The news summaries appearing in BIO SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The information is not compiled or summarized by BIO. Questions and comments should be directed to SmartBrief at bio@smartbrief.com.

Today's Top Story

• Scientists use human proteins to turn skin cells into iPS cells
  Scientists at Harvard University and Advanced Cell Technology said they were able to safely reprogram ordinary skin cells from newborn boys into induced pluripotent stem cells by soaking them in human proteins. Advanced Cell plans to ask permission from the FDA to conduct human trials of the cells by 2010, Advanced Cell's Robert Lanza said. Reuters (5/28)

	John Maraganore to deliver keynote address at Life Sciences Summit 2009 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals CEO John Maraganore, Ph.D, one of the most influential figures in biotech, will deliver the luncheon keynote address at the Life Sciences Summit 2009 on September 24th. Dr. Maraganore will discuss innovation as a keystone to the future success of the biopharmaceutical industry and to the transformation of human healthcare in the next decade and beyond.

Health Care & Policy

• RNAi used to find genes linked to cancer-cell survival
  Two research teams used RNA interference to identify genes that allow cancers caused by KRAS gene mutations to survive, hoping to make the genes therapeutic targets. One team found on the PLK1 pathway some genes that enable cancers to survive. The other team identified STK33, a gene that seems to prevent tumor cells from self-destructing. Reuters (5/28)

• Stem cells grown onto contact lenses hold promise for cornea damage
  Three patients with cornea damage showed significant improvements in vision within weeks after receiving contact lenses that contained stem cells extracted from their own eyes, Australian scientists reported. "This study is a step forward towards developing regenerative medicine with stem cells for other debilitating human diseases," a stem cell expert said. BBC (5/28)

Company & Financial News

• Report: GSK in talks to buy 51% stake in Shantha Biotech
  GlaxoSmithKline is in talks with Merieux Alliance to acquire a 51% stake in Indian firm Shantha Biotech, The Economic Times of India reported. The negotiations follow Sanofi-Aventis' withdrawal from bidding, and a deal would strengthen GSK's vaccine business, according to the newspaper. Reuters (5/29)

• HHS to pay $180M for H1N1 vaccines from CSL Biotherapies
  The HHS signed a $180 million contract with CSL Biotherapies to supply its Novel A H1N1 vaccine antigen in bulk form. The agency will fund CSL's clinical trials of the vaccine, which might be ready for widespread use by October. Reuters (5/28)

• Neuropharm pitches autism drug to possible partner
  Neuropharm said it is in negotiations with a potential development partner for its autism drug candidate NPL-2008 and might close the deal by the fall. The British company did not name the prospective partner, but an analyst said Cephalon, Shire and H. Lundbeck are likely among those interested in the product. Forbes/Reuters (5/28)

• Poniard drug treats colorectal, prostate cancers in Phase II studies
  During midstage trials, cancer drug picoplatin proved more effective than Eloxatin when combined with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin as an initial treatment for advanced colorectal cancer, Poniard Pharmaceuticals announced. The experimental drug also showed favorable results as first-line therapy in combination with prostate cancer medicine Taxotere in another midstage study, the biotech firm said. Reuters (5/28)

• BioStorage to create 125 jobs in Indianapolis
  BioStorage Technologies unveiled its plan to expand its operations in Indianapolis and hire 125 more workers by 2012. The life sciences company, which was offered tax credits and training grants by the state, plans to invest more than $6.1 million to upgrade a 40,000-square-foot cold storage facility. The Indianapolis Star (5/28)

Food & Agriculture

• German court rejects Monsanto's petition to suspend biotech corn ban
  A German court has denied Monsanto's request to suspend a government ban on the sale and cultivation of its biotech corn MON810. Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner issued the ban in April based on studies showing that the crop could have an adverse effect on the environment. The Boston Globe/The Associated Press (free registration) (5/28)

Industrial & Environmental

• Study: Removing corncobs for ethanol use does not affect soil quality
  A study funded by ethanol producer POET found that taking corncobs from fields for use in cellulosic ethanol production does not pose any significant effect on the nutrient content of the soil. The study also found that the fields where the cobs were removed does not require more fertilizer treatment than undisturbed fields. Farm Progress/Dakota Farmer (5/28), Brownfield (5/28)

News from BIO

• BIO introduces One-on-One Services
  BIO introduces its One-on-One Services, three networking tools to enhance your meetings productivity. BIO One-on-One Partnering is an interactive environment that allows you to intelligently search, contact and schedule private meetings with potential partners and investors at BIO meetings. The BIO One-on-One Forum provides ongoing access to news feeds and financial data about all the presenting companies -- before, during and after BIO conferences. BIO One-on-One Meeting Room Banks allows member companies to book rooms for private 30-minute meetings at major medical and industry conferences at no cost.

SmartQuote

Life is like an ice-cream cone; you have to lick it one day at a time." --Charles Schulz, American cartoonist