Obetech LLC, a tenant in the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park, has signed a joint venture with Scandinavian Clinical Nutrition to further develop advanced diagnostics and therapeutic solutions for virus-induced obesity.

Obetech has developed a diagnostic test for those who have been infected with a particular common cold virus, sometimes called the "the obesity virus."

The virus, the company said, has been shown to trigger the size and number of fat cells, which ultimately can lead to obesity in the infected person.

Obetech offers a diagnostic test which checks for the virus' antibodies in the blood.

The Swedish company focuses on development and distribution of dietary supplements. Obetech's partnership with Scandinavian Clinical Nutrition will create a new Swedish company, Scandivir, which will be owned by both companies.

The study is supported by a $950,000 grant from the U.S.-Israel Bi-National Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRDF). Leaders from the Virginia Israel Bioscience Commercialization Center (VIBCC) helped to foster Israeli interest in research at VCU.

The clinical trial, designed by Massey principal investigator Ray Lee, M.D., Ph.D., involves a novel targeted therapeutic agent developed by BioCancell of Jerusalem and will offer new hope for one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers.

“This collaboration is a tangible outcome of the initiative launched by the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park more than a year ago to recruit Israeli life science companies with innovative products and technologies to Virginia and the Research Park,” said Robert T. Skunda, President and CEO of the research park.

“The world, indeed, is getting flatter,” said Donna Edmonds, executive director of the Virginia Israel Bioscience Commercialization Center. “By importing and exporting high-quality medical research and building collaborative clinical studies such as this, we can work toward saving more lives of people with cancer in Virginia and across the globe.”

Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, said, “Having an organization dedicated to promoting Virginia’s academic, clinical and biotechnological expertise is a boon to the Commonwealth. As federal funding for cancer research in the United States has shrunken in the face of expanding scientific opportunities for better treatment and prevention, it’s vital that we explore international collaborations and funding sources, too. We are grateful to the VIBCC for serving as a beacon to guide international funding and research opportunities to us.”

About Pancreatic Cancer - About 30,000 people die from pancreatic cancer each year. It has a high mortality rate and ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death as its symptoms often do not present until the disease is in a late stage. Fewer than 5 percent of patients survive for more than five years, giving pancreatic cancer the lowest survival rate of any common cancer type.

Currently the best treatment option for pancreatic cancer is through high-risk surgical removal of part of the pancreas. However, if the cancer affects surrounding vessels and lymph nodes, surgery often is not an option. Chemotherapy and radiation provide alternative treatment options, however, the median survival rate on those protocols is just one year.

About the Clinical Trial - This study involves a novel, gene-based therapy for pancreatic cancer developed by BioCancell. Its new therapeutic agent links a DNA fragment that is responsible for tumor-specific expression of a gene, with a suicidal toxin gene. When the agent is injected directly into the tumor, the DNA fragment will induce the expression of the suicidal toxin in the cancer cells but not in normal tissue. The researchers expect to avoid damaging normal tissue while killing tumor cells.

Candidates for the study are adults with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who are not candidates for immediate surgical resection. Researchers will inject the new agent into cancer directly through a laparoscopic procedure.

Using this approach in pancreatic cancer, they hope that tumors could be down-staged from unresectable status, or inoperable, to resectable, giving patients a better chance of remission.

This agent has been tested and shown to be effective in animal models and anecdotally in two metastatic cancer patients in Israel. The liver lesions of those two patients showed success in shrinkage.

Beginning in the summer of 2008, Massey expects to begin enrolling patients. Lee is the principal investigator, and Brian Kaplan, M.D., a surgical oncologist at Massey, will be the co-principal investigator performing the laparoscopic surgery. Abraham Czerniak, M.D., Ph.D., of Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel, will be responsible for the Israeli arm of the study, which expects to enroll one-third of the total patient base.

About the VCU Massey Cancer Center - The VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of 63 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that leads and shapes America’s cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, the Center conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education. Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers more clinical trials than any other institution in Virginia, serving patients in Richmond and in four satellite locations. Its 1,000 researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately to cure cancer. Visit Massey online at www.massey.vcu.edu or call 1-877-4-MASSEY.

