In brief: Epitan; Genesis R&D

Epitan (ASX:EPT) has been given the green light to go ahead with its Phase II study evaluating the photo-protective effects of its sustained release formulation of Melanotan, after receiving ethics approval from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.

The trial, which will be one of the last to complete before the company moves on to Phase III trials, is expected to start in April and take six months to complete. The RPA's Prof Ross Barnetson will be principal investigator for the study.

New Zealand biotech Genesis R&D (ASX/NZSX:GEN) has announced a legal dispute with a company it set up as a joint venture in 2000. The company, ArborGen, is developing elite transgenic trees for forestry. It has commenced proceedings including clarification of IP ownership and unspecified damages, and has requested that Genesis leaves the partnership. Genesis, through its subsidiary AgriGenesis, holds five per cent equity in the partnership, and has supplied ArborGen with technology and research services.