IN FOCUS FEATURE
New Research Facility Aims to Protect Agriculture
FROM OUR WEB SITE
Starting at 6:30 p.m., submit written questions for the federal government to answer.
From Our Web Site
Inspire Starts Second Phase III Trial
Inspire's cystic fibrosis treatment, which may act early in the progression of the disease, has begun a second Phase III clinical trial to demonstrate its efficacy.
Icagen Closes on $10M from Pfizer
The cash infusion is a result of the partnership between Pfizer and Icagen to develop treatments for pain and related disorders.
Federal Officials to Answer NBAF Questions
Federal officials will answer questions about a proposed federal animal and public health research and diagnostic laboratory that could be built in Granville County.
In Focus
New Research Facility Aims to Protect Agriculture
North Carolina's agricultural industry contributes more than $60 billion to the state's economy annually.
About one of every five state residents earns a living from agriculture.
Farmers are constantly vigilant against plant and animal diseases that could wipe out their livelihood.
To protect against those diseases and their threat to public health, the federal government is planning a research facility to study eight serious diseases that affect animals. Four can spread to humans.
North Carolina is one of five finalists for this scientific institution, the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility. Bringing the facility to state-owned land near Creedmoor would create 250 to 500 jobs and contribute an estimated $1.6 billion to the state's economy.
Tonight, Homeland Security staff is conducting a public meeting at South Granville High School to answer questions about the project. The meeting starts at 7 p.m., with written questions accepted starting at 6:30 p.m.
Read about the history of the project, background information about the facility, and a scientist's perspective on its importance.
News from Other Sites
N.C. raises its bet on biotech jobs
Biotechnology Center President and Chief Executive Officer Norris Tolson talks about the growth and promise of the state's biotechnology industry, and the long-term investments that have gotten it this far.
From the (Raleigh) News and Observer
North Carolina and the New Energy Economy
The News and Observer takes a look at how the state is working to create alternative energy. The package followed the Feb. 11-12 Institute for Emerging Issues conference on alternative energy and N.C. Gov. Mike Easley's announcement of an Advanced Transportation Energy Center.
N.C. must be proactive in energy revolution - Editorial by former N.C. Governor Jim Hunt
Technologies key to greener living - Novozymes' Thomas Nagy promotes technology as a way to live greener.
LabCorp enters brave new world of genetic-based testing
"Labcorp began its turn toward genetic testing about a dozen years ago. Since 2002, such esoteric (specialized) and genomic testing has grown from 27 percent of the company’s business to 34 percent. Within three to five years, LabCorp officials say that figure could grow to 40 percent. "
From the Burlington Times-News
Array BioPharma to open Morrisville office
"Array BioPharma has leased about 20,000 square feet at Perimeter Park in Morrisville and plans to move midyear, spokeswoman Tricia Haugeto said."
From the (Raleigh) News and Observer
Community Watch
- PPD announced plans to repurchase $350 million of its common stock. More.
- Southeast BIO, a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the growth of the Southeast’s life sciences industry, announced its second annual BIO/Plan Competition. The deadline is March 17. More.
Please send Community Watch items to Jim Shamp.
Save the Date
Mar. 17
Biotech Forum
(Research Triangle Park)
Mar. 26-27
NC Nanotechnology Conference
(Winston-Salem)
Apr. 16-18
Venture 08
(Durham)
May 19-20
Biotech 2008
(Winston-Salem)
June 17-20
BIO 2008 Conference
NC Pavilion Sponsorship
(San Diego)
View our complete listing of events across North Carolina.
This newsletter was sent Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. For the latest North Carolina biotechnology industry headlines, please visit the news section of our Web site.
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