Japanese liquor maker Takara Shuzo has stepped up its push to make a name for itself in the biotechnology sector by separating its bio-related activities into a new company. [ + ]

Researchers at Genaissance Pharmaceuticals have found "statistically significant" associations between genetic markers and certain patient responses to cholesterol-lowering drugs. Such associations, or links, could be used to develop pharmacogenomic tests that would help physicians determine the best drug for a particular patient. [ + ]

An open letter to Australia's Federal, State and Territory Governments was published in The Age on Tuesday supporting adult stem cell research and advocating a ban on human embryo experimentation. [ + ]

Listening device maker Cochlear has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for sale of its ESPrit 3G in Australia, after gaining approval to sell in the US market last week. [ + ]

Melbourne-based stem cell researcher ES Cell International has confirmed it is in talks with Scottish group PPL Therapeutics over the purchase of complementary research. [ + ]

Bristol-Myers Squibb, the top maker of cancer drugs, said on Monday that US wholesale inventories of its medicines are too high and reducing them will hurt future earnings. [ + ]

Science is set to feature in a new parliamentary committee, announced recently by the government. [ + ]

The University of Southern Queensland's efforts in biomedical research are set to enhance the University's national and international standing, according to Dr Mike Kotiw, director of the centre for biomedical research. [ + ]

Victorian scientists at the forefront of world stem cell research are planning to move part of their operation to New South Wales because research on spare IVF embryos is banned in Victoria. [ + ]

Amrad Corporation's embattled board has urged major shareholder Circadian Technologies against holding a general meeting in May, calling instead for internal discussions. [ + ]

Queensland private sector and academic researchers will share an Australian Research Council grant to probe an enyzme that plays a role in cancer and inflammatory diseases. [ + ]

The time is ripe to insist multinational pharmaceuticals lift their commitment to the local life sciences industry, claims venture capitalist Dr Geoff Brooke. [ + ]

Creating artificial organs to help ease the transplantation demand gap is the ultimate aim of Australia's new centre for cell engineering. [ + ]

Immunologist Prof Mark Hogarth has been appointed to the board of Melbourne biotech Prima Biomed. [ + ]

GroPep is hoping to license out its research into a topical treatment for diabetic neuropathy after product development studies failed to come up with a suitable transdermal formulation. [ + ]