Sydney firm develops new DNA ID method
23 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerSydney-based company Human Genetic Signatures (HGS) has developed a new method for identifying DNA methylation patterns -- an epigenetic phenomenon thought to play a role in ageing and disease.
Amrad reveals share buyback scheme
22 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAmrad (ASX:AML) has announced plans to buy back up to 10 per cent of its shares over the next 12 months, at a cost of around AUD$9 million at the current share price of AUD$0.69.
GM crops: Australia waits for the world
19 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillMonday is M-Day for Victoria: will the Bracks government end its 12-month, voluntary moratorium on commercial cropping of genetically modified canola, imposed in May last year?
Greenpeace accuses CSIRO of suppressing GE reports
17 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillGreenpeace Australia-Pacific has accused the CSIRO of suppressing several reports on environmental risks associated with genetically engineered crops, and alleged the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator was failing to acknowledge and assess “serious hazards” before granting GE crop licenses.
US partnership to speed up corn genome sequencing
17 March, 2004 by Staff WritersBiotechnology companies have agreed to make their data public in a bid to advance a project to decoding the genetic structure of corn several years ahead of schedule.
Tissue Therapies closes IPO early, oversubscribed
16 March, 2004 by Renate KrelleBrisbane-based Tissue Therapies looks set to list on the ASX as early as this Friday, after closing its AUD$3.5 million initial public offering two weeks early, as the offer was oversubscribed.
New research shows how rust robs plant cells
16 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillCSIRO Plant Industry researchers have identified the molecular skeleton key that allows rust fungi -- ubiquitous pathogens of cereal and horticultural crops around the world -- to burgle plant cells.
Axon returns to profit, ships new products
16 March, 2004 by Renate KrelleAusterity measures have borne fruit at US-based Axon Instruments (ASX:AXN) -- the company's results, announced yesterday, trumpeted a profit after tax of US$1.1 million, compared to a US$9.5 million loss in 2002.
Regulatory: AstraZeneca, Praecis
15 March, 2004 by Staff WritersAstraZeneca has received final European marketing approval for its new breast cancer drug Faslodex, following a recommendation from a European Union expert committee in November.
US State Department promotes biotech, garners critics
15 March, 2004 by Staff WritersThe US government has launched a new web site about biotech crops as part of a special taxpayer-funded project to promote such crops worldwide -- a move criticised by some consumer and farm groups.
Investors wary as Ventracor trading recommences
15 March, 2004 by Renate KrelleInvestors were spooked by uncertainty at Ventracor today, with shares dropping 6 per cent to AUD$1.50 by press time as the artificial heart maker (ASX:VCR) recommenced trading following Friday's trading halt.
IPO watch: CoTherix, Momenta, Cytokinetics, Basilea
15 March, 2004 by Staff WritersBiopharmaceutical company CoTherix has filed with US regulators for an initial public offering worth an estimated US$70 million.
Avastin spurs Genentech to forecast profit growth
15 March, 2004 by Staff WritersSan Francisco-based Genentech says it expects annual earnings growth of 20 per cent for the next seven years on strong sales of cancer drugs, including the new medicine Avastin, and treatments for auto-immune disorders.
Metabolic to advance cone shell venom drug
10 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerMetabolic Pharmaceuticals (ASX:MBP) expects to be able to submit an application for a Phase I clinical trial of its marine cone shell venom-derived pain drug ACV1 by the end of the year, after pre-clinical data demonstrated the activity of the drug against neuropathic pain.
Researchers develop new cattle embryo screening methods
10 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerScientists at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development are developing methods to screen cloned cattle embryos to identify embryos that show signs of abnormal imprinting -- a process that can lead to overgrown foetuses, placental problems and related disorders.
