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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

台灣生技醫療 只能"有感而發" 吧 ?


當陳冲面 王金平開砲:政治影響生技【聯合晚報╱記者洪哲政/台北報導】 2012.06.25 04:54 pm  王金平有感而發:政治影響生醫 / 邱德祥 記者邱德祥/攝影立法院長王金平上午出席2012台灣生技醫療產業政策總體檢系列論壇,他致詞說,現在很大值得檢討的地方,是政治影響了生技、醫療產業,造成很多人不樂意再參與有政府資金在裏面的產業與基金,加上政府各部會本位主義、各自為政,無法整合發揮國家力量,相當可惜。 這場論壇除了王金平外,包括行政院長陳冲、行政院秘書長林益世、科技政務委員張善政都應邀列席。2012總統大選前因政界舉發「宇昌案」一度波及的中央研究院長翁啟惠,也擔任論壇引言人。王金平的「有感而發」,令台下人士表情一度肅然。
王:國發基金承諾給的投資減一半,育成中心延攬的旅美生技專家張有德想走人。 王金平表示,行政院的生技產業鑽石起飛行動方案,規畫育成中心與創投基金,但在落實方面是值得檢討。政府設立育成中心延攬旅美生技專家張有德領軍,但過去所承諾的國發基金給予40%的投資,結果卻減了一半,只有20%,當時也是政治關係,所以他曾呼籲政治不要影響生技、醫療產業的發展,現在已經造成影響,很多人不樂意再參與有政府資金在裏面的產業與基金,形成這些基金都不動,張有德因此萌生不如歸去的感受。
王:產業與自行研發的新藥,健保如何容納採用,都已做過檢討,建請行政院採納。 王金平說,在育成中心之外,政府有好的行動方案,卻沒有做好體制規畫,無法具體落實,政府方面各部會仍有本位主義、各自為政,無法好好整合在一起,發揮國家整體力量,相當可惜。王金平表示,國內健保支出在醫藥方面,一再削減藥價,導致國內醫療、醫藥傳統產業,呈現虧損,陷入無法與國外藥廠從事競爭的困境,這些產業與自行研發的新藥,健保如何容納採用,都已做過檢討,建請行政院採納。我國與大陸簽署醫藥衛生合作協議,已為產業界開拓了大市場機會,但兩岸合作協議內容落實上,仍有相當大落差,如何推動兩岸進一的談判與協商,非常重要。 陳冲致詞時回應說,行政院團隊願全力推動支持此事,中間有些整合問題,將透過行政院科技會報會來處理。面對張有德希望離開的問題,行政院會看還有沒挽回餘地。 陳冲說,國內生技產業的研發能量已有強化,創投基金也是各界關心的重點,他在財政部服務,深知有錢不是萬能,沒錢萬萬不能,其實不只是國家,任一行業資金都是重要生產要素,但在生技產業上更為複雜,因為其中有一些不可預知的因素,研發燒錢時間會比較長一點,確會引發投資人的顧慮。 2012/06/25 聯合晚報】

李鍾熙認為.. 研究型法人沒整合??


王金平點生技問題 陳冲願整合 19:26:27 (中央社記者龍瑞雲台北25日電)立法院長王金平今天在一場論壇上當著行政院長陳冲的面,指政府對生技醫療產業發展缺乏落實,政治影響生技醫療產業發展。陳冲回應,願意全力推動,處理整合上的問題。陳冲表示,行政院團隊樂意推動生技醫療產業,民國98年通過「生技起飛鑽石行動方案」,四項重點包括提升研發能量、移入創投基金、成立育成中心以及衛生署食品藥物管理局。 他說,「有錢不是萬能,沒錢萬萬不能」,資金在任何產業都很重要,不過生技醫療產業仍有不可預知性,研發時間會較長,會引起投資人顧慮。 陳冲說,行政院團隊包括國科會、衛生署、農委會、經濟部以及與創投基金有關的經建會5個機關,都將整合推動,也希望分享推動成果。 王金平和陳冲上午一起參加「台灣生技醫療產業政策總體檢」系列論壇。王金平致詞時說,生技醫療產業發展法源已經具備,政府也提出生技起飛鑽石行動方案支持,然而缺乏落實。 王金平表示,政府曾承諾國發基金要投資4成,結果因政治關係,最後只剩下2成。他過去曾呼籲政治不要影響生技醫療產業發展,不過現在已經影響了,很多人不願意參與由政府推動的基金,現在也推不動,這都需要檢討。 王金平也指出,全民健保在醫藥方面的支出,一再削減藥價,讓國內醫療、傳統製藥產業虧損,無法與國際競爭;與中國大陸簽署海峽兩岸醫藥衛生合作協議,不過在內容實踐上仍有落差。 中央研究院院長翁啟惠表示,國內生技產業學術界與產業界沒有串聯,找不出台灣優勢能力。 生物技術開發中心董事長李鍾熙表示,政府政策定得很高,執行面卻很弱,組織結構與層級太低,科研機構太分散,包括生技中心、工研院、國衛院、藥劑中心等各機構都投入,但沒有整合1010625 

