In brief: AustCancer; Life Therapeutics; Amrad; Genesis Research; Avastra

Australian Cancer Technology (ASX:ACU) has announced a 1:3 non-renounceable entitlements issue, aiming to raise $5.7 million at $0.13 per share. Shares in the company were trading at $0.17 at time of writing.

Life Therapeutics (ASX: LFE) has contracted to supply vaccinia hyperimmune plasma to US biopharma DVC. The plasma is used to make Vaccinia Immune Globulin (Human) (VIGIV) to treat rare serious reactions associated with smallpox vaccination. DVC is contracted by the Department of Defence joint vaccine acquisition program to produce VIGIV. Life Therapeutics said the contract is worth up to US$1.58 million.

Chemicon International has expanded its exclusive worldwide agreement with Melbourne's Amrad (ASX: AML) and The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), securing additional rights to Amrad's leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ES cell intellectual property. Chemicon can now develop and distribute diagnostic and other non-therapeutic products based on LIF for stem cell research.

Chemicon is a subsidiary of Serologicals Corporation (NASDAQ: SERO).

New Zealand's Genesis Research and Development (NZSX/ASX: GEN) has received a two-year NZD$1.2 million (AUD$1 million) grant from Technology New Zealand to support the development of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic drugs, initially in allergic disorders.

Avastra's (ASX:AVS) has received approval to begin 12-patient clinical trial of its Bioweld tube at the University of Pecs Hospital in Hungary, part of its bid for CE Mark regulatory approval in the EU. It expects the nine month trial to begin in June 2005, and results to be published in the first quarter of 2006.

In the trial, the laser-activated Bioweld tube will be used as a replacement for sutures to join the artery in a free-flap surgical procedure.