New company aims to take NZ agbiotech to the US
28 February, 2006 by Iain ScottAgResearch, the largest of New Zealand's crown research institutes, has formed a new company with San Diego venture capital firm Finistere Partners, to commercialise its plant genome technology in the US.
Epitan changes name to Clinuvel, announces new clinical program
27 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranMelbourne-based Epitan (ASX:EPT) will now be known as Clinuvel.
Zenyth posts smaller losses, revenues
24 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranMelbourne's Zenyth Therapeutics (ASX:ZTL), formerly Amrad, has posted a smaller loss for the half year to December 31, but also revealed a drop in revenues.
Solagran conifer extract granted TGA approval
23 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerBotanical biotech Solagran (ASX: SLA) has been granted approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for Bioeffective A as a new complementary medicinal substance for topical and internal use.
Norwood Immunology begins phase II of cancer trial
22 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranThe first of 80 patients have been enrolled in Norwood Immunology's (AIM:NIM) phase II clinical trial using its thymus-rejuvenating technology in cancer patients receiving self-derived (autologous) bone marrow transplants.
Bone completes first stage of osteoporosis drug trial
22 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerBone Medical (ASX:BNE) has reported that its oral parathyroid hormone (PTH) product Perthoxal, for the treatment of osteoporosis, proved safe and tolerable in a phase I trial.
CSL bird flu vaccine may be granted indemnity
21 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranThe federal government is considering whether to protect vaccine company CSL (ASX:CSL) against lawsuits by patients who suffer adverse reactions from its bird flu vaccine if production is fast-tracked in the event of pandemic.
BioProspect touts trial of termite solution
21 February, 2006 by Graeme O'NeillAs new Australian restrictions on use of the treated-pine preservative copper-chrome arsenate (CCA) white-ant the profits of New Zealand's arsenic industry, stakeholders in Brisbane biopesticide company BioProspect (ASX:BPO) have cause for optimism.
Progen appoints new CEO
20 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerBrisbane cancer drug developer Progen Industries (ASX:PGL) managing director Lewis Lee has resigned, and the company has named his replacement -- one-time Monsanto executive Justus Homburg.
New $12m centre to spark biomaterial future
20 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranA new $12 million electromaterials centre based at the University of Wollongong aims to create the materials needed for the next generation of bionic ears, artificial muscles and nerve repairs.
New report calls for end to GM moratoriums
20 February, 2006 by Graeme O'NeillThe non-GM chickens may be coming home to roost for Australian states that have imposed moratoriums on the commercialisation of biotech crops, with a new report commissioned by the federal government warning of the consequences for Australian agriculture if the bans continue.
Bio-Layer CEO steps down
17 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranJason Armstrong has stepped down as CEO of Bio-Layer.
Alchemia cheered by GSK drug results
17 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranClinical trials have found that GlaxoSmithKline's anti-blood clotting drug Arixtra nearly halved the risk of blood clots in acutely ill patients, a result that is expected to boost the commercial prospects of Brisbane-based Alchemia's (ASX:ACL) generic version of the drug.
Antisense raises $3.6m in private placement
17 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerMelbourne's Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) has raised $3.6 million through a private placement to Australian and professional investors to fund the phase IIa trial of its antisense compound ATL1102 for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
Solbec's Coramsine granted orphan drug status for malignant melanoma
16 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerSolbec Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SBP) has received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for its lead anti-cancer compound Coramsine for the treatment of high risk stage II, stage III and stage IV melanoma.
