ARVYS Proteins Inc. is a contract research organization that offers its protein biochemistry expertise to the life science, biotechnology and pharmaceutical communities. We help customers from any research sector at any stage of their protein research and development project, big or small. Our goal is to be your preferred outsourcing choice for protein biochemistry needs and we work hard to earn your business.

Our expertise in protein expression, purification and characterization assures efficient and economical production of active recombinant proteins. We offer a number of expression systems designed to meet specific goals, ranging from expression of tagged proteins for discovery research to production of biopharmaceuticals for preclinical development. Protein production yields are optimized by selection of an appropriate expression system, generation of a high-producing expression construct, optimization of fermentation/cell culture conditions and purification process. Each project is tailored to the customer's specifications of scale, purity, analytical characterization and activity.

Our Services Include

Genetic Engineering and Protein Expression

• High level of protein expression is critical for efficient and economical purification of active recombinant proteins. We offer a number of protein expression systems designed to meet specific goals, ranging from expression of tagged proteins as antigens for antibody generation to production of biopharmaceuticals for clinical use. Our experts can optimize expression by engineering an expression vector with a strong promoter, an efficient ribosome binding site, a high copy number and combining it with an appropriate host. Expression also depends on the gene sequence and on stability, solubility, and folding pathway of the protein product. Accordingly, we will optimize these protein expression parameters when such optimization is necessary.

Cell Culture and Fermentation

• Raw materials determine the purification strategy or even the success of purification. Protein extraction/recovery could be a very important purification step in itself. Time and effort invested at this stage often result in substantially shorter purification protocols and higher yields of active protein. Our experience with various methods of protein extraction, fractionation and enrichment for both recombinant and natural sources enables us to design the most optimal production process for your starting materials.

Protein Purification

• Our skills in protein purification were gained over years of work with protein pharmaceuticals, drug targets, biological system components and biochemical reagents. Each protein has its own physico-chemical and biological properties that require tailored procedures for extraction, purification and characterization. Our purification strategy aims to achieve a homogeneous active protein preparation in two to three purification steps. This goal is reached by a thorough selection and optimization of the capture step, incorporation of a gel filtration step to remove aggregates, degradation products and other contaminants, selection of buffer conditions that stabilize biological activity and prevent product degradation. Although most proteins require individual approach, we are confident that we can handle your protein. We will purify it cost-efficiently, characterize it according to your specifications and deliver it to you in an active and application-compatible form.

Protein Characterization

• Analytical Protein Characterization ensures the identity, purity, structural and conformational integrity and activity of a protein. We perform a number of routine protein analyses throughout all project stages. If needed, we can submit your samples for additional methods of characterization. We also offer specialized protein characterization services for purified proteins.

WE DELIVER

• Technical expertise in protein biochemistry

• Aggressive timelines

• Open pricing policy

• Performance under strict confidentiality

• Close attention to customer's needs and requirements

• Weekly project updates

• Continued technical support after project completion

Visit our homepage for more information on Recombinant Protein Expression, Protein Characterization and Purification Services

www.arvysproteins.com

Hi,
I've done gene transformation to rice.To confirm that new gene has been transferred to rice I've already done genomic DNA PCR and the result showed the existence of the new gene but My supervisor asked me to do RT-PCR (Reverse transcription) too. Could someone please let me know what are RT-PCR preferences to genomic DNA? When I got the desire result by total genomic PCR, what's the point to do RT-PCR?
Thanks.

JanuGanak– Bioinformatics Community, Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil University, Plot 50, Sec 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, India takes utmost pride in celebrating ‘Bioinformatics Week’ from 19-25 March, 2012 comprising of A Two Day National Seminar on ‘Intelligent Computing In Biological Sciences’ and A Five Day National Workshop on ‘Computational Biology’.

