While DG Research has delayed its update on the European Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan until next June, the Central and Eastern Bioregions presented a blueprint that proposes key actions aimed at integrating the goals of the European Commission’s circular economy and the bioeconomy strategies.

Norwegion immuno-oncology play Targovax has promoted Øystein Soug, previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer, to the role of Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Gunnar Gårdemyr, who has stepped down.

When the European Patent Office created the Early Certainty Initiative, it looked at the needs of its customers to obtain its IP quickly. However, 25% of all patents granted in Europe come from the life sciences sector where products have long development periods and high failure rates before proof of concept. European Biotechnology spoke with stakeholders from Big Pharma and biotech on how the obligation to examine and grant a patent within 12 months could impact them. 

A new analysis comparing the amount of funding invested into stem cell research clearly demonstrates declining investment in Germany. In contrast, the US, the UK, Sweden and Japan have increased their investments into the future field.

Finnish-Swedish biomaterial expert Stora Enso has appointed Annica Bresky as Executive Vice President, Consumer Board division and member of the Group Leadership Team. Bresky joins from Iggesund Paperboard AB, part of the Swedish Holmen Group, where she held the position of President and CEO. 

Investors are once again flocking to back biotechs in Europe. Belgian Life Sciences fund Fund+ has raised €125m – a quarter more than initially anticipated. 

Irish drug developer Icon plc has announced that, come March 2017, Steve Cutler will take over the leadership of the company. He succeeds Ciaran Murray, who will in turn transition to the role of Chairman of the Board. 

Part microbe, part machine: cyborg bacteria developed at ETH Zurich could revolutionise the biotechnological production of molecules. The bacteria have been engineered to respond to light signals.

Nordic Nanovector is expanding its foothold in cancer-fighting ADCs. The Oslo-based biotech has inked a leukaemia pact with Wilex subsidiary Heidelberg Pharma.

The enhanced Taq DNA polymerase, available in standard and hot-start formats, offers a balance between performance and value.