Patients suffering from severe depression who have not responded to other treatments may be helped by deep brain stimulation, researchers said. [ + ]

The FDA, as expected, has followed the recommendation of an advisory panel last week and approved the heart drug BiDil, which clinical data have shown works well in African-Americans but poorly in other populations. [ + ]

Melbourne based Medical Developments International (ASX:MVP) believes the launch of its Penthrox Inhaler into the Australian dentistry market caused a share price rise from $0.745 on June 24, to $0.87 on June 27, prompting the ASX to issue the company with a 'speeding ticket'. [ + ]

Melbourne- and Californian-based ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CXS) has formed an international alliance with Geneva-based Stragen Pharma to accelerate the clinical development of ChemGenex's lead anti-cancer therapeutic, Ceflatonin. [ + ]

The main message to come out of a survey of Australian genomics and proteomics companies, conducted by health care analysts Frost and Sullivan, was that the industry needs more collaboration between academia, companies and those providing funding to engender investor confidence. [ + ]

A new gene suspected to contribute to autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and lupus – a condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks organs such as the kidneys and skin – has been discovered by immunologists at the Australian National University.

ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CXS) has received approval to list on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under the ticker CXSP. [ + ]

EU environment ministers dealt a blow to efforts to get more GMO crops grown in Europe as they agreed to uphold eight national bans on genetically modified maize and rapeseed types. [ + ]

Brisbane-based clinical automation systems manufacturer, Ai Scientific, has secured a multi-million dollar order from Italian distributor, Medical Systems. [ + ]

Perth-based biomedical devices developer, Visiomed Group (ASX:VSG) and ophthalmic surgical laser group, CustomVis (AIM:CUS), also based in Perth, have begun a clinical evaluation trial on their ophthalmic imaging system, microEYE. [ + ]

There is a relatively new approach to addressing large, complex problems - 'network science'.

Speaking at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia, Victorian innovation minister John Brumby has announced the roll out of the state government's Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program across Australia and New Zealand. [ + ]

The sale of Pharmanet Group's (ASX:PNO) wholly owned subsidiary Medical Products Group, to Advance Healthcare (ASX:AHG), has been completed. [ + ]

Research in to the genetic causes of melanoma will be the focus of the new Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre, recently established at the University of Western Australia's Centre for Medical Research in Perth. [ + ]

Biotech Capital (ASX:BTC) investee company Stem Cell Sciences is looking to raise up to £10 million on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM). [ + ]