No. 3, March 2008 

Editorial

Øresund Region Sets an Example to the Entire EU

A few weeks ago, the Danish-Swedish cross-border initiative Øresund Science Region was awarded the prestigious EU RegioStars Award in the category "Supporting clusters and business networks". With this award, the Øresund region is recognised as the number one region in Europe when it comes to clustering, network and integration among the regional players. Looking at the region from a life science point of view, the strong integration between Sweden & Denmark, as well as between public & private, big & small and core & peripheral positions in the life science value chain is a remarkable competitive strength. Read more

 

 

MVA Project News

Exchanging Medicon Valley-US Experiences at the Health Care Innovation Week in Washington DC

In February, MVA participated in the Health Care Innovation Week at House of Sweden in Washington DC. MVA joined a delegation with Sweden's Minister for Health and Social Affairs Göran Hägglund and representatives from the Swedish life science sector (public and private). The objective was to exchange experiences and know-how on healthcare systems, products and services with American counterparts. MVA presented Public Private Partnership initiatives from Medicon Valley and Region Skåne, and is now contributing to a proposal to the Swedish Ministry of Health and Social Affairs regarding research and innovation within the healthcare sector. Read more

 

News from Medicon Valley

Clinical Trials Update

Read the updates on clinical trials performed by Medicon Valley companies from weeks 9 and week 10.

Virus Cause Type 1 Diabetes: New Evidence from LUDC

A study published in the scientific Journal of Perinatology by Lund University Diabetes Centre shows that it is twice as common for children born in the summer to carry antibodies which fight insulin producing cells. The results back up the hypothesis that Type 1 diabetes is caused by a virus. Read more

The Future of Danish National Research Foundation Secured

The Danish government has decided to inject funds totalling DKK 3 billion into the Danish National Research Fund. The deal secures the fund's independence and activities for many years to come. Read more (in Danish)

Genovis Signs Distribution Deal with Nordic Biolabs

Genovis, which offers new technical solutions for advanced research, has signed a distribution contract with Nordic Biolabs for exclusive rights to sell and market Genovis' products on the Swedish and Danish markets. Read more

Ferring Pharmaceuticals: New Drug Application for Degarelix

Ferring Pharmaceuticals has submitted applications in Europe and the United States for marketing authorisation of its prostate cancer treatment, Degarelix. Degarelix is a new GnRH receptor blocker intended for patients in whom androgen deprivation is warranted. Read more

Ambitious Health Goals are Life Saving in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Early and intensive intervention with multiple drug combinations results in sustained beneficial effects with respect to death rates from any cause and vascular complications. This is the conclusion of the Steno-2 Study follow-up published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more

New EU Office to Develop the Capital Region of Denmark Into a Leading Science Region

In order to attain closer proximity to allocated EU research funds, such as those administered via the EU 7th Framework Programme, Copenhagen University, the Technical University of Denmark and the Capital Region of Denmark are opening a joint office in Brussels to promote Denmark's Capital Region internationally. Read more

ESS: Nordic-Baltic Cooperation on Track to Start Construction in 2010

ESS Scandinavia has now concluded the second of three planned negotiation phases with other European countries. A kick-off meeting on the effects on regional development of ESS Scandinavia is being held on 26 March in Malmö and anyone interested is welcome to attend. Read more about the Nordic-Baltic corporation or the kick-off meeting.

For more news about Medicon Valley, visit the MVA News section.

 

Other News

FDA Ponders Stricter Rules for Diabetes Drugs

New draft guidelines from the FDA could make things tough for companies developing new diabetes medicines. Read more

Medicon Valley: An Example of a Best Practice Cluster

In February, the Agency for Competence Networks Germany in Berlin organised a seminar on National cluster initiatives. MVA was invited to talk about the Ambassador Programme and the internationalisation strategy for Medicon Valley, the cornerstone of the programme. Read more

SEK 100 Million to SMEs in Sweden

The Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems is investing SEK 100 million in SMEs in 2008 through the programme Forska&Väx. Read more

 

New Members

Bioneer A/S

Bioneer A/S manages a diverse portfolio of technologies. In each of these, Bioneer dedicates the necessary resources to transform discovery into market ready offerings. Bioneer focuses on IP generation and licensing to generate revenues, but also maintains a high quality service offering to help with the discovery and development of biotechnology products.

Contact: www.bioneer.dk - info@bioneer.dk - phone +45 45 16 04 44

Groth & Co

Groth & Co is one of the leading companies in Scandinavia covering all areas of intellectual property law including life sciences. We work as qualified partners in discussions and serve as dynamic idea developers for our clients, from initial concept to commercial reality, upholding an outstanding level of personal service that our clients so highly appreciate.

Contact: www.groth.eu - katarina.dahlenborg@groth.eu - phone +46 40 701 55

Fagerström Pharma Systems AB

Fagerström Pharma System's concept is to operate as a total technical supplier to the pharmaceutical sector as a turnkey contractor of fully automated equipment as well as a provider of individual engineering services. Fagerström Pharma system AB is a subsidiary of Fagerström Industrikonsult AB, quality certified according to ISO 9001:2000 and highly experienced within GMP compliance.

Contact: www.fagerstrom.se - info@fagerstrom.se - phone +46 42 20 88 00

See the full list of MVA members here.

 

The MVA Newsletter is a monthly newsletter service, which provides you with news on MVA projects, members and the Medicon Valley region. As an MVA member, please feel free to send us your press releases. When possible, we will run your news in the MVA Newsletter or in our website news section.