Biotechnology Information Organization (BIO):

WHAT:

WHO:

Jim Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology Information Organization (BIO);

Ryan Stroschein, Co-Director, Agriculture Energy Coalition;

Jerry Taylor, President, MFA Oil;

Gary Haer, Chairman, National Biodiesel Board;

Steve Reinford, Owner, Reinford Farms.

WHEN:

WHERE:

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BIO to Testify at Congressional Hearing on 2012 Farm Bill Energy Programs

16 May 2012

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

(“Angel” or “the Company”)

Angel signs new contract with ReNeuron to provide GMP (KOSDAQ: 018290.KQ – news) cell manufacturing services for completion of stroke clinical trial

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc, (AIM:ABH), the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer, has signed a new contract with ReNeuron Group (Berlin: RQE.BE – news) plc (AIM:RENE) to perform GMP manufacturing services in support of the final part of the PISCES Phase 1 clinical trial of its ReN001 stem cell therapy for stroke; the value of the contract was not disclosed.

Dr Stewart White, Acting CEO, Angel Biotechnology (Berlin: A3G.BE – news) said: “Angel is very proud to be providing ReNeuron with additional manufacturing support to complete this ground breaking Phase 1 clinical trial. This contract is further recognition of the strong partnership between Angel and ReNeuron, and also reaffirms both companies commitment to provide solutions for a real clinical need.”

For further information:

Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc

Lorna Peers, Finance Director +44 (0) 131 445 6077

Stewart White, Acting CEO/Commercial Director www.angelbio.com

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Angel Biotechnology – Angel signs new contract with ReNeuron

SEATTLE, May 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCBB:PLPL.OB – News), a producer of highly bioavailable botanical extracts, today announced a preliminary agreement with ZZ2, a private farming conglomerate in Southern Africa and the largest producer of fresh tomatoes in the continent of Africa. Based on a long-standing working relationship, Dunn Roman Holdings Africa (Pty) Limited, a subsidiary of Plandai, will, under a new contract, acquire tomato waste from ZZ2 which will be processed to recover highly bioavailable antioxidants using the company’s exclusive Hydrodynamic Extraction System.

Plandai Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, “As with green tea catechin extract, our hydrodynamic system converts the tomato carotenoid isomers into a highly bioavailable product. This partnership with ZZ2 is especially advantageous because it gives us an extremely inexpensive and readily available source material throughout the year. With an initial agreement to acquire 30 tons of tomato waste per day, we can yield substantial volumes of carotenoids (lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene). With the current market price for even poorly-absorbed lycopene at $3,000/kg, this opportunity could add in excess of $700,000 in monthly revenues.

Discussing the timing of commencing production of these carotenoids, Mr. Duffield added, “A huge portion of our prior research has been in this field and has already been validated through a USDA study. As shown in the recent publication by Dr. Ishida in Food Chemistry–Effects of a Hydrodynamic Process on Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato–Plandai’s extraction process has already demonstrated the ability to deliver highly bioavailable carotenoids in numerous studies undertaken in conjunction with the California tomato processing industry and the USDA. In addition, unlike our green tea catechin extract, there will be no delay in getting raw materials ready for extraction. ZZ2 has an ample and ready supply of tomato waste available 365 days a year. We therefore anticipate that the tomato carotenoid extracts could actually come to market well ahead of our green tea gallate extract and bring us one step closer to becoming the world’s largest supplier of highly bioavailable botanical extracts from live plant materials.”

For additional information on ZZ2, visit www.zz2.biz. A memorandum of Understanding is under review by the respective attorneys and is expected to executed shortly. “Effects of a hydrodynamic process on extraction of carotenoids from tomato” Betty K. Ishida, Mary H. Chapman, United States Department of Agriculture, Food Chemistry 132 (2012) 1156–1160

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa. Web site: http://www.plandaibiotech.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

The information provided may contain forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties. Results, events and performances could vary from those contemplated. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, expressed or implied, to differ from predicted outcomes. Risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, and Plandai’s ability to meet current or future plans. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Plandai is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces Preliminary Agreement With Agriculture Giant, ZZ2, to Produce Highly …

NEEDHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDX – News) today announced that the Company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI), effective prior to market open on Monday, May 21, 2012. The NBI includes biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies listed exclusively on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or on the NASDAQ Global Market that meet predetermined eligibility requirements, including a minimum market capitalization of $200 million and an average daily trading volume of at least 100,000 shares, amongst other criteria.

