NZBio News Update : 27 Oct 04 Bio Views

NZBio News Update : 27 Oct 04 Bio Views

In the last week members of the Biotechnology Taskforce and NZBio's Advisory Council attended a meeting hosted by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST).

The purpose of this meeting was for the group to act as sounding board for FRST's biotechnology-related draft portfolio strategies. The Foundation outlined their biotech portfolios, which include Niche Biological Products, New Zealand Strengths, Future Human Technologies, TechNZ, Pre-Seed, Production, Quality & Assurance (PQA), and Sustainable Productive Systems.

A discussion document describing the outcomes FRST is looking to achieve has been posted at: http://www.frst.govt.nz/research

While there was general agreement with the direction of strategic portfolios, the group re-iterated that a target of $300M investment in biotech R&D is necessary if we are to achieve sufficient critical mass in this area, and the current level of investment of $150M p.a. is inadequate.

While basic research capabilities need to be preserved, funding must also be available for development costs, which are usually much higher. The group also emphasized the need for continuity in FRST's investments, to allow commercial outcomes to be realised.

This is an important stage in the strategy development process for FRST, and it presents an opportunity for industry members to have some influence. I would urge you to read the document and provide feedback on it before the portfolios are finalised in December.

Going forward, NZBio will play a key role in ensuring FRST has a better understanding of the biotech sector's challenges.

Brian Ward
CEO, NZBio

Ovita puts meatier lamb chops on the menu
Roche drug gets positive recommendation
EU approves biotech corn
2005 Export Awards - entries open soon
HSNO changes announced

Ovita puts meatier lamb chops on the menu
Dunedin based company Ovita has developed a DNA blood test, called catapult LoinMAXT, to identify rams with a super-loin muscle. This month Ovita has entered the final stage of turning the science int...
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http://www.nzbio.org/files/members/news-detail.asp?newsID=7557

Roche drug gets positive recommendation
Roche's innovative cancer drug Avastin has received a positive recommendation from the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The CHMP has recommended that Avastin (bevacizuma...
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http://www.nzbio.org/files/members/news-detail.asp?newsID=7560

EU approves biotech corn
Monsanto has welcomed the European Commission's approval for the use of its biotech corn, NK603, and its processed products as food and food ingredients.The corn is designed to be tolerant to the acti...
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http://www.nzbio.org/files/members/news-detail.asp?newsID=7561

2005 Export Awards - entries open soon
New Zealand exporters are being urged to step up to the mark and enter the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise 2005 Export Awards.Entry opens on November 1, 2004, and award categories include Agritech, L...
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http://www.nzbio.org/files/members/news-detail.asp?newsID=7562

HSNO changes announced
Changes to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) have been given the green light, Environment Minister, Marian Hobbs said today. An amendment bill will be introduced to Parliament...
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http://www.nzbio.org/files/members/news-detail.asp?newsID=7563

Quote of the week: Curiosity is the key to creativity.
Akio Morita

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From the NZBio News Team

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