Industry News
UK GPs to test for asthma using Pharmaxis’ Aridol
Having recently completed the Phase III clinical trials for its patented asthma prognostic, Aridol, Sydney-based Pharmaxis (ASX: PXS) today announced that the first patients had been enrolled in a major UK clinical study. [ + ]
Vaxine wins Start grant and equity partner
There’s a distinct, rosy glow on the commercial horizon for unlisted Canberra vaccine developer Vaxine, with the company winning a AUD$770,000 AusIndustry R&D Start grant to advance its new-generation hepatitis B vaccine, and bringing in an equity partner to boost its cash reserves. [ + ]
Bioprospect and Bio-Gene team on eucalypt-derived flyspray
Queensland’s Bioprospect (ASX:BPO) has entered into a heads of agreement with Perth’s Bio-Gene Technology for the grow-out and distribution rights of Qcide, BioProspect’s eucalypt-derived natural insecticide. [ + ]
Panbio gets FDA approval for second-generation West Nile test
Panbio (ASX:PBO) has received approval from the FDA for an improved diagnostic immunoassay for West Nile Virus (WNV). The new test, which has increased specificity and sensitivity and is easier to use, comes a year after the company received approval for the first WNV test on the market. [ + ]
Biota wins access to GSK documents
An affidavit filed on behalf of Biota (ASX: BTA) in the Victorian Supreme Court this week has shown that the amount of money spent by GlaxoSmithKline in promoting Biota's drug Relenza in major markets dropped by 80 per cent in the second flu season after the drug was approved. [ + ]
Epitan raises $8 million in private placement
EpiTan (ASX: EPT) has raised AUD$7.98 million via a private placement of 10.5 million fully paid ordinary with two European investors. [ + ]
Select develops test to detect Hepatitis A immunity
Select Vaccines (ASX:SLT) announced today it has developed a rapid immunoglobulin G antibody assay to diagnose previous infection with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). [ + ]
Eureka award winner finds chink in parasites' armour
Molecular parasitologist Dr Sabina Belli finds relief from the stresses of a busy research career in kayaking and white-water rafting. [ + ]
Advice to inventors: if you love it, let it go
Pioneering sleep specialist Dr Murray Johns had some good advice yesterday for medical practitioners wanting to commercialise their medical devices and inventions. [ + ]
Glaciers contribute to climate change
The response of the world’s glaciers to global warming is an important element in understanding climate change, involving sea-level change and changes to the circulation in the North Atlantic. To predict changes, scientists believe it is vital to understand the behaviour of glaciers.
[ + ]Duo fears for DNA privacy
Two Monash law academics are calling for urgent state government action following the disclosure that a private Melbourne company holds the DNA records of millions of Victorians.
[ + ]Chemeq's fall from grace continues
Chemeq’s (ASX:CMQ) prolonged bout of the winter blues have continued even as the first commercial batches of its antimicrobial polymer flow from its new production plant in WA. [ + ]
Pharmaxis healthy, despite clinical trials spend
Pharmaxis (ASX: PXS) has released its preliminary final results, posting a loss of AUD$6 million for the 2003-2004 financial year. [ + ]
Benitec grants license in Ambion settlement
Benitec (ASX: BLT) has settled its patent infringement case against US company Ambion, giving the company a world-wide non-exclusive licence to make and sell DNA-directed RNAi products. [ + ]
Anti-GM protesters disrupt Melbourne’s Biofestival
Anti genetic-engineering protesters smashed full vases containing genetically modified carnations during the afternoon session of the Biofestival 2004 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre today. [ + ]
