The Sweetest Place to Innovate...

Ahhh…does it feels good to be back on Earth; the feel of fresh green grass under my strands, the bright blue sky, and the smell of fresh…chocolate! I have picked Hershey, Pennsylvania as the first stop of my long journey across the tri-state region. As you can imagine, deciding the first stop is an unbelievably hard decision to make, even for a bioscience superhero like me. So, naturally, I enlisted the help of my BSL, and modified the device to include the bio strength random location locator, which selects a location by measuring a list of various biostrength variables. The one flaw of the locator is that it doesn’t tell you what is spiking the BSL….but now I know.

The Hershey Center for Applied Research, or as it is known around these coordinates…HCAR.

HCAR is a state-of-the-art research park that provides life sciences and high technologies companies and organizations with access to business and research resources, enabling growth escalation. In addition to its wet and dry lab facilities and office space located in a campus-like setting, HCAR provides facilitated access to a community of business services as well as research resources available through Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The exterior elements of the facility were remarkable, however it was what was inside that drew me in…the buzzing and collaboration of a laboratory…the innovative thinking of scientists turned entrepreneurs…the forward thinking of HCAR’s staff…unbelievable. I took this video when I flew over in my Helixpod.

It’s with the help of business incubators, like HCAR, that grow the industry so strong. From what I’ve heard, many successful companies within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, have started in business incubators like this one.  When I was leaving, I learned that they were offering $2 million in non-dilutive capital to new HCAR inhabitants. They provided me with this informational document, so that I could spread the word on my adventures.

There are many other places I must see before my time here on Earth expires. First things first however, I must register for Biotech 2010…I don’t want to miss out on the Early-Bird registration rate, which ends on September 17th. It makes me incredibly excited that I will actually be here for the 10th Anniversary of this symposium! What do the creative minds at Pennsylvania Bio, BioNJ, and Delaware Bio have in store for this special occasion? I can only imagine...

I’m off to my next adventure.

So long for now…it’s great to be back.

Helixman

The Helix is Back in Town...

Good morning Earth inhabitants. For those of you who do not know me, I am Helixman, protector of the innovative, and investigator of the interesting. After my report of Biotech 2009, the Grand Centrifugium Assembly granted me intergalactic clearance once again to return to Earth…more specifically, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The objective of my mission is once again clear; to investigate all that I can about the region and its unbelievable accomplishments in the biosciences.

I am looking forward to our journey together. Earth is in my sights and my Helixpod is readying itself for atmospheric entry. Estimated time to arrival - two hours.

Goodbye for now, but not for long.

Helixman

The Departure

I cannot believe what I have witnessed over the last two days. Informative sessions, amazing keynote addresses, partnering deals, new innovative technologies all neatly arranged in a corridor, and best of all, people enjoying the regional bioscience industry as much as I do. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting in on one of the first bioscience ‘fireside chats’ with Fred Hassan…I truly felt honored. It was amazing to hear from someone who has had so many great experiences in the bioscience industry…I was unable to bring my BioStrength Locator to Biotech 2009 due to the fact that it would have been sounding its overload alarms constantly…and that would not have bode well with the panelists and moderators in the fantastic sessions I attended…unfortunately we have yet to develop the technology for a vibrate feature on the BSLs…

As I walked up and down the Innovation Corridor, I was astounded…this is innovation at its absolute finest…scientists and researchers all trying to gain exposure for their hard work and dedication to the industry…Biotech 2009 was the perfect venue for them! I hope that they all are extremely proud of the work that they have done…as Dave Holveck said…In the end, all patients want, is to get better. The companies and individuals at Biotech 2009, can truly make this dream, a reality.

