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. [ + ]

The Garvan Institute has named two of its top upcoming scientists as Young 2010 Garvan Fellows with each to receive a grant of $25,000 to advance their research looking into treatments for cancer and diabetes. [ + ]

The $1000 genome is no longer just a lofty aspiration. The next generation of massively parallel, benchtop sequencers could see it realised within two years. [ + ]

QRxPharma reported this week that it is making important progress towards gaining European regulatory approval for its dual-opioid pain treatment MoxDuo IR. [ + ]

Neither side in the upcoming federal election has made any significant announcements concerning the life sciences and biotechnology, which is further undermining confidence in the biotech industry, says Mark Horsburgh, President-elect of Licensing Executives Society Australia & New Zealand (LESANZ). [ + ]

Researchers from the University of Sydney's Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory have achieved a breakthrough by finding the causes of Alzheimer's disease at a cellular level and thereby identifying a potential therapy as a result.

The Australian stock market finished the week up today for the third week in a row, buoyed by a strong lead from Wall Street overnight which fuelled investor’s appetites for local banking and mining stocks. [ + ]