The index is ranked semi-annually in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index Fund (Nasdaq:IBB – News). In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges. For more information about the NBI, including eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/methodology_NBI.pdf.

About Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.:

Celldex Therapeutics is the first antibody-based combination immunotherapy company. Celldex has a pipeline of drug candidates in development for the treatment of cancer and other difficult-to-treat diseases based on its antibody focused Precision Targeted Immunotherapy (PTI) Platform. The PTI Platform is a complementary portfolio of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-targeted vaccines and immunomodulators used in optimal combinations to create novel disease-specific drug candidates. For more information, please visit http://www.celldextherapeutics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those related to the Companys strategic focus and the future development and commercialization (by Celldex and others) of rindopepimut (CDX-110), CDX-011, CDX-1135 (formerly TP10), CDX-1401, CDX-1127, CDX-301, Belinostat and other products. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current knowledge, assumptions, judgment and expectations regarding future performance or events. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such statements are reasonable, they give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and you should be aware that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, including the additional capital which will be necessary to complete the clinical trials that we initiated in 2011 and plan to initiate in 2012; our ability to adapt APC Targeting TechnologyTMto develop new, safe and effective vaccines against oncology and infectious disease indications; our ability to successfully complete product research and further development of our programs; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our limited experience in bringing programs through Phase 3 clinical trials; our ability to manage research and development efforts for multiple products at varying stages of development; the timing, cost and uncertainty of obtaining regulatory approvals; the failure of the market for the Company’s programs to continue to develop; our limited cash reserves and our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; our ability to protect the Companys intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel or consultants; competition; changes in the regulatory landscape or the imposition of regulations that affect the Companys products; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2011, anditsForms 10-Q and 8-K.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We have no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Celldex Therapeutics Added to Nasdaq Biotechnology Index

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INFI – News) today announced that the company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI). The semi-annual re-ranking of the index will become effective prior to market open on Monday, May 21, 2012.

Our inclusion in the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index underscores the strength of our pipeline and our progress toward creating a sustainable, fully integrated biotechnology company, stated Adelene Q. Perkins, president and chief executive officer of Infinity. With six clinical trials ongoing across our three development programs, and the financial strength to execute them, we have the potential to meaningfully impact patients’ lives while creating long-term value for shareholders.

The NBI was launched in 1993 and includes securities of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies listed on the NASDAQ that meet minimum requirements, including market value and average daily share volume, among other criteria. The index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology IndexSM Fund (Nasdaq:IBB – News). For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including detailed eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/.

About Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Infinity is an innovative drug discovery and development company seeking to discover, develop and deliver to patients best-in-class medicines for diseases with significant unmet need. Infinity combines proven scientific expertise with a passion for developing novel small molecule drugs that target emerging disease pathways. Infinitys programs focused on the inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway, heat shock protein 90 and phosphoinositide-3-kinase are evidence of its innovative approach to drug discovery and development. For more information on Infinity, please refer to the companys website at www.infi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from the companys current expectations. For example, there can be no guarantee that Infinitys strategic alliance with Mundipharma International Corporation Limited will continue for its expected term or that it will fund Infinitys programs as agreed, that any product candidate Infinity is developing will successfully complete necessary preclinical and clinical development phases, or that development of any of Infinitys product candidates will continue. Further, there can be no guarantee that any positive developments in Infinitys product portfolio will result in stock price appreciation. Managements expectations could also be affected by risks and uncertainties relating to: Infinitys results of clinical trials and preclinical studies, including subsequent analysis of existing data and new data received from ongoing and future studies; the content and timing of decisions made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities, investigational review boards at clinical trial sites and publication review bodies; Infinitys ability to enroll patients in its clinical trials; unplanned cash requirements and expenditures, including in connection with business development activities; development of agents by Infinitys competitors for diseases in which Infinity is currently developing its product candidates; and Infinitys ability to obtain, maintain and enforce patent and other intellectual property protection for any product candidates it is developing. These and other risks which may impact managements expectations are described in greater detail under the caption Risk Factors included in Infinitys quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 8, 2012. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Infinity expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Continued here:
Infinity Added to NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NEW YORK, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

http://www.reportlinker.com/p090668/Global-Biotechnology-Instrumentation-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_

