló: Fornix is planning to sell its Dutch Allergy Division to ALK-Abelló. The only condition precedent to which the transaction remains subject is shareholders’ approval.
Pepscan acquires stake in Immunovo: Pepscan is to receive a minority stake in Immunovo as part of the companies agreement to partner on development of Pepscan’s therapeutic vaccine portfolio.
Van Deventer appointed to Supervisory Board of AMT: Professor Sander van Deventer has been appointed to the Supervisory Board of Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, a leader in the field of human gene therapy.
SynCo expands agreement with OncoMed to manufacture cancer stem cell antibodies: SynCo Bio Partners has expanded its current agreement with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, a company developing novel therapeutics that target cancer stem cells.
Regional promotion at BIO Chicago: The Amsterdam BioMed Cluster and the Life Sciences Center Amsterdam (LSCA) represented the Amsterdam region at the BIO International Convention 2010.
Putting the Netherlands on the map at BIO Chicago: This year’s BIO International Convention held in Chicago from 3 to 6 May attracted 15.322 visitors, making it the most important international network event for life sciences.
Tumour grows with the help of its environment: Cancer stem cell activity may not merely be an intrinsic characteristic of a subset of cancer cells. It could be regulated by environmental cues.
The Netherlands most attractive for foreign companies: The Netherlands is the cheapest country for foreign companies wishing to establish themselves in Europe.
Competition for innovative business plans: Entrepreneurs who want to start an innovative business are invited to enter business plan competition New Venture.
City of Amsterdam launches Chinese website: Amsterdam inbusiness, the foreign investment agency of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, has launched a Chinese-language website.
New credit for AMT: Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) will receive an Innovation Credit of up to 4 million euro.
Teva to acquire ratiopharm: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ratiopharm.
Marcel Levi proposed as successor Louise Gunning: Prof. Dr. Marcel Levi has been proposed by the Supervisory Board of the Academic Medical Center (AMC) to succeed prof. dr. Louise Gunning as President of the Board of Directors.
OncoMethylome Appoints Dr. Jan Groen as CEO: OncoMethylome Sciences SA announced today that its board of directors has named Dr. Jan Groen to serve as the company's chief executive officer.
NWO awards 14 Rubicon grants: The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded 14 Rubicon grants in the area of life sciences.
AMC research shows that HIV subverts innate signaling: HIV, the virus that causes aids, uses the immune system to multiply itself. This unexpected discovery by the group of prof. dr. Teunis Geijtenbeek of the Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine in the AMC was published this week in Nature Immunology.
AMC to lead artificial pancreas programme: Amsterdam University's medical centre said on Tuesday it is to lead a European project to develop an artificial pancreas for people with type 1 diabetes. The consortium, made up of seven academic institutions and five private companies, will work on the project for the next four years. It has been given €10.5m in funding by the European Commission.
Agendia Launches BluePrint(TM) Expanding Breast Cancer Product Offering: Agendia, a world leader in molecular cancer diagnostics, today announced that its breast cancer product offering, consisting of breast cancer recurrence test MammaPrint(R), and TargetPrint(TM), has been expanded with BluePrint (TM) to report important additional information on tumor subtypes. This new service is based on an 80-gene signature that identifies the basal-like, luminal-like, and HER2 molecular subtypes in breast cancer tumors.
Agendia to Play Pivotal Role in ISPY-2 Trial for Breast Cancer: Agendia, a world leader in molecular cancer diagnostics, announced today it will participate in the highly anticipated I-SPY 2 TRIAL for breast cancer, set to launch at the first of nearly twenty research sites.
AMOLF opens new laboratory: AMOLF’s new laboratory on the Science Park Amsterdam was opened by Jos Engelen, chairman of the Governing Board of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
Philips and VU Medical Center Amsterdam sign long term research agreement aimed at new multi-modality imaging solutions: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) and the VU University Medical Center (VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) announced that they have signed an agreement to jointly research new multi-modality imaging solutions.
NKI-AVL receives a €4,5M for new Cancer Systems Biology Centre: The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL) received a EUR 4,5 million grant from the NWO for a new research center focused on understanding and mapping the complicated regulatory mechanisms involved in the appearance and behavior of breastcancer.
Abbott completes acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals: After triggering and only recently resolving some anti-trust concerns in Europe, Abbott announced that it has completed its $6.2 billion acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, “providing Abbott with a large and complementary portfolio of pharmaceutical products and expanding Abbott’s presence in key global emerging markets.”
8200 New innovation vouchers available in 2010: The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs issued 6200 public and 2000 private new innovationvouchers. The vouchers can already be applied for at Agentschap NL
Cooperation agreement signed for Life Sciences Innovation Platform in Flevoland: The platform aims to create a framework in which development and innovation within the region have a better chance of success.
Dutch biotech rising in world rankings: 20 January 2010 - The Life Sciences & Health Innovation Program (LSH) and the Nyenrode Life Sciences & Healthcare Institute presented the first Biotech Outlook, in which the Dutch cluster in the field of ‘red’ biotech was compared with the international leaders (seven clusters).
Sanquin and ViroPharma expand agreement on licensing, commercialization and development rights for Cinryze(TM): January 11, 2010 - ViroPharma Incorporated (Nasdaq: VPHM) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation for rights to develop, file regulatory dossiers, and commercialize Cinryze(TM) (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) for hereditary angioedema (HAE) as well as for potential new indications in certain European and rest of world (ROW) territories.
NKI-AVL opens new clinic to allow for growth: January 8, 2010 - The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek will open temporary housing for the treatment of more patients.
Life Sciences Pre-Seed Grant: Call open for submissions: January 7, 2010 - The fifth round of the Life Sciences Pre-Seed Grant, is now open for submissions. All Life Sciences researchers thinking about starting up a company are invited to submit an application.
AMT Receives Innovation Credit from Dutch Government for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: January 6, 2010 - Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (Euronext: AMT), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced today that it will receive an Innovation Credit of up to €4 million from the Dutch government to support the development of AMT’s gene therapy treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The credit is granted by SenterNovem, an agency of the Dutch Ministry of Economic affairs.
OncoMethylome's Technology is being used in Roche Clinical Trial Program with Avastin: January 6, 2010 - OncoMethylome Sciences (Euronext Brussels: ONCOB, Euronext Amsterdam: ONCOA) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Roche for MGMT gene promoter methylation testing in a Phase III clinical trial for the use of Avastin in newly diagnosed glioblastoma brain tumors.
Skyline Diagnostics raises EUR 5 million in Series B financing: January 6, 2010 - Skyline Diagnostics today announced the successful closing of a Euro 5 million Series B investment. The round was led by Vesalius Biocapital and joined by existing investors Erasmus MC Biomedical Fund and LSP (Life Sciences Partners).
Pharming Obtains Euro 7.5 Million Financing: January 05, 2010 - Biotech company Pharming Group NV (NYSE Euronext: PHARM) today announced that it has secured a convertible debt financing of €7.5 million.
to-BBB and Lundbeck to join forces on brain delivery of antibodies for CNS diseases: December 22, 2010 - to-BBB, the Dutch drug brain delivery company, and the pharmaceutical company H. Lundbeck A/S are entering into a research collaboration to evaluate delivery of antibodies to the brain for Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases. This research could provide the backbone of new emerging therapies for unserved brain diseases.
13 AMOLF projects funded within FES program for nano/bio-technology: December 21, 2009 - The Dutch cabinet has decided to award a budget of 125 million euro to the technology program 'Towards a sustainable open innovation ecosystem'. AMOLF has contributed 13 projects proposals to this program, to a total amount of 3 million euro. This program will enable AMOLF to strengthen its activities in nano/biosciences as well as renewable energy.
EUR 81 million for Dutch Life Sciences and Health Sector: 21 December 2009 - The Dutch Life Sciences and Health sector receives EUR 81 million from the National Structure Reinforcement Funds (FES).
Preparation of Pharma business for spin-out Avantium: 16 December 2009-Avantium announced the appointment of Gunnar Staaf as Chief Executive Officer of its pharmaceutical business.
AMT successfully raises EUR 5 million: 16 December 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) announces that it has successfully raised EUR 5 million of new funds via a private placement of convertible bonds (the “Bonds”) to its anchor investor Forbion Capital Partners of Naarden, The Netherlands.
Avantium's Crystalline received GIO award: 11 December 2009-Avantium's Crystalline received the Dutch Good Industrial Design (GIO 2009) award at the annual award ceremony of the Dutch design network, Designlink.
TNO steps into microdosing: 10 December 2009-TNO has signed a contract to purchase an Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS), a tool that supports microdosing studies in humans.
MAXAM Medical wins prize: 10 December 2009-MAXAM Medical won the prize for ‘Best Business Presentation’ at the Life Sciences Capitals investors forum of the Life Sciences Capitals 2009 congress.
Leiden Bio Science Park receives Mibiton Quality certificate: 10 December 2009-During the Life Sciences Capitals congress, which was held November 9th in Leiden, the Leiden Bio Science Park received the Quality Certificate because over the years Mibiton invested most in innovative companies at the Leiden Bio Science Park.
Legionella chip wins Prize: 9 December 2009-The TNO Legionella chip has won the first innovation prize awarded by the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO).
BAC and Atoll team up: 8 December 2009-BAC BV and Atoll GmbH have teamed up to offer BAC's Antibody Toolbox resins in a diverse set of prepacked columns.
PROXY Laboratories and Mibiton invest in equipment: 7 December 2009-PROXY recently invested in state of the art analytical and manufacturing equipment to speed up the product development process of her clients.
Genmab announces RG1507 update: 4 December 2009-Genmab A/S announced that Roche has informed Genmab that it will discontinue development of RG1507, a monoclonal antibody directed against the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R).
Genzyme to reopen enrollment in ATAP: 3 December 2009-Genzyme Corporation announced that it will reopen enrollment in the Alglucosidase Alfa Temporary Access Program (ATAP), a program which provides access to treatment for severely affected adults with Pompe disease prior to commercial approval of Lumizyme™ (alglucosidase alfa).
IFF opens new facility for flavors and fragrances businesses: 3 December 2009-International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. announced the opening of a new facility in Russia, a 460-square-meter building that provides the environment and tools to support the company’s creative, technical and customer support teams.
Pepscan appoints new CEO: 2 December 2009-Pepscan Holding NV, the Netherlands based biotechnology company focusing on protein mimicking technology for the generation of immune therapeutics, announced that it has appointed Wim E.M. Mol as new Chief Executive Officer.
TET Systems and AMC/STW enter into an assignment agreement: 2 December 2009-Scientists at the AMC have previously developed a novel series of reverse transactivators with improved properties. Under the terms of the agreement, AMC and STW assign the rights to the eight patent applications covering these new Tet transactivators to TSH for commercialisation.
