An 84-year old American Nobel Laureate has discovered a new protein which observers are saying may herald a completely new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease. [ + ]

Antibiotic developer Halcygen Pharmaceuticals today reported a maiden net profit of $3.25 million for the year ended June 30, 2010, largely driven by the company’s acquisition of Mayne Pharma International late last year from Hospira Inc. [ + ]

In January last year, Dr John Hayman read a biography of Charles Darwin and became intrigued by Darwin’s almost lifelong battle with a chronic, relapsing illness. But now, Hayman, an Associate Professor in Monash University’s Department of Pathology, thinks he’s narrowed it down to a rare mitochondrial disorder inherited from his mother. [ + ]

Food security and protection from anthrax contamination could be achieved using an antibacterial enzyme.

The Australian stock market just clawed its way into positive territory today as investors defied the prevailing gloom surrounding the US economy, although it wasn’t enough to snap a three-week losing streak. [ + ]

A report by analyst group Datamonitor has identified China and India’s pharmaceutical industries as the ones to watch following a flurry of M&A activity over the last three years. [ + ]

Australia’s biggest healthcare provider Ramsay Healthcare this week reported a 21.9 percent jump in full-year net profit to $178.5 million. [ + ]

Testosterone booster Acrux this week stormed into the black for the first time, announcing a net profit of $46.6 million after earlier in the year signing one of the biggest ever multinational licensing deals for an Australian biotech. [ + ]

Regenerative medicine specialists Mesoblast today reported a net loss of $14.8 million for the full year ended 30 June 2010, an increase on the previous year’s loss of $12.3 million. [ + ]

Regenerative medicine specialists Mesoblast today reported a net loss of $14.8 million for the full year ended 30 June 2010. The company, noted, however that it had finished the year with cash reserves of $32.5 million, up from $16.5 million for the previous corresponding period. [ + ]

Melbourne biotech Clinuvel announced today that it plans to conduct clinical trials of its UV protection drug Scenesse as a treatment for the skin pigmentation disorder vitiligo. [ + ]

Regenerative medicine specialists Mesoblast announced this week that it has convened an extraordinary general meeting with shareholders to vote on the proposed acquisition of the company’s US partner Angioblast Systems. [ + ]

Melbourne biotech Cellestis this week announced a full year net profit of $10.22 million, following strong growth in all of the company’s major markets. [ + ]

As the more traditional gold deposits of the world become depleted, mining companies are facing the challenge of processing ores that contain higher concentrations of other metals.

The Australian stock market finished down today amid renewed concerns about the pace of the global economic recovery and as local investors await the outcome of tomorrow’s federal election, which has become too close to call. [ + ]