opm Second Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development Project (Phase 2) By www.adb.org Published On :: 2025 The proposed SMEDP2-Phase 2 will consist of a $100 million concessional loan from ADB's ordinary capital resources and an attached technical assistance of $950,000 in aggregate from TASF-7 and Financial Sector Development Partnership Special Fund. It will finance the continuation and expansion of activities financed under the SMEDP2 project by increasing the number and size of commercially viable cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs), as well as supporting employment in the CMSME sector. Full Article
opm Supporting Renewable Energy Development By www.adb.org Published On :: 2025 The project will support increased contributions of clean energy in Mongolia's energy mix while also supporting energy security, efficiency, and resilience. The project will finance the construction of a new 220 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect to the 90-megawatt (MW) Erdeneburen hydropower plant (HPP) to the existing grid network, which will increase supply in the Western Energy System (WES), eliminate costly and high-emission imports from the Russian Federation, and facilitate maximized utilization of wind and solar generating capacity. Full Article
opm Northern China Agriculture and Food Ecosystem Low-Carbon and Climate Resilient Development Project By www.adb.org Published On :: 2025 The proposed Northern China Agriculture and Food Ecosystem Net Zero Transformation Project (project) will support the PRC to achieve its climate commitment through catalyzing financing and strengthening institutional capacity for net zero transformation in agriculture and food ecosystem. Full Article
opm Resilient Amu Darya River Basin Sector Development Program By www.adb.org Published On :: 2025 The proposed project will undertake a long-term and strategic approach to deliver climate adaptive solutions for water resources management in the Amu Darya River Basins in Uzbekistan. Predicted climate change impacts include increased temperatures, increased frequency and severity of extreme events such as floods and droughts, and a reduction of water availability and increased variability of water flows in the major river basins. Decreasing availability and increased water requirements by different sectors are leading to a growing seasonal and absolute supply-demand gap. Full Article
opm Capacity Development for Portfolio Quality Improvement By www.adb.org Published On :: 2026 The TA will provide implementation support to a series of ongoing and ensuing projects. It's objective will be to strengthen the quality of implementation of ongoing projects. The focus will be on procurement, contract management, DPP/TAPP approvals, project design and management. Full Article
opm Evaluation of Wind Potential for Renewable Energy Development By www.adb.org Published On :: 2026 The TA will focus on evaluating the wind potential of various site/s for government investment in wind energy. A feasibility analysis of viable wind sites will be carried out, which will inform the government on the scale of wind projects and how best to develop this potential. The TA will also fund the equipment for measuring wind speeds and directions to confirm site selection and build capacity for wind energy development in the EA. Full Article
opm Encouraging Your Baby's Babbling May Speed Language Development By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 PDT Title: Encouraging Your Baby's Babbling May Speed Language DevelopmentCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/29/2014 9:36:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/29/2014 12:00:00 AM Full Article
opm The chromatin tapestry as a framework for neurodevelopment [MINI-REVIEW] By genome.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-10-29T06:46:07-07:00 The neuronal nucleus houses a meticulously organized genome. Within this structure, genetic material is not simply compacted but arranged into a precise and functional 3D chromatin landscape essential for cellular regulation. This mini-review highlights the importance of this chromatin landscape in healthy neurodevelopment, as well as the diseases that occur with aberrant chromatin architecture. We discuss insights into the fundamental mechanistic relationship between histone modifications, DNA methylation, and genome organization. We then discuss findings that reveal how these epigenetic features change throughout normal neurodevelopment. Finally, we highlight single-gene neurodevelopmental disorders that illustrate the interdependence of epigenetic features, showing how disruptions in DNA methylation or genome architecture can ripple across the entire epigenome. As such, we emphasize the importance of measuring multiple chromatin architectural aspects, as the disruption of one mechanism can likely impact others in the intricate epigenetic network. This mini-review underscores the vast gaps in our understanding of chromatin structure in neurodevelopmental diseases and the substantial research needed to understand the interplay between chromatin features and neurodevelopment. Full Article
