Industry News
Solbec chooses initial tumour targets
Solbec Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SBP) has selected malignant melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) as the first two tumour types for multiple target activity phase II trials of its lead compound Coramsine in the treatment of advanced tumours. [ + ]
Tenders close for new CRC host
Three Victorian institutes, the MacFarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, have applied to host the WHO Collaborative Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, which is currently based at the CSL site in Parkville, Melbourne. [ + ]
Epitan files patent, Norwood Abbey granted patent
Melbourne-based Epitan (ASX:APT, ADR:EPTNY, XETRA:UR9) has filed for a full international patent to protect the commercial use of the topical formulation of its melanin producing drug EPT1647 (formerly Melanotan). [ + ]
CSIRO, Benitec strengthen RNAi patent positions
The legal mists are lifting from Black Mountain in Canberra, and Mountain View in California, clarifying the ownership of key patents on RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing technology. [ + ]
Portable generic risk detection
A portable biosensing device based on micro- and nanotechnologies is expected to help doctors rapidly and accurately forewarn patients of their genetic risk of developing diseases such as cancer.
[ + ]Testing methods for monkeypox and smallpox
Researchers at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University have developed new diagnostic methods to better detect future monkeypox or smallpox outbreaks. The research also sheds new light on the 2003 monkeypox outbreak in the US - monkeypox is closely related to smallpox. This new information suggests that the 2003 outbreak was larger than the 72 cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
[ + ]Detecting inflammatory cells in blood vessels
Atherosclerotic plaque typically builds up without symptoms and the search is on to develop early detection devices that will enable physicians to offer treatment before the disease progresses to advanced stages.
[ + ]In brief: Regenera, Compumedics, SciGen
Regenera (ASX:RGA) has appointed Hon Dr Michael Woodridge as non-executive chairman effective immediately, subject to shareholder approval. [ + ]
Agenix raises AUD$10.3m
Brisbane-based Agenix (ASX:AGX, NASDAQ:OTC:AGXLY) has raised a total of AUD$10.3 million through a non-renounceable 1:4 entitlements offer. [ + ]
Phospha E linked to healthy cardiovascular function
Melbourne's Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has found its vitamin product Phospha E has reduced LDL-C (bad cholesterol) concentrations in blood by up to 44 per cent in an animal study. [ + ]
Select Vaccines reports promising results for hep C
Select Vaccines reports promising results for hep C [ + ]
Microchips for in vitro diagnostics
DiagnoSwiss and bioMerieux have signed an exclusive licence agreement for the development and use of DiagnoSwiss electrochemical microchips in human in vitro diagnostics.
[ + ]Apollo starts psoriasis trial
Sydney-based biopharma Apollo Life Sciences (ASX:AOP) has commenced its phase Ib clinical trial for a topical psoriasis treatment, developed from human-expressed protein. [ + ]
LCT files for pre-IND meeting with FDA
Living Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) has filed a request for a pre-IND meeting with the US FDA to seek guidance and feedback on the development program for its NeurotrophinCell (NtCell) product for the treatment of Huntington's disease. [ + ]
In brief: MediVac, C3, Premier Bionics
Bob Atwill will join MediVac (ASX:MDV) as a consultant to assist in the commercialisation of the company's MetaMizer series II. Atwill was formerly sales and marketing director of London Stock Exchange listed orthopaedic company Corin Group. [ + ]
