By Dennis M. "Mickey" Flynn
President
Pennsylvania Bio

Next week, on Thursday March 11th, the Pennsylvania Bio Community will again come together for our annual celebration of the industry's innovation, of leadership, and of community. It's our Association's premier event, and if you haven't yet purchased your ticket, there's a little time left to do so, and this year it's an event you definitely don't want to miss.

Individual Registration Deadline Extended Until Thursday, March 4th

April 15, 2010
The Desmond Great Valley Hotel

QR Pharma, Inc., a developer of novel drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has announced that it was issued U.S. Patent No. 7,625,942, a "Method of Treating Down Syndrome" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

LifeSensors, Inc. has announced a new sensor technology for determining the gender of poultry in ovo

On-Track to Initiate 4 Clinical Trials

Company will Standardize Electronic Data Capture and Global Data Management for Frazer, Pennsylvania-based Cephalon, Inc.

Cephalon, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted the company's new drug application for Treanda

Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Xiaflex

Shire plc, the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, announces it has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for REPLAGAL® (agalsidase alfa), its enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease

YM BioSciences Inc. announced that it has been granted two additional patents in the US for AeroLEF.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and their collaborators have been awarded a $5.6 million federal contract to pursue the continued development of an implanted ventricular assist heart pump for infants and small children with congenital or acquired heart disease.

invivodata, inc., the industry leader in patient reported outcomes (PRO) solutions and consulting services for global clinical research, announced that it has secured an undisclosed amount of financing from MMV Financial ("MMV").

Representative John Hornaman
3rd Legislative District

I was very proud in September 2008 to be named a co-chair of the House Life Sciences Caucus. As we look at the challenges facing not only Pennsylvania, but the nation, during these current economic problems, we must look to industries that have their foundation in innovation to spur growth. In Pennsylvania, we have a strong legacy in the life sciences that we need to continue to support. The industry is already one of Pennsylvania's strengths, and it is an area that, with the right policies, we can continue to lead in globally. The job that we have as a Life Sciences Caucus is to address policy issues that are important to the biotechnology and life sciences industry in Pennsylvania so we can realize this continued growth.

Representative John Murtha, 77, died February 8th following complications with gallbladder surgery at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. Congressman Murtha represented the 12th District of Pennsylvania, which encompasses a large portion of the southwestern corner of the Commonwealth. Congressman Murtha had been representing Pennsylvania in Congress for 36 years, and recently, on February 5, 2010, became the longest serving member of Congress from Pennsylvania.

On February 9th, Governor Rendell outlined his 2010-11 budget proposal to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The Senate and House Appropriations Committees have been holding hearings with State Agencies on the Governor's proposed 2010-11 Commonwealth Budget. The Legislature will return to session March 8.

Senator Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow (D-22) announced the names of members appointed to the Government Management and Cost Study Commission created by Senate Resolution 161.

Acting Secretary of Revenue C. Daniel Hassell reported that Pennsylvania collected $1.5 billion in General Fund revenue in February, which was $102.3 million, or 6.4 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $16 billion, which is $476.7 million, or 2.9 percent, below estimate.