Industry News
Gene technology noble if used to save lives
Research has shown the Australian public value gene technology more highly if it can save lives or significantly improve the quality of life.
[ + ]BioDiem to trial blindness treatment
Melbourne-based biopharma BioDiem (ASX:BDM) has received regulatory approval to commence a phase I/II clinical trial for its peptide BDM-E in patients with diabetic macula oedema, a leading cause of blindness. [ + ]
Psivida launches food technology spinout
Perth-based bio-nanotech company Psivida (ASX:PSD, NASDAQ:PSDV, Xetra:PSI) has created a new spinout company, PsiNutria, to develop its silicon technology in the food industry. [ + ]
New study finds brains behind social phobia
New research common condition known as social phobia, in which individuals show a heightened response to threatening faces, or perceive normal social situations as threatening, is associated with heightened activity of the brain's 'fear centre', the amygdala. [ + ]
Novogen launches phase II therapy trial
Marshall Edwards, the US-based subsidiary of Australian cancer drug developer Novogen (ASX:NRT, NASDAQ:NVGN), has begun a phase Ib/IIa trial of Novogen's investigational chemotherapy re-sensitising drug phenoxodiol. [ + ]
New Epitan CEO sees IND soon
After a sudden change of management earlier this week, Melbourne-based Epitan (ASX:EPT, ADR:EPTNY, XETRA:UR9) has entered the "final stretch" in the process of lodging an IND application with the FDA for Epitan's lead drug EPT1647, according to newly-appointed CEO Dr Philippe Wolgen. [ + ]
Start-up Haplomics to muscle in on gene-testing market
Melbourne gene-testing company Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG), currently engaged in a protracted court case with giant US rival Applera over licensing and royalties for GTG's controversial non-coding DNA patents, has a potential rival in its own backyard. [ + ]
Study suggests drug may reverse psychosis
Cannabis, a drug believed to increase the risk of psychosis in users, contains a compound that may be able to reverse psychotic behaviour, Monash researchers have found.
[ + ]Benitec tells AGM of better times ahead
"Seeing you all here means the company has survived," the chairman of RNAi specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) Ray Whitten, told shareholders at today's AGM in Sydney. [ + ]
In brief: C3, SSH, Axon
Clinical Cell Culture's (ASX:CCE) co-founder Prof Fiona Wood will step down from the company's board on December 31. She will remain as a consultant, an R&D partner through her research vehicle the McComb Foundation, and a substantial shareholder. [ + ]
Visiomed aims to raise $1.6m
Perth-based biomedical devices developer Visiomed Group (ASX:VSG) is aiming to raise AUD$1.6 million after costs through a placement of up to 90 million shares at $0.02 each. [ + ]
Ambri on the hunt for M&A targets
Sydney-based Ambri (ASX:ABI) is looking to merge with another medical diagnostics company with products that are closer to market. [ + ]
Biomedical facility opens in WA
A biomedical research facility tipped to speed up research into the genetic causes of human diseases has been officially opened.
[ + ]Select Vaccines to raise $1.79m
Melbourne's Select Vaccines (ASX:SLT) is planning to raise AUD$1.79 million through a rights issue and placement to provide working capital for the development of a vaccine against hepatitis C and further development of diagnostic assays. [ + ]
US$1m milestone payment for BioDiem
Melbourne-based flu vaccine company BioDiem (ASX:BDM) has received a payment of US$1 million (AUD$1.35 million) from Akzo Nobel's Nobilon, bringing its total milestone payments to US$3 million. [ + ]
