Antibiotic resistance has become a serious public health issue, fundamentally undermining the treatment of bacterial infections. Could a new generation of antimicrobial agents be on their way? A study published today in the Journal of Infectious Diseases by research groups in Oregon State University, the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, and Sarepta, Inc. in Oregon suggests a promising way forward.

These groups have used antisense strategies to target two strains of Acinetobacter, a group of bacteria which has developed multi-drug resistance and is causing global problems in arenas such as hospitals and among military personnel in the Middle East. The antisense constructs used are termed peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMO), a synthetic analogue of DNA or RNA conjugated to peptide. They differ from antibiotics in that they target the bacterial genes directly. Previous studies had suggested the potential effectiveness of PPMOs. For example, in Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), PPMOs against acpP, an acyl carrier protein essential for growth, were shown to be bactericidal both in vitro and in an in vivo mouse model of chronic granulomatous disease. This was promising as many Bcc strains are antibiotic resistant and are a main cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic granulomatous disease and cystic fibrosis patients. Other studies had also shown that the potency of PPMOs was linked to the peptide composition. In the current study, in vivo animal studies were carried out to determine the effectiveness of PPMOs against A. baumannii, a very dangerous Acinetobacter strain. It was shown that PPMOs had a powerful bactericidal effect that outstripped conventional antibiotics like ampicillin, and was comparable to the strongest available antibiotics. Effectiveness was sustained against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

It is still early days in the story of PPMO as a potential therapy for bacterial infection. While the basic PMO has been tested in humans and found to be safe, the peptide-conjugated form has yet to be tested. Further research and extensive clinical trials would be required before they could be considered for use as therapeutic agents in humans. However, the indications are promising that antisense strategies targeted at the bacterial genes, rather than attempts to modify existing therapies, may one day help overcome the serious problem of antibiotic resistance.

Sources

GELLER, B.L. et al., 2013. Gene-Silencing Antisense Oligomers Inhibit Acinetobacter Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Journal of Infectious Diseases, October 2013

GREENBERG, D.E. et al., 2010. Antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers targeted to an essential gene inhibit Burkholderia cepacia complex. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 201(12), pp. 1822-1830

MELLBYE, B.L. et al., 2009. Variations in amino acid composition of antisense peptide-phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer affect potency against Escherichia coli in vitro and in vivo. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 53(2), pp. 525-530

WOODFORD, N. and WAREHAM, D.W., 2009. Tackling antibiotic resistance: a dose of common antisense? The Journal of Antimicrobial chemotherapy, 63(2), pp. 225-229

Oregon State University. "Beyond antibiotics: 'PPMOs' offer new approach to bacterial infection, other diseases." ScienceDaily, 15 Oct. 2013. [Accessed 15 Oct. 2013]

10th International Marine Biotechnology Conference

Organisers: International Marine Biotechnology Association
Dates: November 11th – 15th 2013
Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia

Website: http://imbc2013australia.com/
The website gives all the necessary information on abstract submission, fees, registration, conference agenda, hotel, exhibitions and other important facts.

Purpose of the conference
Researchers from all over the world will not be all at sea when they attend the 10th IMBC. It will cover developments in marine biotechnology, including algal biotechnology to whole-organism biotechnology. The fascinating potential for applications of marine genomics, metagenomics and chemistry in biomedicine, bioprocessing and aquaculture will be addressed. Sustainable policies and practices will be championed throughout the conference.

Major theme
Genome to phenome: understanding to sustainable use

Topics to be covered:

One day special symposium: Algal Biotechnology and Bioenergy: Research, Application and Sustainability

One-day forum: China-ANZ Collaboration Forum on Marine Biotechnology

Other symposia and sessions:
• Marine Microbial Genomics and Synthetic Biology
• Aquaculture Biotechnology and Genomics
• Marine Natural products: Discovery to Biomedical Application
• Biomaterials and Biominetics
• Environmental Monitoring and Protection: Biofouling, Bioremediation, Metagenomics and Carbon Sequestration

Speakers:

Plenary speakers:
• Professor Asao Fujiyama, National Institute of Genetics, Japan
• Professor Bill Gerwick , University of California, USA
• Professor Ben Hankamer, University of Queensland, Australia
• Professor Ute Hentschel, University of Wuerzburg, Germany
• Professor Ron Quinn, Griffith University, Australia
• Professor Amir Sagi, The Negev
Ben Gurion University, Israel
• Professor Anchalee Tassanakajon, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Keynote speakers:
• Professor Michael Borowitzka, Murdoch University, Western Australia
• Professor Pamela Chavez, Antofagasta, Chile
• Professor Abigail Elizur, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
• Professor Xiaodong Fang, BGI Tech Solutions, China
• Professor Do-Hyung Kang, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology
• Professor Se-Kwon Kim, Pukyong National University, Korea
• Professor Werner Muller, Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany
• Dr Peter Nichols, CSIRO Food Futures Flagship, Tasmania
• Dr Seshagiri Raghukumar, Myko Tech Pty Ltd, India
• Professor Betsy Reid, California State University, USA

Not that Proceedings of IMBC2013 will be published in a Special Issue of Marine Drugs (impact factor 3.85), Advances and New Perspectives in Marine Biotechnology

A recent research breakthrough on communication between B cells infected with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and natural killer T (NKT) cells may pave the way to a vaccine for EBV. EBV is a ubiquitous human Herpes virus and can persist sub-clinically for life. It mainly infects B cells and is combated by cytotoxic T cells and by NK cells. EBV infection is linked to mononucleosis, Hodgkin's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It is perhaps most devastating in immunocompromised hosts, being associated with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and lymphoproliferative diseases with some types of primary immunodeficiencies having EBV-associated complications as their predominant clinical feature.

NKT cells (or Type I NKT cells) are a heterogeneous group of T cells that have properties in common both with cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are the main cytotoxic cell of the innate immune system and target virally infected cells and tumour cells. iNKT cells express an invariant Valpha14 T cell receptor and are restricted to the CD1d ligand. Their development is dependent on the signalling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP), which is encoded by the SH2D1A gene on the X chromosome. SH2D1A gene mutation or deletion has been identified as the genetic basis of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP). Individuals who suffer from X-linked XLP lack invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and are highly susceptible to EBV infection. This susceptibility helped give researchers in the University of British Columbia and British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital in Vancouver in Canada a clue as to how EBV may evade the immune system and how it could be targeted for destruction (Chung et al. 2013).

The researchers found that if resting B cells were infected with EBV in the absence of iNKT cells, both viral titres and the frequency of EBV-infected B cells were increased when compared to B cells in the presence of iNKT cells. However, even in the presence of iNKT cells, the infected B cells were observed to rapidly lose expression of the iNKT ligand CD1d, which attenuated the iNKT response. In order to determine if the iNKT responsiveness could be restored by up-regulation of CD1d in infected B cells, the researchers treated EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) with AM580, a synthetic retinoic acid receptor-α (RARα) agonist that up-regulates CD1d expression. This CD1d up-regulation restored iNKT recognition of LCL even in the absence of exogenous antigen which suggests that an endogenous iNKT antigen is expressed during EBV infection. Thus it appears that even in hosts which have iNKT cells, the EBV infection causes down-regulation of CD1d and enables the virus to escape iNKT-mediated immune recognition. The researchers' hope is that if the infected cells can be ‘forced’ to express CD1d, then iNKT recognition will be restored and the basis of a vaccine will be laid, thus bringing new hope particularly to immunocompromised individuals.

Sources
CHUNG, B.K. et al., 2013. Innate immune control of EBV-infected B cells by invariant natural killer T cells. American Society of Hematology.

FURUKAWA, H. et al., 2010. Role of SLAM-associated protein in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and immunological disorders. Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis, 58(1), pp. 37-44

NAGY, N. and KLEIN, E., 2010. Deficiency of the proapoptotic SAP function in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease aggravates Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induced mononucleosis and promotes lymphoma development. Immunology letters, 130(1-2), pp. 13-18

PARVANEH, N., FILIPOVICH, A.H. and BORKHARDT, A., 2013. Primary immunodeficiencies predisposed to Epstein-Barr virus-driven haematological diseases. British journal of haematology, 162(5), pp. 573-586

Child & Family Research Institute. "Immune system discovery could lead to vaccine to prevent mono, some cancers." ScienceDaily, 12 Oct. 2013. Accessed 14 Oct. 2013.

4th International Conference and Exhibition on Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques

Organisers: OMICS Group International

Dates: October 15th-17th 2013

Location: Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Website: http://www.omicsgroup.com/conferences/an...ques-2013/
The website gives all the necessary information on abstract submission, fees, registration, conference agenda, hotel, exhibitions and other important facts.

Purpose of the conference
Researchers from all over the world will be betting on a good opportunity to learn more about analytical and bioanalytical techniques as they descend on Las Vegas in the next few days to network with colleagues at the 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques.

