Industry News
Stirling goes back to the drawing board
Stirling Products (ASX:STI) will extend its proof-of-concept studies to include a more direct delivery method after analysis of levels of its beta agonist ST810, a single enantiomer form of salbutamol, in the bloodstream of merino lambs showed that the growth promoter was not getting into the bloodstream. [ + ]
In brief: Epitan; Genesis R&D
Epitan (ASX:EPT) has been given the green light to go ahead with its Phase II study evaluating the photo-protective effects of its sustained release formulation of Melanotan, after receiving ethics approval from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. [ + ]
Schizophrenic brains out of synch: study
Scientists at Sydney's Westmead Millenium Institute (WMI) have discovered that a rapidly-pulsed electrical signal that normally integrates the brain's many different activities 'misfires' in schizophrenia. [ + ]
Science network realised
A network that brings together over 60 leading Australian researchers who advance cutting-edge fluorescence technologies has been officially launched at Macquarie University.
[ + ]Keep genome data freely accessible
The Lancet has been discussing the benefits and potential risks of allowing genomic information to be freely available on the internet - and supports the recent report by the US National Research Council recommending that such information should remain freely accessible to all.
[ + ]Cochlear acquires Swedish hearing implant company
Cochlear (ASX:COH) has signed an agreement to acquire Swedish hearing implant company Entific Medical Systems, owned by Swiss-Swedish group Nobel Biocare for SEK1,050 million (approximately AUD$195 million) to be paid with around AUD$40 million in cash and the remainder as bank debt to be raised in a combination of Euros and US dollars. [ + ]
In brief: Rockeby, C3, Heartware
Rockeby Biomed Limited (ASX:RBY) is poised to launch its Candia5 candidiasis diagnostic in Europe, having received ISO certification and CE Mark approval for the product. [ + ]
Phylogica launches IPO, touts protein libraries
Perth company Phylogica has launched its IPO and is hoping to raise AUD$5 million from the sale of 25 million shares at $0.20 to support the preclinical development of three lead candidates -- including an asthma vaccine -- and its protein libraries. [ + ]
FDA officials consider longer trials; promise early warnings
US regulators are moving to get drug safety warnings to patients and physicians earlier, which should limit prescribing and cut the number of dangerous side effects, a top US Food and Drug Administration official has told the United States congress. [ + ]
Gene chip could save dairy industry big bucks
Mastitis, or bacterial infections of the udder, is a AUD$140 million a year problem for Australia's dairy industry. It can cost farmers up to $150 an animal to treat, and affects both milk output and quality. [ + ]
Change to research units
The CSIRO Board recently endorsed the creation of new business units to strengthen the organisation's health and biotechnology research activities, as well as other areas including food processing.
[ + ]Qld aims to be pharma state
Premier Peter Beattie continues to lay the foundations for his ambition to make Queensland the nation's biotech-pharma mecca, by launching a new report on the state's growing pharmaceutical industry. [ + ]
LCT upgrades technology through deal with Theracyte
Kiwi-born cell-therapy company Living Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) is to acquire the technology and IP rights of a potential competitor, US-based cell-therapy company Theracyte. [ + ]
Patents won't save our genetic resources: report
A report by Monash University's Australian APEC Study Centre has cast doubt on the ability of patent-based regimes to provide enough incentive to protect the world's genetic resources. [ + ]
Cash up for grabs from NZ fund
The NZ$12 million Australia New Zealand Biotechnology Partnership Fund has awarded NZ$6.76 million in its first round of grants to trans-Tasman biotechnology projects. [ + ]
