Sidebars New Antibody Technologies On Tap? Selected Suppliers of Antibodies During the past decade, few biological disciplines have captivated researchers as dramatically as immunology. Of particular interest are the molecules known as antibodies -- naturally occurring immune system proteins that seek out and bind to a virtually unlimited number of antigens, peptides, receptors, infectious organisms, other proteins, and so on. Their remarkable specificity and selectivity have driven the growt

Large volumes of antibodies for diagnostic, treatment, and research have traditionally been produced by only three methods: ascites (that is, in living animals), fermentation or stirred-tank reactors, and hollow-fiber bioreactors. Each has its own advantages. The ascites method, while highly labor-intensive, is generally recommended for the relatively economical production of small volumes of antibodies -- typically milligrams or less. Stirred-tank reactors are widely used for larger commercia

For Europe, a new and eagerly anticipated era begins in 1992. That’s the year in which the 12 nations of the European Economic Community (EEC) will abolish the last of the internal trade barriers that have made Europe an economic and technological hodge-podge ever since the EEC was created in 1957. Among other benefits, 1992 will harmonize the standards, specifications, and regulations that have governed virtually every European product or service—from new pharmaceuticals to life-

A sagging stock market and the lagging dollar have only served to add allure to overseas venture capital Ask any United States biotech executive about the industry’s problems and you’ll probably get a rousing speech on the dangers of offshore competition—especially from Japan. The U.S., you’ll be told, could lose out on biotechnology’s biggest payoffs. But nationalism sometimes bows to financial realism. At least, that was the case back in 1985 when Thousand O