Major theme
Showcasing the Contemporary Approaches in Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques

Topics to be covered in conference fora:
•Novel Approaches to Analytical and Bioanalytical Methods
•Analytical Methodology
•Bioanalytical Methodology
•Analytical Techniques in Pharmacology
•Regulatory Issues and Biosafety Challenges in Bioanalysis
•Advances in Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
•Environmental Analytical Aspects
•Risk Monitoring in Bioanalysis
•Applications of Analytical and Bioanalytical Methods
•Analytical Techniques in Immuno Chemistry

Speakers:
Keynote speakers:
• Joseph J. Pesek, San Jose State University, USA
• John Szpylka, Silliker Inc., USA
• Klaus Albert, University of Tuebingen, Germany
• Eduard Rogatsky, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, USA

Others: Masaru Miyagi, Case Western Reserve University, USA; Yuhui Henry Zhao, Epcor Water Service Inc, Canada; Doo Soo Chung, Seoul National University, Korea; Alberto Morales-Villagran, University of Guadalajara, Mexico Andrew C. Benniston, Newcastle University, UK; Kellie L. Tuck, Monash University, Australia; Aly Moussa, Laboratory of Lyon, France; Neylan Dirilgen, Bogazici University, Turkey; Jonathan Hall, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Nasser Al-Harbi, SABIC Technology Center, Saudi Arabia; George Kuriakose, SABIC Technology Center, Saudi Arabia; Franciszek Glowka, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland; Matthias Gerstl, Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), Austria; Wameath Sh. Abdul-Majeed, The University of Sheffi eld, UK; Joseph J. Pesek, San Jose State University, USA; Susanne P Boyle, University College London-Qatar, Qatar; Graham Lawson, De Montfort University, UK; Sangeeta Tanna, De Montfort University, UK; Takeshi Bamba, Osaka University, Japan; Chandra P. Joshi, Cornell University, USA; Deia Abd El-Hady, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia; Titus A. M. Msagati, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Nina Attik, University of Lyon, France; Tareq Youssef, Cairo University, Egypt; Zhi-Ming Zhou, Beijing Institude of Technology, China; Dajana Vuckovic, Concordia University, Canada; Muhammad Ismail, University of Peshawar, Pakistan; Truis Smith-Palmer, St Francis Xavier University, Canada; Antu K. Dey, Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, USA; Paresh Chandra Ray, Jackson State University, USA; Seung-Woo Lee, The University of Kitakyushu, Japan; Title: Ultrafast spectroscopy and the analysis of art pigment degradation and solar energy harvesting complex photoproducts; King-Chuen Lin, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; M. Cather Simpson, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Jakob Grilj, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne EPFL, Switzerland; Jun-ya Kohno, Gakushuin University, Japan; Luis Mafra, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Peter J Baugh, The British Mass Spectrometry Society (BMSS), England; Brian T. Buckley, Rutgers University, USA; Andreas Riedo, University of Bern, Switzerland; Iltaf Shah, Kingston University, UK; Jacob Cox, Green Science Corporation, USA; Yunfeng Li, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, USA; Eman G. Haggag, Helwan University, Egypt; Marc D. Porter, University of Utah, USA; Jeanette M. Van Emon, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USA; Michael Zhuo Wang, The University of Kansas, USA; Maitham A. Khajah, Kuwait University, Kuwait; Feng Long, University of China, China; Jose S. Torrecilla, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Sebania Libertino, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi (IMM) of CNR, Italy; SangWook Lee, Bioengineering Laboratory Riken Institute, Japan; Yihong Yao, MedImmune, USA; John Szpylka, Silliker, Inc., USA; Greg Heffron, Harvard Medical School, USA; Fatemeh Mirnaghi, University of Toronto, Canada; Christiane Auray-Blais, CRC-CHUS/Universite de Sherbrooke, Canada; ZuLiang Chen, University of South Australia, Australia; Sena Caglar, Istanbul University, Turkey; Tatsuya Fujino, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan; Gerard Rosse, Dart Neuroscience LLC, USA; Adam Mekonnen Engida, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Iltaf Shah, Kingston University, UK; B. M. Gurupadayya, JSS College of Pharmacy, India

Who are the organisers?
OMICS Group International is an amalgamation of Open Access publications and worldwide international science conferences and events. They were established in 2007 with the aim of making the sciences and technology information ‘Open Access’. They publish 300 online open access scholarly journals in all aspects of Science, Engineering, Management and Technology. Their main stakeholders are Research Scholars, Students, Libraries, Educational Institutions, Research centres and the industry. They organise 100 International conferences annually where knowledge transfer takes place through debates, round table discussions, poster presentations, workshops, symposia and exhibitions.

The growth of alternative medicine including herbal remedies has led to increasing interest on the safety of remedies on the market. A recent study in BMC Medicine from research groups in the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada and Bharathiar University in India raises worrying questions concerning the adequacy of testing and labelling of several commonly available herbal remedies. In the United States and in other countries these sorts of products can be bought in many different types of outlets from supermarkets to specialist health shops as well as on the internet. Despite this explosion of products and increasing consumer interest in adequate labelling of all sorts of products including food, there is currently no industry standard for identification the different plant materials that may be present in any given herbal remedy.

The study used a DNA barcoding technique based on sequencing of PCR products on samples taken from 44 herbal products from 12 companies and representing 30 different species of herbs and 50 leaf samples collected from 42 herbal species. The results were startling. They found that most of the products tested could be considered of poor quality. Most contained substantial substitution of products compared to what was stated on the label, including substitution with substances of known toxicity. In a striking example, one product labelled as St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), which people would typically take for depression and anxiety type symptoms, was found not to contain any St. John’s wort barcodes and instead to contain Senna alexandrina (fabaceae). Senna is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved non-prescription herbal laxative which is not intended for prolonged use due to serious adverse effects including chronic diarrhoea, colon and liver damage, abdominal pain and epidermal blistering pain. In addition to substitution of products, most products also contained cheap filler substances such as alfalfa which did not appear on the labels. Other substances which were probably contaminants were also detected in many products, such as Parthenium hysterophorus (feverfew), a plant which is native to Eurasia and is an invasive weed in Europe, the Mediterranean, North America and Chile. Feverfew has been used in remedies for fever, migraine and arthritis but can have serious side-effects such as mouth swelling, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It also can react with other medications and can contribute to bleeding risk, in particular if it is taken at the same time as blood thinning products such as aspirin and warfarin.

Overall, extreme caution should be exercised by anyone planning to use herbal remedies to try to treat any sort of condition. Awareness should be raised of the lack of regulation and testing of products in this field. The authors of the BMC study suggest that the industry needs to agree and adopt a best practice standard in testing of their materials and products, such as use of a DNA herbal barcode library for testing bulk materials. They point out that the type of contamination, substitution and use of fillers uncovered in theirs and other studies compromises what might otherwise be useful remedies and damages the reputation of the industry. Safety of consumers should be paramount and steps should immediately be taken to ensure that an adequate testing and labelling regime is adopted by the herbal remedies industry.

Sources

NEWMASTER, S.G., GRGURIC, M., SHANMUGHANANDHAN, D., RAMALINGAM, S. and RAGUPATHY, S., 2013. DNA barcoding detects contamination and substitution in North American herbal products. BMC Medicine, October 2013 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-222

BioMed Central Limited. "Analysis of herbal products shows contamination is common." ScienceDaily, 10 Oct. 2013. [Accessed 12 Oct. 2013]

Biotechnology: The Biopharmaceutical Challenge from Process Development to Future Facilities

Organisers: International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
Dates: 13th-14th November 2013
Location: Hilton Strasbourg Hotel, Strasbourg, France

Website: http://www.ispe.org/2013-biotechnology-eu-conference
The website gives all the necessary information on fees, registration, conference agenda, hotel, exhibitions and other important facts. Early bird registration is available until 18th October.

Purpose of the conference
The purpose is to explore and educate on current technologies and regulatory requirements. Techniques will be provided for the evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge technologies. In-depth discussion will focus on cost-effective, flexible, sustainable manufacturing facilities design and implementation.

