In brief: Gropep; Pharmaxis; Ventracor; Rockeby; Phosphagenics
23 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleAdelaide biotech GroPep (ASX:GRO) expects to deliver a net profit after tax of approximately $1 million for the six months to 31 December 2004 following sales growth of its cell culture products. Net profit for the full year 2004/05 is expected to be at least the $1.5 million.
Proteome Systems to cut staff, costs in bid to toughen up
22 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSydney's Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) is slimming down and adopting a more muscular sales and marketing strategy for its proteomics technology suite in the northern hemisphere.
FDA stands by safety of approved drugs after insider's criticism
22 November, 2004 by Staff WritersThe US Food and Drug Administration has said that Senate testimony by a veteran FDA researcher regarding safety risks for five drugs does not reflect the views of the agency.
FDA clears Genentech's Tarceva for lung cancer, but limits apply
22 November, 2004 by Staff WritersBiotechnology companies Genentech and OSI Pharmaceuticals have announced that US regulators have approved their drug Tarceva for treating the most common form of lung cancer.
Eiffel hired to reformulate asthma drug
22 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSydney drug re-engineering company Eiffel Technologies (ASX:EIF) been signed by a US-based specialty pharmaceutical company to experimentally reformulate a popular asthma drug to improve its activity.
Acrux patent triggers milestone payment
19 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAcrux (ASX:ACR) has received a US$250,000 milestone payment from its partner Vivus triggered by the granting of a US patent extending the coverage of its proprietary transdermal drug delivery system.
Aust biotech set to repeat '04 performance: PwC
18 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleA report on ASX-listed life sciences companies has predicted that the Australian industry is on track to at least equal the amount raised in initial public offerings in fiscal year 2004, with a bountiful first quarter of fiscal 2005 -- in which seven Australian companies raised AUD$93.5 million -- already under its belt.
Norwood to partner Wool Institute on flystrike prevention
18 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerNorwood Abbey (ASX:NAL) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) have agreed to collaborate on the development of a non-surgical mulesing technology to prevent sheep flystrike using Norwood's needle-free injection technology.
Starpharma pleased with early trial results
18 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerStarpharma (ASX:SPL) has reported preliminary results from the Phase I clinical trial on its dendrimer-based vaginal microbicide indicate no adverse effects from the product in any of the women taking part in the trial.
Peptech shares jump on profit expectations
16 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerPeptech's (ASX: PTD) share price jumped 26 per cent in the first hour of very heavy trading today after announcing that its net profit in 2004-2005 was likely to be between AUD$18-21 million following the settlement of its dispute with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Centocor over royalties for Centocor's anti-TNF drug Remicade.
Chemeq facility gets conditional approval, but delays continue
16 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerChemeq (ASX: CMQ) has received a conditional GMP licence for its new manufacturing facility from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Imugene enhancer best in show
16 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerImugene (ASX: IMU) has reported a dramatic enhancement of poultry growth using its novel, antibiotic-free, hormone-free growth enhancer.
Psivida signs development agreement with Japan's Itochu
16 November, 2004 by Renate KrellePsivida (ASX: PSD) has signed its first agreement with a multinational company, partnering up with Japanese giant Itochu Corporation to develop and commercialise BioSilicon products in Japan and other Asian markets.
Peptech settles Centocor patent dispute
15 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerPeptech (ASX:PTD) has its early Christmas present, with the successful settlement of its dispute with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Centocor.
Partner or perish
15 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleAt a recent conference in Sydney, biotechs and big pharma came together to explore how they should work together. Renate Krelle was there.