The thrust areas of the seminar ‘Intelligent Computing In Biological Sciences’ are:
1. Next Generation Sequencing
2. Sequence Analysis & Phylogenetics
3. Gene Expression and Transcriptomics
4. Systems Biology
5. Molecular Visualization and Dynamics
6. Chemoinformatics
7. Clinical Bioinformatics and Medical Imaging
8. Recent Trends in Bioinformatics

The workshop will focus on discussing case studies and providing hands-on training on some key areas of Computational Biology.
Session Details:
Day 1: Sequence Analysis
Day 2: Protein Structure Analysis
Day 3: Virtual Screening and Docking
Day 4: Gene Expression Analysis
Day 5: Network Analysis and Modeling

Interested Participants can obtain the registration form and brochure by mailing to dypbioinfo@gmail.com.
Contact Address / Venue: Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil University, Plot No: 50, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, INDIA 400614.
Phone: +91-22-39286142/3, 27563600 Fax: +91-22-39286197
E-Mail: dypbioinfo@gmail.com
URL: http://dypatil.in/collegelinkdetails.asp...lcmsid=578

In the identification chart given by Bergey's manual, in the flowchart for the identification of Bacillus spp. there is a test written as swollen cell (containing spore) for voges-proskaeur test negative organisms?

I wanted to know the test principle and procedure for my project.

Thank you.

Hi im a master student in belgium and we have been given an assitment to write about:
-the status of molecular biology and biotecnology iin africa.
-how can biotec contribute to its development
-possible barries
-and how can we convince the goverment to change and accept biotec
im so confused and i have never been to africa, and i do not know where to start, can someone help me with some ideals

Hi. I've got a bachelor's degree in economics, but since I finished school I've been more and more fascinated with biotech. I don't have the necessary background to apply for a graduate degree in biology, and I'd rather not go back for a second bachelor's. Biotech companies are businesses, so there must be some way to use a business degree to break into the industry. Does anyone have an idea of what use a biotech company might have for someone who knows economics?

I'm a biology major with an interest in biotechnology as a career. Right now I have the opportunity to work on one of two projects. The first is sponsored by our chemical and biological engineering department and has to do with creating and running a computer simulation of solvents for CO2 separation and capture. The other is sponsored by our biology department and involves creating a database for a very large amount of genotypes. I want to choose the one that more closely resembles whatever is typical in biotechnology. I'd appreciate any useful opinion. Thanks!

Hello there
I'm trying to write a paper for a biotechnology course, and would like some help.
First, can anyone direct me to a good and updated article that lists the main strategies and techniques of identifying/discovering genes involved in abiotic stress response ?
Another thing, I need any information about stress tolerant plants in commercial use, either that are allready used or in development. Any information can be useful : articles, links, company names.
I would appreciate any kind of help from you !
Thanks !

Hi

Some mental illnesses are not caused by alcohol or illegal drugs cannot be cured but can be kept under satisfactory condition,{control} the object not being to control the patient but to enable them to live a reasonable life in the commuity. Would you consider that the ususal analogy with diabetes and insulin calls for people with diabetes to be taken off insulin?

Hi,
There are two ways to lose weight either reduce energy intake, or increase energy expenditure. Because hypothyroidism even after treatment may reduce energy expenditure in some people, patients naturally are looking for options that can help safely help raise the metabolism.

Hello to all

Now a days everybody is much conscious to have light weight especially in female so join the gym with controlling your high diet protein meal,and drink more water,adopted constitutional walk that is more better for light weight,

Hi

In my views that gene therapy can be used for DNA as a pharmaceutical agent to treat disease. Name derived from DNA can be used to supplement or alter genes within an individual's cells as a therapy to treat disease.

Hi

This forum provide all kinds of biotechnology categories information which related to the human health.
http://www.chiropracticnewsletter.com/bl...newsletter

Liposuction is a process whereby the fats underneath the skin is removed from many portions on the human body using a hollow stainless steel tube called as cannula with the assistance of a powerful vacuum termed as aspirator. This is very popular form of cosmetic surgery done by those who want to look beautiful beneath their garments. This is sort off a minute surgery in which very large volume of diluted anesthesia is injected into the area needing liposuction. This makes the fat present under the skin to be firm and stiff in nature. Since it is local anesthesia it will be present for a longer duration and no pain killer is needed after the surgery. This form of liposuction is termed as Tumescent Liposuction. There another form of liposuction called Modified Tumescent Liposuction where a heavy sedation is being administered by the anesthesiologist.
Liposuction is usually done in the areas like tummy, hips, breasts, buttlocks, things and also arms. The main aim of liposuction is that you look beautiful and presentable in the mirror.