AMT announces management changes: 2 December 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced a number of management changes reflecting the refocused strategy of the company announced in its third quarter update on 18 November 2009.
Medicare Administrator establishes reimbursement coding policy for MammaPrint®: 1 December 2009-Agendia announced that Palmetto GBA, California’s Part B Medicare administrator, has established coding guidelines for the Agendia’s Breast Cancer Recurrence Test MammaPrint®.
Kiadis Pharma announces enrollment of first patients in registration study: 30 November 2009-Biopharmaceutical company Kiadis Pharma announced that the first patients have been enrolled in its multinational registration clinical trial with ATIR™.
Probably wider rules for CRTs on children: 26 November 2009-State secretary Bussemaker considers adaptation of the law on medical scientific research performed on children.
Jan Visschers wins the STW entrepreneurship workshop: 19 November 2009-The Technologiestichting STW Workshop on Entrepreneurship took place on 17 and 18 November at the UvA’s new Science Faculty building at the Science Park Amsterdam.
Kreatech Diagnostics appoints new management: 18 November 2009-Kreatech Diagnostics appointed Kees Moonen, MA, MBA as Chief Executive Officer and Daan Ellens Ph.D. as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
New consortium paves the way for improved treatment of hypertension: 17 November 2009-Top Institute Pharma, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Erasmus Medical Centre and Maastricht University have formed a consortium to define new modalities for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and associated vascular complications such as heart and kidney failure, myocardial infarction and stroke.
Abbott to acquire novel investigational biologic to treat chronic pain: 12 November 2009-Abbott will acquire the global rights to PanGenetics BV's PG110 fully humanized antibody to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), expanding the company's pain care portfolio and leveraging its expertise in biologics.
AMT successful in preclinical treatment of DMD: 11 November 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, a leader in the field of human gene therapy, has successfully treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in an animal model with its proprietary gene therapy.
UvA and AMC researchers receive grant: 11 November 2009-The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded 14 young post-doctorate researchers a Veni grant in order to conduct research at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) or AMC.
Genmab will start phase III study: 9 November 2009-Genmab will initiate a Phase III study of Arzerra™ ofatumumab plus chemotherapy versus rituximab plus chemotherapy to treat patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
TNO and Seventh Wave sign letter of intent: 9 November 2009-TNO, a Dutch contract research organisation, and Seventh Wave, an American organisation for contract research and consultancy, have signed a letter of intent with regard to TNO’s dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal models 'TIM'.
Porsolt and Metris sign agreement: 5 November 2009-Porsolt and Partners Pharmacology (Porsolt) and Metris have entered into a global co-marketing agreement to promote preclinical screening services using Laboras, a non-invasive technology for automatic and comprehensive in vivo behavioral characterization of drug candidates.
Therapeutic HPV vaccine to enter phase III clinical trials: 5 November 2009-ISA Pharmaceuticals B.V. and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) published positive results from a clinical phase II study with the Synthetic Long Peptide (SLP®)-based therapeutic vaccine to treat patients with Human Papilloma Virus induced neoplasia (SLP-HPV-01).
Philips and healthcare insurer partner to increase patient independence: 4 November 2009-Royal Philips Electronics and Achmea Health, the largest healthcare insurer in the Netherlands, signed a five-year agreement to cooperate in the development of innovative care solutions aimed at increasing the independence of chronic patients.
New Merck begins operations: 4 November 2009-The new Merck & Co., Inc. is, after the merger with Schering-Plough Corporation, a global health care leader aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long term shareholder value.
Life Sciences Center Amsterdam granted EFRO subsidy: 4 November 2009-The Life Sciences Center Amsterdam (LSCA) has received a grant of €2.1M from the European Fund for Regional Development. The objective of the Center is to gain further economical and social spin off from Amsterdam’s strong biomedical knowledge base.
to-BBB and Genzyme will collaborate: 3 November 2009-to-BBB, the Dutch brain drug delivery company, has entered into a research collaboration with Genzyme Corporation to evaluate to-BBB’s proprietary G-Technology™ to safely enhance delivery of biologics for neurodegenerative diseases.
Quintiles announces clinical pharmacology alliance with Astrazeneca: 2 November 2009-Quintiles has entered into in an industry-leading clinical pharmacology alliance with AstraZeneca to deliver AstraZeneca’s clinical pharmacology studies across multiple therapy areas and around the globe.
BAC BV expands alliance with Octapharma Group: 2 November 2009-BAC BV, the leading provider of antibody-based affinity purification technology, has entered into a licence agreement with Octapharma (Switzerland) to use BAC’s anti-Factor IX CaptureSelect® affinity ligand in the large scale purification of recombinant Factor IX (FIX).
Dutch Life Sciences Week at World Expo 2010 Shanghai: check it out!: 2 November 2009-From June 14 until June 18 2010, the Dutch Life Sciences Week will take place at the World Expo in Shanghai.
“Amsterdam Human Capital” to beat worldwide war for talent: 2 November 2009-Within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area two critical sectors, life sciences and ICT, experience a shortage of talent.
Quintiles announces strategic alliance with Eisai: 30 October 2009-Quintiles announced a strategic alliance with leading global pharmaceutical company Eisai Co., Ltd. (Japan) to develop six potential oncology products in Eisai’s R&D pipeline.
Sign Best Business Park 2009 unveiled: 30 October 2009-The sign Best Business Park 2009 was unveiled at the Leiden Bio Science Park, which was recently awarded Best Existing Business Park 2009 in the Netherlands.
AMT starts development LPLChip(TM) with Progenika: 29 October 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) and Progenika Biopharma have entered into a development and commercialisation agreement for LPLchipTM, a diagnostic tool to rapidly diagnose patients with complete and partial lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD).
BioPortEurope kick off: 26 October 2009-The first introductory meeting of BioPortEurope proved to be a success with enthusiastic response from regional financial and business services companies.
GSK and Genmab receive accelerated approval for Arzerra: 26 October 2009-GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Genmab announced the accelerated approval of ArzerraTM (ofatumumab) from the US Food and Drug Administration for use in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that is refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab.
Merck and Schering-Plough receive approval for merger: 23 October 2009-Merck & Co., Inc. and Schering-Plough Corporation have received clearance from the European Commission (EC) under the EC Merger Regulation for their proposed merger.
NYSE Euronext welcomes Cryo-Save: 22 October 2009-Cryo-Save Group N.V., the Dutch-based leading European stem cell storage bank, completed its listing on NYSE Euronext’s Amsterdam market.
VIRGO Consortium wins NGI Valorisation Award 2009: 20 October 2009-The VIRGO Consortium serves as an outstanding example of an academic research centre creating a benefit for the Dutch society and economy through partnerships with leading national and international companies and governments.
Market access in Health sector explained: 15 October 2009-On October 15, delegates from some 60 (international) Small and Medium Enterprises from the field of life sciences and medical technology joined the seminar “Market acces for Health sector” organised by Seijgraaf Consultancy, together with the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam and Syntens.
Galapagos successfully completes placement of new ordinary shares: 16 October 2009-Galapagos NV has successfully raised €18.2 million through an accelerated bookbuild offering of 2,125,925 new ordinary shares (the “Shares”) at a price of €8.55 per Share. The proceeds will be used to accelerate clinical product development.
Pfizer acquires Wyeth: 15 October 2009-Pfizer has completed its acquisition of Wyeth following the receipt of regulatory approval from all government authorities required by the merger agreement and approval by Wyeth shareholders.
ClinTec International expands MENA operation: 14 October 2009-ClinTec International, a clinical research organisation (CRO), announced the official launch of its Cairo office.
GlaxoSmithKline and Prosensa form alliance: 13 October 2009-GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Prosensa, the Dutch based biopharmaceutical company focusing on RNA modulating therapeutics, have entered into an exclusive worldwide collaboration for the development and commercialisation of RNA based therapeutics for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
AMT receives EMEA Orphan Drug Designation: 13 October 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced that the European Medicines Agency has granted Orphan Drug Designation to AMT's gene therapy product AMT-080 for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Mibiton invests in NSure’s laboratory facilities: 9 October 2009-Wageningen based quality inspection laboratory NSure is investing in new laboratory facilities with the help of Mibiton funds.
Hospira and Celltrion enter Business Cooperation Agreement: 8 October 2009-Hospira, the world leader in generic injectable pharmaceuticals, signed a Business Cooperation Agreement with South Korea-based Celltrion and Celltrion Healthcare, which outlines the business terms of a future distribution agreement for the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada for eight biogeneric products.
Leiden Bio Science Park best businesspark 2009: 8 October 2009-Leiden won the prize for its daring choice to specialize in biomedical life science and making a success out of it.
The UvA climbs World Ranking: 8 October 2009-The University of Amsterdam (UvA), as it has in previous years, ranks as the best University in the Netherlands in the recently published THE QS World University Rankings 2009, the annual survey of the world's best universities.
BMEYE B.V. completes euro 6 million Series B financing round: 7 October 2009-BMEYE B.V., the non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring company, succesfully completed its Series B financing round raising euro 6 million.
SPACE awarded PID grant: 6 October 2009-Science Park Amsterdam Center for Entrepreneurs (SPACE) has been awarded the Pieken in de Delta grant to further develop and run their Linking Science with Business program in which business students from the entrepreneurship specialisation team up with researchers from the Science Faculty and Science Park NWO institutes to workout business cases and business plans for the commercialisation of innovations.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2009: 5 October 2009-The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2009 jointly to E.H. Blackburn, C.W. Greider and J.W. Szostak for the discovery of "how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase".
Access to the Thomson Pharma database: 2 October 2009-Life Sciences & Health (LSH) initiated a consortium for access to a leading competitive intelligence database on pharmaceuticals, Thomson Pharma.
ORCA Therapeutics licenses oncolytic adenovirus technology from VCN Biosciences: 28 September 2009-ORCA Therapeutics BV, a biopharmaceutical company in the field of virotherapy, has obtained an exclusive license from VCN Biosciences SL of Gelida (Barcelona), Spain, to their T1 oncolytic adenovirus technology for the treatment of cancer.
Johnson & Johnson and Crucell announce strategic collaboration: 28 September 2009-Crucell N.V. and Johnson & Johnson, through its subsidiary Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have entered into a strategic collaboration focusing on the discovery, development and commercialisation of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Abbott to purchase Solvay Pharmaceuticals: 28 September 2009-Abbott Laboratories will take over Solvay Pharmaceuticals for more than $6.5 billion.
Abbott joins bidding for Solvay drug unit: 25 September 2009-Abbott Laboratories is a strong competitor to purchase the pharmaceutical unit of Belgian conglomerate Solvay SA, setting up a potential showdown with rival bidder Nycomed for a deal that could be valued at €4-5 billion.
AMT appoints new Chief Executive Officer: 24 September 2009-AMT (Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics), a leader in human gene therapy, announced the appointment of Jörn Aldag as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting October 5.
