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BackgroundInternational collaboration (IC) is essential for the advance of stem cell research, a field characterized by marked asymmetries in knowledge and capacity between nations. China is emerging as a global leader in the stem cell field. However, knowledge on the extent and characteristics of IC in stem cell science, particularly China’s collaboration with developed economies, is lacking.Methods and FindingsWe provide a scientometric analysis of the China–Canada collaboration in stem cell research, placing this in the context of other leading producers in the field. We analyze stem cell research published from 2006 to 2010 from the Scopus database, using co-authored papers as a proxy for collaboration. We examine IC levels, collaboration preferences, scientific impact, the collaborating institutions in China and Canada, areas of mutual interest, and funding sources. Our analysis shows rapid global expansion of the field with 48% increase in papers from 2006 to 2010. China now ranks second globally after the United States. China has the lowest IC rate of countries examined, while Canada has one of the highest. China–Canada collaboration is rising steadily, more than doubling during 2006–2010. China–Canada collaboration enhances impact compared to papers authored solely by China-based researchers This difference remained significant even when comparing only papers published in English.ConclusionsWhile China is increasingly courted in IC by developed countries as a partner in stem cell research, it is clear that it has reached its status in the field largely through domestic publications. Nevertheless, IC enhances the impact of stem cell research in China, and in the field in general. This study establishes an objective baseline for comparison with future studies, setting the stage for in-depth exploration of the dynamics and genesis of IC in stem cell research.

With increasing globalization, infectious diseases are spreading faster than ever before, creating an urgent need for international collaboration. The rise of emerging economies has changed the traditional collaborative landscape and provided opportunities for more diverse models of collaboration involving developing countries, including North-South, South-South and North-South-South partnerships. Here, we discuss how developing countries can partner with other nations to address their shared health problems and to promote innovation. We look specifically at what drives collaborations and at the challenges that exist for them, and we propose actions that can strengthen these partnerships.

Learning Objectives Summarize findings regarding the media's portrayal of bevacizumab with each phase of therapeutic development. Identify media sources of information about bevacizumab in each phase of therapeutic development.

A survey of Canadian biotech firms reveals that their biotech collaborations with developing countries are not only significant but also increasingly reciprocal in terms of the exchange of financial resources and technological know-how.

e11597 Background: On February 22, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for the use of bevacizumab (Avastin) in metastatic breast cancer. Based on the results of subsequent clinical trials this accelerated approval was revoked on November 18, 2011.In this study we categorize and analyze the newspaper reports related to bevacizumab use in advanced breast cancer. Methods: Using the FACTIVA media database, we reviewed all newspaper reports published in the United States and Canada from January 4,2002 to January 4, 2012 with the words “breast cancer” and “Avastin” or “bevacizumab”. Articles were classified as pre-approval (Jan 4 2002 – Feb 21 2012); approval (Feb 22 2008 – Nov 17 2011); or post-approval loss (Nov 18 2011 – Jan 4 2012). Information related to benefits, side effects, costs, interviewees, and article tone and theme were abstracted from each article by two independent reviewers. Differences between the 3 study phases were compared using the Chi square test. Results: 353 articles met our study inclusion criteria. The major article themes evolved over each study period. Reports having a positive headline tone (36%, 18%, 9%; p=0.0004) and/or positive article tone (42%, 19%, 9%; p<0.0001) declined with each study period. The proportion of articles discussing side effects (25%, 49%, 60%; p<0.0001) and financial costs (19%, 46%, 41%; p<0.0001) increased while those discussing efficacy decreased (82%, 59%, 15%; p<0.0001) with each study period. Drug representatives were most likely to be quoted in newspaper articles prior to bevacizumab’s approval (33%, 23%, 11%; p=0.015). Conclusions: Media reports are a common source of medical information for patients, practitioners, and policy-makers. Although we cannot discern cause from effect, we did observe substantial fluidity of media reports over time.