The cost varies and usually depends upon the number of areas which is being operated on. And also the following factors are taken into consideration like type of liposuction technique opted for. For Example Tumescent Liposuction or Modified Tumescent Liposuction which needs anesthesiologist during the procedure which in turn can add to the cost. The duration of stay in the hospital also depends on number of areas operated.

The tumescent technique for liposuction is the safest form of liposuction. When tumescent liposuction is done appropriately, it is a very safe procedure. Administration of right amount of anesthesia is very important, even a little added anesthesia can lead to death which can be prevented in case of tumescent liposuction. The tumescent method involves the use of microcannulas which in turn yields smoother cosmetic results without causing any irregularities and depressions in the skin.

Although this is not a major surgery, but it involves some major risk factors and there should be enough time for the healing of the wound to take place. Liposuction complications include swelling in the areas and also the surroundings, but if it doesn’t heal and persists longer than expected it shows off the sign for some major complication. It may also lead to evident bruising, which generally fades away in 2 to 4 weeks. The occurrence of bruising will generally tend to vary from person to person. Dimpling is another liposuction side effect that many people face as the excess of fat is been removed from the area resulting in ugly and lumpy appearance. Thrombophlebitis or inflammation on your veins occurs in case of the upper thigh region. As after every surgery there is some discomfort and numbness, so it is in liposuction surgeries. Let whatever be the reason it is always advised to see the doctor if the side effects stays than the usual.

To avoid these side effects many switch off to laser liposuction which promises to be absolutely painless and risk free. People get easily carried away with such kind of promises who try hard to beat their stubborn fat with no result. But even with laser liposuction there are many side effects like having a skin burn.This occurs due to the excessive heat that comes off the laser. But if the procedure is carried out safely and properly by an experienced doctor it can be easily avoided. In addition to the above risk there can be a loss of excess skin due to more effect of the laser beam. People can also experience bleeding, infections, allergies from anesthetics, contour deformities and development of loose skin.

Again to avoid such effects on the skin they can go for liposuction listed below which are comparatively costlier.
1. Wet liposuction
2. Super-wet liposuction
3. Tumescent liposuction
4. Ultrasonic Liposuction
5. Micro Liposuction
6. Power-Assisted Liposuction

Some Lip clinics carries out lipo transfers with stem cells derived from lipo aspirates. Lipo grafs are enriched with key growth factors to increase life and viability. This is done mostly in face, breast, gluteal region. Some dietary changes and management through exercise and yoga are also been advised after liposuction surgery. But this should be avoided at least for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery as time is needed for its full recovery.

Genetic counseling is an upcoming career in genetics and bioscience. After completion of the course they turn out to be professional genetic counselors, they can have their basic graduation from biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work. They also take part in clinical training. Students in these programs study genetics, psychosocial theory, ethics, and counseling.

Genetic counselors perform the role of evaluating and analyzing family history and medical records. They check whether there is any previous history of genetic disorders or birth defects in the family and educate the family members about the future possibilities of inheritance of the same defect or disorder. They play a very important role in letting the parents or the family members take a right decision, which can prevent lot of pain and struggle in the future. They serve as patient advocates, and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They offer psychological support to the patients and the affected members of the family. Many along with counseling profession carry out their research activities also. The risk of occurrence of the disorder can be easily estimated by the genetic counselors.

Genetic tests are carried out by testing small samples of blood or body tissues. The test lets you know that whether you or your partner have any genetic defects that can be passed to the next generation.
They work as a team of health care professional along with doctor.

