Industry News
pSivida claims success in anti-tumour device study
A nano-structured silicon device containing slow-release radiotherapy has successfully halted tumours in an animal study. [ + ]
Cardia spin-off slated for funds, IPO
Research into a promising new anti-diabetes compound derived from tree bark will receive a major funding boost under a heads of agreement deal brokered in Melbourne this week. [ + ]
Progen raises $9.6m in share placement
Small molecule drug company Progen Industries (ASX:PGL, Nasdaq:PGLAF) has doubled its cash reserves in a share placement aimed to help the Brisbane biotech expand its product pipeline. [ + ]
Starpharma teams with IDT, AGT to test and develop drugs
It has been a week for collaborations at the Melbourne-based polyvalent nanotechnology development company, Starpharma (ASX:SPL). [ + ]
SA researchers to have better access to equipment, expertise
A new South Australian initiative aims to give scientists in that state easier access to expensive research equipment and expertise. [ + ]
Benitec appoints RNAi specialist to head US advisory board
Brisbane gene silencing company Benitec (ASX:BLT) has appointed a specialist in DNA-directed RNA interference to chair its scientific advisory board in the United States. [ + ]
Jacques Miller AC wins Australia's top science prize
Carrying on a strong tradition of world class immunology research in Australia, the A$300,000 Prime Minister's Prize for Science has been awarded to Emeritus Professor Jacques Miller AC of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne.
[ + ]TGR boss joins Novogen board
Bioactive compound development company Novogen (ASX:NRT) has appointed the chief of biotech TGR BioSsciences to its board of directors. [ + ]
Gribbles enters biotech with genomics coup
Pathology giant Gribbles (ASX:GGL) has announced a new subsidiary dedicated to biotechnology, with its first project being the development of a pre-natal screening test to detect genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. [ + ]
Vic govt tenders for review of biotech plan
The Victorian state government's Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) has put up for tender the review of its Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan. [ + ]
Broaden your audience, analyst tells biotechs
Biotechnology companies need to widen the audiences they pitch their messages to, industry analyst David Blake, of BioShares, told attendees at a BioMelbourne Network breakfast meeting today. [ + ]
Eiffel nets $2.2m Start grant
Melbourne drug re-engineering company Eiffel Technologies Ltd (ASX:EIF) has received a pleasant surprise from the Federal Government: a $2.2 million R&D Start grant. [ + ]
Imugene toasts future after formative year
Despite a decrease in revenues and an increase in net loss to AUD$1.3 million, veterinary biotechnology company Imugene (ASX:IMU) has come a long way in its first year as a biotechnology company, according to chairman Graham Dowland, who said it was a "tremendous formative year." [ + ]
Brutal honesty marks Iatia's response to a tough 12 months
Microscopy company Iatia (ASX:IAT) released its annual results last Friday with a brutally honest assessment of their performance over the 2002-2003 year. [ + ]
Peplin spruiks promising new compound
Brisbane's Peplin Biotech Ltd (ASX:PEP) has had a good week, reporting a promising new indication for its lead anti-cancer compound PEP005, and promising activity from a new compound of undisclosed provenance. [ + ]
