Tradeline, Inc. filters and categorizes new-construction and industry news from regional and professional journals across the country. Here you will find new projects, products, and regulatory updates.
Industry News
Canadian Parliament Considers Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
The Canadian parliament is considering legislation that would regulate registration of select agents and promote safety and security. Bill C-11, the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, would require individuals to obtain clearances for select agent access, with disease agents categorized by threat level. The legislation would also establish handling procedures for each level. For more information, view Bill C-11.
NIH Holds Biosecurity Personnel Meeting
The National Institutes of Health will seek input on the attributes of the Personnel Reliability Program on April 3, 2009. The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) will be making a set of recommendations regarding personnel reliability programs for individuals who would work with select agents. A portion of their recommendations will address the measures that institutions should undertake to assess whether individuals are trustworthy and reliable to work with these agents.
Select Agent and Biosafety Legislation Proposed in Congress
Two select agent and biosafety bills were proposed in Congress in February of 2009. In the Senate, the Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2009 would monitor federal oversight of biocontainment laboratories, improve training, and create a system for accident reporting. The act would also provide funding for the U.S. Select Agent Program.
CDC Builds Fort Collins Biocontainment Labs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have initiated construction on a $14 million laboratory project in Fort Collins, Colo. Located in shell space on the fourth floor of the CDC’s existing facility, the facility will house moderate to high level biocontainment labs, offices, and support. The project team includes general contractor JE Dunn Construction Company and design-build partner Smith Carter Architects and Engineers. Completion is expected in January of 2010.
Oxford University Opens Jenner Institute Vaccine Laboratories
The University of Oxford opened the £5 million Jenner Institute Laboratories in February of 2009 in the United Kingdom. The facility features laboratories for vaccine research and development for diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and bird flu. The Jenner Institute is a partnership between Oxford University and the Institute for Animal Health (IAH). The facility integrates basic science research in immunology and genetics with clinical vaccine development and commercialization.