Industry News
Government freeze on grants raises concern in biotech sector
The life science sector is increasingly concerned over an indefinite freeze which has been placed on federal government grants that support innovation. The freeze is not only preventing funds from flowing through to companies that have lodged applications, but the uncertainty over the nature and implications of the freeze is causing some to fear that certain grants may be cut. [ + ]
Avexa still in the HIV game
Avexa is still working on developing next generation treatments for HIV following a turbulent couple of years, including the dumping of board in 2010 which ceased development of its lead HIV drug apcicitabine (ATC). [ + ]
Immuron C. difficile study shows 100% survival
Immuron (ASX:IMC) has reported a 100% survival rate from animal trials of the C. difficile treatment candidate it is developing with Monash University. [ + ]
Biota, Nabi amend merger terms to placate shareholder
Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) and US-based Nabi Pharmaceuticals have amended the terms of their proposed merger, in a bid to placate Nabi shareholders seeking to block the deal. [ + ]
Nexvet raises $2.5m to fund human-to-animal drugs
Nexvet Biopharma has closed a $2.5 million seed financing round, after receiving an investment from the universities-led Trans Tasman Commercialisation Fund (TTCF). [ + ]
New joint initiative to promote biotech and GM in agriculture
A new industry group, the Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA) has been formed to promote and encourage debate on the use of biotechnology and gene technology in agriculture in Australia. [ + ]
Nominations called for Janssen 2012 Industry Excellence Awards
Janssen & AusBiotech are pleased to announce that the Janssen 2012 Industry Excellence Awards, in three categories, are now open for nominations. [ + ]
Genetic test predicts risk for autism
A team of Australian researchers, led by the University of Melbourne, has developed a genetic test that is able to predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). [ + ]
ANU sells time machine
A SHRIMP IIe advanced geochronology instrument manufactured by ANU spin-off Australian Scientific Instruments has been purchased by Polish and Japanese researchers to investigate the geochronology of the Earth. [ + ]
Burnet discovery paves the way for more effective vaccines
Scientists have discovered an important mechanism in which a synthetic DNA targets the immune system that could significantly improve the effectiveness of future vaccines. [ + ]
Bionomics acquires American cancer stem cell company
Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has acquired US-based cancer stem cell drug development company Eclipse Therapeutics in a deal worth US$10 million ($9.5 million). [ + ]
Prosthetic device restores and improves decision-making ability in animals
An electronic prosthetic system has been used on monkeys to restore and improve the animals’ decision-making performances. [ + ]
Priceline to stock Cellmid hair growth range
Cellmid (ASX:CDY) subsidiary Advangen has now secured agreements with over 700 pharmacies including Priceline stores to stock its evolis line of hair growth products. [ + ]
AusBiotech makes submission on R&D Tax Incentive quarterly payments
AusBiotech has been advocating for quarterly payments since its first submission on the Tax Credit and is pleased to see the Government responsive to the cash-flow needs of small companies, giving companies the ability to smooth out cash-flow over the year and provide increased predictability. [ + ]
Phylogica looks to recoup $1.9m from R&D Tax Incentive
The first wave of companies is beginning to take advantage of the government’s recently installed R&D Tax Incentive, with Phylogica (ASX:PYC) lodging an application to recoup $1.9 million in research and development costs. [ + ]
