Industry News
Australasian mentorship for biotech entrepreneurs
Speaking at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia, Victorian innovation minister John Brumby has announced the roll out of the state government's Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program across Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]
In brief: Pharmanet Group, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, Genetic Technologies
The sale of Pharmanet Group's (ASX:PNO) wholly owned subsidiary Medical Products Group, to Advance Healthcare (ASX:AHG), has been completed. [ + ]
New melanoma research centre for Perth
Research in to the genetic causes of melanoma will be the focus of the new Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre, recently established at the University of Western Australia's Centre for Medical Research in Perth. [ + ]
Stem Cell Sciences moves to list on AIM
Biotech Capital (ASX:BTC) investee company Stem Cell Sciences is looking to raise up to £10 million on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM). [ + ]
Venture capital investment earmarked for South Australian bioscience
A major venture capital investment of tens of millions of dollars is currently being secured for the South Australian bioscience industry. [ + ]
In brief: Pharmaxis, Metabolic, Avantogen, Biotech Capital, Bone Medical, Xceed Biotechnology
Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) has responded to a request by the ASX to explain why its shares rose from $1.34 on 15 June 2005 to $1.61 on 22 June 2005 by saying that it is unaware of any information that could explain the price change and increase in volume of trading in its shares over that period. [ + ]
Funding for bioactive polymers in wound healing
The development of nano-sized microcapsules and bioactive bandages to assist in the delivery of the synthetic growth factor complex, VitroGro, is one of 251 projects to be funded in the latest round of the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Linkage Projects scheme. [ + ]
Avastra clinical trial halted
Sydney biomaterials company Avastra (ASX:AVS) has halted its Bioweld human clinical trial due to unexpected results in its long-term animal study, although the company is still unsure what caused the unexpected results. [ + ]
Researchers make oocytes from embryonic stem cells
Monash University fertility researchers have succeeded in producing oocytes -- eggs -- from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, offering hope to couples who are unable to conceive, even by in vitro fertilisation, because the partner lacks viable eggs. [ + ]
Process to transform embryonic stem cells into fertile eggs
Researchers at Monash University have developed a process that causes embryonic stem (ES) cells to develop into ovarian structures containing eggs. Dr Orly Lacham-Kaplan from the Monash immunology and stem cell laboratories has presented their findings at the annual meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology.
[ + ]In Brief: Psivida, Compumedics, Avantogen
Psivida (ASX:PSD) has released the full results of its Phase IIa trial of BrachySil in inoperable primary liver cancer patients, showing that the product is safe and effective in prompting tumour regression. [ + ]
State governments fund research initiatives
Speaking at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia, Victorian premier Steve Bracks announced a new AUD$63 million initiative to fund the new Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI). [ + ]
Low-glycaemic index barley proves healthy alternative
CSIRO Plant Industry released its new low-glyceaemic index barley last week: BARLEYMax, developed from a mutant form of an old 'lab rat' strain of barley called Himalaya. [ + ]
Biosceptre diagnostic detects ovarian cancer
A study by Peptech's (ASX:PTD) joint venture partner Biosceptre has found that its diagnostic test successfully identified ovarian cancer in tissue analysis, paving the way for the development of a commercial test for this disease. [ + ]
Bionomics discovers breast cancer diagnostic
South Australian genomics company Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has found that antibodies against it's proprietary cancer drug target BNO69 can be used to distinguish between malignant and benign breast cancers. [ + ]