opm A Strategic Guide to Improve and De-Risk Vaccine Development: CEPIs CMC Framework By journal.pda.org Published On :: 2024-10-22T08:20:35-07:00 The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has developed a robust CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) Framework to enhance the likelihood of successful vaccine development. This Framework serves as a comprehensive guide, aiding developers in building effective strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the different phases of vaccine development, including the ones often referred to as the "valleys of death". The Framework lists stage-appropriate deliverables, categorized and refined, spanning five key areas: manufacturing process, formulation and stability, analytics, supply chain, and compliance. By emphasizing the critical aspects of CMC development, CEPI's objective is to expedite the progression of vaccine candidates from research to deployment, reducing delays, mitigating risks, and optimizing the overall development process, all while upholding uncompromising quality standards, ultimately increasing the probability of success. Full Article
opm Development and Validation of a Customized Amplex UltraRed Assay for Sensitive Hydrogen Peroxide Detection in Pharmaceutical Water By journal.pda.org Published On :: 2024-10-22T08:20:35-07:00 For clean-room technologies such as isolators and restricted access barrier systems (RABS), decontamination using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is increasingly attractive to fulfill regulatory requirements. Several approaches are currently used, ranging from manual wipe disinfection to vapor phase hydrogen peroxide (VPHP) or automated nebulization sanitization. Although the residual airborne H2O2 concentration can be easily monitored, detection of trace H2O2 residues in filled products is rather challenging. To simulate the filling process in a specific clean room, technical runs with water for injection (WfI) are popular. Thus, the ability to detect traces of H2O2 in water is an important prerequisite to ensure a safe and reliable use of H2O2 for isolator or clean room decontamination. The objective of this study was to provide a validated quantitative, fluorometric Amplex UltraRed assay, which satisfies the analytical target profile of quantifying H2O2 in WfI at low nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations (ppb range) with high accuracy and high precision. The Amplex UltraRed technology provides a solid basis for this purpose; however, no commercial assay kit that fulfills these requirements is available. Therefore, a customized Amplex UltraRed assay was developed, optimized, and validated. This approach resulted in an assay that is capable of quantifying H2O2 in WfI selectively, sensitively, accurately, precisely, and robustly. This assay is used in process development and qualification approaches using WfI in H2O2-decontaminated clean rooms and isolators. Full Article
opm The small noncoding RNA Vaultrc5 is dispensable to mouse development [ARTICLE] By rnajournal.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T07:18:13-07:00 Vault RNAs (vtRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNAs transcribed by RNA polymerase III. Vault RNAs were initially described as components of the vault particle, but have since been assigned multiple vault-independent functions, including regulation of PKR activity, apoptosis, autophagy, lysosome biogenesis, and viral particle trafficking. The full-length transcript has also been described as a noncanonical source of miRNAs, which are processed in a DICER-dependent manner. As central molecules in vault-dependent and independent processes, vtRNAs have been attributed numerous biological roles, including regulation of cell proliferation and survival, response to viral infections, drug resistance, and animal development. Yet, their impact to mammalian physiology remains largely unexplored. To study vault RNAs in vivo, we generated a mouse line with a conditional Vaultrc5 loss-of-function allele. Because Vaultrc5 is the sole murine vtRNA, this allele enables the characterization of the physiological requirements of this conserved class of small regulatory RNAs in mammals. Using this strain, we show that mice constitutively null for Vaultrc5 are viable and histologically normal but have a slight reduction in platelet counts, pointing to a potential role for vtRNAs in hematopoiesis. This work paves the way for further in vivo characterizations of this abundant but mysterious RNA molecule. Specifically, it enables the study of the biological consequences of constitutive or lineage-specific Vaultrc5 deletion and of the physiological requirements for an intact Vaultrc5 during normal hematopoiesis or in response to cellular stresses such as oncogene expression, viral infection, or drug treatment. Full Article
opm Family Planning, Reproductive Health, and Progress Toward the Sustainable Development Goals: Reflections and Directions on the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development By ghspjournal.org Published On :: 2024-10-29T12:28:39-07:00 Full Article
