MVA newsletter no 05, May 2005

: MVA HIGHLIGHT: Medicon Valley in relation to Sweden - and China
by Stina Gestrelius, Acting CEO, Medicon Valley Academy



16 May 2005, a new report on Swedish biotechnology ‘Strategy for growth: Biotechnology, a life supporting industry for Sweden’ was forwarded to the Swedish Minister for Industry and Trade. The report includes recommendations regarding research (e.g. focus on Swedish strongholds; metabolic inflammatory neurodegenerative and infectious diseases), tech transfer (e.g. improved regional infrastructure), commercial competetiveness (e.g. tax incentives and national system for clinical trials) and national collaborations (e.g. national biotech council).

Already the next day, the minister called a meeting with CEOs from the bio and pharma industry to discuss the future for biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Seen from a Medicon Valley perspective, the SME representative, BioInvent’s Cristina Glad who is a member of the Medicon Valley Academy (MVA) board, made a very interesting presentation. Starting with the European map, she showed how biotech companies are clustered from England through Benelux to northern Italy, and that biotech investments are concentrated to the same areas with only Medicon Valley visible in Scandinavia (Critical I, 2005). Furthermore, she noted that it is quite difficult to attract international specialists to Sweden, unless they can live in Copenhagen and utilize the more favourable expert taxation rules in Denmark. Thus, she gave solid support for the Biotech report proposals to improve the taxation incentives for young innovative companies and their international specialists.

The strong links between Copenhagen and Skåne are not always appreciated outside the region. MVA and Region Skåne produced an Addendum to the Biotech report containing the biotech company categories and personnel. While Sweden (including Skåne) has 40,000 persons employed in pharma/biotech, Medicon Valley has about 35,000 (excluding sales companies), i.e. more than in the rest of Sweden. This is not new to us in the region, but was met with surprise when presented in Stockholm to the study reference group. The Biotech report now states:

“Skåne is in a unique situation due to the proximity to Copenhagen, where the major part of Danish biotech industry and research within bioscience is situated. Lund-Malmö and Copenhagen are almost equivalent in terms of public bioresearch, but the bio-related industry in Copenhagen is almost five times bigger. MVA was founded to strengthen the collaborations between Skåne and Copenhagen. Thus, the development of Skåne as a bioregion is strongly depending on realising the vision of Medicon Valley as an integrated Swedish-Danish bioregion. In addition to the regional work, this will probably also require some coordination of national research and innovation policies in Sweden and Denmark.”

Read more:
VINNOVA biotech report & Medicon Valley Addendum (in Swedish): www.mva.org/innovationreports
EuropaBio report Critical I (in English): www.mva.org/eu

And now about China. At the Minister of Industry and Trade’s meeting in Stockholm, I was told that the Chinese delegations visiting Stockholm/Uppsala always ask for Medicon Valley, since that is the European bioregion they know of. Last week, MVA held a very interesting two-day meeting in Ørestad about Clinical Research in China with ten representatives from hospitals and regulatory authorities in Beijing and Guangzhou. Let us make sure that we continue to exploit the internationally strong Medicon Valley brand and build bridges not only across Øresund but also across the world.

Extra: New CEO for MVA from 1 August 2005
The MVA board has appointed Stig Jørgensen as the new CEO. Stig Jørgensen is a physician who spent most of his career in industry, first with preclinical and clinical research at Novo Nordisk, and later as Manager at Coloplast and Fertin, respectively. He has a HD from Copenhagen Business School, and has been a consultant for Coopers & Lybrand. Since 1999, he had his own consultant firm (MedConsult) with hospitals and pharma/medtech companies as customers. This implies an extremely broad contact surface to MVA members, and it is with sincere joy that the Academy looks forward to welcoming Stig Jørgensen. Together we will be strong and able to make a greater impact on the political agendas in Denmark and Sweden, as well as on the continued creation of networks across Øresund and internationally.


: NEWS INDEX

• Food vs. drugs workshop: Foods and Cardiovascular Diseases / 30 May
• MVA employs new CEO
• Medicon Valley mission to UK
• MVA Journalist Seminar - Focus on Stem Cells / 8 June
• Øresund seminar and Inauguration of the Øresund House in Lund / 14 June 
• MVA launch seminar: Medicon Valley Drug and Device Development Guide / 16 June 
• MVA at IDEON Days 2005
• Swedish MVA office moves to the new Øresund House in Lund
• Jobs in Medicon Valley
• VINNOVA suggests new strategy for Swedish biotech
• Scientists from Stanford University, Toronto University og Keck Graduate Institute publish book on bio ethics with two Medicon Valley cases
• VINNOVA grant for new ideas and concepts within biotech companies
• BioInvent's candidate drug against HIV/AIDS approved to enter clinical trials in UK
• TopoTarget and Curagen announce co-operative R&D agreement with US National Cancer Institute
• Lund based NovoSense won Venture Cup Syd
• ViroGates awarded European Commission grant for tuberculosis research
• NsGene moves towards clinical development with an additional DKK 30 million and introduces a new investor
• New course meet increased demands on GMP qualifications
• Denmark becomes first European country to support the development of a new, effective tuberculosis vaccine
• ACADIA Pharmaceuticals announces USD 36 million financing
  