Lower DHEA-S level is a marker for poor general health


Low steroid levels linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease   June 23, 2012   Low levels of a naturally occurring steroid are associated with an increased risk of heart and blood-vessel disease in elderly men, a new study finds. The results will be presented Saturday at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston. The steroid in question is dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, which is secreted by the adrenal gland and circulates in blood mainly in a sulfated form, DHEA-S. In other tissues, DHEA-S is converted into the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Previous, smaller studies found an association between low DHEA-S levels and heart and blood-vessel, or cardiovascular, disease, although their results were inconclusive. At this time, while we know that DHEA production decreases with age, the exact health effects of its decline are unclear. In this large-scale study, investigators study found that elderly men with the lowest DHEA-S blood levels were significantly more likely than those with higher concentrations to develop cardiovascular-disease events within five years. The increased risk persisted even after controlling for other influences, indicating that low DHEA-S levels are independently associated with a greater risk of disease. "Our findings may be the result of DHEA-S being protective, or that lower DHEA-S level is a marker for poor general health," said study lead author Åsa Tivesten, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. "More research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and to evaluate the potential benefits of hormone replacement." Investigators used an advanced laboratory technique to isolate, identify, and measure DHEA-S levels in the blood. During the five-year follow-up, they used nationwide medical registries to document 485 cases of cardiovascular disease among the study participants. Patients included 2,416 men between the ages of 69 and 81 years. All were participants in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Sweden study, which is a long-term project designed to examine risk factors for a number of diseases. According to Tivesten, it is important to note that this study's findings only indicate that low DHEA-S levels may be related to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. "We cannot say that DHEA-S is protective because we have only studied an association," she said. "A potential practical implication is that established cardiovascular risk factors perhaps should be assessed and treated more aggressively in men with lower DHEA-S levels. However, this must be evaluated in future studies; today, DHEA-S level is not part of cardiovascular-risk assessment." Provided by The Endocrine Society

Diabetes drug may kill cancer stem cells

 By Alex Crees Published June 20, 2012Results from a new study suggest low doses of the diabetes drug metformin may effectively destroy pancreatic cancer stem cells, reducing the risk of tumor growth or recurrence. Metformin has previously shown promise in reducing breast cancer risk, after researchers found women who took the drug were 25 percent less likely to develop breast cancer during their lifetimes than women who did not. This study, conducted in mice, is the first to suggest metformin may actually target the root of certain cancers – the tumor-initiating stem cells. “We didn’t have any clue regarding the effects of metformin on pancreatic stem cancer cells,” study researcher Dr. Christopher Heeschen, professor for experimental medicine at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid, Spain, told FoxNews.com.“It’s been implied in past studies of pancreatic cancer that patients who use metformin show better outcomes, but there have been no randomized trials yet.” When metformin was combined with a standard chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer, the drugs were able to eradicate both cancer stem cells and the differentiated cells that made up the tumor. “Novel strategies for treating pancreatic cancer have to be multi-modal,” Heeschen explained.“Right now, metformin is used as a second phase treatment, but I could also envision it as a first phase treatment – but it has to be in combination with chemotherapy.I don’t think the drug alone could wipe out the primary tumor, which is crucial.” In the study, it appeared that metformin merely arrested cancer cell growth in existing tumors, rather than destroying them. “Metformin targets the root of cancer, which has more of an effect on preventing cancer relapse,” Heeschen said. According to Heeschen, researchers are not yet certain as to why metformin appears to have cancer stem cell-killing properties, but “from a pragmatic point of view, you see this striking response with a well-established drug that’s safe – I think it’s reasonable to move forward with clinical trials,” he said. One clinical trial is already in the recruitment phase, and Heeschen predicted results of the trial would be available by the end of the year. “Based on that data and our data, we can move forward and design future prospective trials,” he said. The study was presented Tuesday at a conference hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research. 

OMEGA DIAGNOSTICS GROUP PLC ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF VISITECT(R) CD4 POINT-OF-CARE TEST


 Saturday, 23 June 2012 Omega Diagnostics Group PLC has announced the imminent launch of VISITECT® CD4, a ground-breaking point-of-care (POC) disposable test for the detection of CD4 T-cell levels, aimed at reaching HIV­-positive patients across the globe. VISITECT® CD4, developed by the Burnet Institute in Melbourne, Australia, is an affordable POC test that enables CD4 T-cell levels to be determined, quickly and conveniently, even in remote rural areas in resource-poor countries. This easy­-to-­use, semi­-quantitative lateral flow test uses a finger-prick blood sample and produces a straightforward visual result in just 40 minutes, enabling patients to receive life-saving antiretroviral treatment before leaving the clinic. Minimal training is required and no additional instruments are necessary, eliminating the need for sophisticated equipment, expensive reagents and highly trained personnel.Associate Professor David Anderson, Deputy Director of the Burnet Institute and leader of the team that developed the test, added: "According to UNAIDS, there are 15 million people who should be getting access to antiretroviral therapy but aren't, just because they can't get access to an affordable CD4 test in their communities. This test will provide access for even the most remote and disadvantaged patients." Andrew Shepherd, Founder and Chief Executive of Omega Diagnostics added: "This test overcomes many of the limitations commonly associated with the traditional technique of flow cytometry, offering a cost-­effective means of obtaining immediate CD4 results. Establishing when a patient should commence therapy will improve health and help to reduce transmission of the virus, benefitting the entire population."
About Omega Diagnostics Group PLCOmega Diagnostics Group PLC, based in Scotland, UK, is a public company AIM listed on the London Stock Exchange (Ticker Symbol: ODX). Formed in September 2006 when Omega Diagnostics Ltd completed a reverse acquisition of the AIM listed cash shell company, Quintessentially English PLC, the Group acquired Genesis Diagnostics Ltd and Cambridge Nutritional Sciences Ltd in September 2007, with bacterial disease diagnostic assay manufacturer Co-Tek (South West) Ltd joining the Group in September 2009. The IVD division of allergy and specific immunotherapy specialist Allergopharma Joachim Ganzer KG, a supplier of allergy tests for over 600 allergens, was acquired in December 2010 and, more recently, in 2011 the Group established a wholly owned Indian subsidiary, Omega DX (Asia) Pvt Ltd. Today, the Omega Diagnostics Group has a strong distribution network in over 100 countries, providing a wide range of high quality immunoassay-based products focused on the specialist fields of allergy/autoimmune disease, infectious disease and food intolerance to the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market, for use in hospitals, blood banks, clinics and laboratories.
About the Burnet Institute:The Burnet Institute is an Australian, not-for-profit, unaligned and independent organisation that links medical research with public health action, recognising that solutions to many of the major global health problems require comprehensive and innovative responses. These include novel discoveries, such as the development of new vaccines and diagnostic tests, and the better use of existing best-practice health interventions.With an estimated 33 million people living with HIV and millions more affected by other infectious diseases, the Burnet Institute is playing its part in trying to improve the health of disadvantaged, poor or otherwise vulnerable communities.The CD4 test has been developed to date with funding from The National Health and Medical Research Council, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the CD4 Initiative (funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), the Burnet Institute and the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund. 