opm Can the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and Cairo Consensus Normalize the Discourse on Population? By ghspjournal.org Published On :: 2024-10-29T12:28:39-07:00 Full Article
opm Development and Piloting of Implementation Strategies to Support Delivery of a Clinical Intervention for Postpartum Hemorrhage in Four sub-Saharan Africa Countries By ghspjournal.org Published On :: 2024-10-29T12:28:39-07:00 ABSTRACTIntroduction:Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of maternal mortality. A new clinical intervention (E-MOTIVE) holds the potential to improve early PPH detection and management. We aimed to develop and pilot implementation strategies to support uptake of this intervention in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania.Methods:Implementation strategy development: We triangulated findings from qualitative interviews, surveys and a qualitative evidence synthesis to identify current PPH care practices and influences on future intervention implementation. We mapped influences using implementation science frameworks to identify candidate implementation strategies before presenting these at stakeholder consultation and design workshops to discuss feasibility, acceptability, and local adaptations. Piloting: The intervention and implementation strategies were piloted in 12 health facilities (3 per country) over 3 months. Interviews (n=58), case report forms (n=1,269), and direct observations (18 vaginal births, 7 PPHs) were used to assess feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity.Results:Implementation strategy development: Key influences included shortages of drugs, supplies, and staff, limited in-service training, and perceived benefits of the intervention (e.g., more accurate PPH detection and reduced PPH mortality). Proposed implementation strategies included a PPH trolley, on-site simulation-based training, champions, and audit and feedback. Country-specific adaptations included merging the E-MOTIVE intervention with national maternal health trainings, adapting local PPH protocols, and PPH trollies depending on staff needs. Piloting: Intervention and implementation strategy fidelity differed within and across countries. Calibrated drapes resulted in earlier and more accurate PPH detection but were not consistently used at the start. Implementation strategies were feasible to deliver; however, some instances of limited use were observed (e.g., PPH trolley and skills practice after training).Conclusion:Systematic intervention development, piloting, and process evaluation helped identify initial challenges related to intervention fidelity, which were addressed ahead of a larger-scale effectiveness evaluation. This has helped maximize the internal validity of the trial. Full Article
opm Analgesic Properties of Next-Generation Modulators of Endocannabinoid Signaling: Leveraging Modern Tools for the Development of Novel Therapeutics [Special Section: Cannabinoid Signaling in Human Health and Disease-Minireview] By jpet.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-18T07:04:15-07:00 Targeting the endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling system for pain relief is an important treatment option that is only now beginning to be mechanistically explored. In this review, we focus on two recently appreciated cannabinoid-based targeting strategies, treatments with cannabidiol (CBD) and α/β-hydrolase domain containing 6 (ABHD6) inhibitors, which have the exciting potential to produce pain relief through distinct mechanisms of action and without intoxication. We review evidence on plant-derived cannabinoids for pain, with an emphasis on CBD and its multiple molecular targets expressed in pain pathways. We also discuss the function of eCB signaling in regulating pain responses and the therapeutic promises of inhibitors targeting ABHD6, a 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)-hydrolyzing enzyme. Finally, we discuss how the novel cannabinoid biosensor GRABeCB2.0 may be leveraged to enable the discovery of targets modulated by cannabinoids at a circuit-specific level. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cannabis has been used by humans as an effective medicine for millennia, including for pain management. Recent evidence emphasizes the therapeutic potential of compounds that modulate endocannabinoid signaling. Specifically, cannabidiol and inhibitors of the enzyme ABHD6 represent promising strategies to achieve pain relief by modulating endocannabinoid signaling in pain pathways via distinct, nonintoxicating mechanisms of action. Full Article