Genzyme’s Campath meets primary endpoint in Phase 3 combination therapy trial: 24 September 2009-Genzyme Corporation announced that its randomised Phase 3 clinical trial investigating Campath® (alemtuzumab) in combination with Fludara® (fludarabine phosphate) in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients met its primary endpoint by demonstrating a significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS).
Bruker BioSpin and Philips sign Memorandum of Understanding: 23 September 2009-Royal Philips Electronics and Bruker BioSpin, a division of Bruker Corporation, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) scanners, a new imaging technology, for the preclinical market.
Agendia raises US $23 million in series E financing: 22 September 2009-Agendia, a world leader in molecular cancer diagnostics, announced the successful closing of a US $23 million series E investment.
Nycomed makes 4-4.5 billion euro Solvay bid: 21 September 2009-For Nycomed Solvay offers a complementary portfolio of drugs with similar-sized markets, a greater foothold in emerging markets, and the chance to reap big cost savings.
NCSB Kick-Off Symposium: 21 September 2009-The Netherlands Institute for Systems Biology, corresponding partner of the new NGI Genomics Center “Netherlands Consortium Systems Biology, NCSB”, invites you to an introduction of this new science essential for developing effective drugs and therapies for major ailments.
20 mln to brain and cognition research: 21 September 2009-The government supports research on brains and cognition with €20 mln.
Amsterdam University College officially opens: 18 September 2009-Amsterdam University College (AUC) officially opens its doors on Tuesday 22 September 2009.
LSH sets up web portal for Dutch life sciences: 17 September 2009-In the coming months the website of Life Sciences & Health (LSH) will convert to a national web portal for the entire Dutch life sciences sector.
Amsterdam popular with foreign companies: 17 September 2009-Despite the financial crisis, over 60 international companies settled in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area during the last eight months.
Developing country partners for innovation and prosperity: 10 September 2009-The so-called 'Rest of the World' has most of the people, most of the health problems, and most of the economic growth.
Solvay's production facility for influenza vaccins validated and operational: 9 September 2009-Solvay announced that its affiliate Solvay Biologicals has completed the validation for its cell-based production facility following a successful inspection by the Dutch authorities.
Join the Investor Forum at Life Sciences Capitals 2009: 7 September 2009-The Investor Forum, which will be held December 9 at Life Sciences Capitals 2009 in Leiden, offers excellent opportunities to present your company to all major Dutch Life Sciences investors and discuss your business strategy, technology directions and capital raising plan.
€135 mln for knowledge workers: 4 September 2009-Companies and knowledge institutes will receive a subsidy of €135 mln for 128 projects to detach researchers.
Merck launches tafluprost in international markets: 3 September 2009-Merck & Co., Inc. has launched SAFLUTAN® (tafluprost) in the United Kingdom and Spain, and additional launches in other countries are expected over the next several months, pending regulatory approvals.
Dr. Ivo Claassen receives Dieter Luetticken Award 2008 for Alternatives in Animal Testing: 3 September 2009-The Dieter Luetticken Award 2008 for alternatives in animal testing was presented to Dr. Ivo Claassen for developing an alternative quality control method for poultry vaccines at the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) in Lelystad (the Netherlands).
Gen2 medical communications forms a business partnership with Veriscience Inc: 1 September 2009-Gen2 medical communications announces the formation of a partnership with the Canada based Veriscience, Inc.
Announcement travel trade to Germany: 31 August 2009-exportimpulse! and BioFramind organise a travel trade for the Dutch SMEs in red biotechnology to Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Mibiton invests €1.8 mln: 31 August 2009-Mibiton will invest €1.8 mln euro in two Life Sciences facilities in the regions Leiden and Wageningen.
Neuroscience Campus receives €6.6 mln for international research: 24 August 2009-The Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam receives €6.6 mln for the Erasmus Mundus program. Within this program, research on brain diseases, like Alzheimer and Multiple Sclerosis, will be done.
Hippocampus leads ventral striatum in replay of place-reward information: 18 August 2009-Researchers of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (University of Amsterdam) demonstrate that a combination of spatial and emotional aspects of a learning experience is replayed in the hippocampus and the ventral striatum during sleep, which is likely to contribute to the consolidation and strengthening of memory traces.
Bayer CropScience acquires Athenix Corp.: 17 August 2009-Bayer CropScience has entered into an agreement to purchase Athenix Corp., a privately-held independent biotechnology company headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
Prosensa receives notice of allowance for key patent related to lead compound in development for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: 17 August 2009-Prosensa, the Dutch based biopharmaceutical company focusing on RNA modulating therapeutics, has received notice of allowance for a US patent protecting the composition of matter of its lead compound PRO-051.
New consortium to develop drugs for neglected tropical diseases: 17 August 2009-A new consortium has been formed to boost drug development for the treatment of two deadly diseases, African sleeping sickness and Leishmaniasis, which affect millions of people worldwide.
BMM Young Investigator Call for Proposals now open: 16 August 2009-The deadline for submitting proposals for the Call for Proposals for Young Investigators is Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 17:00 h.
Millipore acquires BioAnaLab: 10 August 2009-Millipore Corporation, a leading provider of technologies, tools and services for the global life science industry, has acquired BioAnaLab, a European-based services provider that specializes in the analysis of biologic drugs and vaccines.
Government supports Dutch innovation: 3 August 2009-The government supports Dutch projects on knowledge and development with €500 mln. About €10 mln will be available for TI Pharma and TTI Groene Genetica.
Health - KP7 calls for Life Sciences opened: 3 August 2009-On July 30 2009, the European Commission opened several KP7 calls within the theme Health.
Bruker announces joint venture in India: 31 July 2009-Bruker Daltonics announced the establishment of the Bruker LabMate Private Limited company, a life-science mass spectrometry joint venture between Bruker Daltonics and LabMate Asia, with customer support and technical expertise hubs in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Sanofi-aventis to acquire Merck's interest in Merial: 30 July 2009-Sanofi-aventis and Merck & Co. have signed a definitive agreement under which Merck will sell its 50 percent interest in the companies' current animal health joint venture, Merial Limited (Merial), to sanofi-aventis for $4 billion (US) in cash.
GSK and Genmab announce top-line results for Ofatumumab in rheumatoid arthritis: 29 July 2009-GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Genmab announced preliminary top-line results from a Phase III study of ofatumumab administered intravenously for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients who had an inadequate response to methotrexate.
Agilent Technologies to acquire Varian: 27 July 2009-Agilent Technologies and Varian Inc. have signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition by Agilent of Varian, a leading worldwide supplier of scientific instrumentation and associated consumables for life science and applied market applications.
NGI Venture Challenge Fall 2009: 23 July 2009-Do you have an idea with commercial potential? Are you willing to let society benefit from your research efforts?
Actelion plans late-stage trials for PAH drug: 17 July 2009-Europe's biggest biotech company Actelion announced that positive data have been obtained in a Phase IIa study with its first-in-class orally active non-prostanoid PGI2 receptor agonist in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients.
Abbott and GSK to collaborate on molecular diagnostic test: 13 July 2009-Abbott has entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop an automated molecular diagnostic test, based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, intended to screen non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors for expression of the MAGE-A3 antigen.
NatureWorks and Avantium to collaborate on a new generation of biobased polymers: 9 July 2009-NatureWorks and Avantium, two leaders in the field of sustainable materials, announced a development partnership formed to more fully understand the properties and commercial potential of a new generation of polymers made from renewable resources.
Alnylam joins GSK in donating IP to patent pool: 8 July 2009-Alnylam Pharmaceuticals will contribute more than 1500 issued or pending patents on its RNA interference (RNAi) technology patent estate to the patent pool established by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) earlier this year.
First call for collaborative research projects in nanomedicine: 6 July 2009-EuroNanoMed aims at fostering the competitiveness of European nanomedicine players through the support of trans-national collaborative and multidisciplinary Research and Technology Development (RTD) projects with participants from academia, clinical/public health communities, and industry (particularly small and medium-sized enterprises).
Crucell announces positive results of phase II clinical study rabies monoclonal antibody combination: 24 June 2009-Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell N.V. announced the results of a second phase II clinical study of its investigational rabies monoclonal antibody combination, which started in May 2008 in the Philippines.
Agendia's MammaPrint included in international St. Gallen Expert Consensus Recommendations: 23 June 2009-Agendia, a world leader in molecular cancer diagnostics, announced the inclusion of its breast cancer recurrence test MammaPrint in St. Gallen’s 2009 International Expert Consensus on the primary therapy of early breast cancer.
OctoPlus opens new GMP manufacturing facility: 23 June 2009-OctoPlus N.V. has started pharmaceutical production in its new manufacturing facility in Leiden.
NKI-AvL and to-BBB will collaborate on brain delivery of anti-cancer drugs: 22 June 2009-to-BBB, the Dutch brain drug delivery company, and the Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AvL) will collaborate on the development of a potential new therapy for Brain Tumors.
Effects of HIV medication can be predicted in individuals: 19 June 2009-Scientists from the University of Amsterdam developed a new computer model to predict the effects of HIV medication on individual patients.
Glybera(TM) shows long-term health benefits: 18 June 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced new data showing that a one-time administration of its lead product GlyberaTM results in significant long-term health benefits.
Pharming receives government grant: 18 June 2009-Biotech company Pharming Group NV has initiated a two-year Food & Nutrition Delta (FND) innovation project to further develop human lactoferrin (hLF) as a nutritional product to manage inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Avantium winner of the Amsterdam Inventor Award 2009: 18 June 2009-With the aim to put the scientist in the spotlight, the Amsterdam Inventor Award was first given away in 2008. This year Avantium received the Award from Mayor Job Cohen for developing a technology to produce a new generation fuels and plastics based on biomass, such as sugars and carbohydrates.
"Valorisation Day": 17 June 2009-The first national "Valorisation Day" was held in the Beurs van Berlage (Amsterdam) on June 17.
Expatcenter Amsterdam celebrates first birthday: 17 June 2009-The Expatcenter was the first of its kind in the Netherlands, with the aim to better meet the needs of international companies and their expatriate employees.
€ 280 million for crisis measures for innovation: 17 June 2009-Project proposals can be submitted for the subsidies "Kenniswerkers" and "High Tech Topprojecten".
Matchmaking galore at BioBusiness Event 2009: 16 June 2009-On June 16 the fourth edition of the BioBusiness Event attracted a sound number of entrepreneurs, managers, researchers, investors, business developers, tech transfer officers and others from the field of life sciences and medical technology to the Schouwburg of Almere.
Galapagos initiates clinical studies with GLPG0187, a candidate drug for bone metastasis: 16 June 2009-Galapagos NV has initiated Phase I clinical development of its integrin receptor antagonist (IRA), GLPG0187.
