Earlier this month, the FDA gave its recommendations to Congress for the next reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee program. In order to support these changes, the FDA recommends that the annual user fee collections be increased $87.4 million to $392.8 million. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) of November 1992 first authorized […]

Oakdale, MN 1/5/07—Dyneon, a subsidiary of 3M, has acquired 3M’s Bioanalytical Technologies business, including the Empore solid phase extraction product line, effective January 1. 3M Bioanalytical Technologies previously operated as a separate operating unit within 3M. Based in Oakdale, Minnesota, Dyneon is a suppler of fluoropolymers and has 800 employees.

Brentford, UK 1/18/07—Whatman announced that CEO Bill Emhiser (see IBO 9/30/05) has been replaced with Kieran Murphy, former chief executive of pharmaceutical company Innovata. The change follows disappointing sales results for 2006. The company estimates 2006 revenues rose 5% to £114 million ($211.1 million), missing November estimates of 6%–7% growth, and are expected to result […]

Upland, CA 1/11/07—UVP, a suppler of laboratory imaging systems, was acquired by private equity investment firm Carlisle Enterprises on January 2. “Carlisle’s access to capital markets, their industry knowledge and their operating expertise represent significant support for UVP’s continued growth and development,” stated Leighton Smith, president and CEO of UVP. Carlisle’s previous laboratory-related investments include […]

Sunnyvale, CA and Toronto, Canada 1/29/07—MDS has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Molecular Devices for $615 million in cash, or $35.50 per share, a 49% premium over the January 26 trading price. In the first 12 months, the acquisition is expected to add $190 million in revenues and $45–$50 million in EBITDA (earnings before […]

In January 2005, India achieved compliance with the World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which, among other things, protect drug patents. Last September, Biocon’s BIOMAb-EGFR became the first new drug to be developed, tested and taken through approval by an Indian company. However, of India’s estimated 20,000 drug firms, few are developing […]

Company Announcements Axsun Technologies opened a direct office in the UK in 2006. Endress+Hauser opened a new production site in Suzhou, China to manufacture level, pressure, temperature and analytical measuring devices. Three production centers will move to the 7,850 sq. meter building. Bay-Tec Engineering licensed Finesse’s TruBio Bioreactor Control Operating System. Sionex named Eric Kirleis […]

Poissy, France 1/17/07­—Environnement SA has acquired the assets of Becker Messtechnik, a developer of instruments for the continuous sampling and monitoring of dioxins. “The acquisition of Becker Messtechnik, which was moreover, one of our suppliers and which we therefore know particularly well, will strengthen our technological expertise in pollutant measuring,” said Environnement SA Chairman François […]

Foster City, CA 1/25/07—Tony White told investors on the Applied Biosystems’ quarterly conference call that he plans to continue as interim president of the company for the next one-to-two years. Mr. White took over the position three months ago following the resignation of Catherine Burzik (see IBO 10/31/06). “As of now, the Board of Directors […]