Industry News
Senate committee divided on stem cells
The outcome of a Senate committee inquiry into proposed embryonic human stem cell research legislation suggests it may require extensive surgery to pass a Senate vote. [ + ]
How science can help get farmers through the big dry
One of Australia's recurring agricultural problems is drought, and this year is no exception, with widespread drought conditions across many of Australia's prime agricultural regions. So it's not surprising to discover that developing drought-tolerant crops is a major target for breeders and agricultural biotechnologists around Australia. [ + ]
Acid test for EpiTan
Melbourne biotechnology company EpiTan has received approval from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee in Sydney to proceed to Phase IIb clinical trials of its tan-inducing compound Melanotan next month. [ + ]
Austin, Prima happy after cancer therapy trial
A cell-based cancer therapy developed by the Austin Research Institute and Prima Biomed subsidiary company Cancer Vac has passed through Phase I clinical trials with no signs of significant treatment related side-effects. [ + ]
NSW incubator appoints associate director
The NSW government's new BioFirst biotechnology incubator is on track for its February 2003 opening and has made named a high-level tech transfer specialist as its associate director. [ + ]
Khan attacks Biota board performance, pay
The performance and pay of Biota Holdings' directors have been attacked by the drug discovery company's largest shareholder. [ + ]
Sirtex gains European approval
Anti-cancer company Sirtex Medical has been given the green light to begin marketing and sales of its lead product SIR-Spheres in the European Community. [ + ]
Automation specialist a winner
Lab automation specialist Advanced Rapid Robotic Manufacturing (ARRM) is simultaneously winning professional accolades and expanding its revenue base. [ + ]
Technology centre to bring new industries to arid lands
Applying technologies for the sustainable management of arid lands, including solar and wind energy use, and water and waste management systems and practices, will be the focus of the new South Australian Centre for Arid Land Technology (SACALT) based at UniSA’s Whyalla campus.
[ + ]AstraZeneca pledges another $35m for Qld biodiscovery partnership
AstraZeneca is investing another $35 million in its joint effort with Queensland's Griffith University to search out naturally-occurring bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical potential. [ + ]
Wet wheat launched in Wagga
It looks like any other wheat variety, and it's not genetically engineered, but Drysdale, a new semi-dwarf wheat cultivar launched today in Wagga Wagga, is a harbinger of an agricultural revolution. [ + ]
VRI launches allergy Phase II trials
VRI BioMedical has started two Phase II clinical trials in Western Australia and the UK to evaluate the use of its probiotic bacteria for prevention and treatment of allergic disease. [ + ]
'Baby' biotechs targeted by NSW seminar
A free seminar has been set down for November 13 in Sydney, with the aim of letting young biotechnology companies into the secrets of developing management strategies that will allow them to survive adverse events. [ + ]
Ellex launches new laser
Adelaide company Ellex Medical Lasers yesterday announced it had a signed a contract with Californian manufacturer Lumenis to produce a compact new photocoagulator laser for retinal surgery, the Laserex LP3532. [ + ]
AusBiotech launches bioinformatics group
Industry association AusBiotech has today launched a special interest group to drive collaboration between the IT, biotechnology and medical device sectors. [ + ]