The US Patent Office has granted Melbourne biopharma Amrad (ASX:AML) a patent on therapeutic antibodies that recognise for a sub-unit of the interleukin-13 (IL-13) receptor implicated in asthma. [ + ]

Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, a drug development company spun out of the University of Queensland, has received a AUD$3.25 million investment commitment to develop therapeutics for the treatment of neuropathic pain. [ + ]

Following its recent Nasdaq listing, Psivida (ASX:PSD, NASDAQ:PSDV, Xetra:PSI) has appointed the president and CEO of New Jersey-based Chugai Pharma USA, David J Mazzo, as a non-executive director. [ + ]

Antimicrobial specialist Chemeq (ASX:CMQ) has named David Williams its new CEO and director, commencing August 1. Williams was formerly CEO of Epic Energy, a gas transmission company. [ + ]

The first patient has been treated with Clinical Cell Culture's (C3, ASX:CCE) CellSpray XP at Dortmund Hospital in Germany. [ + ]

With the suspension of its Australian BioWeld Tube clinical trial and the postponement of European clinical trails, the June quarter was one of consolidation and review for Sydney biomaterials company Avastra (ASX:AVS). [ + ]

Over 100 representatives from industry, researchers, farmers' organisations and government took part in the 'Meeting of the Minds' agbiotech forum in Canberra last week to accurately map out differences in positions relating to the introduction of new genetically modified (GM) crops. [ + ]

Brisbane cancer-drug developer Progen Industries (ASX:PGL, NASDAQ:PGLAF) has been offered and intends to accept a AUD$3.39 million AusIndustry "Commercial Ready" grant for further development of the company's drug discovery program over the next three years. [ + ]

Melbourne-based biotech Avexa (ASX:AVX) has started the phase IIb trial of AVX754, the HIV compound it in-licensed from UK company Shire Pharmaceuticals in January. [ + ]

Biologists have a new tool to track and videotape cells moving about inside living tissue. Called two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, it has revealed, for example, the dramatic difference between the random wanderings of immature T cells and the goal-oriented, beeline movement of activated T cells.

Compumedics' (ASX:CMP) has reported revenues of AUD$38 million for the 2004-2005 financial year, with the company's audited results anticipated to be released during the second half of August. [ + ]

Perth-based biomedical devices developer, Visiomed Group (ASX:VSG) has been awarded two Business Development and Skills Training Scheme (BDSTS) grants, worth a total of AUD$40,000 from the Western Australian Department of Industry and Resources. [ + ]

Bacteria and fungi thrive in some of the most hostile environments on the planet, and employ exotic metabolic reactions to extract energy from the most toxic substrates -- including acidic industrial wastes and hydrocarbon fuels. [ + ]

Melbourne-based stem cell specialist Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) has entered into agreements with Colorado State University to perform preclinical dose-escalation trials of its universal donor adult stem cell technology for the treatment of long bone fractures, and a new indication, intervertebral spinal fusion. [ + ]

Researchers at Melbourne's Monash Medical Research Institute (MMRI) have identified a readily accessible source of adult mesenchymal stem cells in the lining of the uterus that could help repair uterine prolapse. [ + ]