Selected biotech news

Some research projects have had to be stopped and others have been set back by months by the discovery of a flaw in a 'gene chip' known as GeneChip Murine Genome U74 Set, made by Affymetrix, California. The chip contains thousands of known sequences of DNA which act as probes and allow researchers to screen and identify thousands of mouse genes in hours. It is said to help them with experiments on everything from ageing and behaviour to gene therapy and neurodegenerative diseases.

Meanwhile, the final stage of the takeover by Celltech of Medeva, the pharmaceuticals company is underway. To complete the process, Celltech, the largest biotechnology group in the UK will remove Medeva's former chief executive and director of European operations from its board. The move coincides with the launch of a new drug which has the potential to generate sales of nearly £140 million in the next two years. The announcement created an 88p rise in share prices.

Also in the news, Geron Corp. has stated that it has received a US patent covering human embryonic stem cells. The patent includes claims to preparations of stem cells and methods of isolating them. Also, PPL Therapeutics has announced a share sale intended to raise £45 million. Some of the cash is needed to acquire another flock of sheep in New Zealand. In the meantime, PPL has also won a contract from the US government's Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency, to develop genetically modified cattle capable of producing antibodies against biological weapons.