Study explains functional links between autism and genes

 June 21, 2012 in Genetics A pioneering report of genome-wide gene expression in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) finds genetic changes that help explain why one person has an ASD and another does not. The study, published by Cell Press on June 21 in The American Journal of Human Genetics, pinpoints ASD risk factors by comparing changes in gene expression with DNA mutation data in the same individuals. This innovative approach is likely to pave the way for future personalized medicine, not just for ASD but also for any disease with a genetic component. ASDs are a heterogeneous group of developmental conditions characterized by social deficits, difficulty communicating, and repetitive behaviors. ASDs are thought to be highly heritable, meaning that they run in families. However, the genetics of autism are complex. Researchers have found rare changes in the number of copies of defined genetic regions that associate with ASD. Although there are some hot-spot regions containing these alterations, very few genetic changes are exactly alike. Similarly, no two autistic people share the exact same symptoms. To discover how these genetic changes might affect gene transcription and, thus, the presentation of the disorder, Rui Luo, a graduate student in the Geschwind lab at UCLA, studied 244 families in which one child (the proband) was affected with an ASD and one was not. In addition to identifying several potential new regions where copy-number variants (CNVs) are associated with ASDs, Geschwind's team found genes within these regions to be significantly misregulated in ASD children compared with their unaffected siblings. "Strikingly, we observed a higher incidence of haploinsufficient genes in the rare CNVs in probands than in those of siblings, strongly indicating a functional impact of these CNVs on expression," says Geschwind. Haploinsuffiency occurs when only one copy of a gene is functional; the result is that the body cannot produce a normal amount of protein. The researchers also found a significant enrichment of misexpressed genes in neural-related pathways in ASD children. Previous research has found that these pathways include other genetic variants associated with autism, which Geschwind explains further legitimizes the present findings.

Protein may be key to psoriasis and wound care

 June 21, 2012 in Immunology Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which skin cells proliferate out of control. For some hard-to-heal wounds, the problem is just the opposite: Restorative skin cells don't grow well or fast enough. In a paper published in the June 21, 2012 issue of Immunity, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine describe a molecule that may lead to new treatments for both problems. An international team of scientists led by principal investigator Richard L. Gallo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and chief of UC San Diego's Division of Dermatology, analyzed skin biopsies of patients with and without psoriasis, as well as the skin of mice with psoriasis and with wounds on their backs. They discovered that a molecule called regenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha (REG3A) is highly expressed in skin cells during psoriasis and wound-healing, but not under normal skin conditions. In tests on mice, researchers found that inhibiting REG3A slowed wound-healing but cleared up psoriasis, which is commonly characterized by patches of inflammation and white, scaly skin. The scientists also noted that REG3A acts in concert with interleukin-17 (IL-17), an immune system protein involved in the signaling cascade which prompts skin cells to multiply in excess numbers. "IL-17 binds to receptors on skin cells and causes REG3A to be expressed, which then binds to another protein inside the cells that promotes cell growth," said first author Yuping Lai, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunity at East China Normal University in Shanghai. Gallo said the discovery of REG3A's dual roles provides a new target for different therapies. "A drug that inhibits the expression of REG3A could represent a more targeted way to treat psoriasis without the systemic immunosuppression problems of current treatments. Conversely, a drug that stimulates or mimics REG3A could boost cell growth and improve wound healing."

500教授詐領研究費 廉政署查出竟有國立大學校長涉案

 NOWnews.com 今日新聞網 2012622 16:36社會中心/台北報導關於大學教授以假發票詐領研究經費的學術醜聞,現在又有最新發展!一名國立大學校長被法務部廉政署查出涉案情節重大,已在上個星期由駐署檢察官指揮對該校的校長室和會計單位發動搜索,而廉政署也將會在近日內約談這名涉案情節重大的校長到案說明案情。根據了解,廉政署是在偵辦一起教授詐領研究經費的檢舉案時,意外查出竟然有某位國立大學校長在任教期間也涉案其中;因此,為了保全犯罪證據,才由駐署檢察官指揮對該校校長室及會計單位發動搜索,將部分涉案資料查扣帶回。而在上個星期發動搜索時,廉政署原本有計畫想要先傳訊這名校長到案說明,但由於該涉案校長已經先行出國而作罷;因此,最後才決定先發動搜索,等該涉案校長回國後再將其約談。有消息指出,這名涉案情節重大的校長,是該國立大學創校以來最年輕的校長,不僅留學美國獲有博士學位,更曾經擔任大學系主任和研究所所長等職務。

大麻籽油開發進口 (大麻籽不得進口)