Who should attend?
Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry mid- and senior-level professionals
Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry suppliers
Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry regulators
Process development scientists
Technology transfer managers
Manufacturing managers
Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry engineers
Quality assurance and quality control professionals
Risk assessors
Academics

Speakers:
Keynote speaker: Britt Petty, Director MEF, Biogen Idec
Others: Robert Dream, Principal, HDR COMPANY LLC; Miriam Monge, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Biopharm Services Ltd; Dave Wolton, Biotechnology Consultant, PM Group; Aurore Lahille, New Technology Manager, Merck Biodevelopment; Katell Mignot, Head of Application Specialist SE & NEMEA, Sartorius Stedim Biotech; Paul Bird, Head of Development Engineering, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies; Philippe Ronse, Director, Head Technical Lifecycle Management, GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines; Kai Touw, Process Engineer USP, Crucell / J&J; Wiebe van Vuure, Process Engineer DSP Development, Crucell / J&J; Hitto Kaufmann, Vice President Process Science, Boehringer Ingelheim; Dr. Olivier Cochet, Director Industrial Biotechnology, Institut de Recherche Pierre-Fabre; Peter Rogge, Vice President USP Production, Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH; Thorsten Kimmel, Senior Process Engineer, F. Hoffmann-La Roche; Mark von Stwolinski, Vice President of Architectural Services, CRB Consulting Engineers, Inc.; Robin Payne, Facilitator, BioPhorum; Daniel Abrahamsson, Validation Engineer Consultant, NNE Pharmaplan

Topics to be covered in conference sessions:
New and Enabling Technologies
Driving Efficiency through Product Lifecycle
Plant Tours (Millipore and Octapharma)
Facility Design
Regulatory Developments and Focus
Facility Efficiency - Regulatory, GMP Challenges

Who are the organisers?
IPSE are a not-for-profit association concerned with the life-cycle of pharmaceuticals in terms of scientific, technical and regulatory advancement. It was founded in 1980 beginning with membership of engineers in North America and has gradually expanded to include representatives from many different types of pharmaceutical professionals. It now has 22000 members in 90 countries and is committed to keeping professionals in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries informed of technological and regulatory trends and developments and to advancing the educational and technical efficiency of its members.

Genetically modified (GM) foods are a controversial subject, with debate surrounding issues including whether GM food should be labelled as such, what impact they have on the environment, whether there is a risk of gene transfer to consumers of the GM food and the impact on pesticide use and resistance.

In terms of pesticide use and the environment, a current study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology describes trials on a GM sweetcorn named Bt corn from the Department of Entomology in Cornell University. This corn is an example of a crop that expresses proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which are toxic to certain insects. It has also been used in cotton crops. Bt corn has been grown in the USA since 1996 but has been mainly used in animal feedstuffs or processed into products such as starch. Activist group pressure resulted in limitations in the grocery providers who are prepared to carry Bt corn, yet some consumer surveys suggest that when consumers are adequately informed about Bt corn they will often express a preference over unmodified, conventional corn. The study in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that when trials were conducted in the USA states of New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Ohio and Georgia between 2010 and 2011, fewer applications of pesticide were needed than for conventional corn. In New York, for example, 99-100% of the Bt corn ears were marketable without use of any insecticide sprays compared to only 18% of non-Bt corn after 8 insecticide sprays. The ability to reduce insecticide sprays has a direct impact on conservation of non-damaging insect populations who would otherwise be at risk from the insecticides used to kill the crop-damaging insects.

There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the GM crop controversy but not all GM crops are the same and it is important to consider the impact of each GM food on a case-by-case basis in a rational manner. So long as unbiased regulatory processes can be assured, there is a place for GM crops and there can actually be benefits to the environment, for example in terms of reductions in pesticide use and positive impacts on populations of insects that are not harmful to crops.

Sources

Shelton, A.M., D.L. Olmstead, E.C. Burkness, W.D. Hutchison, G. Dively, C. Welty and A.N. Sparks. Multi-state trials of Bt sweet corn varieties for control of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). J. Econ. Entomol., October 2013

Entomological Society of America (2013, October 7). Genetically modified sweet corn can reduce insecticide use. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2013/10/131007094508.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fzoology+(ScienceDaily%3A+Plants+%26+Animals+News+--+Zoology)

The recent high profile decision of the film star Angelina Jolie to have preventive surgery due to her family history and genetic profile for breast cancer has placed the subject of genetic screening for gene mutations that increase breast cancer risk firmly in the spotlight. Ms Jolie announced that she is a carrier of a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, the same mutation carried by her mother who tragically died from breast cancer. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are known to increase risk both of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, with a unique group of patients having hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. These patients are diagnosed younger and have an increased lifetime risk for developing both breast, ovarian and other cancers.

Standard methodology for screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 relies on conventional Sanger dideoxy sequencing, on which the Human Genome Project was based. This is an expensive and time-consuming process. Research has therefore been on-going to attempt to develop second-generation cancer genome-sequencing to a standard that is clinically validated. Second generation sequencing gives an output which is orders of magnitude higher than that achieved with Sanger sequencing and with much lower cost per base. A study has just been published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics from the Cancer Genetics Laboratory of the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver along with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine of the University of British Columbia, also in Vancouver (Bosdet et al 2013). These laboratories have tested a second generation sequencing method on both the coding exons and on the intron-exon boundaries of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 91 hereditary breast cancer patient samples. The results are encouraging. The groups achieved high-quality sequence coverage across all targeted regions, and detection was sensitive and specific, with complete agreement with results from standard dideoxy sequencing methodology, and no false-positive or false-negative results. The authors are confident that their method, which is based on sequencing of automated small-amplicon PCR followed by sample pooling, represents a breakthrough in identifying a method for sensitive, automatable, high-throughput sequence variant detection.

Given that other gene regions are also implicated in breast cancer risk, this represents a technique with potentially wider applicability beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2. For example in HBOC syndrome, a plethora of other cancer susceptibility gene clusters are implicated, including the Fanconi anemia (FA) cluster (FANCD2, FANCA and FANCC), mismatch repair (MMR) cluster (MLH1, MSH2, PMS1, PMS2 and MSH6), DNA repair cluster (ATM, ATR and CHK1/2), and tumour suppressor cluster (TP53, SKT11 and PTEN). There is also the potential to extend this type of methodology to allow personalisation of medical treatment. For example, second generation sequencing technology was recently used to obtain the complete genomic DNA sequence of a 55 years old, self-declared healthy, anonymous male of Malay descent whose family medical history was known. Several unique variants were identified, including in 4 drug transport genes, 2 drug metabolizing enzyme genes and 33 target genes harbouring deleterious SNVs involved in pharmacological pathways. So this breakthrough in identifying a second generation sequencing methodology which is clinically validated has implications even beyond the immediate applicability to BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening in breast cancer. Further development of third generation sequencing using nanopore systems is underway offering even further hope for increased efficiency and accuracy and reduced cost of genetic screening for the future.

Sources

BOSDET, I.E. et al., 2013. A Clinically Validated Diagnostic Second-Generation Sequencing Assay for Detection of Hereditary BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations. The Journal Of Molecular Diagnostics: JMD, DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2013.07.004

GUT, I.G., 2013. New sequencing technologies. Clinical & Translational Oncology: Official Publication Of The Federation Of Spanish Oncology Societies And Of The National Cancer Institute Of Mexico

KOBAYASHI, H. et al., 2013. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes (Review). Oncology reports

MERIC-BERNSTAM, F. et al., 2013. Genotype in BRCA-associated breast cancers. The breast journal, 19(1), pp. 87-91

MWENIFUMBO, J.C. and MARRA, M.A., 2013. Cancer genome-sequencing study design. Nature Reviews.Genetics, 14(5), pp. 321-332

SALLEH, M.Z. et al., 2013. Systematic pharmacogenomics analysis of a malay whole genome: proof of concept for personalized medicine. Plos One, 8(8), pp. e71554-e71554

Elsevier Health Sciences (2013, October 7). New diagnostic test for detecting BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 10

We have published a new article about the Evolution of Life on Earth.
Skladnev D. A., Klykov S. P., Kurakov V. V. Complication of Animal Genomes in the Course of the Evolution Slowed Down after the Cambrian Explosion. Evolution: Development within Big History, Evolutionary and World-System Paradigms. Yearbook / Ed. by L. E. Grinin and A. V. Korotayev. Volgograd: Uchitel, 2013. Pp. 249–256.

Abstract
For the first time, the growth rate of minimal animal genome size is shown to
slow down in the course of evolution from prokaryotic forms to mammals after
the Cambrian explosion. There is proposed an original mathematical model
which takes into account a multiphase character of development and importance
of multidirectional trends in the evolution. The authors explain from the
biological point the exponential change of minimal genome size in the beginning
of the evolutionary process, slowing down after the period of the Cambrian
explosion as well as reveal certain parameters of the evolutionary processes
as a result of the model application. According to the proposed model, the
S-shaped curve with distinct inflexion point adequately describes the increase
of minimal genome size.
Keywords: evolution equations, mathematical modeling, genome size, Cambrian
explosion.

Internet link will be provided through 2 weeks, roughly. You can download the PDF right now from my page:
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=...ab_profile

See also:
http://www.biotechnologyforums.com/thread-1809.html

Hi, can anyone tell me what's the difference between polar and high polar metabolites? Are they similar? Thanks !

Basic Information:
The Florida State University (commonly referred to as Florida State or FSU) is a space-grant and sea-grant public university located in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a comprehensive doctoral research university with medical programs and significant research activity as determined by the Carnegie Foundation. The university comprises 15 separate colleges and 39 centers, facilities, labs and institutes that offer more than 300 programs of study, including professional programs. Florida State was officially established in 1851 and is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state of Florida. Florida State University was declared in 2010 to be a "Budget Ivy" university by the Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College. In 1935 Florida State University was awarded the first chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in Florida and is among the ten percent of American universities to have earned a chapter of the national academic honor society.

