Category Archives: Jim’s Corner

In its 30-year history, biotechnology has made dramatic advances possible in health care, agriculture, energy production and industrial bioprocessing. These accomplishments are the result of painstaking work by many smart people devoted to transforming bench-scale life-science research into commercial products. In economic times both strong and weak this industry thrives. The industry and the promise of its science were tested during the recent and continuing recession. Many biotech companies were forced to downsize or even Read More >

On Sunday, Feb. 28, millions of people around the world will observe “World Rare Disease Day”. This is an annual event sponsored in the U.S. by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and in Europe by the European Rare Disease Organisation (EURORDIS). Plans for the day—and the days leading up to it—include awareness events sponsored by patient organizations, a rally organized by pre-medical students at the University of Connecticut, a scientific symposium at the Read More >

The biotechnology industry’s endeavor to transform science into therapy for a previously untreatable disease is the subject of a new movie, “Extraordinary Measures.” The movie is the story of John Crowley, founder of Novazyme, and his struggle to find funding to develop a therapy for Pompe disease. The story, though, may not seem so out of the ordinary to those in the biotechnology industry who conduct vital research and development on products that will help Read More >

BIOtech Now is the first in a number of new products from BIO intended to enhance our communications with the biotech community — not only with our members, but with other stakeholders as well. This monthly e-newsletter, combined with its web site, serves as our flagship in that effort. BIOtech Now will: Offer original content that emphasizes the business needs of the industry. Highlight BIO’s advocacy efforts. Provide a portal to all BIO activities and Read More >

The world’s population is projected to reach 9.1 billion by the middle of this century. Feeding that number of people — in addition to producing animal feed, fiber and biofuels — will require a 70 percent increase in overall agricultural production, primarily in the developing world, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO). That is why the priorities for BIO’s Food and Agriculture Section in the coming year start with increasing Read More >