�The trey finalists of the 2008 EUROPEAN BIOTECHNICA AWARD induce been dictated. The biotechnology companies nominative are Cambridge-based Astex Therapeutics Limited (UK), GENEART AG from Regensburg (Germany) and immatics biotechnologies GmbH based in T�bingen (Germany). The prize, worth EUR one C,000, is awarded to innovative European biotechnology and life sciences companies. "Innovation capacity is the driving force behind the economic success of one of the most important sectors of the future. With the EUROPEAN BIOTECHNICA AWARD, we ar supporting forthcoming biotechnology firms which, thanks to their dedication, make believe a significant contribution to the development of Europe as a research location", emphasized Stephan K�hne, Board member of Deutsche Messe AG. This year will mark the sixth anniversary of the award presented by Deutsche Messe AG and partners.
The British company Astex Therapeutics researches small speck drugs and develops them into therapeutics. Using its pioneering drug-discovery platform Pyramid�, Astex has already developed five substances which are being tested for use to fighting cancer. Three of these are currently undergoing clinical trials and two ar in presymptomatic development. In addition to its proprietary research programs, the Cambridge-based firm's corporate performance is characterized by its numerous partnerships with reputable pharmaceutical companies.
GENEART is the world's preeminent manufacturer of synthetic genes and one of the foremost global specialists in synthetic biology. The ship's company contributes the key technologies necessary to develop and produce new therapeutics and vaccines. At the same time GENEART's services privy be victimised to improve the properties of enzymes, such as those used as additives in detergents, and to generate bacteria which farm or degrade complex biopolymers, such as plastic or petroleum.
The biopharmaceutical society immatics identifies and validates, using its own technologies, new substances to treat various types of cancer. These consist of short peptides which stimulate the cellular response of the human immune system against tumors. The T�bingen-based immunotherapeutics specialist is focusing on treatments for renal cell carcinoma.
According to Professor Dr Peter Stadler, Chairman of the international jury of top-class biotechnology experts: "all tierce companies accept submitted convincing concepts. Alongside innovative technologies and highly promising products, they likewise show proof of excellent business expertise. Their products, services and business ideas are sure a valuable asset to the European biotechnology sector".
The winner of the three short-listed companies will be announced on October 6, during the porta celebrations for BIOTECHNICA 2008. G�nter Verheugen, EU Vice-President, will be handing knocked out the prizes. The laurels ceremony will form the prelude to BIOTECHNICA 2008, which volition be held at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds from October 7 through 9, 2008. All three finalists will be showcased in the expo on the "Gateway to Biotechnology" stand in Hall 9.
About BIOTECHNICA
BIOTECHNICA in Hannover is the leading European event for the biotech industry. It covers all branches of biotechnology, and ranges from basic science to equipment, bioinformatics and services to the five-spot principal areas of application - pharmaceuticals and medicine, industry, nutrition, agriculture and the environment. BIOTECHNICA has been staged by Deutsche Messe AG at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds since 1985. Meanwhile the BIOTECHNICA brand has developed a global presence with shows such as BIOTECH CHINA in Asia and BIOTECHNICA AMERICA in the USA.
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