opm Bile Acid Signaling in Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases and Drug Development [Review Article] By pharmrev.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T07:40:25-07:00 Bile acids are the end products of cholesterol catabolism. Hepatic bile acid synthesis accounts for a major fraction of daily cholesterol turnover in humans. Biliary secretion of bile acids generates bile flow and facilitates biliary secretion of lipids, endogenous metabolites, and xenobiotics. In intestine, bile acids facilitate the digestion and absorption of dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. Through activation of nuclear receptors and G protein-coupled receptors and interaction with gut microbiome, bile acids critically regulate host metabolism and innate and adaptive immunity and are involved in the pathogenesis of cholestasis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, type-2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Bile acids and their derivatives have been developed as potential therapeutic agents for treating chronic metabolic and inflammatory liver diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. Significance Statement Bile acids facilitate biliary cholesterol solubilization and dietary lipid absorption, regulate host metabolism and immunity, and modulate gut microbiome. Targeting bile acid metabolism and signaling holds promise for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Full Article
opm Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: The Old Pandoras Box with an Ever-Growing Hope for Therapy Optimization and Drug Development--Editorial [Editorial] By pharmrev.aspetjournals.org Published On :: 2024-10-16T07:40:25-07:00 Full Article
opm Deep molecular tracking over the 12-yr development of endometrial cancer from hyperplasia in a single patient [RESEARCH REPORT] By molecularcasestudies.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-01-10T08:13:38-08:00 Although the progressive histologic steps leading to endometrial cancer (EndoCA), the most common female reproductive tract malignancy, from endometrial hyperplasia are well-established, the molecular changes accompanying this malignant transformation in a single patient have never been described. We had the unique opportunity to investigate the paired histologic and molecular features associated with the 12-yr development of EndoCA in a postmenopausal female who could not undergo hysterectomy and instead underwent progesterone treatment. Using a specially designed 58-gene next-generation sequencing panel, we analyzed a total of 10 sequential biopsy samples collected over this time frame. A total of eight pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in seven genes, APC, ARID1A, CTNNB1, CDKN2A, KRAS, PTEN, and TP53, were identified. A PTEN nonsense mutation p.W111* was present in all samples analyzed except histologically normal endometrium. Apart from this PTEN mutation, the only other recurrent mutation was KRAS G12D, which was present in six biopsy samplings, including histologically normal tissue obtained at the patient's first visit but not detectable in the cancer. The PTEN p.W111* mutant allele fractions were lowest in benign, inactive endometrial glands (0.7%), highest in adenocarcinoma (36.9%), and, notably, were always markedly reduced following progesterone treatment. To our knowledge, this report provides the first molecular characterization of EndoCA development in a single patient. A single PTEN mutation was present throughout the 12 years of cancer development. Importantly, and with potential significance toward medical and nonsurgical management of EndoCA, progesterone treatments were consistently noted to markedly decrease PTEN mutant allele fractions to precancerous levels. Full Article
opm Novel pathogenic UQCRC2 variants in a female with normal neurodevelopment [RESEARCH REPORT] By molecularcasestudies.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-01-10T08:13:38-08:00 Electron transport chain (ETC) disorders are a group of rare, multisystem diseases caused by impaired oxidative phosphorylation and energy production. Deficiencies in complex III (CIII), also known as ubiquinol–cytochrome c reductase, are particularly rare in humans. Ubiquinol–cytochrome c reductase core protein 2 (UQCRC2) encodes a subunit of CIII that plays a crucial role in dimerization. Several pathogenic UQCRC2 variants have been identified in patients presenting with metabolic abnormalities that include lactic acidosis, hyperammonemia, hypoglycemia, and organic aciduria. Almost all previously reported UQCRC2-deficient patients exhibited neurodevelopmental involvement, including developmental delays and structural brain anomalies. Here, we describe a girl who presented at 3 yr of age with lactic acidosis, hyperammonemia, and hypoglycemia but has not shown any evidence of neurodevelopmental dysfunction by age 15. Whole-exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for two novel variants in UQCRC2: c.1189G>A; p.Gly397Arg and c.437T>C; p.Phe146Ser. Here, we discuss the patient's clinical presentation and the likely pathogenicity of these two missense variants. Full Article
opm De novo TRPM3 missense variant associated with neurodevelopmental delay and manifestations of cerebral palsy [RESEARCH ARTICLE] By molecularcasestudies.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-01-10T08:13:38-08:00 We identified a de novo heterozygous transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 3 (TRPM3) missense variant, p.(Asn1126Asp), in a patient with developmental delay and manifestations of cerebral palsy (CP) using phenotype-driven prioritization analysis of whole-genome sequencing data with Exomiser. The variant is localized in the functionally important ion transport domain of the TRPM3 protein and predicted to impact the protein structure. Our report adds TRPM3 to the list of Mendelian disease–associated genes that can be associated with CP and provides further evidence for the pathogenicity of the variant p.(Asn1126Asp). Full Article
