Industry News
AGT patents genes for depression, anxiety
Five novel genes linked to depression and anxiety have been identified by AGT Biosciences (formerly Autogen) using the company's unique Israeli sand rat model for the disorder. [ + ]
Progen heartened by melanoma therapy trial
Three US patients with advanced, metastatic melanomas -- one of the most aggressive and rapidly lethal forms of cancer -- remain alive 22 months after being treated with PI-88, an experimental cancer therapy developed by Brisbane-based biotechnology company Progen. [ + ]
Melbourne industry group launches strategy
Recently-formed alliance The BioMelbourne Network has unveiled its action agenda for driving the Victorian biotechnology sector forward, focusing on building networks between science, government and business, and promoting Melbourne as a regional hub for the industry. [ + ]
Acrux libido drug readies for PII trials
Acrux subsidiary FemPharm is poised to commence a Phase II clinical trial testing its proprietary Metered Dose Transdermal System for the delivery of testosterone to women with low libido. [ + ]
Day in the sun for EpiTan
The anti-sunburn drug Melanotan has turned a pallid lifesaver into a bronzed god, according to initial results from trials conducted at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. [ + ]
Research institutes mine microarray gold
Some publicly-funded Australian biotech research institutes are enjoying lucrative returns from selling the microarray fabrication skills of their scientists. [ + ]
Malaria vaccine delivers unexpected bonus to Prima
Prima BioMed subsidiary PanVax and researchers at the Austin Research Institute have demonstrated that a malaria vaccine developed using its DCtag adjuvant technology is able to eradicate established disease in mice infected with malaria. [ + ]
Looking down a virtual microscope
UNSW will be the first university outside the United States to establish a web-based laboratory for virtual microscopy.
[ + ]CSIRO applied to, but didn't, import wheat virus
CSIRO was awarded a licence in 2001 to conduct a genetic research project using the wheat streak mosaic virus which is infesting a growing number of plant research facilities. [ + ]
Novogen investigates fast track to local production
Following highly successful Phase I trials, Sydney-based isoflavone biotech Novogen is considering fast-tracking FDA approval for its new anti-cancer drug Phenoxodiol. [ + ]
Mouse ES cell advance welcomed
A US research team's demonstration that mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can give rise to apparently normal egg cells in culture provides a "potentially superb" model for studying normal egg development and maturation in mammals, according to a Monash University stem cell expert. [ + ]
New outbreak, but wheat virus fears could prove unfounded
A fourth outbreak of wheat streak mosaic virus, detected in research crops in Victoria today, has raised concerns that the virus may become a wider problem. [ + ]
GTG expands testing services
Genetic Technologies (ASX: GTG) has expanded the range of testing services it can offer through the acquisition of animal testing service Genetic Science Services (GSS). [ + ]
Converting intellectual curiosity into national assets
A lack of true partnering between universities and private industry is standing in the way of improving Australia's GDP according to the Australasian head of telecommunications giant Alcatel.
[ + ]Plenty of scope for new gene discovery
What does a scientist do when he has a really interesting gene with blockbuster potential, but no clue about its function? [ + ]