NWO/Spinoza Prize for miniature laboratories, headache and transitions: 9 June 2009-The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) announced which three researchers will receive the NWO/Spinoza Prize for 2009. The winners of the NWO/Spinoza Prize 2009 are Prof. A. (Albert) van den Berg, Prof. M.D. (Michel) Ferrari and Prof. M. (Marten) Scheffer.
Call for nominations Heineken Prizes 2010: 9 June 2009-Nominations are now being accepted for the prestigious Heineken Prizes 2010.
Sleep helps to store relevant information: 8 June 2009-Researchers of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at the UvA and at the CNRS (France) show that the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus communicate with one another during sleep and together replay previously acquired information.
Punching holes into herpes viruses: 8 June 2009-The mechanical properties of various forms of herpes virus shells have been elucidated by scientists from the VU University (Amsterdam) and the Medizinische Hochschule (Hannover).
Coley Award for Kees Melief: 5 June 2009-Kees Melief (ISA Pharmaceuticals, Leiden University Medical Center) will receive the William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Tumor Immunology.
100.000 new jobs in Almere: 5 June 2009-Who is looking for a new job needs to keep the city of Almere in mind.
Dutch Life Sciences Database for international exposure now live!: 4 June 2009-Have you already included your company profile in THE Dutch Life Sciences Database?
AIMM Therapeutics receives subsidy of Life Sciences Fund Amsterdam: 3 June 2009-AIMM Therapeutics B.V. announced the closure of its financing round. Investor in this financing round is the Life Sciences Fund Amsterdam.
Come and join the Life Sciences Café on June 11: 3 June 2009-Did you already register for our Life Sciences Café that will be held Thursday June 11 2009 in Café Restaurant Polder (Science Park 205, Amsterdam)?
INC Research acquires global clinical development unit of MDS Pharma Services: 1 June 2009-INC Research had entered into an agreement to acquire the Phase II-IV operations (Global Clinical Development) of MDS Pharma Services, a business unit of MDS Inc.
BCF Event 2009: 28 May 2009-The fifth BCF Event 2009 was held on May 28 in the RAI in Amsterdam.
AMT receives EMEA Orphan Drug Designation for acute intermittent porphyria: 28 May 2009-Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced that the European Medicines Agency has granted Orphan Drug Designation to AMT’s gene therapy product AMT-021 for the treatment of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP).
Over €0.5 million for collaboration SMEs and science: 26 May 2009-Two collaboration projects between science and SMEs will receive € 650,000 from the program Integration of Biosynthesis and Organic Synthesis (IBOS).
International Talent meets Dutch Life Sciences Take II: 26 May 2009-First started in 2008, fifty talented bio-scientists visited the Dutch Life Sciences sector again this year.
2009 BIO International Convention: “Integrated Life Sciences Innovation”: 21 May 2009-The 2009 BIO International Convention was held in Atlanta from May 18 till 21.
Nestlé launches first research unit in Japan: 20 May 2009-Nestlé launched its first Japan-based research unit for fundamental scientific research.
Stem cells may offer new way to treat blocked arteries: 20 May 2009-Researchers of Leiden University Medical Centre and Erasmus Medical Centre found that injecting bone marrow cells into the heart's muscular wall restored blood flow to hearts with blocked arteries for which conventional treatments had proven ineffective.
“Pieken in de Delta” approves BioPortEurope!: 19 May 2009-BioPortEurope offers integrated business services for Indian life sciences companies entering Europe via the Netherlands.
European study on seasonal vaccination of children against the flu: 18 May 2009-The European Paediatric Influenza Analysis Group (EPIA) has been established to study the advantages and disadvantages of influenza vaccination for children in eight countries.
New Danone R&D institute: 18 May 2009-Danone will reinforce its R&D activities in the Netherlands.
Nyenrode Life Sciences and Healthcare Institute opened: 13 May 2009-A day long awaited by many involved with the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry in the Netherlands, Europe and Internationally.
Social Innovation Award: 13 May 2009-VWS started a social innovation project within the sector of medical products.
PLAY’D wins New Ideas Competition 2009: 13 May 2009-PLAY’D is the winner of the 2009 Science Park Amsterdam ideas award.
Agilent Technologies completes large-scale expansion of nucleic acid manufacturing capacity: 7 May 2009-Agilent Technologies Inc. completes a major expansion of its Nucleic Acids Solutions Division (NASD), enabling the company to manufacture several hundred kilograms of therapeutic oligonucleotides per year.
CombinatoRx and Novartis: oncology collaboration: 6 May 2009-CombinatoRx, Incorporated announced a strategic alliance with Novartis focused on the discovery of novel anti-cancer combinations.
SynCo Bio Partners wins ViE Award: 30 April 2009-SynCo Bio Partners B.V., the cGMP manufacturer of clinical and commercial biopharmaceuticals, has won the Vaccine Industry Excellence (ViE) award for Best Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) 2009.
European Medicines Agency prepares for approval of pandemic vaccines: 30 April 2009-The European Medicines Agency, together with its partners in the EU Member States, the European Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the World Health Organisation and the European Directorate for the Quality of medicines and healthcare met today with vaccine manufacturers.
Amylin and Lilly plan to develop pen device for exenatide once weekly: 29 April 2009-Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company have agreed in principle to the terms of a joint supply agreement for an exenatide once weekly pen device.
Continuing strong performance from DSM Life Sciences businesses: 28 April 2009-Ongoing strong performances from DMS Life Sciences businesses and stringent control of costs and working capital allowed DSM as a whole to remain profitable and cash generating throughout the quarter despite the very challenging economic conditions which primarily affected most of Materials Sciences.
Ardea Biosciences and Bayer HealthCare enter into global agreement: 28 April 2009-Ardea Biosciences, Inc. and Bayer HealthCare have entered into a global agreement focused on the development of small molecule mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.
Drug and vaccine makers on standby over Mexican flu: 26 April 2009-Drugmakers will supply millions of doses of medicine and are ready to work on a vaccine against Mexican flu.
Millipore and Microbix form strategic partnership to develop novel purification process: 23 April 2009-Millipore Corporation and Microbix Biosystems Inc. have formed a scientific collaboration to develop a novel purification process for influenza virus vaccine manufacturing.
Pfizer and MVV advancing international research efforts in the fight against malaria: 22 April 2009-Pfizer Inc and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MVV) have signed an agreement that is designed to facilitate advancements in the battle against malaria.
City Council Amsterdam visits the Life Sciences sector: 21 April 2009-To create an understanding of the life sciences sector, the Amsterdam City Council visited biotech company Agendia located at the Science Park Amsterdam on April 21.
Galapagos and Opsona Therapeutics initiate drug discovery collaboration: 21 April 2009-Galapagos NV has initiated an integrated drug discovery collaboration with Opsona Therapeutics (Dublin, Ireland).
Galapagos enters strategic alliance in inflammatory diseases with Merck & Co., Inc.: 20 April 2009-Galapagos NV has entered into a multi-year global strategic alliance with Merck & Co., Inc., through an affiliate, to develop potential new therapies in inflammatory diseases.
New UvA institute for cognition research brings together various disciplines: 17 April 2009-Cognition research at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) has received an impulse through the installation of an institute dedicated to research that crosses the boundaries between the different disciplines.
GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer create a new world-leading, specialist HIV company: 16 April 2009-GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) and Pfizer Inc (PFE) have entered into an agreement to create a new world-leading HIV company focused solely on research, development and commercialisation of HIV medicines.
Sanofi-aventis to acquire US biopharmaceutical company BiPar Sciences: 15 April 2009-Sanofi-aventis announced that it has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of BiPar Sciences, Inc., (“BiPar”) a privately held US biopharmaceutical company, developing novel tumorselective approaches for the treatment of different types of cancers.
Smokers’ muscles tire more quickly: 9 April 2009-Rob Wüst concluded in his PhD thesis that smoking has an immediate effect on muscles, possibly as a result of the reduced oxygen supply and oxygen deficiency in the muscle due to substances in cigarette smoke.
DSM announces long-term supply agreement with Shire: 9 April 2009-Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in the Netherlands, has entered into a multi-million dollar contract with Shire US Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Shire plc., for the manufacture and supply of specialty pharmaceutical products to Shire.
Dutch consortium builds registry framework for care of rare diseases: 6 April 2009-The Dutch Orphan Disease Registry Consortium is formed in order to build a disease registry framework to collect information on rare diseases, to encourage drug development and to optimize patient care.
Biotechnology boom raises security fears: 6 April 2009-As rapid advances in biotechnology make it easier to develop and produce deadly organisms, experts are calling for better industry oversight to stop that progress benefiting criminals and terrorists.
Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam opened: 3 April 2009-The institute Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam was officially opened on April 3 2009.
Fruit, vegetables, and colorectal cancer risk: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition: 1 April 2009-Researchers of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the University Medical Center Utrecht examined the relation between self-reported usual consumption of fruit and vegetables and the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Genzyme and Bayer HealthCare enter new strategic agreement: 31 March 2009-Genzyme Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire the worldwide rights to Campath® (alemtuzumab) from Bayer HealthCare, giving Genzyme primary responsibility for the development and commercialisation of this potential break-though treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Single Lgr5 stem cells build crypt–villus structures in vitro without a mesenchymal niche: 29 March 2009-Researchers of the Hubrecht Institute and University Medical Center Utrecht and the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital described the establishment of long-term culture conditions under which single crypts undergo multiple crypt fission events, while simultanously generating villus-like epithelial domains in which all differentiated cell types are present.
Flecainide prevents catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in mice and humans: 29 March 2009-Researchers of the Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam) discovered that flecainide prevents arrhythmias in a mouse model of CPVT by inhibiting cardiac ryanodine receptor–mediated Ca2+ release and thereby directly targeting the underlying molecular defect.
BD and Dynomics announce agreement to collaborate on novel cancer diagnostic technology: 29 March 2009-BD Biosciences, a segment of BD and Dynomics, announced a licensing and research agreement in the fields of leukemia and lymphoma.
New technique enables specific orientation of molecules: 24 March 2009-Researchers of the Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics developed new x-ray free-electron lasers which opens the perspective for following changes in molecular structures during a (bio) chemical reaction through x-ray diffraction.
Number of new foreign companies increased in 2008: 23 March 2009-In 2008, more companies from abroad have established in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area than before: 105 in 2008, 94 in 2007 and 86 in 2006.
European Grid Initiative Head Office comes to Science Park Amsterdam: 23 March 2009-The Policy Board of the European Grid organisation EGI.org has decided to establish its head office at Science Park Amsterdam, the international knowledge centre for the natural sciences set up in collaboration between the UvA, the municipality of Amsterdam and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).
Fear of dental treatment most common phobia in the Netherlands: 23 March 2009-Fear of dental treatment is the most widespread phobia in the Netherlands, according to a study of fears and phobias by the Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam (ACTA), an alliance between the Dentistry faculties of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and VU University Amsterdam.