Florida State University is one of two Florida public universities to qualify as a "preeminent university" by Florida senate bill 1076, signed in 2013. As a result of this legislation, the preeminent universities now receive additional funding that is intended to improve the academics and national reputation of higher education within the state of Florida. As one of Florida's primary graduate research universities, Florida State University awards over 2,000 graduate and professional degrees each year. In 2007, the Florida Legislature allowed Florida State and the University of Florida to charge 40% higher tuition than other institutions in the State University System of Florida.

The Florida State University is also home to nationally ranked programs in many academic areas, including the sciences, engineering, social policy, film, music, theater, dance, visual art, business, political science, psychology, social work, medicine, and law. Florida State is home to Florida's only National Laboratory – the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and is the birthplace of the commercially viable anti-cancer drug Taxol. The university is also known for its undergraduate study abroad options: according to Uni in the USA, "the large numbers of students that study abroad nicely compliment the students that study here from abroad."

Undergraduate Programs:
The Department of Biological Science offers an undergraduate biology major. Although not required to do so by the department, biological science majors may choose to concentrate their biology elective hours in a particular sub-discipline of biology (i.e., "academic track"). Academic tracks are defined as groupings of departmental courses within a traditional or contemporary sub-discipline of biology that may be used to tailor the degree requirements to student interests. Currently, the Department of Biological Science offers seven academic tracks in the following sub-disciplines of biology: Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science; Marine Biology; Physiology and Neuroscience; Plant Sciences; Pre-professional Health Sciences (including medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy and physician's assistant); and Zoology.

The Program in Marine Biology prepares undergraduate students to enter the workforce or graduate school in a marine-related field in basic or applied science, from conservation to natural resource management. The highlight of the program is an undergraduate research experience that provides hands-on internships in marine biology with a marine scientist as a mentor. The goal is to increase the student’s awareness of the critical importance of our ocean and coastal ecosystems and the challenges faced by those interested in protecting their health and ensuring their sustainability. Never was the need for this kind of training more keenly felt than when the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in the spring of 2010. Only students who have declared biology as a major can apply to the Program in Marine Biology and Living Marine Resource Ecology. Students typically apply during their sophomore year. It is easy to do. Just fill out the online application form and hit “send.”

Undergraduate tuition: $3800/year in-state; $17,544/year out-of-state. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Students should complete the FAFSA annually to be eligible for aid.

Graduate Programs:
The Florida State University Department of Biological Science offers Masters and Doctoral degree training in a broad range of biological research areas. The graduate is organized into three divisions, Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Neuroscience; each division conducts its own admissions and guides its students to the completion of their degrees. Students are selected from a competitive applicant pool and supported for the duration of their studies with stipends and tuition waivers. During their training, students have access to excellent laboratory research facilities and opportunities for field and marine studies. Recent graduates of the program have been very successful in obtaining academic, research, industrial, and professional positions nationally and internationally. We strongly encourage direct contact between potential applicants and individual faculty in the program to explore mutual interests in research training opportunities.

Florida State University and Florida A&M College of Engineering offer a graduate program in Biomedical Engineering. Currently, biomedical engineering is the most rapidly growing graduate engineering discipline in the U.S. The overall goal of this program is to implement education and research in biomedical engineering that will prepare graduates for industrial, governmental, and academic careers in the bioengineering, biotechnology, and related professions. The graduate program in biomedical engineering (BME) promotes a special emphasis in cellular and tissue engineering. Advanced engineering, medical, chemistry, physics, and biology students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills that will allow them to contribute to improved technology in health and medical care and to solve real-world engineering problems in biology and medicine, both in educational and industrial settings.

The Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences at the Florida State University College of Medicine is designed to train modern biomedical scientists who take advantage of genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and other contemporary approaches to address questions of developmental, cell, and molecular biology related to human health. The Program is appropriate for students with majors in biochemistry, biology or other health-related fields. Three broad areas of research are emphasized: development, neuroscience and the molecular basis of human disease. Research rotations during the first year allow students to make an informed choice of the research area and major professor with whom they will conduct their Ph. D. work. A core curriculum of the fundamentals, the choice of electives from other departments and intellectual interaction with faculty and post doctoral fellows, encourage graduate students to mature into independent scientists.

Graduate tuition: $8421/year in-state; $22853/year out-of-state. All students admitted to the Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences programs receive full financial support, including a stipend and tuition reimbursement.

Statistics:
Applied - 28,313
Admitted - 16,561 58%
Enrolled total - 6,135
Full Time: - 6,105
Part Time - 30

Standards:
Test - 25th % - 75th %
SAT Reading - 550 - 650
SAT Math - 560 - 640
SAT Writing - 0 - 0
ACT Composite - 25 - 28

Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate - 92%
4-year graduation rate - 47%
6-year graduation rate - 71%


Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biological Sciences (BS)

Graduate Programs:
Biological Sciences (MS/PhD)
Biomedical Engineering (MS/PhD)
Biomedical Sciences (PhD)

Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate:
Graduate: December 1st
Applications are available online at: http://admissions.fsu.edu/

Basic Information:
Northwestern University (NU) is a private research university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago in Illinois, United States. Northwestern has 12 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees.

Northwestern was founded in 1851 by John Evans, for whom Evanston is named, and eight other lawyers, businessmen and Methodist leaders to serve the people of a region that had once been known as the Northwest Territory. Instruction began in 1855; women were admitted in 1869. Today, the main campus is a 240-acre (97 ha) parcel in Evanston, along the shores of Lake Michigan. The university's law and medical schools are located on a 25-acre (10 ha) campus in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. In 2008, the University opened a campus in Education City, Doha, Qatar with programs in journalism and communication. In academic year 2010-2011, Northwestern enrolled 8,397 undergraduate and 7,870 graduate and professional students.

Northwestern has one of the largest university endowments in the United States, valued at $7.1 billion in 2012. One of only 62 institutions elected to the Association of American Universities (1917), Northwestern was awarded more than $500 million in research grants in 2010–2011, placing it in the first tier of the major research universities in the United States by the Center for Measuring University Performance. Its schools of management, engineering, and communication, for example, are among the most academically productive in the nation. Northwestern is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and remains the only private university in the conference. The Northwestern Wildcats compete in 19 intercollegiate sports in the NCAA's Division I.



Undergraduate Programs:
One of Northwestern University’s Weinberg College's most popular majors, a major in Biological Sciences prepares students for a variety of positions: in research and education; in medical and other health professions; in pharmaceutical, genetic testing, and other biomedical companies; and in government agencies. The undergraduate life sciences major offered in Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences is the Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with concentration in one of five areas: biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, neurobiology, physiology, and plant biology. Important strengths of the program include a particularly sophisticated introductory course and a diverse set of advanced courses based in part or in whole on primary scientific literature. There are also outstanding opportunities for undergraduate students to join a faculty member's research group and carry out independent laboratory research.

Northwestern University was among the first schools to recognize the value of a biomedical engineering background. The biomedical engineering program provides biomedical training that is quantitative, emphasizes problem-solving and design, and treats phenomena from the molecular to the systems level. Biomedical engineers at Northwestern are trained to apply engineering techniques to the analysis of biological systems, providing full integration of biology and engineering. As part of the BME program, students receive thorough pre-professional training. This prepares them for not only medical and dental schools but also jobs in biomedical industries and hospitals. The biomedical engineering industry offers the possibility of developing, testing and marketing products ranging from medical lasers and pacemakers to pharmaceuticals and beyond.
Students are required to take either the SAT or ACT with writing.

Undergraduate tuition: $41,592/year. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Students should complete the FAFSA to apply for financial aid.


Graduate Programs:
The purpose of Northwestern University's doctoral degree program in biomedical engineering is to produce graduates who are qualified to fill research positions at the highest levels in private industry and in government laboratories, to teach in this field at universities, and to perform and direct original research on the staffs of universities, hospitals or companies. Students entering the program with a degree in a field other than biomedical engineering, e.g., traditional areas of biology, civil engineering, etc., are expected to concentrate their elective course work in their deficient areas. Students in the biomedical engineering (BME) doctoral program study approximately equal portions of engineering, life sciences, and mathematics. Biomedical engineering is by its nature very diverse and thus some breadth is required. Students, however, are expected to develop depth and understanding in one particular area of engineering and one of the life sciences. The areas of mathematical development are also somewhat flexible, with some breadth expected, but should be appropriate for the student's area of study. The portion of a student's effort in engineering, life sciences, and mathematics depends on her/his previous background. Master’s programs are available, either with or without a thesis requirement.

