California
Perlegen Raises $74 Million to Apply Pharmacogenomics to Late-Stage Drug Pipeline, February 28, 2005, Business Wire
Perlegen Sciences, Inc. today announced the closing of a $74 million private placement of its Series D Preferred Stock with new and existing investors. The financing was led by CSK Venture Capital, and new investors included Brookside Capital, an affiliate of Bain Capital, Mizuho Securities, Glynn Capital Management, Cape Securities and several other U.S. and European institutional investors. (Mountain View)
Huge deal brought private equity into VC realm, February 25, 2005, San Francisco Business Times
Venture capitalist Sam Colella remembers meeting with Jazz Pharmaceuticals executive chairman Bruce Cozadd, who explained that he didn't want to do the typical series of venture rounds.
Biotech companies bridge with colleges, February 25, 2005, East Bay Business Times
To do more than just survive in these times when education isn't the budgetary priority of many of our political leaders, educators - and nonprofits aiding our schools - increasingly have to reach out to the business community for help.
Colorado
U.K. biotech import lands funding, February 28, 2005, Denver Business Journal
Privately held biotech company Sciona Inc. has closed on its third round of financing, its first since relocating from the United Kingdom to Boulder earlier this year.
Dubai
Members of DuBiotech steering committee announced, February 28, 2005, AMEinfo
The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) has announced a steering committee comprised of eminent biotechnology experts that will offer strategic guidance to the new initiative.
Florida
Commission caves in on Scripps site, February 27, 2005, South Florida Business Journal
Cheered as an economic coup just 16 months ago, Scripps Research Institute sparked a Feb. 22 political meltdown in Palm Beach County.
India
Biotech gets a record boost, February 28, 2005, Times of India
After being left out in the cold last year, the pharmaceutical industry has been given a new lease of life by the FM in this Budget, albeit a small one. The mere continuation of exemptions on R&D expenses is set to have a positive impact on companies like Ranbaxy, Dr Reddy's, Sun and Wockhardt, which have been spending large sums for this purpose.
Indiana
Big Year For BioCrossroads, State's Life Sciences Sector, February 28, 2005, Inside Indiana Business
BioCrossroads is marking its third anniversary with a report on the growth of the life sciences sector in Indiana.
Kansas
Sigma completes $370 million buy of JRH Biosciences, February 28, 2005, St. Louis Business Journal
Sigma-Aldrich Corp. has completed its $370 million cash acquisition of JRH Biosciences division of CSL Ltd., it said Monday.
Malaysia
Making waves in biotechnology, February 27, 2005, The Star (Malaysia)
Since 1996, when it saw its humble beginnings in a shop house in Cheras, the INS group has grown to become a global player in the bio-technology industry.
Massachusetts
Stem cell research debate is set, February 27, 2005, Boston Globe
Stem cell research, a hot topic on Beacon Hill, will be debated locally on Tuesday during the 2005 North Shore Business Expo, when the state Senate president, Robert Travaglini, and former house speaker Thomas M. Finneran address local business leaders.
Netherlands
Dutch government funds novel biotechnology centre, February 28, 2005, Cordis
The Dutch government is to fund a new centre, unique in Europe, to provide facilities and expertise for the development and production of new biopharmaceutical products.
North Carolina
Targacept delays IPO, February 28, 2005, Triad Business Journal
Investment bankers for the drug discovery firm Targacept Inc. have confirmed the Winston-Salem company is postponing its initial public offering.
UNCP gets in biotech business, February 28, 2005, The Robesonian
It was chamber of commerce day at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's board of trustees meeting Friday as good news was followed by better news. The spring semester enrollment hit a record high of 5,132; the UNC Board of Governors has decided against a tuition hike of $100 per semester; and plans are for a biotech facility at the Carolina Commerce and Technology Center near Pembroke.
North Dakota
Legislators debate plan to stop local biotech seed laws, February 25, 2005, Associated Press
A thicket of local laws could make raising biotech crops a regulatory hassle for North Dakota farmers, say lawmakers who want to pre-empt any small government restrictions on genetically altered seed.
UK
Research firm to create 500 jobs, February 28, 2005, BBC News
A US-based life sciences company is to spend £60m creating 500 jobs in Stirling, it has been announced. Inverness Medical Innovations (IMI) specializes in diagnostic health products, including pregnancy tests and blood clot monitors.
UK pledges to review nanotechnology regulations, February 28, 2005, Cordis
The UK government has responded to a report on the 'opportunities and uncertainties' surrounding nanotechnology with promises of tighter regulation and further research to fill knowledge gaps.
General
Lawmaking on genetic (GMO) food is minefield for EU, February 28, 2005, Reuters via USA Today
The European Union remains deeply divided over genetically modified (GMO) foods, with the planting of biotech seeds a tremendously touchy area even though Brussels has resumed authorizing GMO products after a break of nearly six years.