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 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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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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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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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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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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Quote of the week: Curiosity is the key to creativity.
Akio Morita
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From the NZBio News Team