Cardiocore Acquires Experienced Cardiac Safety Team Formerly with Gentiae

Cardiocore, a premier centralized cardiac safety testing laboratory, announced that it has hired former Gentiae Vice President of Cardiovascular Clinical Services, Polina Voloshko, MD. Cardiocore also acquired key members of Dr. Voloshko’s former staff. This core group includes cardiovascular physicians and technicians as well as project and data managers. Members of the team have worked together for 20 years, originally as part of the esteemed Ischemia Research and Education Foundation.

Dr. Voloshko joins Cardiocore’s scientific consulting team which includes two of the core lab industry’s founding fathers— Chief Medical Officer Lawrence Z. Satin, MD, FACC and Senior Cardiac Safety Consultant, Daniel B. Goodman, MD. With this addition, Cardiocore continues to expand its international scientific leadership, keeping pace with the company’s growing base of pharmaceutical and biotech clients.

Dr. Satin noted, “Cardiocore’s scientific team has overseen roughly a third of all the Thorough QT studies that have been performed to date. By bringing together the thought leadership from three top core labs, we have established a scientific foundation that is uniquely broad. We’ve combined the ‘best of the best’ approaches from across the industry to provide sponsors with unparalleled value.”

“When leading scientists like Polina Voloshko and Daniel Goodman become available in the cardiac testing industry,” added Cardiocore CEO Jennifer Cotteleer, “they are in a position to join any core lab they choose. Therefore, I am proud to see the most prominent experts repeatedly attracted to Cardiocore. They recognize us as the new industry leader, and they’re attracted to the scientific integrity we’ve established.”

“As a recent competitor,” explained Dr. Voloshko, “I can tell you that Cardiocore is setting the standard to which other core labs aspire. This organization delivers the highest quality science and the most thoughtful customer care in the cardiac testing industry. Speaking for myself and my colleagues, we are all delighted to become contributors to this top-quality operation.”

Dr. Voloshko brings 22 years of international experience as a cardiologist and researcher. In her role as Vice President of Medical Operations, she will perform protocol consulting, provide medical leadership and direct the company’s echocardiography services. She will be located in Cardiocore’s San Francisco, California office enabling close collaboration with West Coast life sciences customers.

About Cardiocore Cardiocore has provided superior centralized cardiac testing services to the pharmaceutical industry for 14 years. Services include centralized electrocardiographic (ECG) analysis, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, statistical analysis and consulting services such as protocol design. The company is experienced in design and implementation of Thorough QT Trials and cardiac safety and efficacy testing in Phase I, II and III clinical trials. These services are supported by the company’s CardioCorrect® system featuring the proprietary HolterGateway™ and CardioPortal™. Cardiocore’s U.S. headquarters is located in Bethesda, Maryland, its West Coast office is located in San Francisco, California, and its European subsidiary, Cardiocore Limited, is located in London, England.

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Einstein Researchers Use Novel Approach to Uncover Genetic Components of Aging

People who live to 100 or more are known to have just as many—and sometimes even more—harmful gene variants compared with younger people. Now, scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have discovered the secret behind this paradox: favorable “longevity” genes that protect very old people from the bad genes’ harmful effects. The novel method used by the researchers could lead to new drugs to protect against age-related diseases.

“We hypothesized that people living to 100 and beyond must be buffered by genes that interact with disease-causing genes to negate their effects,” says Dr. Aviv Bergman, a professor in the departments of pathology and neuroscience at Einstein and senior author of the study, which appears in the August 31 issue of PLoS Computational Biology.

To test this hypothesis, Dr. Bergman and his colleagues examined individuals enrolled in Einstein’s Longevity Genes Project, initiated in 1998 to investigate longevity genes in a selected population: Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews. They are descended from a founder group of just 30,000 or so people. So they are relatively genetically homogenous, which simplifies the challenge of associating traits (in this case, age-related diseases and longevity) with the genes that determine them.

