Maine Biotechnology Information Bureau
BioNews
Maine BioNews – June 19, 2008 (Volume IX, Number 4)
From the Maine Biotechnology Information Bureau
Headlines
ImmuCell initiates "pivotal" study
ImmuCell Corporation has initiated a field trial with Mast Out (R), the company's treatment for mastitis in cows. The company has characterized the trial as "pivotal" and expects it to be complete by year end.
Mast Out is being developed as an alternative to antibiotics, which are now the standard treatment for mastitis. Mast Out uses nisin, a peptide with antibacterial properties. Nisin is currently used as a food preservative, which could mean that the milk from nisin treated cows would not have to be discarded as is the case with antibiotic treated cows.
ImmuCell currently sells Wipe Out (R), nisin impregnated towlettes for use to sanitize the teat before and after milking.
Montville and Ag Dept in standoff
The Town of Montville and Maine's Department of Agriculture are in a standoff over the town's ordinance banning the planting of biotech-enhanced crops. Following the passage of the ordinance at town meeting, Agriculture Commissioner Seth Bradstreet, III, sent a letter to town officials declaring the ordinance "invalid" because it violated provisions of Maine's "right to farm law." Montville selectmen responded with a letter to Bradstreet claiming the ordinance "was a valid municipal ordinance" enacted by citizens who "exercised their right to municipal sovereignty."
Bradstreet has expressed interest in meeting with the Selectboard. First Selectperson Jay LeGore indicated that the board would be agreeable to meeting with the commissioner.
The Maine BioBlog is tracking the situation and has links to copies of all the correspondence that has been traded.
Biotech deals set record in 2007
Biotechnology acquisition and licensing deals set a record in 2007, with the total value reaching $27 billion worldwide. Biotech companies also raised $29.9 billion in investments and loans last year, the most since 2000. The biggest deal of the year was AstraZeneca's $15.6 billion acquisition of MedImmune, the maker of FluMist vaccine.
There are now more than 4,000 biotechnology companies worldwide.
State biotech race escalating
State efforts to attract biotechnology companies escalated recently with two states launching billion dollar initiatives.
On Monday, Massachusetts Governor Duvall Patrick signed a bill that will direct $1 billion of state funds into the biotechnology sector over the next ten years. Not to be outdone, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley proposed a $1.1 billion initiative for his state.
A number of states, including Maine, are using financial incentives and outright funding to attract biotechnology companies. Last year, Maine voters passed a $55 million research and development bond issue that is being administered by the Maine Technology Institute.
Send your news to info@MaineBioInfo.org
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Douglas R. Johnson, Ph.D., Editor
Maine BioNews
Maine Biotechnology Information Bureau
P.O. Box 499
Stonington, ME 04681
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