Northwestern University offers a graduate program in Genetic Counseling. Northwestern is fully accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and enrolls approximately 12 students per year. The program is 18 months long. Students are enrolled for six ten-week quarters; three academic quarters their first year (Fall, Winter, Spring), one summer quarter and two academic quarters their second year (Fall and Winter). Students graduate in mid-March, which is earlier than many other genetic counseling programs. Many of our students feel that this early graduation date gives them a jump start on the job search and a competitive edge over other graduates. The curriculum is designed to emphasize the scientific and medical aspects of the profession, along with the counseling and psychosocial aspects. Students begin their clinical rotations during the winter quarter of the first year. Early clinical placements allow the students to quickly apply and reinforce the concepts they learn in the classroom. In addition, Northwestern has a strong research component, requiring a written thesis and oral defense.

Northwestern University's Master of Science in Biotechnology Program (MBP) offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Biotechnology degree in 15 months (five quarters) or 21 months if a student opts to participate in an Industrial Internship. The primary mission of the MBP is to prepare biologists, chemists, and engineers for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The MBP is distinguished from other M.S. in Biotechnology programs by the integration of biology and engineering, combined with extensive hands-on research (ca. 1000 hr over four quarters) in Northwestern University faculty laboratories. The pool of research preceptors currently includes more than eighty faculty members in various departments throughout Northwestern.

Graduate tuition: $41,592/year. Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Some graduate students may be eligible for financial aid in the form of teaching and research assistanships.

Statistics:
Applied - 27,528
Admitted - 6,367 - 23%
Enrolled total - 2,127
Full Time: - 2,127
Part Time - 0

Standards:
Test - 25th % - 75th %
SAT Reading - 680 - 750
SAT Math - 700 - 780
SAT Writing - 680 - 770
ACT Composite - 31 - 33
ACT English - 32 - 35
ACT Math - 30 - 35
ACT Writing - 8 - 10

Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate - 97%
4-year graduation rate - 87%
6-year graduation rate - 95%

Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biological Sciences (BA)
Biomedical Engineering (BS)

Graduate Programs:
Biomedical Engineering (MS/PhD)
Genetic Counseling
Biotechnology (MBP/MS)
Dual Degree Programs:
Medical Scientist Training Program (MS/PhD)




Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate: November 1st, early decision; February 1st, regular decision
Undergraduate applicants can apply online via the Common Application: https://www.commonapp.org/Login
Graduate: Varies based on program.

The institute is located on the outskirts of Ghaziabad, on the national Delhi-Meerut highway, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. IAMR was found in the year of 2000 with the chairman being Shree R.K. Gupta and has completely 13 years successfully so far. It has 3 other sister institutions, out of which one is located in Meerut city and the other two are located in Ghaziabad itself. The institute is affiliated to CCS university, Meerut (formerly Meerut university).


The main attractions of the college are its Biotechnology, Microbiology and Physiotherapy division. The separate building for biotechnology department consists of well-acquainted classrooms in the form of lecture theatres and fully-equipped labs out of which the major ones are Recombinant DNA Technology Lab, Microbiology Lab, Biotechnology Lab, Plant tissue culture lab etc. The main attraction of the labs are PCR machines though and the other devices are constantly upgraded, for instance, just recently, the labs were upgraded from the conventional and time consuming pH-meter to a pH pen which proved very effective, accurate and faster.

IAMR is a 'well known' institute for its research and being developed as a center for advancing career in modern biology. The admission procedure usually requires a written exam followed by an interview. IAMR has always been kind enough to provide seats to the student. Thus the admission procedures are fairly nice to go through.

Currently, there are 3 programmes being carried out in the institute in the biotechnology division, i.e. Integrated M.Tech in Biotechnology which is a 5-year engineering course, B.Sc. Biotechnology Honors (3-year Bachelor Program- UG) and M.Sc. biotechnology (2 year Master Program- PG). While the latter two courses focus on the core biotechnology and its theoretical aspects, the former course i.e. Int. M.Tech. Biotechnology focuses on the technical aspects of the study of this science. The syllabus is designed as such as students don’t face problems while preparing for competitive exams like GATE and NET-JRF after completion of degree.

The institute keeps on organizing events to keep students active in co-curricular activities. A number of other colleges also send their students to participate in these activities. Main among these events are GENETIX and BioFest which are held annually. The annual college fest is the center of attraction for all the students as it provides the opportunity to showcase their other skills, for instance, singing, dancing etc.

The institute has been in run for a good amount of time and is expected to run for extended periods of time mainly because of the fairly simple admission procedures and the attractive yet informative courses it offers! If a student wishes to know more about the college, they can either contact the author or just simply visit, www.iamrgzb.com. I hope IAMR proves to be a destination for you to pursue your further education. The place is worth your kind visit.

Published by Jessica on behalf of Ms. Shivani Sharma

Basic Information:
There is no university in the country like Creighton University in terms of size, the array of professional and graduate programs offered, and the strong commitment to Catholic and Jesuit ideals and values. Founded in 1878 and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, Creighton is a vibrant and diverse learning community. The University is located in Omaha, Neb.

Nationally recognized for providing a challenging and balanced educational experience, the University offers a rigorous academic agenda with a broad range of disciplines, providing more than 7,700 undergraduate, graduate and professional students with degree programs that emphasize education of the whole person -- academically, socially and spiritually.

Undergraduate Programs:
The Department of Biology at Creighton University is committed to providing an excellent undergraduate biology program encompassing both breadth and depth of biological understanding. The mission at Creighton University is to provide students with the opportunity to develop: an understanding and appreciation of biological unity and diversity; competence in analytical, investigative and communication skills appropriate to the biological discipline; the ability to recognize and formulate effective responses to moral and ethical issues with biological dimensions. Creighton biology majors are also graduates with a broad liberal art education and compete successfully for jobs in the general economy. Alumni of the Biology department include physicians, dentists, deans of medical and graduate schools, research scientists, environmental analysts, nature center interpreters and teachers, as well as archbishops and presidents of major companies.

The Medical Anthropology at Creighton University major is designed to provide a usable skill set for health and health care in an increasingly complex world through taking seriously the important factor of culture. This cultural approach to health and health care makes the program unique and complementary with other health-related programs. With its emphasis on fieldwork and cultural analysis in light of biomedical knowledge, the program furthers the excellence of future healthcare professionals. The major also promotes strategies for equitable access to effective health care both domestically and globally.

Undergraduate Tuition: $30,848/year. Students can apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA.

Graduate Programs:
Creighton offers a master’s of science degree and PhD in Biomedical Sciences. The course of study will focus almost exclusively on participating and conducting medical and healthcare-related research—students are placed in research laboratories during the first semester. Students have access to Creighton University’s renowned research facilities and laboratories and have opportunities to collaborate with and learn from Creighton’s nationally recognized faculty. The program is flexible and can be customized in a number of fields, including: Biochemistry and Bioorganic Chemistry; Bone Biology; Cancer Biology; Cell and Developmental Biology; Molecular Biology and Gene Regulation; and Neurobiology and Physiology.

For students looking to continue a career as a clinical anatomy teacher, incorporate clinical anatomy teaching into an academic career, or work in any number of healthcare professions, the Clinical Anatomy Master of Science (M.S.) through Graduate, Adult and Professional Studies at Creighton will provide the knowledge, skills and experience needed. Students will also be prepared to continue graduate studies or to pursue a medical degree. Courses included are human gross anatomy and neuroanatomy, pathology, surgery, radiology and embryology. Students have the opportunity to dissect the human body, attend autopsies and surgeries, and participate in case-based discussions. The program begins in August and takes 18 months to complete, including attending summer session the first year.

Creighton offers a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Science. The field of Clinical & Translational Science seeks to find the quickest, most efficient route for the results of research to translate into new therapies, tools, and patient care practices in order to improve the quality of healthcare. The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) at Creighton University is committed to the development of cutting-edge multidisciplinary clinical and translational research programs in a manner that builds upon current science strengths to help bring about an era of personalized medicine. The Center is a new and innovative resource to support and advance education, collaboration and research in clinical and translational science by pooling existing strengths and expertise together. The goal is to increase the number, quality and diversity of clinical and translational researchers and to promote research and intellectual exchanges among a diverse set of professionals who elicit novel approaches to area healthcare priorities. Additionally, the program seeks to foster long-term, bi-directional relationships with academic and community partners. An integral part of this commitment is to identify, educate, and create a mentored environment for developing the next generation of clinical and translational researchers into independent investigators as well as to engage the community in clinical research efforts.

The Medical Anthropology graduate program is coordinated by the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, at Creighton's College of Arts and Sciences. All courses are delivered online. However, incoming students are required to participate in a four-day on-campus orientation before taking the first course. The Medical Anthropology program is designed to provide a usable skill set for health and health care in an increasingly complex world through taking seriously the important factor of culture. This cultural approach to health and health care makes the program unique and complementary with other health-related programs. With its emphasis on fieldwork and cultural analysis in the light of biomedical knowledge, the program furthers the excellence of healthcare professionals. The program promotes strategies for equitable access to effective health care both domestically and globally.
The master’s and doctoral programs in Medical Microbiology and Immunology through the Graduate, Adult and Professional Studies at Creighton provides excellent preparation for a career as a university professor, leading scientist with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and/or a scientist within a government agency. Students can choose among several programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and will acquire a breadth of knowledge in the major disciplines of microbiology and then concentrate in a research area such as: Virology; Cellular and Molecular Immunology; Microbial Pathogenicity; Infectious Diseases; Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Microbial and Molecular Genetics; Microbial Physiology or Epidemiology; and Prions and Multiple Sclerosis.

