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October 2009
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R&D Tax Consultation - Now Open
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For some sectors the R&D tax credit proposal, released for discussion on 18 September 2009, will have a dramatic impact for some, for others less so. BioMelbourne Network sees the introduction of an R&D tax credit scheme having a vastly positive effect on the majority of the biotechnology industry in Australia.
BioMelbourne Network, in collaboration with Ernst & Young, hosted a discussion forum on the 1 October 2009 with a cross-section of biotech and pharma representatives.
The purpose of the forum was to assist in the development of a BioMelbourne Network submission and to canvass the views and opinions of the ten (10) participants about how the proposed scheme would affect their businesses. BioMelbourne Network's submission will be available on the BioMelbourne Network website within the next week or so for information and comment.
Simply put, the proposed R&D tax credit will return critically important cash back to the sector, enabling a greater investment in R&D, and probably greater confidence in committing to longer term R&D activity. Secondly, it may also enhance biotechs broader investment profile.
The forum confirmed that a key issues for the biotech sector is the definition of terminology and eligibility criteria. The forum suggested that clarification as soon as possible would be a significant benefit for the industry as it would give biotechs greater confidence in committing to expenditure in this financial year and potentially in attracting further investment. If the legislation is enacted for the commencement of the 2010/11 financial year and the credit is not paid to SME's for another year - this is a very long time in biotech. Therefore, the biotech industry needs as much certainty as possible regarding program definitions so biotechs can work more effectively in managing current cash flows and being able to work and plan with a higher degree of confidence in that funds committed to R&D expenditure will be refunded in the
future.
A Melbourne consultation is scheduled for the 16 October 2009 and submissions are due on the 26 October 2009. Legislation is expected to be introduced into Parliament early next year and in place for the income years commencing after 30 June 2010.
For more information and directions regarding submission go to www.treasury.gov.au.
For information on the Melbourne consultation meeting go to www.ausindustry.gov.au.
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Senator Kim Carr Addresses BioMelbourne Network CEO's
On Tuesday 29 October 2009, Senator Kim Carr, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research addressed BioMelbourne Network's monthly CEO Luncheon hosted by Ernst & Young.
The application of biotechnology to the challenge of climate change was Senator Carr's opening theme, highlighting the growing role of industrial biotechnology referring to a recent report - Industrial Biotechnology: More than Green Fuel in a Dirty Economy?
He commented there is never any shortage of things to spend money on - that every industry sector thinks they are unique, that each believes they are entitled to government support - biotechnology is no different. He also acknowledged that 'inevitably this means that nobody gets everything they want'. At this point, there were a few knowing smiles around the room.
In his closing comments Senator Carr clearly declared that he was 'unapologetically pro-biotech' but that he faced some strong opposition and disinterest on investing in high technology industries from his parliamentary colleagues.
It's the fence-sitters and the opponents that the biotechnology and research industry needs to focus upon - and I believe this is Senator Carr's central message to us.
As an industry group we need to promote our successes, offer clear and well thought through arguments and case studies demonstrating the value and leveraging of government support, engage constructively in consultations when they arise and continue to support and collaborate with each other. Everyone would like to be the 'father' of success.
Mark Morrisson, from Universal Biosensors, and Joshua Hoffheimer, from Hexima, sat either side of Senator Carr at the lunch. Richard Treagus from Acrux ( who was enjoying a well deserved corker of a day following successful Phase III results) and Geoffrey Kempler from Prana were also at the Senator's table. All four companies had great stories to tell, direct from the CEO's themselves. If we take him at his word as being 'unapologetically pro-biotech', I'm sure we will hear of Senator Carr translating these stories within his circles of influence, raising the flag for biotech.
'Focus on what's there, not on what isn't,' he said.
A copy of Senator Carr's speech is on the BioMelbourne Network website.
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Successful Conclusion of Victorian Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan
For the past 18 months, BioMelbourne Network has worked industriously alongside a group of biotech volunteers in partnership with the Victorian State Government on the implementation of the Victorian Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan.
This month, the role of BioMelbourne Network, in facilitating and implementing the outcomes of two of the four working groups (the other two working groups were facilitated by AusBiotech) ,comes to a successful conclusion as the agenda for the project has largely been met.
Many of the ideas and suggestions from the working groups have been implemented, others have been taken up by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) and actioned internally.
The two working groups - Infrastructure chaired by Dr Graeme Woodrow (CSIRO) and Skills & Public Support for Biotechnology
chaired by Mr Ken Windle (Advent Pharmaceuticals) - have achieved pleasing results. Though the advisory role of the working groups has concluded, BioMelbourne Network will endeavour to ensure that the issues highlighted during the course of the Plan relating to these areas remain ongoing priorities.
On behalf of the BioMelbourne Network Board and Managment, we extend our sincere thanks to the many individuals who contributed to the working groups over the 18 months and acknowledgement of the numerous activities and ideas that arose from these fruitful discussions. The Network also extends its appreciation to DIIRD, particularly Dr Amanda Caples, for the opportunity to work with the Government in the development of the Plan and then to be invited to participate in its implementation. DIIRD deserves praise for creating a unique environment in which to engage with industry representatives giving them a platform to express their needs and articulate suggestions. Bringing AusBiotech and BioMelbourne Network together as co-facilitators of the four working groups was very valuable in building relationships and productive conversations
around key issues for the sector. BioMelbourne Network acknowledges the funding support it received from the Victorian Government to assist in the facilitation of the working groups and implementation of some of the outcomes.
