Good morning all. Here’s what’s happening today in the world of biotech:

BLUEPRINT FOR A GENETIC TESTING REGISTRY – A new report out of the Berman Institute of Bioethics at Johns Hopkins University makes key recommendations about the creation and implementation of a genetic testing registry. The researchers explain their reasoning behind the call for a registry:

While the number of genetic tests continues to grow, publicly accessible information about the analytic and clinical validity of such tests is lagging. Information gaps impede informed decision making by health care providers and patients. Enhancing the transparency of information about what tests are being offered, for which indications tests are being offered, and the analytic and clinical validity of tests is a key prerequisite to ensuring test quality.

While recent government recommendations agree on the need for such a registry, this report goes into detail about the practicality and legality of the project. Hopefully it will help lead to a solution where both patients and providers can learn about the wealth of genetic testing options available.

DISEASE FOUNDATIONS BECOME LIFELINES FOR STRUGGLING BIOTECH FIRMS – The Boston Business Journal offers an interesting and eye-opening article on the role of disease foundations in biotech research. As markets slide, many biotech firms are turning to disease foundations as a primary source of funding for research that won’t attract venture capitalists in this economic climate. However, many of the foundations are becoming increasingly worried as the stock market and private capital markets wreak havoc with the companies that may hold the key to future cures.

Foundations are being squeezed by companies that need support for longer periods of time, and face threats that breakthrough therapies could be stranded by public and private markets that don’t always reward the best science.

U.S. STEM CELL RESEARCH RULES EASE SOME RESTRICTIONS – Reuters reports that the U.S. government has released new rules easing some of the restrictions on federally funded research on human embryonic stem cells. The new rules remove barriers that would have cost scientists decades of work.

[T]he National Institutes of Health, which issued the rules, eased some of the measures in the initial guidelines drawn up in March, including the so-called “informed consent” requirements meant to ensure that people who donated embryos for research knew exactly what they might be used for.

“We allow a case-by-case review,” acting NIH director Dr. Raynard Kington told reporters in a telephone briefing.

In March, President Barack Obama lifted restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research that had been put in place by his predecessor, former president George W. Bush and asked the NIH to draw up new guidelines.

While some of the previous rules remain in place, the new rules reflect broad public support for stem cell research and the many life-saving breakthroughs that the research promises.

A LIFE SCIENCES STIMULUS? – Life Science Leader offers an interview with Dr. Leslie Glick, who has suggested that the government implement a stimulus for the life sciences.

[Dr. Glick] proposed the government provide stimulus monies to VC [Venture Capital] firms to ensure the continued growth and financial stability of the U.S. life sciences industry. In exchange for taxpayer investment in these firms, the federal government would become a limited partner (like other private investors in a firm’s funds) and share revenues generated from the firm’s investment portfolio. Government returns from these investments would be deposited directly in the U.S. treasury and used accordingly as seen fit by the federal government.

When asked about the viability of VC-backed firms and why the government should support such a risky sector, Dr. Glick responded by pointing to job creation for skilled professionals and support roles, and the huge potential for sorely-needed innovation. On the topic of financial viability, he responded saying:

In the investment world, it is generally acknowledged that 90% of all VC-backed companies will fail. However, the surviving 10% or so generate enough revenues to cover the losses of those companies that don’t make it.

A life sciences stimulus is an interesting concept with a high potential for success and innovation as an end-result. The Obama Administration is aware of Dr. Glick’s proposal but has yet to comment on it.