Graduate Tuition: $14,080. Students can apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA.

Statistics:
Applied - 5,106
Admitted - 3,973 78%
Enrolled total - 977
Full Time: - 975
Part Time - 2

Standards:
Test - 25th % - 75th %
SAT Reading - 520 - 640
SAT Math - 550 - 660
SAT Writing - 510 - 620
ACT Composite - 24 - 30
ACT English - 24 - 31
ACT Math - 24 - 29
ACT Writing 7 9

Retention / Graduation:
Retention rate - 88%
4-year graduation rate - 64%
6-year graduation rate - 75%


Other Information:
Nine Schools and Colleges

College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, Graduate School, and Schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Health Professions and University College.

Student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1.

More than 96 percent of our undergraduate students are employed, volunteering or attending graduate or professional school within eight months of graduation.

Undergraduate Programs and Majors:
Biology (BS)
Medical Anthropology

Graduate Programs:
Biomedical Sciences (MS/PhD)
Clinical Anatomy (MS)
Clinical and Translational Science (MS)
Medical Anthropology (MA)
Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MS/PhD)

Dual Degree Programs:
Clinical Anatomy (MS/MD)
Clinical and Translational Sciences (MS/MD)


Application Deadlines:
Undergraduate: December 1st for scholarship consideration
Graduate: Varies based on program.
Students should apply online at: http://admissions.creighton.edu/ for undergraduate admission and https://www.creighton.edu/gradschool/adm...mission.

Bio-Learn: Bridge to Your Career!

Liatris Biosciences LLP is an emerging Bioinformatics company in Cochin (Kerala), offering Bio-IT services to Pharma, Biotech & Chemical industries worldwide. Bio-Learn - A subsidiary of Liatris Bio has been started to act as a bridge between academia and industry. At Bio-Learn, we provide industrial training programs, live projects to Biotechnology students and working professionals. Candidates will be trained and guided by well experienced industry experts from Pharma, Biotech and IT domains.

Training / Project Areas:
Bioinformatics, Cheminformatics & Computational Chemistry, Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD), Perl & Bio-Perl for Biologists

Location:
Liatris Bio, Cochin, Kerala OR in-house training (on-demand)

Eligibility:
Graduate, post-graduate, doctorial scholars & students in science, pharmacy, & medicine

For Registration and Details Contact:
LIATRIS BIOSCIENCES LLP
X/95-G, K C Towers, 3rd Floor, Near CSEZ
Kakkanad Cochin, Kerala - 682037
Email: training@liatrisbio.com
Ph: 0484 4016 432, 944 700 6084

Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/liatrisbio

Regards,
Team Liatris Bio

AMAG pharmaceutical is a pharmaceutical firm that works towards developing products for treating various chronic kidney conditions. The firm also produces pharmaceutical products in the iron group category for patients suffering from anemia. It also supports many medical programs for the sake of improving the health of one and all.

Popular biotech products
AMAG pharmaceuticals develop and markets iron products. As of now, the firm has two products in the market: Feraheme which is intended for intravenous use and MuGurad which is an oral wound rinse.

Feraheme is indicated for use in patients with iron deficiency anemia. It is particularly used in patients with chronic kidney disease. It needs special mention here that, this product should not be given to patients who exhibit intolerance towards it or have known hypersensitivity to this drug.
MuGuard is a mucoadhesive oral wound rinse that is indicated for treatment of mucositis caused due to side effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This oral wound rinse can also be used for treatment of other types of oral wounds such as mouth sores and injuries which includes canker sores, traumatic ulcers and aphthous ulcers.

Latest discoveries
AMAG pharmaceutical develops iron containing products for treatment of anemia in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Of late, in the year 2010, the firm launched MuGuard which is an oral wound rinse meant for treating oral wounds and several types of mouth ulcers. This product was released in the market when it received 510 (K) clearances from the US Food and Drug Administration. The firm received the US commercial rights for MuGuard in the year 2013.

Recent company takeovers
The firm recognizes as well as understands the importance of collaborations and partnering with other firms. Collaborations increase the chances of widening the areas of research which helps both the parties expand their business prospects. The following is a list which provides details about the collaborations and acquisitions by AMAG pharmaceuticals.
• In the year 2010, the firm joined hands with Takeda for development and commercialization of Feraheme in 5 regions namely Canada, Turkey, Europe, Asia pacific countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
• In 2008, the firmed entered into collaboration with 3SBio Inc. to commercialize Feraheme in states of China.

Recent corporate news
AMAG pharmaceuticals is a member of NASDAQ and is traded as AMAG. The stock quote for this firm is 25.07 and the volume stands as 47,833.

Work culture
The work culture at AMAG pharmaceuticals is very dynamic and at the same time vibrant. The firm regards its employees as its assets and rewards them handsomely for their exemplary performance. In addition, the firm also provides several benefits to its employees.
The following are the benefits offered by this firm to its employees:
• Medical insurance
• Disability
• Flexible spending accounts that covers the heath and dependent care
• Life / accidental death
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401 (K) plan
• Time off
• Tuition assistance
• Credit union
• Employee assistance program
• Adoption leave

Interesting events
The firm is constantly on the move and is carrying out research to develop products that would help in treatment of diseases. The following is a list of events for the current year showcasing the skills and achievements of AMAG pharmaceuticals.
• The firm would present at the upcoming investor conferences
• The firm announced the issuance of new US patent for Ferumoxytol.
• It also announced the second quarter and six month financial results for the current month.
• The firm launched a program known as “Iron matters” for educating the patients about iron deficiency anemia.
• AMAG pharmaceuticals also supports the medical community through the AMAG Medical Institute.

Recent job openings
The firm is forever on the hunt for young and experienced individuals who with their hard work and perseverance can take the firm to new defined avenues and produce world class products for the world at large. The firm is an equal opportunity employer and sees no bar in religion, caste, color, race, sexuality, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status and creed. The following is a list of job openings at AMAG pharmaceuticals:
• Senior Medical Science Liasion – id: 520: In this, the individual serves as the main person for handling the field – based scientific resource pertaining to healthcare providers, patients, colleagues of the firm and industry partners. The individual will also be responsible for building professional relationships with KOL for widening the areas of research and business prospects. The candidate should have advanced clinical scientific degrees with minimum of 3 – years of experience in MSL pharmaceutical.
• Regional access manager – id: 531: This is a newly created job position of this firm. The concerned individual would have a major role to play in supporting the business and will have to report to the National Director of Account Management Team. At the minimum the candidate should be BA or BS with at least 7 – 10 years of experience in the relevant field.
• Special Account Representative – id: 543: The individual will be responsible to build strategic account relationships and should possess strong analytical skills. He should have BA or BS degree with more than 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales.
• Executive Assistant – id: 556: In this, the individual will be responsible to provide administrative support in legal affairs. He should be a graduate and should have more than 5 years of experience in administrative role of similar kind.
• QA Manager – id: 557: The individual will be responsible to facilitate all Quality systems of the firm and will also have to carry out training programs. He should have a BS degree in Chemistry, Biological science, engineering with 5 -7 years of experience in quality assurance.
• Corporate Paralega –id: 562: In this, the individual will be responsible for providing contract administration management and has to assist the legal department personnel with several administrative functioning. He could be a graduate in any field with at least 5 years of paralegal experience.
• Accounts Payable representative – id: 563: In this, the individual is responsible for performing invoice match, coding and approvals and verification of payment authorization. The candidate should be ADP expense expert and should have knowledge in Microsoft Great Plains.

Spectrum pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical firm based in California. It is directed towards developing therapies for cancer patients. The firm’s area of expertise includes oncology and hematology. People of spectrum pharmaceuticals are mission driven – they are committed towards building better treatment options for individuals suffering from cancer.
The firm is a member of NASDAQ and is traded as SPPI.

Popular biotech products
Spectrum pharmaceuticals is always carrying out worthy and quality research to develop innovative products for oncology and hematology. Till date it has developed several products and following is the list which includes some of them.
• Apaziquone
• Belinostat
• Ozarelix
• Captisol – enabled melphalan
• SPI – 1620
• MTRN – 2696
• Ortataxel
• Renazorb
• SPI – 2012
• Lucanthone
• SPI – 205

The above mentioned drugs are basically meant for treating diseases like cancer. These drugs have the potential of showing effect for even late – stage cancers. These drugs have unique formulations and show effect even for seriously ill patients.