With the conclusion of BioMelbourne Network's role in facilitating the advisory groups, so will Athina Tsagarakis' role as Project Manager. Athina was employed by BioMelbourne Network to undertake the role of managing our engagement in the Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan and it has been both a pleasure and a benefit to have Athina dedicated to this valuable collaborative project. Athina will leave the project and the BioMelbourne Network on the 15 October 2009 with our best wishes and sincere thanks for all that has been achieved to date.
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2009 National Preclinical Drug Development Seminar Series
BioSA Incubator, Adelaide, South Australia
21 October 2009
Following successful Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney seminar / workshops, the 2009 National Preclinical Drug Development Seminar Series will continue in Adelaide.
The full day workshop will be held on Wednesday 21 October 2009 at BioSA Incubator, Adelaide and will focus on 'Getting to the IND'. Participants will work through case studies involving the key phrases of preclinical development including Pre-Pre, Pre-IND and IND.
Topics that will be covered include: Pre-pre-IND phase, Pre-IND phase, IND, preventing clinical holds, choosing the right partners (consultants, service providers), conducting analyses in data, optimising use of resources and more....
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Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Melbourne, Victoria
27 - 30 October 2009
AusBiotech 2009 is the premier biotechnology conference for the Asia Pacific region.
A comprehensive conference program together with an extensive BioIndustry Exhibition and Business Matching Program will bring together representatives from the global biotechnology industry to create a world leading event.
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BioPartnering Europe & BioPartnering China
QEII Conference Centre | London, United Kingdom
11 - 14 October 2009
BioPartnering Europe (BPE) is the largest networking conference in the UK providing 3 months of prospecting through the biopartnering.com network!
BioPartnering Europe Features:
• One-to-One Partnering Powered by biopartnering.com
Maximize your time by using biopartnering.com to prepare months ahead and to follow-up with prospects well after the conference is over. 90% of conference delegates rate BioPartnering as the best conferencing software.
• Company Presentations
BPE will present 150 of the world's most innovative companies and is one of the 'must-attend' conferences for life science partnering with an international audience of more than 1200 attendees from more than 500 companies.
• Exhibition: Spotlight on Biotechnology
The spotlight on biotechnology exhibition is new for BPE 2009 and will feature 34 innovative biotechnology companies. Be one of the first companies to exhibit at BPE!
• Leadership Sessions & Workshops
Panels of industry leaders will offer expert advice on the critical issues impacting the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Elevate your status as a thought-leader by sponsoring a BPE 2009 panel.
BioPartnering China Day
Include BioPartnering China (BPC) in your BPE partnering plans and experience this one-day event immediately following BPE at the QEII in London, on 14 October 2009. BPC will attract both European companies and institutions seeking expansion into China, as well as Chinese companies seeking to enter the European market. Registration for BPC is now open.
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AAPS Workshop on Quantitative Model-Based Drug Development in Drug Discovery and Translational Research
7 November 2009
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Goals and Objectives:
The area of Preclinical PK/PD Modeling & Simulation encompasses a multitude of quantitative approaches to integrate preclinical pharmacology, bio-marker response and safety data toward the selection of the most promising drug targets and the development of the most optimal drug candidates. In recent years, this rapidly evolving area has been recognized as critical for the pharmaceutical companies to reduce high rates of failures in advancing compounds from the bench to the bedside.
In this one-day workshop, participants will be provided with basic education and hands-on training on technical and theoretical aspects of the preclinical PK/PD modeling via a combination of lectures, case studies and break-out sessions demonstrating the key mathematical strategies to build dose-response relationships, efficacy and human dose projections.
Participants will be:
- Introduced the concept and fundamental principles of PK/PD modeling and simulation, particularly in preclinical phase;
- Discuss case studies demonstrating the applications and values of preclinical PK/PD modeling within the framework of industrial and academic drug discovery and translational research efforts;
- Provided with practical hands-on training on the key aspects of preclinical PK/PD modeling; Topics include PK/PD modeling and simulation for drug target selection, mechanism-based PK/PD modeling for biomarker development, and human dose projection for both small and large molecule (e.g. antibody) compounds.
- Introduced to strategies with which to overcome challenges associated with the implementation of PK/PD modeling and simulation in drug discovery and development, including silo-structure, interdisciplinary communication and decision-making infrastructure.
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The 5th Annual Burrill Personalized Medicine Meeting
Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
1675 Owens Street
San Francisco, CA 94158
9 - 10 November 2009
Who:
Researchers,Educators, Drug Developers, Diagnostics Manufacturers, Clinicians, Payors, Investors, Public Policy Experts, Regulators, Medical Ethicists, and Patients.
For More Information:
Email: events@b-c.com
Phone: 415-591-5450
Registration Fees:
General Registration
Early Bird Registration:
On or before September 18, 2009
$695
On or after September 19, 2009
$995
Academic, Government,
Non-Profit **
Early Bird Registration:
On or before September 18, 2009
$445
On or after September 19, 2009
$495
** Organization status will be verified
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For Current Professional Development Programs, please go to the BioMelbourne Network Website |
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New Member Deal from SAE Creative |
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