 大麻籽油 7月起將開放食用   2012624 16:21 生活中心/綜合報導過去被列為禁用的大麻籽油,近年來在國外大為風行,主要作為化妝品原料與保健食品。衛生署經過多年研議,日前正式通過允許大麻籽油列為食品原料、食品添加物,讓民眾可以合法食用。大麻籽油因使用我國列為二級管制毒品的大麻種籽為原料,部分大麻籽油中有微量「四氫大麻酚(THC)」存在,可能會對食用者造成毒害,因此過去僅開放用於化妝品,並嚴格限制所含THC不得超過十ppm。但由於大麻籽油富含不飽和脂肪酸,可以保護心血管,近幾年在國外是很受歡迎的心血管保健食品,因此國內許多保健食品、烘焙食品業者也都積極探詢能否合法開放食用。衛生署食品藥物管理局終於在諮詢相關專家、並確認檢驗方式後,正式同意將大麻籽視為食品原料使用,准許進口。不過衛生署也嚴格限制其中所含不得超過十ppmTHC,以免民眾保健不成,反遭毒害,且只能進口成品,烘焙用大麻籽一樣不得進口,以免有不法商人趁機在其中動手腳。至於開放食用大麻籽油會不會造成民眾在接受毒品檢驗時誤判,或是被毒蟲拿來作為吸食藉口?林口長庚醫院臨床毒物科主任林杰樑指出,市售大麻籽相關食品,約八成五測不到THC,其他十五%測到的THC濃度也在十ppm以下,而THC濃度至少要到兩百ppm尿液中才測得到,科學檢驗下毒蟲是沒辦法用這個當藉口狡辯的。大麻被列為二級毒品的主因在於其內含的THC是中樞神經幻覺劑,主要會影響中樞神經,包括認知、情緒、感官,長期使用甚至可能造成精神疾病,幻覺、妄想、不孕等。但低劑量THC不至於達到足夠的血中作用濃度,作為食品添加物用在料理中並無妨。

台灣東洋(4105) 解除董事競業禁止!

 發言時間 101/06/2212:02:15發言人 曾天賜 發言人職稱 董事兼董事長特助 發言人電話 26525999-2170 主旨 : 公告本公司股東會通過解除董事競業禁止之限制符合條款第21款事實發生日101/06/22說明 1.股東會決議日:101/06/222.許可從事競業行為之董事姓名及職稱:林榮錦︰宜佰康生物科技()公司獨立董事林榮錦︰順天生物科技()公司董事長林榮錦︰晟邦醫藥科技()公司董事長林榮錦︰柏康生物醫藥()公司董事長蕭英鈞︰大灣科技()公司董事長3.許可從事競業行為之項目:與本公司營業範圍類同他公司董監事或經理人。4.許可從事競業行為之期間:任職本公司董事之職務期間。5.決議情形(請依公司法第209條說明表決結果):經主席徵詢全體出席股東無異議照案通過。6.所許可之競業行為如屬大陸地區事業之營業者,董事姓名及職稱(非屬大陸地區事業之營業者,以下請輸〝不適用〞):不適用。7.所擔任該大陸地區事業之公司名稱及職務:不適用。8.所擔任該大陸地區事業地址:不適用。9.所擔任該大陸地區事業營業項目:不適用。10.對本公司財務業務之影響程度:無不利影響。11.董事如有對該大陸地區事業從事投資者,其投資金額及持股比例:不適用。12.其他應敘明事項:無。以上資料均由各公司依發言當時所屬市場別之規定申報後,由本系統對外公佈,資料如有虛偽不實,均由該公司負責

源鋒甲魚胚胎素

 2012/06/24【高雄訊】有鑑於國人對保健食品的需求日漸增加,位於高雄之源鋒企業社應用古法及自行創新技術,萃取出甲魚胚胎素,不僅通過SGS食品認證,也委由屏東科技大學做其產品之實驗評估。 源鋒企業社負責人黃佰欽表示,家族食用甲魚胚胎素已經多年,當年父親運用古法製成,當作一般的營養補給品,但因為是由甲魚蛋製成,味道濃重不討喜,因此花費數年的時間研發,成功以發酵萃取其胚胎素,以高溫乾燥製成粉末,最後用膠囊裝填,方便天天食用。為了瞭解甲魚胚胎素之成份及安全性,黃佰欽和屏東科技大學產學合作,委請食品科學系之多醣體研究室負責人廖遠東及心血管功能評估研究室負責人顏嘉宏投入此產品的安全性及血管張力評估,試驗證明甲魚胚胎素不具毒性外且蛋白質含量達30%,麩胺酸更高達12%。黃佰欽笑說,坊間有許多的營養補充品,而甲魚胚胎素不僅安全且純天然,並含有18種胺基酸及DHADPAEPA等多元不飽和脂肪酸,是滋補強身、增強體力及營養補給的最佳選擇。 (吳青青)

平潭...如意城 ! 客隆 台灣經驗 !!

