In brief: NeuroSolutions, Benitec, Living Cell Technologies, Chemgenex, Life Therapeutics

UK-based NeuroSolutions, the fully owned subsidiary of NeuroDiscovery (ASX:NDL), has signed its first Australian revenue contract with Perth-based biopharmaceutical company Alzhyme. NeuroSolutions' Alzheimer models will be used to investigate the potential of three Alzhyme peptides to impede the progression of the disease.

Benitec's (ASX:BLT) patent infringement action against Nucleonics in the US Distinct Court has been dismissed on Benitec's own motion. Following a recent US Supreme Court decision in a case between Merck and Integra Lifesciences, Benitec accepted that Nucleonics' present drug development activities fall within the American safe harbour exemption and, in such circumstance, dismissal of the case was the likely course of action for Benitec. However, the action was dismissed "without prejudice to future rights" and proceedings may re-commence should circumstances change in the future.

Living Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) has entered into a joint venture with US-based adult stem cell company MultiCell Technologies to develop therapeutic liver cell applications. Under the agreement LCT will supply its encapsulation technology (biocapsules) to extend the functionality of MultiCells' adult liver stem cells and immortalised human hepatocytes.

Chemgenex (ASX:CXS) has started a phase II trial of its drug Ceflatonin in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) who do not respond to Novartis' drug Gleevec. Ceflatonin has also recently been granted orphan drug status in Europe for CML.

Life Therapeutics (ASX:LFE) has finalised payment for the purchase of the Therapeutic Plasma business from Serologicals, now known as its Life Sera division. The debt was discounted from US$6.8 to $6 million in return for early payment and a royalty-bearing, non-executive commercial license to the Gradiflow protein fractionator technology.