CogState, Pfizer sign development deal
16 December, 2005 by Helen SchullerCogState (ASX:CGS) has signed an agreement with Pfizer worth up to AUD$1.28 million over three years to support the development of the Melbourne-based company's cognitive test portfolio.
Biosignal awarded $1.5m grant
16 December, 2005 by Ruth BeranSydney antimicrobial developer Biosignal (ASX:BOS) has been awarded a AUD$1.5 million Commonwealth government grant to develop new antibacterial coatings for medical implants and devices.
Agbiotech's field of opportunity
16 December, 2005 by Iain ScottIn many places in the world, 'biotechnology' only means agricultural biotech. The same can't be said in Australia, where GM technology is a dirty word. But could economics and technology force Australia to change its views on biotech crops to keep up with the rest of the world?
Peplin to raise $10 million for skin cancer trial
15 December, 2005 by Helen SchullerPeplin (ASX:PEP) will raise AUD$10 million through a placement to fund phase IIb clinical trials of its lead product, PEP005 Topical, in actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, a skin condition which can develop into skin cancer.
Biota to collaborate with US firm MedImmune
15 December, 2005 by Ruth BeranMelbourne-based Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) has entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with US company MedImmune (Nasdaq:MEDI) to develop and commercialise Biota's small molecule compounds for the prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
Pharmaxis enrols first phase III Aridol patients
14 December, 2005 by Helen SchullerSydney-based drug developer Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) has enrolled the first patients in a US-based phase III trial of its asthma diagnostic and treatment management tool Aridol -- the first of three phase III clinical trials the company is planning to undertake in 2006.
Imugene partners with Teva to develop poultry vaccine
13 December, 2005 by Ruth BeranAnimal health biotech Imugene (ASX:IMU) has signed an agreement with Abic Biological Laboratories Teva, the animal health division of Israeli-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, to develop and evaluate a new vaccine for the prevention of poultry coccidiosis.
GTG celebrates win over Applera in patent battle
12 December, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillAn elated Dr Mervyn Jacobson, CEO of Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG, NASDAQ:GENE), flew back to Melbourne from San Francisco this morning after slaying his company's most reluctant dragon, giant US rival Applera.
US company acquires Pharmanet subsidiary
12 December, 2005 by Ruth BeranMolecular Pharmacology, a US company which recently backdoor-listed on Nasdaq through former exploration mining firm Blue Hawk Ventures, has acquired Perth-based Pharmanet Group's (ASX:PNO) wholly-owned subsidiary Molecular Pharmacology (MPL Australia).
Peptech joins in Domantis fundraising
12 December, 2005 by Helen SchullerSydney-based Peptech (ASX:PTD) has invested more than AUD$10 million in Domantis, as part of a £17 million (AUD$39.5 million) capital raising by the UK drug development firm, which attracted two new significant shareholders.
CSIRO, PolyNovo extend orthopaedic collaboration
08 December, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillPolyNovo Biomaterials and the CSIRO have shaken hands on an agreement to extend their collaboration on a radical new method of repairing damaged cartilage in the knees and joints, using the CSIRO-developed biopolymer NovoSorb.
Transgenic livestock, by half measures
06 December, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillManipulating the genome before fertilisation could prove more successful that current technique used in animal transgenesis, Graeme O'Neill reports.
Alchemia and TetraQ to collaborate on pain treatments
05 December, 2005 by Helen SchullerBrisbane biopharma Alchemia (ASX:ACL) will commence a collaborative research project next year with the University of Queensland through its preclinical service provider, TetraQ to develop a new generation of opioid-based painkillers to treat severe pain.
More delays in GTG-Applera case
05 December, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillTwo deadlines have come and gone, and a third expires today for Melbourne gene-testing company Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG; NASDAQ:GENE) and US firm Applera, who were due to announce a resolution of their licensing dispute in California today.
BioDiem to trial blindness treatment
01 December, 2005 by Helen SchullerMelbourne-based biopharma BioDiem (ASX:BDM) has received regulatory approval to commence a phase I/II clinical trial for its peptide BDM-E in patients with diabetic macula oedema, a leading cause of blindness.
