In our fast-moving world, biotech is at the forefront of developments but, by its very nature, it can provoke ethical and moral concerns. The European Patent Office (EPO) has faced opposition in the past, for instance, over patents relating to processes for re-engineering genes, for use in medical research into cancer treatment. These processes could apply to various animals, including great apes and that became a magnet for criticism from animal rights campaigners. The number of patent filings for biotechnology increased by 0.3 percent in 2016, to 5,744 making it the tenth largest sector in its field. Youris.com spoke to Benoit Battistelli, President of the EPO, about the role of patent protection and how it can aid biotechnology innovation and the wider bioeconomy despite the obstacles faced by some. Benoit Battistelli -Courtesy of EPO How much of a focus is the bioeconomy for patents and what are some of the key developments? Biosciences play an important role in patent applications at the EPO, given the growing convergence of technologies, which is widely responsible for technical progress in a wide number of sectors. Such inventions are mainly found in industrial biotechnology, for instance, in the development of novel products such as … Continue reading →

Barron's Earnings Preview: Biotechnology Looks Healthy Barron's The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB) has climbed 0.34%. Meanwhile the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has declined 0.21%. IBB could be benefiting from having a wider swath of companies, in addition to the fact that the average market cap of its index ... and more » Read more here: Earnings Preview: Biotechnology Looks Healthy - Barron's … Continue reading →

[The following is the first part of anInformation Technology and Innovation Foundation report.] New techniques for improving plants and animals promise to reshape virtually every aspect of the relationship between humans and our environment for the better. Safer and more sustainable crops have already made enormous contributions to the economy and the environment, and genetically improved livestock and companion animals are close behind. Discovery of more precise, predictable, and easily used techniques derived directly from nature is dramatically accelerating this progress. But fears of the new have led to calls in many nations for precautionary regulation, which risks stifling agricultural innovation without any showing of need or benefit. There is a better way. This report discusses proposals for updating policies and regulations for agricultural biotechnology products in the United States to ensure they safeguard This report discusses proposals for updating policies and regulations for agricultural biotechnology products in the United States to ensure they safeguard public and environmental health and animal welfare without discouraging needed innovations. An authoritative review of 10 years worth of academic literature has found that the scientific research conducted so far has not detected any significant hazards directly connected with the use of [genetically engineered] crops. … Continue reading →

Technical Roundup On Two Stocks - Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI), Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (DO) Post Analyst Puma Biotechnology, Inc. has a consensus outperform rating from 7 Wall Street analysts, and the number of shares currently sold short amount to at least 27.36% of shares outstanding. The stock sank -19.31% last month and is up 17.75 this year. Wall ... and more » Read this article: Technical Roundup On Two Stocks - Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI), Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (DO) - Post Analyst … Continue reading →