Chandler Marrs, PhD & CEO of Lucine Biotechnology at Dec 20th Meeting

Chandler Marrs, PhD, founder & CEO of Lucine Biotechnology will speak at the December 20th NevBio meeting at McCormick & Schmicks; Check-in at 11:30 am,(RSVP Here) Lunch & Program at 12 Noon. $30.
"Have you ever experienced the wrath of raging hormones?" Asked Dr. Chandler Marrs at the Tech Coast Angels Fast-Pitch Contest. Marrs won the competition for her presentation about delivering salivary diagnostics for hormone-related conditions in women from menstruation through menopause.

Lucine Biotechnology is a women's health research and diagnostics company focused on hormone-related conditions. The company combines advanced salivary hormone assay and computational analytic technologies with a massive web-based, patient-controlled, electronic health record and symptom tracking platform. Lucine's crowd-sourced R&D platform will launch in February 2012

Dr. Chandler Marrs received her BA in philosophy from the University of Redlands; MS in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University; and, MA and PhD in Experimental Psychology/ Neuroendocrinology from UNLV. Her research on the role of adrenal androgens in postpartum psychiatric disorders won top honors at UNLV.

Pain for over 3 Months? AquaStretch Will Help - George Eversaul-Nov 22nd

George Eversaul, A.P., created AquaStretch at the UNLV Wellness Center. AquaStretch is a new form of aquatic myo-fascial release that is effective in restoring flexibility and relieving chronic pains. AquaStretch is usually more effective than massage in relieving chronic aches and pains, and lasts three to four times longer. Eversaul has been selected to be on the Nevada Medical Tourism panel at the Governor's Conference on Tourism on November 30th. AquaStretch could be the start of a medical
& health tourism industry in Las Vegas. AquaStretch could be performed on tourists at the various hotels and spas in Las Vegas.

Luncheon is Tuesday, November 22nd; Check-in at 11:30, Program & Lunch at 12 PM at McCormick & Schmicks. Cost $30.

AquaStretch is a new way to reduce chronic pain and speed recovery from injuries and/or hip or knee replacements.

AquaStretch has helped reduce the pain associated with Fibromyalgia and Scoliosis.

AquaStretch can improve athletic performance such as golf and running and make athletic training less painful. Golfers may drive balls 20 to 30 yards further, and runners may improve their 1/2 marathon times by 5 minutes. It also helps reduce muscle soreness from over-training.

The American Council on Exercise supports AquaStretch as a tool to motivate people to maintain fitness programs, especially unfit people new to exercise.

Eversaul is seeking self-insured corporations and wellness programs to participate in AquaStretch Health Cost Savings studies because it may create substantial health cost savings for people with chronic back, neck, or joint pain, especially if occupationally aggravated such as casino dealers, food servers, and office workers.

"Turnaround at the UNLV Dental School" October 19, 2011, Wednesday

The UNLV School of Dental Medicine opened in 2002. During its first five years, the School suffered a number of problems. Finally, a new Dean, Dr. Karen P. West, was appointed in 2007 and in the succeeding five years the School has accomplished a dramatic business turnaround, putting it on sound footing to achieve its mission, build a national reputation, and attract top quality faculty and students.

The Turnaround Management Association is hosting this luncheon. The Dean of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Karen West & UNLV President Neal Smatresk will talk. Ferraro's Italian Restaurant at 4480 Paradise Road. Check-in is 11:30 am, and Lunch & Talk is at 12 pm. NevBio is a co-sponsor.

UNLV President Neal Smatresk & Dean Karen West of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine will talk about the "Turnaround of the Dental School", on Wednesday, October 19th. at the Las Vegas Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association. The luncheon is on October 19, 2011 at the Ferraro's Italian Restaurant at 4480 Paradise Road. Check in at 11:30; Talk & lunch at Noon. Cost $45. (NevBio is a co-sponsor.)

Steve Hill, New Director of Economic Development in Nevada - Oct 12th: Nevada's Future Starts Now!

Steve Hill, is the first Executive Director of the newly created Office of Economic Development in Nevada. The position is a cabinet level position in Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval's administration.

Steve Hill is a founder of Silver State Materials, a concrete, sand and gravel supplier in the Las Vegas area since 1987. Silver State was purchased by CalPortland in 2008 and Mr. Hill serves as Sr. Vice President, responsible for the Arizona - Nevada Materials Division.
Hill, currently the Sr. Vice President at CalPortland, a concrete, sand and gravel supplier in the Las Vegas area, will begin his position as Interim Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development effective October 3rd.

During Governor-elect Sandoval's transition, Hill served as Chair of the Economic Development Policy Committee and advised the Governor, Speaker and Majority Leader on economic development issues in preparation for the 2011 Legislative session. Hill is also a current member of the Commission on Economic Development.

Mr. Hill has served as the Chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce State Policy Task Force and a past Chair of the Chamber's Board of Trustees. He was elected Chairman of Service1st Bank of Nevada. He is also a past Chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, as well as past Chairman of Government Affairs for the Las Vegas Chamber, the Associated Builders & Contractors and the Associated General Contractors.

In recent years Mr. Hill has served as a member of the Nevada Savings and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission, the Clark County Growth Task Force; the Trauma System Development Task Force; the RTC Regional Fixed Guideway Citizens Advisory Committee; the Clean Water Coalition; the legislative Interim Advisory Committee on Air Quality; and as Chairman of the Governor's Construction Liability Insurance Task Force.

Mr. Hill received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology which is a highly selective college of engineering, science and mathematics with under 2,000 students in Indiana.

Wed, Oct. 12th at McCormick & Schmicks. Check-in is 11:30 am, and Lunch & Talk is at 12 pm. $30

UNLV Astrophysicist Helped Discover a Black Hole Swallows a Star – Sept 29th

Dr. Bing Zhang is a world leader in the field of gamma-ray bursts He has published over 140 papers in refereed journals, including 6 articles in nature and two articles in science. As a main author, his discovery paper on the first x-ray afterglow of short duration gamma-ray bursts was ranked as #4 "breakthrough of the year" in 2005 by the Science magazine. Zhang had worked at NASA and Penn State University before joining UNLV in 2004. He has since earned tenure as a professor.

UNLV Astrophysicist Bing Zhang was part of an international team of scientists who discovered evidence of a supermassive black hole swallowing a star.Luncheon & Talk, Thursday, September 29th. Check-in 11:30 AM, Lunch 12 PM. Cost is $30.

Zhang is one of the world's leading researchers on gamma ray bursts. It was Zhang's analysis of the satellite data of the gamma ray bursts which helped the scientists determine that they were seeing something very unusual and unique. The results of the discovery were published in the August 2011 issue of Nature in an article titled, "Relativistic Jet Activity from the Tidal Disruption of a Star by a Massive Black Hole".