AM-Pharma receives loan of up to €5 million from Dutch Government: 19 March 2009-AM-Pharma B.V., the biopharmaceutical company developing endogenous proteins to combat disease, announced it is receiving a loan of up to €5 million from SenterNovem, an agency of the Dutch Ministry of Economic affairs.
IFF opens new Sao Paulo Creative Center: 19 March 2009-International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Flavor and Fragrance Creative Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Merck & Co. donates antimalarial candidate to Medicines for Malaria Venture for use in developing world: 18 March 2009-Merck & Co. and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) announced a licensing agreement for an investigational drug candidate for the treatment of malaria in the developing world.
Roche acquires innovatis: 16 March 2009-Roche announced that it has signed a definite agreement under which Roche will acquire 100% of innovatis, a privately held company based in Bielefeld, Germany.
Spotlight again on cloned animals: 12 March 2009-A review of cloning is underway at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following a request from the European Commission for further advice on the implications of the technology for food safety, animal health and welfare and the environment.
Innovation Credit: funds available for new proposals: 12 March 2009-For 2009, there is € 37.5 million available for the Innovation Credit, € 25 million for technical development projects and € 12.5 million for clinical development projects.
Chromosome 7q36 harboring DPP6 in familial Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation: 12 March 2009-Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation (IVF) is defined as spontaneous VF without any known structural or electrical heart disease. A family history is present in up to 20% of probands with the disorder, suggesting that at least a subset of IVF is hereditary.
Roche and Genentech agree on buyout price of $46.8 billion: 12 March 2009-Roche and Genentech announced that they signed a merger agreement under which Roche will acquire the outstanding publicly held interest in Genentech for US$95.00 per share in cash, or a total payment of approximately US$46.8 billion to equity holders of Genentech other than Roche.
Agendia presents data supporting MammaPrint's predictive and prognostic power at 2009 St. Gallen Breast Cancer Conference: 11 March 2009-Agendia, a world leader in molecular cancer diagnostics, announced that leading researchers from Agendia and the Netherlands Cancer Institute will present data from multiple studies at the 2009 St. Gallen Breast Cancer Conference.
Further 100 million Euro allocated to Netherlands-based R&D targeting the early diagnosis and treatment of disease: 10 March 2009-The Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM) – the Dutch public-private partnership committed to the research and development of new techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of major diseases – today announced that eight new research projects will receive funding from the CTMM.
Merck and Schering-Plough to merge: 9 March 2009-Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corporation announced that their Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which Merck and Schering-Plough will combine, under the name Merck, in a stock and cash transaction.
The BioBusiness Summer School is now open for applications!: 9 March 2009-The Biobusiness Summer School, located in the lively city Amsterdam, gives you the opportunity to find the best next step in your (starting) career.
Register for the BioBusiness Event!: 6 March 2009-On June 16th BioBusiness Event 2009, the Business & Partnering Event for decision makers in Life Sciences & MedTech, will take place. Partners of the Amsterdam BioMed Cluster will receive 25% discount on the delegate fee!
UvA and VU pool beta Masters: 5 March 2009-The University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Free University (VU) will start the Amsterdam Gradate School of Science (AGSS) to display and to combine their beta education on Master level.
Leo Petrus Innovation Trophy 2009: 2 March 2009-Are you interested in winning €100.000,- for further research?
OctoPlus successfully completes equity raising of € 6 million: 27 February 2009-OctoPlus N.V. has successfully completed an equity raising of € 6.0 million through a private placement of ordinary shares with new and existing institutional investors.
Crucell's revolutionary antibody for universal therapy against flu: 26 February 2009-The Crucell antibody CR6261 is a potentially revolutionary therapy against seasonal and pandemic flu.
FDA approves Genzyme’s Synvisc-One for osteoarthritis of the knee: 26 February 2009-Genzyme Corporation announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted marketing approval for Synvisc-One, which is a product intended for the relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Big drug makers may seek to fill holes in roster: 24 February 2009-Sports fans have fantasy baseball, whereas drug industry analysts have fantasy mergers.
DSM reports record year despite global economic downturn in Q4: 18 February 2009-Strong performance from Life Sciences businesses and DSM Dyneema continued in Q4.
Millipore opens new facility in Singapore: 16 February 2009-Millipore Corporation, a leading provider of technologies, tools and services for the global life science industry, today opened its state-of-the-art Biomanufacturing Sciences and Training Center (BSTC) in Singapore.
Galapagos reveals key drug target for Alzheimer’s disease: 13 February 2009-Galapagos NV announced the discovery of a human drug target that plays a key role in Alzheimer’s disease.
NRG brings the High Flux Reactor back into operation: 12 February 2009-The Dutch Council of Ministers have given permission to allow the restart of the High Flux Reactor in Petten with additional safety related measures in place.
Masterclass BioBusiness 2009: 9 February 2009-In May 2009, the masterclass BioBusiness will be started.
IFF opens Shangai Creative Center: 9 February 2009-To satisfy the fast-growing demand of its customers in China and Greater Asia for innovative flavor and fragrance solutions, International Flavors & Fragrances will open its new Shanghai Creative Center.
Blood-brain barrier company to-BBB moves into commercialisation mode with new CEO Willem van Weperen: The young biopharma company to-BBB finds itself at a very promising stage in its development.
AMT: Glybera(R) lowers pancreatitis incidence significantly: 29 January 2009-AMT (Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics) announced that one treatment of its lead product Glybera® results in a long term significant and clinically important lowering of the incidence of acute pancreatitis in Lipoprotein Lipase Deficient patients.
Newborn infants detect the beat in music: 27 January 2009-Researchers at the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation of the University of Amsterdam and the Institute for Psychology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences demonstrated that two to three day old babies can detect the beat in music.
Pfizer acquires Wyeth, creating the world’s premier biopharmaceutical company: 26 January 2009-Pfizer and Wyeth have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Pfizer will acquire Wyeth in a cash-and-stock transaction currently valued at $50.19 per share, or a total of approximately $68 billion.
Discussions on a combination of Crucell and Wyeth discontinued: 26 January 2009-Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell N.V. announced that Wyeth has withdrawn from discussions regarding a potential combination of the two companies.
NRG requests permission to restart High Flux Reactor: 23 January 2009-Nuclear Research & consultancy Group (NRG) has requested permission from the relevant authorities to restart the High Flux Reactor in Petten.
Two million euros to fight lung cancer: 20 January 2009-Prof. Dr. Ton Berns from the Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital received a KWO fund of two million euros from the Dutch Cancer Society.
Sleep benefits subsequent hippocampal functioning: 18 January 2009-Researchers of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) and VU University suggest that the hippocampus is particularly sensitive to shallow, but intact, sleep.
More Power, less compassion: 15 January 2009-According to a study conducted by psychologist Gerben van Kleef (University of Amsterdam) in collaboration with psychologists from the University of California in Berkeley, powerful people are less able to identify with the feelings of others than people without much power.
Remembering old information associated with impaired learning of new information: 13 January 2009-A study performed by scientists from the University of Amsterdam not only provided novel insight into our capacity to learn and remember, but also clarified the neural mechanisms underlying flexible behavior.
Crucell and Wyeth in discussion on a combination of the two companies: 7 January 2009-Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL; Swiss Exchange: CRX) confirms that it is in friendly discussions with Wyeth that may lead to a combination of the two companies.
Fewer deaths with preventive antibiotics: 1 January 2009-Administering antibiotics as a preventive measure to patients in intensive care units (ICUs) increases their chances of survival.
BabyBloom wins prize at Life Sciences Capitals 2008 investors forum: 19 December 2008-BabyBloom BV won the prize for ‘Best Business Presentation’ at the investors forum of the Life Sciences Capitals 2008 congress.
Crucell and DSM Biologicals announce research license agreement with GSK: 18 December 2008-The business unit of DSM Pharmaceutical Products, DSM Biologicals, and the Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell announced that GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) signed a license agreement allowing GSK to research a recombinant protein on the PER.C6® platform.
Crypt stem cells as the cells-of-origin of intestinal cancer: 17 December 2008-Researchers of the Hubrecht Institute and the UMC Utrecht found the origing of intestinal cancer in mice.
OncoMethylome completes private placement and increases net cash position to € 30 Mln: 16 December 2008-OncoMethylome Sciences has agreed to issue 1,332,877 new shares in a private placement for a total amount of € 8.4 mln.
Field research to elucidate the role of migratory birds in the dispersal of avian influenza: 15 December 2008-The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) and Erasmus MC will embark on a new line of research into the spread of avian influenza viruses by migratory birds and the impact of these viruses on their behaviour.
Excellent results for Crucell’s influenza antibody: 11 December 2008-The Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell announced that its monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against a broad range of influenza virus strains has strongly outperformed the most current anti-influenza drug in preclinical tests.
Amsterdam 5th in overall ranking of Top city monitoring: 8 December 2008-Amsterdam’s City Council has defined an ambitious plan for its four-year term in office.
LEO Pharma establishes strategic company in China: 8 December 2008-LEO Pharma, which has an office in the Netherlands, is taking a giant leap into the Chinese market by establishing an affiliate with the ambition of eventually becoming the leading dermatological company in China.
SutureAid wins 2nd place in the international contest: 5 December 2008-Selected from a prestigious international field of national winners, SutureAid wins 2nd place in the international contest called Future of Sutures, which was sponsored by B.Braun.
4th call EuroTransBio will open January 7 2009: 1 December 2008-The strategic objective of the ETB calls for proposals is to foster the competitiveness of European’s biotechnology industry by supporting the research intensive small and medium sized enterprises and their strategic partnerships.
Depressive symptoms and change in abdominal obesity in older persons: 1 December 2008-Depression has been hypothesised to result in abdominal obesity through the accumulation of visceral fat. Researchers of the VU University Medical Centre (Amsterdam) examined whether depressive symptoms predict an increase in abdominal obesity in a large population-based sample of well-functioning older persons.
PerkinElmer supports the EMBL advanced training centre: 24 November 2008-PerkinElmer and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) have entered into a corporate partnership in support of the EMBL’s Advanced Training Centre in Heidelberg, Germany.
Philips further expands Healthcare business in emerging markets by acquiring India-based Meditronics: 21 November 2008-Royal Philips Electronics announced it has reached an agreement to acquire India-based Meditronics, a leading manufacturer of General X-Ray systems targeting the economy segment in India.
Millipore introduces first bioplastic product: 17 November 2008-Millipore Corporation unveiled its first biodegradable and compostable product, the EcoStand tube holder, which is made from environmentally responsible bio-based plastic resin.
UvA honorary doctorate for malaria expert Nick White: 17 November 2008-The University of Amsterdam (UvA) will confer a honorary doctorate on the British malaria expert Nick White, Professor of Tropical Medicine at the Universities of Oxford and Bangkok.
