Analyst commentary suggests the devaluation of the Australian dollar during 2014 has left biotech in a good position for investment, as well as a target for takeovers and mergers.

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) has presented data from its phase II trial of MPCs in lower back pain and initiated a phase III program on the strength of the results.

German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim this week announced research collaborations with Vanderbilt and Yale universities in order to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases. [ + ]

Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has appointed Dr Ross Murdoch as its new CEO and has received ethics approval for a pilot trial of TPM/Oxycodone in post-herpetic neuralgia.

Monash University has entered a collaborative research partnership with Janssen-Cilag to explore potential new treatments for autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis.

Qiagen has announced the CE-IVD marking of its liquid biopsy-based companion diagnostic that analyses circulating nucleic acids obtained from blood samples to assess a genomic mutation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [ + ]

The 2015 Laboratory Management and Design Conferences will be held from 16-19 November at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Science Industry Australia is now calling for papers and presentations for the two conferences. [ + ]

The time is here to list AusBiotech's New Year's resolutions, which will buoy and grow the Australian biotechnology industry, support your success and ensure 2015 is the best year yet.

Antibody provider Cell Signaling Technology (CST) has entered into a strategic partnership to supply antibodies for use in Dako companion diagnostics products. [ + ]

LBT Innovations (ASX:LBT) is set to lose a substantial source of income, with licensee bioMérieux planning to terminate its agreement with the Australian lab technology provider.

Consulting company Clinical Network Services (CNS) has established an office in the US to allow it to support clients seeking to engage with the FDA.

Sirtex Medical (ASX:SRX) has now recruited over 1000 patients for its three concurrent trials of its liver cancer treatment SIR-Spheres microspheres.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science will start the year off with a new chair and three new members for its council. [ + ]

A minimally invasive procedure is now available to Australian patients suffering from obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema. An alternative to surgical resection of the most diseased part of a lung, endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) involves having an umbrella-shaped, one-way valve endoscopically positioned into the airway serving the affected lobe. [ + ]

Rotaviruses invade cells of the gastrointestinal tract through carbohydrate receptors, findings that may lead to new ways of preventing this contagious childhood disease. [ + ]