opm [Developmental Biology] Glial Cell Development and Function in the Zebrafish Central Nervous System By cshperspectives.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-11-01T06:50:52-07:00 Over the past decades the zebrafish has emerged as an excellent model organism with which to study the biology of all glial cell types in nervous system development, plasticity, and regeneration. In this review, which builds on the earlier work by Lyons and Talbot in 2015, we will summarize how the relative ease to manipulate the zebrafish genome and its suitability for intravital imaging have helped understand principles of glial cell biology with a focus on oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. We will highlight recent findings on the diverse properties and functions of these glial cell types in the central nervous system and discuss open questions and future directions of the field. Full Article
opm [PERSPECTIVES] Developmental Dysregulation of Childhood Cancer By perspectivesinmedicine.cshlp.org Published On :: 2024-11-01T07:17:20-07:00 Most childhood cancers possess distinct clinicopathological profiles from those seen in adulthood, reflecting their divergent mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Rather than depending on the decades-long, stepwise accumulation of changes within a mature cell that defines adult carcinomas, many pediatric malignancies emerge rapidly as the consequence of random errors during development. These errors—whether they be genetic, epigenetic, or microenvironmental—characteristically block maturation, resulting in phenotypically primitive neoplasms. Only an event that falls within a narrow set of spatiotemporal parameters will forge a malignant clone; if it occurs too soon then the event might be lethal, or negatively selected against, while if it is too late or in an incorrectly primed precursor cell then the necessary intracellular conditions for transformation will not be met. The precise characterization of these changes, through the study of normal tissues and tumors from patients and model systems, will be essential if we are to develop new strategies to diagnose, treat, and perhaps even prevent childhood cancer. Full Article
opm After dismal start, UN hosts 'halftime summit' in bid to save development plan By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:00 EDT After a dismal start, the UN is hosting a "halftime summit" about its 15-year plan to meet a series of human-development targets by 2030. Delegates will try to focus on problems like extreme poverty and gender equality while watching for sparks between the representatives of Ukraine and Russia. Full Article News/World
opm DevOps, LLMs, and the Software Development Singularity By gigaom.com Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:17:08 +0000 A Brief History of DevOps To understand the future of DevOps, it’s worth understanding its past—which I can recall with a level The post DevOps, LLMs, and the Software Development Singularity appeared first on Gigaom. Full Article
opm Teenaged Shola Jimoh impresses at men's soccer training session, offering evidence of CPL development strategy By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 10:25:37 EST It didn't take long to see what makes 16-year-old Shola Jimoh a prospect for Canada's men's soccer team. In a frenzied training session on Wednesday, he was always on the attack, always on the balls of his feet, leaving coach Jesse Marsch impressed. Full Article Sports/Soccer/CPL
opm Roguelite ‘Coromon: Rogue Planet’ in Development for Release on iOS, Android, Switch, and Steam in 2025 By toucharcade.com Published On :: Mon, 02 Sep 2024 18:51:13 +0000 Following developer TRAGsoft bringing monster collecting game Coromon to mobile after it debuted on PC and Switch, we are getting … Continue reading "Roguelite ‘Coromon: Rogue Planet’ in Development for Release on iOS, Android, Switch, and Steam in 2025" Full Article Android Featured Games iPad Games iPhone games News Universal Upcoming Games Coromon: Rogue Planet
opm Sacramento-based Zennify buys Virginia tech firm specialized in AI development By www.bizjournals.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:39:07 +0000 Sacramento-based Zennify, a tech consulting firm for financial service companies, has acquired Terazo, a digital engineering firm based in Richmond, Virginia. Full Article
opm Webinar to focus on IT workforce development By www.bizjournals.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:34:54 +0000 The free virtual event is hosted by SolluCIO Partners, a Seattle-based company with a presence in Hawaii. Full Article
opm House, Senate strike a deal on economic development bill By www.bizjournals.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 01:21:02 +0000 Top Democrats on Tuesday evening filed a compromise economic development bill containing state support for the life sciences and climate technology industries, ticket sales regulations, a new live theater tax credit, educator diversity reforms and more. Full Article
