Stephanie Sutton was an assistant editor at Pharmaceutical Technology Europe.

Stephanie Sutton

European confidence and optimism in biotechnology is increasing, according to a survey conducted by the European Commission (EC), with particular support being seen in the area of regenerative medicines, including stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research. 

According to the EC, biotechnology is a major driver in the health and wellbeing of European citizens, but many factors have affected its development including consumer safety concerns, strong environmental movements and little social acceptance. The EC’s 

 survey, however, showed that 80% of Europeans are in favor of, or unopposed to, biotechnology, although there is still a demand for more facts and communication. 

Overall, there was great support for medical biotechnology, with 68% of respondents approving of stem cell research and 63% approving of embryonic stem cell research. Additionally, 58% of respondents approve of xenotransplantation, which is subject to moratoria in a number of countries. The support for medical biotechnology also reaches to non-therapeutic applications, with 56% of respondents approving of research aiming to enhance human performance. However, there was also a strong consensus that strict laws will be needed to alleviate concerns about ethical issues.

Biobanks were also well supported. Although only one in three respondents had heard about biobanks, nearly one in two said they would definitely or probably participate in them, with Scandinavian countries showing particularly enthusiasm.  

“These findings are very encouraging,” Nathalie Moll, Secretary General at the European Association for Bioindustries (EuropaBio), said in a 

. “They show that Europeans increasingly understand and appreciate the benefits that biotechnology brings... In particular, we are delighted by the overwhelming support for medical biotechnology and for the strong support shown for crop-based and non-food based biofuels.”

Articles

European confidence and optimism in biotechnology is increasing, according to a survey conducted by the European Commission (EC), with particular support being seen in the area of regenerative medicines, including stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research.

Europe says yes to biotechnology

Building on their long-standing relationship, GlaxoSmithKline and Brazil’s Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) have announced a new collaboration to research and develop innovative medicines for neglected tropical diseases. 

, the partnership will enable scientists at Fiocruz and at GSK’s Tres Cantos facility in Spain to openly share new research, ideas and know-how. Initially, focus will be on Chagas and Leishmaniasis because of Fiocruz’s experience in these areas, although malaria and tuberculosis will also be priorities. 

The companies have worked together since 1985 when they established a collaboration to manufacture vaccines for public health priorities in Brazil, including polio, measles, mumps, rubella and rotavirus. The relationship has supported the development of both research and manufacturing capabilities in Brazil through technology transfer and scientific collaboration. The new arrangement is in line with GSK’s strategy to stimulate broad collaborative partnerships, as well as provide access to the infrastructure, processes and experience of the scientists working in Tres Cantos and Fiocruz. 

In the press statement, Nick Cammack, SVP and Head of the Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus, said: “Alliances like this one with Fiocruz are critical to the progress and to the needs of patients. The expertise and knowledge that the scientists at Fiocruz will bring will help drive our discovery and development efforts.”

Building on their long-standing relationship, GlaxoSmithKline and Brazil's Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) have announced a new collaboration to research and develop innovative medicines for neglected tropical diseases.

GSK extends tropical diseases collaboration

European confidence and optimism in biotechnology is increasing, according to a survey conducted by the European Commission (EC), with particular support being seen in the area of regenerative medicines, including stem cell research and embryonic stem-cell research. 

According to the EC, biotechnology is a major driver in the health and well-being of European citizens, but many factors have affected its development, including consumer safety concerns, strong environmental movements, and little social acceptance. The EC’s 

Overall, there was great support for medical biotechnology, with 68% of respondents approving of stem-cell research and 63% approving of embryonic stem-cell research. Additionally, 58% of respondents approve of xenotransplantation, which is subject to moratoria in several countries. The support for medical biotechnology also reaches to nontherapeutic applications, with 56% of respondents approving of research aiming to enhance human performance. However, there was also a strong consensus that strict laws will be needed to alleviate concerns about ethical issues.

Biobanks, facilities that store biological samples, were also well supported. Although only one in three respondents had heard about biobanks, nearly one in two said they would definitely or probably participate in them, with Scandinavian countries showing particular enthusiasm.  

“These findings are very encouraging,” Nathalie Moll, secretary general of the European Association for Bioindustries (EuropaBio), said in a 

. “They show that Europeans increasingly understand and appreciate the benefits that biotechnology brings... In particular, we are delighted by the overwhelming support for medical biotechnology and for the strong support shown for crop-based and nonfood based biofuels.”

European confidence and optimism in biotechnology is increasing, according to a survey conducted by the European Commission.

Survey Shows Europe's Perception of Biotechnology to be Favorable

Sanofi-aventis has told Genzyme to stand aside and let the shareholders decide on whether an acquisition should take place. In the latest update in the ongoing sanofi-aventis/Genzyme 

, the CEOs of both companies have exchanged harsh letters.

