AZ Bioscience Update 01/10/2010-->01/20/2010

C-PATH is a Realistic Change Agent

01/20/2010 | Bio-IT World | John Russell

Turning FDA's Critical Path Initiative (CPI) into practical tools to accelerate drug discovery and development has had its challenges. But that hasn't deterred Ray Woosley, CEO of the C-PATH Institute, whose sole mission is to foster private-public cooperation to fulfill CPI's grand vision. Woosley is a glass-half-full realist and C-PATH is starting to justify his steady confidence.

Sanofi-aventis raises a glass

01/20/2010 | The Explorer | Dave Perry

Flutes of champagne were lifted skyward last Wednesday morning in Oro Valley, where Sanofi-aventis associates from across the nation and beyond celebrated the opening of the company's 110,350-square-foot Tucson Research Center.

T-Gen-Van Andel deal spurs new contract

01/17/2010 | Arizona Republic | Ken Alltucker

After months of review, the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission last week signed off on a new contract that ensures continued funding of Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute. The commission sought the new contract with TGen to protect Arizona's interests in the wake of TGen's alliance with Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Van Andel Institute.

Sanofi-Aventis unveils state-of-art research facility

01/15/2010 | Inside Tucson Business | Joe Pangburn

Sanofi-Aventis, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, has a cure for needed research space: Last week, it showed off its expanded Tucson Research Center, a 110,350 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Oro Valley's Innovation Park.

Infrastructure projects help stimulate economy, pave way for growth

01/15/2010 | Phoenix Business Journal

According to Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap, commissioned and coordinated by the Flinn Foundation, the state needs to focus on four strategies to develop a strong bioscience hub. Here are those strategies and how the greater Phoenix area has fared since the October report.

ASU, Mayo partner to fight diseases related to obesity

01/15/2010 | Phoenix Business Journal | Angela Gonzales

Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale are partnering to combat diseases associated with obesity, Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and other expensive conditions. The two organizations have created the ASU/Mayo Center for Metabolic and Vascular Biology, which is recruiting 50 doctors and scientists.

Several Valley biotech firms are marketing health-related products

01/15/2010 | Phoenix Business Journal | Angela Gonzales

The theme for biotech startups in Arizona this year is shaping up to be "health and fitness." Local entrepreneurs are working on everything from vibrating fitness gear to breath analyzer technology used to determine how effectively a person burns fat during a workout.

5 Questions about Arizona Bioscience: Robert Green, AZBio President and CEO

01/15/2010 | Phoenix Business Journal

How has the state's bioscience community fared during the recession? Looking into your crystal ball, what is the outlook for access to financing in 2010 for biotech startups and spinouts? Has AZBio made any adjustments based on the current economic situation? Coming from Tucson, how will you help Phoenix and Tucson bioscience entities collaborate this year? What is AZBio's focus this year?

UA researchers part of $44B biofuel program

01/13/2010 | Phoenix Business Journal | Angela Gonzales

Several University of Arizona researchers are part of a consortium that received a $44 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to bring algae-based biofuels to market. The federal agency announced on Wednesday that nearly $80 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be awarded to the National Advanced Biofuels Consortium and the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts. UA is a founding member of the latter.

AZ Economic Driver Biosciences Could Stall After 2010

01/13/2010 | Tech News Arizona | Alan Fischer

Arizona's bioscience sector continued to grow despite a hard-hitting global recession and cutbacks in supporting state funding, according to an industry update released this week throughout the state and on Jan. 12 at the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix.

AZ biosciences buck recession as jobs increase

01/13/2010 | Arizona Daily Star | David Wincher

Arizona's biosciences sector made notable gains in 2008 and 2009 despite the recession and its lingering effects, according to a report issued Tuesday. But the state saw its federal medical research grants fall 10 percent, and venture capital remained scarce, says an annual update on the state's 10-year biosciences development plan.

Bioscience industry grows despite budget woes

01/13/2010 | Arizona Republic | Ken Alltucker

Arizona's push to grow the bioscience industry has paid off over the past two years with rapid job growth and new companies despite the difficult economy, a new report says. Although Arizona has made progress on most goals outlined in the annual report by Ohio-based Battelle Technology Partnership Practice, the state's budget woes and lack of early-stage investment in startup companies are challenges that could slow bioscience growth and the high-wage jobs the industry delivers.

Biosciences growth could slow amid budget cuts

01/12/2010 | Phoenix Business Journal | Angela Gonzales

While Arizona's bioscience industry continues its rapid growth in high-paying jobs and firms, a national consultant warns that 2010 may not look so rosy if state budget cuts impact Science Foundation Arizona and state universities' research efforts.