"Question & Mentoring" Last session of the Entrepreneurship Series – Sept 21st

"Question & Mentoring" will be the last session of the Entrepreneurship series and is probably the most important one.

The Importance of Questions: Asking the right questions lead to the right problems which then make it possible to find the real solution. One must be able to identify a customer's pain correctly through proper questioning to get the deep answers.

The instructor is Matthew Waymire, a CPA and business broker. As a business broker, he was in the top 25 out of 1,300 business brokers. Matt took a keen interest in how his clients were successful. Through careful observation, questioning and research, Matt has developed a profound understanding of successful entrepreneurs. He has also studied the methods that Stanford University had discovered from successful entrepreneurs.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 21st at McCormick & Schmicks. Check-in is 11:30 am, and Lunch & Talk is at 12 pm. $30

"How to Raise Venture Funding-Even Now" Wed, Sept 7th

Ian Dixon, CEO & Chairman of the SES Group, is going to talk about "How to Raise Capital for Your Venture". Ian has been able to raise money in this difficult environment. Saving Energy Solar, Inc., a Nevada corporation, was formed in 2007 for the purpose implementing solar energy and other energy concepts. This Luncheon & class are at Ferraro's Italian Restaurant at 4480 Paradise Road - New Location. Lunch is $30. 11:30 AM Check-in, 12 PM Start-Wed, Sept 7th

New Location! Ferraro's 4480 Paradise Road - Across from the Hard Rock Hotel

"Problem Solving Strategies & Other Skills" Wed-Aug 24th

This lunch class will cover two topics in which entrepreneurs excel:
1. Solving start up problems where one must act in an environment of unknown information and fuzzy parameters.
2. Exceptional listening and questioning skills which lead to superior problem solving.
12 Noon - Wed, Aug 24th McCormick & Schmicks. $30, lunch & program. Matthew Waymire, entrepreneurial advisor.

The two major topics:
The first topic: Solving known problems with a high degree of information and well-defined parameters versus solving unknown problems with a high degree of unknown information and fuzzy parameters. The first set of problems solving skills are good in an established business but can be death for a startup. The second problem-solving set of skills are where entrepreneurs excel. Making decisions under time pressure with incomplete information.

The second topic: Listening and questioning skills of successful entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs are very skilled at listening and questioning their end-users. It is not enough to walk a mile in the moccasins of your end-user you must walk a mile in the skin of the end-user and then translate those learnings into marketable and profitable endeavors.

"Intellectual Property: Patents, Trade Secrets, Trademarks and Copyrights" - August 10th

Seaton Curran, Esq. will talk August 10th, Wednesday at McCormick & Schmicks at 12 PM. $30 Cost. He will speak on these exclusive rights which allow owners of intellectual property to benefit from the property they have created.

Seaton Curran is a registered U.S. patent attorney working at Armstrong Teasdale in Las Vegas. He works with entrepreneurs, inventors, and design engineers. Seaton is a registered professional engineer in Nevada.

One of his areas is the renewable energy arena, including solar and wind energy, steam and gas turbine power systems, and sensor technology. He also works on strategic planning in the development of Nevada's renewable energy portfolio.

Prior to earning his J.D., Seaton was a project manager for a global engineering firm where he worked in on water and wastewater treatment projects. He served as the program manager for a large wastewater treatment and discharge project in Lake Mead, Nevada in which he obtained an extensive working knowledge of the water resources issues facing Nevada.

The UNLV Summer Undergraduate Research Experience - Poster Session-Tuesday-Aug 9th

The public poster session will he held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, in the Science and Engineering Building (SEB) First Floor, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Over 25 UNLV undergraduates and a cohort of 25 undergraduates selected from colleges and universities across the nation will mark the completion of ten-week intensive research projects with UNLV faculty members, including projects in the Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and other disciplines. Grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), High Pressure Science and Engineering Center (HiPSEC) and the Nevada Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Program (INBRE) fund this important program.

I've attended last year's poster session and will be going again. The science and the students are phenomenal. Hopefully, everyone can stop by the SEB building at UNLV tomorrow between 10 AM to 12 PM.

"Developing Your Creativity" - Wed, July 27th

This Class will give you two simple ways of increasing your creative thinking.

Everybody needs to be able to come up with new ideas whether they are entrepreneurs or not. It is an extremely valuable tool to have for your success at whatever you do.

Successful entrepreneurs are keen observers of what's going on around them. When they are testing their ideas and products, they watch closely how potential clients react, touch and handle prototypes and ideas.

Mental stretching and focused creativity allow successful entrepreneurs to find ways around obstacles to new solutions.

1. Power of keen observation.
2. Stretching oneself mentally,
3. Focused creativity to find solutions.

Matthew Waymire, Entrepreneur.

July 13th - "Thinking like an Entrepreneur"

Matthew Waymire, our speaker, met a lot of successful but not book-smart entrepreneurs. He began studying what made them successful. He discovered a way of thinking that can help everyone be successful. Don't miss this one.

Non-Successful Entrepreneur Traps
1) Build It and They Will Come: Not Necessarily!
2) Too Much Overconfidence Hinders One's Ability to Learn
3) Solely Processing Information That Supports One's Position.

Matt will also talk about these psychological traps that keep people from being successful.

NevBio Entrepreneurial Series

July 13th, 2011 "Thinking like an Entrepreneur"

July 27, 2011 "Creativity Strategies of Entrepreneurs"

August 10, 2011 "Problems Solving Strategies"

August 24, 2011 "5 Entrepreneurial Traits"

September 7, 2011 "Action Strategies of an Entrepreneur"

September 21, 2011 "Closing & Failure strategies of an Entrepreneur"

These classes will be held at 12 Noon in the back room of McCormicks & Schmicks. $30 includes lunch and program. The instructor is Matthew Waymire, CPA, Business Broker and Entrepreneur.

Medical Marijuana Talk on July 15th

Edmund Schroback of Completely Legal, a co-operative which provides medical marijuana to its members in Las Vegas will talk on Medical Marijuana in Nevada at the July 8th NevBio luncheon.

Nevada allows patients that have chronic and debilitating diseases such as AIDS, cancer, glaucoma and conditions involving: cachexia, muscle spasms, seizures, severe nausea and severe pain to use medical marijuana. Nevada requires a person to have a doctor recommendation and a valid Nevada Medical Marijuana Card to ingest medical marijuana.

Marijuana is NOT Harmless ...(No drug is harmless)
Like any medicine, there are side effects. Marijuana use can be addicting. In the short-term, marijuana use can cause trouble with one's ability to think clearly and may impair short-term memory. Marijuana also leads to motor skill impairment and affects alertness, coordination and reaction time, which is why it should never be used prior to driving. There is also some evidence that marijuana use can exacerbate psychotic symptoms in those with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.