: MVA NEWS

Food vs. drugs workshop: Foods and Cardiovascular Diseases
30 May 2005 / Ørestad / Copenhagen
MVA and Øresund Food Network invites to an afternoon seminar focusing on the use of food products in disease prevention and treatment.
Read more here (in Danish) www.mva.org/composite-1563.htm


MVA employs new CEO
Read more here (press release in Danish and Swedish) www.mva.org/composite-1573.htm

Medicon Valley mission to UK
During 30 May-2 June 2005, MVA is visiting a number of UK biotech players. The aim of the mission is to get an overview of the relevant competencies as well as possible complementary skills within the visited regions in regard to the Medicon Valley strongholds. The mission is hosted by ERBI (biotechnology network for Cambridge and the East of England), London Biotechnology Network, BioNow and UK Trade & Investment.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1581.htm

MVA Journalist Seminar - Focus on Stem Cells
8 June 2005 / Ørestad / Copenhagen
Get an introduction to the world of stem cells and get the latest news regarding diabetes and stem cells.

Øresund seminar and Inauguration of the Øresund House in Lund
14 June 2005 / Øresund House / Lund
MVA in collaboration with Øresund Science Region, Øresund University, Lund University and Sparbanken Finn invites to a half-day event presenting a seminar on bio ethics, launch of the English version of Øresund Study Gateway, a discussion on innovation in the Øresund region and much more.
Read more here (in Swedish) www.mva.org/composite-1567.htm


MVA launch seminar: Medicon Valley Drug and Device Development Guide
16 June 2005 / Ørestad / Copenhagen
MVA invites to launch seminar of Medicon Valley Drug and Device Development Guide. Speakers from Capio Diagnostik, Lund University Hospital, Medicon, Scantox, Trial Form Support, BioInvent and many more.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1559.htm

MVA at IDEON Days 2005
MVA was present at the Ideon Days 2005 exhibition together with the other Øresund Science Region platforms. See pictures and the winner of our exhibiton stand competition.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1585.htm

Swedish MVA office moves to the new Øresund House in Lund
In medio April, the Swedish MVA office moved to a new Øresund house located in central Lund, Sweden. The location also houses the other Øresund Science Region platforms and Øresund University and will be inaugurated 14 June 2005. See program for the event.
See new MVA address in Lund here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1530.htm 

Jobs in Medicon Valley
Visit MVA's job site and view the latest job descriptions in the region from CMC Biopharmaceuticals, Coloplast, Technical University of Denmark, H. Lundbeck, Hartmanns, Kelly Scientific Resources, Lund University Hospital, Maxygen, Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, Scantox, Statens Serum Institut, University of Copenhagen and Zealand Pharma.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/jobs


: MEDICON VALLEY NEWS

VINNOVA suggests new strategy for Swedish biotech
The Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA) recently published a new strategy for Swedish biotech. Increased R&D investments, tax incentives for private R&D investments, and improved and more effective collaboration between the public and private sector and other relevant players are some of the strategy's recommendations.
Read more here (in Swedish) www.mva.org/composite-1593.htm

Scientists from Stanford University, Toronto University og Keck Graduate Institute publish book on bio ethics with two Medicon Valley cases
The Bioscience Business Ethics Center of Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences has published a new book "BioIndustry Ethics", which is the result of three years of research and features 10 in-depth case studies of companies that have faced compelling bioethical issues. The book includes case stories from the two Medicon Valley based companies Novo Nordisk and Pipeline Biotech.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1589.htm

VINNOVA grant for new ideas and concepts within biotech companies
Grant opportunity for small biotech companies. Deadline is 31 May 2005.
Read more here (in Swedish) www.mva.org/composite-1590.htm

BioInvent's candidate drug against HIV/AIDS approved to enter clinical trials in UK
Medicon Valley based BioInvent has obtained approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK to initiate the first clinical trial of BI-201, its drug candidate for the treatment of HIV-infected patients.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1584.htm

TopoTarget and Curagen announce co-operative R&D agreement with US National Cancer Institute
TopoTarget has announced a cooperative research and development agreement with the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute relating to PXD101, a histone deacetylase inhibitor. PXD101 is currently being investigated in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1572.htm

Lund based NovoSense won Venture Cup Syd
Medicon Valley start-up company NovoSense recently won the yearly entrepreneur award Venture Cup Syd. Novosense started in 2004 as a result of a research collaboration between Acreo AB, Protego AB, Tilly Medical AB and Fredrik Sebelius. The company has filed three patent applications on ECG measurements, and has a unique portfolio of production, sensor and radio-technology.
Read more here (in Swedish) www.mva.org/composite-1571.htm

