Feature: The meaning of (artificial) life
04 November, 2010 by Tim DeanIt was once widely believed that life differed fundamentally from non-life; the defining characteristic of life was the existence of some insubstantial vital force – an élan vital – for which no physical process could account.
Life Research expands portfolio with acquisition of Mimotopes
04 November, 2010 by Staff WritersLife Research has added the peptide portfolio of Mimotopes to its repertoire with the acquisition of the company from its parent, Commonwealth Biotechnologies, by Leadtec Systems.
Novotech kicks off Phase Ib trials in Australia and NZ for OncoMed
03 November, 2010 by Staff WritersCalifornia-based biopharma company, OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, has announced it will run three Phase Ib clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand testing its humanised monoclonal antibody therapies for cancer via local CRO, Novotech.
Holista signs ‘halal’ deals in Malaysia
03 November, 2010 by Staff WritersListed Australian biotech Holista CollTech announced today that it has signed two significant deals regarding the research and commercialisation of its halal food-grade sheep collagen.
International Solar Biofuels Consortium
02 November, 2010 by Fiona WylieThe International Solar Biofuels Consortium was established in 2006 to promote scientific and industrial collaboration to promote biofuels and renewable energy.
Market report: Healthcare index down for the week, month and Q1
30 October, 2010 by David BinningThe S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index ended the month down on Friday closing at 8179.3 points compared to the 8202.1 point close on October 1, indicating that investors remain cautious about the sector.
LCT reports positive results from NZ Diabecell trial
27 October, 2010 by Staff WritersLiving Cell Technologies (LCT), the Australian biotech developing a porcine-based cell implant to combat diabetes, today reported that 10 of the 12 insulin-dependent diabetes patients taking part in the clinical trial of its Diabecell product in New Zealand have shown marked improvement.
Aussies give thumbs up to biotechnology
26 October, 2010 by Staff WritersA national survey to gauge how Australians feel about biotechnology has shown that the majority are strongly supportive of those efforts which lead to health and environmental benefits, while support for genetically modified (GM) food has fallen amid ongoing confusion and uncertainty.
AusBiotech 2010 Biotech Profile: Starpharma
25 October, 2010 by David BinningIn an industry obsessed with finding the next big blockbuster, Melbourne-based Starpharma is using its technology platform to steadily accumulate wins in a broad range of markets.
AusBiotech 2010 Special Feature: Incubating Success
20 October, 2010 by Tim DeanThere are benefits, tangible and intangible, to clustering life science companies together. The Thebarton Bioscience Precinct in South Australia shows how it can lend a boost not only to the companies involved, but to the entire biotech industry.
Patrys reports first patient treated in groundbreaking melanoma trial
19 October, 2010 by Staff WritersMelbourne biotech Patrys announced today that it has treated its first patient in the clinical trial of its natural human antibody PAT-SM6 for melanoma.
WEHI strikes commercial antibodies deal
19 October, 2010 by Staff WritersMelbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) has entered into a commercial agreement with New Jersey-based biotech BD to develop the institute’s reagents for research and diagnostic tools.
Health and medical research spending delivers “exceptional” returns: report
19 October, 2010 by Tim DeanHealth and medical research spending not only delivers economic benefits and supports highly skilled jobs, but it delivers significant savings in terms of health benefits.
AusBiotech 2010 Special Feature: State of biotechnology in Australia
19 October, 2010 by Tim DeanAfter a promising start to the year, economic instability and political uncertainties, along with stumbles by key companies, have put a dent in confidence amongst biotechs, but it’s not all bad news.
UniQuest to show off new projects at AusBiotech
18 October, 2010 by Staff WritersUniQuest, the commercialisation arm of the University of Queensland, will be showing off a host of new innovations and projects, including a cell-based therapy to combat infections in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