Frequent and/or long-term marijuana use may significantly increase a man's risk of developing the most aggressive type of testicular cancer, according to a study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Should Medical Marijuana Be An Accepted Treatment?
Medical marijuana falls under Alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine" or "that which has not been shown consistently to be effective." In some instances, it is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than a scientific (e.g. evidence-based) basis. If medical marijuana helps people and reduces the need for other drugs, should we make it part of conventional medicine?

Why a Talk on Medical Marijuana?

People are being treated with Medical Marijuana in Las Vegas. Our speaker, Edmund Schroback, told me that his patients suffer from cancer, HIV, Lupus, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, migraines and just, pain. Edmund had numerous stories about how it has helped his patients. Medical Marijuana is controversial. This meeting will be a good opportunity to learn more about how it has affected people in our community.

UNLV Dean to Speak on Engineering & MBA Collaborations to Create New Businesses on May 5th

On May 5th at the NevBio Luncheon, Dr. Rama Venkat, Dean of the College of Engineering & Students at UNLV will speak on WHY the 10th Annual Senior Design Competition (May 13th) is important to Las Vegas & WHY you should attend. Check-in for the luncheon is 11:30, Lunch 12 PM McCormick & Schmicks.

Many of the engineering senior design projects have commercial potential. The competition is funded by Fred & Harriet Cox. UNLV MBA students develop the business plans for these projects which can be turned into viable businesses. A number of the projects have won the distinguished Governor's Cup competition.

NevBio Honor Dennis Lindle, PhD with Foundation of Excellence Award

Please join us as we honor Dennis Lindle, PhD, Chairman of the UNLV Chemistry Department. Dinner & Cocktails at the Mundo Mexican Restaurant in the World Market Center start a 6 PM, Friday April 29th. The cost is $55.

Dr. Lindle has brought International recognition to UNLV in Photoionization (the area that Albert Einstein earn his Nobel Prize in Physics) and in Resonant Inelastic Soft-X-Ray Scattering. In both these areas he is one of the top three in the world.

He has also earned:
* UNLV Barrick Distinguished Scholar Award
* UNLV Barrick Scholar Award
*Nevada Board of Regents Outstanding Faculty Member
*UNLV College of Sciences Distinguished Researcher Award.

He was the statewide project Director for Nevada's National Science Foundation (NSF) Experimental Program for the Stimulation of Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Program, Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

He has brought in over $5.7 million in grants to UNLV

More importantly, Dennis has helped build the UNLV Chemistry Department for the last 20 years and has helped hire a number of the top people in the department.

For these reasons and more, NevBio is recognizing Dennis Lindle with a Foundation of Excellence Award for his efforts to build as base for biotechnology and science in Nevada.

Friday, April 29th, Cocktails at 6 PM, Dinner at 7 PM. Price is $55. Come for either or both.

"What You Should Know to Avoid Copyright Sins"

NevBio, Touro University, & Ballard Spahr are pleased to present, William Needle Esq., Chairman of the Ballard Spahr Intellectual Property Department. The topic of his talk is "What You Should Know to Avoid Copyright Sins" He will be speaking on March 2nd, 11:30 Check-in; Lunch & talk at 12 PM. $20. The lunch is at Touro University at 874 American Pacific Drive, Henderson.

UNLV’s EMITION Center: Developing Technologies for Nevada & the US – Feb 24th

Dr. Robert Schill, Jr is the Director of UNLV's Energy Materials Interaction Technology Initiative of Nevada (EMITION) Center. He will be speaking at the NevBio Luncheon on Thursday, Feb 24th at McCormick & Schmick's. 11:30 Check-in & 12 PM lunch & talk. $30.
REGISTER HERE
The EMITION center is looking at how pulsed power -- the ability to direct a mass of energy to a specific location over one-billionth of a second -- might help with everything from reducing air pollution to killing cancer cells. The sensors developed for use in the center's pulse power machines are being patented for possible use in the electronic and medical industry

Pulsed power has a long history of successful applications in the safe simulation of nuclear weapons effects and powering directed energy weapons (DEWs) for the DOD while enabling inertial confinement fusion for the DOE. Over the past ten years, an even more exciting future has emerged for pulsed power in material science, space science, and the biomedical sciences. UNLV significantly expanded its presence in the field in May of 2001 when it established the Energy Materials Interaction Technology Initiative of Nevada (EMITION) Center in the College of Engineering. Besides developing sources of pulsed power, the EMITION Center is dedicated to the study of the interaction of pulsed power (pulsed electrical power, pulsed electromagnetic energy, and pulsed particle beams) with materials for governmental, industrial, and medical applications.

The presentation highlights past and present collaborations the Center has enjoyed with local Nevada industries (e.g., Las Vegas Valley Water District, Remote Sensing Laboratory, past EG&G North Las Vegas, etc.) and national agencies (e.g., AFOSR, AFRL, DOE, Homeland Security). Through these collaborations we will show the capabilities of EMITION's laboratory resources (people and equipment infrastructure), training, patents, and present and potential future capabilities. For example, a new $1.2M microwave anechoic chamber was just recently added.

A vision shared by the three major universities in Nevada to work with Nevada industry on joint ventures satisfying local and national needs will be conveyed. It is hoped that this talk will plant the seed for future industry-EMITION collaborations. The presentation concludes with out-reach activities that seek to share, inspire, and bridge talents and knowledge among residents of all ages in Southern Nevada. A vision and motivation to extend out-reach activities to the nation may be introduced.

"So, When Will These Things Finally Work? State-of-the-Art Characterization of Interfaces in Energy Conversion Devices" Dr. Heske – Feb 10th NevBio

Dr. Clemens Heske and his group at UNLV team up with other universities, national labs, and companies who make devices for energy conversion - solar cells, fuel cells, photoelectrochemical cells that use sunlight to split water, nuclear fuel, light-emitting diodes, and others. He will be speaking at the NevBio luncheon on Thursday, Feb 10th: 11:30 Check-in & 12 PM lunch & Presentation. $30 at McCormick & Schmicks. 335 Hughes Center Drive.

Dr. Heske will talk on his current research, with particular emphasis on solar energy applications and focus on why it is important to study their interfaces on an atomic scale. To register Click Here

Clemens Heske received his Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.) in Physics from the University of Würzburg in Germany in 1998. After two years as a postdoctoral fellow at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, he became a "wissenschaftlicher Assistent" at the University of Würzburg and completed his German Habilitation in Experimental Physics in December of 2003. In 2004, he joined the UNLV Chemistry Department as an Associate Professor for Materials/Physical Chemistry and promoted to Professor in the summer of 2009.