Full story via Fierce Biotech

Biotechnology - Planet's Next Big Opportunity

Asia's influence on the global biotech industry is gathering movement. Asia's foray into biotechnology has generated a huge interest in prospective market players due to the sheer market size that has been unused.

Owing to this government of each Asian country has invested in biotechnology, considered as science of future and they are basically the ones who are driving the biotechnology research. In contrast the role played by Private industry is trivial. This is primarily because biotechnology research requires huge investment in infrastructure as well as the returns is quite low in the early years.

China's foray into biotechnology was with a focus on plant genomics and transgenic technology. It was the Asia's only country, which took part in the human genome project. Similarly,India was among the front-runners in biotech projects and is set to emerge as a strong player in the biopharmaceutical market.

Recent report on "Asia Pacific Biotechnology Market (2007-2010)" by RNCOS' also conveyed similar results, as per which, the biotechnology industry in Asia-Pacific is expected to play a vital role in the global biotechnology market in future. The Asia-Pacific region generated estimated revenues worth US$ 39.16 Billion in 2006.

The report also confirmed the Asian governments efforts in making biotechnology a top priority and agreed that the region is largely dependent on the government with very little private participation in most of the countries.

Likewise the report acknowledged the efforts of China and India (among others) in the field of biotechnology and talked about the China's Beijing Genomics Institute that conducted a number of genome sequencing projects including its well-publicized human genome project. The report also agreed that over US$ 10 Billion worth of biopharmaceuticals were scheduled to go off patent by the end of 2006 andIndia, with its unique pharma and biotech skills, can cash in on this opportunity.

Further, the report also addressed some other interesting issues for today's global business environment such as market trends in the Asia-Pacific Biotechnology industry, the role played by the governments and opportunities that can be leveraged by the industry.

The report provides an extensive research and objective analysis of the biotechnology market in Asia-Pacific and help clients in analyzing the opportunities critical to its growth.

via biotechinbrussels.be

Malacca set to be the next world biotechnology hub

Undertaking this mammoth project at the 113ha site in Malacca is California-based Actis Biologics Inc, a bio-pharmaceutical company which has set up a Malaysian-registered company Actis Biologics Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Actis co-founder and chairman Sanjeev Saxena said the making of the Bio-City in Malaysia was with the vision to create a competitive, self sufficient Life Sciences industry, create global recognition and ensure investors had good returns.

"Malaysia will also become the hub for the commercialisation of existing research. The biotech hub will also create jobs for thousands of people."

Saxena said his company intends to create Life Science and Life Science-related companies focusing on cardiovascular diseases, anti-cancer, diabetes, respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, regenerative medicines and ophthalmological indications.

The company will also focus on age-related disorders, pain management, new age antibiotics, clinical/molecular diagnostics, process instrumentation and analytical instruments.

Actis Biologics president P.N. Venugopalan said the company would develop therapeutic treatments and would continue its research into vaccines and medications for each of the segments.

Telesto Diagnostics is a medical device company set up by Actis Biologics Malaysia to focus on medical computer-aided diagnosis for breast cancer software.

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Biotechnology Careers in the United States

Author: Biotech Crossing

Biotechnology combines the study of biological sciences with technological advances to find solutions to important societal and scientific issues. Biotechnology is especially useful in research and development related to medicine and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food production, forensics, wildlife conservation, and biological studies. The field of biotechnology is the ultimate frontier of scientific and technological studies. Biotechnology can aptly be described as a subject that requires a multidisciplinary approach to innovation and development. Those in the industry study the basic elements of matter, such as tissues, cells, and even smaller components of life, to provide solutions to industrial and scientific problems.

Currently, biotechnology is a multidisciplinary domain in the United States. Therefore, diverse educational options exist in the field across the country. There is a growing need to produce skilled graduates who can cater to the career-related demands of the industry. The key aim of biotechnology programs is to ensure core competence in the field of biotechnology. Diverse objectives include preparing researchers, managers, technicians, and other professionals to fuel the surge in the biotechnology industry.

