New bionic ear centre uses clever plastics
14 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillMelbourne is to be home to the world's first centre for medical bionics and hearing science, the brainchild of bionic-ear inventor Prof Graeme Clark.
In brief: Agenix; Cellestis; Prima Biomed; Novogen
14 April, 2005 by Staff WritersAgenix (OTC: AGXLY, ASX: AGX) subsidiary, Agen Biomedical has signed an agreement with diagnostics company Axis-Shield under which Axis-Shield will produce a new laboratory assay for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The Axis-Shield assay will use Agen's 3B6 D-dimer antibody, and will be incorporated into Abbott Laboratories' mmunodiagnostic analyser, AxSYM.
Solbec to fund trials through equity facility
14 April, 2005 by Renate KrellePerth biotech Solbec Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SBP) has followed in the footsteps of small resources companies in setting up a $5 million facility known as a standby equity distribution agreement through US-based investment fund, Cornell Capital Partners.
GlaxoSmithKline defence to Biota lawsuit delayed
12 April, 2005 by Renate KrelleGlaxoSmithKline has missed the timetabled April 8 deadline for the filing of its defence to Biota's lawsuit, set by Victorian Supreme Court Justice Whelan in Feburary.
In brief: BioDiem, Life Therapeutics, Bone Medical
12 April, 2005 by Staff WritersThe Queensland Investment Corporation has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in flu vaccine developer BioDiem (ASX:BDM), having sold more than AUD$500,000 worth of stock in the company. BioDiem raised $12 million at $1.25 per share in its IPO at the beginning of last year, and QIC took a shareholding of 5.1 per cent. At time of writing Biodiem's shares were trading at $0.44.
Vioxx blamed for 300 Australian deaths
11 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillA Royal Adelaide Hospital cardiovascular disease expert has told ABC-TV's current affairs program Four Corners that Merck & Co's anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx may have contributed to the deaths of many as 300 Australians from heart attack or stroke.
Prana aborts trial in 'blow for biotech'
11 April, 2005 by Renate KrellePrana Biotechnology (ASX:PBT) has dropped a bombshell on the market, announcing that it has halted a UK Phase II/III clinical trial for its lead compound clioquinol (PBT-1) after it discovered that manufacturing impurities could cause side-effects including mutagenicity and neurotoxicity.
COX-2 woes boost demand for AstraZeneca's Nexium
11 April, 2005 by Ben HirschlerIts US rivals' pain is proving to be AstraZeneca's gain -- at least in the short term. The withdrawal of Merck & Co's Vioxx last September has lifted demand for AstraZeneca's Nexium heartburn and ulcer treatment, and the suspension of Pfizer's Bextra may give a further boost, industry analysts said on Friday.
NZ's AgResearch to sell vaccine start-up
08 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillNew Zealand Crown Research Institute AgResearch is selling off its wholly owned subsidiary, sheep vaccine distributor AgVax, under its policy of divesting itself of its profitable start-ups.
ChemGenex aims to lend Gleevec a helping hand
08 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillMelbourne-based drug-development company ChemGenex (ASX:CGX) has begun a Phase II trial of its developmental drug Ceflatonin to re-sensitise late-stage chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) who have developed resistance to the Novartis 'miracle' drug Gleevec.
Regenera eyes deal worth up to $130m
08 April, 2005 by Renate KrelleRegenera (ASX:RGA) has signed deal with an affiliate of US opthamology giant Alcon, which one independent source has valued at US$100 million (AUD$130 million), for a steroid technology it licensed in only last year which is used in eye surgery.
A productive dose of medicines
08 April, 2005 by Kieran Schneemann and Brendan ShawThe pressure of healthcare costs in the future will bring better health outcomes, predict Kieran Schneemann and Brendan Shaw.
Peptech has high hopes for new antibody
07 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillSydney peptide therapeutics developer Peptech (ASX:PTD) has taken delivery of its hot new anti-inflammatory domain antibody (dAb) from UK ally Domantis, and plans to begin human clinical trials in 2007.
GSK award winner at forefront of quest for new kidney treatment
07 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillStart small, but think big, could be Melissa Little's motto. The kidney disease researcher, an associate professor at the University of Queensland's Institute of Molecular Bioscience, is hunting molecules that may stimulate failing kidneys to repair themselves -- but her ultimate goal is to be able to program stem cells to grow new kidneys from scratch.
ISPE aims to build bridges to biotech
07 April, 2005 by Iain ScottAn international conference to be held in Australia next week has particular relevance for the future of Australia's biotech and pharmaceutical industries, writes Iain Scott.
