Latest news with #lifesciences
Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
NHS drug charges row hits deadlock
Ministers have failed to agree a crucial deal on NHS drug charges that was meant to be at the centre of a plan to boost growth. Talks on Friday between the Government and pharmaceutical industry bosses ended without an agreement on how much the NHS is able to claw back in rebates on drugs. Ministers had been hoping to be able to address industry complaints of unfairness prior to the publication a strategy for the sector, expected next week. One senior pharmaceutical executive said: 'If a [NHS clawback] deal is not secured, it's a missed opportunity for the life sciences sector plan and one which blocks the UK's ambition to be a life sciences superpower.' Another said that the UK needed to show it wanted to make the scheme competitive again, adding: 'Without that, all the high statements of ambition or new strategies in the world are not going to make the UK a leading life sciences centre.' The Department of Health launched a review of NHS rebates earlier this year under pressure from Donald Trump and the pharmaceutical industry. Ministers said they would take into account the 'concerns of the US president' that countries are unfairly keeping prices low relative to the high drug costs in the American health system. Under the trade agreement signed between the two nations earlier this year, the Government agreed to 'endeavour to improve the overall environment for pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK'. The failure to secure a deal ahead of the publication of the sector strategy follows months of wrangling. Under the current rebate scheme, known as VPAG, pharmaceutical companies have to hand at least 23pc of their revenue from sales of branded medicines back to the NHS. The scheme cut the drug bill by £3bn last year. However, pharmaceutical bosses have warned the scheme is preventing the launch of cutting-edge medicines in the UK. They have pressed for the UK to cut the rate of rebates into single digits, a level seen elsewhere in Europe. The life sciences strategy is one of several sector plans announced as part of Labour's industrial strategy. Others were published this week. A spokesman for the Government said: 'Economic growth is our number one priority and we're taking decisive action to unlock innovation and drive investment in the UK's world-class pharmaceutical sector. As part of this, we continue to work closely with industry on a rapid review of our voluntary scheme for medicines pricing. 'With our work and investment, we will make sure the next game changers in medicine are developed here in Britain, for the benefit of our health at home and abroad.'
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Boster Bio Launches Free Antibody Validation Service to Transform Research Reproducibility
In a bold move that could reshape the future of biomedical research, Boster Bio is launching a Free Antibody Validation Program —giving scientists the power to test antibodies under their exact experimental conditions before purchase. It's a first-of-its-kind, no-cost service that tackles one of science's most frustrating pain points: unreliable antibodies. 'For too long, researchers have had to gamble on antibodies that may or may not work,' said CJ Xia, Founder and VP of Boster Bio. 'We believe that's unacceptable. Our free validation service gives you proof before you pay—so your research runs smoother, faster, and with far fewer surprises.' Why It Matters Antibodies are the backbone of modern life sciences. Yet according to studies, over 50% of research antibodies are poorly validated, leading to inconsistent results, failed experiments, and wasted budgets. Boster Bio's solution? A fast, AI-assisted validation pipeline that tests antibodies for specificity and performance using over 500 in-house tissue and lysate types across applications like Western blot (WB), IHC, IF, ELISA, FC, and IP—all tailored to the researcher's exact assay needs. How It Works: Submit in 2 Minutes: Fill out a quick online form or reply by email with your biomarker list, sample types, and applications. We Test for You: Our team validates your requested antibodies in-house—no samples or reagents needed from your lab. Fast Turnaround: You'll receive a full validation report, including protocols and results, in 4–10 days. Built for Today's Research Environment With time and funding tighter than ever, researchers deserve tools that help them focus on publishing, not troubleshooting. Boster Bio's Free Validation Service eliminates trial-and-error by front-loading the proof. Labs can even submit up to 100 biomarkers at once, making it ideal for screening large panels. 'We're not just providing reagents,' Xia adds. 'We're changing expectations. In five years, people will look back and wonder how they ever ordered antibodies without seeing validation data first. This is the new normal.' Try It Now Interested researchers can submit their validation requests visit: Precision, On Demand: Custom Monoclonal Antibodies Designed for Your Research In addition to its free validation service, Boster Bio offers custom monoclonal antibody production —a fast, tailored solution for researchers who need highly specific, high-affinity antibodies built from the ground up. Leveraging decades of expertise in immunogen design and hybridoma technology, Boster Bio guides researchers through every step: from antigen design and immunization to hybridoma screening and large-scale production. 'We design each antigen strategically—accounting for homology, post-translational modifications, epitope localization, and protein structure—so you get antibodies that hit exactly where you need them,' said CJ Xia. With turnaround times as short as eight weeks, the process balances speed with scientific rigor. Each batch undergoes strict quality controls, including titer testing and cross-reactivity screening, ensuring performance you can trust in assays like WB, IHC, IF, ICC, ELISA, and Flow Cytometry. Researchers can choose from a growing inventory of over 8,000 antibodies and 500 sample types (including human, mouse, rat, monkey, and zebrafish), or start completely from scratch. By combining free validation with custom development, Boster Bio now delivers a true end-to-end antibody solution—positioning itself as a single, reliable partner for labs aiming to publish faster, waste less, and innovate more. About the Company: Boster Bio is a leading manufacturer of antibodies and ELISA kits critical to advancing life science research. Specializing in custom monoclonal antibody production services and offering free antibody validation, the company supports researchers with high-quality reagents and exceptional service. Based in Pleasanton, CA, Boster Bio continues to innovate in antibody development and immunoassay solutions. Media Contact Company Name: Boster Biological Technology Contact Person: CJ Xia Email: Send Email Phone: (888) 466-3604 Address: 3942 Valley Ave City: Pleasanton State: CA 94566 Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AI Adoption Surges in Life Sciences Manufacturing as Talent, Risk, and Quality Pressures Intensify