As I was getting my HelixPod ready early this morning, powering the thrusters for a long journey back to Beakeris, I was remembering all of the wonderful companies and research institutions I have visited on my journey. From the fantastic Science Center and their Green Roof, to Astra Zeneca in Delaware, to Lehigh University and their virtual classrooms, to the great Nano @ Penn State programs and their labs on chips (and delicious ice cream, which I have cryogenically frozen in order to bring back to Beakeris), to the great incubators of New Jersey including the Commercialization Center for Innovative Technologies, and finally, the memory that will forever remain, Biotech 2009. I will not forget how hospitable you, the people of Earth, and more specifically, the people of the preeminent bioscience industry of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have been to me over the past two months. The Helixes of Beakeris are forever in your debt. On my journey home, I will compile my notes for the Grand Centrifugium Assembly, there is absolutely no doubt they will be pleased. To all my friends at Pennsylvania Bio and BioNJ, thank you for all of your hard work to make Biotech 2009, a reality. We will welcome you always to Beakeris with open strands. To the companies and research institutions I was not able to visit on this adventure, feel comfortable knowing that I will return back to Earth as soon as I can gain intergalactic approval once again. Hopefully, for a longer, more investigative stay, as I know, I have left a few stones unturned.

I, Helixman, protector of all things innovative, and investigator of all things interesting, am honored to have been a representative of Beakeris in your region. My journey will be an epic story that will be told for hundreds and hundreds of years to come. You all should be proud of the work you do. It is because of you, that your population is living longer, healthier, and happier lives. I feel comfortable leaving, knowing that the bioscience industry is in safe hands while I’m gone.

Until we meet again.

Helixman

Biotech 2009...I'm Finally Here.

I've waited in anticipation for these two days to arrive...and they finally have...with full force. My first stop was at the registration table to receive my Biotech 2009 badge of honor...unfortunately investigator of all things interesting, and protector of all things innovative, would not fit on the space provided. My head was spinning as I sat in on sessions that I have been looking forward to since August...Regulatory; Drug Delivery, Device and Diagnostics; Growth Strategies...this is better than I could have ever imagined...hundreds of fellow bioscience information seekers lining the corridors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center...and what a grand space this is!

I was in the plenary session with Congressmen Gerlach and Dent, along with the great United States Senator Arlen Specter...they spoke about the ongoing issues with health care reform legislation...and its possible effects on the bioscience industry...this is what I need to focus my HelixBrain onto...take me to DC! Let the protector of innovation decide what is right for the industry!

As I left the session...my mind racing from all of the morning activities...I focused my sights on the company presentations...I was lucky I could find a seat in the room...considering they were standing room only...it was incredible the immense amount of interest in these companies...I couldn't wait to report my findings back to the Grand Centrifugium Assembly...

After the afternoon plenary session...on the overall state of the industry...I was rejuvinated...I saw a bright future for this industry that I live to protect...I wandered around the halls and saw my Earthly equals, the Pennsylvania Bio and BioNJ teams, as they worked hard to make sure all attendees enjoyed their Biotech 2009 experience.

The best however, was apparently saved for last. The keynote dinner...with Congressman Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO, and Dave Holveck, president and CEO of Endo Pharmaceuticals. After Congressman Greenwood's opening remarks, the crowd ate dinner...but I was too excited to eat...the anticipation was growing as I hung on every word Jeff Libson, one of the symposium co-chairs, proclaimed as he introduced Dave Holveck. The keynote address was everything I was expecting it to be and more...focused on the changing landscape of the industry...new dynamics, things that will never change...in the end...we do this for the patients...who just want to get better. These words rang out like a bell in my HelixBrain. We do this for the patients....who just want to get better.

I was surprised to hear that Mickey Flynn, fearless leader of Pennsylvania Bio, and Debbie Hart, BioNJ's fearless leader, recognized Beakeris, and my presence in their closing remarks...these are fantastically large strides for my people and my planet...I am forever grateful to both of these innovation protectors for their recognition. But...I was even more surprised when my picture appeared on the incredibly large video transmission screens! Apparently my travels and research logs have been read across the bioscience world!

Day one of Biotech 2009 was better than I could have ever imagined. This is the beginning of a great adventure.

I will submit another transmission in a few short hours...Day two of Biotech 2009 awaits!

Until next time.

Helixman

This Really is a Great Valley...Part II

It’s so close and it is my duty, as an explorer of Beakeris, to research as many things bioscience as helixly possible. So I did just that…I crossed the #29 transportation route…as I approached the glass door, bearing the Pennsylvania Bio badge, my Bio Strength Locator overloaded its capacitors…and blew up…good thing I carry an emergency BSL in my Helixpod. I entered the Pennsylvania Bio office and was greeted by movement everywhere…the staff was obviously preparing for Biotech 2009…since they are the joint hosts, along with their New Jersey counterpart BioNJ. Pennsylvania Bio is the statewide trade association that represents the bioscience industry in Pennsylvania. These are the people who basically do my job…but here on Earth. They protect innovation…they fight for these companies…they’re the bioscience superheroes in Pennsylvania! I had to talk to one of them…so I figured I would go to their fearless leader…President of Pennsylvania Bio…Mickey Flynn.

