Starpharma's (ASX:SPL) DEO, a formulation of colon and colorectal cancer drug oxaliplatin, has demonstrated reduced neurotoxicity in lab trials comparing it to the original version. [ + ]

Research from the University of Melbourne and the Florey Institute could be developed into a new class of drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. [ + ]

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) will pay up to US$100m to acquire the mesenchymal precursor cell business of US-based Osiris Therapeutics. [ + ]

The University of Melbourne has entered into a drug development deal with Procypra Therapeutics, a US start-up company established by Collaborative Medicinal Development under the umbrella of venture capital firm Cthulhu Ventures. [ + ]

The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles recluse) produces superthin ribbons of silk, as opposed to the round fibres typically spun by spiders. In a world first, scientists have examined the silk and found that its properties may be suitable for a variety of applications. [ + ]

Health researchers at the University of Florida have found a quick and cheap way to test for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The only equipment necessary is a container of peanut butter and a ruler. [ + ]

Novogen (ASX:NRT) has licensed Australian-developed drug technology with the potential to replace the popular class of chemotherapeutics that target the cytoskeleton of cancer cells. [ + ]

Professor Alan Cowman from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has been awarded the 2013 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the quest to eradicate malaria. [ + ]

CSL (ASX:CSL) has negotiated a proposed settlement to a US class action antitrust lawsuit centred around the company's control of supply of plasma-derived protein therapeutics. [ + ]

Modifying baker's yeast to produce a synthetic form of the natural chemical limonene may provide a much-needed future alternative to fossil fuels. [ + ]

Clinical Genomics - the developer of a blood-based biomarker test in collaboration with CSIRO Preventative Health Flagship and the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer - has acquired US-based screening company Enterix from Quest Diagnostics, as well as its Sydney-based subsidiary. [ + ]

The University of Queensland (UQ) has entered a three-year collaboration with Denmark-based pharmaceutical company LEO Pharma with the aim of delivering new treatment options to patients suffering from skin cancer. [ + ]

After a positive meeting with the US FDA, QRxPharma (ASX:QRX) aims to resubmit its application for approval of pain drug MoxDuo in mid-November. [ + ]

Orthocell's results from a clinical study of its Ortho-ATI technology for regenerating damaged tendons have been published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. [ + ]

Eight surgeons, based at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, were today approved to use Allied Healthcare's (ASX: AHZ) CardioCel to repair and treat heart defects in adult patients under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme (APS). [ + ]