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.
Neuren, Metabolic report nerve regeneration data
16 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranNeuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU) and Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (ASX:MBP) have obtained promising results in an animal trial testing the ability of NNZ-4921, a neural regeneration peptide (NRP), to prevent or reverse sensory nerve damage.
Biota starts phase I trial of common cold drug
16 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranMelbourne-based Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) has commenced a phase I clinical trial of its human rhinovirus (HRV) drug, BTA-798, for the prevention and treatment of one of the major causes of the common cold.
Peptech execs talk up pipeline
15 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerPeptech chairman Mel Bridges today told shareholders that the company's best strategy for building value was to develop its product pipeline.
Vic agbiotech centre opens its doors
15 February, 2006 by Graeme O'NeillVictoria took another step towards its biotechnology future today, with the opening of the new AUD$20 million Victorian Agribiosciences Centre at La Trobe University's R&D Park in Bundoora.
GroPep boosts half-year profit by 80 pct
15 February, 2006 by Helen SchullerAdelaide-based GroPep (ASX:GRO) has increased its profit more than 80 per cent after tax to AUD$1.55 million in the half-year to December 31 2005, compared with $850,000 in the previous corresponding period.
Cochlear boasts record half-year results
14 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranIn what CEO Chris Roberts called "an absolutely fabulous result", bionic ear specialist Cochlear (ASX:COH) has posted record revenue, cochlear implant sales, and core earnings for the half year ended December 31, 2005.
Acrux acquires rights for contraceptive spray
14 February, 2006 by Ruth BeranMelbourne-based Acrux (ASX:ACR) has signed an agreement with the New York-based Population Council to commercialise a contraceptive spray containing Nestorone, a fourth-generation progestin contraceptive which cannot be taken orally.