Usually doctors refer for genetic counseling under following cases.
• In case you or your spouse has a parent or a close relative with an inherited disease or birth defect.
• Either you or your husband already has children with birth defects or genetic disorders.
• If you have passed child bearing ages an had previous history of miscarriages
• Prenatal screening test shows an abnormal result.
• Sometimes about genetic defects that occur frequently in certain ethnic or racial groups. For example progenies of African parents may have sickle cell anemia and couples of Italian, Greek, or Middle Eastern descent may carry the gene for thalassemia, a red blood cell disorder.
It’s always better and safe to go for genetic counseling in case the first two factors apply.

Some of the genetic disorders that can be identified through testing are:
• Down's syndrome
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sickle cell
• Tay-Sachs disease (a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system)
• Spina bifida.

Huntington's disease which is a degenerative nerve disease and Marfan syndrome is known to cause connective tissue disorder can be hereditary from just one parent. Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease, cannot occur unless both the mother and father pass along the gene. Some diseases like achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism can be inherited of because of some mutation.

The results obtained after genetic tests are not easy to interpret and come to a proper solution. These tests tell us about the missing pair of genes or a gene or any sort off mutations in the genome etc. They provide an accurate analysis after going through the results, which may be very complex.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Genetic counselors can work under following areas. :
Genetic counselors may specialize in genetic counseling in the prenatal, pediatric, cancer-risk, adult, cardiovascular, hematology, and neurogenetics setting Or they can be professionally employed in hospitals and provide counseling to the referred patients and their families. They can also work with upcoming biotech companies which devise, sell, and administer genetic tests. They can also provide a link between diagnostic laboratory and referring physicians and their patients. Usually genetics involves a lot of study on ethics and its issue, so they are employed as educators and advice company’s students, and lawmakers. Genetic counselors also work as study coordinator for research projects involved in genetics.

After genetic counseling is given, the family concerned can go for the following options like

Pre-implantation diagnosis, use donor sperm or donor eggs, adoption, taking the risk and having a child. These counseling sometimes prepare you mentally and emotionally to take the risk of having the child or abortion is also advised. Some can take decision and establish pregnancy and have specific prenatal testing.

Bacteria are small thread like microorganisms that cause infection in the human body and affect us with various illness and sickness. But there are also some friendly bacteria that help us in the digestion of the food and are very important for the survival of life. There are many useful bacteria that play important roles in both plant and animal kingdoms. Some bacteria are also used to make healthy food like cheese and yoghurt. Some bacteria like staphylococci are harmless and live in and out of the body. But its mutated form such as MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has developed resistance to all the antibiotics .This can cause very serious skin infection which can be difficult to treat. It’s another form bacteria such as streptococci causes throat and respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus, which causes skin infection, enters to the body through a cut or a wound and produces pus. Staph infection causes food poisoning and can also lead to more life-threatening conditions, such as toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, and infections of the heart of bloods.

The symptoms of bacterial infections are often evident like fever, swelling, discharge and pain in the affected area. Sometimes the body fights these bacteria and tries to get rid of them through diarrhea or vomiting. Often a thorough examination is needed to confirm bacterial infection. Bacteria are quick to reproduce in the body and they produce toxins that cause illness.

Bacterial infection can be cured by treatment with antibiotics. Each antibiotic has a different and specific pathway for stop bacterial infection. Some kill the multiplication process by interrupting the reproduction cycle. Some of them slow their growth and some stop them from multiplying until body's immune system can destroy them. Classes of antibiotics include.

• Penicillin
• Cephalosporins
• Tetracyclines
• Aminoglycosides
• Quinolones
• Macrolides

Some of them are termed as broad spectrum antibiotics which are effective against a wide variety of bacteria. Other bacteria are only specific in nature and they kill only specific bacterial invasion.
Long term hospitalization can cause hoards of bacterial infections. They are more serious because they are communicable in nature and spread from person to person. Now, researchers are working to wipe out these infections with a new bacteria-killing bandage. These super bugs can be demolished by having a micro bacterial coating that can kill the most harmful bacteria. A microbial agent is present on the bandage which is permanently bonded on the surface of the fibers of the dressing, that’s kills the bacteria. These bandages can also be washed when the bacteria adheres to them. They keep on killing the bacteria which comes in contact with them.

