  - Boston firms gain prominence in local biotech industry
A number of companies in Boston are making headway in the local biotechnology industry, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which has received FDA approval for its hepatitis C treatment, and Ariad Pharmaceuticals and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, which are both awaiting FDA decision on experimental drugs. The companies' drugs have the potential to rake in at least $1 billion in annual sales. Several other companies are following closely, with drugs in late-stage development or awaiting approval. The Boston Globe (free registration) (10/23)        | John Jantsch invites you to go local
As customers continue to rely on the Web to help them screen local businesses, local businesses must take steps to ensure that they pop to the top of online searches. Duct Tape Marketing's John Jantsch offers strategies for local marketing success in this free white paper from American Express OPEN, How to Win at the Local Marketing Game. Download your free copy now, exclusively for SmartBrief readers. |
 - Wolbachia strain increases stem cell production in fruit fly
A strain of the Wolbachia bacteria called wMau increased stem cell division in the fruit fly Drosophila mauritiana and reduced cell death rates, according to a study published in Science Express. "This is the first time that it is shown that a bacterial infection can basically manipulate the rate of division of a stem cell," said researcher Horacio Frydman of Boston University. The findings suggest Wolbachia could be used to manage vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted through mosquitoes such as malaria and dengue. The Scientist (free registration) (10/2011) - Green fluorescent protein may be used to distinguish stem cells
Using a jellyfish gene that codes for green fluorescent protein, researchers from Monash University have developed a technique to distinguish heart cells from other cell types grown in a stem cell culture. This technique will allow scientists to "study cardiac cells grown from stem cells of heart disease patients and, in this way, model heart disease in a dish," said lead researcher David Elliott. The findings appear in the journal Nature Methods. Australian Life Scientist (10/24) - Gene mutation may lead to psoriasis, study finds
Researchers at a Paris hospital found that a mutation in the interleukin-36 receptor antagonist trigger unregulated release of inflammatory cytokines, leading to the development of generalized pustular psoriasis. Targeting the IL-36 receptor pathway could be an effective strategy to address familial and sporadic cases of GPP, researchers said. The findings were presented at the International Congress of Human Genetics and the American Society of Human Genetics meetings. Medscape (free registration) (10/21) - Experts ID gene variant that may trigger autism
A study in Translational Psychiatry revealed that pregnant women who carry a certain MET gene variant, the rs1858830 C allele, were more likely to produce autoantibodies to the brains of their developing fetus, which may elevate the risk of autism in children. The gene variant was also associated with more intense and prolonged immune response upon bacterial or viral exposure. Medscape (free registration) (10/21) - Transgene vaccine slows lung cancer progression in Phase II trial
Forty-three percent of patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer who were given Transgene's vaccine candidate TG4010 plus standard chemotherapy survived without disease progression, compared with 35% of those who received only chemotherapy, according to midstage-trial data published in The Lancet Oncology. The vaccine was developed to boost immune response against the protein MUC1. Bloomberg Businessweek (10/21)  | LET’S GO DESIGN: Episode #5
In this episode of SolidWorks’ interactive web series, Jeremy moves closer to the final design of our Hot Rod Baby Buggy and also hot-wires the golf cart motor to show how the aluminum tracks perform flawlessly. Watch at LetsGoDesign.tv. |
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| Hot Topics |  |  | | Top five news stories selected by BIO SmartBrief readers in the past week. - Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
| Industrial & Environmental | | | | - Biomass-based biofuel plant planned for Pennsylvania
Primus Green Energy is considering developing a biomass-to-liquid-fuel biorefinery in Plainfield Township, Pa., said executive Yom-Tov Samia. The $40 million facility would have the capacity to convert biomass into 3.2 million gallons of a drop-in fuel substitute annually, Samia said. If all goes according to plan, construction could start in late 2012, Samia added. The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (10/23)  | |  | | The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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| News from BIO | | | | - Greater breadth of companies. Greater depth of knowledge.
The 10th Annual BIO Investor Forum, Tuesday and Wednesday in San Francisco, is a national investor forum exploring investment trends and opportunities in life sciences. Hear presentations from over 110 late-stage private and emerging public companies you won't see at other investor conferences. Meet one-on-one with new and current investors, analysts, and partnering companies. Gain insights from expert physicians, analysts, and company scientific officers at candid therapeutic and business panels. For program registration and more information, visit the BIO Investor Forum website.
| SmartQuote | | | |  | In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer."
--Albert Camus,
French author, journalist and philosopher  |
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