Opinion: Kim Carr on the opposition’s ‘half truths, exaggerations and blatant misrepresentations’ on R&D tax reform
19 October, 2010 by Staff WritersIt appears the Government and Opposition agree. Research and development (R&D) is fundamental to business growth and to Australia’s long term prosperity. Agreement ends at this point. We disagree on how we can get the ‘biggest bang’ out of the $1.6 billion the Government invests every year to enhance Australia’s productivity through the existing R&D tax concession.
Victorian Government announces $55m Biotechnology Action Plan
19 October, 2010 by Staff WritersVictorian Premier, John Brumby, today announced the Victorian Biotechnology Action Plan, which will provide $55 million of government money to spur biotech in the southern state.
IBM to build research lab at Melbourne University
15 October, 2010 by Staff WritersComputer giant IBM has announced that it will build a new state-of-the-art research facility at Melbourne University designed to support disease research and biotechnology as well as advance knowledge of the environment and agricultural sustainability.
Pfizer pays $3.7 billion for King Pharmaceuticals
13 October, 2010 by Staff WritersThe world’s largest pharmaceutical company Pfizer said on Tuesday that had reached an agreement to by US pain drug developer King Pharmaceuticals in a cash deal worth $3.67 billion.
Opinion: The federal government's R&D Tax Credits bill is wrong for Australia
12 October, 2010 by Staff WritersAustralians understand that innovation is an essential driver of the country’s knowledge and growth. They also recognise that research and development (R&D) activity within Australian firms assumes a crucial place in that process – through its contribution to the generation of new information, products, services and employment opportunities.
Market report: Healthcare index sneaks into positive territory for the week
10 October, 2010 by David BinningThe Australian stock market closed slightly down yesterday, bringing the week’s gains to a modest two percent, while healthcare and biotech stocks just edged into positive territory for the week.
Prima BioMed appoints Lucy Turnbull as chairman
07 October, 2010 by David BinningShares in ovarian cancer specialist Prima BioMed jumped 12 percent today after the company announced the appointment of respected biotech champion and once would-be Australian first-lady Ms Lucy Turnbull as the company’s chairman.
Opposition says R&D Tax Credits bill seriously flawed
01 October, 2010 by David BinningShadow minister for innovation, industry, science and research Sophie Mirabella has hit back at government claims that the coalition is aiming a wrecking ball at its R&D Tax Credits legislation ‘sight unseen’.
Prima BioMed to list on NASDAQ
30 September, 2010 by David BinningCancer vaccines specialist Prima BioMed announced today that it is seeking a listing on NADSAQ, the world’s largest bourse for technology companies.
R&D Tax Credits bill reintroduced to parliament today
30 September, 2010 by David BinningScience and Innovation minister Senator Kim Carr has refused to rule out the possibility that the government’s battle weary R&D Tax Credits legislation may need to be further amended before coming into effect, while the coalition has vowed to maintain its efforts to block its passage.
APAC enjoying surge in VC funding
28 September, 2010 by Staff WritersVenture capital activity is growing strongly throughout the Asia pacific biomedical and biotech sectors at the same time as the US and Europe suffer sharp declines, according to industry database MedTRACK.
HPP launch tempered by GFC realities
24 September, 2010 by David BinningProfessor Mark Baker, co-chair of HUPO (Human Proteome Organisation) 2010 committee, has admitted that the Human Proteome Project (HPP) would have been further down the track today if it weren’t for the global financial crisis.
EMA says ‘no’ to Avandia
24 September, 2010 by David BinningThe European medicines agency announced overnight that it has suspended marketing authorisations for the anti-diabetes medicine Avandia (Rosiglitazone) citing research data linking the drug to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Mesoblast shareholders approve Angioblast acquisition
23 September, 2010 by David BinningShareholders in regenerative medicine company Mesobast have voted almost unanimously in favour of the company acquiring its US subsidiary Angioblast Systems, increasing its 32.6 percent stake to full ownership.
Wollongong Uni researchers awarded US patent
16 September, 2010 by Staff WritersResearchers from the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Schools of Chemistry and Health Sciences have been awarded a US patent for their novel method of characterising lipid molecules.