李先仁:看好平潭發展科技與旅遊業2012-06-22 00:44:41 李先仁認為平潭機會很大。(中評社 王宗銘攝)中評社台北622電(記者 王宗銘)前立委李先仁日前第一次率團參加海峽論壇,並到平潭考察投資環境,他在21日接受中評社訪問時說,交通對平潭的發展是最重要的,如果台灣與平潭連結得更方便,他看好平潭未來的發展,而且平潭有大陸中央的支持,所以現在到平潭發展的機會是很大的,科技園區產業與旅遊業是可發展的方向。 李先仁是台北蘆洲人,1963年生,祖籍福建泉州,台灣大學造船工程學系畢業,美國史丹福大學工業工程學碩士,美國史丹福大學統計學碩士。曾代表國民黨當選第二、三屆國民大會代表及第四屆立法委員”(1999-2002)。 已經去過北京、上海、西安多次的李先仁是第一次去參加海峽論壇,在廈門開幕式兩天大會後,轉往泉州、安溪,然後到福州、平潭。李先仁說,海峽論壇是福建與台灣交流的最大場合,賈慶林都來了,最值得去參加,而泉州是他的老鄉,祖先到台灣蘆洲已經快300年了,跟泉州的感情特別深。他的父親李章夫,以及李文彬兩個蘆洲鄉老鄉長,還有家族許多人,也藉此次機會特別去走一走,一起去的還有蘆洲當地建設業飯店業的朋友,主要去看泉州與平潭兩個投資區。 李先仁說,李氏宗親會去年參加百姓論壇,今年他們參加城鄉經驗交流論壇,也拜訪了福建僑聯主席王亞君,泉州有個規劃得很好的台商投資區,跟舊城區隔一條橋,比台北市大一點,重新規劃發展有點像台北市的信義計劃區,有金融區,還有湖邊可蓋觀光飯店,住宅區也可投資,未來等松山機場與泉州晉江機場直航後,來往會更方便。 李先仁等花了一個下午的時間參觀平潭,他強調,平潭的確是建設很快,碼頭僅9個月就完成,實在厲害,建設實在是很大,看的重點了包括雲科技的科技城,像是台灣的科學園區,而且更進步,所有的網路與硬體建設由華為與中華電信合作,是兩岸高科技合作的一個重要建設,裡面有透過網路的健康管理、企業、小孩子教育等服務,未來適合科技的年輕的人居住,環境非常好,取名為如意城。讓李先仁等人印象深刻的還有管溝工程,台灣最為人詬病的就是水、電、瓦斯的管線常常在挖挖補補,平潭的管溝工程很大,寬8.25,有4高,車子可以直接開進去,水、電、瓦斯管線跟污水處理全部都在裡面,維修方便。 李先仁看到,碼頭已經開始使用,也去參觀了海峽號,從平潭到台中的船程只要2.5小時,可以載800人,船體下層可以停放車子,車子可以直接開上船,非常方便。他認為,以後台灣的科學園區有些科技產業可以去平潭發展,因為那裡對外很方便,但有些基礎建設還需要一點時間。 李先仁說,平潭投入的資金很驚人,有大陸中央的支持,今年要投入500億人民幣,平潭台辦主任向他們說明,去年一年內中央政治局9個常委有4個已經到過平潭,沒有一個地方像中央這麼重視的。平潭是個指標,希望複製台灣的經驗,平潭面積比台北市大一些,位置適當,到新竹距離近,僅68海浬126公里,平潭到福州長樂機場搭高鐵只要半小時,平潭高速公路到福州只要90分鐘,非常方便,台灣有些產業可以慢慢找適當的時機慢慢過去,現在台灣的產業在那裡還是比較少數,大的產業還沒過去,剛開始而已,他們這次去考察還算是比較早的,因為現在平潭產業發展雛型還比較初步、還比較看不出來。 李先仁認為,平潭發展觀光很不錯,沙灘很漂亮,距離台灣也近,跟澎湖的情況差不多,像東南亞很多海島包括泰國普吉島、印尼峇里島,都有蓋觀光飯店,所以平潭的旅遊業可以去經營,用大家對澎湖熟悉的方式去行銷,因為現在很多人喜歡海島旅遊。 李先仁建議,海峽號的船班班次應該還要增加,大量讓更多人去參觀,因為現在去的人還不算多,從台灣本島去平潭,搭船還不是很方便。 李先仁表示,平潭較大的飯店有兩間,現在去的人常常沒地方住,所以他們這次並沒有過夜,只能住到福州去,所以當地還需要一段時間建設,明年大概就會有45家五星級飯店蓋好,目前都是大陸中央規劃進來的資金。所以他們規劃,如果明年有一段比較長的時間,就會再去考察,就住在平潭,到時候建設也比較有規模可以看。 李先仁還指出,平潭與台灣關係很特別,平潭因台灣而生,過去兩岸緊張時代,平潭是個指揮所,很多的山都挖空,隧道工程工人特別多,特別優秀,現在兩岸和平,這些技術工人在福建到處受歡迎,因為很有經驗,做隧道工程的工人大多都是從平潭來的,不過,這次他們沒有機會去看這些隧道。 李先仁說,他認為交通對平潭的發展是最重要的,如果台灣直接搭船去,然後轉到大陸各地去,都很方便的話,連結起來,他看好平潭未來的發展。台灣與平潭共同生活與共同管理是很好的想法,但對台灣人來說,制度不一樣還是有差,台灣人民一般對私有財產的觀念很重,置產可能會是一個比較大的障礙,平潭未來應該對台灣民眾有置產的特別優惠,一定更有吸引力,如果想要複製台灣的經驗,置產這方面應該要有所調整。 總結考察經驗,李先仁認為,去平潭就業是年輕人可以思考的很好方向,旅遊業比較合適,如果有高科技產業像科學園區整個過去紮根,年輕人也可以去發展。那裡的生活環境未來應該要很健全,小孩唸書的問題要解決,他認為,平潭的發展就應該很像台灣的科學園區,是一個比較獨立的社區生活,也可引進外國的國際學校。 李先仁說,平潭的人口已經有40萬人,未來不可能像台北市200多萬人這樣密集,未來十年內,平潭方面希望發展到100萬人居住與就業的規模,不包括遊客,基礎建設底定起碼還要兩到三年,但海島要建設起來,有大陸中央的支持,所以現在到平潭發展的機會是很大的。

