Although realized in 1983, ASTM's standrad test method for determining bacterial retention of membrane filters used for liquid filtration is still hugely beneficial to today's pharmaceutical industry.

California's forward-thinking reputation, well-funded research universities and world leadership in the potentially life-saving field of stem cell research and green energy provide a progressive and positive business environment for biotech companies.

Although California remains the country's biotech leader, Michigan anticipates that the wind is shifting direction, albeit slowly

A round up of the bio news from Europe's biopharmaceutical industry.

According to Deputy Director, Alexander Bothmann, of Enterprise Florida Inc., in Germany, the 'Sunshine State' is: "Committed to building a world-class biotechnology sector by investing in research facilities, fostering the growth of local biotech companies and welcoming progressive newcomers, such as the Scripps Research Institute, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research and Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies."

There are many challenges upstream and downstream in manufacturing a biotech drug.

Access to the capital markets of the US has always been a key attraction for Europe's biotech businesses.

Richard Kilner, Managing Director of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania European Investment Office, is incredibly enthusiastic about both his State and the potential it offers investors: "We are the number one State in pharmaceuticals (by number of establishments, employment and GDP output) and rapidly closing in on Massachusetts, the number two in biotech."

More than 235 biotechnology companies call New Jersey home. They range from early start-ups with just a few employees to fully functioning companies with research, marketing and sales offices.