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The Week in Review: Big Themes and Real Progress

publication date: Jan 12, 2008
 | 
author/source: Richard Daverman, PhD

During the past week, ChinaBio® Today published articles that ran along two major themes: broad overviews of the current state of China biotech development and reports from individual companies that mark milestones of their progress.

On the broad overview front, Dr. Charles C. Liu, a guest author, discussed changes in China patent law that are proposed in draft rules, the most recent in China’s periodic updating of their patent system (see story). The changes in laws and administrative rules, which remain under review, will affect all companies who seek IP protection. The article will appear in four weekly installments. This week’s edition discusses changes in two areas: "Novelty and Inventiveness" and "Crossover between the Invention and Utility Models."

Another overview, this one covering the subject of promoting innovation in China biotech, was published in Nature Biotechnology (see story). Eight researchers collaborated to write a detailed survey of the current status of biotech in China. Their review includes both the current condition of the industry and the ingredients that would improve its growth. Primarily, the researchers called for China to provide investors with attractive exits, a move that would incentivize long-term investors, such as venture capitalists, to fund innovative research. At the moment, China biotech remains too dependent upon government grants and subsidies, in the view of the authors. 

In terms of progress announced by individual companies, Unigene said it would establish a $30 million joint venture in China with Shijiazhuang Pharma (see story). The new company will produce Unigene’s osteoporosis drug, the nasal spray Fortical, using a new biologic process to produce the drug. Currently, Unigen employs chemical synthesis to manufacture the drug. The biologic process uses genetic fermentation technology to produce the drug more efficiently. 

Sinobiomed (OTCBB: SOBM) was awarded a 9 million RMB ($1.24 million) grant that it will use to conduct a Phase II trial of its malaria vaccine (see story). Sinobiomed said the grant is the largest ever bestowed on a China biopharma. The support was given to Sinobiomed’s 82% owned China subsidiary, Shanghai Wanxing Bio-pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., which is developing the vaccine in partnership with the Second Military Medical University. At ChinaBio® Today, we took advantage of the announcement to discuss Sinobiomed’s history, finances and pipeline.

Biosensors International Group (SGX: B20) will complete its purchase of fellow stent company JW Medical Systems Ltd (JW Medical), buying the 50% of the company that it does not already own (see story). Biosensors is an international company that trades on the Singapore exchange, while JW Medical is based in China, where it controls between 25% and 30% of the $400 million market in China for drug eluting stents. Biosensors is buying the stake in JW Medical from its China distribution partner, Shangdong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company Limited (Weigao). Biosensors will pay 160 million shares for the 50% stake in JW Medical, making the transaction worth about $109 million. 

Calypte Biomedical Corporation (OTCBB: CBMC), a Portland, Oregon company that makes and markets a rapid oral HIV diagnostic test, moved closer to producing its test in China (see story). Its China subsidiary, Beijing Marr Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., received an SFDA permit to manufacture in vitro diagnostic tests. Calypte's Aware™ HIV-1/2 OMT rapid diagnostic test uses oral fluids to diagnose HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection in 20 minutes with high accuracy. The only hurdle still remaining before operations can begin is that Calypte must receive approval from the SFDA for its rapid oral HIV test. Calypte plans to use the Beijing facility to manufacture the diagnostic test for China and international markets.

Benda Pharmaceutical (OTCBB: BPMA) announced greater manufacturing capability that will allow the company to produce an additional $1.8 million worth of its products (see story). In September, 2006, the company began adding on to its Ebei manufacturing plant, and one of five planned production lines received its has begun production, raising the company’s ability to increase its revenues. In November, one of five new production lines received Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification. Production began in December.



Disclosure: none.



 

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