Applying math and computers to the drug-discovery process, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a method to predict protein separation behaviour directly from protein structure. This multi-scale protein modelling approach may reduce the time it takes to bring pharmaceuticals to market and may have significant implications for an array of biotechnology applications, including bioprocessing, drug discovery and proteomics, the study of protein structure and function.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has written to Novogen (ASX:NRT) after the company adopted the company's remuneration report based on a show of hands at its AGM in late October, despite receiving an overwhelming majority of proxies against the resolution. [ + ]

Unlisted Brisbane-based company Adipogen has raised a further AUD$2.25 million to support the development of a novel treatment for obesity. [ + ]

New Zealand medical device company BrainZ Instruments, which develops monitors for the detection of brain injury, has lodged a prospectus for an IPO to raise up to AUD$13 million on the ASX. [ + ]

Shares in German biotech firm Jerini fell as much as 6 per cent in their debut on Tuesday amid what traders said was a worsening climate for new listings in Frankfurt and scepticism about biotech offers. [ + ]

Chemists at the University of California, Riverside have synthesised a new class of carbenes - molecules that have unusual carbon atoms - that is expected to have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry, ultimately resulting in a reduction in the price of drugs.

Sydney-based Life Therapeutics (ASX:LFE) has been awarded a contract worth US$4.7 million (AUD$6.29 million) to supply specialty plasma for the treatment and prevention of smallpox in the general population, and to counter bioterrorism. [ + ]

A team of Queensland researchers has developed a technology that reduces anxiety and distress during the treatment of burns and may act as a supplement for the use of sedatives for young children. [ + ]

Just over seven years ago, in August 1998, Dr David Wells of the Ruakua Research Centre in Hamilton announced the successful cloning of the last Enderby Island Cow, the last survivor of a the world's rarest cattle breed. [ + ]

South Australian-based Vet Biotechnology (NSX:VBL) is aiming to raise up to AUD$4.25 million in capital to fund development of a vaccine against 'rattles' disease in racehorses by a backdoor listing on the ASX in late November through Plantcorp. [ + ]

Progen Industries has accepted a $3.39 million AusIndustry Commercial Ready grant to support the further development of the company's drug discovery program over the next three years.

Perth-based bio-nanotech company pSivida (ASX:PSD, NASDAQ:PSDV, Xetra:PSI) has commenced its phase IIb clinical trials with its BrachySil technology as a potential treatment for inoperable primary liver cancer. [ + ]

PharmAust (ASX:PAA) has appointed Dr Paul D'Sylva as managing director, also making him responsible for the company's wholly owned subsidiary companies Epichem, Mimotopes and PharmAust Manufacturing. [ + ]

Privately-held immunotherapy developer Opal Therapeutics has raised US$6 million in series A financing to develop therapeutic vaccines for HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). [ + ]

Giant New Zealand-based global dairy company Fonterra has revealed plans to establish a new AUD$15 million global consumer foods R&D centre in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. [ + ]