Industry News
UWA launches powerful DNA sequencer
Researchers at the University of Western Australia (UWA) have launched the Hi-Seq Illumina Deep Sequencer, the most powerful platform worldwide for next-generation sequencing. In a single day of use, at the cost of a few thousand dollars, this technology will allow researchers to obtain the sequence equivalent of the entire human genome project. [ + ]
Start-up Vitality signs APAC distribution deals
Vitality Devices, a new Australian company founded to commercialise medical devices in Asia-Pacific, has signed its first two distribution deals. [ + ]
Gene patents challenged in court
In the middle of the patent fight over the BRCA1 gene mutation, Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) announced a new settlement in the rash of infringement suits covering its non-coding DNA patent. [ + ]
Vitamin C may enhance radiation therapy for aggressive brain tumours
Recent research by the University of Otago, Wellington, has shown that giving brain cancer cells high dose vitamin C makes them much more susceptible to radiation therapy. [ + ]
AusBiotech international investment showcase events in Hong Kong and New York
AusBiotech is calling for expressions of interest to participate in two international showcase events in Hong Kong and New York. [ + ]
Improved UOW anti-cancer formulation patented in Europe
A novel formulation for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, developed by University of Wollongong researchers, has been granted patent rights by the European Patent Office. The formulation, called Fluorodex, was developed to address key adverse events associated with current treatment regimens that are used to combat metastatic colorectal cancer. [ + ]
Neurons change shape after gene therapy
Gene therapy not only helps injured brain cells to live longer and regenerate, but also changes the shape of the cells, according to researchers at the University of Western Australia. [ + ]
Genetic Technologies gains access to full US market for BREVAGen
Genetic Technologies' (ASX:GTG) Victorian lab has received US certification that will enable it to launch its BREVAGen cancer test in all 50 US states. [ + ]
Genome map sheds light on deadly Tasmanian devil tumour
A new genome map reveals the deadly facial tumour afflicting Tasmanian devils shows some unusual genetic properties. [ + ]
Bionomics seeks patent for Alzheimer's treatment
South Australia's Bionomics (ASX:BNO) is pursuing an international patent application for a method of improving memory in patients with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. [ + ]
Unscrambling the Devil tumour through genome mapping
Researchers have mapped the genome of the Tasmanian Devil for the first time, in a crucial step towards understanding the transmissible facial tumours decimating Devil populations and related human cancers. [ + ]
New findings in drug-induced receptor activity using the Roche xCELLigence system
A research team, led by Dr Michel Bouvier at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the University of Montreal in Quebec, has used the Roche xCELLigence SP Instrument to measure changes in cell response following ligand. [ + ]
Lorne 2012: The war on superbugs
Lorne Infection & Immunity: Resistance to antibiotics is an increasingly serious threat to human health worldwide. Now, a new Wellcome Trust-funded partnership with scientists in Queensland is fighting back. [ + ]
Heavy hitters in business development arriving
The biotech industry’s heavy hitters in business development are about to gather in Queensland for the annual dedicated forum for business development professionals. [ + ]
Phosphagenics' redesigned pain patch shows improved results
A trial of Phosphagenics' (ASX:POH) new TPM/oxycodone patch design proves that the redesign improves drug delivery by 4.5 times the original prototype version. [ + ]