Diseases of the prostate constitute the second most prevalent type of chronic disease in the male population in the US. The recent report "US Markets for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Prostate Disease/Disorder Management Products," a report published in August 2007 by the Medtech Insight division of Windhover Information, details the state-of-the industry for companies working in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and prostatitis. A brief excerpt on biomarkers for prostate cancer appears here.

Each month, Start-Up presents a survey of technology transfer deals-licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions--in the fields of life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents.

Light BioScience LLC is a pioneer in the use of light-emitting diodes for nonablative skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. Its GentleWaves LED Photomodulation system uses very specific pulses of near-infrared light to boost collagen production. The device has initial FDA clearance for treating periorbital wrinkles, but the company is amassing clinical data about its effectiveness in several other aesthetic, and some non-aesthetic, indications.

Barr remains committed to building a leading women's health franchise even as it encounters setbacks, big and small, most recently in the FDA's rejection of its application for over-the-counter status for its emergency contraceptive, Plan B. Even more problematic is the ongoing turmoil in the hormone replacement therapy markets. It recently launched its first proprietary product, indicating its skill in getting an NDA drug through the FDA and newly acquired marketing savvy.