台灣旭芝 建立牛樟芝生產履歷

2012/06/19     【台南訊】正式進駐成大技轉育成中心的台灣旭芝,為將牛 樟芝推動成符合現代醫藥規範、並與現有醫藥一較長短,特 藉由與成功大學的產學合作取得牛樟芝三 萜類化合物 及其各類醫藥組合物的全球專利授權,全力提升健康草藥的 整體效益。台灣旭芝總經理游介宙表示,成功大學日前將牛樟芝活性成 -牛樟芝三 萜類化合物及其各類醫藥組合物的全球專 利,授權給該公司,並輔導其通過國科會審議,進駐新竹生 醫園區,台灣旭芝成為首家以台灣特有種植物新藥為標的之 新藥公司。游介宙指出,該公司擁有牛樟芝生態栽培農場,以科學技術 品管確保所栽培牛樟芝均擁有媲美野生牛樟芝的品質,而且 所生產的每一公克牛樟芝都有完整的CAS生產履歷,讓消費 能安心食用,主要為磨粉與萃取液兩款產品。除了在牛樟芝子實體領域上表現傑出,在國際醫藥專利整合 與臨床應用領域上也陸續開花結果,而透過成功大學解密的 牛樟芝三 萜類活性成分,讓該公司找到樟芝種類中唯 一通過教學醫院人體臨床考驗的標準品種,並且據此開發最 安全有效的臨床劑型,更是新竹生醫園區進駐廠商中,今年 第一家以臨床數據申請國際醫藥專利的廠商。

IP spurs innovation

20 Jun 2012 | 06:17 BST | Posted by Amy Maxmen | Category: Biology & Biotechnology  Some people say that patents on intellectual property (IP) stifle progress when they occur at early phases of research. However, history suggests the opposite, according to a report presented at the 2012 BIO International Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. There’s been active debate about whether stronger intellectual-property rights are a help or a hindrance to developing industries,” says Joseph Damond, vice-president for international affairs at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), which commissioned the report to add evidence to the argument. Questions about IP’s impact on research are particularly crucial to countries that are beginning to invest in biotechnology. So that they could advise those countries on IP regulations, BIO asked for an assessment of IP trends in nations around the world. In response to their request, Pugatch Consilium, a consultancy group based in Israel and the United Kingdom, combed through publications and databases for associations between IP rights (IPR) and measures of economic development and biotech health. In the literature we found that no, patenting does not stand in the way of research,” says David Torstensson, a senior consultant at Pugatch and an author on the report presented 19 June. At the talk, which was comprised of biotech fans, the audience appeared to agree with his pro-IP conclusion.  Database evidence suggested the same. Specifically, Torstensson says that over the past decade, increases in patents have been matched by growth in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors in India, Brazil, Singapore and other countries with emerging economies (see Number of biotechnology patents filed under PCT, 19772009). Patents, in general, are on the rise but the increase in biotech patents is most pronounced. For example, the rate of biotech patent applications to the European Patent Office grew by 14.3% annually in the past decade compared with 8.3% for all patent applications.  Another measure of biotech health, called technology transfer, correlated with patent increases as well (see ‘Number of biotechnology alliances for research or technology transfer’). Tech transfer rates often reflect foreign investments in biotech. “If you want a lab in Taiwan to help with a private project, you’ll need to share your intellectual property, but you want to be sure that your secret is protected, and that’s where tech transfers come in,” Torstensson explains.  The strength of patent rights can be quantified in an index ranging from 0 (no patent rights) to 5 (very strong). Over time, the countries that US biotech and pharmaceutical companies have invested in have moved up the IP barometer, indicating yet another correlation between economic improvement and IP (see Patent rights index, 19602005). For example, Koreas score has nearly doubled since the 1990s. The rising number of patents granted by IP-related laws is due in part to the boom in biotechnology firms. In 2006, there were ten times as many biotech companies in Korea as there were in 1999, according to the report. Similarly, after Taiwan instituted a rule about IP based on government-funded findings, the Bayh-Dole Act, university patenting increased by 354% between 2004 and 2009.  When it comes to stimulating innovation at early stages of research, the argument against the IP model is quite theoretical, says Torstensson. “We asked, where is the data,” he says. “Intellectual property rights won’t be a silver bullet. Of course, countries also need to think about reforms in infrastructure, human resources and education,” says Torstensson. “But when you are investing in R&D and PhDs, and when you want companies to grow, then you should have IPs.”

何謂蘆薈產品? 保健品蘆薈含量20%才是


 北京新浪網 (2012-06-25 16:13) 蘆薈含有數十種營養元素,其中包括維他命B2、維他命B6、維他命B8種人體肌膚所必需的氨基酸和礦物質,蘆薈保健品大黃素 以及大量的蛋白質等。 在美容上,蘆薈保健品含有蘆薈保健品素、蘆薈保健品大黃素類化合物和多糖類、維生素等營養素。長期服用蘆薈,可使皮膚洁白細膩,富有光澤,頭髮保持烏黑靚麗。 在營養保健與飲食上,蘆薈保健品含有豐富的氨基酸、微量元素、維生素等多種成分,特別是在微量元素中,還含有鍶、鍺等營養元素,對人體能起到補充營養的作用。 蘆薈被譽為21世紀大有希望的天然綠色保健食品。那么如何挑選蘆薈保健品呢?一是保健食品、化妝品一定要有國衛健字號、衛妝字號的批文號﹔飲料食品要有食品生產許可證號。二是為了保持蘆薈的活性成分,對蘆薈的加工技術和設備都有很高的要求。因此,要選購有信譽、有質量保證的大型保健品公司、化妝品公司和食品公司生產的產品。最好是選購厂家自身有蘆薈種植基地、符合國家衛生標準的蘆薈產品,才能確保產品中含有的蘆薈成分和質量。三是仔細查看產品說明書中的蘆薈含量。一般蘆薈含量在20%以上,才可稱之為蘆薈產品。目前,蘆薈已成為美、日等國家公認的最佳保健品。伴隨經濟發展和社會的進步,蘆薈保健業已逐漸成為中國健康產業的重要組成部分。我國的保健品行業起步于20世紀80年代,雖然相比其他發達國家較晚,但發展速度較快。隨著人民生活水平的提高及消費方式的改變,我國健康消費水平逐步攀升,市場對保健品的需求日益旺盛。同時,多層次的社會需求也為保健品行業提供了廣闊的發展空間。 2009年頒布的《國家基本醫療保險、工傷保險和生育保險藥品目錄》中,《國家基本藥物目錄》的藥品被全部納入,許多厂家會因為政府的這一政策而改變發展策略。在這種背景下,我國保健品行業發展將日益加快,並將呈現消費群體多元化、宣傳模式推陳出新化、保健品消費日常化和保健品銷售模式專營化四大趨勢。可以預見,未來蘆薈保健品將會因為其改善營養與健康及穩定的利潤率,獲得各大制藥企業的青睞。

