Industry News
3D scaffolds to grow muscle
Australian biomedical engineers have combined lab-made peptides with natural proteins and polymers to create a 3D 'hydrogel scaffold'. [ + ]
Imagion Biosystems appoints new VP of clinical research
Dr Farideh Bischoff will lead the clinical program for MagSense cancer detection technology, to achieve regulatory approval as a diagnostic device for the early detection of malignant tumour cells. [ + ]
100,000 Genomes Project reaches halfway milestone
The UK's 100,000 Genomes Project has reached a major milestone by sequencing 50,000 genomes, just over five years after it was announced by then Prime Minister David Cameron. [ + ]
Merck acquires Aus biotech Viralytics
Merck has acquired Australian listed cancer research firm Viralytics in a $502 million deal. [ + ]
BOC to locally produce over 8000 specialty gases
BOC Australia, part of The Linde Group, has unveiled a new $20 million specialty gases production facility and $15 million robot cylinder automation system at its Western Sydney site. [ + ]
CRISPR-based DNA detective
A CRISPR-based genetic detective could lead to fast, reliable medical tests. [ + ]
Next-gen antibody shows promise as lung fibrosis treatment
A locally developed molecule called an 'i-body' serves as a powerful inhibitor of fibroblast migration in human lungs, providing promising evidence for a new treatment of lung fibrosis. [ + ]
Obesity-focused start-up attracts $7m MRCF investment
The MRCF has announced a $7 mllion investment in Cincera Therapeutics, a biotech company seeking to develop therapies targeting conditions relating to an unhealthy diet. [ + ]
Mice successfully immunised against multiple cancers
Injecting mice with iPSCs launched a strong immune response against breast, lung and skin cancers, as well as preventing relapse in animals that had tumours removed. [ + ]
Autoscribe launches in Australia
Software provider Autoscribe Informatics has launched in Adelaide, South Australia, to better service the needs of its current and future customers in Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]
Fluid intelligence supported by MD brain regions
New research suggests that the ability to think flexibly and to solve novel problems is supported by 'multiple-demand' (MD) brain regions. [ + ]
Strong growth reported for Australia's medtech sector
Australian jobs supported by the medtech, biotech and pharma sector increased by 10% from 2015 to 2016, while manufacturing exports increased by 30%. [ + ]
Catching doped athletes in under 60 seconds
Canadian researchers have cut down the time required to analyse blood and urine samples from 30 minutes to 55 seconds. [ + ]
Can probiotics improve the health of young CF patients?
Dr Keith Ooi is set to conduct a major study to see if probiotics can improve the overall health and life expectancy of children with cystic fibrosis. [ + ]
Immutep's lead product well tolerated in melanoma trial
Immutep's lead product has been found safe and well tolerated when combined with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) at doses up to 30 mg per subcutaneous injection. [ + ]
