Industry News
Device network, AusBiotech join forces
The Medical Device Network (MDN) has joining forces with peak body AusBiotech to officially become a program of the industry organisation. [ + ]
Progen PI-88 trials proliferate
Australian biotech Progen Industries has won ethics approval to launch a Phase I human trial for its anti-cancer drug candidate PI-88 in conjunction with established chemotherapy agent Taxotere. [ + ]
Nextec BioSciences and council combine to foster biotech
Investment banking group Nextec BioSciences has joined forces with the Melbourne City Council to establish an entrepreneurial incubator for biobusinesses. [ + ]
BioStart kicks off with Mimetica
The first investment in a young biotech company has been made by the $6 million BioStart pre-seed fund set up a year ago by the Queensland government. [ + ]
Rights issue to fund Analytica's new biotech strategy
A $1.3 million rights issue by Analytica Ltd will test investor attitudes toward young biotechs who ask shareholders for a second chance after crashing on the first attempt. [ + ]
Chemical labelling to save $600 million per year
Australian chemical exporters and users of imported chemical products will save up to A$600 million per year following the decision by APEC Trade Ministers to implement standardised hazard classification and labelling.
[ + ]Reeve, Colman to speak at conference
Actor Christopher Reeve, famous for his role as Superman before a horsing accident left him paralysed, will be one of the keynote speakers at a new conference on stem cells to be held in Melbourne in September. [ + ]
BresaGen calls for more time on stem cell laws
Stem cell company BresaGen has submitted a position paper to the drafting committee responsible for the forthcoming legislation for use of embryonic stem cells for creation of new stem cell lines for research and development. [ + ]
Public gets a say on research focus
The Commonwealth government is hosting nationwide forums to help it set research priorities. [ + ]
GTG sells Victorian mining assets
Genetic Technologies (ASX: GTG) has severed more of its ties with its former life as gold mining and exploration company Duketon Goldfields by offloading its remaining Victorian mining assets. [ + ]
Psoriasis gene cream results published
A Melbourne-developed topical antisense drug has been shown to successfully penetrate human psoriasis lesions, paving the way for better treatment of the disease. [ + ]
Bridges to retire from Panbio
Queensland-based diagnostics company Panbio has announced that CEO and co-founder Mel Bridges will retire in early 2003. [ + ]
OTGR gets tough on GM field trials
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has moved to tighten procedures for post-harvest monitoring and strengthen the management of GM field trials performed under the new regulatory system. [ + ]
New hope for diabetics in treating blindness
Australian research has led to clinical trials of a drug which could provide a painless and non-destructive way to treat blindness in diabetics.
[ + ]Meditech in deal with UK's SkyePharma
Perth-based Meditech Research has signed an exclusive commercial agreement with British drug company SkyePharma giving the local biotech access to a suite of new patents. [ + ]