opm Five steps to successful medical device development By www.medicalplasticsnews.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:30:00 -0000 Dr Euan McBrearty, head of commerical & innovation, Wideblue shares five steps to successful medical device development. Full Article
opm Transforming healthcare: CinnaGen’s leadership in follow-on biologicals/ biosimilars development and market expansion By www.gabionline.net Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:18:16 +0000 <p> <b>Abstract</b><br />CinnaGen, the largest biopharmaceutical company in the MENA region, is a leader in developing follow-on biologicals/biosimilars. Dr Haleh Hamedifar, Chairperson of CinnaGen, spoke to GaBI<i> </i>(Generics and Biosimilars Initiative) about the company’s strategic focus, which includes expanding its product portfolio, entering highly regulated global markets, and advancing affordable treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and immunological diseases—transforming healthcare in underserved regions.</p><p><b>Keywords</b>: Biosimilars, clinical development, commercialization, MENA</p> Full Article
opm Megafund versus Megalosaurus: Funding Drug Development By www.placebocontrol.com Published On :: Mon, 13 Jan 2014 04:36:00 +0000 This new 10-minute TEDMED talk is getting quite a bit of attention: (if embedded video does not work, try the TED site itself.) In it, Roger Stein claims to have created an approach to advancing drugs through clinical trials that will "fundamentally change the way research for cancer and lots of other things gets done". Because the costs of bringing a drug to market are so high, time from discovery to marketing is so long, and the chances of success of any individual drug are so grim, betting on any individual drug is foolish, according to Stein. Instead, risks for a large number of potential assets should be pooled, with the eventual winners paying for the losers. To do this, Stein proposes what he calls a "megafund" - a large collection of assets (candidate therapies). Through some modeling and simulations, Stein suggests some of the qualities of an ideal megafund: it would need in the neighborhood of $3-15 billion to acquire and manage 80-150 drugs. A fund of this size and with these assets would be able to provide an equity yield of about 12%, which would be "right in the investment sweet spot of pension funds and 401(k) plans". Here's what I find striking about those numbers: let's compare Stein's Megafund to everyone's favorite Megalosaurus, the old-fashioned Big Pharma dinosaur sometimes known as Pfizer: Megafund (Stein) Megalosaurus (Pfizer) Funding $3-15 billion $9 billion estimated 2013 R&D spend Assets 80-150 81 (in pipeline, plus many more in preclinical) Return on Equity 12% (estimated) 9.2% (last 10 years) to 13.2% (last 5) Since Pfizer's a dinosaur, it can't possibly compete withthe sleek, modern Megafund, right? Right? These numbers look remarkably similar. Pfizer - and a number of its peers - are spending Megafund-sized budget each year to shepherd through a Megafund-sized number of compounds. (Note many of Pfizer's peers have substantially fewer drugs in their published pipelines, but they own many times more compounds - the pipeline is just the drugs what they've elected to file an IND on.) What am I missing here? I understand that a fund is not a company, and there may be some benefits to decoupling asset management decisions from actual operations, but this won't be a tremendous gain, and would presumably be at least partially offset by increased transaction costs (Megafund has to source, contract, manage, and audit vendors to design and run all its trials, after all, and I don't know why I'd think it could do that any more cheaply than Big Pharma can). And having a giant drug pipeline's go/no go decisions made by "financial engineers" rather than pharma industry folks would seem like a scenario that's only really seen as an upgrade by the financial engineers themselves. A tweet from V.S. Schulz pointed me to a post on Derek Lowe's In the Pipeline blog. which lead to a link to this paper by Stein and 2 others in Nature Biotechnology from a year and a half ago. The authors spend most of their time differentiating themselves from other structures in the technical, financial details rather than explaining why megafund would work better at finding new drugs. However, they definitely think this is qualitatively different from existing pharma companies, and offer a couple reasons. First, [D]ebt financing can be structured to be more “patient” than private or public equity by specifying longer maturities; 10- to 20-year maturities are not atypical for corporate bonds. ... Such long horizons contrast sharply with the considerably shorter horizons of venture capitalists, and the even shorter quarterly earnings cycle and intra-daily price fluctuations faced by public companies. I'm not sure where this line of though is coming from. Certainly all big pharma companies' plans extend decades into the future - there may be quarterly earnings reports to file, but that's a force exerted far more on sales and marketing teams than on drug