This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Biotechnology Instrumentation in US$ Million by the following Product Segments: DNA Synthesizers, Protein/Peptide Synthesizers, DNA Sequencers, Protein/Peptide Sequencers, HPLC Equipment & Supplies, and Electrophoresis Equipment & Supplies. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Rest of World. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2009 through 2017. Also, a six-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. The report profiles 162 companies including many key and niche players such as Affymetrix, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Beckman Coulter, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Dionex Corporation, GE HealthCare, Gilson, Inc., Hitachi High-Technologies Corp., Life Technologies Corp., Perkin-Elmer, Inc., Shimadzu Corp., Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Waters Corporation. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are primarily based upon search engine sources in the public domain.

I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONSStudy Reliability and Reporting Limitations I-1Disclaimers I-2Data Interpretation & Reporting Level I-3Quantitative Techniques & Analytics I-3Product Definitions and Scope of Study I-3A. DNA Synthesizers I-4B. Protein/Peptide Synthesizers I-4C. DNA Sequencers I-4D. Protein/Peptide Sequencers I-4E. HPLC Equipment & Supplies I-4F. Electrophoresis Equipment & Supplies I-4II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW II-1

Global Market Analysis II-1

Healthcare and Biotech Sectors – The Least Affected by

Economic Recession II-1

Market Trends II-2

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Global Biotechnology Instrumentation Industry

The NASDAQ OMX Group (NDAQ) announced the results of the semi-annual re-ranking of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI), which will become effective prior to market open on May 21. The following ten securities will be added to the Index: Cerus (CERS), Celldex Therapeutics (CLDX), Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD), Infinity Pharmaceuticals (INFI), Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ), Omeros (OMER), Orexigen Therapeutics (OREX), Pacira Pharmaceuticals (PCRX), Raptor Pharmaceutical (RPTP) and Trius Therapeutics (TSRX). As a result of the re-ranking, the following five securities will be removed from the Index: BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BPAX), China Biologic Products (CBPO), Columbia Laboratories (:CBRX), Cardiome Pharma Corp (CRME) and DURECT (DRRX).

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NASDAQ Biotechnology Index – semi-annual changes

SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trius Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:TSRX – News), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative antibiotics for life-threatening infections, announced today that the Company will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(R) (NBI). The semi-annual re-ranking of the index will become effective prior to market opening on Monday, May 21, 2012.

“We are pleased to be included among the leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that make up the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index,” stated Jeffrey Stein, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Trius. “In addition to our inclusion in the Russell 2000(R) Index last year, this selection highlights Trius’ continued progress and consistent achievement of our corporate objectives.”

The NBI was launched in 1993 and includes securities of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies listed on the NASDAQ that meet minimum requirements, including market value, average daily share volume, and seasoning as a public company, among other criteria. The index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November and serves as the basis for the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index Fund (Nasdaq:IBB – News). For more information about the NBI including eligibility criteria, visit https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/methodology_NBI.pdf.

About Trius Therapeutics

Trius Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative antibiotics for life-threatening infections. The Company’s lead investigational drug, tedizolid phosphate, is a once daily, IV and orally administered second generation oxazolidinone in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of ABSSSI. Trius has two Special Protocol Assessments with the FDA for its two Phase 3 ABSSSI trials and has partnered with Bayer HealthCare for the development and commercialization of tedizolid phosphate outside of the U.S., Canada and the European Union. In addition to the Company’s tedizolid phosphate clinical program, Trius has initiated IND-enabling studies for its Gyrase-B development candidate with potent activity against Gram-negative bacterial pathogens including multi-drug resistant strains of E. coli, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. The Gyrase-B program is one of the two preclinical programs supported by federal contracts. For more information, visit www.triusrx.com.

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Trius Therapeutics Added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (OREX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity, today announced that it will be added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NBI) effective Monday, May 21, 2012.

