Industry News
Cannabis-based epilepsy drug coming in 2018
MGC Pharmaceuticals has executed a binding definitive exclusive supply agreement with pharmaceutical wholesaler HL Pharma to bring its adult epilepsy product, CannEpil, to the Australian market in 2018. [ + ]
GSK and Novartis taken to court over 'misleading' pain relief products
The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare Australia and Novartis Consumer Health Australasia, alleging they made false or misleading representations in the marketing of Voltaren Osteo Gel and Emulgel pain relief products. [ + ]
NHMRC announces $640m in funding, plus a boost to female researchers
The National Health and Medical Research Council appears to be getting into the Christmas spirit early, announcing $640m to support Australia's health and medical researchers as well as an initiative to reduce the difference in funded rates between male and female lead investigators. [ + ]
Nearly 6% of cancers attributable to diabetes, high BMI
UK researchers have revealed that diabetes and high body-mass index were the cause of 5.6% of new cancer cases worldwide in 2012 — equivalent to 792,600 cases. [ + ]
Patient enrolment for CSL's biggest heart attack trial to begin in early 2018
Australian-listed global bio-therapeutics company CSL has confirmed a Phase 3 clinical trial for CSL112, the company's novel therapy for reduction of early recurrent cardiovascular events in heart attack survivors. [ + ]
Sequencing technology picks up the "spelling mistakes" in DNA
Researchers from South Australia are leading what they believe to be a genomic revolution — and they couldn't have done it without the help of nine-year-old Angus Bond. [ + ]
Heart attack or chest pain? Take this diagnostic test and find out
Upstream Medical Technologies has developed a biomarker-based diagnostic test to rule out the risk of imminent heart attack for the significant number of people presenting at hospital with chest pain. [ + ]
More than half of post-surgery antibiotic prescriptions are inappropriate
More than half (60%) of antibiotics given to patients after surgery to prevent infections are prescribed inappropriately, usually because they are not required at all — a situation that may be contributing to the rise of antibiotic resistance. [ + ]
Bio-Gene Technology collaborates with CSIRO on insecticide development
Bio-Gene Technology, a manufacturer of insecticides, has entered into an extended research agreement with CSIRO to develop improved manufacturing systems for its lead product, Flavocide. [ + ]
Protein analysis provides new insights into Down syndrome
European researchers have analysed the proteins of individuals with trisomy 21 — more commonly known as Down syndrome — for the first time. [ + ]
LeafCann and WardMM partner for BPSD clinical trial
LeafCann Research and Advisory has signed a clinical trial agreement with WardMM to sponsor and provide medicinal cannabis extracts for the latter's research and development program for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). [ + ]
Marine scientist Emma Johnston elected president of STA
Marine scientist and broadcaster Professor Emma Johnston has been elected president of Science & Technology Australia (STA). [ + ]
Australian innovation celebrated in 2017 CSIRO Awards
The 2017 CSIRO Awards showcased the achievements of the national science agency's people and partners and the difference their research makes to industry, society and the planet. [ + ]
Strong anticancer activity identified in newly patented AAD compounds
PharmAust has been granted a new patent in the US covering its portfolio of anticancer drugs, recently proven to be more effective at killing cancer cells than their parent compound. [ + ]
Griffith Uni celebrates new biobanking resource, MoU with Gold Coast Health
Griffith University is discussing a number of its recent initiatives as part the Gold Coast Health Research Week Conference. [ + ]