He informed me about everything going on in the bioscience industry in Pennsylvania. About the small emerging start ups and the venture capital firms that fund them, to the large global pharmaceutical companies that market their innovations to all of planet Earth, to the incredible research programs that are taking place at the universities, and last but not least, we spoke about Biotech 2009...my El Dorado…after a brief conversation I realized why he holds the position of leadership he does…he truly and utterly believes in what the industry does…and that’s providing relief for patients in need. If there is someone who is as dedicated to protecting innovation as I am…it’s him.

As I departed from their offices I said my goodbyes to Karla, Amber, and Greg of the communications team, and the programs duo of Kelly and Marie, Chris and Karen of the membership department, and of course Betty, the one that manages the financial transactions…however I knew…that in a short 4 days…I would be seeing them all again at Biotech 2009.

I was off to my Helixpod as I waved goodbye to the last location before my final stop at Biotech 2009. I can say now, after everything I’ve researched, that this really is a Great Valley.

I shall soar the skies, collect my thoughts, and organize my notes in order to prepare for my final transmission to the Grand Centrifugium Assembly. I’m off to where my journey began…but this time…for Biotech 2009.

Until my next transmission-

Helixman

This Really is a Great Valley...Part I

I can say, with full confidence, that I am glad I saved this stop for last…well technically second to last (even though I am considering Biotech 2009 an exploration in and of itself). The Grand Centrifugium Assembly is more than pleased with everything I’ve researched so far, however once they receive my transmission on Great Valley, they will surely promote me to 1st DNA Bioscience Explorer Extraordinaire, the highest honor I can receive on Beakeris.

My exploration of Great Valley began at a company called Cephalon. I now can understand why it’s considered a true Pennsylvania bioscience success story. My report includes information on how Cephalon was founded in 1987 as a biotech start-up and has grown into one of the world’s top ten biopharmaceutical companies. In just over 20 years they have gone from having three employees and no revenue, to more than 3,000 employees and just over $1.94 billion in revenue. Their product pipeline amazed even my Helix Brain…It includes eight proprietary products in the U.S. and more than 30 products internationally for central nervous system disorders, pain, and cancer. Cephalon’s Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank Baldino, Jr., is definitely a leader in the bioscience industry.

As I made my way up the #29 transportation route I wondered to myself…”Where is the sign that says ‘Welcome to Innovation Country?’” The diversity of companies in this region of the state is incredible. From global pharmaceutical, to small biotech startups, to midsize emerging bioscience companies…it’s a cornucopia of bioscience delights! I navigated my Helixpod into the Great Valley Corporate Center…the place where companies like Fujirebio Diagnostics, sanofi-aventis, Orthovita, and Puresyn call home. I made my way around the complex, slowly first, but then speeding up as my anticipation of exploring these companies grew and grew. I could only imagine, but I think I felt like a child does on their birthday…with the excitement of opening up their gifts, accompanied by the feeling of uncertainty as to what’s inside.

My first stop in the Great Valley Corporate Center was Fujirebio Diagnostics, a world leader in the production of in vitro diagnostics and biomarkers that are being distributed worldwide by leading healthcare organizations. I couldn’t believe what this company had to offer….truly innovative! Then it was off to Orthovita, an orthobiologics and biosurgery company that develops and markets novel medical devices. Their orthobiologics platform offers products for the fusion, regeneration, and fixation of human bone….amazing…just amazing! After I left Orthovita, I stepped into the ring with two SUMOs…that is the prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein expression platforms, SUMOstar and SUMOpro, that LifeSensors manufactures. LifeSensors is a biotechnology company that discovers and develops enabling technologies for therapeutic, drug discovery and research markets. I just can’t get over this…every direction I turn…bioscience...is this all a mirage? Should I pinch myself and see if I wake up…actually…on second thought…if this is all a dream…why would I want to wake up?

