| Today's Top Story |  |  | | - Drugmakers look for approval of potential blockbusters
Drugmakers including Roche Holding, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly & Co., Biogen Idec, Gilead Sciences and Novo Nordisk are advancing drugs that could turn out to be blockbusters. But profits might be tempered as insurers and governments increasingly balk at paying high prices for new drugs, says PricewaterhouseCoopers' Simon Friend. Reuters (1/15)       | Health Care & Policy | | | | - Institute prepares for production of RBCs from stem cells
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is preparing to undertake mass production of red blood cells from stem cells to be used for transfusions, with clinical studies beginning in three years. The method uses low-cost materials and has produced more than enough cells for transfusion in developmental testing, researchers said. The Times of India (1/12) - Funding round brings in $25 million for Versartis
Versartis secured $25 million from new and existing investors in a Series C financing round. Proceeds will support clinical trials of VRS-317, an investigational once-monthly form of recombinant human growth hormone designed for children with growth hormone deficiency. "With this substantial funding, we are able to continue our comprehensive development program for VRS-317, including obtaining proof-of-concept efficacy results and preparing for the launch of a Phase III trial in 2014," Versartis CEO Jeffrey Cleland said. American City Business Journals/San Francisco/BiotechSF blog (1/15) - Selah Genomics acquires sequencing services provider
EnGenCore, a genomic DNA sequencing provider whose clients include Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, has been purchased by Selah Genomics for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will lead to the development of "molecular and genomic technology at [the University of South Carolina] with an eye toward helping translate this impactful technology to the clinic," Selah CEO Michael Bolick said. GenomeWeb Daily News (free registration) (1/15) - Roche taps Sanford-Burnham chief executive to lead R&D unit
Roche named John C. Reed, the CEO at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, to replace Mike Burgess as head of its Pharma Research and Early Development unit, effective April 2. The division has been hit by setbacks recently, including a halt to trials for the heart candidate dalcetrapib. Reuters (1/15)  | Manage your business with the help of a dedicated partner:
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  | Food & Agriculture | | | | - Scientists develop tobacco plant with longer life span
Researchers at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology have developed a biotech longer-living tobacco plants that can grow to over six meters tall. The team "switched off" the gene that makes the plant flower, which is the cause of its typical four-month lifespan. Using the same technique, researchers are developing higher-yielding potato plants. LifesLittleMysteries.com (1/13), RTT News (1/15) | Industrial & Environmental | | | | - Vilsack: Lack of new farm bill to affect growth of biofuels sector
Failure by Congress to pass a new farm bill will have negative repercussions on the development of advanced biofuels, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a speech at a gathering of the American Farm Bureau Federation in Nashville, Tenn. The agricultural sector has "an unlimited future" in the production of raw materials for bio-based products, but "we require support and assistance and help and a commitment through a five-year bill," Vilsack said. DomesticFuel.com (1/15) | News from BIO | | | | - Are you taking full advantage of your membership?
BIO's cost-savings program, BIO Business Solutions, is helping 2,700 companies nationwide save on the cost of essential products and services. Members of BIO and 43 state and regional biotech associations are eligible to receive preferential pricing and other benefits at no additional cost beyond their membership dues. VWR International, FedEx, Office Depot and Business Wire are just a few of the industry leading providers that offer special pricing through this members-only program. Learn more or enroll here.
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