Dr. Heske uses soft x-rays to study surfaces and interfaces in a wide variety of material systems for energy conversion. With his group, he teams up with over 30 different national and international partners in academia, national labs, and industry to improve thin film solar cells, materials for hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, fuel cells, light-emitting devices, nuclear fuel, and other systems that involve interfaces and require a deeper understanding of their properties to optimize the performance and stability of the final device.

The Research Group of Dr. Clemens Heske uses a large number of spectroscopic and structural methods to study surfaces and interfaces of devices devoted to the conversion of energy.

Thin Film Solar Cells
Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen Storage
Carbon Nanomaterials
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Inorganic semiconductor devices
Bio-interfaces and liquids
Nuclear Fuel

Materials Breakthroughs at UNLV - Dr. David Hatchett an January NevBio Mtg

Dr. David Hatchett will be speaking at the NevBio Luncheon on "Materials Breakthroughs at UNLV & Developing Technology-Based Businesses in Nevada” on Tuesday, January 25th at Lawry's Prime Rib. Cost is $30.

Technological breakthroughs in materials research are happening at UNLV. External funding provided by NSF and DOE have provided research funds and infrastructure at UNLV that have made these discoveries possible. The general public does not realize that a large part of a researcher’s job is to obtain external funds to perform research. These funds provide money to the university in terms of overhead minimizing the taxpayer support of the educational program.

Cost analysis of programs in the Sciences and engineering often show large offsets based on the external funding acquired for research. However, the public rarely hears about the funding or research success of faculty at UNLV.

For example, we have produced hydrogen storage materials that are superior to any material currently available and have been independently verified to be the best materials produced to date.

We have developed methods for electrochemically reprocessing and reclaiming useful actinide and radioisotopes that can be used in biological imaging applications. These are bench top methods that eliminate traditional methods that are either more dangerous or expensive.

This talk will present the materials research in Dr. Hatchett’s laboratory and the fundamental challenges associated with bringing the research and technology to market.

In addition, the importance of core groups of researchers that are required for technology development will be highlighted.

Finally the role of multidisciplinary research and the ability to solve complex problems will be examined. These issues must be part of any discussion when developing or attracting technology-based businesses in Nevada.

David Hatchett obtained his Ph.D. in Physical/Analytical Chemistry from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah in 1997 and is an Associate Professor of Environmental/Analytical Chemistry at UNLV.

His research interests are Biodiesel/NaSicon, Polymer-Metal Composites, Foams/materials characterization and Electrochemistry of Actinides and Lanthanides

Dr. Ken Czerwinski to Speak on "Intellectual Property Opportunities in Radiochemistry" on Dec 14th

Ken Czerwinski obtained his Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992. He was a research scientist at the Institute for Radiochemistry in Munich and then a faculty member in Nuclear Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Since 2004 he has directed the UNLV Radiochemistry Program.

Professor Czerwinski has developed the radiochemistry academic and research efforts into the largest program of its kind in the United States. The Radiochemistry Program is a nexus of international, industrial, and national laboratory scientific research that provides outstanding educational and career opportunities for UNLV students.

Please join us on Tuesday, December 14th at the NevBio luncheon at McCormick & Schmicks with Dr. Ken Czerwinski, UNLV Radiochemistry to talk about "Intellectual Property Opportunities in Radiochemistry”. Check-in is at 11:30 AM and lunch & program at 12 PM. The cost is $30. Please RSVP.

Jim Croce President of Nevada Institute on Renewable Energy Commercialization to Speak on Nov 19th

Jim Croce is the President and CEO of the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC) where he advances clean energy commercialization by overseeing seed funding and advisory support to early stage companies. Jim will be speaking on “Commercializing Research - The Key to Nevada's Future " on November 19, 2010.

Prior to NIREC, Jim served as the founding president and CEO of NextEnergy in Michigan, developing the company into one of the nation's leading clean energy technology commercialization catalysts.
Please join us on Friday, November 19th at the NevBio luncheon with Jim Croce, CEO of Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization to talk about "Commercializing Research" Check-in is at 11:30 AM and lunch & program at 12 PM. The cost is $30. Please RSVP.

Jim received a BS in electrical and computer engineering with honors from Wayne State University. His post graduate work was in business administration.

Dean of the UNLV College of Science to Speak

Dr. Tim Porter, Dean of the College of Science is speaking at NevBio luncheon on October 7th at McCormick & Schmicks. His dual topics are “Chemical & Biological Sensing & The Nevada Bioscience Roadmap”. Check-in is at 11:30 am and lunch & presentation will be at noon. The cost is $30.

Dr. Porter received his Ph.D. in physics from Arizona State University in 1988. In 1988, he became a Professor at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. In 22 years at NAU, Dr. Porter served as a faculty member, Department Chair, and Director of the Growing Biotechnology Initiative. He has published over 80 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and holds 10 U.S. and international patents related to his work in the area of chemical and biological microsensors. Other research interests include low energy ion scattering, interaction of bio-molecules with layered silicates, and nano-structured materials for the storage of electrical energy.

Please register here for the luncheon

Two Patent Lawyers at NevBio Mtg at Nevada Cancer Institute

William Needle, Esq. from the Atlanta office of Ballard Spahr and Dr. Gibson Lanier, Esq. spoke at the August 5th meeting at the Nevada Cancer Institute. Needle has a BS in Chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a JD from Emory and has practiced for over 39 years in patents and trademarks. Dr. Gibson Lanier served as a post-doctoral fellow at the Emory Vaccine Center. He earned his JD from Georgia State University and practices at Ballard Spahr in Atlanta.

Mr. Needle has served as lead counsel in numerous intellectual property cases such as the Cabbage Patch Kids® dolls as well as patent infringement actions involving diverse technologies. Dr. Lanier has applied his knowledge to inventions associated with molecular biology, infectious disease, immunological responses, cancer treatments, stem cells, and vaccine development.

Needle and Lanier spoke for 90 minutes about changes in the patent law and current cases. Their primary emphasis was to patent ideas before they are published. If a discovery is not patented, there is no protection for the investors. The investors are the ones that commercialize the ideas. Both attorneys have seen discoveries that are not followed up because the researcher lost their opportunity to file a patent. This is a good point for biotechnology and science researchers.

The Behind-The-Scenes Story of the Hepatitis C Outbreak in Nevada

NevBio's July 23rd meeting featured Tom Lorentzen, the former Regional Director of Health & Human Services. Mr. Lorentzen flew to Las Vegas to monitor the hepatitis outbreak for Secretary Leavitt of Health & Human Services. Lorentzen praised the Clark County Public Health Department for identifying that a problem existed in Las Vegas. The department's data normally showed two or three cases a month. All of sudden, the department noticed six reported cases. The department took quick action to find the cause of the outbreak. They sent out health inspectors to locate the problem. One noticed that vials were being reused at the Endoscopy clinic. Working with the city of Las Vegas, they closed the clinic. Although the hepatitis C outbreak gave Las Vegas a black eye for its health care, it was the leadership in the community that averted a much wider problem. A number of biotech companies are searching for cures for hepatitis C.

