CSL, Bionomics complete deals
02 March, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerCSL (ASX:CSL) has completed the sale of its JRH Biosciences division to Sigma-Aldrich for US$370 million, and Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has completed the acquisition of a French contract research organisation.
Acrux begins anti-nausea trial
02 March, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerAcrux (ASX:ACR) has commenced dosing in a Phase I clinical trial utilising its MDTS transdermal spray to deliver anti-nausea drug granisetron. The pharmacokinetics trial will compare absorption of the drug, which is used to treat nausea in chemotherapy patients, against that of an oral formulation in six healthy volunteers.
Sumimoto goes cold on Qcide
01 March, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane biotech BioProspect (ASX:BPO) has received a knockback from Sumitomo Australia as a potential licensee for its eucalypt-derived biocide Qcide, as a natural pesticide to control carpet beetles and clothes moths.
Antisense shaken by MS drug trial suspension
01 March, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillTrading in shares of Melbourne drug developer Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) was halted today, in the wake of after the developers of the promising new multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri withdrew it from the market after a patient died from a rare viral infection of the brain.
AustCancer CEO, board members resign
25 February, 2005 by Staff WritersPaul Hopper has resigned as CEO and managing director of Australian Cancer Technologies (ASX:ACU).
CSIRO shake-up in research divisions and executive
25 February, 2005 by Staff WritersCSIRO has shuffled divisions to create new business units in a bid to maximise its research capabilities, the organisation announced today.
Wallaby genome begins to reveal its secrets
25 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerThe first sequence data from the wallaby genome project has revealed 68 per cent similarity between the human and wallaby genes encoding NADH dehydrogenase, an essential protein in the cell's energy powerhouses, the mitochondria.
In brief: Pharmaxis, ES Cell, Optiscan, Benitec
25 February, 2005 by Staff WritersThe US Food and Drug Administration has granted 'orphan drug' status to Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) for its Bronchitol product, for treatment of bronchiectasis. Orphan status entitles Pharmaxis to seven years of market exclusivity for Bronchitol, which is currently in clinical trials.
ATP takes equity in start-up Elastagen
25 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillTechnology investment company ATP Innovations has taken equity in Sydney University spin-off Elastagen, investing AUD$250,000 to support commercialisation of the company's recombinant tissue-engineering protein tropoelastin.
Living Cell aims to be on US market in three years
24 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleLiving Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) has announced preliminary animal results after 12 weeks of a six-month study evaluating the safety and tolerability of its pig islet cell product, Diabcell.
AustCancer claims good results in prostate trial
24 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillCancer therapeutics company Australian Cancer Technology (ASX:ACU) announced today its GPI-0100 vaccine adjuvant has produced an enhanced immune response in its Phase I clinical trial in men with relapsed prostate cancer.
Ambri reveals plans to slash workforce
24 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleMedical diagnostics company Ambri (ASX:ABI) has announced plans to halve its workforce and is on the hunt for new medical diagnostic products to shore up its product pipeline after the suspension last year of its SensiDX project.
Benitec to collaborate in AIDS therapy trial
23 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillAustralian gene therapy company Benitec (ASX:BLT) is taking its novel AIDS therapy into a Phase I clinical trial in volunteers with AIDS-related lymphoma at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California.
Chemgenex gets milestone from Vernalis
23 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerChemgenex Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CXS) will receive a AUD$720,000 milestone payment from its partner Vernalis for progress made on its depression and anxiety target discovery program.
Cryptome acquires option for anti-inflammatory
23 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne-based Cryptome (ASX:CRP) has joined the ranks of Australian biotech companies sourcing potential products from overseas, with the acquisition of an option for an exclusive licence over a novel class of protein-derived anti-inflammatory compounds from the University of Virginia.