The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is designed to track the performance of a set of NASDAQ-listed securities that are classified as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB) and which also meet other eligibility criteria, including market value, average daily share volume, and seasoning as a public company. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is re-ranked semi-annually in May and November.

About Orexigen Therapeutics

Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity. The Company’s lead product candidate is Contrave, which has completed Phase III clinical trials and for which a New Drug Application has been submitted and reviewed by the FDA. The Company has also reached agreement with the FDA on a Special Protocol Assessment for the Contrave cardiovascular outcomes trial which the company plans to initiate this quarter. The Company’s other product candidate, Empatic, has completed Phase II clinical trials. Further information about the Company can be found at www.orexigen.com.

Orexigen Contact:

Media Contact:

McDavid Stilwell

Denise Powell

VP, Corporate Communications and Business Development

WCG

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Orexigen® Therapeutics To Be Added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NOVATO, Calif., May 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (“Raptor” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:RPTP – News), announced that NASDAQ is adding Raptor to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NASDAQ: NBI and XNBI). The NBI includes seasoned NASDAQ Global Market and Global Select issuers classified as biotech or pharmaceutical companies with a minimum market capitalization of $200 million, minimum daily trading volume of 100,000 shares and other eligibility requirements. More information on the index is available on NASDAQ’s website at:

https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/methodology_NBI.pdf

Raptor’s addition to the index is effective at the close of trading on Friday, May 18, 2012. Raptor became eligible once it effected a market tier upgrade to the NASDAQ Global Market on February 29, 2012.

“We are pleased to receive NASDAQ’s recognition of Raptor’s continued corporate growth in the biotechnology sector, and look forward to the additional exposure provided by our inclusion in the NBI,” said Kim R. Tsuchimoto, Chief Financial Officer of Raptor.

About Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp.

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (Nasdaq:RPTP – News) (“Raptor”) seeks to research, produce, and deliver medicines that improve life for patients with severe, rare disorders. Raptor currently has product candidates in clinical development designed to potentially treat nephropathic cystinosis, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (“NASH”), Huntington’s Disease (“HD”), aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (“ALDH2″), and thrombotic disorder.

Raptor’s preclinical programs are based upon bioengineered novel drug candidates and drug-targeting platforms derived from the human receptor-associated protein and related proteins that are designed to target cancer and infectious diseases.

For additional information, please visit www.raptorpharma.com.

The Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7180

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Raptor Pharmaceutical Added to NASDAQ Biotechnology Index

NEW YORK, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Venture capital (VC) funding in the Life Sciences sector, which includes the Biotechnology and Medical Device industries, decreased 22% during the first quarter of 2012 from the prior quarter, according to a new PwC US report, “Mixed Momentum,” that includes data from the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP/National Venture Capital Association MoneyTree Report, based on data from Thomson Reuters.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100917/NY66894LOGO )

Venture capitalists invested a total of $1.5 billion during the first quarter, the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2010. Deal volume was also down, dropping 11 percent from Q4 to 171 deals. When compared to a year ago, dollars invested into Life Sciences companies during Q1 of 2012 decreased 8 percent while the number of deals declined 12 percent from the $1.6 billion invested in 195 deals during the first quarter of 2011.

For all sectors, venture capitalists invested $5.8 billion in 758 deals in Q1 2012, a decrease of 19 percent in dollars invested and a 15 percent decline in deals, compared to $6.7 billion going into 861 deals in the first quarter of 2011. The Life Sciences share of total venture capital dollars invested stood flat at 26 percent in Q1, a one percent decrease from Q4 2011.

“Venture capitalists remained cautious during the first quarter after a lackluster fourth quarter in the public markets, as evidenced by the shift from investing in earlier stage companies to a focus on later stage companies in Q1,” remarked Tracy T. Lefteroff, global managing partner of the venture capital practice at PwC.

During the first quarter, Biotechnology accounted for 53percent of funding, while medical devices claimed 47percent of dollars invested. In comparison, during the fourth quarter of 2011, Biotechnology captured 73 percent of investment in the sector and Medical Devices accounted for 27 percent of the total.

Biotechnology investing decreased by 43percent in dollars and 14 percent in deals, with $780 million going into 99 deals. Despite the drop, Biotechnology ranked second in terms of overall dollars invested, second only to the Software industry. On a year-over-year basis, biotechnology investments decreased 18 percent with deals down 9 percent, with $949million going into 109 deals during the first quarter of 2011.