Microbial coatings can also be applied on the other materials used in the hospital such as hospital gowns and bed sheets, which can prevent infection from the in patients to the staffs and doctor.
Bacteria-killing bandage containing the microbial coating can work by adhering to the gauze bandages, socks and even hospital bedding and gowns by chemically bonding to them. These usually prevent the invasion of the bacteria in the wounds and in the formation of colonies. They are basically super absorbent in nature and they suck all the moisture from the wound and also the pus. Staph infections can be very dangerous if left untreated and the most common source is the hospital. With these bandages nearly 80 percent of bacterial infection can be prevented. The main advantage of such bandages is that in due course of time the bacteria adhered to it cannot become resistant to it because of the structure of the coating, and because of the complexity of the process it is impossible for the bacteria to become resistant. When the moisture is properly controlled and further infection of the bacteria is prevented and healing of the wound starts.

All wounds go through the same basic stages of healing. A wound may fail to heal if one or more of the healing stages are interrupted. The normal wound healing stages include inflammatory stage, Fibroblastic stage, and Maturation stage. The inflammatory stage initiates clothing of the blood by constricting and preventing blood loss. Later there in flow of the blood in the wounded place and the white blood cells destroy microbes and other foreign bodies. In later stages skin is formed and they are strengthened and replacement with new cells gradually takes place.
The bacterial infection on the wound can prevent the healing process and the body instead of healing and restoring the wound fights the infection.

Do we have any online certification programs in Biotechnology like CCNA etc for Networking professionals.

Modern cytology is named as cell biology. Cell biology approaches the problems of the cell at different levels of organization from molecular level onwards. It forms a common level of convergence of genetics, physiology and biochemistry. Cytology was primarily concerned with the morphology of cell.

A cell is the smallest but complete expression of the fundamental structure and function of all living organisms, which is capable of independent existence and self reproduction in a suitable non living medium. It has the following characteristics:

1. A cell membrane that establishes a boundary regulating all exchanges of matter and energy.
2. A metabolic machinery that can use the energy trapped by the cell or obtained from food stuffs. (Mitochondria)
3. A biosynthetic machinery for the synthesis of protein (RNA and ribosome.)
4. A specific genetic programme in the nucleus that permits the reproduction of the new cells of the same type.

Within cells there is an complicated network of organelles that all have unique functions. These organelles are assigned to perform different functions. The morphology of the cell can be studied under three locations such as surface, cytoplasm and nucleus.

The surface of the cell includes cell wall and plasma membrane or they are also called as cell membrane system.

Cell wall is most commonly found in plant cells which are thick, rigid, non living and formed of cellulose .They are Extracellular structure surrounding plasma membrane ,Whose main function is to protect the cell and control turgity. Cell wall is classified as primary and Secondary cell wall. Primary cell wall is extremely elastic and Secondary cell wall are formed around primary cell wall after growth is complete.

Plasma membrane is the Outer membrane of cell that controls cellular traffic. They are formed of lipid bilayer sandwiched between two protein layers. They perform the function of regulating materials in and out of cell. They help in the maintenance of the cell shape and cell communication.

Cytoplasm or the cytosol is the protoplasm of the cell surrounding the nucleus and enclosed in the plasma membrane. Contains organelles in the Colloidal suspension which may include Centrioles, Chloroplasts, Cytoskeleton, Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, Lysosome, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, and Vacuoles.

Centrioles
They are composed of nine tubes, each with three tubules which occur in the form of pairs in cylindrical shapes near the nucleus. They are actively involved in cell division and are placed at right angles to each other.

Chloroplasts
These are the plastid usually found only in plant cells. They contain green chlorophyll where photosynthesis takes place.

Cytoskeleton
They are composed of microtubules and supports the cell and also provide shape to the cell. They help in the endocytosis and exocytosis of the cell.

Endoplasmic reticulum
They consists of tubular network fused to nuclear membrane which goes through cytoplasm onto cell membrane. They are differentiated into two forms called Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum and Rough Endoplasmic reticulum. The former lacks ribosomes and the later contains ribosomes embedded in surface. These perform the function of storing, separating, and serves as cell's transport system.