鼻子幹細胞提供希望 柏金遜症研究現曙光


 [2012-06-25] 醫學家發現,從鼻子取得的幹細胞或能修復受損的大腦神經細胞,為日後醫治柏金遜症帶來曙光。 今日美國報報道,研究員以大腦受創、模擬人類柏金遜症的老鼠為對象,注入從人體取得的鼻部幹細胞後,部分老鼠的行為有明顯改善,沒有接受治療的老鼠如果被困盆內,只會沿一個方向不停兜圈,但接受了治療的老鼠,卻懂得嘗試爬出盆子,此外行動、協調的能力也有所改善。 率領研究的路易斯維爾RhinoCyte實驗室負責人萊森說,這種治療法如果開發成功,並不能徹底治癒柏金遜症,但現階段至少在老鼠身上,能紓緩病情,成功率在30%40%之間。對於實驗結果,外界有不同反應。神經科專家惠特摩爾說,仍有2/3的老鼠治療後沒有效果,必須先提高治療成功率,醫學界才可考慮這個選擇。 本身患有柏金遜症多年、一直著書、演說倡議關注的民眾鮑曼則說,樂於聽到這個好消息,又說支持符合道德、以治病為目的的幹細胞研究。鮑曼又形容,當年患病初期,自己首先喪失的就是嗅覺,因此鼻部幹細胞能治療柏金遜症,並非全無道理。 在這次研究當中,萊森的團隊從成年人的嗅覺神經感應黏膜提取出幹細胞,由於過程不影響當事人健康,因此細胞來源不像胚胎幹細胞般,會引來倫理爭議。 經過610周的培育後,團隊會提取可以生成神經細胞的初始細胞,再進一步培育後,就會注射入老鼠大腦受創的部位。 萊森表示,如果進展順利,明年會開始在脊髓受傷的病人身上開始臨床實驗,到2014年再把試驗範圍擴大到柏金遜症的患者,希望2019年之前能確立這種治療法,廣泛引入醫護界。 目前全美約有100萬人患柏金遜症,患者雖然有藥可服,但並不能阻止病情惡化。 

中美幹細胞研究中心在同濟大學成立


 20120626 09:06  來源:地方新聞網站 日前,我校與加州再生醫學研究院(CIRM)共同舉辦了中美幹細胞高峰論壇暨中美幹細胞研究中心成立及揭牌儀式。 校長裴鋼與美國加利福尼亞州再生醫學研究院院長Alan Trounson共同簽署了《同濟大學-加州再生醫學研究院聯合聲明》,宣佈“中美幹細胞研究中心”正式成立,並公佈了中心戰略規劃及兩項首批聯合資助項目。 中美幹細胞研究中心的中方主任由我校校長裴鋼擔任,美方主任由加州再生醫學研究院院長Alan Trounson擔任,執行主任由同濟大學幹細胞研究中心主任孫毅擔任。該中心的管理機構設立在附屬同濟醫院科研樓。 國家科技部國際合作司馬林英副司長、上海市科委施強華副巡視員及科技部美大處、國際合作處、生物醫藥處負責人等出席了儀式。與會的34位中美知名科學家還就幹細胞研究領域的前沿進展進行了深入交流,並就雙方進一步合作研究的重點進行了討論。  