About BioCancel - BioCancell Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceuticals corporation specializing in the development of patient-oriented, targeted therapy for the treatment of numerous types of cancer. The Company's proprietary technology constitutes a novel paradigm for the targeted destruction of cancer cells, with no effect on normal surrounding tissue and no observed side effects, allowing for long-term, safe treatment and prevention of cancer.

BioCancell was co-founded in 2004 by Avraham Hochberg, Professor of Molecular Biology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, based on technology developed by him over the past 15 years.

In 2006, BioCancell successfully completed a private round of funding and an initial public offering totaling $8.5 million. Its securities are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, with the major stockholders being Clal Biotechnology Industries (a member of the IDB group of companies), and Prof. Hochberg. For more information, please visit www.biocancell.com.

BioCancell's Technology – Patient-Oriented, Targeted Therapy - BioCancell’s technology is both personal and targeted. The approach is based on the identification of particular genes that are highly expressed only in tumors ("Target Genes"). The regulatory sequences of these Target Genes are used to drive the expression of a toxin gene exclusively within tumor cells, enabling targeted tumor-cell destruction, leaving normal cells intact. In effect, the plasmid acts as “smart bombs,” activated only inside their targets thus destroying only the cancerous cells, while leaving healthy cells intact.

The patient's eligibility for the treatment is determined by analyzing the patient's tumor for the expression of the specific Target Genes. The diagnosis of the expression of the Target Genes are, therefore, a prerequisite for treatment and is made possible through the Company's proprietary diagnostic technology that enables detection of even a single malignant cell. Only those patients with high expression levels of the Target Genes in their tumor are eligible for treatment with high confidence of success. The Company has designated two genes as Target Genes – H19 and IGF2.

H19 Gene - Discovered by Professor Avraham Hochberg in humans, H19 is an oncofetal gene that encodes RNA (with no protein product) that is expressed at high levels in over 30 types of human cancer tissues, while existing at a nearly undetectable level in the surrounding normal tissues, thus making it an optimal weapon in the fight against cancer.

The gene is expressed abundantly in the human placenta and in several embryonic tissues, but is repressed post-natally and only re-expressed with the appearance of cancer, within cancer cells. Studies show that H19 fulfills an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, and it is thought that the gene enables tumor cells to survive and proliferate under stress conditions.

About Virginia Biotechnology Research Park - The Virginia BioTechnology Research Park is currently home to a unique mix of more than 55 public and private bioscience companies, research institutes affiliated with the VCU Medical Center and major state and national medical laboratories. These companies are housed in nine buildings totaling more than 1.1 million square feet of space, representing an employee base that exceeds 2,000. The VBDC is the Park’s business assistance program located in its 27,000 square-foot incubator. Since opening in 1995, 63 companies have started in the Park’s incubator facility; 31 of which have graduated into larger spaces in the Park or greater Richmond community. The Park’s Commercialization Center has been created to take incubator graduates through commercialization to M&A or IPO, giving the Park’s tenants full-scale business assistance. To date, the Park has graduated three companies that are now publicly traded.

About Virginia Israel Bioscience Commercialization Center - In addition to the Park’s nationally recognized incubator program, the Virginia Biosciences Development Center, the newly formed VIBCC provides substantial support, experience and expertise in bringing “graduates” of Israeli incubator programs to successfully commercialize their products, making them more likely candidates for additional funding sources, business alliances and exit options. Specifically, the VIBCC assists companies in developing tailored commercialization strategies, including regulatory and reimbursement support, obtaining market validation, supporting product launch through national clinical leadership networks and assisting in the ongoing funding process, as well as formation of strategic partnerships with industry leaders.

By John Reid Blackwell, Times-Dispatch Staff Writer

When the lights go on at the Altria Group Inc. headquarters today, they will signal the arrival of the latest Fortune 500 company to the Richmond area.

Altria bid farewell Friday to New York City and joins its Henrico County-based subsidiary, Philip Morris USA, the nation's largest cigarette maker, in Virginia.

The move was expected, having been announced as a next step after Altria spun off its international cigarette division. Philip Morris International became a stand-alone unit Friday.

The relocation won't bring many employees to the Richmond area -- company officials have said only a small number made the move from New York. Philip Morris USA had 5,630 full-time equivalent employees in the Richmond area as of Jan. 1.