ViroGates awarded European Commission grant for tuberculosis research
The Danish biotech company ViroGates ApS recently announced that it has received a grant of EUR 375,000 from the European Union's 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1565.htm

NsGene moves towards clinical development with an additional DKK 30 million and introduces a new investor
NsGene recently announced the closing of a financing round of DKK 30 million. NsGene has three programs in pre-clinical development. One in collaboration with Biogen Idec regarding Neublastin for the treatment of neuropathic pain, and two EC biodelivery programs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease respectively.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1562.htm

New course meet increased demands on GMP qualifications
Based on an increased need for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) competences in the biotech sector in the Øresund region, a group of Danish graduates has taken an initiative to establish a GMP course aimed at academics to meet the need in industry.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1551.htm

Denmark becomes first European country to support the development of a new, effective tuberculosis vaccine
In late April, Denmark became the first European country to support the Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation's efforts to develop a new, effective tuberculosis vaccine with announcements of new financial commitments and scientific partnerships.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1547.htm

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals announces USD 36 million financing
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company utilizing innovative technology to fuel drug discovery and clinical development of novel treatments for central nervous system disorders, recently announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement for a USD 36 million private placement.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1532.htm


: FUTURE EVENTS - see all events

SACC Seminar on Improving Governance in a Start-up Firm
2 June 2005 / Botaniska Trädgården / Lund / Sweden
The seminar synthesizes practical and academic insights on governing a start-up firm. It highlights the importance of building a strong governance culture early in a start-up's life, and how it may improve its survival and growth prospects. It focuses attention on the often-misunderstood roles of a board member in a start-up firm, and how to build a cohesive and effective board in these firms.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1579.htm

1st annual Intellectual Property Rights in the Biotech Industry
7 June 2005 / Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel / Copenhagen / Denmark
This conference include presentations from cutting edge companies Cambridge Antibody Technology, Novozymes and Simmons & Simmons uncovering first hand experiences to tackle key issues such as develop pro-active patent enforcement strategies to extend product life cycles, current strategies to protect antibodies and how to minimise disruption to your business through patent litigation issues. NB! Reduced registration fee for MVA members.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1566.htm

Cost Effective And In Compliance - Medical, Biotech and Pharmaceutical Production
9 June 2005 / IDA Conference Centre / Copenhagen / Denmark
The pharma, medical and biotechnology industries encounter increasing demands for rational and cost-effective production: More flexibility; Better utilisation rates; and Faster adjustments. At the same time the industry must comply with regulatory demands. Attend this seminar, where questions are raised and answers are given. NB! Reduced registration fee for MVA members.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1505.htm

Bioethics, thank you! - But how?
15-16 June 2005 / PricewaterhouseCoopers / Hellerup / Denmark
University of Copenhagen invites to a conference om bioethical tools in research and industry.
Read more here (in Danish) www.mva.org/composite-1576.htm

SICEF 2005 - The Scandinavian International Career & Education Fair
29-30 September 2005 / Øksnehallen / Copenhagen / Denmark
The SICEF fair is the largest career and education fair for Scandinavian students in their last years of undergraduate or graduate studies at business schools, universities and technical universities, as well as recent graduates with up to three years of working experience. SICEF 2005 is embracing the challenge of creating a better dialogue between the pharmaceutical industry and students of natural science, pharmaceuticals and engineering.
Read more here (in English) www.mva.org/composite-1586.htm


: NEW MVA MEMBERS - see complete membership list

Action Pharma A/S - www.actionpharma.com - a Danish biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel drugs with significant therapeutic improvement within inadequately treated cardiovascular diseases. Key areas include cardioprotective drugs.

Evolva A/S - www.evolvabio.com - evolves small molecule drugs and related compounds. Evolva see “evolved small molecules” as both an alternative to, and synergistic with, traditional synthetic-medicinal chemical approaches.

Inpac AB - www.inpac.se - is the Scandinavian leader in contract packing. Inpac have packed products for various companies since 1948, with a specialist department which packs for clinical trials for the drugs industry.

Join Business & Technology AB - www.join.se - serves as the runway for newly started companies that are focusing on technological development, or as the traffic controller for established companies that want to fly towards new goals. Join offers business and market surveys, technology due diligence, concept development, problem solving, project planning, management and coaching.

Medchem Aps - www.medchem.dk - a Danish start-up company aiming to be a strategic partner for biotech companies and the pharmaceutical industry. MedChem takes on and engage in projects to develop hits and new leads.

Niconovum AB - www.niconovum.se - exploits the exclusive know-how of its founders within Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) specifically in designing products, which would be more effective than current products. Further, the idea is to exploit the commercial opportunities of identified new product formats.