Weevil overcome, but GM pea project shelved
03 November, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillCSIRO Plant Industry in Canberra has wound up a decade-long project to develop a genetically modified field pea resistant to the destructive pea weevil, because poultry and pigs fed on the GM pea dropped about 10 per cent in productivity.
Mayne buys cancer drugs for US market
31 October, 2003 by Iain ScottMayne Group (ASX:MAY) has continued its move into the US oncology market with the AUD$9.37 million purchase of two injectable oncology products from US firm Xanodyne Pharmacal.
Metabolic, Biota in successful share issues
30 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillTwo of Melbourne's leading biotechs, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals (ASX:BBP) and Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) have both announced successful share issues.
Eiffel claims trial confirms technology's promise
30 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillMelbourne drug-reengineering company Eiffel Technologies (ASX:EIF) says the results of a new pre-clinical study in an animal model confirm the early promise of insulin 'nanomised' by its proprietary supercritical fluid technology.
Weeds' herbicide resistance loophole exposed
30 October, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillThe quest for potent new herbicides with highly selective activity against plant enzyme systems may be having the paradoxical effect of accelerating the emergence of herbicide-tolerant weeds, according to an Australian weeds expert.
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.
