Australia's life science industry performed relatively well in the December 2011 quarter despite macroeconomic pressures, according to the PricewaterhouseCoopers BioForum Report, with indicators good for the near future. [ + ]

A new study found more than 1.2 million people died from malaria in 2010, although the disease is on the decline thanks to new treatments. [ + ]

WR Grace & Co has received a Notice of Allowance from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a patent application related to its Reveleris flash chromatography system. [ + ]

Sigma-Aldrich has completed its acquisition of BioReliance Holdings from Avista Capital Partners for $350 million in cash, subject to normal post-closing adjustments. [ + ]

As of 1 February 2012, Dan Zabrowski is Head of Roche Applied Science in the Diagnostics Division, located in Penzberg, Germany. He succeeds Paul Brown. [ + ]

Global real-time collaboration and rapid access to vast data resources are spurring scientific innovation and discovery. [ + ]

AusBiotech has lodged a submission in response to the ‘Discussion Paper: R&D Tax Incentive Implementation – realising effective Compliance through Guidance and Education’, which was been conducted by AusIndustry to inform development of its guidance agenda. [ + ]

Starpharma Holdings (ASX:SPL) shares climbed 12.4% on Wednesday, after the release of positive results from a preclincial study of its dendrimer-docetaxel chemotherapy formulation. [ + ]

The initial $3m Bionomics has received from its drug development deal with Ironwood Pharmaceuticals could help speed an improvement in cashflow. [ + ]

Middletons acted on behalf of the sellers of the Australian and South-East Asian generic pharmaceutical business Ascent Pharmahealth, which was purchased by Watson Pharmaceuticals. [ + ]

Scientists are reporting development of a much-needed reference material to ensure that measurements of vitamin D levels are accurate. [ + ]

The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has explained in detail its rationale in requesting two papers dealing with highly pathogenic H5N1. [ + ]

Biosceptre has announced that it is about to clinically trial the use of targeted antibodies as a method to treat cancer. At a Sydney conference held on 24 January, it was revealed that the company has identified a receptor found only in cancer cells. [ + ]

Melbourne-based Immuron (ASX:IMC) and Monash University will collaborate on products aimed at treating C. difficile infections, using Immuron's colostrum technology. [ + ]

Indian pharmaceutical company Strides Arcolab has sold its Australian generic pharmaceutical manufacturer Ascent Pharmahealth to Watson Pharmaceutical. [ + ]