Golgi apparatus
This is a membrane structure found near nucleus Composed of numerous layers forming a sac. They are also termed as Protein 'packaging plant' as they perform this function.

Lysosome
These organelles Vary in shape depending on process being carried out. They Transport undigested substances to cell membrane for elimination. Cell breaks down if lysosome explodes.

Mitochondria
Are often termed as the power house of the cell and are the Second largest organelle with unique genetic structure. They are Double-layered outer membrane with inner folds called cristae. Energy-producing chemical reactions take place on cristae.Its function includes recycling and decomposing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and forms urea. They Control the level of water and other materials in cell.

Ribosomes Composes 25% of cell's mass. They are small 'protein factories' present in the cell in thousands. They are present in two forms like Stationary and Mobile type. Stationary ones are embedded in rough endoplasmic reticulum and mobile ribosomes injects proteins directly into cytoplasm.

Vacuoles are Membrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal, which contains water solution, helps in water removal in unicellular organisms.

Lastly the cell contains nucleus. They can be one or more per cell and are Spherical in shape. They are dense in from than the surrounding cytoplasm. They consist of Chromosomes, Nuclear membrane, Nucleolus.

Here's an article I wrote about some biotech stocks and the industry in general. Hope some of you here find it useful:


The New Solution: Biotechs in the 21st Century

As Europe crumbles and the U.S. economy limps along, we fork over the down-payment on our increasingly globalized society. Modern technology has connected us in so many ways, but rendered industry after industry obsolete in the process. The financial system, as we know it, is deteriorating, and no one has a definitive solution. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and broadly speaking, healthcare is that exception. Despite corporate cutbacks and bureaucratic hoops, the biotechnology sector should remain competitive and inelastic while other industries buckle under the pressure of time.
We are still mortal, and we still get sick. An authentic fountain of youth eludes the human race. We can transplant organs, perform laser surgery, and prescribe therapies of all forms, but the treatment of some diseases without major side effects has continually mystified the medical world. In the 21st Century, however, new medicines of all kinds, and biologic drugs in particular, have begun to revolutionize the healthcare industry.
For many long-suffering patients of serious conditions such as CNS disorders and auto-immune diseases, the days of popping chemically-synthesized, side-effect inducing pills like steroids and immunosuppressants are quickly coming to a close. The main catalyst for this paradigm shift in the world of medicine is the fast-growing sector of biotech companies which are developing the latest in biologic drugs - medicinal therapies that employ a unique formula of proteins, antibodies, or other “living” entities which exist in human (and sometimes non-human) blood on a cellular level. As these therapies quickly become the go-to drugs for a number of incurable diseases, the companies behind them compete for market attention in an ever-expanding field.
For a sure-fire way to gain a glimpse into the potential success of the fresh-faced young biotech companies cropping up recently, investors need only survey some of the leading drugs now populating the market. For over a decade, Remicade®, developed by once-floundering Centocor in the 90’s (now Janssen Biotech) has been revolutionizing the treatment of Crohn’s and RA by blocking tumor necrosis factor, a cytokine which causes the inflammation involved in these diseases. It is perhaps the most popular biologic in existence, now seeing $2billion in sales after being bought over by Johnson & Johnson: Remicade® is a benchmark for every other burgeoning biologic on the market.

But despite its reputation as a wonder drug, Remicade® is far from infallible. Because the medication was formulated using a mouse protein, long-term users are susceptible to developing antibodies to Remicade®. Thus, in recent years, the medical community has seen a dramatic spike in allergic reactions amongst these patients, which are often so severe that use of Remicade® must be discontinued.

Enter Humira®, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories (ABT), and Cimzia®, manufactured by UCB Group (UCB.BR) to capitalize on this market opportunity. Both of these drugs are different formulations of the TNF-blocking antibody, which use little (Humira®) or no (Cimzia®) mouse protein. That’s great news for former Remicade® patients in need of a powerful biologic alternative. It’s also great news for Abbott Labs and UCB Group, as their respective drugs gain market share in the treatment of diseases whose prevalence sees a stark increase each year, and for investors searching for companies which look to be long-term, steady investments. ABT, which has a recent history of unflinching growth, is trading at 52.81, with a market cap of over $82B and a high average volume of almost 9 million. UCB, which also retains drugs for epilepsy and Parkinson’s in its arsenal, trades at 29.71 EUR with a market cap of over 7 billion dollars.

