| Today's Top Story |  |  | | - 2012's top stories in biotechnology
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News lists nine of the most important developments in the biotech industry for 2012. Among the stories for the year was the FDA's issuance in February of a draft guidance for the development and approval of biosimilar drugs. The threat of cuts as part of the "fiscal cliff" loomed over the budgets of the NIH, FDA, CDC and National Science Foundation. The year ended without a blockbuster merger or acquisition but with more new drug approvals from the FDA than 2011. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (12/31)       | Health Care & Policy | | | | - J&J's tuberculosis drug Sirturo wins FDA approval
The FDA approved the use of Johnson & Johnson's Sirturo, or bedaquiline, in combination with other drugs, to treat patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Sirturo, developed by J&J's Janssen Therapeutics, is the first new tuberculosis drug to gain approval in 40 years. Because of the possibility of fatal heart problems, Sirturo will carry a boxed warning. Reuters (12/31), MSN/The Associated Press (1/1) | Company & Financial News | | | | - Ignyta closes Series B funding round with additional $5.5M
Ignyta raised an additional $5.5 million in a Series B financing round, bringing its total funds raised in the round to $6 million. The company will use the money to launch clinical trials of its molecular-based diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis, and seek CLIA certification to support a launch late next year or in early 2015. Xconomy/San Diego (12/31) | Industrial & Environmental | | | | - Researchers tweak xylan, lignin for cellulosic biofuel production
Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute are genetically modifying the xylan and lignin in selected plants to make crops that are easier to process for cellulosic biofuel production, according to studies published in Plant Biotechnology Journal and Biotechnology for Biofuels. The researchers found ways to limit the xylan and lignin content without impeding plant growth, the studies showed. "We got the idea to try to remove lignin or xylan from all the other cell types, but not from the vessels," said Henrik Scheller, vice president of JBEI's feedstocks division. EthanolProducer.com (12/28) - Indian state aims to make ethanol from cashew, coffee pulp
The Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board in India is planning to establish pilot plants for the production of ethanol from cashew apple and coffee pulp, said Y.B. Ramakrishna, the board's executive chairman, at the opening of the Dakshina Kannada biofuel information and demonstration facility. Concerns about state tax rules must be addressed before the plan can proceed, said A.K. Monnappa, the board's managing director. The Hindu (India) (12/30) | News from BIO | | | | - Ship with FedEx
FedEx is now offering member companies discounts of up to 35% off select FedEx services, both U.S. and international services. The BIO program with FedEx is one of the many cost-savings programs offered by BIO through its Business Solutions program. There is no charge for BIO member companies to participate in any of the BIO Business Solutions programs -- it is a benefit of membership. Learn more about the BIO and FedEx program.
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