BioPharm International-01-01-2004

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There are pressures on biopharma to grow up — and to grow up fast. Although we still hear references to its "infancy," I think we're well past that stage and already confronting the awkward — and sometimes painful — experience of adolescence.

In September 2003, Sweden's biotechnology sector recorded a striking achievement. Amgen, the world's largest biotechnology company, announced plans to acquire exclusive rights to Biovitrum's small-molecule enzyme inhibitors for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Molecular mimicry is a common, but undesirable, property of disease proteins. Sequence similarities between cancer proteins and self-proteins allow tumor cells to hide, thereby avoiding attack from the immune system. HIV uses the same evasive tactic.

Training programs do not have to be complex to be successful. There are basic elements, however, that all must have to meet FDA requirements and ensure that employees have the knowledge and skills to maintain high quality standards.