October News: Events

Next CPPS Lecture

THU 3 Nov, 16:00-17:00 From Clone to Clinic- oilseed based bio-pharmaceutical production
Maurice Moloney (Director of Rothamsted Research)
Dept of Plant Sciences, Large Lecture Theatre, Cambridge CB2 3EA
Followed by networking over wine and nibbles- all welcome!

Abstract:
Recombinant human Insulin, including its analogues, is the largest volume protein pharmaceutical that is manufactured worldwide. It has a current market value in excess of $8 billion, with a demand that is growing due to increasing incidence of Type II diabetes worldwide and the improved detection of the condition in highly populated, but underserved countries. All commercial recombinant insulin is made in microorganisms, either in E. coli or yeast. Although the manufacturing process has been greatly streamlined over the past 20 years, the cost of goods (COGs) is still a significant factor in supplying the developing world with its necessary supply of Insulin. Furthermore, the capital cost of a conventional fermentation facility for Insulin is still a major disincentive for construction in undersupplied countries. Plants offer the possibility to meet these cost constraints in the production of Insulin and the construction of the necessary facilities. Plant-based production could decrease the COGs for Insulin by 40-50% and the capital cost of a facility by as much as 70%. We have used the oilseed plant Safflower as a platform for the expression of a recombinant proinsulin, which can be recovered inexpensively from the seeds using oilbody separation as a key step in the recovery and enrichment. This approach could allow inexpensive bulk production and purification under cGMP conditions. The plant-derived proinsulin is matured into Insulin chemically and biochemically identical to commercially available Insulin. We have furthermore shown in human clinical trials that plant-made insulin is bioequivalent to Humulin-R, a predominant form of insulin prescribed in N. America.

Feedstocks for Bioenergy: Seminars

InCrops Enterprise Hub and partner organisations are co-hosting a series of seminars on feedstocks for bioenergy to highlight opportunities in the sector and support supply chain development. The events are for energy producers, consultants, farmers, land owners, technology suppliers and other businesses in the supply chain. Registration is FREE.

'A look at perennial energy crops' - 11th November - 09:45 to 13:00 - Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ
InCrops, Anglia Farmers and Rothamsted Research host a seminar on perennial energy crops aimed at promoting opportunities in the bioenergy sector. The demand for biomass in the UK is expected to increase from the end of this year when the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme will become operational. Perennial energy crops, including willow, will be a major part of the solution to help meet the targets for renewable heat production.
At this half-day event:
· Learn about the agronomy of perennial energy crops;
· Find out about supply chain opportunities;
· Visit the research plots and the National Willow Collection hosted by Rothamsted Research;
· Network with fellow businesses and leading academic experts;
· Find out about FREE consultancy from the InCrops Enterprise Hub.
For more information visit the InCrops website at http://www.incropsproject.co.uk/events/51

Straw for energy - 12th December - Late afternoon - Honingham Thorpe, Norwich, NR9 5BZ
The value of straw for bioenergy production and increasing competition for agricultural residues could have an impact on soil quality and structure, requiring complex decisions as to the best use for biomass resources. InCrops and Anglia Farmers hosts the second in a series of bioenergy seminars.
At this twilight event:
· Find out about the demand for straw in bioenergy production;
· Learn about soil carbon & nutrient management and structure, with special reference to the removal of straw as an energy crop.
· Network with fellow businesses;
· Find out about FREE consultancy from the InCrops Enterprise Hub.
For more information visit the InCrops website at http://www.incropsproject.co.uk/events/52

Registration: to register for either or both events please contact Julia O'Rourke, InCrops Events Co-ordinator, on 01603 591 765 or email j.orourke@uea.ac.uk. These events are free to attend, places are limited.