Aust CROs tell of boom in clinical trials work
18 November, 2005 by Ruth BeranRuth Beran spoke with Australian contract research organisations and found that there is strong demand for Australian clinical trials, both from within Australia and also from overseas.
New research shows Aussie lizard bites can really hurt
17 November, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillAustralian venom researchers have uncovered a 200-million year old secret: Australia's goannas and bearded dragons, Indonesia's giant Komodo dragon, and their iguana cousins, are more closely related to snakes than to other lizards -- and they're venomous.
Metabolic reports successful phase I trials
16 November, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillMelbourne biopharma Metabolic (ASX:MBP) has announced plans to take its ACV1 conotoxin analgesic into phase IIa clinical trial in volunteers with chronic neuropathic pain next year.
Phosphagenics aims to raise $11.25m
15 November, 2005 by Helen SchullerMelbourne's Phosphagenics (ASX:POH, AIM:PSG) is planning to raise AUD$11.25 million via a share placement to fund its core R&D program.
CyGenics to team with Johns Hopkins
15 November, 2005 by Helen SchullerCell therapy company CyGenics (ASX:CYN) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have entered into a collaborative research agreement as part of a pre-clinical study directed at a new treatment strategy for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Starpharma raises $15m
15 November, 2005 by Helen SchullerMelbourne drug developer Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has successfully raised AUD$12 million through an institutional placement at $0.51 and an additional $3 million following an underwritten share purchase plan.
Study supports Prima vaccine effectiveness
15 November, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillA research report in the international journal Vaccine this month has confirmed the immunity-boosting potency of Prima Biomed's (ASX:PRR) novel DCtag adjuvant technology for veterinary vaccines.
Xenome builds team, strengthens US ties
11 November, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillUnlisted Brisbane biotech Xenome is making a strong push into San Diego, hub of the US West Coast biotech industry, in pursuit of venture capital and big pharma partners to develop its long and diverse pipeline of conotoxin peptides from the venom of Australian cone shells.
French order for Relenza triples cumulative global sales
11 November, 2005 by Ruth BeranA French government announcement that it would increase its pandemic stockpile of Relenza from 200,000 units to 9 million units over the next two years has sent shares in Melbourne-based Biota Holding's (ASX:BTA) up by more than 20 per cent.
Solbec earns orphan drug status for carcinoma treatment
11 November, 2005 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 metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
Incoming Mayne Pharma CEO sees growth through acquisitions
11 November, 2005 by Staff WritersThe incoming chief of Mayne Pharma, the global injectable drugs business soon to emerge from the break-up of Mayne Group (ASX:MAY), said growth would have to come from acquisitions and expansion into new areas.
Ventracor, Heartware settle patent dispute
10 November, 2005 by Helen SchullerArtificial heart firms Ventracor (ASX:VCR) and HeartWare (ASX:HTW) have settled a year-long patent dispute.
Tissue Therapies hopes new model can eliminate need for animal tests
09 November, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillIf beauty is skin deep, the latest wrinkle from Brisbane biotech Tissue Therapies (ASX:TIS) should hold deep allure for cosmetics companies -- the company's researchers have developed a live-skin model with the same structure and properties as human skin.
Why I got involved with the biotech code of practice
09 November, 2005 by Igor GondaThe new AusBiotech/ASX code of practice for reporting by life science companies, launched last week, is being hailed as an important milestone in the development of the Australian biotech sector. Here, Igor Gonda, who was on the committee to review the code's first draft, explains why he believes the code is so important to the industry.
Portland Orthopaedics to raise up to $5 million, list on ASX
08 November, 2005 by Helen SchullerHip replacement specialist Portland Orthopaedics has joined the growing list of companies who have lodged a prospectus to list on the ASX before Christmas.