Latest discoveries
Spectrum pharmaceuticals is always carrying out research to develop drugs that can be beneficial to cancer patients. Of late, the firm has developed several drugs as well as injections for cancer patients. Following is the list of latest discoveries by this firm:
• VinCRIstine sulphate LIPOSOME injection
• Ibritumomab Tiuxetan
• Pralatrexate
• Apaziquone
• Menadione topical lotion
• Renazorb
• Topotecan liposome injection
• Vinorelbine liopsomes injection
All these drugs have a unique formula that works against specific types of cancers. The drugs have completed the Phase II of clinical trials and are about to step into the last phase.

Recent company takeovers
The firm recognizes the importance of partnering with several other firms and organizations not just for building the business but for also development of world class drugs that would be of benefit to the cancer patients who are in their last stage of the disease. The firm has joined hands with several biopharmaceutical firms in order to strengthen the drug development process and assess the risk associated with the development process.

Spectrum pharmaceuticals has collaborated with Allergan, Biogen Idec, Bristol – Myers Squibb, Hansdok, Topotarget and Nippon Kayaku. The firm joined hands with Hanmi pharmaceutical company for development and commercialization of the drug SPI-2012. The firm also entered into collaboration with Bayer for acquisition of the licensing rights to market Zevalin.

Recent corporate news
The latest NASDAQ share price was $ 7.91.

Work culture
The work culture at Spectrum pharmaceuticals is vibrant and at the same time dynamic. The firm is committed to excellence and values integrity, quality work, patient focus, and people. The company has the spirit and the will to accomplish the most difficult of tasks.

Spectrum pharmaceutical values its employees and is a firm believer that its employees are its assets. The work environment in this firm is pretty challenging and the employees are given their own space to experiment and come out with good results. Individuals can learn and grow old with this company and with their research skills and analytical mind can take the firm to greater avenues.

The firm also has several benefits for its employees such as medical plans, paid long term disability, deeply discounted voluntary life, stock options, 401 (K) plans and spectrum employee stock exchange plan.

Interesting events
Spectrum pharmaceutical with its research and ongoing work in developing drugs for cancer patients is always in the public domain. The current year has indeed been an eventful year for this firm. The following events will confirm the above mentioned statement:
• The firm acquired Talon therapeutics in the month of July, 2013.
• The firm would also present at the Morgan Stanley Global Health Conference.
• In the year 2005 and 2009, it was voted as one of the best companies to work with.
• Spectrum pharmaceuticals has been ranked as one of the fastest growing companies of North America.

Recent job openings
The firm is forever on the hunt of young and experienced individuals to join their firm and develop world class therapies for the treatment of cancer. The following is a list of current job openings for the firm:
• CRA Manager – id 196-470: The individual will have to perform line management responsibilities for all CRAs as well as coordinate their activities. Candidates who wish to apply for this position need to have at least 7 years of experience in clinical research and should be a graduate in science, medical or any other relevant field.
• Marketing Manager, Brand Management – id: 195-470: For this position, the individual would be responsible for expanding the brand responsibilities of Fusilev and 2 other products that are in the pipeline. He also has to coordinate with the other members in his team and serve as a mentor and role model. Interested candidates should have a bachelor’s degree; however MBA degree will always be given preference. They should also have a minimum of 6 years of experience in healthcare industry with 3 years of specialized experience in oncology.
• Senior Clinical Research Associate – id 192-470: The individual will have to assist in the stage of designing, planning as well as implementation of clinical trials. He would also be responsible of managing and conducting pre study and initiation of closeout visits. The candidates should be BA, BSN or BS and should have a minimum of 5 years of experience as Sr. CRA or should at least have 3 years of CRA related experience.
• Oncology Account Manager – id: 190-470: In this, the individual will be responsible for the achievement of the goals and market share targets in their territory. He should have strong communication skills and should be able to communicate effectively about the product information and disease condition to the customers. Interested candidates should have a bachelor’s degree with minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales.
• Associate director of Managed Markets – id: 173-470: In this, the individual will be responsible for directing as well as marketing for all activities related to the management field. The candidate should be a graduate with minimum of 10 years of experience in biotech or pharmaceutical sales. He should also have 3 years of experience in marketing oncology related therapeutic drugs.

Elan, a drug based firm was founded in the year 1969 in Ireland. The firm develops products for individuals suffering from life threatening diseases. It works very hard to produce innovative therapies and makes sure that it reaches the population with unmet medical needs. The firm is also conducting research trials in the area of auto immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases. The firm is also extending its research to produce drugs that would ease and treat physiological and neuropathic pain.

Elan started off as a private ltd. company and went on to become a public ltd company in the year 1984.

Popular biotech products
Elan is dedicated to produce and develop drugs for treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and bipolar disorders. The products developed for treating this disease condition is ELND005 which is basically a β amyloid anti – aggregation agent. The effectiveness of this molecule was studied in patients with Alzheimer’s and bipolar disorder I and its efficacy proved. The drug was also tested on patients with Down syndrome.
It has been recommended that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease should take drug in dosage of 250mg daily twice.

Tysabri is a drug that is marketed by two firms. Earlier it was named as antregan which is indicated in conditions of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

Latest discoveries
Amongst the various discoveries, the firm has made several notable contributions in the field of neurology for treating patients with neurological disorders. Of the several discoveries, of late the firm is working to develop a vaccine called ACC-001 for Alzheimer’s disease. It has also developed AAB-003 monoclonal antibody as a part of Alzheimer’s immunotherapy program.

Elan Corporation is also conducting extensive research to study the Parkinson’s disease. It is in the process of developing therapeutic drugs for this disease. The firm together with Wyeth is conducting Phase III clinical trials for the drug bapineuzumab.

Recent company takeovers
Elan Corporation understands and recognizes the importance of collaborations and affiliations with several firms. Partnerships not only help in widening the business prospects but also helps in conducting quality research.

In the year 2013, the firm decided to give away the right to sell the drug Tysabri to Biogen Idec. The deal was worth about $ 3.25 billion.
Elan has also joined hands with Wyath for conducting the phase III clinical trials for bapineuzumab. However, the results for this drug for the previous two phases were non – conclusive, but Elan is hopeful that this drug can be effective for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent corporate news
Elan Corporation is traded in the shares of New York as well as Irish stock exchanges. The firm holds about 49.9% equity interest in Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy and will also receive 49.9% share of profits. The firm is also entitled to receive royalty payments for commercialization of AIP products.
Elan also receives royalty on in – market sales of the drug Tysabri. In the year 2010, the firm was fined $203m for marketing of epilepsy drugs.

Work culture
The work culture at Elan Corporation is very dynamic and positive. The people of Elan believe in science and work with the faith, that with their knowledge and hard work they can certainly make a difference in the lives of patients living with several disease conditions.
Elan is forever on the lookout for individuals who are vibrant and full of energy. Individuals who are ready to undertake any challenges for creating a better and disease free living world. The working environment of this firm is very unique and offers its employees an opportunity to grow and achieve the impossible.

The firm is a good paymaster and also rewards its employees for their outstanding performance. Not just this, the firm also has special provisions for its employees such as life insurance, health insurance that covers both dental and vision related issues, disability benefits, assistance for educational purposes, flexible spending accounts, annual paid time off, employee stock purchase plan, referral incentives and retirement plans.

Interesting events
Elan Corporation with its constant development and innovations is constantly in the news. The current year has indeed been an eventful year for this firm. Following is a list of interesting events that have taken place.
• In the month of September, the firm announced the initiation of dosing of Scyllo inositol in patients with Down syndrome.
• The firm reported the second quarter of financial results.
• The firm was awarded injunction against the Royalty Pharma.
• The firm entered into a partnership with Theravance Royalty participation agreement worth $ 1 billion.
• The firm also provided update on the drug Tysabri transaction and $1 bn shares.
• Earlier in this month, the firm along with Biogen Idec submitted applications for use of Tysabri in Anti – JCV antibody negative patients with multiple sclerosis.
In addition to these, the firm also took active participation in the following events:
• Elan Perrigo Joint Conference Call.
• Q2 2013 Elan Corporation, PLC earnings conference call

Recent Openings:
At present there are no recent openings.

MorphoSys AG is a German biotechnological firm directed towards research and development of antibodies. The firm is involved in developing human antibodies containing 100% proteins.
This company was the developer of HuCal, which is the first antibody library technology in the field of pharmaceuticals. It develops antibodies for the treatment of various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and many more.

Popular biotech products
The firm has developed about 80 biotech products; of which 20 are in the clinical trial phase. Of these products, the firm’s most important and effective program is the MOR 103 which is indicated for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. This program was developed in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline.

Latest discoveries
MorphoSys AG is constantly striving to develop therapeutic products that will be of benefit to patients living with various disease conditions. Of late, the firm has several products in the pipeline that are yet to hit the market. These drugs have been listed below:
• Ganterenumab
• MOR208
• Gusselkumab
• BHQ880
• LFG316
• OMP-59R5
• MOR202
• BAY 94-9343
• CNTO 3157
• Vantictumab
• LJM716
All of the above mentioned products have completed the phase I of clinical trials and are now either in the second or the third phase of trials.

