Methylation tests herald new cancer diagnostics and treatments
09 March, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillEighteen years ago CSIRO biochemist Dr Robin Holliday first advanced the radical idea that that perfectly normal genes inactivated by hypermethylation played a role in the onset of cancer. Today, specific, sensitive tests for methylation are being developed which could play a role in early detection of cancer.
Novogen fast-tracks ovarian cancer study
08 March, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerNovogen (ASX:NRT) subsidiary Marshall Edwards (NSDQ:MSHL; MSE-AIM:MSH) has outlined its plans for Phase IIb and Phase III studies of its anti-cancer drug phenoxodiol for treatment of recurrent, chemo-refractory ovarian cancer, which received fast-track status from the FDA late last year.
Schizophrenic brains out of synch: study
07 March, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillScientists at Sydney's Westmead Millenium Institute (WMI) have discovered that a rapidly-pulsed electrical signal that normally integrates the brain's many different activities 'misfires' in schizophrenia.
UK agency proposes ban on Alzheimer's drugs
02 March, 2005 by Staff WritersBritain's agency charged with assessing whether drugs and procedures are worth their cost has issued a preliminary ruling against all of the four main drugs licensed for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Opara rocks AustCancer, Polartechnics
01 March, 2005 by Renate KrelleWho is Richard Opara? That was the question being asked by many industry observers this week, as his name surfaced in connection with two sudden biotech board reshuffles, signalling that a double coup was underway.
Qld biotech to treat heart disease with taipan venom
28 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillResearchers have discovered that taipan venom contains potent peptides that may prevent death from congestive heart disease.
Young brains give clues to schizophrenia
22 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillAn international study led by Australia's National Institute of Schizophrenia and Associated Disorders (NISAD) has shown, for the first time, that cognitive abnormalities in schizophrenia map closely to structural abnormalities in the brain.
Mayne loses UK appeal on generic cancer drug
21 February, 2005 by Staff WritersMayne Group will book a AUD$5 million one-off charge in its first-half results after a UK appeal court ruled its version of the cancer drug epirubicin infringed a patent on the original drug.
Weet-bix to get a bacterial boost from VRI
18 February, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillSydney probiotics manufacturer VRI BioMedical has announced a deal with Australia's largest vegetarian food company, Sanitarium, to develop a range of health-promoting functional foods around its probiotic technology.
NZ's Protemix recruits US-based CEO
10 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleBiotech entrepreneur Garth Cooper has stepped sideways from his role as CEO of New Zealand biotech Protemix, appointing US-based former Eli Lilly executive Larry Ellingson to guide the company through pending Phase III trials of its drug for diabetic heart disease Laszarin.
Bionomics aims to leapfrog into later stage trials
04 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerBionomics (ASX: BNO) CEO Deborah Rathjen outlined the company's strategy for growth at a briefing this week, noting that the company aimed to become a AUD$200 million company within three years.
CSL, Merck strengthen bid to be first to market with HPV vaccine
03 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleAustralia's CSL (ASX:CSL) and California's Medimmune both won a milestone and royalty bonus today when their collaborators, developers of two competing vaccines for HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines, announced they would cross-licence patents on which both vaccines were based.
Neuren latest in line of lacklustre market debuts
03 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerNZ biotech company Neuren listed on the ASX today (ASX:NEU) in a less than stellar debut -- the company's shares opened at the issue price of AUD$0.40 but quickly lost ground. At press time, the shares were trading at around $0.37 after dropping as low as $0.335.
Slow start for Heartware float
31 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleArtificial heart company Heartware (ASX:HTW) today completed its makeover from US venture capital play to ASX-listed company, with shares debuting below their issue price at AUD$0.49.
Cytopia acquires US collaborator
13 January, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerCytopia (ASX: CYT) has acquired the assets of its US collaborator Myomatrix in a deal worth about US$625,000.
