Industry News
Qld dismisses deficit fears, promises continued biotech support
A spokesman for Queensland Premier Peter Beattie yesterday dismissed fears that a $486 million operating deficit in accrued accounts this financial year will affect funds promised for biotech projects. [ + ]
What (anti)matters to big bang scientists
A laboratory for studying one of the great mysteries of the universe has opened at the University of Sussex in England.
[ + ]Chemeq chuffed by capital raising
Chemeq has raised another $2.75 million as a result of a share purchase plan offered to its shareholders last month, bringing the total amount of funds raised recently to about $7.5 million. [ + ]
US deal puts Axon on track for new screening product
Instrumentation and software developer Axon Instruments has signed an exclusive deal with the US maker of an electrode device that can be used to scan potential drugs for use in heart disease, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood pressure and migraine. [ + ]
Biotron R&D effort boosted by Waters deal
Instrumentation company Waters Australia will be assisting Canberra-based Biotron in its CT-1 cancer biomarker project, according to details of a new collaboration. [ + ]
Vic govt open for business in San Francisco
Efforts to pursue North American business opportunities for Victorian biotechs have been redoubled with the opening today of a dedicated office in San Francisco. [ + ]
Norwood Abbey patent success
Australian technology enabling the collection of intracellular fluid for analyte measurement without the use of a needle has gained a United States patent. [ + ]
Biocomm capital fund launched
Victorian biosciences commercialisation group Biocomm has launched an $11.5 million capital pool to help take the state's research to the market. [ + ]
Icelandic genome map released
Icelandic company deCODE Genetics has updated the map of the human genome, estimated to give about five-fold greater resolution than the current draft. [ + ]
WEHI's Caples nets top Vic biotech job
Former head of business development at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Dr Amanda Caples has been appointed Victorian Biotechnology Director. [ + ]
Jobs lost as GroPep facility shuts
More than 30 staff at the former Biotech Australia (BA) will lose their jobs in the operational restructure planned by Adelaide growth factor company GroPep. [ + ]
Public consultation on research priorities
Australians are being asked to comment on the future for research spending as part of a community consultation initiative.
[ + ]NSW govt awards aim to reverse the 'brain-drain'
Garvan Institute neurobiologist Dr Bryce Vissel is one of the first recipients of the NSW government's inaugural BioFirst Awards. [ + ]
Protein gel offers hope to childless
A pre-intercourse gel derived from a protein found in sperm could prove the key to fertility for thousands of childless couples. [ + ]
A new name for MicroMedical
Artificial heart developer MicroMedical Industries has announced it plans to change its name to Ventracor. [ + ]
