Ponce Dee Pinot Noir......  An editorial in the Wall Street Journal reported that a new discovery has been made by scientists that could swing the age-old debate that drinking red wine is good for you. A substance found in red wine, grape skins and some other plants called resveratrol, protects mice from obesity and the effects of ageing, and perhaps could do the same for humans. Could this be the reason why French women are so thin or why the French have fewer heart attacks than Americans and Australians? While mice are the only mammals that have been tested so far, the researchers are confident that they will find similar results in other tests. (When they sober up enough to conduct the tests!). Not Enough Corn on the Cob...... While it may be music to the ears of Stirling, because R-salbutamol has shown to have significant reductions on the feed cost associated with raising livestock meat-producing animals, there is no doubt that the current "ethanol boom" is bad for business if you are a farmer. In somewhat of a paradox, the biotechnology that has led us to be able to produce biofuels, is causing significant shortages of feed for livestock, especially in countries such as the US where the majority of meat-production is dependent on grain feeding. A recent report in a trade journal (WATT Pig Newsletter, February, 2007) reports that crops at the end of the 2006/2007 harvest would be at a 23-year low; 30% below last year's levels. Increased consumption for biofuel production (principally ethanol production) has resulted in a drop of more than 10% in the corn available to farmers. As a result, farmers now more than ever are searching for additives to feed that can improve the feeding efficiency. Don't Feed Your Dog Chinese Food...... American press over the last month has been preoccupied with the spate of recalls in pet food and pet treats from China which have caused the confirmed deaths of 16 pets. The FDA has now traced the cause to wheat glucan imported from China which contained levels of melamine. The recall has now spread to over 100 different brands of pet food and leading pet hospitals and pet databases claim that the extent of the pets affected are much greater than the 16 deaths confirmed and place the incidence rate at 0.03%. Melamine is used as a fertilizer and in the manufacture of plastic. It causes diarrhoea, lethargy, vomiting and changes in water consumption which ultimately lead to kidney failure. Although the flow-on effects are unknown at this stage, various US Senators are calling on the FDA for tighter security in screening raw materials from China and there are now some 2000 people taking legal action in class suits. Upcoming Events May : Stirling will be attending BIO 2007 as part of the Australian Pavilion and through the assistance of the Western Australian Government, Department of Industry and Resource. This is one of the biggest ever representations of WA's talent at BIO. BIO is now regarded as the largest Biotechnology conference in the world. September : Stirling will be at the Agricultural Biotechnology International Convention (ABIC) to be held in Calgary, Canada. It was at this event last year where we first heard about PBI. Stirling and PBI are currently in discussion for a strategic alliance (see Press Releases). Stirling's Press Releases in 50 Words or Less January 18 : First study of Stirling's R-salbutamol in horses produces a significant effect on lung function and eased breathing in horses with heaves. No side effects were observed at any of the doses used. February 1 : Stirling and Progressive BioActives Incorporated (PBI) announce their intention to form a strategic alliance. The opportunity provides Stirling with new products that complement R-salbutamol, a North American presence and development opportunities in Canada. The MOU specifies a review period of 180 days during which time due diligence will be conducted. February 8 : Boardroom Radio broadcast where Calvin London provides an update on the Company's recent activities and future plans. February 16 : R-salbutamol produces excellent clinical effects from a single dose administered to horses with heaves. Administration significantly improved breathing and relieved distress in treated horses at low doses of R-salbutamol. February 28 : Stirling signs exclusive agreement for development and manufacture of specialised metered dose inhalers. The Agreement with the US-based company Xemplar is for the formulation of specific CFC-free canisters that can be used with the unique delivery system as part of Stirling's joint venture - Pulmovet ApS. April 11 and 13 : Stirling appoints a new non-executive Director, Mr Gary Waters, to the Board. This coincided with Dr Gunnar Aberg's resignation from the Board to pursue other interests. Gary brings an extensive career in licensing, business development and manufacturing. April 24 : An updated company presentation is released to the market and CEO Calvin London discusses the presentation and future direction of Stirling in a Boardroom Radio interview. |
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