UK research scene drives plant scientists to Australia
30 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillTwo Cambridge University plant molecular geneticists are quitting the UK to work in Australia because of the nation's climate of virulent opposition to genetically modified (GM) crops.
Meditech nets $4.8m in placement
30 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerQueensland Investment Corporation has become the biggest shareholder in Melbourne-based company Meditech Research (ASX:MTR), after participating in a placement that raised AUD$4.8 million from QIC and other professional and sophisticated investors.
UK's GM crop trials not relevant to us: CSIRO
29 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillThe findings of a British study of the impact of genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops on farm biodiversity are critical to the future of GM crops in Britain, but have little relevance to Australia, CSIRO experts have concluded.
Biotech heavyweights join Alchemia board
29 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerBrisbane firm Alchemia has beefed up its board with the appointments of seasoned biotechnology executive Mel Bridges as chairman and two new non-executive directors, including ex-Amgen consultant Dr Errol Malta and former Minter Ellison lawyer Nerolie Withnall.
Pharmaxis closes IPO oversubscribed
29 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerSydney-based Pharmaxis closed its IPO yesterday, three days earlier than scheduled after strong demand from investors.
BresaGen in $5m bridging finance bid
29 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillAdelaide biotech BresaGen (ASX:BGN) is attempting to boost its cash reserves by up to AUD$5 million through a private placement of convertible preference shares, managed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Securities.
BioProspect buys trader to boost distribution prospects
29 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane biopesticide developer BioProspect (ASX:BPO) has moved to establish itself as a significant player in the biotech business by acquiring agrochemical trader Tradewyns as a vehicle to distribute its products.
BTG International backs coeliac disease JV
28 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerA vaccine for coeliac disease is the focus of a joint venture between the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), in a project that has the backing of international VC group BTG International.
EpiTan reports "outstanding" results for Melanotan
28 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillMelbourne biotech EpiTan Ltd (ASX: EPT) has announced "outstanding" results from the Phase IIb clinical of its experimental tanning drug Melanotan - and says the data could be the subject of new patent applications.
Gradipore to refocus on commercialising its technology
28 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerAfter several tumultuous days that saw almost the entire board of directors replaced, bio-separations company Gradipore said today that it plans to focus on commercialising its technology for large-scale separations.
C3, Equipmed sign distribution agreements
27 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerPerth-based tissue engineering company Clinical Cell Culture (C3, ASX: CCE) has signed distribution agreements with Equipmed to distribute C3's CellSpray and ReCell products in Australia, excluding Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Panbio announces alliance with Adaltis
24 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerDiagnostics company Panbio has announced a strategic alliance with Canadian-based medical diagnostics instrumentation group Adaltis to develop automated diagnostic products.
Third patient implanted with Ventracor device
23 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerVentracor (ASX: VCR) has implanted its "artificial heart" device into a third patient as part of the pilot trial being conducted at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
AtCor to enter US market
23 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerSydney-based devices company AtCor Medical is readying itself to make a major push into the US market with its range of cardiovascular diagnostic devices.
Virax wins US bioterrorism job
22 October, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerVirax (ASX:VHL) has received approval from the US State Department to participate in a collaboration to develop a modified smallpox vaccine.
