Budget reveals a hidden bonus for biotech
15 May, 2003 by Pete YoungA $150 million incentive scheme for companies developing new drugs might prove to be the sleeper in the May budget for young drug discovery companies.
Gradipore ups projected loss to $16m
15 May, 2003 by Iain ScottSydney separation technology specialist Gradipore has revised upwards its projected loss for the financial year, from $AUD12 million to up to $16 million.
Amrad in partnership with US firm Medarex
15 May, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerAmrad and US monoclonal antibody company Medarex have signed a licensing partnership for the R&D of fully humanised monoclonal antibodies against Amrad's asthma target interleukin-13 receptor alpha.
Cephalon increases Sirtex holding
14 May, 2003 by Jeremy TorrUS pharma Cephalon has increased its interest in delivery biotech Sirtex up to 41 per cent with the acquisition of just under 8,800,000 shares from founder Dr Bruce Gray.
Budget pushes AIMS, JCU collaboration
14 May, 2003 by Pete YoungAustralia's deepest pool of tropical marine scientists will receive $AUD5 million in fresh funding thanks to this week's federal budget.
New potential unleashed for microarrays
12 May, 2003 by Jeremy TorrWith the 3rd Australian Microarray Conference just around the corner, Jeremy Torr takes a look at what's new in the technology.
Apprehension in biotech community following Vic GM freeze
09 May, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillAustralia's agribiotechnology industry has reluctantly accepted the Victorian government's decision to impose a 12-month voluntary moratorium on growing Australia's first commercial crops of genetically modified (GM) canola in Victoria.
BigShop retreats from Biota bid, but no hard feelings
09 May, 2003 by Pete YoungPerth entrepreneur Farooq Khan is maintaining a stiff upper lip in the aftermath of his failed bid for a board seat on Biota Holdings.
Monsanto, Bayer agree to Vic GM canola moratorium
08 May, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerBoth Monsanto and Bayer CropScience have agreed to the Victorian State government's 12-month moratorium on the commercial release of GM canola in Victoria, which was announced by Minister for Agriculture Bob Cameron today.
Compumedics distribution deal set to net millions
08 May, 2003 by Jeremy TorrSleep disorder specialist Compumedics has signed a deal with German medical manufacturer Draeger for distribution of its monitoring and diagnostic products.
AGT patents genes for depression, anxiety
08 May, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerFive novel genes linked to depression and anxiety have been identified by AGT Biosciences (formerly Autogen) using the company's unique Israeli sand rat model for the disorder.
Progen heartened by melanoma therapy trial
08 May, 2003 by Graeme O'NeillThree US patients with advanced, metastatic melanomas -- one of the most aggressive and rapidly lethal forms of cancer -- remain alive 22 months after being treated with PI-88, an experimental cancer therapy developed by Brisbane-based biotechnology company Progen.
Acrux libido drug readies for PII trials
07 May, 2003 by Melissa TrudingerAcrux subsidiary FemPharm is poised to commence a Phase II clinical trial testing its proprietary Metered Dose Transdermal System for the delivery of testosterone to women with low libido.
Day in the sun for EpiTan
07 May, 2003 by Jeremy TorrThe anti-sunburn drug Melanotan has turned a pallid lifesaver into a bronzed god, according to initial results from trials conducted at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Research institutes mine microarray gold
07 May, 2003 by Pete YoungSome publicly-funded Australian biotech research institutes are enjoying lucrative returns from selling the microarray fabrication skills of their scientists.
