Phytopharm is hunting for better drugs. The company struck a deal with Unilever in late 2004 to develop a slimming aid based on the African cactus hoodia, used in Africa to stave off hunger during hunting trips. This developer of botanical pharmaceuticals concentrates on four drug-discovery areas -- obesity and metabolic disease, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and dermatology. In addition, Phytopharm markets two veterinary dermatology products in the UK.

Intarcia Therapeutics (formerly BioMedicines) sniffs out the competition for its drugs. The development-stage company identifies potential drug candidates in other firms' pipelines, then buys the rights to products it believes can be developed more efficiently or can be effective in treating different indications. Lead drug candidate Atamestane, acquired from Schering AG (now Bayer Schering ), is in clinical trials as a potential treatment for metastatic breast cancer. The company's pipeline also includes omega interferon (purchased from Boehringer Ingelheim), which is being developed to treat hepatitis C; and Biomed 101 (from G.D. Searle), which may have applications for melanoma and kidney cancer.

Minster Pharmaceuticals plc, through its subsidiary, Minster Research Limited, develops pharmaceutical compounds for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions in the United Kingdom. Its products pipeline comprises Tonabersat, which is in Phase IIb clinical trial for the prevention and treatment of migraine; and Sabcomeline, a Phase IIa clinical trial product for the management of cognitive decline and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The company is based in Saffron Walden, the United Kingdom.

Spectrum Laboratories is wrapped up in a full gamut of filtration products. Spectrum operates three product groups: bioprocessing (membranes, membrane devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals), Original Equipment Manufacturing (or "OEM", which supplies filtration and separation devices to companies making in vivo and ex-vivo filtration devices), and disposable operating room products (orthopedic and arthroscopic drapes, sterile microscope covers, tissue carriers, and other disposables). Spectrum also does contract manufacturing to create customized products with filtration applications for laboratory use. It has three production facilities in the US along with sales offices in the Netherlands and Japan.

Sovereign Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1990. Sovereign Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. company arms its customers with made-to-order OTC and prescription medications that combat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cold symptoms. Its manufacuring plant has the capacity to make more than 3 million pints of liquid and more than 650 million tablets a year. Other capabilities include the manufacture of creams, ointments, and suspensions. In addition, the company offers custom packaging and research and development services.

Aptuit prefers to operate behind the scenes. A pharmaceutical services company, Aptuit offers a range of support services to biotech and other drug development companies, including early- to late-stage development of pharmaceutical ingredients, clinical studies support, information systems development, project management, and consulting services. The company operates from more than a dozen offices in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region and serves companies of all sizes. Aptuit was founded in 2004; private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe holds a significant ownership stake in the company.

Founded in 1926, Recordati S.p.A. company makes prescription and nonprescription pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Its prescription drug business includes antibiotics and antiviral drugs, as well as treatments for cardiovascular, central nervous system, dermatological, gynecology, urological, and other disorders and ailments. Over-the-counter products include remedies for allergies and colds, travel sickness, and fungal infections. Recordati company has subsidiaries and direct sales representatives located in about a dozen European countries. Recordati's products are distributed in some 100 countries.

Henderson Morley takes aim at those pesky microscopic parasites we know as viruses. The company researches and develops vaccines and treatments for viral infections by preventing them from replicating once they invade their host cells. One of its lead product candidates is a vaccine for genital herpes that could be used as a preventative or a therapeutic measure. Other candidates target human cytomegalovirus and human papillomavirus. Instead of taking its candidates through all phases of development, Henderson Morley instead looks to out-license its candidates. Chairman Andrew Knight owns 34% of the company.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals is owned by Swiss drugmaker Ferring Group, which was founded in 1951 and expanded into the US in the early 1980s. Ferring Pharmaceuticals knows that birthing babies is hard work. The company develops and markets a variety of fertility products, including hormone treatments Bravelle, Menopur, Novarel, and Repronex. The company also develops and manufactures products to diagnose and treat ailments in the areas of urology, endocrinology, osteoarthritis, and gastroenterology, including Euflexxa for osteoarthritis of the knee, Prosed for lower urinary tract infections, and Acthrel, a diagnostic agent for Cushing's syndrome.

Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. company was founded in 1988 and is based in San Diego, California. Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., a biotechnology company, engages in the research, development, and production of bio-active devices to improve medical and surgical outcomes. The company, through its proprietary technology, produces molecular weight polymers that can be processed into a range of material forms, such as gels, sponges, films, and fibers. It also focuses on developing protein polymers that are used in products for tissue augmentation, tissue adhesives and sealants, and drug delivery devices. The company also develops and offers surgical tissue sealants that include tissue adhesives and sealants; wound healing and tissue regeneration products, including fabric dressings, synthetic materials, and biological materials; and urethral bulking agent that relieves female stress incontinence. In addition, it develops coating technology that modifies and improves surface properties of traditional biomedical devices.

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