“Opening a New Front in the War Against Cancer"

Dr. Craig Dees, Chairman and CEO of Provectus Pharmaceuticals will be speaking to a joint meeting of NevBio and the CFA Society of Nevada on Wednesday, March 31st from 6 to 9 PM. Cocktails at 6 PM & the presentation at 7 PM. This is a Complimentary Event by the CFA Society of Nevada (The CFA Society has invited NevBio. It is part of their membership drive so invite your CFO) Seating is limited so please RSVP to timhowald@gmail.com by March 25th

The location is the Panevino Ristorante at 246 Via Antonio, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

Dr. Craig Dees, Chairman & CEO of Provectus Pharmaceuticals

Craig Dees, PhD is the Chairman and CEO of Provectus Pharmaceuticals. He is also one of the founders. Craig Dees has worked at Photogen Technologies, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, LipoGen, and TechAmerica. He was a founder, senior scientist and founding director of Photogen before Provectus was formed. Craig's responsibilities have included product design and development in ethical vaccines, cosmetics, human diagnostics, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. His development record includes the first live viral vaccine produced by recombinant DNA technologies and the first recombinant antigen human diagnostic assay.

Craig's awards include an R&D 100 for an industrial enzyme, an Inventor's Forum New Product Award for a skincare product, and a First Saber Award for outstanding research in virology. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular virology from University of Wisconsin, Madison, a Master of Science degree in immunology from Auburn University ,and a Bachelor's degree in microbiology from Brigham Young University.

Provectus is a development stage company specializing in oncology and dermatology therapies that are safer, more effective, less invasive and more economical than conventional therapies. Provectus is conducting Phase 2 clinical trials of its proprietary drugs PV-10, as a therapy for metastatic melanoma, and PH-10, as a topical treatment for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Tea & Chocolate at Touro Unviversity - January 20th

NevBio will be hosting a tasting of tea and chocolate along with a short lecture on the health benefits of green tea on Jan. 20th at Touro University. Andy Laub, Founder of Farmers Market Tea Co. and a Level III Tea Master from the Specialty Tea Institute will be giving the presentation which is based on a number of clinical studies on the health benefits of green tea.

Touro is one of the top medical schools in Nevada. In 2008 Touro University made history with the largest medical school graduating class in Nevada. The 76 students graduating with Doctor of Osteopathy degrees from the College of Osteopathic Medicine began their studies when Touro University Nevada was established in 2004. Touro University Nevada is part of Touro College, a private, non-profit, Jewish-sponsored institution. Touro’s mission is to provide quality educational programs in the fields of health care and education in concert with the Judaic commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity.

Andy Laub has given lectures on the health benefits of tea to the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and for the Masters of Integrative Health program at National University. He has served tea for the "Zen and Art of Non-Doing" calligraphy courses taught by internationally recognized Zen philosopher and artist, Alok Hsu Kwan-han. He is a contributing editor to "The Perfect Formula Diet" a plant -based diet book based on more than 1,000 scientific studies, written by Janice Stanger Ph. D. He is certified in Thought Field Therapy and currently through Level II of Healing Touch training.

Andy was also the treasurer for VCAT, a company that managed Native American Gaming and Southwest Gas, a Las Vegas-based utility. He is currently a consultant to Native American gaming operations. (Pictured is Andy Laub and John Laub)

The Tea & Chocolate Tasting will be from 5 PM to 7 PM at Touro University located at 874 American Pacific Drive in Henderson. Tours of the medical school will be available.
Andy Laub will be making his presentation at 6 PM. There will be a charge of $10. Please RSVP to jlaub@regenmd.org

Cure Aging or Die Trying

Lunch and Lecture- Dr. Bill Andrews, CEO of Sierra Sciences

Friday, November 6th, 2009 (12 pm to 1 pm) at McCormick & Schmick's - 11:30 a.m. Check-in, 12 p.m., Lunch & Lecture ($35)
335 Hughes Center, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Please RSVP by e-mail jlaub@regenmd.org

Can We Slow Down the Aging Process?
Yes - By Reversing the Telomeres Shortening Process

Reno-based Sierra Sciences is a company devoted to finding ways to extend our lifespans beyond the theoretical maximum of 125 years.

Scientific research has shown that this theoretical maximum is limited because of the length of our telomeres which shorten as we get older. Our reproductive cells don't experience this shortening, and thus don't age, because they contain an enzyme called telomerase that re-lengthens the telomeres as they shorten. Sierra Sciences is searching for pharmaceuticals that will induce the production of telomerase in all our cells.

On November 6th, 2007 Sierra Sciences found its first telomerase inducing chemical; called C0057684. This chemical is the first ever discovered that activates the telomerase gene without killing the cells. Efforts are presently underway to learn everything possible about C0057684. But, in addition, C0057684 has provided Sierra Sciences with the first positive control ever for detection of telomerase gene activity in normal human cells. This has served as a very powerful tool for the development of robust high throughput screening assays for finding additional telomerase inducing chemicals. As such, in the last year Sierra Sciences has discovered an additional 62 chemicals that activate the telomerase gene. This now enables the scientists at Sierra Sciences to design better chemicals with increased potency and specificity. Additional screening for even more chemicals is also underway.

As of October 20th, 2009: Sierra Sciences has screened 158,244 compounds. They have found 470 telomerase inducers which represent 33 distinct drug families. The company is screening 4,000 compounds per week.

Science Can Cure Aging

Bill Andrews, Ph.D. - President & CEO of Sierra Sciences

Dr. Andrews leads the scientific research and development function of Sierra Sciences. Under Dr. Andrews' direction, Sierra Sciences has discovered and filed patent applications on many previously unknown, key elements of the regulation of telomerase. Dr. Andrews' team at Sierra Sciences is now pursuing direct molecular approaches to temporarily activate telomerase expression, and is performing high-throughput screening and drug discovery efforts.

While Director of Molecular Biology at Geron Corporation, Dr. Andrews was one of the principal discoverers of the telomerase genes. He was awarded 2nd place as "National Inventor of the Year" in 1997 for this work, with his name appearing on numerous related patents and publications.

Dr. Andrews earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Population Genetics at the University of Georgia in 1981. He was a Senior Scientist at Armos Corporation and Codon Corporation, Director of Molecular Biology at Codon and at Geron Corporation, and Director of Technology Development at EOS Biosciences.

As of April 2006, Dr. Andrews' name appears on 23+ issued US patents specifically related to telomerase, as well as 10 other patents in molecular biology. He has more than 25 refereed publications and abstracts. At Sierra Sciences, he has been responsible for all aspects of research, all of Sierra Sciences' patent applications, and all R&D facility and equipment matters.