Recent company takeovers
MorphoSys AG recognizes and understands the importance of collaborations and partnerships with other firms. This firm has developed several products in partnership with several other biopharmaceutical firms. It has rich reputation of positive alliances with other firms. The following list speaks of the alliances of this firm:
• The firm collaborated with Astellas Pharma in the year 2007. The next year, Atellas Pharma decided to extend the agreement for 4 more years.
• The firm joined hands with Bayer health care and the partnership lead to the development of BAY 94-9343 for treatment of cancers.
• It also partnered with Contrafect in 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim in 2010, Daiichi Sankyo in 2006 and Kaneka in 2007.
• MorphoSys AB also entered into alliance with Heptares in the year 2013 and both the firms have signed an agreement for discovering a novel antibody therapeutic targeting GPCRs.
• The alliance with Jassen Biotech witnessed the development of 2 products that are in the clinical trial stage.
• The firm signed a 5 year license agreement with Merk & Co. to use the parent firm’s HuCAL GOLD and AutoCAL technologies.
• In the year 2004, the firm joined hands with Novartis and developed multiple active therapeutic antibody programs.
• The firm also entered into collaboration with Oncomed pharmaceuticals and developed OMP-18R5 for treatment of cancers.
• MorphoSys also collaborated with Pfizer, PronChon Biotech and Roche. These collaborations witnessed the development of drugs that will be used for treatment of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Recent corporate news
The stock price as of December 2012 was € 29.30 and the total number of shares issued are 23, 358, 228.

Work culture
The work culture at MorphoSys is very positive and at the same time vibrant. The company has 3 core values – honesty, trust and respect. The employees of this firm are given enough opportunity to gain experience and grow and develop world class antibody therapeutics. The work environment at this firm is attractive and of international standards with committed and hardworking employees who leave no stone unturned for churning out the best drugs.

MorphoSys AB also has several benefits for its employees which includes incentives, bonuses for exemplary performance and flexible working hours. The firm also has a Biokids day care center for mothers who wish to come to work but cannot with their small kids. They can leave their kids at day care center and concentrate on their work

Interesting events
MorphoSys AG takes part in several interesting events of its interest and also is always in the news due to its development of novel antibody therapeutic technologies. The current year has indeed been an eventful year for this firm. The following list speaks of some of the interesting events to have taken place in 2013.
• The firm participated in the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Health Conference and Berenberg Bank and Goldman Sachs Second German Corporate Conference.
• The firm published its 9 months report in the month of July.
• In the month of August, the firm closed its collaboration with Celgene and increased its financial guidance.
• In addition, MorphoSys and Celgene join hands again to advance the CD 38 cancer program MOR202 for patients suffering from multiple myeloma.

Recent job openings
The firm is forever on the hunt for new and dynamic individuals with analytical minds who can take the firm to newer heights. The following is a list of job openings with this firm:
• Assistant to the Chief Development Officer: In this, the individual is responsible for handling all the tasks for smooth functioning of the back office as well as help the chief development officer to fully concentrate on his or her tasks. Interested candidates need to hold a graduation degree in pharma with a minimum of 5 – 8 years of experience at executive level. The individual should also be able to handle the assigned tasks single handedly.
• Legal counsel: In this type of job, the individual would have to handle all legal matters of the firm with special mention of law issues related to equity and capital market. The individual will also have the responsibility of supporting and working in close collaboration with the legal team. Interested candidates who wish to apply for this position should have completed 2 state examinations and in addition should possess high level of commitment and be proactive.
• Werk Student in Teilzeit: This is a part time post applicable for students who wish to gain some industry experience along with studies. The individual will be responsible for supporting the HR team and should be able to handle administrative tasks. The candidate should be a quick learner and should be able to work for at least 20 hours in a week. Candidates who are willing to stay on for a period of 6 months should apply and the firm seeks individuals who are interested in long term cooperation.

LFB Group is a biopharmaceutical company based in France and directed towards development of therapeutic proteins. It is the 5th largest company worldwide in the field of plasma – derived medicinal products. The firm develops and manufactures products for treatment of serious and rare disorders. The treatment of diseases is the main motto of this firm and it leaves no stones unturned for fulfilling this mission. LFB Group also specializes in development of biological medicinal products that also aids in treatment of rare disorders.

Popular biotech products
LFB Group develops products for various life threatening diseases. Its area of expertise includes those of immunology, intensive care and haemostasis. The following is a list of drugs marketed by this firm:
• Aclotin
• Alfalastin
• Arganova
• Betafact
• Clairyg
• Clottafact
• Factane
• Gammatetanos
• Hemoleven
• Human hepatitis B immunoglobulin LFB
• Ivhebex
• Kanokad
• Protexel
• Tegeline
• Vialebex
• Wilfactin
• Wilstart
• Ydralbum

Latest discoveries
LFB Group is constantly coming up with latest discoveries for treating severe disease conditions. The firm’s latest discovery is in the field of pneumology where it develops replacement therapy products for treatment of α – 1 antitrypsin deficiency that is known to cause pulmonary emphysema in adults.
Recent company takeovers
LFB Group recognizes as well as understands the importance of collaborations with other firms. In the year 2007, the firm took over MAbgene at €6m. MAbgene is involved in the production of antibodies and glycoproteins in cell based animal systems.
The firm later in the year also joined hands with GTC Biotherapeutics for expanding its research area on transgenics.

Recent corporate news
LFB Group also has its business spread overseas and over the past few years has witnessed a 60% rise in the international turnover. However, the year 2011 was a bit difficult for this firm and it made a comeback in the next year where its total turnover increased by 7.7%.

Work culture
The work culture at LFB Group is dynamic and at the same time very positive. The firm considers its employees as its assets and rewards them handsomely for their hard work and perseverance. The employees of this firm also work very hard to achieve the desired goals and carry out quality research to churn out the best therapeutic products for the treatment of unusual disorders.

Interesting events
LFB Group has forever been in the limelight due to its constant efforts to develop medicinal products for treatment of various disease conditions. The firm has also received several awards and recognition for its exemplary performance. Some of the interesting events for this firm have been listed below:
• The firm was awarded The Galien Award in the rare disease category in the year 2011. This award was given for the firm’s innovation in the field of human fibrinogen. In the same year, Thallion and LFB completed the patient enrollment for carrying out the Phase II Shiagatec trial.
• In the year 2010, the firm began the procedure for acquiring Austrian Plasma Collection Group.
• In the year 2011, the firm announced patenting of monoclonal antibodies that have enhanced activity in the US.
• In the year 2012, the firm bagged the Jacques Oudin Prize for clinical and basic immunology.
• In the current year the firm signed a licensing agreement with Shin Poong.
• In the year 2012, the firm along with TG therapeutics completed the licensing agreement for development of Ublituximab.

Recent job openings
Currently there are 8 job openings available with LFB Group. Interested candidates can note down the reference id and can leave an online application along with their resume. If selected, they would be contacted by the recruiters. The following is a list of job openings:
• Officer (e) recruitment – CDD 6 months – id: CR/0913/EC: This post is available for individuals who wish to be a part of the HR team of this firm. The selected candidate will be responsible to manage the tasks from scratch to finish. Candidates need to have a minimum of 2 -3 years of experience in recruitment process and should hold a higher degree of education in engineering, psychology or third cycle in HR.
• Charge of Drugs – id: CR/0913/EC: In this, the individual will be responsible for monitoring the safety of medicines in the developing countries and also take charge of the marketing process that need to be done following the standard European guidelines. The candidates need to have at least 3 years of experience in pharmacovigilance and should either be a pharmacist or hold a doctorate degree in relevant field.
• Production Technician – id: DB/13-07/TP: The individual is responsible for carrying out the production, fractionation and purification of raw materials. He would also be responsible for working in accordance with the procedures and should also be able to deliver the products in said time. Candidates having past experience in similar kind of job will be given preference.
• Pharmacist assistance release pharmaceutical – id: PALP/0813/EC: In this, the individual’s role will revolve around three areas namely: checking, evaluation and assisting the head of pharmaceutical release. The candidates need to have a minimum of 1 – 2 years of experience in quality control and should be a graduate in pharmacy.
• Trainer material, equipment and local – id: PALP/0813/EC: The individual selected for this job position is entitled to provide the raw materials, as well as the materials to be used in the local production. The work should be carried out based on the guidelines of GMP and hygiene and safety. The candidate should be able to carry heavy loads and should have experience in the relevant field.
• Quality control manager – id: RCQ/0513/FdL: In this, the individual is responsible for establishing criteria for analytical acceptances. The candidate should have at least 3 years of experience in validation methods and should be a doctorate either in pharmacy or sciences.
• Manager platform Galenics –id: RPG/0513/FdL: Individual will be responsible for exploring new technologies. He should have 3 – 5 years of experience in project management.
• Head of laboratory development of liquid and lyophilized forms – id: RLG/0313/FdL: The individual will be responsible for addressing issues related to development of liquid and lyophilized forms. Should have 5 years of experience in relevant field.