Sydney biomaterials company Avastra (ASX:AVS) has halted its Bioweld human clinical trial due to unexpected results in its long-term animal study, although the company is still unsure what caused the unexpected results. [ + ]

Monash University fertility researchers have succeeded in producing oocytes -- eggs -- from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, offering hope to couples who are unable to conceive, even by in vitro fertilisation, because the partner lacks viable eggs. [ + ]

Researchers at Monash University have developed a process that causes embryonic stem (ES) cells to develop into ovarian structures containing eggs. Dr Orly Lacham-Kaplan from the Monash immunology and stem cell laboratories has presented their findings at the annual meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Psivida (ASX:PSD) has released the full results of its Phase IIa trial of BrachySil in inoperable primary liver cancer patients, showing that the product is safe and effective in prompting tumour regression. [ + ]

Speaking at BIO 2005 in Philadelphia, Victorian premier Steve Bracks announced a new AUD$63 million initiative to fund the new Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI). [ + ]

CSIRO Plant Industry released its new low-glyceaemic index barley last week: BARLEYMax, developed from a mutant form of an old 'lab rat' strain of barley called Himalaya. [ + ]

A study by Peptech's (ASX:PTD) joint venture partner Biosceptre has found that its diagnostic test successfully identified ovarian cancer in tissue analysis, paving the way for the development of a commercial test for this disease. [ + ]

South Australian genomics company Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has found that antibodies against it's proprietary cancer drug target BNO69 can be used to distinguish between malignant and benign breast cancers. [ + ]

The Bill Gates-funded Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) has called on Sydney's Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) to develop a new diagnostic test for tuberculosis, one of the deadliest diseases in developing countries. [ + ]

SciGen (ASX:SIE) has executed a commercialisation agreement with Rangs Pharmaceuticals for the commercialisation of insulin in Bangladesh. [ + ]

The Centre for Neuropsychology at Swinburne University of Technology will conduct an independent study, subject to ethical approval, for botanical biotech Solagran (ASX:SLA) to examine the neuro-cognitive, mood and brain EEG effects of Bioeffective R. [ + ]

Melbourne respiratory drug developer Biota Holdings (ASX:BTA) has reportedly rejected a confidential AUD$10 million offer from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to drop its lawsuit seeking compensation for loss of royalties from the Australian-developed influenza drug Relenza. [ + ]

Californian biopharmaceutical company Calando Pharmaceuticals has granted an exclusive worldwide license to Benitec (ASX:BLT) for the use of its polymeric nucleic acid delivery technology, which Benitec will use in conjunction with its RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutic for hepatitis C virus (HCV). [ + ]

Victorian Primary Industry researchers have developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that will become the basis of an early-warning system for avian influenza. [ + ]

Acrux [ASX: ACR] has announced positive results for a Phase 1 proof-of-concept, pharmacokinetic study of its contraceptive spray Nesterone MDTS. [ + ]