Austin discovery heralds vaccine development revolution
12 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillImmunologists at Melbourne's Austin Research Institute have made a major discovery about the functioning of the immune system, which could revolutionise vaccine development.
Eiffel opens Sydney drug facility
11 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleWhat is said to be Australia's first semi-commercial facility for producing 'sequel drugs' -- re-engineered versions of insulin, steroids, and asthma medications among others -- was opened today in Sydney by Prof Martin Silink, president-elect of the International Diabetes Federation.
Genentech CFO Lou Lavigne to retire
11 November, 2004 by Staff WritersGenentech has announced that its chief financial officer, Lou Lavigne, will retire next March and will be replaced by David Ebersman, currently senior vice president of product operations.
Anti-interleukin-12 safe, may effectively treat Crohn's disease
11 November, 2004 by Staff WritersResults of a Phase II study have shown that a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 protein is safe and may induce clinical responses and remissions in patients with active Crohn's disease.
Imugene to fast-track pig vaccine
11 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSydney-based animal-health products developer Imugene (ASX:IMU) is on track to bring home the commercial bacon with its new virally-vectored vaccine against the 'mystery swine disease' that struck the US pig industry in the early 1980s.
Sunshine Heart device approved for human trials
10 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSydney medical technology company Sunshine Heart Ltd (ASX:SHC) has chosen cloudy Auckland as the venue for a long-term clinical trial that should gladden -- and reinforce -- the failing hearts of six patients.
Oil-from-flax project shows new life for oilseeds
09 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillResearchers at University of Hamburg in Germany have provided a glimpse of the future of oilseed crops, by modifying the oil-synthesis pathways in flax to synthesise low levels of health-boosting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in its seeds.
Insect noses to sniff out bad smells
09 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerResearchers at New Zealand's HortResearch Crown Research Institute are using insect smell receptors to develop biosensors that act as an artificial nose, capable of detecting volatile compounds.
Peplin launches $10m fundraising bid
08 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane cancer-drug developer Peplin (ASX:PEP) has announced a renounceable rights offer to shareholders aimed at raising AUD$10.2 million for the first Phase II clinical trial of its lead skin-cancer molecule, PEP005.
GTG, Bionomics form epilepsy alliance
08 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillEpilepsy gene-hunter Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has announced a strategic alliance with gene-test specialist Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) under which GTG will market Bionomics' epilepsy tests worldwide.
In brief: Sirtex, Imugene, Biosignal, Uscom
08 November, 2004 by Staff WritersCancer technology specialist Sirtex (ASX:SRX) has firmed new distribution deals in Israel and India for its targeted radioactive particle liver cancer treatment, SIR-Spheres, which has recently won regulatory approval in both markets.
Biotechs cashed-up on capital raising: report
08 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe Australian biotech sector's cash reserves totalled nearly three quarters of a billion dollars at the end of the 2003-2004 financial year, according to a report by biotech investment newsletter Bioshares.
Xeno hopes raised by LCT study
08 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillA study of 18 type 1 diabetes patients transplanted with insulin-secreting pancreatic islet cells from pigs more than a decade ago appears to have cleared away a major obstacle to transplanting pig cells, tissues and organs into seriously ill human patients.
INTERVIEW: The innovation tug-of-war
05 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillDr John Raff tells Graeme O'Neill why Australia's agbiotech industry is struggling.
In brief: Genzyme; Novo Nordisk
05 November, 2004 by Staff WritersGenzyme will pay Wyeth US$121 million in cash for buy back rights to sell arthritis drug Synvisc in the United States and Europe. Genzyme said additional payments could extend until June 2012 for total payments of US$294 million.
