RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new crop of life-science companies is putting North Carolina on the map with some of the world's most efficient manufacturing plants. The companies are unique because plants are their plants - living bioreactors producing therapeutics, diagnostics and other valuable biological products. In fact, new opportunities like these, in biotech-enhanced agricultural products, will be the focus of a panel discussion at the 2011 BIO International Convention at the Washington, D.C., Convention Center.

Biolex Therapeutics, Inc. announced that Walker Long, M.D. has joined the Company as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Drug Development, and that Anne McKay has joined as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs.

Biolex Therapeutics, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, has entered into an agreement with OctoPlus, a drug delivery company, to acquire OctoPlus's 50% share of commercial rights to the Locteron product candidate for hepatitis C.

Biolex Therapeutics, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement with OctoPlus N.V. to acquire OctoPlus' 50 percent share of commercial rights to the Locteron product candidate for hepatitis C.

Biolex Therapeutics, Inc. announced the closing of a $60 million Series D financing led by Clarus Ventures, a leading biotechnology investor, with OrbiMed Advisors participating as a new investor.