Bioscience makes progress in bad economy

01/12/2010 | East Valley Tribune | Ed Taylor

Despite declining economic conditions, Arizona's bioscience sector made major progress in 2009, according to the authors of the state's plan for growing the industry. "We have put bioscience on the map," said Martin Shultz, chairman of the Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee, in a briefing for reporters Tuesday on the seventh year since publication of the roadmap.

Heart-monitor company to open Phoenix office

01/12/2010 | Arizona Republic | Ken Alltucker

A Pennsylvania company that makes wireless heart monitors has established a new office in Phoenix. Conshohocken, Pa.-based CardioNet said the new Phoenix office, located at 2750 S. 18th Place, will initially employ 20 with plans to grow up to 50 positions based on the company's growth.

Better than a Band-Aid

01/10/2010 | Arizona Daily Sun | Joe Ferguson

A new company at the Flagstaff business incubator is currently testing a biopolymer that could replace stitches and the use of gauze when treating a deep cut or similar wound. The material, known as Elastatropin, might help wounds heal faster and reduce the amount of scarring, said Protein Genomics CEO Burt Ensley.

Maintaining Arizona’s Bioscience Momentum

New Genomic Test for Coronary Artery Disease Now Available at The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona

[Source: PRNewswire] - The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona today announced the availability of Corus(TM) CAD, the first and only gene expression test to quantify the likelihood of obstructive(i) coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain. Corus CAD is a new genomic test launched in select U.S. markets, and the Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona is among the first institutions in the country to offer this first-of-its-kind gene expression test to patients with possible cardiovascular disease.

For more information: New Genomic Test for Coronary Artery Disease Now Available at The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona

The Arizona BioMap | An Interactive Biosciences Directory

I found this map to be very interesting. It is a comprehensive directory of Arizona firms, research institutes, educational institutions, research hospitals, and collaborating organizations. Taken from the Flinn Foundation website.

To view details for individual organizations or firms:

As you mouse over markers on the map, organization names appear. Click on a marker for more info about an organization. (Zoom in to see individual markers among clusters.)

To select particular categories of organizations or firms:

Use the legend in the upper right corner of the map to select one or more category.

CommunityWalk Map - Arizona BioMap

Firm plans expansion in Phoenix

[Source: The Arizona Republic, Ken Alltucker] - W.L. Gore & Associates will seek Phoenix city approval for up to $30 million in bonds to help finance the medical-product maker's ambitious expansion in north Phoenix.

The bonds would help build a $100 million project anchored by two 100,000-square-foot manufacturing buildings that would support the company's growing medical business. The project would create 1,800 construction jobs over the next two years and 500 permanent jobs as the new site opens, according to documents the company filed with the city's Industrial Development Authority.

The Delaware-based company's Arizona base remains in Flagstaff, where it employs more than 1,500. But the company wants to expand in Phoenix as well, to tap the city's workforce and proximity to a major airport.

For more information: W.L. Gore & Associates plans expansion in Phoenix

Cancer Treatment Centers of America growing, still hiring

[Source: The Arizona Republic] - Cancer Treatment Centers of America says it's growing and hiring in line with projections as it approaches its first anniversary.

When the national hospital chain opened its Western Regional Medical Center in late 2008, the company anticipated having 400 employees within two to four years.

For more information: Cancer Treatment Centers of America growing, still hiring

Face to face with Sheriff Joe Arpaio

For those of you back home in London, this is our Sheriff, Joe Arpaio




I have chosen not to voice my opinions; I have nothing more to say on the matter....

November 5th

I have been living in the United States for about 5 years now. One thing I miss from back home is Guy Fawke's Night. I miss the loud explosions, the bonfires and the colourful lights. Not only is this holiday not observed in the United States, Fireworks are illegal in the state of Arizona.

Fireworks are illegal in Arizona. It is against the law in Arizona to sell, use, explode, or even possess fireworks. Events that are held on any public school, state, or county properties that involve fireworks and and pyrotechnic displays must receive a permit from the Arizona State Fire Marshal.

How Are Fireworks Defined in AZ?

As far as Arizona is concerned, fireworks includes any "combustible or explosive composition, substance or combination of substances, or any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation..."

Skyrockets, firecrackers, torpedoes and roman candles all fall under the category of illegal fireworks. Many people in Arizona are surprised to learn that even sparklers are prohibited by law here. Actually, sparklers account for many burn injuries to children.

This year, again, I have no real plans, but obviously I wouldn't want to break any laws.....although I do know several black market firework dealers

A message from the City of Phoenix

"Leave fireworks to the professionals. Restrictions on fireworks are for a good cause. No matter how small or large a fireworks may be, it is a potential fire starter. But it is still possible to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. Families can consult the newspaper or local activity calendar and attend one of several approved, licensed fireworks displays around the Valley."