Outside of the TNF-blocker debacle, another biotech company to watch is Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB), which manufactures Tysabri®, an increasingly popular biologic for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Already one of the big dogs of the biotech sector, trading at 110.75 with a P/E ratio of 23.07, word is that the company may acquire Human Genome Sciences (HGSI), a move bound to up the ante on its competitors.
Also, Sangamo Biosciences (SGMO) is an exciting biotech with a handful of highly experimental biologics in varying clinical phases. Fueled by its proprietary “SB” series of biologics which utilize “zinc finger DNA-binding proteins” in order to literally perform genetic editing to cells on the fly, Sangamo promises to treat everything from HIV to hemophilia to the genetic mutations that cause “Bubble Boy disease.” From a market perspective, Sangamo is one of the leading young biotechs, trading at 2.60 with a healthy average volume. With a comparatively large number of treatments in development, Sangamo also has plenty of room for growth, giving it an edge over many of its competitors.
And what about neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s?
Six million Americans suffer from these fatal ailments, and Parkinson’s disease alone represents a $3 billion global market. According to the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, “Because neurodegenerative diseases strike primarily in mid-to-late life, the incidence is expected to soar as the population ages. (By 2030, as many as 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65.) If left unchecked 30 years from now, more than 12 million Americans will suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. Finding treatments and cures for neurodegenerative diseases is a goal of increasing urgency.”
Part of that challenge may be met, as several companies currently clamor for a breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease research and treatment. These biotechs aren’t only on the road to saving lives with phases of clinical trials for new pharmaceuticals. They’re also increasing shareholder value and helping to maintain an entire sector of publicly traded entities. Here are a few of the contenders:
Of course, big players like Novartis AG (NVS) and Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) are in the game. With Novartis’ Comtan (entacapone) medication, the Swiss juggernaut is sitting pretty with a P/E ratio of 10.90, a D/E ratio of less than 50 percent, a market cap of $132.13 billion and tangible dividends.
Sanofi-Aventis, one of the five largest pharmaceutical companies in existence, is working on treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms. With central nervous system disorders as one of their six major areas of focus, this Paris-based company is poised to capitalize on developed countries’ aging populations. With a P/E ratio of 7.64, a market cap of $90.38 billion and a dividend of 1.76, Sanofi-Aventis should retain its post.
Amarantus Biosciences Inc. (AMBS : OTC.BB) and Addex Pharmaceuticals (SIX-ADXN) are also companies to watch as they are both funded in part by grants from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research. This research money not only provides these companies with a golden endorsement, but perhaps the tools to uncover the next revolutionary treatment.
Since the end of March, Allosteric modulation company Addex Pharmaceuticals has been knee-deep in Phase II clinical trials to evaluate dipraglurant in Parkinson’s patients and expect results next year. This is because the leading Parkinson’s therapeutic, levodopa, induces an even more debilitating movement disorder known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (PD-LID). Addex trades on the SIX Swiss Exchange main board, has a market cap of $43.1 million CHF and 7.8 million shares outstanding.
Amarantus Biosciences, Inc., a four-year-old biotech out of California, is perhaps even more exciting as it is the rising underdog. The company currently trades on the U.S. Stock Exchange at 12 cents per share with a market cap of $9.72 million, but those numbers should soar as Amarantus’ new potent protein treatment undergoes clinical development. The treatment is called MANF and it’s directed at the cell death (apoptosis) responsible for Parkinson’s disease.
The real beauty of the patented MANF is that it could address a host of other major apoptosis-related diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, macular degeneration and traumatic brain injury. CEO Gerald Commissiong PhD has stated in previous news that AMBS aims to continue filing patents and building a strong intellectual property portfolio from their inventory of 88 cell lines referred to as “PhenoGuard Cell Lines.”
Amarantus has appeared frequently in recent headlines, as the company has expanded and diversified its corporate strategy with the intention of identifying complementary assets and unmet medical needs within its core areas of neuroscience research. In fact, Amarantus has just announced a new collaboration with Banyan Biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of MANF in treating Traumatic Brain Injury, and the company has consistently attacked the growing biotech market with a number of forward-thinking strategies.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX) is also in the mix as the company standing behind Zelapar -- a supplemental once-daily oral therapy for Parkinson’s patients being treated with levodopa/carbidopa. It has a forward P/E of 16.6, a PEG of 0.8 and a market cap of $13.08 billion.
Impax Laboratories (IPXL), trading at 17.85 with a P/E of 21.28 and over a billion market cap, may have a fine new biologic on its hands with IPX066, an extended release drug which improves motor symptoms in Parkinson’s. The drug has reportedly achieved top-line results in a recent Phase 3 clinical study and become a main focus for Impax. In addition, CEO Larry Hsu recently made an insider buy of 5,000 shares in his own company, a move which typically only spells one direction for that particular stock to take.
Despite the alarming state of the macro economy and other sectors, all of the companies mentioned above have clear goals and purposes. Aided by their surefooted ventures into the experimental realm of biologic drugs, they remain relevant and necessary in the postmodern technological age. The risk is sufficiently asymmetrical and the potential for long-term sustainability is high. As far as this financial journalist can tell, healthcare investors should seriously consider hopping on the biotech bandwagon.

