WRAL Tech Wire

FDA panel backs first pill to block HIV infection

The first drug shown to prevent HIV infection won the endorsement of a panel of federal advisers Thursday, clearing the way for a landmark approval in the 30-year fight against the virus that causes AIDS.

FDA HIV DRUG

Opinion: New life sciences cluster report presents skewed view of RTP's activities

The Triangle is outstanding for life sciences whether reports on U.S. markets score it first, last or in the middle.

Hamner scientist receives $1M in cash, equipment for liver research

Dr. Russell Thomas of The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences receives the "Thought Leader Award" from the Agilent Technologies Foundation.

Just call Charles Hamner the 'biofather' of biotech in NC

A recipient of a North Carolina Award for public service, the longtime head of the N.C. Biotechnology Center says he was "shocked" by the honor. "I was lucky enough to come along at the right time when the biotechnology industry was being developed here," he adds. The Award says otherwise.

Dr. Charles Hamner

NC's 'biofather' sees more growth for biotech - and risks

Charles Hamner, who received a "North Carolina Award" for his efforts to establish and grow the biotechnology industry across North Carolina, sees "fantastic" potential for more growth. However, he's also concerned about capital, the training of future workers, and finding new leaders.

Charles Hamner sees lots to smile about in NC's future.

$50M RTP drug startup Ascletis breaks ground for HQ in China

NC Governor Bev Perdue participates in the ceremony in city of Hangzhou along with top Chinese party official. The company founder, Jinzi Wu, is a former GSK executive. Ascletis has Chinese and American investors.

From left, Keith Crisco, Bev Perdue and Zhao Hongzhu at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Hamner Institutes teams with capital firm for new RTP lab venture

The contract research service firm called Triangle Research Labs is located at the Hamner in RTP. Some workers already have been transferred from Connecticut to man the new company.

Biotech pioneer Charles Hamner to receive North Carolina Award

The state will honor the retired longtime leader of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center on Nov. 10. He currently is chairman of The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences.

Charles Hamner, right, with venture capitalist Dennis Dougherty

Hamner Institutes names new leader for Chemical Safety Sciences

Russell Thomas takes over as director, replacing Melvin Anderson who will concentrate on a toxicity testing project.

$50M drug startup Ascletis to locate US headquarters in RTP

The company, which was launched by a former GSK executive and has already raised $50 million from investors, will establish an operation at The Hamner Institutes. The deal is also part of an agreement expanding biotech relationship between North Carolina and China.

Hamner Institutes, UNC-CH to share in $3M federal liver toxicology grant

The EPA is funding a study to develop tools for better understanding about how the liver deals with environmental contaminants.

Hamner Institutes receives $750,000 grant for liver research

The EPA awards the grant for development of a model to predict how liver cells will reach to various toxicants.

Hamner Institutes lands $600,000 to study nickel inhalation

Hamner Institutes, Chinese firm plan RTP biotech 'gateway'

As a Chinese trade delegation visits RTP, Gov. Bev Perdue announces the agreement to expand on building a biotech gateway between North Carolina and China. The Hamner already is working with China Medical City Institute for drug development.

RTI wins $6.6M contract to study nanoparticle safety

The RTP-based research group will work with East Carolina, The Hamner Institutes under the contract with National Institute of Environmental Health.