Risk of death increased by obesity and large waist circumference: 13 November 2008-Obesity and increased waist circumference increase the risk of death. 360,000 participants, aged 50-60, from nine countries, were monitored for ten years.
Dutch SMEs successful in call EuroTransBio: 12 November 2008-The innovation program Life Sciences & Health is very successful. The program is a cooperation of different companies (both large companies and SMEs), technology platforms and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
New impulse for Systems Biology: 10 November 2008-NWO has published its strategic action plan on the theme Systems Biology. A first impulse of € 30M will be used to establish 4 to 6 Centers for Systems Biology that are focused on excellent science and fundamental research. A second impulse of € 270M will be necessary to exploit the knowledge earlier generated.
Bioactive contaminants leach from disposable laboratory plasticware: 7 November 2008-Canadian scientists demonstrated that agents used to manufacturing of disposable plasticware, such as test tubes, pipette tips, and multiwell assay or culture plates, can affect the results from bioassays of protein function.
LSP raises € 75M for LS venture fund: 6 November 2008-The new fund, LSP IV, will be dedicated to private human life sciences companies in Europe.
Chemistry, life sciences and food sector: lack of employees: 6 November 2008-70 percent of the employers in the chemistry, life sciences and food sectors can not find sufficient qualified employees. Over 30 percent of the employers expect an increasing deficit the coming years.
Galapagos sells San Diego chemistry facility to ChemVentures: 5 November 2008-Galapagos NV has completed the sale of its BioFocus DPI chemistry facility in San Diego to ChemVentures Pty Ltd.
Millipore and Applikon Biotechnology agree to co-develop and distribute disposable bioreactor system: 4 November 2008-Millipore Corporation and Applikon Biotechnology B.V. will co-develop and distribute disposable bioreactor systems for biopharmaceutical applications.
BAC BV expands collaboration with GE Healthcare with launch of KappaSelect: 3 November 2008-BAC BV, the leading provider of antibody-based affinity purification technology, announced the expansion of its collaboration with GE Healthcare with the addition of new bioprocess affinity chromatography media to GE Healthcare's range of custom-designed media.
New VU campus on Zuidas?: 3 November 2008-The City of Amsterdam and the VU University have the ambition to develop an area where studying, working, living and recreating are combined. Furthermore, the campus of the VU University will become more open, so everyone will feel welcome.
Progress in malaria-vaccine development: 31 October 2008-Through the deletion of a single gene, Plasmodium species can be generated that become arrested during liver stage development. These results pave the way for further development of genetically attenuated sporozoites for human use.
Nestlé opens new R&D Centre in Beijing: 31 October 2008-Nestlé inaugurated a new Research and Development Centre in Beijing, underlining the company’s commitment to R&D in China, as well as to Chinese consumers.
City of Amsterdam awarded prof. H. M. Pinedo: 31 October 2008-The City of Amsterdam awarded the silver medal to prof. H. M. Pinedo. He received the medal during his farewell symposium in the ING House.
Loek Hermans launches Kennispoort Amsterdam: 30 October 2008-Companies, organisations and institutes that need help with their business plan or research can visit the website Kennispoort Amsterdam.
Salmonella outbreak in the Netherlands in 2008: 30 October 2008-A large, countrywide outbreak due to multi-resistant Salmonella typhimurium phage type DT104 is ongoing in the Netherlands, with 152 cases as of 20 October.
Minister of Economic Affairs opens vaccine factory of MSD: 29 October 2008-Minister Maria van der Hoeven of Economic Affairs opened the new factory of Merck Sharp & Dohme BV in which the vaccine preventing cervical cancer will be produced.
Avantium completes EUR 18 million financing round: 29 October 2008-Avantium successfully completed a EUR 18 million private financing round. Avantium is active in the development and commercialisation of Furanics, Avantium's next generation biofuel and bioplastic, and the improvement of pharmaceutical products.
Global financial crisis delays discovery and production of new medicines: 27 October 2008-The global financial crisis could seriously delay the discovery and production of many new life-saving medicines.
NCRV wins Meester Kackadoris prize 2008: 26 October 2008-The Meester Kackadoris prize 2008 was awarded on Saturday October 25 to the NCRV for the television program “Uitgedokterd?!”
Balkenende meets Chinese prime minister: 23 October 2008-The Dutch prime minister Balkenende met the Chinese prime minister during a 6-days visit in October 2008.
Many biotech drugs on market needs safety warnings: 22 October 2008-A Dutch study showed that almost 50% of the safety-related regulatory actions for biologicals were issued in the system organ classes of general disorders and administration site conditions, and infections and infestations.
OctoPlus signs € 100 Million contract: 16 October 2008-The drug delivery company OctoPlus N.V. signed an exclusive license and product acquisition agreement with Biolex Therapeutics for OctoPlus’ lead product Locteron®, a controlled release formulation of interferon alfa for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Genetic association and expression studies indicate a role of Toll-Like Receptor 8 in pulmonary tuberculosis: 10 October 2008-Researchers of the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) showed that Toll-Like Receptor 8, a member of a well-known receptor family involved in pathogen recognition, may play a significant role in tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility and disease activity.
Amsterdam: Top business city: 7 October 2008-For the second time, Amsterdam belongs to the top ten of most important business cities world-wide.
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2008 awards discoveries of two viruses causing severe human diseases: 6 October 2008-The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has today decided to award The Nobel Prize in Medicine for 2008 with one half to Harald zur Hausen for his discovery of "human papilloma viruses causing cervical cancer" and the other half jointly to Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier for their discovery of "human immunodeficiency virus".
BioBusiness summer school proves a success: 3 October 2008-The first edition of the BioBusiness summer school this year in Amsterdam has been a great success according to the participants’ evaluation report.
The Ig® Nobel Prizes: 2 October 2008-The 2008 Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded on Thursday October 2 at the 18th Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre.
European phase III study on diabetes vaccine: 1 October 2008-The Swedish biopharmaceutical company Diamyd Medical is focusing on development of pharmaceuticals for treatment of autoimmune diabetes and its complications.
Inflatable pill delivers medicine to the tumor: 30 September 2008-Philips developed a new method to deliver medicine on the location wanted in the body using sound.
EMEA grants Kiadis Pharma lead product ATIR™ orphan drug designation: 22 September 2008-Kiadis Pharma announced today that its lead product ATIR™ has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the prevention of acute Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) following an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
TYSABRI® demonstrates sustained improvement in functional outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis patients: 19 September 2008-Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, plc announced that a post-hoc analysis showed TYSABRI® (natalizumab) treatment increases the probability of achieving sustained improvement in physical disability over two years when compared to placebo.
Solvay Pharmaceuticals acquires Innogenetics: 9 September 2008-Solvay Pharmaceuticals S.A. succeeded to acquire Innogenetics N.V., a Belgian-based biotechnological company.
Report: the era of Old IP is starting to wane and needs to be replaced: 9 September 2008-The International Expert Group on Biotechnology, Innovation and Intellectual Property recognised a critical need to direct the change from Old Intellectual Property to New IP (i.e. focusing on granting the right amount of IP and better use of it) in order to ensure the appropriate development, production and distribution of medicines, foods and industrial processes (such as the production of clean fuels).
Call for project proposals in Computational Life Sciences: 7 September 2008-The program Computational Life Sciences (CLS) will result in new insights in biological networks. In total, about 2.5 million euro will be divided by the financers NWO-Exact Sciences, Netherlands Bioinfomatics Centre (NBIC) and the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI). The deadline is October 15 2008 12 o’clock.
Western European diabetes market shows movement to exclusive pill therapy: 2 September 2008-For diabetes patients across the Western European countries of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, exclusive pill therapy is increasingly the treatment of choice.
Cancer survival varies widely between countries: 20 August 2008-A worldwide population-based study provides survival estimates for 1.9 million adults diagnosed with a first, primary, invasive cancer of the breast (women), colon, rectum, or prostate by use of individual tumour records from 101 population-based cancer registries in 31 countries on five continents.
Innovation within Dutch Life Sciences & Medical Technology must pick up momentum: 18 August 2008-Innovation in the Dutch Life Sciences & Medical Technology sector is lagging behind due to a gap between knowledge development and knowledge application.
Genetic basis of “Volendam disease” unravelled: 18 August 2008-Scientists of the Amsterdam Medical Center and the University of Keulen found new gene mutations that are correlated with the rare, serious brain disorder pontocerebellair hypoplasy, which is known as the “Volendam disease”. The discovery allows an earlier diagnose of the disorder.
Bruker Daltonics Showcased Novel Proteomics Solutions Based on Mass Spectrometry: 17 August 2008-Bruker Daltonics showcased several new high performance mass spectrometry products and applications for proteomics at the 7th HUPO World Congress 2008.
Major health research group (UCL Partners) operational from September: 7 August 2008-Five London medical centres (University College London (UCL), Great Ormond Street Hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Royal Free Hampstead and UCL Hospitals) have joined forces to become Europe's largest academic health science partnership.
Life sciences network expands east of Scotland: 4 August 2008-Life science companies in the east of Scotland are to get their own network to support local businesses and academic research.
Governer Blunt (state Missouri) met Niaba: 25 July 2008-Gov. Matt Blunt met Thursday with the Netherlands Biotech Industries Association (Niaba) and officials from Monsanto-Seminis in an effort to grow Missouri's biotechnology sector.
New brain cancer research consortium funded by Ivy Foundation aims to improve personalised medicine for patients: 8 July 2008-The Ivy Genomics-Based Medicine Project (Ivy G.B.M. Project) is a collaboration among nine U.S. institutions working together to try to better understand how the genetic differences in individual brain tumours can potentially inform the prediction of what will be the most effective treatment option for each patient.
ERC Starting Grants: 1 July 2008-ERC Starting Independent Researcher Grants (ERC Starting Grants) aim to support up-and-coming research leaders who are about to establish or consolidate a proper research team and to start conducting independent research in Europe. The new call is expected to be published in July 2008, with deadlines after the summer.
Odanacatib reduced markers of bone turnover in women with breast cancer and bone metastases: 30 June 2008-Merck & Co., USA, which operates in the Netherlands as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD, announced results of a new study in which its investigational selective cathepsin K inhibitor odanacatib reduced measures of bone turnover (breakdown and rebuilding of bone) in women with breast cancer that has spread to the bones (bone metastases).
Microbiome Ltd wins Amsterdam Invention Award 2008: 25 June 2008-Microbiome Ltd, a spin off of the VU medical centre, developed a test to detect Chlamydia.
Genzyme and Isis complete licensing of mipomersen: 24 June 2008-Genzyme Corp. and Isis Pharmaceuticals announced the finalisation of the license and collaboration agreement for mipomersen.
Report defends drug companies: 24 June 2008-Critics accuse drug companies of reaping obscene financial reward for little that is innovative.
