Industry News
NHMRC sets five-year moratorium on organ xenotransplantation
The National Health and Medical Research Council has recommended a five-year moratorium on any clinical research into animal-to-human whole organ transplants in Australia. [ + ]
Labor promises $28 million in graduate subsidies and education
Labor has announced a $22 million four-year Smart Partnerships program under which 800 graduates would receive subsidised industry placements, and $6 million would be earmarked for educational programs aimed at supporting business ideas with commercial potential. [ + ]
Avexa lists on ASX
Amrad (AML) spin-off Avexa (ASX: AVX) listed on the ASX this morning with trading hovering around AUD$0.265. [ + ]
GTG in $18m deal with Genzyme
Genetic Technologies (ASX: GTG) has taken the first step in forming a strategic alliance with US-based biotech Genzyme by granting a licence for its non-coding DNA patents that will bring in more than AUD$18 million in revenue over the next 11 years. [ + ]
Psivida spins out diagnostic specialist
Perth nanotechnology company Psivida (ASX: PSD) has spun out an Australia-based diagnostics company, AION Diagnostics. [ + ]
BTF granted US patent for 'Bioballs'
Private Sydney-based biotech BTF has been granted a US patent for its BioBall quality-control product. [ + ]
Maybe not a 'pox on you'
A breakthrough in identifying the mechanisms that control mousepox could pave the way to better protection against the use of smallpox by terrorists.
[ + ]Leukemia expert joins Chemgenex
ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CXS) announced today that leukemia expert Hagop Kantarjian, chairman of the leukemia department at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, has joined its scientific advisory board. [ + ]
Wily scientific tricks trap foxes
Dr David Dall, CEO of pest-control company Pestat, took a small, anonymous silver spraycan to last month's BioFestival agbiotech conference in Melbourne. [ + ]
Neuroblastoma may be due to gene interference
Researchers at Sydney's Children's Cancer Institute of Australia (CCIA) have identified a possible mechanism for the formation of tumours from embryonic cells. [ + ]
Plant genomics centre lands international research headquarters
The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, which was officially opened in Adelaide last week, has taken on the headquarters for the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI) -- an international forum for the discussion and coordination of public sector research into the genetics and genomics of cereals including wheat, barley, rye and their wild relatives. [ + ]
Peplin granted US patent for its anti-cancer therapeutics
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted Peplin Biotech (ASX: PEP) a patent protecting the broad anti-cancer activity of its angeloyl-substituted ingenanes - a class of molecules which includes its lead molecule PEP005. [ + ]
Amrad CEO asks for fair deal on options price
In an unusual move, Amrad (ASX: AML) CEO Pete Smith has asked for options that are due to be granted him after approval at next month's AGM to be granted at the same exercise price as those granted to other employees of the company. [ + ]
Vet Biotechnology targets equine disease
Animal health and stem-cell company Vet Biotechnology has advanced to the starting gate - and is readying to list on the Newcastle Stock Exchange in late October. [ + ]
New biotechs head for the NSX
Having waved goodbye to its first biotech alumnus Living Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) earlier this year, the Newcastle Stock Exchange is expecting a number of fresh biotech companies to list on the exchange this year. [ + ]