development. The financing of pharmaceutical development is already extremely long term. Even in the venture-backed world, Stein and team are wrong if they believe there is pervasive pressure to magically deliver drugs in record time. Investors and biotech management are both keenly aware of the tradeoffs between speed and regulatory success. Even this week's came-from-nowhere Cinderella story, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, was founded with venture money over a decade ago - these "longer maturities" are standard issue in biotech. We aren't making iPhone apps here, guys. Second, Although big pharma companies are central to the later stages of drug development and the marketing and distributing of approved drugs, they do not currently play as active a role at the riskier preclinical and early stages of development Again, I'm unsure why this is supposed to be so. Of Pfizer's 81 pipeline compounds, 55 are in Phase 1 or 2 - a ratio that's pretty heavy on early, risky project, and that's not too different from industry as a whole. Pfizer does not publish data on the number of compounds it currently has undergoing preclinical testing, but there's no clear reason I can think of to assume it's a small number. So, is Megafund truly a revolutionary idea, or is it basically a mathematical deck-chair-rearrangement for the "efficiencies of scale" behemoths we've already got? [Image: the world's first known dino, Megalosaurus, via Wikipedia.] Full Article big pharma drug development Pfizer
opm Rebooting African Development: Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa By www.belfercenter.org Published On :: Aug 31, 2016 Aug 31, 2016 As the African Union develops its long-term agenda 2063 for the continent, science, technology and innovation will play a bigger part in development goal setting, especially in the context of social and economic growth. Full Article
opm Database on U.S. Department of Energy Budgets for Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration (1978–2025R) By www.belfercenter.org Published On :: Jul 8, 2024 Jul 8, 2024 The July 2024 update to our database on the U.S. government investments in energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment (ERD3) through the U.S. Department of Energy. Full Article
opm Politics and Prosperity: Examining Economic Development in Africa By www.belfercenter.org Published On :: Apr 11, 2024 Apr 11, 2024 On April 9, the study group met for the third time to examine economic development in Africa. The group explored connections between politics and economic growth trajectories across the continent, and analyzed the role of political instability and policy decisions in fostering development. Discussions covered the impact of factors like commodity markets, foreign aid, trade deals, and regional integration initiatives on development indicators. The study group counted with the presence of external expert guest H.E. Patrick Achi, former Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire. Prime Minister Achi shared about his experience at the highest level of government and presented the story of Côte d’Ivoire’s post-independence development as a microcosm of the broader challenges and opportunities facing African nations. Full Article
opm U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Ad Council Launch New Public Service Ads to Reach Struggling Homeowners - Get mortgage help. This is why. MakingHomeAffordable.gov :60 By www.multivu.com Published On :: 24 Sep 2014 11:18:00 EDT Get mortgage help. This is why. MakingHomeAffordable.gov :60 Full Article Advertising Banking Financial Services Publishing Information Services Real Estate Residential Real Estate Not for Profit Broadcast Feed Announcements MultiVu Video
opm THE ONCE AND FUTURE JEWEL OF THE JERSEY SHORE: HISTORIC, MULTI-BILLION-DOLLAR REDEVELOPMENT TO RESHAPE, RECLAIM, AND REVIVE ASBURY PARK WATERFRONT - The Asbury Park Waterfront By www.multivu.com Published On :: 19 Aug 2015 14:00:00 EDT The Asbury Park Waterfront Full Article Banking Financial Services Real Estate Commercial Real Estate Residential Real Estate New Products Services Broadcast Feed Announcements MultiVu Video
opm Sullivan & Cromwell launches Financial Institutions Insights, an ongoing video series to share insights on key industry developments - S&C-Financial Institutions Insights By www.multivu.com Published On :: 28 Aug 2015 17:00:00 EDT Mitch Eitel discusses shareholder activism and post-financial crisis enforcement issues Full Article Computer Electronics High Tech Security Workforce Management Human Resources New Products Services Legal Issues Broadcast Feed Announcements MultiVu Video
opm Boston Scientific Receives FDA Approval For SYNERGY Bioabsorbable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stent System - A Technology Development Story: meet the SYNERGY� Stent System engineers By www.multivu.com Published On :: 05 Oct 2015 11:10:00 EDT A Technology Development Story: meet the SYNERGY� Stent System engineers Full Article Healthcare Hospitals Medical Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals Broadcast Feed Announcements FDA Approval MultiVu Video