When our senses perceive a stress such as danger or a threat, cells in the nervous and endocrine systems work closely together to prepare the body for action. This is referred to as the fight or flight or stress response. The fight or flight response is a complicated systemic reaction. This involves some instantaneous messengers and is accompanied by physiologic changes. Epinephrine is an important chemical cell signaling molecule or messenger in the fight or flight response. Also known as adrenaline, epinephrine is an efficient messenger that signals many cell types throughout the body with many effects,

In fact, the initial sensitivity of a threat or danger is also perceived by a portion in the brain stem that begins yet another axis of communication and response involving the release of the messenger norepinephrine. Like cortisol and epinephrine, norepinephrine travels throughout the body, which triggers cell signaling in all the cell types.

In spite of their kind, or point of origin, cell signaling molecules involved in the fight or flight response work intimately .Their overall effect is an increase in circulation and energy to certain body systems and a downshift of less important ones into maintenance mode.
The response is initiated when the Sensory nerve cells perceive and pass the information of a threat, or stress, from the environment to the hypothalamus located in the brain. Neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus transmit a signal to the pituitary gland stirring cells there to release a chemical messenger into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, the hypothalamus transmits a nerve signal down the spinal cord. Both the chemical messenger and nerve impulse will travel to the same destination, the adrenal gland.

Adrenal glands which are placed on the top of the kidneys receive nerve and chemical signals activated by cells in the hypothalamus. Nerve signals activate the release of epinephrine into the bloodstream. When they reach the blood stream the receptors on the cell initiate the process of signaling and produce cortisal . This release in the cortisal in the blood stream results in increase in blood pressure, increase in blood sugar levels, and suppression of the immune system.

When nerve cells in the hypothalamus fire, corticotrope cells in the pituitary gland are stimulated to release ACTH, (‘Adrenocorticotrophic hormone'), is a polypeptide tropic hormone which acts as a chemical messenger, into the bloodstream. When the splanchnic nerve in the hypothalamus fires, a signal is sent down the spinal cord directly to the adrenal gland.

These signaling molecules coordinate and work from every part of the boy that provides an energetic boost in a variety of ways. When the chemical messengers like epinephrine binds to receptors on liver cells, it triggers a signaling chain that produces glucose from larger sugar molecules.
Cotisol which circulate in the blood stream transform fatty acids into energy. Which in turn are rapidly excreted into the bloodstream, supplying a boost of readily available energy for muscles throughout the body, priming them for exertion.

The splanchnic nerve stimulates chromaffin cells in the adrenal gland to release epinephrine, a chemical messenger, into the bloodstream. In this way, the fight or flight response prepares the body for extreme action.