Biotechnology graduates may also elect to pursue higher qualifications in such fields as biophysical science, mechanical engineering, and computing. Educational programs range from certificate and bachelor's degree programs to master's and doctoral degree programs. To cater to the managerial and leadership needs of the biotechnology industry, some universities offer dual degree programs as well. These programs include managerial preparation along with biotechnology training.

Presently, the biotechnology industry offers a variety of career options for biotechnology scientists, agricultural scientists, general practitioners, forensic scientists, laboratory technologists, and veterinarians. More and more career options are opening up in the industry. Biotechnology graduates with some experience can expect to find employment as bioinformaticians, consultants, and industry researchers. Biotechnology graduates with management skills can expect to find employment as biotechnology consultants and biotechnology directors. Although biotechnology has conventionally retained its identity as an academic domain, there is a growing demand for highly educated professionals in biotechnology businesses.

Presently, there are around 1,500 biotechnology companies in the United States. Together, their business totals more than $40 billion. There is a growing need to meet the growing demand for biotechnology professionals and qualified graduates produced by universities in the United States. However, most biotechnology professionals attuned to academic lifestyles are finding the change drastic due to industry expectations with regard to returns on investment. Businesses cannot afford to lose good scientists with sound academic and research credentials. What is required is simply adaptation to the business aspects of biotechnology. Therefore, even if biotechnology scientists do not display entrepreneurial desires, a series of short-term training programs can help fill the gap between academics and business.



Article Source: amazines.com

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Biotechnology and Immortality

Author: Frank Vanderlught

In a very primitive way we are on the road to Immortality.

Within the nucleus of nearly every one of the 100 trillion cells that make up our body is a Computer Program of enormous complexity. This Computer Program is our DNA. We can now for the first time in Man's history read the message this Computer Program produces.

We can read this message by so-called DNA sequencing. What is DNA sequencing? DNA sequencing is the process of determining the exact order of the 3 billion chemical building blocks which make up the DNA of the 24 different human chromosomes. This sequencing revealed the estimated 20,000-25,000 human genes within our DNA as well as the regions controlling them.

What are Genes? Genes are segments of DNA that are the basic functional units of heredity. Genes are determined by an ordered sequence of chemical bases found in a unique position on a specific chromosome. Their "blueprint" guides protein production, which determines how different cells in the body function. Inherited genes also control our unique set of physical traits.

Think of your genes as a blueprint for cell growth and function. Abnormalities in the DNA are like typographical errors. They may provide the wrong set of instructions, leading to faulty cell growth or function.If there is an error in a gene, that same error will appear in all the cells that contain the same gene. This is like having a blueprint in which all the copies have the same typographical error.

So now we have what is basically a blueprint of the Human Body.

What are we going to do with that blueprint? Just because we have the blueprint does not mean we understand it. We are just starting to nibble at the edges. What we would like to do is create personalized health care designed just for us.

Humans have the same DNA sequence except for less than 1% that differs from person to person. The variations in this small percentage are very important because if they do not follow the usual pattern there may be a chance that the body is more or less susceptible to certain diseases.

Our behaviour in most cases can influence to what extent a gene is expressed as a disease. Smoking, drinking, drugs, overeating can all cause a gene or a combination of genes to express as a disease.

There are now tests available using cells collected either from a simple mouth rinse procedure or from a single blood draw that measure selected segments of the genetic code that differ from individual to individual. These are called single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs for short.

So by looking at the exceptions we can now see where we might be at risk in future.

These exceptions are not certainties but possible risk factors which could affect our health if we do not use preventative measures. Historical Medicine treated a person only after he developed the disease.

We now have the ability to not only know to what unique diseases we are at risk, but to know all of them, so we could theoretically protect ourselves against all of them and as healthcare providers become more knowledgeable, better diets, vitamins and exercise programs will be developed that will form the basis of more longevity.

Source: articlesbase

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What is a Career in Biotechnology Like?

Author: John Daye

Biotechnology is the integration of engineering and technology to the life sciences.

Biotechnologists frequently use microorganisms or biological substances to perform specific processes or for manufacturing. Examples include the production of drugs, hormones, foods and converting waste products.