Global survey reveals how manufacturers are adopting advanced technologies to stay competitive and meet rising patient demands amid economic uncertainty MILWAUKEE, June 24, 2025 /CNW/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the results of the 10th annual "State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition." The global study encompasses the responses of 143 leaders from life sciences manufacturers across 15 of the leading manufacturing countries. Life sciences manufacturers are working to keep up with growing demand, rising costs, growing cybersecurity threats, and complex compliance requirements, all while navigating economic uncertainty and ongoing workforce challenges. Many are turning to advanced technologies to help them become more agile and adapt to constant change. Smart manufacturing is a clear area of focus with 95% of life sciences manufacturers saying they are using or evaluating smart technology. Specifically, companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve product quality, protect systems and support employees where skilled labor is hard to find. Leaders are also thinking beyond quick wins and investing in technologies that will help them expand capacity and build more secure operations over time. "Life sciences manufacturers are entering a new phase of digital maturity, driven by increasing regulatory complexity and mounting pressure to improve time-to-market without sacrificing quality," said Matt Weaver, Vice President, Global Industry – Life Sciences, Rockwell Automation. "This year's report makes it clear that AI is becoming indispensable to modern life sciences manufacturing—not just to optimize efficiency, but to strengthen product quality, secure critical infrastructure, and upskill the workforce. There's a clear shift toward long-term thinking as leaders double down on digital investments that make operations more connected, adaptive, and resilient." Key global findings include: Smart manufacturing is nearly universal. 95% of life sciences manufacturers are using or evaluating smart technology. Top use cases for AI are clear. Most companies use AI to improve quality (53%), streamline operations (50%) and strengthen cybersecurity (48%). Hiring remains a major challenge. 26% of leaders say finding skilled workers is the biggest barrier to growth in 2025. Tech is helping fill talent gaps. Nearly half of life sciences manufacturers are turning to AI (48%) and automation (46%) to support their workforce. Emerging tech is gaining traction. 36% plan to invest in generative or causal AI, and 35% are exploring digital twins and simulation tools. Investments are focused on long-term value. Leaders are prioritizing growth (66%), expanding capacity (62%) and protecting operations (50%). Although most manufacturers collect large volumes of data, only 46% say they are using it effectively. As digital tools scale, the ability to turn insights into action will be key to unlocking smarter, faster decision-making. "With our extensive industry expertise and wide-ranging suite of automation and information solutions, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to support life sciences organizations across the globe," said Weaver. "No matter where a company is on their path to digital transformation and smart manufacturing, we can meet them where they are to help them achieve sustainable growth." The full findings of the report can be found here. Methodology The report is based on the responses of 143 managers and executives from Life Science manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, and engineering procurement companies (EPCs) in 15 countries. It is part of Rockwell Automation's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report, which surveyed 1,560 decision makers across various industries and was conducted in association with Sapio Research and Rockwell Automation. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Rockwell Automation, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Fujirebio Acquires Plasma Services Group and Strengthens Its Position as Provider of Critical and High Quality Biological Raw Materials to the IVD and Life Science Industries
Article content MALVERN, Pa. & TOKYO — H.U. Group Holdings Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fujirebio Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter 'Fujirebio') today announced that Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc., a subsidiary of Fujirebio, has acquired all shares of Plasma Services Group, Inc. (hereinafter 'Plasma Services Group'). The transaction value has not been disclosed. Article content Founded in 2004, Plasma Services Group has specialized in the collection, screening and supply of high quality and rare biological materials required for R&D and manufacturing in the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) and life science industries. The company is particularly well positioned in the field of rare diseases. From its state-of-the-art FDA registered, ISO certified facility in Moorestown, NJ, USA, Plasma Services Group provides sera and other samples for materials of control reagents and calibrators for a wide range of diseases and offers sample collection services globally. For more information about Plasma Services Group please visit Article content 'We are excited to welcome Plasma Services Group, a company that has gained a solid reputation as a reliable global supplier of difficult-to-obtain biological raw materials to the life sciences industry, to the Fujirebio group of companies,' Article content says Goki Ishikawa, President & CEO of Fujirebio Holdings, Inc Article content . 