Agendia expands laboratory capacity at new headquarters: 23 June 2008-Agendia BV has announced the official opening of the company's new headquarters at Amsterdam's Science Park.
BIO International Convention 2008: 17-21 June 2008-20,000 visitors and 70 countries attended the BIO International Convention in San Diego.
Dutch Life Sciences popular with foreign talent: 10 June 2008-The International Talent meets Dutch Life Sciences project was held 19-22 May.
BIO 2008: visit us at the Holland Pavilion, booth #3135!: 10 June 2008-The Amsterdam BioMed Cluster and the Life Sciences Centre Amsterdam will be exhibiting at the 2008 Bio International Convention, June 17-20, in San Diego, USA.
KP7 for innovation in Health and Life Sciences opens July 24th 2008: 9 June 2008-The 7th framework program for R&D in Health and Life Sciences (KP7) is a grant offered by the European Commission. Health/Life Sciences are one of the priorities of the KP7.
Amsterdam: Top-business city: 9 June 2008-For the first time, Amsterdam belongs to the top ten of most important business cities world-wide.
NWO-Spinozapremie 2008 for prof. dr. Marjo van der Knaap: 2 June 2008-Prof. dr. Marjo van der Knaap (VUmc, Amsterdam) received the NWO-Spinozapremie 2008 for her research on serious brain abnormalities in children.
OncoMethylome's Novel Test for Bladder Cancer Demonstrates Excellent Performance in Clinical Trial: 28 May 2008-OncoMethylome Sciences (Euronext Brussels: ONCOB, Euronext Amsterdam: ONCOA) released additional data from an ongoing clinical verification trial of their bladder cancer test.
BCF Event 2008 very successful: 28 May 2008-The fourth edition of the BCF Event was held in Amsterdam on 21 May.
Bone repair using patient's own stem cells: 26 May 2008-Researchers at the University of Twente have shown that substantial bone can be formed when the enzyme PKA is previously activated in the stem cells before implantation.
Two Dutch young patients killed by resistant influenza virus H1N1: 23 May 2008-In Utrecht and Rotterdam, a patient was killed due to influenza virus H1N1, that became resistant to Tamiflu. In the Netherlands, 6 percent of the monitored H1N1 viruses are resistant.
BioBusiness Award 2008 for IsoBionics: 23 May 2008-IsoBionics received the BioBusiness Award 2008, the award for the most promising start-up in Life Sciences and biomedical technology in 2007.
Breakthrough in malaria testing: 21 May 2008-Researchers of the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam and English scientists have developed a quick and cheap test to detect malaria.
Prof. dr. Dick Swaab received the Academiepenning 2008: 19 May 2008-Prof. dr. Dick Swaab (UvA/AMC, Amsterdam) was awarded the Academiepenning 2008 by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
Discovery of several hundreds of potential cancer genes: 15 May 2008-Researchers have found over 250 new genes that are potentially involved in the development of leukemia (cancer of white blood cells).
LSP to advise ABP on investments in the Life Sciences sector: 5 May 2008-The Dutch civil servants pension fund ABP is going to invest in small European biotechnology funds. The private-equity house Life Sciences Partners (LSP) will advise ABP on the selection of companies. With 200 billion Euro, the ABP is one of the largest pension funds in the world.
Two billion euro boost for medical research in Europe: 30 April 2008-In order to give medical research in the EU a boost, the European Commission and the pharmaceutical industry will invest €2bn in small businesses and academic researchers. The Innovative Medicines Initiative aims at re-establishing Europe as a leading developer of medicines.
Biotech sector leads in attracting venture capital investment: The MoneyTree report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association noted that Biotech attracted more venture capital than any other sector in the first quarter of this year, with about $1.27 billion in funding. The total amount of venture capital investments was 4.8% lower than last year.
Stem cells isolated from adult heart tissue: Researchers of the University of Utrecht managed to isolate stem cells from adult heart tissue. The researchers managed to let the cells develop into beating heart cells.
2,3 million grant for Computational Life Sciences: Two Computational Life Sciences projects of the VU medical center in Amsterdam will be financed from a 2,3 million grant. The grant is an initiative of the NWO-Exacte Wetenschappen, Netherlands Bioinfomatics Centre (NBIC) and the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) to stimulate research i the Computational Life Sciences. Out of 41 projects submitted, five were selected to be financed.
New Life Sciences Center Oostervaart in Lelystad: The building is an initiative of MAC3PARK Business centers to support Life Science oriented businesses. The interior was financed by the province of Flevoland and the EU fund for regional development. At the moment of writing, seven companies are active at the location.
Biomarkers May Predict Effect of drugs aimed at limiting tumor blood supply: 13 April 2008-Drugs that cut off the blood supply to tumors, such as Genentech Inc.'s Avastin and Pfizer Inc.'s Sutent, may work better for patients with high numbers of cells in the blood that are thought to form the new lining for vessels. ``You need a biomarker to tell you which patients will benefit,'' said Laura Vroling, a cancer researcher at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, in an interview.
Quarter of Dutch university professors financed by external party: As often the external party is not revealed, this development is potentially harmful when companies circulate company news disguised as scientific findings. VU University Professor Martijn Katan pleas for stronger regulation to counteract conflicts of interest.
Today! Launch new innovation programme for Life Sciences and Health: 9 April 2008-The Ministry of Economic Affairs will invest 30M Euro over a four year period in Life Sciences and Health. This innovation programme, a concerted action of knowledge institutes and companies, aims to give this promising sector a serious boost.
Crucell Announces First in Man Study with New Adenovirus Vector: The vector was developed by Crucell and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. In the phase I clinical study the vector will be used to test a new HIV vaccine.
Amsterdam BioMed Cluster in top three of "Pieken in de Noordvleugel" projects: 2 April 2008-Minister of Economic Affairs Maria van der Hoeven announced the winning projects within its “Pieken in de Delta” economic development programme. “Amsterdam BioMed in Business!” ended in the top three of winning projects submitted by the region “Noordvleugel”.
Trial: popular cholesterol drug fails to improve heart disease: 31 March 2008-A study by the Dutch scientist John Kastelein revealed the drug Vytorin does not have any effect on plaque buildup, even though it dramatically lowered LDL. This is bad news for the producers Schering-Plough and Merck. The drug has a yearly revenue of five bilion in the US only.
Promising clinical data from Kiadis Pharma’s lead product ATIR presented by NIH investigators: Biopharmaceutical company Kiadis Pharma announces the presentation of results obtained so far in a physician initiated clinical study for ATIR™. At the EBMT meeting in Florence Dr. Mielke will present results of the ongoing phase II clinical trial of ATIR™ in matched allogeneic transplantations that is running at the NIH under an FDA approved IND.
Amsterdam launches BioBusiness Summer School: The BioBusiness PhD summer school offers a two-week programme introducing PhD students and post-docs to the international field of biomedical business. Lectures by experts in the field and site visits to a range of companies are scheduled, next to a social programme.
Celera and Leiden University Medical Center Discover Genetic Markers Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis: 18 March 2008-Findings from Three Case-Control Studies Involving More Than 8,000 Individuals to Improve Identification of High Risk Individuals
Multidisciplinary CNCR-team receives a ZonMW TOP grant: A multidisciplinary CNCR-team receives a ZonMW TOP grant to apply new strategies from bioinformatics and systems biology to identify gene networks implicated in cognitive abilities.
BAC and Octapharma to develop custom ligand for recombinant plasma protein: BAC BV, announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Octapharma AG. The objective of the collaboration is to discover and develop a custom CaptureSelect® ligand for the purification of a recombinant Factor IX product, developed by Octapharma.
DSM and Crucell Announce PER.C6® Technology Milestone.: 11 March 2008-DSM Biologics Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. an-nounced today that another important milestone has been achieved with the PER.C6® technology platform for the production of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins.
Genzyme Announces Presentation of New Positive Data on Carticel®: 10 March 2008-A large, multicenter, observational study by Genzyme's revealed the improvement in knee function by its new drug Carticel® is sustainable in 90 percent of the patients treated successfully.
Sign in now for the Amsterdam BioMed Cluster Life Sciences Café on March 13!
Genmab and Pepscan to identify human antibodies against intractable targets: Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) and Pepscan today announced the start of a research collaboration aimed at identifying fully human monoclonal antibodies against intractable disease targets.
New EU project to develop catalogue of genetic variation: Creating a catalogue of genetic variation and its impact on our health is the goal of the EU-funded GEN2PHEN (Genotype-to-phenotype databases: a holistic solution) project, which has just got underway under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).
Fornix posts 12% higher net profit: 19 February 2008-Right after finishing the last clinical tests on it's new wedicine Oralgen®, Fornix anounces a 12% higher net profit over the last year.
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International Talent meets Dutch life Sciences: 4 February 2008-In participation with the AIM, Hyphen Project Management is organising a NEW international event offering international talents in the life science sector the possibility to explore the many job and career opportunities the Netherlands is offering.
Monitor Life Sciences Amsterdam Region Published: The research and statistics department of the city of Amsterdam has published a first report on the Life Sciences sector in the Amsterdam region. The investigation was requested by the AIM.
NKI scientist Sophia Bruggeman wins Antonie van Leeuwenhoek award: The Antonie van Leeuwenhoek prize was awarded to Sophia Bruggeman for her research on the role of the polycomb-protein Bmi-1 in the development of brain tumors by an alternative route.
Cancer clinic canceled: 19 January 2008-It would have been the first commercial cancer institute in the Netherlands, but after failure of investor Rehamed to comply to payment obligations the city of Amsterdam pulled the plug.
Kiadis Pharma reports successful End of Phase II Meeting with FDA for Reviroc: 19 December 2007-Reviroc is under development for elimination of cancer cells from an autologous graft in bone marrow transplantations for end-stage blood cancer patients. The FDA offered its Special Protocol Assesment procedure for Reviroc.
Letter of intent signed for launch “Spinoza centre” in Amsterdam: The Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences has taken the initiative to bundle activities and facilities in the field of neuroimaging in order to build an internationally renowned institute. The VU University/ VU University Medical Centre, the University of Amsterdam, and the Academic Medical Centre participate in the “Spinoza centre”.
ATIR classified as “cell based” medicinal product by the EMEA; a classification for innovative new treatments: As a next step Kiadis Pharma will file for orphan drug designation with the EMEA as already granted by the US Food and Drug Administration last November.
OncoMethylome Sciences to Collaborate with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals for Personalized Cancer Treatment: The goal of the collaboration is to develop DNA methylation biomarkers for use in the personalization of cancer treatment with certain immunotherapeutics in development by GSK Biologicals.
3rd Life Sciences Capitals congress great success!: At the succesful investors forum 10 companies presented a business case. Ada Kruisbeek, Co-founder of the Amsterdam BioMed Cluster, received 40 hours of professional consultancy for the best pitch of her company DCPrime BV.
