A paper published in this week’s issue of Nature (June 14th) describes a new procedure that should greatly improve the sensitivity of tests for prion diseases such as BSE (mad cow disease) and CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)

Yesterday (13th June) Serono S.A., Geneva, announced that researchers at the Serono Pharmaceutical Research Institute (SPRI) in Geneva, led by Dr. Claudio Soto, have developed a new procedure that should greatly improve the sensitivity of current tests used to detect abnormal prion proteins. These are believed to cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, scrapie in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD and nvCJD) in humans. See full Serono press release via link below.

Geneva and biotech

The greater Geneva region offers an exceptional growth environment for companies in biotech. The region hosts a wealth of companies and organisations devoted to leading edge developments in biotech with Geneva serving as a focal point due to its internationally oriented infrastructure.

The region offers leading edge competency in pharmaceuticals, chemistry, biotechnology, micro-technology, precision instruments and medical devices. Thus the region has become a magnet for many multinational healthcare and life science companies as well as specialist biotech-related companies and institutions.

Basic to the success of such an environment is an orientation to scientific and technological research and development. Thus we find a number of leading universities, graduate schools, R&D facilities and technology centres throughout the region while modern hospitals, clinics and medical schools welcome cooperation with industry.

Geneva will also help you to set up your company locally in record time. You will receive effective government support and simplified hassle-free procedures to enable you to become fully operational in record time. In addition, registration times for new products have been substantially shortened in Switzerland in comparison with the USA and a number of other leading countries. Yet Swiss registration criteria are still among the strictest anywhere and are highly regarded throughout the world.

New incoming companies are offered substantial tax benefits and other incentives. In addition, Switzerland is known for its stable currency, excellent banking infrastructure and free convertibility. Careful comparison of operating costs including tax benefits, social contributions, working hours and productivity shows that Geneva is highly competitive and offers excellent value for money.

Visit

Serono press release via: Link

Geneva region: ideal location for global healthcare and life science companies: Link

Geneva – Crossroads of European biotech: Link

‘Geneva in healthcare & life sciences’: Link

BioAlps initiative and Internet portal: Link

Reducing biotech time-to-market: Link

Geneprot web site and press release: Link

UNITEC – From discovery to innovation: Link

Geneva’s world-class infrastructure and advantages

‘Why high-tech leaders choose Geneva’: Link

US team identifies Geneva’s winning formula - Location, Language, Lifestyle, Labor and Laws : Link

World-class infrastructure: Link

Ideal business location at the heart of Europe: Link

Business-friendly environment: Link

Multiinational companies in Geneva: Link

International organisations in Geneva: Link