Syngenta creates Beijing site

DURHAM -- Syngenta Biotechnology is committing more than $100 million over the next five years to create a permanent site in Bejing.

The Swiss company, which has a research facility in Durham's Research Triangle Park, has already grown the facility at Zhongguancun Life Science Park to more than 70 employees.

The facility specializes in early research of agronomic traits for key crops, such as corn and soybean, and focuses on yield improvement, water optimization, disease control and biomass conversion for biofuels.

Syngenta recently leased 100,000 additional square feet of space and signed an agreement to purchase 50 acres in RTP for potential future expansion. In October, Syngenta was named as one of the Top 20 Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Employers by Science magazine and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Liquidia gets $3M for development

DURHAM -- Liquidia Technologies in Durham's Research Triangle Park announced Monday that it will receive about $3 million in funding from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology to further develop and scale up the company's PRINT manufacturing process.

The PRINT manufacturing process uses a proprietary roll-to-roll method that allows Liquidia to produce precisely engineered particles, which offer safer and more efficient delivery of vaccine and therapeutic drug products. The capabilities realized as a direct result of this project will support the advancement of a platform of products, including the company's initial vaccine product which is expected to enter clinical trials next year.

Homeowners helped by state

RALEIGH -- The State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project has enabled more than 2,500 North Carolina homeowners avoid foreclosure, according to the N.C. Office of the Commissioner of Banks.

More than 5,000 other homeowners also have met with free nonprofit housing counselors to get advice and assistance in dealing with their finances and mortgage problems.

NCCOB estimates the impact of avoiding foreclosures on these homes has prevented $218 million in neighboring property value declines and financial system losses. Using 34 local nonprofit counseling agencies across the state and one national nonprofit phone counseling agency, the program has prevented foreclosures in 99 of North Carolina's 100 counties.

Foreclosure filings in North Carolina are up 14 percent this year. The state now places 36th out of 50 states in foreclosures.

Homeowners seeking help from SHFPP can receive free assistance over the phone by calling toll-free (866) 234-4857. In addition, homeowners may wish to meet with a local counselor directly. More information can be found at www.fightncforeclosure.org.

-- From staff and wire reports