I navigated my way out of the Great Valley Corporate Center, but not without first visiting Puresyn, a separations and purification contract manufacturing company that develops, manufactures, and markets state-of-the-art products and services for the separation and purification of nucleic acids and other biological molecules. They use a proprietary polymer technology, PolyFlo, which is an inert and irregularly shaped, non-porous polymer resin…exactly what I was talking about earlier…innovation and technology everywhere around me!

I was ready to start the thrusters on my Helixpod when an alert crossed my screen…Last Chance to Register for Biotech 2009…it was another email alert…trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of why I was receiving these I traced it back to its data source…my computer ran a data information track and immediately populated the results…CLOSEST PROBABLE DATA SOURCE = Pennsylvania Bio…DISTANCE FROM CURRENT POSITION = .08 miles…

To be continued

The Lehigh Valley

Good afternoon. I truly hope that this transmission finds you all well. I have made my way back to Pennsylvania, to an area called “Lehigh Valley." Apparently, this area is an emerging bioscience cluster, and the amazing things that the companies and universities are doing really prove that. My first stop was Azevan Pharmaceuticals, which is a venture-backed company, run by experienced chemists and neurobiologists, developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of disorders of stress, mood, and behavior. Azevan’s first series of clinical candidates selectively block the effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is involved in the pathophysiology of various conditions including anxiety, depression, and menstrual-related disorders. Personally, one of my favorite ways of raising my overall positive disposition levels is by telling a joke, so that’s exactly what I did… I am the, self proclaimed, official comedian of Beakeris after all. So I prepared my favorite joke for the good people at Azevan…a neutron walks into a bar, orders a drink, and then another…he asks the bartender how much he owes…to which the bartender replied…for you…no charge. Get it? Neutron? No charge? It gets me every time.

I left Azevan and plotted my course to Lehigh University. When I arrived I spoke with a student, who is acquiring a minor in biotechnology, who told me that if I wanted to find out more about Lehigh University and the biosciences I should check out their Bioscience in the 21st Century Virtual Classroom. This website is a publically accessible, introductory survey course with the goal in mind of communicating the importance of a systems-driven, multidisciplinary approach in bioscience. There are video lectures presented by faculty from different disciplines in order to highlight cross-disciplinary perspectives on fundamental problems and potential solutions in bioscience. Topics include infectious diseases, cancer, genome-based medicine, engineered, biomedical systems, stem cells, bioinformatics, and more! And tomorrow, Dr. Stefan Maas will discuss genome organization…one of my favorite subjects. Wow! I cannot believe that this is a program that is openly available to everyone…the bioscience industry really must be a very important aspect of the Lehigh Valley community.

My final stop was at InfraRed Imaging Systems, Inc. (IRIS). IRIS is a medical device designer and manufacturer that offers products that improve vascular access accuracy and patient care. A visit to the doctor’s office, a clinic or a hospital may necessitate the insertion of a needle or catheter into a patient’s vein or artery. The inadequacies of current vascular access practices significantly compromise patient care and contribute to rising healthcare costs. But with the IRIS Vascular Viewer, doctors and nurses will be able to view direct, real-time visualization of vascular structures. It’s amazing that their products allow nurses and doctors to see veins and arteries, as well as related vascular events such as rolled veins, bifurcations, vasospasm and extravasation. This is truly cutting-edge technology!
The Lehigh Valley has not disappointed me...I have learned and discovered so much that I needed to change the memory unit in my Bio Exploration Recorder…and it is capable of holding 1.3 billion B.S.Us.

Biotech 2009 is only 6 days away. I’ve logged onto the Biotech 2009 partnering site and have already scheduled meetings and discussions with other like-minded individuals. I don’t know what I’m more excited about…the keynote discussions with David Holveck and Fred Hassan…or the company presentations…or maybe it’s the Hot Topics in Science Track…or no it’s the Exhibit Hall…I don’t know, I must focus my HelixBrain...I know! I'm excited for it all!

I’m setting my navigation system towards the Great Valley, which will be my last stop before I finally end my journey where it all began…Philadelphia.
I truly hope that you’re as excited for these two days as I am!

Until then.

Helixman