But the move helps keep the Richmond area on an even keel in the number of Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies that have headquarters here.

They are the nation's largest publicly-traded companies by revenue, as ranked annually by Fortune magazine.

One local Fortune 500 company, Goochland County-based Performance Food Group, announced in January that it agreed to be acquired by two private equity firms for $1.3 billion, in a deal expected to close in June. That would remove the company from the Fortune 500.

"With Performance Food going private, [the Altria relocation] will effectively swap out one [company] for another and keep our total number of Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in the Richmond area at 13," said Greg Wingfield, president of the Greater Richmond Partnership. The regional economic development group has made one of its goals recruiting more corporate headquarters to the area.

Having a significant number of Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies here can give the Richmond area an edge in attracting new businesses, Wingfield said.

Altria ranked 23rd on the 2007 Fortune 500 list, with more than $70 billion in revenue. The spinoff of its international cigarette division takes a huge chunk out of its revenue, but Philip Morris USA brought in about $18.5 billion in revenue in 2007, more than enough to keep Altria on the Fortune 500, even without the international business.

Altria owns Philip Morris USA, Pennsylvania-based cigar company John Middleton Inc., and a 28.6 percent stake in Britain-based beer maker SABMiller PLC.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee to Virginia,” said Governor Kaine. “Hanover County’s proximity to the company’s current customer base as well as the Commonwealth’s business climate both drove the company’s decision for Virginia. The value of the Port of Virginia in economic development was underscored as Mother Parkers plans to bring the bulk of its green coffee and raw tea through our port.”

Established in 1912 and headquartered in (Toronto) Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, privately owned Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee has grown into a leading expert in traditional and specialty coffee, tea and complementary beverage solutions for the retail and food service industries. Mother Parkers' operations have seen steady expansion over the decades with operations in (Toronto) Mississauga, Ontario and Fort Worth, Texas. Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. employs approximately 450 people in its Canadian operations and 150 people in the United States.

“Mother Parkers is thrilled to open a Virginia facility,” said Michael Higgins, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. “In addition to the proximity of the Port of Virginia, the superior workforce in Hanover County and the business-friendly climate prevalent in the Commonwealth sealed the deal.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Town of Ashland, Hanover County Economic Development and Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved $200,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hanover County with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Hanover County is proud to be the location of choice for Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee, especially following such a thorough and competitive search for a location that would provide the perfect setting for a company of such quality,” said Mr. Aubrey “Bucky” Stanley, Chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. “This new investment in our community represents a true partnership between Mother Parkers, the county and the Town of Ashland officials and staff. Both jurisdictions and the company made significant contributions to identify the perfect site, and create a unique, problem-solving team to ensure the perfect environment for this very unique building. Hanover County looks forward to Mother Parkers involvement in our community and more partnership opportunities with the Town of Ashland.”

The new 9,508 square foot office expansion and 4,500 square foot maintenance shop with related site work will achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification. Green building design elements include bioswales and drought tolerant native plants around the site, oak flooring extracted from another building, low VOC finishes, lighting controls and a high performance building shell and mechanical system. The exterior façade was designed to be reflective of the traditional “Richmond Warehouse”.

The offices are located in the heart of the Manchester District’s art community. As part of their commitment to supporting the art community, W. M. Jordan will showcase local, original art in their facility.

Current and recent Richmond projects include VCU’s Critical Care Tower, Bon Secours Imaging Center, VCU Monroe Campus Housing, Westminster Canterbury Richmond – Parson Health Care Renovation, and the Washington Building Renovation.

W. M. Jordan Company has offices in Richmond and Newport News and provides construction management, preconstruction services, design/build services and general contracting to diverse clientele across Virginia.

“I congratulate Aspen Products on its first Virginia facility,” said Governor Kaine. “The company needed a location centrally located on the east coast and the City of Richmond stepped up with a great building location and a ready workforce. This significant investment and employment opportunity will greatly benefit central Virginia.”

“Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Aspen Products is a privately held company that has met disposable plate needs for more than 30 years.