opm Technical Consultancy for Project Development and Management Support Services to MJP are taxable under GST at the rate of 18% By www.caclubindia.com Published On :: Thu, 7 Nov 2024 09:30:46 GMT The AAR Maharashtra, in the case of M/s. The Nisarga Consultancy, In Re [Order No. GST-ARA-21 of 2023-24/2024-25/B-55 dated July 31, 2024] ruled that no tax will be leviable on work allotted by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikar ("MJP") as per of Jal Jeevan Mission ("JJM") which is a mission of Government Full Article
opm Press Release: Sustainable Development Goals Offer Unique Opportunity to Transform Management of Critical Water Resources By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 18:32:18 +0000 Targets that promote efficient, nationally and locally appropriate water use will be key to achieving the SDGs. The post Press Release: Sustainable Development Goals Offer Unique Opportunity to Transform Management of Critical Water Resources first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article Press releases Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) sustainable water resources development water for food
opm IWMI announces development of a new, Google-supported tool that will harness AI and satellite data for water reuse in the Middle East and North Africa By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:35:02 +0000 A new grant from Google’s philanthropic arm will help researchers develop a tool to bolster water security and climate resilience in the Middle East and North Africa. The post IWMI announces development of a new, Google-supported tool that will harness AI and satellite data for water reuse in the Middle East and North Africa first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article Press releases data & tools mena remote sensing resource recovery and reuse (rrr) wastewater
opm Oil and Gas Development Linked to Mental Health Risks By www.medindia.net Published On :: As the oil and gas industry rapidly expands across North America, increasing research has linked fossil fuel development to various physical and mental Full Article
opm Development of a composite drought indicator for operational drought monitoring in the MENA region By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Wed, 06 Mar 2024 09:50:32 +0000 The composite drought indicator (CDI) supports operational drought management decision making in Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia. The post Development of a composite drought indicator for operational drought monitoring in the MENA region first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article Publications drought drought monitoring
opm Irrigation for rural development By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:39:14 +0000 IWMI researchers call for careful planning, environmentally responsible water management and active community participation to ensure long-term success of irrigation projects in Nepal. The post Irrigation for rural development first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article In the media tikaram adhikari
opm IWMI, IFPRI to transform Indus Basin for Sustainable Development Goals By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 04:45:19 +0000 IWMI and IFPRI have joined forces to transform food, land, and water systems in the Indus Basin, aiming to enhance water productivity and advance SDGs. The post IWMI, IFPRI to transform Indus Basin for Sustainable Development Goals first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article In the media
opm IWMI announces development of a new, Google supported tool that will harness AI and satellite data for water reuse in the Middle East and North Africa By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:57:05 +0000 IWMI will also develop an online dashboard that will provide accessible and comprehensive information on wastewater generation and recycling potential in Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The post IWMI announces development of a new, Google supported tool that will harness AI and satellite data for water reuse in the Middle East and North Africa first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article In the media AI water reuse
opm IWMI announces development of a new, Google supported tool that will harness AI and satellite data for water reuse in the Middle East and North Africa By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:33:05 +0000 The platform will use remote sensing technologies to monitor land, seas and the atmosphere. The post IWMI announces development of a new, Google supported tool that will harness AI and satellite data for water reuse in the Middle East and North Africa first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article In the media AI water reuse
opm Development of a flood index insurance product for Zambia By www.iwmi.org Published On :: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 04:32:04 +0000 IWMI is collaborating on the development of financial solutions for post-extreme climatic events. The post Development of a flood index insurance product for Zambia first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Full Article In the media climate climate mitigation