Dr. Robin Herlands, Professor at Nevada State College to Talk - Wednesday, July 22nd - NevBio Mtg

Robin Herlands earned her PhD in Immunology at Yale University and a BS in Biology at Haverford College where she was also the Captain and MVP of the Field Hockey team.

She joined Nevada State College in July 2008 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. In addition to her teaching, she has been mentoring students for graduate school in microbiology, genetics, and immunology. She is currently completing summer research in collaboration with at UNLV with intentions of bringing some undergraduate research opportunities to NSC.


Her presentation "Bringing Biotechnology to the Classroom" will address the necessity of teaching Nevada students experimental approaches and practical techniques in the field.


July 22nd, Wednesday, 11:30 check-in; Lunch & Presentation at Noon. Cost is $35. Make checks payable to NevBio. All credit cards taken at the door or online.

Measuring Metabolic Rate: John Lighton's Presentation to NevBio

John Lighton, CEO of Las Vegas-based Sable Systems, spoke at the May 27th NevBio meeting about measuring metabolic rate. Lighton said that the measurement of metabolic rate can aid future medical and scientific developments in the areas of exercise and fitness, reperfusion injury, suspended animation, discovery science, and obesity and diabetes.

Sable Systems specializes in indirect calorimetry, the best way to determine human metabolic rate. Direct calorimetry, discovered by Antoine and Marie-Ann Lavoisier, is best for measuring the metabolic rates of smaller animals. To calculate metabolic rate, indirect caliometry measures the oxygen consumed and the CO₂ produced by the subject. Studies in indirect calorimetry have revealed that there is a very small range between when the body is burning fat alone vs. when the body is burning carbs alone. If people want to lose weight, they must burn fat deposits in their body; if they are exercising at too high of an intensity, they are subsequently burning only carbs and not exercising in the correct way to lose weight.

Lighton also advocates the use of the fruit fly Drosophila to study reperfusion injury. Strokes are the most common reperfusion injuries, damage that occurs after tissue is cut off from oxygen and then re-exposed. He explained that the lack of oxygen is not the problem, but the reperfusion of oxygen is. 83% of Drosophila genes match human genes, and studying reperfusion in fruit flies makes for accurate and cheap ways to address this problem in humans. Scientists can also use fruit flies to study obesity and fat storage, aging and senescence, diabetes and insulin-related issues, gene expression, cell proliferation and apoptosis, stem cells, heart disease, and psychological disorders.

Metabolic rate measurements are also currently used in experiments in suspended animation at Roth Lab in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and the Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle. Suspended animation is the slowing down of life processes, such as breathing and heartbeat, through external sources. Suspended animation is induced by adding hydrogen sulfide to air, to produce a semi-hiberation state. In this state, the body temperature and metabolic rate drop. Research is still being developed in suspended animation for humans. Suspended animation would be especially helpful on the battlefield in keeping soldiers alive longer until they can receive the appropriate medical care.

Discovery science in the area of metabolic rate is rapidly developing, exploring the speculative applications of respirometry and osteopathic manipulation. Commissioned scientific research for the Department of Defense, DARPA is exploring much of the open options in relation to metabolic rate.

Measuring metabolic rate is extremely relevant to today's obesity epidemic. These measurements can be used to combat the epidemic. For scientists to understand how fat storage is controlled, they must research animal models other than humans. To halt the epidemic, scientists need to determine the root causes and address biological solutions. Ability to measure the metabolic rate is a helpful tool for balancing energy intake against energy expenditure, better enabling scientists to explore options for slowing down this nation-wide epidemic.

Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and Cleveland Clinic Team Up

In February 2009, the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and Cleveland Clinic announced their partnership, forming the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The center's goal is to combat degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson, and provide medical care for patients. The center also has a program to provide support for caregivers.

At the February 17th press conference, Dr. Randolph Schiffer, Director of Cleveland Clinic's Center for Brain Health, said "These disorders change the social fabric of these families. The future of brain health clinics is changing. These centers must go beyond the diagnosis, providing ongoing care and support to patients and caregivers. If the Ruvo Center wants to provide quality care, it must evaluate existing programs and integrate the best of the best." Which programs the center will utilize remains undetermined, Schiffer said.

Cleveland Clinic's Center for Brain Health has operations in Cleveland. It is focused on research and will provide an integrated treatment program to about 200 patients and their families at the Cleveland and Las Vegas locations. Cleveland Clinic also has operations in Florida and Abu Dhabi and might expand its brain treatment to those locations also.

Sable Systems: Furthering Biotechnology in Nevada

Sable Systems International was founded by scientists and teachers in 1987. Sable Systems creates products for scientists by scientists, selling general research instrumentation suitable for field work or laboratory research at a low cost. More than three-fourths of their sales comes from instruments that measure the consumption of oxygen in both organisms and inanimate materials. Their instruments, cited in all of the leading scientific journals, are used worldwide and in all the leading universities and research institutes. With only 14 employees, the company is entirely self-funded and headquartered in both Las Vegas and Berlin.

Dr. John Lighton, Sable Systems to Talk - Wednesday May 27th - NevBio Mtg

Dr. John Lighton is the President of Sable Systems International, a local firm that designs and manufactures scientific instruments. He is also an adjunct professor in biological sciences at UNLV.

He is an author of over 80 peer-reviewed scientific papers in metabolic physiology.

Oxford University Press recently published his definitive textbook on metabolic measurement.

He has received over $1.5 in funding for his research from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and the Packard Foundation. His company is currently developing innovative projects for metabolic measurements of animals and humans in several areas of biomedical research.

His presentation is "What's Cool About the Fire of Life: Measuring the Metabolism of Fruit-Flies, Mice & Rats and People Can Impact Basic Science, Biomedicine and Public Policy."

May 27th, Wednesday, 11:30 check-in with lunch & presentation at noon. Cost is $35. Make checks payable to NevBio. All credit cards taken at the door or online.

NevBio Attends BIO's Fly-In into Washington DC

The Director of the Nevada Biotechnology & Bioscience Consortium, John Laub, traveled to Washington DC for the two-day Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Fly-In, joining 200 other biotechnology advocates.

The 2009 Fly-In started on March 31st with a 4:30 PM briefing on BIO's key legislative issues. On April 1st, NevBio visited the offices of Dean Heller, John Ensign, Dina Titus, Shelley Berkley and Harry Reid. The visit to Harry Reid's office involved a meeting with the office's chief policy advisor. In that meeting, several other biotech companies joined NevBio to brief the staff on the issues facing the industry.

This is the second year that NevBio has participated in the BIO Fly-In. It is important that our legislators know that Biotechnology is important to Nevada's future.