New lab for visualization and analyses of large numbers of data: The 13th of December the first Dutch e-BioScience Laboratory (e-BioLab for short) was opened on the site of Science Park Amsterdam.
BMEYE™ announces FDA 510(K) Clearance for Nexfin™: Now also cardiologists and clinicians in the USA, who need to measure continuous non-invasive blood pressure and cardiac output, can benefit from BMEYE’s newly developed line of safe, precise and easy to use hemodynamic monitors.
Petrobras and Avantium announce research collaboration: Petrobras and Avantium will collaborate on the development of new catalysts for emerging technologies within Petrobras, Brazil’s largest energy company.
Sanquin besteedt groot deel ICT-ondersteuning uit aan EDS: 4 December 2007-Sanquin, de stichting die in Nederland verantwoordelijk is voor de bloedvoorziening en onderzoek en ontwikkeling van bloedproducten, heeft een nieuw meerjarig contract afgesloten met EDS.
Life saving plasma product by Sanquin now also available internationally: 4 December 2007-Preventie van trombose vindt plaats via antistollingsmiddelen. Soms is het nodig om die antistolling direct te corrigeren zoals in geval van ernstig trauma, urgente chirurgie of levensbedreigende bloedingen. Direct herstel van de stolling vindt plaats met Cofact. Sanquin heeft een overeenkomst afgesloten met biotechnologiebedrijf Crucell voor de buitenlandse distributie.
Science article describes direct observation of chaperone-induced changes in a protein folding pathway: Insight in the folding of proteins may help to understand diseases that occur due to proteins (un)folding incorrectly like in Alzheimer’s, report scientists from Groningen and Amsterdam
A novel family of antibiotics against tuberculosis and salmonella target pathways active in cancer: 29 november 2007-Researchers have discovered new ways to fight bacterial infections including extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. The work will be published in the journal Nature on 29 November.
A novel family of antibiotics against tuberculosis and salmonella target pathways active in cancer: Researchers have discovered new ways to fight bacterial infections including extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. The Dutch work is published in the journal Nature.
OncoMethylome's Biomarkers Demonstrate Good Performance in Detecting Colorectal Cancer in Blood: The goal of OncoMethylome's colorectal cancer program is to develop accurate, non-invasive, and user-friendly tests that are appropriate for population screening. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US and Europe.
Due to adverse market conditions Avantium withdraws its intitial public offering: Avantium, a leading technology company in the area of advanced high-throughput R&D, withdraws its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) planned for 16 November 2007 due to adverse markets. Avantium will continue implementing its communicated strategy and closely monitor the development of the capital markets.
Crucell's Rabies Antibody Cocktail Granted Fast Track Status: Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL, Swiss Exchange: CRX) today announced that it has been notified by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Department of Health and Human Services that its rabies monoclonal antibody cocktail has been granted a Fast Track designation.
Crucell Announces Marketing and Distribution Deal with Sanquin: 12 november 2007-Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, NASDAQ: CRXL, Swiss Exchange: CRX) today announced the start of a marketing and distribution agreement with Sanquin, the Dutch Blood Supply Foundation.
The University of Amsterdam ranks highest of Dutch Universities in THES-QS World University Rankings 2007: According to Martin Ince, of the Times Higher Education Supplement “The 2007 THES-QS World University Rankings are the most rigorous and complete so far. They show that the US and UK model of independent universities supported with significant state funding produces great results, but they also prove that academic excellence is found on every continent.”
Businesses welcome critical professor: The director of the Centre for Diabetes and professor diabetology leaves Amsterdam for Indianapolis and starts as executive medical director at the pharmaceutical concern Lilly at the start of the new year.
Reduced functioning of smaller blood vessels could have great consequences: The fact that risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, like high blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, appear in combination is possibly due to a reduced functioning of the smaller blood vessels.
FDA grants Kiadis Pharma lead product ATIR orphan drug designation: Kiadis Pharma announced today that its lead product ATIR has been granted orphan drug designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
New anti cancer medication heightens effect of radiation treatment: 2 November 2007-Radiation treatment in combination with administering of the substance perifosine appears to have a strong tumor neutralizing impact in test animals.
Expat Center for Amsterdam area to open in spring 2008: With the opening of the Expat Center foreign knowledge workers will have only one desk to turn to arrange their work and living in the Amsterdam area.
Avantium to deliver Flowrence™ systems to Shell: 2 November 2007-Under the agreement Avantium will sell and deliver Flowrence™ Research platforms to CRI/Criterion or its affiliates to enhance its research capabilities.
St. Lucas Andreas Hospital first to start home monitoring of cardiac patients using Philips remote system: This will not only improve these patients’ quality of life, but could also prevent many hospital admissions.
Kiadis intends to list on Euronext: 2007 Kiadis Pharma, an oncology focused pharmaceutical development company today announces its intention to raise new funds through an IPO
Avantium intends to list on Euronext Amsterdam: 23 October 2007-Positive results with next generation biofuels trigger IPO plans.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation Award for Laura van 't Veer: Tuesday October 15th the Pink Ribbon 'Breast Cancer Research Foundation' granted in New York awards to 151 international breast cancer researchers.
Thesis defence: prognostic factors head and neck carcinoma: On November 8, 2007 F. J. P. Hoebers, Universtity of Amsterdam, will defend his PhD thesis describing a number of studies aimed at applying or developing prognostic and predictive tests in order to be able to improve the (future) selection of patients for the appropriate treatment.
NVF Organon Prijs voor Farmacologie voor Prof. Dr. Martine Smit, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Martine Smit heeft maandag 1 oktober de NVF Organon Prijs voor Farmacologie in ontvangst genomen.
VUmc Radionucliden Centrum: Moleculair maatwerk: Een PET-scanner kan zeer nauwkeurig biochemische processen in beeld brengen, zoals die bijvoorbeeld plaatsvinden in ontstekingen en tumoren.
Dutch Cabinet awards NGI € 271 million: The Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) is pleased to announce the decision of the Dutch cabinet to award NGI a second phase.
NGI announces Business Plan 2008 – 2012: The Netherlands Genomics Initiative is proud to announce the government's approval of its 2008 - 2012 Business Plan, which totals up to EUR 280 million. The budget for valorisation has been drastically increased, which underlines NGI’s commitment to create tangible value from research results.
The Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) will invest M€ 15 in Systems Biology: The Dutch government approved the NGI business plan for 2008-2012 with a total budget of M€ 271.
In biology, polarization is a good thing: Using a molecular cellular compass, individual cells in complex organisms know which way is up or down, in epithelial cells known as apical-basal polarity. Determining the orientation is essential for an individual cell to perform it’s designated tasks. Now it appears that the same compass also defines the direction of cells when migrating by establishing a morphological back and a front. These are the conclusions of a recent study lead by drs Michiel Pegtel and John Collard from the Netherlands Cancer Institute.
Agendia joins the Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC): Agendia BV, a world leader in the rapidly evolving field of cancer molecular diagnostics, announces that it has joint the US-based Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC).
OMS boekt succes in ontwikkeling test blaaskanker: Biotechnologiebedrijf OncoMethylome Sciences (OMS) heeft succes geboekt bij de ontwikkeling van een test om blaaskanker op te sporen. Dat heeft het bedrijf, dat een notering heeft aan de effectenbeurs in Amsterdam, dinsdag bekendgemaakt.
Sanquin-studie haalt Science: 'Vreemdgaan in de bloedbaan': 12 September 2007-Lang niet alle antistoffen zijn zo stabiel als werd gedacht. Sommige van de Y-vormige eiwitten kunnen in onze bloedbaan fragmenten met elkaar uitwisselen, waardoor één antistof aan twee verschillende indringers kan binden. In het wetenschappelijke tijdschrift Science beschrijven immunologen van Sanquin deze week samen met onderzoekers van de Universiteit Maastricht en het Utrechtse bedrijf Genmab als eersten een verklaring voor deze bijzondere uitwisseling. Hun vondst heeft positieve consequenties voor nieuwe therapieën tegen auto-immuunziekten.
Agendia BV raises €25 Million ($34M) and Receives Second FDA Clearance: Agendia BV., world leader in the rapidly evolving field of molecular diagnostics, announced today that it has raised €25 million ($34 M) in a fourth financing round. ING, one of the largest bank-insurers, becomes a shareholder of Agendia.
Skyline Diagnostics wint BioBusiness Start-up of the Year Award 2007: Skyline Diagnostics heeft de BioBusiness Start-up of the Year Award 2007 gewonnen. De prijs werd tijdens het BioBusiness Event op 31 mei overhandigd door Joke van Antwerpen, directeur van de Amsterdam Innovation Motor. Aan de prijs is een geldbedrag van tienduizend euro verbonden.
Avantium announces development activities for novel biofuels: During the visit of the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, Mr. Lodewijk Asscher, Avantium has announced that it is active in developing a novel generation of biofuels.
ESMO recognizes the NKI for outstanding achievement in translational research in breast cancer: The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is pleased to announce that the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) is the winner of the second edition of the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award supported by an unrestricted grant from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Centre and Investment Fund for Life Sciences in Amsterdam: A number of Amsterdam knowledge centres, three banks, the province of North Holland and the Amsterdam City Council have signed an ‘intervention agreement’ to fund a new Life Sciences Centre and Life Sciences Fund in Amsterdam. ‘This is what Amsterdam Topstad is about,’ said city councilor Lodewijk Asscher. ‘By joining forces, we will be able to make the city stronger and more attractive.’
Clinquest takes stake in Enceladus: Enceladus Pharmaceuticals and Clinquest Group, both based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today announce the signing of an investment and collaboration agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Clinquest acquires a stake in Enceladus and has led a syndicate of investors to provide additional funding. Financial details are not disclosed. Enceladus will use the new funds for the ongoing clinical development of its proprietary anti-inflammatory drug Nanocort® as a treatment for active Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AMT announces pricing of Initial Public Offering on Euronext Amsterdam: Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) Holding B.V. (to be converted today into a public company with limited liability, Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) Holding N.V.) ("AMT"), a Dutch company active in the field of human gene therapy, announces today that it shall issue 5,000,000 new ordinary shares with a nominal value of €0.04 each (the "Offer Shares") for an offer price of €10.00 (the "Final Offer Price") per share (the "Offering"), subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions on the settlement date of the Offering (which is expected to be on 25 June 2007).
AMT Presents Positive Results of Phase I/II Study: Amsterdam, The Netherlands - May 31, 2007 - Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, reported positive Phase I/II clinical trial results with its lead product AMT-010 (now referred to as AMT-011) in Complete Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) deficient patients at the 10th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) in Seattle. The study's lead investigator is Erik S.G. Stroes, MD, PhD, from the University of Amsterdam Medical Center in The Netherlands.

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