Aussie to test spirulina in microgravity flight
11 May, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillA researcher from the Australian National University is about to take a flight in microgravity, to see whether the protein-rich blue-green alga Spirulina platensis is the Right Stuff as food for space travel.
Novogen claims four-leaf result from cancer drug trial
11 May, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillSydney oncology drug developer Novogen (ASX:NRT, NASDAQ:NVGN) can smell the clover across the width of the Pacific, after its Connecticut-based subsidiary Marshall Edwards (LSE AIM:MSH and NASDAQ:MSHL) reported outstanding preliminary results from a trial of its clover-derived cancer drug phenoxodiol.
Prima Biomed and pSivida granted patents
10 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranMelbourne-based biotech Prima Biomed (ASX:PRR) has been granted a patent by the European Patent Office for its CancerVac therapy, and nanotechnology company pSivida (ASX:PSD, NASDAQ:PSDV, Xetra:PSI) has been granted its first Chinese patent.
New CEO for expanding PharmAust
09 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranDr John Moursounidis has been hired as CEO for West Australian pharmaceutical company PharmAust (ASX:PAA).
New brief for Monash health economics centre
09 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranMonash University's Centre for Health Economics has moved to new premises in the Science Technology and Innovation Precinct at Monash University's Clayton campus, and will be looking at setting up partnerships with industry for the first time.
First Sunshine Heart device implanted
09 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranDoctors at Auckland City Hospital have conducted the first long-term implant of a Sunshine Heart (ASX:SHC) C-Pulse heart device in a 56-year old New Zealand man.
IMB ploughs Xenome profit back into science commercialisation
06 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranThe University of Queensland's multi-million dollar exit from unlisted Brisbane biotech Xenome has led to the establishment of a new $750,000 proof-of-concept fund for reinvestment in commercially viable research projects at UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
Peptech announces profit upgrade, denies merger rumours
06 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranDespite a strong cash position of AUD$44.8 million, boosted by an interim net profit after tax of $23.9 million for the half-year ended 31 March 2005, Sydney biotech Peptech (ASX:PTD) has said it is "not actively participating in the M&A space" at the moment, and denied renewed speculation of a merger with Melbourne's Amrad (ASX:AMD).
BRC lands Glaxo contract
05 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranGlaxoSmithKline Research and Development is to buy two Brain Resource Laboratories from Sydney-based brain function databasecompiler Brain Resource Company (ASX:BRC), for operation at Quintiles' Guys Drug Research Unit in London.
Biotech stocks hit as sell-off continues
05 May, 2005 by Ruth BeranBiotechnology stocks have been hit hard in calendar 2005 with the Intersuisse biotechnology index showing a fall of 23 per cent, including a 10 per cent fall in April.
CSIRO applies for GM rice field trial
03 May, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillCSIRO Plant Industry has applied to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) to conduct a field trial of gene-knockout rice varieties, as part of the national research organisation's contribution to the international 'Green Machine' functional genomics project.
In brief: Acrux, Meditech, Psivida
03 May, 2005 by Staff WritersMelbourne's Acrux (ASX: ACR) has Adam Watkinson as its chief scientific officer. Watkinson is currently manager of drug delivery research and project manager at UK pharmaceutical company ProStrakan .
Metabolic releases data on neuropathic pain drug
02 May, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillA preclinical trial of Metabolic Pharmaceuticals' (ASX:MBP) conotoxin peptide painkiller hints that if it makes it to the clinic, it could provide a health bonus for patients suffering chronic neuropathic pain.
APAF to launch biomarker laboratory
02 May, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonThe Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF) is gearing up to launch its new Biomarker Discovery Laboratory and is already on the verge of signing a pharmaceutical company partner for a project.
SkyePharma jumps as lung drug deal nears
29 April, 2005 by Staff WritersBritain's SkyePharma is close to a deal on one of its lung drugs that could be worth US$160 million, the drug delivery firm has claimed, boosting its shares as it posted a narrower loss for 2004.