There are many sub-branches involved in the biotech industry. A few of the more common branches include; molecular biology, genetic engineering, and cell biology.

A new and exciting sub-branch requiring biotechnologists is the field of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology gives us the capability to engineer the tiniest of objects, things at the molecular level. Nano means a billionth of a specific unit in Greek. Nanotechnology includes the study and manipulation of materials between 1 and 100 nanometers.

To give you an idea, DNA is approximately 2.5 nanometers. Red blood cells are 2.5 micrometers (1,000 times larger). And a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick! As you can imagine, it is very difficult to scale and mass produce objects within the realm of nanotechnology. Their minute size makes them nearly impossible to manipulate. But scientists and engineers have teamed up to make the seemingly impossible a reality.

Which means those with the proper training will be highly sought after in the future. The National Science Foundation estimates that the U.S. alone will need up to 1 million nanotechnology researchers. It is estimated that the need for nanotechnology workers will reach 2 million by 2015.

Therefore, if you're considering getting into the field of biotech, you may want to gear your background in nanotechnology if your school offers it or seek employment in this exciting new career field after graduating.

No matter what sub-branch you wind up specializing in, biotechnologists often collaborate with others in the laboratory and bounce ideas off one another. This can create a pleasant work environment; one that involves sharing with others and working together to achieve a great goal.

Article Source:
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Biotechnology Careers

Author: Andrew Green

Taking up a job in biotechnology means involving oneself in the development of new products and processes for the good of mankind and quality of life. Before one seriously considers a career in biotechnology, it is imperative to have extensive knowledge in biology, chemistry, and other life sciences.

Biotechnology also has a deep impact on other areas such as human health careers which involves detecting and treating hereditary diseases, cancer, heart disease, AIDS, etc; in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, and Livestock Production; and in Agriculture and Plant Science.

A biotechnology company has a number of divisions, each performing different tasks and functions.

• Career in Research and Development: Like any other company, a biotechnology company also needs a qualified team of researchers to represent its future. While some researches may focus on a specific application, some may be carried out for acquiring new knowledge which may not need immediate application. Researchers may also work in academic environments such as universities or within the premises of the company setup. The most important thing is that research and product development form the foundation and basis of any biotechnological setup.


• Career in Production and quality control: People who have extensive knowledge of engineering or industrial-manufacturing technology are required by biotechnological firms in production and manufacturing. In order to make sure the finished products meet specifications, a group or team of quality assurance look after the production process, research and development. This group of experts belongs to the quality control division.


• Career in Management: Biotechnology companies need managers who can supervise the working of the company such as Research and Development, Production, and Quality Control. These people are often Ph.D. level scientists who have worked their way up through special achievements or accomplishments. They may also have business training and experience sometimes.


• Career in Sales and Marketing: Market researchers analyze, assess and estimate the need for a specific product and it would sell. They advertise and promote, and try to find new markets for products already being sold. Salespersons deal directly with consumers by selling, getting feedbacks etc, and are the most visible representatives of the biotechnology company.


• Career in Regulatory Affairs Since all biotechnology companies, especially agricultural and pharmaceutical, are regulated by federal and state agencies such as FDA, EPA, and USDA regarding the safety, ethics etc of manufacturing and products, they need a team of experts and specialists to make sure the company follows all regulations laid down by these agencies.


• Career in Legal Affairs: Any invention or discovery is not safe from copyright infringement without the proper patent. Since biotechnology companies and firms are continually engaged in the search for newer and better products, they need people specializing in law to prepare patent application, or keep track of patent laws.


• Career in Public Relations, Communications, and Training: Biotechnology companies must be able to relay information to the public or other agencies in a language they will understand because biotechnology involves the use of technical terms much of the time. They must also be able to convince others on the credibility and usefulness of their products. As the company grows bigger, the scope of its recruitment also grows along with it. This would imply the need for more training and staff development, and hence more trainers.

Source: articlesbase.com

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