Industry News
Prana appoints US analyst to board
Melbourne biotech company Prana Biotechnology (ASX: PBT) has appointed leading US biotech analyst Dr Jonas Alsenas to its board of directors. [ + ]
Bracks bans GMHT canola until 2008
The Victorian Government has announced a four-year, legislated moratorium on commercial cropping of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) canola. [ + ]
DSTO and Adelaide Uni 'sign up' for future research
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the University of Adelaide have extended their research collaboration with the signing of a Strategic Alliance which recognises existing research links and creates a framework for increased cooperation in the future.
[ + ]Biota signs new flu diagnostic agreement
Biota (ASX:BTA) has signed a new agreement with its US-based flu diagnostics partner Thermo Electron giving it a profit share in a second influenza diagnostic kit, FLU OIA A/B. [ + ]
Volcanic Crater Research
Studies of deposits in a Queensland volcanic crater emphasise the role of the tropical Pacific in forcing global climate change, according to a team of international researchers including Monash University's Professor Peter Kershaw.
[ + ]GM banned in WA
Western Australian premier Geoff Gallop has announced that genetically modified food crops will not be grown in the state. [ + ]
Psivida subsidiary signs manufacturing deal
PsiMedica, the UK subsidiary of Perth-based nanotechnology company Psivida (ASX:PSD), has signed a three-year manufacturing agreement with nuclear pharmaceuticals company Auriga Medical as it gears up to start Phase II clinical trials of its BioSilicon-based brachytherapy product in Singapore later this year. [ + ]
Axon accepts takeover bid
Microarray and cellular screening company Axon Instruments (ASX:AXN) has accepted a friendly takeover offer from California-based Molecular Diagnostics. [ + ]
Sydney firm develops new DNA ID method
Sydney-based company Human Genetic Signatures (HGS) has developed a new method for identifying DNA methylation patterns -- an epigenetic phenomenon thought to play a role in ageing and disease. [ + ]
Amrad reveals share buyback scheme
Amrad (ASX:AML) has announced plans to buy back up to 10 per cent of its shares over the next 12 months, at a cost of around AUD$9 million at the current share price of AUD$0.69. [ + ]
First ANU Medical Students start work
After years of planning and thousands of hours of preparation, the Australian National University (ANU) Medical School has opened its doors, accepting its inaugural intake of 80 first-year students.
[ + ]New VC rules give hope to NSW biotechs
"Getting money for scientific research in this country is like crawling over broken glass," says Dr Tony Smithyman, MD of Sydney biotech Cellabs. But he is upbeat about new legislation announced by the NSW government which brings NSW venture capital partnership structures in line with overseas venture capital rules. [ + ]
Healthcare sector led VC field last year
Healthcare venture capital -- which includes biotechnology -- led the pack in 2003, receiving more Australian venture capital funds than IT software, communications, business services or general technology, according to a new report. [ + ]
Starpharma breaks away from PDF status, raises $7.56m
Starpharma (ASX:SPL) today cast off the shackles of its pooled development fund status, and changed its name to Starpharma Holdings Limited. The company also completed a placement of 9 million shares at AUD$0.84, raising $7.56 million. [ + ]
Yeast's family tree reveals secrets of 2 million years
A Melbourne research team's identification of an ancient family of transport proteins in yeast cells has revealed details of the symbiotic pact that led to the evolution of the first eukaryotic life forms some 2 billion years ago. [ + ]
