Industry News
Protein gel offers hope to childless
A pre-intercourse gel derived from a protein found in sperm could prove the key to fertility for thousands of childless couples. [ + ]
A new name for MicroMedical
Artificial heart developer MicroMedical Industries has announced it plans to change its name to Ventracor. [ + ]
Farmacule sets down roots for new technology
A two-pronged business strategy is showing promise for Australia's leading player in molecular farming, Farmacule Bioindustries. [ + ]
Meditech announces positive HyDOX results
Meditech Research has announced that its pre-clinical animal studies for anti-cancer drug HyDOX showed a three-fold reduction of heart damage. [ + ]
IDT not concerned by AstraZeneca decision on cancer drug
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Institute of Drug Technology may pursue direct talks with the UK developer of an early-stage anti-cancer drug after licensee AstraZeneca dumped the project. [ + ]
Anadis claims oral vaccine delivery breakthrough
Claims of a breakthrough technique for delivering oral vaccines and pharmaceuticals to the stomach wall have been made by Melbourne company Anadis. [ + ]
No GE-free zones for Victoria
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed that it will not be seeking to create genetic engineering-free (GE-free) zones in Victoria, at least for the time being. [ + ]
Bio 2002 exodus begins
An exodus of Australian bioscience professionals heading for Toronto and the start of the Bio 2002 conference and exhibition has begun. [ + ]
EpiTan signs with US group to develop formula
Tanning drug developer EpiTan has signed a collaborative agreement with a United State research institute to create a sustained-release version of its formulation. [ + ]
Device network, AusBiotech join forces
The Medical Device Network (MDN) has joining forces with peak body AusBiotech to officially become a program of the industry organisation. [ + ]
Progen PI-88 trials proliferate
Australian biotech Progen Industries has won ethics approval to launch a Phase I human trial for its anti-cancer drug candidate PI-88 in conjunction with established chemotherapy agent Taxotere. [ + ]
Nextec BioSciences and council combine to foster biotech
Investment banking group Nextec BioSciences has joined forces with the Melbourne City Council to establish an entrepreneurial incubator for biobusinesses. [ + ]
BioStart kicks off with Mimetica
The first investment in a young biotech company has been made by the $6 million BioStart pre-seed fund set up a year ago by the Queensland government. [ + ]
Rights issue to fund Analytica's new biotech strategy
A $1.3 million rights issue by Analytica Ltd will test investor attitudes toward young biotechs who ask shareholders for a second chance after crashing on the first attempt. [ + ]
Chemical labelling to save $600 million per year
Australian chemical exporters and users of imported chemical products will save up to A$600 million per year following the decision by APEC Trade Ministers to implement standardised hazard classification and labelling.
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