罕见病特效药或将进医保目录


20120610 11:13 来源:新景荣观察 作者:陈一昀字号:T|T0人参与0条评论打印转发 治疗罕见疑难病症的特效药一直游离于医保体系之外,让患者只能自认倒霉的或将成为历史。65,人力资源社会保障部表示,“逐步将罕见病患者急需的特效药纳入医疗保险药品目录。”这个答案鼓舞人心。然而,意向并未落地,在实际推行过程中,或面临不少困难。 65,人力资源社会保障部表示,‘下一步,随着医疗保险筹资和保障水平的不断提高,以及对新药特药的安全有效性的认可度进一步提高,逐步将罕见病患者急需的特效药纳入医疗保险药品目录。’ 这个答案鼓舞人心。然而,意向并未落地,在实际推行过程中,或面临不少困难。
局限性 目前,罕见病患者中仅血友病实现了一定程度上的医保。 按照医保的划分,在城镇职工和城镇居民中,甲型血友病患者的用药可以报销。而由于医保的地方性特征,报销比例也因各地财政情况而有不同。笼统来说,我国东部地区较中部和西部地区乐观一些。 以北京为例,“报销比例平均在85%以上。”中国血友之家秘书长关涛告诉新金融记者,在城镇职工中,血友病患者的报销比例分阶段分别是,1万到3万报销比例为85%3万到4万报销比例是90%4万到10万报销比例达到95%,而10万到30万报销比例又降到80% 30万是城镇职工的年度内报销上限。假设一名血友病患者一年的用药费用恰好是30万,患者本身需要承担的是6万,分摊到12个月,平均每个月是5000元。“算咱们的经济收入,能够想到,还是很沉重的。”关涛说,“只是说会好很多。”而城镇居民的报销上限仅是城镇职工的一半,15万。 在医保的覆盖下,血友病患者仍需面临一定的支付压力,且这是在北京。北京是将血友病纳入医保政策,没有明确区分是甲型还是乙型,也没有指明是哪种药物。而更多的地区是将血友病特效药纳入医保目录,这种情况下,乙型血友病患者通常使用的特效药凝血酶原复合物就无法完成报销。 原因在于,“凝血酶原复合物在医保目录中是作为肝脏疾病,以及手术大出血时使用。”话外意便是,凝血酶原复合物的适应症标签中并不包括乙型血友病,“但目前为止,凝血酶原复合物是乙型血友病患者的唯一用药。”关涛说。 药物的适应症中没有提及这类病,但对于患者而言,这种药物是特效药、救命药,可是使用后却需要自付全部费用,不能报销。“这是一个缺失。”关涛表示,他正在起草相关建议,希望凝血酶原复合物能够同时作为乙型血友病患者的用药纳入医保目录。 这样的情况不在少数。成骨不全症患者使用的是双磷酸盐类药物,这种药物在国外已经开始作为成骨不全症的特效药在应用,但在国内,这种药物的适应症中并没有成骨不全症。它目前在国内的适应症是用于绝经期妇女的骨质疏松。 “这种药物本来的研发是用于骨质疏松,后来发现对于成骨不全症患者提高骨密度方面也非常有效,但并不能完全治愈,只能减少骨折的次数。”瓷娃娃罕见病关爱中心工作人员肖磊向新金融记者表示,一个药品申请一个适应症,要经过一系列的临床试验、审批流程,跟它重新做一次新药的上市没有太大区别。 而相比于绝经期妇女的骨质疏松,作为罕见病之一的成骨不全症,它的发病人数要少很多。药企在考虑市场和利润的前提下,往往会放弃增添这个适应症,以省掉前期药物在临床试验和审批过程中相当大的投入。 当然,也不尽是所有的药物审批都如此之难。绿色通道也是有的,只不过是在很“偶然”的情况下——在我国血液制品八因子严重紧缺、大面积供应不足的2006年到2007年,德国拜耳公司的基因重组八因子产品拜科奇就走了一条绿色通道。“正常情况下需要一到两年时间,拜科奇用了一到两个月。”知情人古吉表示。
尝试推进 医保在区分城镇职工和城镇居民之外,还有新型农村合作医疗(下称新农合) 在今年3月卫生部召开的全国新型农村合作医疗和农村卫生服务工作会议上,卫生部副部长刘谦表示,选取1/3左右的统筹地区,开展包括血友病在内的12类重大疾病的医疗保障试点工作。 这意味着,农村地区的血友病患者也将部分纳入医保范畴。而血友病在医保政策上取得的成绩,离不开中国血友之家一直以来的不懈努力。 “我们作为患者组织,要有明确的诉求。”关涛表示,中国血友之家的定位是立足于政策倡导,结合血友病的经验来看,很多时候,“是国家不知道,国家也是由人来组成的,罕见病有上千种,全部被知晓,很难。” 有了明确的诉求,就要不断地呼吁,切实地反映患者的生存状况。“有这种信息的话,政府应该听取,尝试,这个很重要。如果直接拒绝掉,什么也不会有。”关涛说。 政府在这一过程中所起到的作用至关重要。政府是制度的建立者,古吉向新金融记者转述一位台湾病友的话,“任何人都不能给我的一生以保障,只有一个可以,就是制度。”而医保属于制度。 尽管血友病在医保政策上取得的成绩有目共睹,但这仍是一个循序渐进的过程,就像关涛总结的那样,是政府不断尝试的结果。 血友病最早在陕西不但进了医保目录,还列入门诊特种病,即患者在不住院治疗、只在门诊就诊的情况下就可以进行费用报销。“但是有条规定,一个病人一年的治疗费用不得超过1000元。”古吉说,“这样进和不进没有区别,相当于开了一个玩笑。” 这样苛刻的上限要求确实起不到实质性作用,但不得不承认,至少政府是将血友病归到医保范畴,为后来报销费用上限的提高奠定了基础。 医保政策在国家层面给出指导性意见后,地方根据各自的政治经济状况而定,并由地方财政来支付。地方的财政实力和领导的开明程度导致各地医保政策的差异化。 在这方面做得比较好的,有青岛、苏州和广州。“这三个地方的医保目录要比国家医保目录更宽泛。”古吉说,“在青岛,血友病的小孩是全免费治疗,一分钱都不用垫付,有专业的支付平台。” 而更多的情况是,“各地方大都会先看看手里的钱,然后做尝试。”关涛认为这是积极有益的,他以广东的血友病政策为例,“报销上限逐步的调整,从一年4万到5万,一直到几十万。” 而在美国,则没有上限一说。通过社会保险或者商业保险,能够实现90%以上的报销比例,有的甚至100%。“患者只需每年缴纳专门针对罕见病的商业保险,比其他投保人多缴纳1000美元,就能够用上几十万美元甚至更贵的任何罕见病药物。”肖磊表示。 其中的原因离不开制度的约束,“美国在1983年制定的《孤儿药法案》和2002年《罕见病法案》,规定商业保险不能拒绝罕见病患者投保。”肖磊说,但在我国,很多商业保险的条款中往往把罕见病排除在外,不予投保。 在慈善组织参与之后,对符合贫困等条件的患者,他们能够提供一定比例的经济援助,或者与药企合作,向患者赠药。但这毕竟不是长久之策,要解决根本问题,还是要依靠国家政策。而人力资源社会保障部的这个意向无疑是非常好的一步。