Industry News
US preclinical trials for Mesoblast's stem cells
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. [ + ]
Stem cells could help treat uterine prolapse
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. [ + ]
Proteome Systems wins technology innovation award
Proteome Systems has won a prestigious 2005 Frost and Sullivan Technology Innovation Award for its ingenious Chemical Inkjet Printer (ChIP). [ + ]
International linkage grants and international fellows announced
Federal science minister Dr Brendan Nelson announced today the government will provide AUD$2,972,440 to fund 42 new awards for Australian-based researchers to participate in joint research projects with their overseas peers in 18 different countries, under the Australian Research Council's Linkage International Scheme. [ + ]
In brief: Pharmaxis, Cochlear, OBJ, Cryptome Pharmaceuticals
On the back of yesterday's announcement, Pharmaxis (ASX:PXC) has been granted approval from Health Canada to conduct a clinical trial of Bronchitol in patients with cystic fibrosis. [ + ]
Metabolic raises another $4.04 million
Melbourne-based Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (ASX:MBP) has raised AUD$4.04 million in its share purchase plan (SSP) which closed last Friday. [ + ]
Continence Control Systems starts first human implant recruitment
BioTech Capital (ASX:BTC) investee company Continence Control Systems International (CCS) has commenced patient recruitment for its severe urinary incontinence treatment, following completion of pre-clinical studies and human ethics approval for human implants. [ + ]
BresaGen nets $200,000 SA govt grant
BresaGen (ASX:BGN) has been awarded a Commercial Infrastructure Grant of AUD$200,000 from Bio Innovation SA, the South Australian government's biotechnology agency. [ + ]
Chemeq subscribers agree to extend convertible bond completion date
Following a trading halt, Chemeq (ASX:CMQ) has updated the market on the allotment and issue of AUD$20 million additional convertible bonds to Japanese investment group Mizuho International and related entities of investment management group Stark Investments, due on July 15. [ + ]
Pharmaxis drug earns FDA 'orphan' status for cystic fibrosis
The US Food and Drug Administration has expanded an 'orphan drug' designation to Pharmaxis' (ASX:PXS) drug Bronchitol, for the additional indication of facilitating mucus clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis. [ + ]
Peptech, Domantis in new cancer target development
Sydney biotech Peptech (ASX:PTD) has signed up with its 36.1 per cent owned UK partner Domantis to develop a domain antibody (dAb) for the cancer target identified by its Sydney joint venture partner Biosceptre. [ + ]
In brief: Chemeq, Acuron, Compumedics, Synchrotron
Chemeq (ASX:CMQ) is in a trading halt in the lead-up to an announcement concerning the underwriting of AUD$20 million convertible bonds to Mizuho International, Stark Trading and Shephard Investments International, to which it committed itself in April. [ + ]
Locals win grants to study in US
Fellowship grants of more than AUD$270,000 have been awarded to seven Australian scientists to pursue research and studies at American Institutions courtesy, of the American Australian Association. [ + ]
ChemGenex announces two new cancer trials
ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CXS) has outlined its accelerated clinical development plan for its lead anti-cancer therapeutic Ceflatonin, following positive results from initial trials. [ + ]
UQ discovers fear protein
Researchers at the University of Queensland's Brain Research Institute have identified a protein expressed in the amygdala, a region of the brain that mediates the formation of fearful memories, that could be a target for new drugs to treat anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and some mental disorders. [ + ]