EDITORIAL

Progress of Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)
After 2 years of preparation, IMI is finally proposed as a public private initiative by the European Commission. The proposal states that such initiatives must be localised in Brussels, so Medicon Valley was never given a chance to compete as a host. MVA now continues with mapping and matchmaking of public and private applicants for the IMI research calls, which are expected to start in early 2008. One billion Euros are in the pot over the next 6-7 years and as much will be added in kind by big pharma. Read more


MVA PROJECT NEWS

IMI office to be located in Brussels and DKK 600.000 grant received
Upon the recommendation of the European Commission the IMI Executive Office will be located in Brussels. MVA will remain engaged in the IMI and has just received a DKK 600.000 grant from the Danish Council for Strategic Research to inform scientists and SME's on IMI in order to maximize the potential economic result.

MVA Calendar Service: A new bi-monthly news service from MVA
Which life science events and activities should you join in Medicon Valley and internationally? Stay updated by getting our new event & activities calendar directly in your mailbox. The MVA Calendar Service will provide you with an overview of life science events and activities in Medicon Valley and internationally, including all MVA activities. Please subscribe to this bi-monthly newsletter service, which will be launched in August.

The current newsletter sections ‘Activities in Medicon Valley' and ‘International activities' will from August 2007 no longer be contained in the current MVA newsletter, but will only be present in the MVA Calendar Service.  

CASE STORIES

Camurus selected as the best private biotech company in Medicon Valley 2007
The Lund based biotech company Camurus was on 12 June selected as the best private biotech company in Medicon Valley at the Strictly Financing Award 2007. The event took place at the Copenhagen Opera House where six biotech companies from Medicon Valley competed to win the favours of six British investors, scouting the investment potential in the region.

British investors keep an eye on Medicon Valley biotech companies
Six British investors formed the jury at the Strictly Financing Award 2007 and spend a full day evaluating promising Medicon Valley biotech companies. The jury was impressed by the companies and stated that biotech in Medicon Valley is successful and contains great potential. However, they also identify areas of improvement in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the local companies. Read more

MEMBER NEWS

Exclusive contract to Bavarian Nordic for 20 million doses of IMVAMUNE
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services signed 4 June an exclusive contract with Bavarian Nordic for the delivery of 20 million doses of IMVAMUNE. The total value of the deal is USD 1.6 billion, and in addition to the delivery of the 20 million doses of IMVAMUNE the base contract will support additional research and development of the product to fulfill the requirements for the smallpox vaccine during an emergency. Read more  

Topotarget has received an approvable letter for TotectTM
Topotarget announced 30 May that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an approvable letter to Totect for the treatment of anthracycline extravasation. The "approvable" reply indicates that FDA believe they can approve the application when minor technical issues has been resolved. Read more 

Genmab in C20 index
After a tremendous spring, Genmab has become a member of the Copenhagen Stock Exchange's OMXC20 index.

- We are delighted and honored to join some of the largest Danish companies as a member of the prestigious OMXC20 index. This is an important achievement for our industry, as Genmab is the first biotechnology company to enter the index," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Genmab. Read more (in Danish) 

MIP Technologies and Camurus receive Vinnova co-funding
MIP Technologies and Camurus received 4 and 3 million SEK respectively as an indirect result of their participation in the information day about Forska&Väx in Lund in February 2007, where 366 companies had applied for over than 600 million SEK. The money is earmarked for special research and development. Read more (in Swedish)  

Alligator Bioscience raises 51 million SEK in new share issue
Alligator Bioscience raised 51 million SEK in a new round of equity financing. The capital will prepare the company for a planned IPO in about 2 years. Read more  

NEW MEMBERS

aCROnordic A/S
aCROnordic is a clinical Contract Research Organisation (CRO) operating in Scandinavia and internationally through an extensive network of local partners. They offer a range of services within clinical research that are managed by professionals, and focused on the timely delivery of quality service. aCROnordic A/S can assist in or conduct any level of a clinical research project and has more than 30 years of experience with clinical trial management.

AB Cernelle  
AB Cernelle is a pharmaceutical company focused on herbal medicinal products for the treatment of prostate problems like Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS). The main product, based on the combination of Cernelle's pollen extracts Cernitin GBX and Cernitin T60, has obtained pharmaceutical marketing authorisations in several markets in Europe, Asia and South-America.

Fermenco ApS
Fermenco ApS offers technologies capable of improving production organisms through genetic engineering. The main focus is on processes for producing bioethanol, lactate and amino acids. Fermenco offers licenses, consulting, and support of its technologies, in addition to customised optimization of gene expression via R&D contracts. Fermenco is continuously looking for partners interested in testing its technologies for new organisms or products.


 

MEDICON VALLEY ACTIVITIES

Cost Effective and in Compliance 2007
12 September 2007 / Copenhagen / Denmark
There are many signs that FDA and EMEA are beginning to implement new regulatory guidelines for drug approval and quality management. By participating in this event you will learn about how quality management will be interpreted in the future. The seminar gives insight to Lean Six Sigma and experiences from other industries that can be of inspiration for the pharmaceutical industry. MVA members offers a 10% discount. Read more  

Project Manager Coaching - Basic Course
September-December 2007 / Ystad, Ørestad and Lund / Sweden and Denmark
As a result of the positive experiences and excellent feedback from the participants of the MVA course Project Manager Coaching, the course will once again be offered in autumn 2007. The course is intended primarily for current project managers in Medicon Valley with the purpose of helping you become an even better project manager. Read more  about locations, how to apply and dates.

10 years MVA jubilee
30 October 2007 / Lundbeck Auditorium / Copenhagen Biocentre / Copenhagen
This year is MVA's 10th anniversary. On 30 October from 3 to 6 pm, we welcome you for a Jubilee event at the new Lundbeck Auditorium at BRIC, Copenhagen. The theme of the Jubilee is Regional Excellence and Global Challenges. We look forward to seeing you! Read more  

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

ERBI's 9th Annual BioPartnering Exchange Event
27-29 June 2007 / Cambridge / UK
ERBI's 9th Annual Cambridge BioPartnering Exchange Event will showcase the best in biotechnology. Join the event for a packed three day programme of keynote speeches by biotech pioneers, more than 30 presentations showcasing Cambridge's leading biotech companies and more than 600 pre-booked, validated one-to-one partnering meetings. Read more  

BioFine
30-31 August 2007 / San Diego / USA
The second BioFine USA 2007 Convention is a networking convention for pharma and biopharma discovery and development professionals. It comprises the BioFine Exhibition, a Biocatalysis Day, Aromatic Chemistry for Pharma Intermediates and APIs Conference, as well as two days of Biotech Company Showcases. Read more 

BioTech Forum and Scanlab 2007
24-26 September 2007 / Stockholm / Sweden
Do not miss the opportunity to be part of the Medicon Valley pavilion at the BioTech Forum! BioTech Forum and MVA invite you to this Scandinavian biotech & medtech partnering event and offer a 30% discount for MVA members. Sign up before 30 June and get early bird participation and pay 3500 SEK + VAT. Read more  

EuroBiO 2007
26-68 September 2007 / Lille / France
The EuroBiO 2007 brings together the familiar faces of big pharma, VC investors and mature biotech firms, but also includes tech transfer managers from Europe's leading universities, research organizations and start-ups. EuroBiO partnering seeks to involve Europe's biotech clusters, major universities and research centres in 3 days of meetings with international decision-makers from the pharmaceutical, industrial and agrifood sectors. Read more

© 2007 Medicon Valley Alliance. All rights reserved.