Industry News
WA's BioPharmica readies for float
Perth-based investment company Grandbridge (ASX:GBA) is preparing to list its biotechnology business BioPharmica on the ASX. [ + ]
Prize for Australian scientist
The highest global ecology award, the Japan Prize, has been presented to Australian marine scientist Dr Keith Sainsbury recently.
[ + ]Bacterial parasite shows potential in disease control
The recently completed Wolbachia pipientis gene sequence is paving the way to understanding this parasite's interaction with its insect hosts. [ + ]
Pharmaxis says study points to larger market for lung drug
Sydney-based Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) believes the market for its Aridol lung function test has the potential to double, after a pilot Swiss study gave Aridol the stamp of approval for predicting patients' response to steroids used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [ + ]
Proteome Systems to assist in Huntington's research
A US foundation that sponsors research into Huntington's disease has turned to Sydney proteomics company Proteome Systems to search for prognostic markers and targets for drugs to treat the fatal neurodegenerative disorder. [ + ]
Select Vaccines aiming to raise $1.8m
Select Vaccines (ASX:SLT) is planning to raise up to AUD$1.8 million in a private placement to support its R&D programs. [ + ]
Meditech says Phase II trial shows early promise
Meditech (ASX:MTR) will enrol an additional 12 patients in its Phase II trial, following promising early results from its HyCAMP treatment for advanced colorectal cancer patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. [ + ]
Long journey, but Living Cell Technologies finally nears market
Cell therapy company Living Cell Technologies (LCT) is planning to list on the ASX in the next few months, after completing a rights issue which will provide it with AUD$4.8 million cash and the ability to upgrade from its current listing on the Newcastle Stock Exchange (NSX:LCT). [ + ]
Folds in brain could predict intelligence
A study by Melbourne scientists has provided the first direct evidence that differences in the way the surface of the human brain is folded could be an indication of how smart a person is.
[ + ]Optiscan breaks silence with new clinical results
Melbourne-based Optiscan Imaging (ASX:OIL) has emerged from a quiet patch with the first results from a series of clinical studies using its flexible endomicroscopes. [ + ]
Stem Cell Sciences relocates to Scotland
Some tartan-clad angels -- and a need to be closer to European customers -- are behind a decision by Melbourne-born company Stem Cell Sciences to relocate its headquarters to Edinburgh. [ + ]
Biotech industry faces major challenges
Australia must compete against ferocious international competition in biotechnology research and development by "reducing fragmentation and building critical mass," the University of Sydney's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) told the National Press Club in Canberra recently.
[ + ]NHMRC gives green light to embryo research
Australia's first licences allowing research using excess human embryos were issued today by the National Health and Medical Research Council's embryo research licensing committee. [ + ]
Prima encouraged by Biomira result
Prima Biomed (ASX:PRR) has been cheered by clinical trial results from commercial partner Biomira. [ + ]
Ignore the fashion victims and know your strengths, says Maxygen chief
Idiosyncratic researchers who are stubbornly out of step with the fashions of science may be among Australia's more valuable assets when it comes to building a successful life science industry, an Australian Venture Capital Association briefing in Sydney heard today. [ + ]
