Researchers from the Queen Mary Hospital in London have said the Roche's neuraminidase inhibitor Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is effective against avian and human forms of the virus, which has so far killed 32 people this year. [ + ]

Facing a human and economic catastrophe, and with the Beijing Olympics less than four years away, the Chinese government has struck a unique deal with a small, Sydney-based company, NarHex Life Sciences, to fast-track clinical trials of one of the world's most promising new AIDS drugs. [ + ]

Cryptome (ASX:CRP) chairman Graham Kelly offered shareholders few clues about reasons behind the resignation of CEO Jeffrey Travis at today's annual general meeting, but the company has announced the appointment of Prof Mathew Vardas as acting CEO. [ + ]

The life sciences sector once again received the largest slice of US venture capital investment in Q2 of 2004, according to a survey of the professional venture capital community. Investments in the sector amounted to US$1.26 billion -- 29 per cent of all venture capital invested. [ + ]

New Zealand biotechnology company Neuren Pharmaceuticals is evaluating possible options in Australia for raising capital, including private equity and an IPO on the ASX. [ + ]

Brisbane RNAi gene therapy company Benitec (ASX:BLT) has granted a global, non-exclusive licence for its gene-silencing technology to a German company that develops genetically modified mice for research. [ + ]

Biota (ASX: BTA) shareholders have shown resounding support for the company in an oversubscribed share purchase plan that has raised AUD$20 million. [ + ]

In-licensing of clinical-stage compounds for development is a useful way to build sustainable value for your company and fill out your pipeline, the CEO of San Diego company Structural Genomix (SGX) Timothy Harris told venture capitalists and other attendees at this week's AVCAL networking lunch in Melbourne. [ + ]

Healthcare projects like personal health monitoring and distance medical care will be core issues at CSIRO's new national ICT research centre. [ + ]

Hong Kong biotechnology company CK Life Sciences, part of the Cheung Kong group, is set to invest $10 million in R&D in Victoria, according to state premier Steve Bracks. [ + ]

Is the NSW Carr government -- the first state government to legislate for a moratorium on genetically modified crops -- having second thoughts? [ + ]

Melbourne-based licensing and business development group BioComm has opened an office in London to facilitate licensing and partnering activities in Europe. [ + ]

Sirtex (ASX: SRX) has been awarded a AUD$1.311 million R&D Start grant from AusIndustry to commercialise its Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy. [ + ]

The pharmaceutical industry is expected to face pressure to curb rising prescription-drug costs no matter which candidate wins next week's US presidential election. [ + ]

It's the Tasman paradox: although Australia and New Zealand are the world's leading exporters of grazing-derived products, they have both struggled to develop viable agricultural biotechnology industries. Why? [ + ]