NevBio at UNR Biotech Symposium

John Laub, President of Nevada Biotechnology & Bioscience Consortium, was one of two speakers at UNR's Annual Biotech Symposium on May 14, 2009.

For the last five years, Dr. David Shintani of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as organized a Biotechnology Symposium for students graduating from his BS/MS Biotechnology Degree Program.

John Laub opened the Symposium with a talk on the biotechnology industry, followed by Dr. Trent Spencer from Emory University who spoke on starting a biotech company. The students then gave presentations on their research.

Afterwards, a number of students told John that they wanted biotechnology to grow in Reno so that could stay in Nevada. We hope someday all of our Biotechnology and Bioscience students can stay in Nevada.

NevBio Talks Biotech at Board of Regents Meeting

John Laub, Executive Director of the Nevada Biotechnology and Bioscience Consortium, gave a twenty-minute talk presentation at the University of Nevada Board of Regents meeting on February 6, 2009.

John gave a brief background on biotechnology and Nevada's role in the upcoming Biotech century.

A good portion of the speech was focused on UNLV's College of Sciences and their research. John made the case that Nevada is building a base for a biotechnology with a strong College of Sciences, well-trained bio-workers from the colleges, and a growing cluster of companies and institutes in Southern Nevada such as DSX Therapeutics, CardioVascular BioTherapeutics, Sable Systems, Nevada Cancer Institute, Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and Touro Medical School.

Dr. Joseph Nika, Pre-Health Advisor for UNLV Colleges of Sciences to Talk Friday -January 30th-NevBio Mtg

Dr.Joseph Nika, Pre-Health Advisor will talk about UNLV's program to prepare students to apply for health science professional schools (medical, dental, , veterinary, pharmacy, etc.). Accompanying Dr. Nika will be several pre-med students to talk about their successeses with the Pre-Med Program.

(Pictured Left to right Dr. Ron Gary and Dr. Joseph Nika)

Joseph Nika is part of the UNLV College of Life Sciences (2005). He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Dallas, an MS from University of Texas at Dallas and his BS at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Nika will give his presentation, "Preparing Students for Health Science Careers" at 12 Noon on Friday, January 30th, Friday, at the NevBio mtg: 11:30 check-in; Lunch & Presentation at Noon. Cost is $35. Make checks payable to NevBio. All credit cards taken at the door.

Since the UNLV College of Sciences started a Pre-Health Science Advisor Program in 2005 to help students with admission to medical, dental and other schools. The admissions to Med Schools in 2006 jumped to over 80% from the 40% in 2005. In 2007 the acceptances stayed over 80%. The national average is approximately 40%.

Dr. Joseph Nika was hired in January 2005. Since then, he has developed a substantial Health Science Pre-Professional Program (HSPP). The HSPP hosts health science professional schools annually which include admissions officers from medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, optometry, and physical therapy programs.

During these visits, the students have the opportunity to go to lunch with many of these admissions officers and make a favorable impression prior to entry into the application cycle.

In addition to providing the opportunity to interact with the admissions officers for the schools above, HSPP also provides a number of services that allow students to procure all the non-curricular requirements for admission to medical school.

Pre-dental students must acquire a substantial amount of clinical experience and a letter of recommendation from a healthcare provider. HSPP has set up a chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), a pre-health honor society that has both dental and physician shadowing committees.

These committees will arrange dental shadowing experiences for students, thus affording students the opportunity to acquire clinical experience and secure a letter of recommendation from a healthcare provider in one fell swoop.

In addition to this, students need to acquire humanitarian service experience. AED also has a humanitarian service committee that maintains contact with many organizations in the greater Las Vegas Area.

AED students have volunteered worked with Opportunity Village, Shade Tree, the Polycistic Kidney Disease Foundation, Candle Lighters Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

Dr. Mitchell Forman, Dean of Touro University Nevada, Part of Trio to Talk at Thurs, Dec 11th NevBio Mtg

Dr.Mitchell Forman, Dr. Mahboob Qureshi, and Dr. Fred Schaller are speaking about the Touro Medical School in Henderson, Nev. The trio will be speak at the Dec 11th NevBio meeting at McCormick & Schmicks at 12 Noon. Dr. Mitchell Forman is the Dean of the University and will talk about the history of Touro, why they chose Nevada, and the need to train more doctors in Nevada. He, is an Osteopathic physician and the Founding Dean and Professor of Medicine at Touro University - Nevada. He completed his D.O. degree at the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1973. In 1979 he completed a rheumatology fellowship at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and Kings County Hospital and remained on the teaching faculty of Downstate Medical Center. In 1992 he moved to the University of North Texas Health Science Center Fort Worth in 1992.

In Texas, Dr. Forman was the Director of Rheumatology at the Tarrant County Hospital District and a Consultant in Rheumatology for the Federal Corrections Medical Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Dr. Forman has a part - time clinical practice in Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases at Touro University Nevada. He and his wife, Pearl, live in Henderson, Nevada and are founders of the Allegro Guitar Society and the Classical Guitar series in collaboration with UNLV.

Touro University’s Medical School Graduating Class Largest in Nevada

On May 18, 2008 Touro University in Henderson, Nevada held its first graduation and made history with the largest medical school graduating class in Nevada. The 76 students graduating with Doctor of Osteopathy degrees from the College of Osteopathic Medicine began their studies when Touro University Nevada was established in 2004.
Unfortunately, Nevada does not have enough residency programs for the graduates and only eighteen members of the class will stay in Nevada, twelve at Valley Hospital, in a program developed in conjunction with Touro; and six at University Medical Center (UMC) and Sunrise Hospital as part of the University of Nevada School of Medicine’s residency programs.

The graduating class also included 58 students who have earned a master’s degree in education, nursing, occupational therapy or physician assistant studies. The majority of these graduates are expected to practice in Nevada.

Touro University Nevada is part of Touro College, a private, non-profit, Jewish-sponsored institution, which currently educates approximately 17,5000 students at locations in New York, California, Florida and Nevada, and outside of the United States, in the cities of Jerusalem, Moscow, Berlin and Paris.

Touro’s mission is to provide quality educational programs in the fields of health care and education in concert with the Judaic commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity.

"Pre-empted: Will The Supreme Court Gut Product Defect Claims Against Drugs Approved By The FDA?" Joint Mtg w/ NevBio & Boyd School of Law IP Society

Kelly Evans, Partner at Snell & Wilmer, will be discussing the case of Wyeth v. Levine that was argued at the Supreme Court on November 3, 2008 at the November 24th NevBio meeting. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Wyeth in the Levine case then it may result in the preemption of a broad category of mass tort pharma cases that have recently resulted in huge verdicts against pharma companies (i.e. Vioxx). This is a closely watched case for both the pharmaceutical and legal industries.

