Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has won ethics approval for a proof-of-concept phase II trial of its TPM/Oxycodone patch in neuropathic pain.

Abnormal activation of cell death pathways may cause inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. [ + ]

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) and partner Okamoto Industries have had to delay the launch of their VivaGel condoms in Japan for at least 3-6 months pending a regulatory classification review.

Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) aims to raise up to $3.1m via a share purchase plan to help commercialise its next-generation breast cancer risk assessment tool BREVAGenplus. [ + ]

The first steps in the development of Australia's new nuclear medicine manufacturing facility - the centrepiece of the ANSTO Nuclear Medicine (ANM) Project - are now complete. [ + ]

The Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute has a new chairman and medical director.

AusBiotech has made a submission to the federal government's consultation regarding 'Boosting commercial returns from research', as part of the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda.

Biotron (ASX:BIT) has enrolled all 60 patients for a Thai phase II trial of BIT225 in HCV genotypes 1 or 3.

Collaborative research carried out for more than a decade will be funnelled into a clinical trial on a treatment for brain cancer. [ + ]

Australian stem cell company Genea Biocells and Duke University have been awarded a joint collaborative grant as part of the 2014 HDSA Huntington's Disease Human Biology Project. [ + ]

EngageZone, a cloud-based identity hub from pharmaceutical company Merck, has been named a CSO50 Award winner by CSO Magazine. The award honours organisations whose security projects have created outstanding business value and thought leadership for their companies. [ + ]

The University of New South Wales and ABC Radio National have launched Top 5 under 40 - a program to discover Australia's new generation of science thinkers and give them a voice. [ + ]

Nucleic acid supplier Integrated DNA Technologies, alongside PCR device developer Ubiquitome, will develop the Ubiquitome Freedom4 Real-Time RT-PCR Ebola Virus Assay for easy use in the field. [ + ]

Following the receipt of $19.8 million in government funding, the CRC for Space Environment Management will bring together experts from around the world to look at ways to protect around 3000 operational satellites from space debris. [ + ]

Starpharma and partner Ansell have won regulatory approval to market the LifeStyles Dual Protect condoms in New Zealand.