In brief: Acrux, CyGenics, Iatia, Psivida

Acrux [ASX: ACR] has announced positive results for a Phase 1 proof-of-concept, pharmacokinetic study of its contraceptive spray Nesterone MDTS. Conducted in six women, the results showed that once-a-day dosing of the spray provided sustained delivery of the contraceptive agent Nosterone, serum concentrations were maintained in the range expected to be effective for contraception, and no serious adverse effects were reported.

CyGenics [ASX: CYN] has formed a new US based subsidiary, CytoVations, to focus on the growing cell therapy market in the US. The new subsidiary will assess intellectual property and assist in the subsequent development of products, seek suitable candidates for acquisitions and business partnerships, as well as provide management and consultancy services to biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the US.

A US patent has been granted to Iatia [ASX: IAT] for its Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) technology. The patent was granted to the University of Melbourne with whom Iatia has an exclusive license.

Psivida has entered into a research and development collaboration with the Ian Wark Institute at the University of South Australia to evaluate the potential of its BioSilicon platform in the delivery of protein and peptide-based therapies.