Industry News
Xcell to speed up US push
Xcell Diagnostics (ASX:XEL) will accelerate plans to file for FDA approval of its microDERM video dermatoscope system, following a positive review of its programs by senior management and expert advisors. [ + ]
Biota aims to raise $13m in share purchase plan
Biota (ASX:BTA) is offering shareholders a chance to buy up to AUD$5000 worth of shares at a 10 per cent discount to the market price, the company announced today. [ + ]
Q-Vis to relist on ASX on Thursday
Successful financial surgery on Australian eye-laser developer Q-Vis (ASX:QVL) will see the company reopen its eyes on the Australian Stock Exchange tomorrow, after a successful capital raising of $2.4 million. [ + ]
Genesis to launch Phase II eczema trial in UK
Auckland biopharma Genesis Research and Development Corporation (NSX/ASX:GEN) is to begin a Phase II clinical trial of its AVAC therapy for paediatric atopic dermatitis, or childhood eczema. [ + ]
GTG promises more licensing revenue in coming year
Melbourne biotech Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has released its financial results for 2002-03 financial year, showing a 29 per cent revenue drop to AUD$9.26 million and a net loss of $4.16 million, an improvement over last year's $8.8 million loss. [ + ]
Starpharma raises $6.9m
Pooled investment firm and nanotech specialist Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has raised AUD$6.9 million in an oversubscribed placement to institutional and sophisticated investors. [ + ]
Prana touts development as possible Alzheimer's therapy
Melbourne-based biomedical company Prana Biotechnology (ASX:PBT) has announced it has developed a set of assays for high-throughput testing of molecules with therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease. [ + ]
New Austin facility a 'crucial tool'
A new structural biology facility, opened today at the Austin Research Institute, will be a crucial tool in understanding disease processes and will lead to real benefits for the sufferers of cancer, inflammation and other diseases, according to ARI director Prof Mark Hogarth. [ + ]
Peplin blames R&D expenditure for loss
Brisbane cancer-drug developer Peplin Biotech (ASX:PEP) has reported a consolidated loss of AUD$3.7 million for the 12 months to June 30, largely attributable to a big increase in research expenditure on its lead compound, PEP005. [ + ]
Melbourne Centre for Water Research to be established
The University of Melbourne is making an ambitious commitment to water-related research with the establishment of the Melbourne Centre for Water Research.
[ + ]GTG acquires sports gene test rights from Sydney Uni
Melbourne genetic testing company Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to commercialise a test for a gene underlying athletics and sports performance from the University of Sydney. [ + ]
EpiTan loss doesn't detract from solid year
Melbourne biotech company EpiTan (ASX:EPT) has posted a loss of AUD$4 million for the 2002-2003 financial year, primarily due to the expenses of running Phase II clinical trials on its lead drug candidate Melanotan. [ + ]
Prana raises $5m from institutional investors
Joining the list of companies taking advantage of increased investor interest in the biotechnology sector, Prana Biotechnology (ASX:PBT) has raised AUD$5 million in a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors at a price of $0.70 per share. [ + ]
Solbec claims cancer success with plant extract
Western Australian biotech company Solbec Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SBP) may have struck therapeutic gold in a thorny wayside weed called devil's apple (Solanum linnaeanum) . [ + ]
Mini-engines set to replace batteries
Engineers have developed tiny engines - only a few millimetres wide - that will soon replace a standard battery.
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