Medical device investments rose 33 percent in dollars quarter-over-quarter while the number of deals dropped 6 percent during the same time period. With $687 million going into 72 deals in Q1, the Medical Device industry ranked behind Software, Biotechnology, and Industrial/Energy in dollars invested.

“A more active M&A market may be the reason that the Biotech industry experienced a decline in investing in Q1, as VCs saw more of their portfolio companies experience exits during the first quarter,” remarked Lefteroff. “While on the surface, the jump in dollars invested in the Medical Device industry during Q1 may seem surprising given the 22% drop in Life Sciences funding overall, a deeper dive shows that companies in the Later stage of development accounted for more than half of the investments in this industry.”

First-Time Financing

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Life Sciences Venture Capital Funding Falls 22% in Q1 2012, According to the MoneyTree Report

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AR — For the second time in three months, an industry chooses to plant roots in Jefferson County. County leaders welcomed Vivione Tuesday.

“It’s going to allow us to take the next step in our life cycle to develop products and platforms that can address a lot of the problems we see out here today,” said Kevin Kuykendall, the company’s CEO.

The company will sell diagnostic test systems to food producers to detect any bacteria. Most companies make tests that reveal results in days, but Vivione’s system makes it known in minutes!

“It allows manufacturers to ship their products sooner, provide a safer product, waste less product, less reprocessing if they have to clean and reprocess,” said Melinda Miller, the lab manager.

Company leaders looked at other places to open but say Jefferson County leaders offered a deal too good to walk away from. That deal is a result of the economic development tax voters approved last year.

“There is such a tremendous promise for Vivione’s future here, a promise for a safer food for our consumers and promise for additional job growth,” Lou Ann Nesbitt, the county’s economic development alliance, said.

The company employs six people right now, but by 2016, executives plan to have over 100 employees. If you don’t have a background in the sciences, don’t worry. The company will be looking for people in other arenas to staff. They’ll make those positions known at a later date.

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Biotechnology company opens in Jefferson County

Public release date: 8-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kimberly Brown brownk@aaps.org 703-248-4772 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

WHO: American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

WHAT: The 2012 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (NBC) will gather scientists from industry, government, and academia for three days of educational offerings specifically geared toward the biotechnology sector of the pharmaceutical sciences. The conference kicks off with a brand new advanced Immunogenicity Training Course and two AAPS Workshops, transitions into the 2012 NBC programming, and concludes with three AAPS sponsored short courses. The 2012 programming consists of a Plenary Session, 19 symposia, 17 roundtables (including BioTalk) and mini-symposia, eight sunrise sessions, Posters, and Hot Topics. Additionally, an Exposition Hall will be hosting over 100 major companies.

WHEN: May 21-23, 2012

WHERE: Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, CA

Plenary Speakers: C. Anthony Blau, M.D. of the University of Washington; Timothy R. Cot, M.D., MPH of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD); Anthony Coyle, Ph.D. of the Centers for Therapeutic Innovation (CTI).

###

Editor’s Note: ALL PRESS MUST BE REGISTERED AND PROVIDE PRESS CREDENTIALS TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. For media registration prior to the conference, please contact Kimberly Brown at 703-248-472 or BrownK@aaps.org.

About AAPS: The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists is a professional, scientific society of approximately 12,000 members employed in academia, industry, government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS provides a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to serve the public and enhance their contributions to health. AAPS offers timely scientific programs, on-going education, information resources, opportunities for networking, and professional development. Visit www.aaps.org today.

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2012 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference heads to San Diego

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO):

WHAT:

WHO:

WHEN:

Thursday May 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT

RSVP:

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech NOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtech NOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

2012 BioEquity Europe May 15-16, 2012 Frankfurt, Germany

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Roundtable for Reporters on Tax Policy for Renewable Chemicals

SEATTLE, May 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plandai Biotechnology, Inc., a producer of highly bioavailable plant extracts, today filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission announcing that it has executed the final loan documents with the Land and Agriculture Bank of South Africa. The total amount of the loan is 100 million Rand (US $13 million).

