Losses down, revenues up in Amrad half-years
19 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAmrad (ASX:AML) released its half-year results today, revealing a 10 per cent increase in revenues to AUD$8.14 million and a decrease in operating loss to $2.2 million -- down 48 per cent.
Alchemia program yields cancer candidate
19 February, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane biotech Alchemia's (ASX:ACL) drug design program has yielded a promising molecule that significantly inhibits the growth of human prostate tumours in mice.
NZ's transgenic sheep face slaughter
18 February, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillWhether it refers to cause or consequence, the term 'overkill' applies: New Zealand biotechnology company PPL Therapeutics is being forced to slaughter its unique flock of 3500 transgenic sheep in the name of public safety.
Eqitx selects pain drug candidates
16 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerPerth biotechnology company EqiTX (ASX:EQX) has passed the first development milestone for its gingerol project, which aims to develop drugs to treat pain and inflammation from compounds isolated from the plant Zingiber officinale.
Axon sells Optiscan stake
16 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAxon Instruments (ASX:AXN) has sold its majority shareholding in Optiscan Imaging (ASX:OIL) to JF Asset Management, the Hong Kong-based Jardine Fleming institutional investment group, one of the largest fund managers in the Asia Pacific region.
Pre-clinical costs boost 'busy' Peplin's half-year losses
13 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerBrisbane biotech company Peplin (ASX: PEP) released its half-year results this week, with a net loss of AUD$3.9 million and cash reserves of $9.1 million at the end of December.
Rockeby Biomed commences US clinical trial of thrush diagnostic
13 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerRecently listed Perth and Singapore biotech company Rockeby Biomed (ASX: RBY) has commenced a US clinical trial of its laboratory-based SysCan3 and rapid point-of-care CanDia5 diagnostic tests for Candida infections, as a step toward gaining FDA approval of the products.
Virax HIV trial data generates interest
12 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerResults from a Phase I/IIa study of an experimental HIV therapeutic vaccine developed by on Melbourne company Virax have generated interest from researchers at an international conference of HIV and AIDS researchers in San Francisco, according to the trial's coordinator.
Progen begins third Phase II trial of cancer drug
11 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerBrisbane-based Progen (ASX:PGL) has begun its third Phase II clinical trial in a series of four designed to evaluate the efficacy of its anti-angiogenic drug PI-88 against blood-based and solid tumours, in combination therapy and as a post-surgical treatment.
GroPep back in the black after $3.1m turnaround
11 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAdelaide company GroPep (ASX:GRO) has posted a AUD$227,000 profit for the half year ending 31 December, 2003, representing a $3.1 million turnaround on the company's $2.9 million loss during the period.
EpiTan boosted by drug delivery trial results
11 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerTanning drug developer EpiTan (ASX:EPT) has announced better than expected efficacy in its Phase II trial to evaluate the delivery of its Melanotan drug via an implant.
BioDiem receives key US patent
10 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerNewly listed biotechnology company BioDiem (ASX: BDM) has received a Notice of Allowance from the US Patent Office for a key patent covering its synthetic peptide for retinal eye disease, BDM-E. The patent will automatically be granted after a period of public exposure.
Biotech assesses implications of trade deal
10 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerWhile the proposed Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United States is likely to have an impact on the biotechnology industry here, it's not yet clear exactly how that will shake out.
Colltech closes IPO early, oversubscribed
09 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerWestern Australian collagen purification company Colltech has closed its initial public offering a week early and oversubscribed.
Heart device firm attracts $2m in VC funding
09 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerVentureAxess Capital, a VC group with offices in Sydney and Perth, is to invest AUD$2 million over the next 12 months into Heart Assist Technologies, a medical device company that had its origins in the now defunct CRC for Cardiac Technology.
