Industry News
Synchrotron pulls in $5m from ANSTO
The Australian Synchrotron project has scored another AUD$5 million funding for the initial suite of beamlines from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which joins the University of Melbourne, Monash University, CSIRO and MiniFAB as a foundation partner. [ + ]
Ventracor, Agenix grab grants
Sydney artificial heart company Ventracor (ASX:VCR) scooped up AUD$1.2 million in funding today, when the second round of Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage grants were announced. [ + ]
LEK's McIntyre joins BioTech Capital board
Dr Lisa McIntyre, the head of LEK Consulting's Asia-Pacific life sciences practice, has joined the board of Sydney-based pooled development fund BioTech Capital (ASX:BTC). [ + ]
Blue day as Florigene and Suntory unveil a biotech holy grail
It has taken 15 years, but Australian company Florigene and its Japanese parent Suntory say they have succeeded in creating the holy grail of floristry -- the blue rose. [ + ]
Amrad halts buyback during Avexa spin-out
Amrad (ASX:AML) has halted its share buy-back program while it readies itself to spin out its anti-infectives program. [ + ]
Smallest cells put to work
The first recordings of the brain’s smallest cells at work, sensing the outside world, have been made by scientists at University College London (UCL). Their findings could help unlock the secrets of the cerebellum, a key motor control centre in the brain which, when damaged, can lead to movement disorders such as ataxia and loss of balance.
[ + ]NSW, feds to fund Sydney medical research complex
Sydney's Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute will get new digs, the Garvan Institute will get its building back, and both will be sharing café and confocal microscopy facilities with researchers from over the road at St Vincent's Hospital, if a $46 million new laboratory building gets underway. [ + ]
From grapes to grants: new ARC head outlines plans
Prof Peter Høj, currently director of the Australian Wine Research Institute, has been appointed the new CEO of the Australian Research Council (ARC). [ + ]
Stirling products to test growth promotors in sheep.
Perth-based Stirling Products (ASX:STI) is preparing for the first animal trials of its ST810 growth promotion agent in sheep. [ + ]
Life Therapeutics signs MOU with UK's BioProducts
Life Therapeutics, the company formerly known as Gradipore (ASX: GDP), has signed a memorandum of understanding with UK company Bio Products Laboratories (BPL) over the potential acquisition of a recombinant human anti-D immunoglobulin (rAnti-D). [ + ]
Mind your fingers as the IPO window closes
Market analysts are wondering whether the windown for Australian biotech IPOs has slammed shut. [ + ]
AGT Biosciences changes name to Chemgenex
AGT Biosciences has completed the last step in its merger with ChemGenex Therapeutics with the official name change of the company going through. Approval by AGT shareholders was obtained last week at an EGM. [ + ]
Take two: Peplin's revised IND filed
Brisbane-based Peplin Biotech (ASX: PEP) announced today that its US partner Allergan had filed two amended IND applications with the FDA for Peplin's PEP005, a topical formulation for skin cancer treatment. [ + ]
Eiffel to collaborate with Singapore company
Eiffel Technologies (ASX: EIF) has signed an agreement with Singapore company NanoMaterials Technology to jointly develop new technology for drug reengineering. [ + ]
Regenera in diabetes patent deal
Perth-based opthamology specialist Regenera (ASX: RGA) today extended its IP portfolio, announcing the assignment on an Australian provisional patent to its subsdiary Retmed. [ + ]
