University of Queensland researchers have reported spectacular success in killing cervical cancer cells and preventing the cancer in female mice, using RNA-interference (RNAi) therapy. [ + ]

Cospak bought Crown Scientific effective from 30 June 2005. Cospak is a leading national supplier of glass and plastic containers to the Australian market with modern offices and warehouses in all capital cities.

Melbourne's Phosphagenics (ASX:POH, AIM:PSG) is planning to raise AUD$11.25 million via a share placement to fund its core R&D program. [ + ]

Immune therapy developer and Norwood Abbey (ASX:NAL) subsidiary Norwood Immunology (AIM:NIM) has revealed plans to seek an initial public offering (IPO) in the USA, subject to market conditions. [ + ]

Cell therapy company CyGenics (ASX:CYN) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have entered into a collaborative research agreement as part of a pre-clinical study directed at a new treatment strategy for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). [ + ]

Melbourne drug developer Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has successfully raised AUD$12 million through an institutional placement at $0.51 and an additional $3 million following an underwritten share purchase plan. [ + ]

A research report in the international journal Vaccine this month has confirmed the immunity-boosting potency of Prima Biomed's (ASX:PRR) novel DCtag adjuvant technology for veterinary vaccines. [ + ]

After a meeting with officials of the US Food and Drug Administration, fungal infection diagnostics specialist Rockeby Biomed (ASX:RBY) has mothballed its attempt to register its point-of-care CanDia5 test for vaginal thrush infection (candidiasis) for use in the US. [ + ]

Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS, Nasdaq:PXSL) has completed its capital raising of AUD$87 million (US$63 million). [ + ]

The taskforce appointed by the Australian Oilseeds Federation and the Australian Seeds Federation to investigate the recent detection of genetically modified canola seed in a small, non-GM shipment has found the contamination was limited to just one commercial cultivar. [ + ]

Perth-based medical device and materials company BioMD (ASX:BOD) has paid AUD$650,000 to acquire a 50 per cent equity interest in unlisted tissue engineering company Celxcel. [ + ]

Australia's leading ICT research groups have announced the formation of a collaboration to develop advanced information-sharing technology.

Glygen Corp, specialist in life science sample preparation and delivery tools, has appointed ProteoMass Australia as its exclusive distributor for Australia.

Unlisted Brisbane biotech Xenome is making a strong push into San Diego, hub of the US West Coast biotech industry, in pursuit of venture capital and big pharma partners to develop its long and diverse pipeline of conotoxin peptides from the venom of Australian cone shells. [ + ]

Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) founder Dr Keith Williams is no longer a director of the company he established in 1999, following his decision to withdraw his nomination for re-election at yesterday's AGM. [ + ]