Plandai Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, commented, “Closing this loan is a significant milestone for Plandai because it provides us with the capital necessary to move immediately into production of our highly bioavailable Green Tea extract without causing any dilution to our shareholders. Since first receiving approval for the loan from the Land Bank in December 2011, we have worked diligently to gather the necessary legal documents and ensure compliance with the loan terms. Gratefully, that patience and effort has finally paid off.”

In discussing the use of proceeds from the loan, Mr. Duffield added, “We are working on a very short time table in order to reach our goal of having product market ready by early 2013. We have already contracted with our USA engineering partner, CRS Technologies Inc. Delaware, to commence the manufacture of our first hydrodynamic processing and extraction system, in order that we can begin the first commercial, bioavailable Green Tea catechin extract production by the end of the year. At the same time, we have begun work on our Senteeko tea estate to make sure there is suitable and adequate green tea crop available in the last quarter 2012. True to the purpose of the Land Bank loan, we will be employing many of the local Shamile community members to help in the farming and extraction process.”

The Land and Agriculture Bank of South Africa (http://www.landbank.co.za/) is a specialist agricultural bank guided by a government mandate to provide financial services to the commercial farming sector and to agri-business and to facilitate access to finance by new entrants to agriculture from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa. Web site: http://www.plandaibiotech.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

The information provided may contain forward-looking statements and involve risks and uncertainties. Results, events and performances could vary from those contemplated. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, expressed or implied, to differ from predicted outcomes. Risks and uncertainties include product demand, market competition, and Plandai’s ability to meet current or future plans. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Plandai is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, to reflect events or circumstances afterward, or to disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.

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Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. Announces the Closing of $13 Million Loan From the Land Bank of South Africa

OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

David Allan, founding Chairman of YM BioSciences and its 13-year CEO is being recognized by the industry in BIOTECanadas naming him as recipient of the Gold Leaf Award for Industry Leadership. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates exemplary vision and leadership in Canadian biotechnology in a global context. He is being recognized for his commitment to promoting and supporting the growth of biotechnology in Canada.

David Allan has had an important impact on the recognition of Canadian biotechnology internationally with his unwavering commitment about the importance of international public and private capital markets as the lifeblood of the industry, commented Brad Thompson, Chair BIOTECanada. YM BioSciences has demonstrated versatility and resilience, utilizing international partnerships to offset the capital constraints faced by Canadian biotechnology companies. This is a model for many industry colleagues.

During his 17-year involvement with YM the company has enjoyed numerous “firsts” including being the first North American biotechnology company to float its IPO on the London Exchange, which occurred in 2002 simultaneously with listing on the TSX, as well, it is believed, as being the first company outside the United States to receive a Special Protocol Assessment from the FDA. Prior to YM David created the first science and technology-specific investment banking team in Canada to support the capital requirements of the biotechnology industry in the country and creating such novel biotechnology structures as Drug Royalty Corporation as well as YM BioSciences.

“I am thrilled that this 20-year commitment to the industry is being recognised by this exceptional and prestigious award. My commitment to the industry preceded my involvement with YM by being the first in Canada to import, in 1992, the model so successfully established in the United States of biotech-specific investment banks. From that experience came the recognition of the senseless chasm between the billions of dollars spent by our government-level programs supporting basic research and the low enthusiasm of Canadian venture capital funds and public capital markets in Canada to support the conversion of our scientific excellence into medicines useful for human health. I shall continue to work tirelessly, striving to eliminate the established impediments on accessing capital in Canada similarly to a prior successful engagement as Chair the Toronto Stock Exchange’s Market Access Committee that created a specific framework encouraging previously unavailable financing of Small and Medium Enterprises through that exchange. I expect that my extensive experience in the management, M&A and financing of biotechnology companies will be useful as a mentor to others and I am delighted to continue broad involvement with the biotechnology industry in Canada as the Chair of YM, Executive Chair of Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp, Lead Director at DiaMedica Inc, and as Chairman of AvidBiologics Inc. in Toronto.

Join us as we celebrate industry leadership during the BIO International Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The Gold Leaf Awards ceremony will take place at the Canada Caf (booth number 735) June 19, 2012 in Boston, MA at 4pm.

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David Allan Lauded for Leadership – Biotechnology Leader Named to Industry Award