No flies on me, Biotech to the rescue

A range of insect exterminator equipment has been developed to improve the level of hygiene offered to the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors. Berson's Insectron range uses ultraviolet (UV-A) and green light to attract flying insects, which are sensitive to these light sources.

Through continuous research with universities, research institutes and industry, the technology of previous models has evolved and incorporates some original features; for example, a mechanism that prevents dead insects from falling out of the collection tray while cleaning using an automatic closing system when the tray is dismounted.

The range of equipment has been ATEX-approved for use in explosive, dusty and wet environments.

www.insectron.com

It is predicted that revenue growth will be further hampered as the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry augment. An industry overview by Frost & Sullivan claims that because generics cut into profits and the patents of major drugs expire, the pharmaceutical industry is continuing to look to biotech for renewal of its product lines.

The pharmaceutical sector is more interested in biotech companies because of their increasing number of discoveries, which will aid researchers to produce innovative compounds. This interest stems from the impact of generic substitutes on the market, and the increasing number and severity of FDA safety standards. According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, pharmaceutical companies formed 451 licensing and investment deals with biotechs in 2004 (compared with 314 in 2003), and this number is expected to be much larger for 2005.

www.frost.com