NZ to trial GM onions
08 January, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillNew Zealand's Crop and Food Research Institute has received approval from the country's Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) to conduct a contained field trial of genetically modified onions.
Ventracor trial patient dies from pre-existing condition
07 January, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerOne of the four patients to have been implanted with Ventracor's artificial heart device to date has died from an unrelated medical condition, the company (ASX: VCR) reported yesterday.
Dow hopes to test new insect-resistant cotton lines
07 January, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillThe prospect of Australia's cotton industry returning to the continent's well-watered tropics has enticed a new player to test its transgenic wares against the insect monsters that ate the Ord.
Cerylid touts progress in Japanese deal
06 January, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillMelbourne drug-discovery company Cerylid Biosciences is ready to begin beating the bushes for natural immunomodulatory compounds for its new partner, a Japanese drugmaker.
Newly-listed Cryptome hires new CEO
06 January, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne company Cryptome Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CRP) has appointed Dr Jeffrey Travis to take over from Dr Warren Kinston as CEO.
Peptech, Abbott resolve patent dispute
05 January, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillAfter receiving tidings of comfort and joy on Christmas Eve, Sydney-based biotech Peptech (ASX:PTD) has established a solid strategic position for the endgame of its corporate chess match with the two leading players in the rheumatoid arthritis antibody therapy business.
Alchemia, Rockeby on track for pre-Christmas float
19 December, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerLocal biotechs Alchemia and Rockeby Biomed are set to list on the ASX next week after successfully raising $21 million and $4 million, respectively, in oversubscribed IPOs.
NZ's Genesis spins out plant branch
19 December, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillAuckland-based biotech Genesis Research and Development Corporation has lopped its plant sciences branch and planted it in the market as a fully-owned but independently managed scion, AgriGenesis BioSciences.
CSL aims to develop stroke therapy
17 December, 2003 by Iain ScottCSL (ASX:CSL), which last week became the world's largest supplier of blood plasma products after its purchase of Aventis Behring, now aims to maximise its return from those products by developing a therapy for stroke.
New drug centre opens for business in Melbourne
17 December, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerThe Victorian College of Pharmacy's AUD$17 million Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation has been officially opened in Parkville.
Monash spin-out Cortical seals $1m deal with Genzyme
17 December, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerCortical, a spin-out from Monash University in Melbourne, has closed a deal worth up to AUD$1 million with US biotech Genzyme to collaborate on the development of oral drugs for inflammatory diseases based on Cortical's small molecule antagonists of the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).
Medical Developments sets cracking pace at market debut
16 December, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerMedical Developments International (ASX:MVP) floated on the ASX on Monday at AUD$0.495 -- almost double its IPO placement price of $0.25.
WA's Colltech goes for IPO on the sheep's back
16 December, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerWestern Australian company CollTech is aiming to raise up to AUD$5 million in its IPO to build a collagen extraction and purification facility, based on its novel and proprietary method for extracting the protein from sheep skins.
Why apomixis is genetic gold
16 December, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillThey seek it here, they seek it there, but it remains hidden in the genetic thickets of flowering and seed development. A place in history awaits its finder.
Arnotts crumbles in face of anti-GM action
15 December, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillLeading Australasian biscuit manufacturer Arnotts has reacted to the threat of a consumer demonstration against its products in New Zealand by renewing its commitment to avoid the use of GM ingredients.
