Industry News
Nexvet signs first deal for veterinary drug
Veterinary drug developer Nexvet has signed the first licensing deal covering a biologic drug adapted for animal use using its PETization process. [ + ]
Minister to open new medical research facility
The Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Health, will be at The Australian National University on Monday 13 August to open the third and final stage of The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR). [ + ]
The world’s first (official) biosimilar antibody goes to … rheumatoid arthritis
On 23 July, South Korean biosimilar manufacturer Celltrion announced the approval of Remsima (CT-P13), a biosimilar antibody, by the Korean Food and Drug Administration. Remsima is a biosimilar version of Johnson & Johnson’s Remicade (infliximab), which was one of the first monoclonal antibody TNF inhibitors approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). [ + ]
Doping detection stays a neck ahead
While the eyes of the world may currently be focused on the Olympics, human sport is not the only area where drug testing is routinely carried out. Horse racing is a massive worldwide industry and regular testing is essential to maintain its integrity. [ + ]
RS Components and SMC Corporation extend global partnership to Australia and New Zealand
RS Components, the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, has extended its global partnership with the SMC Corporation, specialist in pneumatics and automation, into Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]
Advanced Leadership Program scholarships for AusBiotech members
Woman & Leadership Australia has announced two $11,000 scholarships to be awarded to AusBiotech members to assist their participation in the Advanced Leadership Program. [ + ]
Bioniche E. coli vaccine cleared for import into UK
A UK department has granted veterinarians special dispensation to import a cattle vaccine against E. coli O157 developed by Bioniche (ASX:BNC). [ + ]
Rice study could save farmers billions
Breeding rice plants that retain more phosphorus in the straw, which is returned to the soil after harvest, could reduce the use of phosphorus fertiliser and save farmers billions of dollars, according to Southern Cross University researcher Dr Terry Rose. [ + ]
GeneWorks develops DNA barcoding tech
South Australia's GeneWorks has developed a DNA barcoding security technology compatible with existing forensic laboratory instruments. [ + ]
GTG gets CE Mark for breast cancer test
Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has won European CE Mark approval for BREVAGen, its DNA test for increased breast cancer risk. [ + ]
New bat virus could hold key to Hendra virus
Australian scientists have discovered a new virus in bats that could help shed light on how Hendra and Nipah viruses cause disease and death in animals and humans. [ + ]
Recall costs drag down Cochlear FY12 profit
Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH) has reported a 68% slump in FY12 profit to $56.8 million due to hefty costs associated with the voluntary recall of its Nucleus Cl500 implants. [ + ]
Universal Biosensors slashes 1H loss in half
Universal Biosensors (ASX:UBI) more than halved its losses for the first half of 2012, on the back of a 133% increase in revenue. [ + ]
Epigenetics discovery aids prostate cancer diagnosis
The discovery of a microRNA that appears to affect prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis could prove a valuable biomarker for diagnosis. [ + ]
Vic Gov listens to concern on clinical trial insurance
Cognisant of industry concern, the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) has chosen not to increase the insurance requirements for commercial sponsors of human clinical trials in Victoria, which was intended to take effect from 1 July 2012. [ + ]