Professor Andrew Lloyd of the University of New South Wales is one of the central figures in the HITS study (Hepatitis C Incidence and Transmission Study) is a long-term prospective cohort study of eligible prison inmates in NSW. Lloyd’s cohort comprises high-risk, uninfected injecting drug users, who are followed at regular intervals longitudinally. [ + ]

Melbourne biotech Patrys announced today that it has secured funding of up to $15 million over the next three years to develop its lead natural human anti-body candidates into treatments for various cancers. [ + ]

The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems is involved in a research project aimed at securing long-term, safer and cleaner forms of energy.

It’s one of nature’s most impressive machines, yet it’s barely micrometres long. It’s a motor with 99 per cent efficiency that can rotate at up to 100,000 rpm, and switch directions faster than any device created by human ingenuity. [ + ]

Melbounre biotech Patrys announced today that the Royal Adelaide Hospital has approved a clinical trial evaluating its PAT-SM6 natural human antibody as a treatment for melanoma. [ + ]

The Australian stock market was down for the second day in a row today although it ended the month on a four-week winning streak. [ + ]

Next-generation genome sequencing technology company, Illumina, today launched the Illumina Genome Network, which is a global partnership to link researchers working in human genome sequencing projects. [ + ]

A study by Sydney researchers showing that the protease inhibitor type of HIV drugs carry a greater risk of heart attack than the new integrase inhibitor family of drugs is expected to have major implications for the future direction of treatment. [ + ]

The Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) has awarded grants of $75,000 each to two of its scientists hoping to identify new treatments for melanoma as well as boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs against the disease. [ + ]

Melbourne-based generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, Halcygen Pharmaceuticals (ASX:HGN), is seeking to add new talent to its board and senior management following the departure of Executive Director and COO, Craig Bottomley yesterday. [ + ]

Human antibody therapy specialists Patrys announced today that is has acquired a new anti-cancer antibody which has been shown to significantly reduce gastric and pancreatic tumours in animal models of human cancers. [ + ]

In a major breakthrough for malaria treatment European researchers have shown that mice infected with the disease administered antibiotics developed immunity against re-infection. [ + ]

Beleaguered Victorian biotech Sigma Pharmaceuticals has appointed former group treasurer Jeff Sells as its new CFO. [ + ]

Botox was approved in the UK this month for the treatment of migraines, however, the high costs of the cosmetic treatment as well as lingering safety concerns may restrict its ability to penetrate this new market. [ + ]

Biota Holdings today commenced a 400-member trial in the US of its anti-viral drug BTA798 on sufferers of asthma who present with cold symptoms. [ + ]