Industry News
Monash team determines cancer protein form
Monash University researchers have determined the structure of a key oncoprotein, JAK2, being targeted by Melbourne oncology drug developer Cytopia (ASX:CYT). [ + ]
Novogen encouraged by cancer drug trials
Australian pharma Novogen has received further positive news from a US trial of its experimental cancer-resensitising agent phenoxodiol. [ + ]
Biotech made simpler: new code aims to help CEOs and investors
It's hardly surprising that one of the Australian biotechnology industry's biggest bugbears is a communication gap between companies and their investors. [ + ]
First operating revenues for Ventracor
Sydney-based artificial heart company Ventracor (ASX:VCR) will report its first operating revenues of more than $300,000 in the first half of the 2006 financial year. [ + ]
Oncogene may lead to predictive test
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre say they have discovered a potential oncongene in ovarian cancer, which is the leading cause of gynaecological cancer death in US women.
[ + ]Solbec chooses initial tumour targets
Solbec Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SBP) has selected malignant melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) as the first two tumour types for multiple target activity phase II trials of its lead compound Coramsine in the treatment of advanced tumours. [ + ]
Tenders close for new CRC host
Three Victorian institutes, the MacFarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, have applied to host the WHO Collaborative Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, which is currently based at the CSL site in Parkville, Melbourne. [ + ]
Epitan files patent, Norwood Abbey granted patent
Melbourne-based Epitan (ASX:APT, ADR:EPTNY, XETRA:UR9) has filed for a full international patent to protect the commercial use of the topical formulation of its melanin producing drug EPT1647 (formerly Melanotan). [ + ]
CSIRO, Benitec strengthen RNAi patent positions
The legal mists are lifting from Black Mountain in Canberra, and Mountain View in California, clarifying the ownership of key patents on RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing technology. [ + ]
Portable generic risk detection
A portable biosensing device based on micro- and nanotechnologies is expected to help doctors rapidly and accurately forewarn patients of their genetic risk of developing diseases such as cancer.
[ + ]Testing methods for monkeypox and smallpox
Researchers at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University have developed new diagnostic methods to better detect future monkeypox or smallpox outbreaks. The research also sheds new light on the 2003 monkeypox outbreak in the US - monkeypox is closely related to smallpox. This new information suggests that the 2003 outbreak was larger than the 72 cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[ + ]Detecting inflammatory cells in blood vessels
Atherosclerotic plaque typically builds up without symptoms and the search is on to develop early detection devices that will enable physicians to offer treatment before the disease progresses to advanced stages.
[ + ]In brief: Regenera, Compumedics, SciGen
Regenera (ASX:RGA) has appointed Hon Dr Michael Woodridge as non-executive chairman effective immediately, subject to shareholder approval. [ + ]
Agenix raises AUD$10.3m
Brisbane-based Agenix (ASX:AGX, NASDAQ:OTC:AGXLY) has raised a total of AUD$10.3 million through a non-renounceable 1:4 entitlements offer. [ + ]
Phospha E linked to healthy cardiovascular function
Melbourne's Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has found its vitamin product Phospha E has reduced LDL-C (bad cholesterol) concentrations in blood by up to 44 per cent in an animal study. [ + ]