'Current and future IVD and life science partners of Fujirebio and Plasma Services Group will benefit from the synergies in our combined offer of rare samples and biological materials, which in turn further reinforce Fujirebio's position in the market as a trusted CDMO partner.' Article content 'For over 20 years our mission at PSG has always been rooted in serving our customers with care, integrity, and a commitment to quality,' Article content said Nichelle Fernandez, President of Plasma Services Group Article content . 'This next chapter with Fujirebio is deeply meaningful. It allows us to stay true to who we are while preserving the personal, responsive service our customers value. Together, we're positioned to offer even stronger support for the scientists and innovators who rely on us. Our shared commitment to consistency will have a lasting impact across the global IVD landscape.' Article content Achelous Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to Plasma Services Group. Article content About Fujirebio Article content Fujirebio is global R&D-driven company constantly developing new IVD testing technologies and unique biomarkers with high clinical value. Our group mission is to create new value in healthcare and thereby contribute to human health and the future of medical care. Article content Article content Our global teams located in Japan, Asia, Europe, and the US focus on delivering products with the highest quality standards to our customers and partners. We value CDMO partnerships with many of the world's leading diagnostic companies, sharing knowledge, capabilities, and critical materials to supply, develop, or manufacture diagnostic solutions on a wide variety of platforms. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RBL LLC welcomes James Watson to board of directors
Experienced biotech executive joins board to support RBL's venture creation and growth strategy HOUSTON, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RBL LLC, a pioneering biotech venture creation studio dedicated to rapidly building companies based on breakthrough medical technologies from Rice University, announced the appointment of James Watson to its board of directors. Watson, an operating partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a seasoned executive in the life sciences sector, brings to RBL LLC extensive experience in business strategy, corporate development and venture-backed company building, strengthening the organization's mission to accelerate lifesaving therapies from lab to clinic. "The appointment of James Watson to our board reflects a powerful endorsement of RBL's model and potential," said Paul Wotton, RBL's managing partner. "James has occupied high-level positions across the full life cycle of biotech innovation, from company formation and financing to the construction of valuable partnerships in this field. His insights into market dynamics and his ability to drive successful outcomes for emerging ventures such as ours will be critical as we continue to grow." "James' leadership spans both operational roles within biotech companies and strategic roles at one of the world's top venture firms," said Omid Veiseh, Rice professor of bioengineering and managing partner of RBL. "His ability to bridge science and business, along with his track record in corporate development, aligns perfectly with RBL's mission to translate Rice University's biomedical breakthroughs into high-impact startups." "RBL is approaching company creation in an innovative and differentiated way, with a positive impact that is starting to be seen across the broader Houston life sciences community," Watson said. "RBL has distinguished itself through its efficient approach to company formation, identifying substantive technologies with clear clinical applications and establishing focused enterprises to advance them. I was also particularly drawn to the strategic positioning of the studio in Houston, where it operates at the intersection of world-class academic research, clinical scale and entrepreneurial rigor, all fundamental components of building a successful scientific venture." Watson is currently serving as operating partner on the Bio + Health team at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads business and corporate development for the firm's life sciences portfolio. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he held executive positions at numerous biotech companies, including Carmot Therapeutics, where as chief business officer, he was head of strategy, finance and corporate development. At Carmot, Watson led the raising of over $200 million for the company's pipeline and discovery platform and built business development relationships that significantly contributed to Carmot's $2.7 billion acquisition by Roche. Notably, he also served as chief business officer and president ICT at Sigilon Therapeutics, where he led a $485 million cell therapies partnership with Lilly. Earlier in his career, Watson served as CEO of merchant banking at Burrill & Company, a life sciences investment bank, and held leadership roles at Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Incyte, Chemdex, The Wilkerson Group and Eli Lilly. He earned an MBA from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Portsmouth. Watson will join existing board members Wotton, Veiseh, Rima Chakrabarti, John Jaggers, Devyn Smith and Paul Cherukuri, an accomplished group of leaders with deep expertise in biotech innovation, clinical translation and venture building who together provide strategic guidance to help drive RBL's continued growth and success. About RBL LLC: RBL LLC is a pioneering biotech venture creation studio based in Houston that is dedicated to accelerating the development of breakthrough medical technologies and therapies through company formation. RBL provides entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators with infrastructure, financial support and strategic guidance as well as access to laboratory space and shared resources in the Texas Medical Center Helix Park. For more information, please visit Media Contact: Russo PartnersDavid Schull or Liz Phillips(347) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RBL LLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
