Stem Cell Sciences KK (SCS KK), a Japanese affiliate of Stem Cell Sciences (AIM:STEM, SCS), has signed a worldwide exclusive license agreement with the University of Nice to commercialise tissue stem cells that may have therapeutic application in degenerative diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). [ + ]

Melbourne biopharma Metabolic (ASX:MBP) has announced plans to take its ACV1 conotoxin analgesic into phase IIa clinical trial in volunteers with chronic neuropathic pain next year. [ + ]

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.