The meeting will be Monday-November 24th at UNLV's Boyd School Law Bldg Room 102
12:30 P.M.Lunch & Lecture ($20) UNLV at 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154
Please RSVP at 702-839-7222 or e-mail jlaub@regenmd.org

The following is from the Supreme Court of the United States Wiki as of November 6, 2008. Authorship: Michael Blaisdell. (1)

Diana Levine, a bass player and author of children's music in Vermont, visited a clinic to receive treatment for headache-related nausea but wound up developing tissue deterioration and gangrene in her arm, ultimately leading to its amputation. Clinic staff attending to Ms. Levine had administered the antihistamine Phenergen using a delivery technique known as an "IV push," inadvertently injecting the drug into one of Ms. Levine's arteries in the process. Although both Wyeth (the drug's manufacturer) and the FDA were aware that the "IV push" created a risk of inadvertent arterial injection and gangrene, the FDA had nevertheless approved labeling for Phenergen that warned against - but did not prohibit - IV push administration.

Ms. Levine brought a common-law negligence claim in Washington Superior Court against Wyeth, claiming that Phenergen's labeling was inadequate because it did not prohibit IV push delivery. Wyeth countered that because use of the warning label was mandated by the FDA pursuant to its authority under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), Ms. Levine's state tort suit was impliedly preempted by federal law in two ways: (1) it was impossible for Wyeth to satisfy both the labeling requirement of the FDA and the demands of Vermont's common law; and (2) state liability for use of an FDA-approved label would present an obstacle to the federal objectives of the FDCA.

The superior court instructed jurors that they could consider the FDA's approval of the label in making their negligence determination, but that the label's compliance with FDA rules did not establish the adequacy of the warnings therein. At the conclusion of the trial in 2005, the jury found in Ms. Levine's favor, awarding her more than $6 million in damages.

Wyeth appealed, and in October 2006, a divided Vermont Supreme Court upheld the ruling.
This case, Wyeth v. Levine, gives the Supreme Court another chance to mediate the relationship between organic, common-law jury verdicts and the cold machinery of the Supremacy Clause. After its February 2008 decision in Riegel v. Medtronic, in which it held that federal law expressedly preempted common-law suits against manufacturers of FDA-approved medical devices, the Court now considers the scope of federal preemption in the pharmaceutical industry, whose applicable federal regulations contain no express preemption clause.

1. "Wyeth v. Levine." Authorship: Michael Blaisdell. Scotus Wiki. November 2008.

Kelly Evans is a partner at Snell & Wilmer where his practice is focused on product liability defense, employment, and intellectual property litigation. His product liability litigation focuses on defending automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Kelly's employment litigation practice includes representing employers in discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and contractual matters. His intellectual property litigation concentrates on unfair competition, trade secrets, restrictive covenants, and trademark and patent infringement. Kelly has extensive experience in state and federal court, and before administrative agencies.

Happy Hour Tour of Town Square-Fundraiser for UNLV Science Labs

"BIO ON THE VINE & ROCKS" Happy Hour Tour of Town Square

Join NevBio & Friends for a Happy Hour Tour of Town Square as we raise money for UNLV's Science Labs.

Tuesday, October 14th at Town Square- 5 PM to 7 PM

The Happy Hour Tour starts at TOMMY BAHAMA's CAFE for their famous Island drinks and appetizers.

Next, we walk across the square and down to the BRIO TUSCAN GRILL for Italian specialities and drinks on their open air patio.

Finally, we stroll over to the wine bar, THE GRAPE where we finish our tour with wine & cheese.

Please RSVP with Judy Rebholz at 839-7222 or jrebholz@cvbt.com

The Cost is $50. See you Tuesday, October 14th for fun, drinks & food.

Oct 29th NevBio Meeting at Nevada Cancer Institute

"How to Manage Early Stage Drug Development" Dr. Peter Sausen of Covance Labs at the Nevada Cancer Institute
One Breakthrough Way, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Wednesday Oct 29th 11:30 AM Check-in, Speaker & Lunch 12 PM Cost: $35
Please RSVP-Judy at 839-7222 or jrebholz@cvbt.com

Sausen on "Managing Early Drug Development"

Dr. Peter Sausen of Covance Laboratories is focused on early stage drug development. He leads a team of scientists and project managers to help drug companies with their drug development needs from preclinical safety assessment through clinical proof of concept (Phase II) clinical trials. Dr. Sausen received his Doctorate in Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1992. He completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology and has worked at G.D. Searle and Eli Lilly, before moving to Covance in 2005. In his article, "Effective Project Management for Multi-Sourced Early Drug Development," he noted the components associated with Investigational New Drugs (IND) and Clinical Trial Application (CTA):

· Genetic and molecular toxicology · Mammalian toxicology
· Safety pharmacology · Bioanalytical
· Drug metabolism · Dose formulations
· Program management · Regulatory strategy
· Pre-IND meetings · Investigator's brochure
· IND/CTA preparation · GMP analytical support
· Pharmacokinetics

He also noted the some of the causes for delays in development nonclinical stages such as:
· Interruption of drug supplies
· Unavailable validated analytical methods
· Lack of process for timely problem resolution
· Lack of process to assess data and interpret for inclusion in summary documents
· Failure to match nonclinical program with clinical goals

In Phases I & II, some of the causes for delays were as follows:
· Failure to prepare suitable formulation for clinical use
· Insufficient stability data to support clinical trials
· Lack of compliance with cGMPs
· Failure to prepare acceptable container label
· Inadequate information for ethics committee
· Inadequate insurance for trial participants
· Inadequate informed consent forms
· Lack of clearly focused clinical endpoints

Sausen summarized the article saying, "A well-designed development strategy is crucial to the success of a drug candidate which also requires developing a team with scientific and regulatory expertise to ensure that a streamlined and comprehensive development pathway is attained. The ability to funnel all phases of a study through a common pathway of data management, analysis, and reporting generates more efficient, consistent, and accurate results. Throughout the process the cumulative applied technical and scientific expertise of the study team is required to meet project requirements. In some cases, no amount of preplanning can predict all of the situations that may arise. The team must respond rapidly to scientific issues and regulatory requirements thereby ensuring the continued progress of the project towards critical milestones."

Sausen will be talking at the October 29, 2008 NevBio luncheon to be held at the Nevada Cancer Institute. The program will be two hours; although those who need to leave early, will be able.

Covance is a drug development services company that provides early-stage and late-stage product development services primarily to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries worldwide. The company has over 8,000 employees and revenues over a billion. Covance believes in supporting growing biotech organizations and has graciously flown Dr. Peter Sausen to Las Vegas for this meeting. NevBio appreciates their support. COVANCE-HELPING TO BRING MIRACLES TO MARKET SOONER.

We also want to thank Nevada Cancer Institute for hosting this meeting.