All companies — large and small, biotech included — have felt the pinch of the current (or recent, depending on your point of view) recession. From huge multinational companies to virtual start-ups, all are taking a good hard look at the way they do business. And as it does every year, the 2010 BIO International Convention will offer something for every company and every situation. Business-oriented sessions range from hard-earned experience to provocative new ideas.
"The Business of Biotechnology"
AutoGenomics announces the launch of a novel test for B-RAF mutations
AutoGenomics, a leader in providing automated, molecular testing solutions announced today that it has launched an expanded test panel to detect 17 B-RAF mutations for research use to enhance the understanding of B-RAF mutations.
Pappas Ventures names Michael Grey Venture Partner
Pappas Ventures today announced that industry veteran Michael Grey has been named a venture partner.
Death of the 20-minute Rule
Venture capitalists have always preferred their backyards. This preference is captured in the so-called "20-minute rule," which describes an investor's tendency to invest in companies located within a 20-minute drive of the fund's office.
Arthur M. Pappas Elected as Biotechnology Center Board Chairman
Arthur M. Pappas, MBA, founder and managing partner of the Research Triangle Park venture capital firm Pappas Ventures, has been elected chairman of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center's Board of Directors.
Plexxikon announces first patient dosed in first of two pivotal trials of PLX4032 for metastatic melanoma
Plexxikon Inc. announces that enrollment has been initiated and the first patient has been treated in the first of two pivotal trials of PLX4032 (RG7204) in patients with metastatic melanoma. PLX4032 is a novel, oral and highly selective drug that targets the BRAFV600E cancer-causing mutation occurring in about 50 percent of melanomas and about eight percent of all solid tumors. This single arm Phase 2 B-Raf Inhibitor in Melanoma (BRIM2) trial for previously-treated metastatic melanoma patients, along with a randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial (BRIM3) expected to start by the end of 2009 in first-line patients, are part of the planned registration program for PLX4032. The initiation of the Phase 2 trial has triggered a significant milestone payment to Plexxikon from Roche. Plexxikon is entitled to receive additional payments for milestone achievements as well as royalties on sales of PLX4032. Plexxikon and Roche are co-developing PLX4032 under their 2006 license and collaboration agreement.
Pappas Picks Likely Heir, Prepares for More IPOs
As Art Pappas makes plans for his eventual retirement, he's counting on the recent stock-market rebound to help some of the promising young companies he backs gain favor on Wall Street.
Pappas Ventures Names Eric Linsley Managing Partner
Pappas Ventures today announced that Eric W. Linsley has been promoted to Managing Partner.
NC Biotech Center building $10M HQ addition
To continue the state life science industry’s record-setting growth rate, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, with the help of statewide partners, is building an addition to its Research Triangle Park headquarters.
