Alabama
Biotech is state's new star, Riley says, December 17, 2006, Huntsville Times
The next spurt of growth in Alabama's economy won't come from the already thriving automotive sector but from the blossoming biotechnology field, according to Gov. Bob Riley.
Australia
Pan chief to stand trial, December 19, 2006, The Age
Former Pan Pharmaceuticals boss Jim Selim has been committed for trial in the NSW Supreme Court on charges he misled the company's board ahead of its collapse in 2003.
California
Affymax IPO opens up 20%, December 15, 2006, San Francisco Business Times
Stock in Affymax Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, shot up 20 percent at the opening of its first day as a public company.
Palo Alto-based Affymax opened at $30 after the company set its initial public offering price at $25 a share, above its expected range of between $22 and $24.
Illinois
Lawmakers propose stem cell research bills, Dec. 17, 2006, Associated Press
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers today proposed spending 25 (M) million dollars a year for five years on stem cell research. That's about the same amount of money Governor Rod Blagojevich has said he wants the state to invest.
Indiana
Biomet agrees to $10.9 billion buyout, December 18, 2006, Associated Press
A group of private investors that could include a founder of Biomet Inc. has offered $10.9 billion in cash for the Warsaw, Ind.-based orthopedics maker as they seek to capitalize on baby boomers who want to turn back the clock.
Massachusetts
Bay State must battle for tech talent, December 18, 2006, Boston Herald
Massachusetts' dwindling share of the nation's scientific talent pool could be its economic Achilles' heel in coming years, according to a new report to be released today.
Predictive Biosciences Raises $10 Million in Funding to Revolutionize Cancer Management Using Novel Biomarkers, December 18, 2006, Business Wire
Predictive Biosciences, a pioneer in developing diagnostic products for informed cancer management(tm), announced today it has secured $10 million in Series A financing. Highland Capital Partners and IDG Ventures Boston co-led the investment in the company, which was jointly founded by the investors, leading entrepreneurs and internationally renowned scientists.
Boston scientific recalls catheters, December 18, 2006, Twin Cities Business Journal
Boston Scientific Corp. on Monday said it is voluntarily recalling 51 catheters in the United States.
Bruker to offer 10.4M shares, December 15, 2006, Associated Press
Medical instrument maker Bruker BioSciences Corp. said Friday it plans to offer 10.4 million shares of common stock.
Michigan
Pipex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Completes Corporate Name Change and New Ticker Symbol, December 18, 2006, Market Wire
Pipex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative late-stage oral drug candidates for the treatment of neurologic and fibrotic diseases, announced today that they have completed a corporate name change from Sheffield Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to Pipex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
New Jersey
NJ To Spend Millions On Stem Cell Research, December 17, 2006, Associated Press
Hoping to jump-start plans to make New Jersey a leader in stem cell research, Gov. Jon S. Corzine's administration plans to make $10 million available for research grants, with most money going to embryonic stem cell research.
General
EU Rejects Appeal on Biotech Crops, December 18, 2006, Associated Press
European Union environment ministers rejected an appeal Monday to force Austria to lift a ban on two biotech crop products, which the European Commission says violates international trade rules.
Biotech industry sets out new policy agenda for Europe, December 18. 2006, Cordis
The European biotechnology industry has published a new Industrial Biotechnology Policy Agenda for Europe. The document sets out a range of concrete proposals which could see the industrial biotech sector form the basis of a future EU knowledge-based bio-economy (KBBE).
Burrill's Biotech Outlook for 2007 ...and a Look Back at 2006, December 18, 2006, Burrill & Company
Although, biotech's blue chip companies were unable to sustain their momentum in 2006, with Genentech and Amgen down 12% and 11% year-to-date, it was the mid-cap and small-cap companies that carried the load.