“The Richmond expansion is a terrific next step for our company to strengthen our existing customer relationships and create opportunities for new clientele along the East Coast of the United States,” said Shannon Walls, Plant Manager for the Richmond location. “We saw opportunities locating in the City of Richmond for its infrastructure support with rail service and fitting our vision for the expansion. It makes a good match for Aspen Products Inc. and the City of Richmond. I would be remiss if I did not thank the economic development professionals at the local, regional and state levels. We are looking forward to enhancing our customer service from our new Richmond location.”

“The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Richmond and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. The company is locating in a Virginia Enterprise Zone and is eligible to receive benefits through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“This is another example to show that the City of Richmond is a highly attractive place for businesses to locate,” said Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. “What motivates a company like Aspen Products Inc. to come here is Richmond’s diverse business community, numerous resources and strong quality of life. We welcome Aspen Products to its new home in the City.”

By John Reid Blackwell, Times-Dispatch Staff Writer

The Richmond-based biopharmaceutical firm Insmed Inc. has new hope for its drug Iplex.

Insmed is getting a $2.1 million grant to support clinical testing of the drug for treatment of a type of muscular dystrophy.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association announced the grant this week to Insmed, which already has conducted initial clinical trials on Iplex. The drug showed promise in treating myotonic muscular dystrophy, which causes weakness, muscle atrophy and cognitive problems. The disease affects about 37,000 people in the United States, said Geoffrey Allan, Insmed's chief executive officer.

"We have seen that up to 70 percent of patients treated with this drug have improved their endurance and ability to walk," Allan said. "They have improved muscle mass."

As part of a patent-infringement lawsuit that was settled settlement in March, Insmed agreed to pull Iplex from the market for treatment of a rare growth disorder, but the company still can develop and sell the drug for other diseases, such as insulin resistance and an HIV-related condition.

Iplex has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of muscular dystrophy. Allan said the company will conduct a six-month clinical trial involving 60 patients.

"Depending on how the data come out, we will talk with the FDA," he said. "We would like to see the drug in the marketplace around 2010 or 2011."

Allan said annual sales could be worth $500 million. "It represents a huge opportunity for a small biotechnology company."

Insmed employs about 100 people, including about 30 in Richmond. The rest work at a manufacturing plant in Colorado.

Richmond, VA – Alfa Laval Inc., with its US headquarters in Richmond, has acquired the US-based company DSO Fluid Handling Co., Inc. DSO is a manufacturer of maintenance and replacement parts primarily for pumps and valves for the sanitary processing industries.

Based in Irvington, NJ, DSO provides parts to distributors around the world. Founded in 1993, DSO has 20 employees and an annual turnover of approximately $8 million.

Alfa Laval, a world leader in the fields of fluid handling, centrifugal separation and heat transfer, will maintain DSO as a complementary channel for replacement parts for the sanitary industry, mainly targeted in the US.

Alfa Laval in brief: Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.

The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol.

Alfa Laval’s products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications.

Alfa Laval’s worldwide organization works closely with customers in nearly 100 countries to help them stay ahead in the global arena. Alfa Laval is listed on the Nordic Exchange, Nordic Large Cap, and, in 2006, posted annual sales of about $2.0 billion (approximately 2.2 billion euros). The company has approximately 10,000 employees.

For more information, contact Chip Bresette, 804-545-8125, www.alfalalval.us

Richmond, VA – Alfa Laval Inc., with its US headquarters in Richmond, has acquired the American company AGC Engineering Inc. The company provides service for sanitary plate heat exchangers as well as heat exchangers for the dairy and food processing industries. The company, which has 65 employees located throughout the country, has two factories located in Portland, OR, and Bristow, VA.

Alfa Laval Inc., a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, is adding AGC as a complementary channel for the sales of heat exchangers and heat exchanger parts and service. It will also expand the range of heat exchangers available for the dairy and food processing industries, mainly in the USA.

The two organizations will go to market independently of each other in accordance with Alfa Laval’s multi-brand strategy.

Alfa Laval in brief: Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.

The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol.

Alfa Laval’s products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications.

Alfa Laval’s worldwide organization works closely with customers in nearly 100 countries to help them stay ahead in the global arena. Alfa Laval is listed on the Nordic Exchange, Nordic Large Cap, and, in 2006, posted annual sales of about $2.0 billion (approximately 2.2 billion euros). The company has approximately 10,000 employees.

For more information, contact Chip Bresette, 804-545-8125, www.alfalalval.us