Genzyme has a number of defences in place, including a shareholder rights plan or “poison pill”, which may prevent a hostile takeover. According to sanofi-aventis CEO, Christopher Viehbacher, however, this is unfair for shareholders. 

“We believe it would be inappropriate for the Board to take these defensive actions,” said Viehbacher in a 

. “If we are unable to have a direct dialogue with you, in all fairness you should allow your shareholders the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not to accept our proposal.”

Additionally, Genzyme is wielding the threat of the Massachusetts anti-takeover status, which would prevent the acquisition from taking place without Board approval, regardless of shareholders’ opinion, and has also indicated that the Board can extend the election terms of two-thirds of its current directors to an additional 1–3 years. 

“Your shareholders should know with certainty that you will not interfere with their right to benefit from our offer,” said Viehbacher. “Therefore, we ask that you take action to make the Massachusetts anti-takeover status inapplicable to our offer and confirm that Genzyme’s 2011 annual meeting of shareholders, including the election of all directors, will be held on schedule.”

Viehbacher also requested a meeting with Genzyme to discuss the proposed acquisition, but in a firm 

, Genzyme CEO Henri Termeer, explained that the current $69 per share offer is not an appropriate starting point for discussions. He highlighted the reports Genzyme has released about its near-term plans and future prospects, as well as the results of an independent third party study of the significant revenue potential of its multiple sclerosis candidate alemtuzumab.

“Sanofi-aventis, for its own purposes, has chosen to dismiss or ignore this information and stick to its opportunistic and inadeuqate $69.00 per share offer, even as analysts have adjusted their target to reflect the new information,” said Termeer. He also added that Genzyme continues to have the support of its shareholders. 

He makes no mention of taking the actions Viehbacher requested, although he did explain that the Board is open to discussions with sanofi if an appropriate offer is made. 

The current tender offer for all the outstanding shares of Genzyme will expire on 10 December. 

Sanofi-aventis has told Genzyme to stand aside and let the shareholders decide on whether an acquisition should take place.

Sanofi And Genzyme Still At War

The market for orally disintegrating and fast dissolving tablets could exceed revenues of $13 billion by 2015 based on upward global growth trends, according to a 

 from Technology Catalysts. The report explains that ODTs and oral thin films (OTFs) have continued to expand as dysphagia, patient compliance and consumer convenience issues receive increased attention.

As a result, the combined EU, Japanese and US ODT market doubled in size during the past 4 years and exceeded $6 billion in 2009. Its market value has also been bolstered by the increase in generic competition. According to the report, there are now more than 450 available commercial OTC and prescription ODT products, partly thanks to the introduction of generic formulations and an increase in the number of generic manufacturers. Additionally, brand companies are also looking for new innovative and differentiating concepts.

New OTC OTFs are also being commercialized in the US to expand into markets such as pain management and motion sickness, which demand faster onset of action. More than 80 OTF brands have been launched in North America since 2003 and the market is well positioned for further growth.

“More importantly, prescription OTFs have now been approved in all three major regions (US, EU and Japan),” explains the report summary. “These approved Rx films, along with several key molecules in the OTF pipelines, have potential to canibalize other oral dosage forms of the same drugs.”

The market for orally disintegrating and fast dissolving tablets could exceed revenues of $13 billion by 2015 based on upward global growth trends, according to a report from Technology Catalysts.

ODT Market To Exceed $13 Billion By 2015

The market for orally disintegrating and fast-dissolving tablets could exceed revenues of $13 billion by 2015, based on upward global growth trends, according to a 

from Technology Catalysts International, a technology-transfer and business-consulting firm based in Virginia. The report explains that orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and oral thin films (OTFs) have continued to expand as dysphagia (i.e., difficulty swallowing), patient compliance, and consumer convenience issues gain prominence. 

The combined ODT markets in the US, European Union, and Japan doubled in size during the past four years and exceeded $6 billion in revenue in 2009. The ODT markets' value has also been bolstered by the increase in generic competition. According to the report, there are now more than 450 available commercial over-the counter (OTC) and prescription ODT products,  thanks partly to the introduction of generic formulations and an increase in the number of generic manufacturers.  In addition, brand companies are also looking for new innovative and differentiating concepts.

New OTC OTFs are also being commercialized in the US with the goal of entering markets such as pain management and motion sickness, which demand a fast onset of action. More than 80 OTF brands have been launched in North America since 2003, and the market is well positioned for further growth, according to the report.

“More importantly, prescription OTFs have now been approved in all three major regions (i.e., US, EU, and Japan),” says the report. “These approved Rx films, along with several key molecules in the OTF pipelines, have potential to cannibalize other oral dosage forms of the same drugs.”


The market for orally disintegrating and fast dissolving tablets could exceed revenues of $13 billion by 2015 based on upward global growth trends, according to a report from Technology Catalysts International, a technology transfer and business consulting firm based in Virginia.