ES cells showing promise in tissue therapy
07 April, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonA new technique that involves seeding 3D biodegradable polymer scaffolds with human embryonic stem (hES) cells is showing promise as a way to create human tissues for therapeutic applications, an Israeli researcher has told a workshop in Sydney.
QBF puts $2.5m to Xenome drug development
06 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillUnlisted Brisbane biotech Xenome has secured $2.5 million in new funding from its major shareholder, the Queensland Biocapital Fund (QBF), to accelerate development of its product pipeline, including its pain-killing peptide from cone-shell toxin, Xen2174.
Chemeq banks $40m
05 April, 2005 by Staff WritersBeleaguered biotech Chemeq (ASX:CMQ) has seen some light on the horizon, announcing it has successfully banked AUD$40 million from an issue of 40,000 convertible bonds to Japanese investment group Mizuho International and related entities of investment management group Stark Investments.
The role of commercialisation in biotechnology
05 April, 2005 by Rowan GilmoreCollaboration and cooperation are key when taking research to market, writes Rowan Gilmore.
US biotech pendulum swings towards M&A
05 April, 2005 by Renate KrelleAlthough US biotechs managed to raise a healthy US$6.2 billion in capital in the first quarter of 2005, the tide has turned against IPOs, and mergers and acquisitions and partnering are gaining popularity as alternative financing methods, according to analysis by San Francisco's Burrill & Company.
Medsaic wins NSW biotech commercialisation award
05 April, 2005 by Iain ScottDiagnostic platform developer Medsaic has won the NSW government's inaugural BioFirst commercialisation award, at a ceremony on Monday evening.
HatchTech aims to scratch an itch in head lice market
05 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillFeeling lousy? Unlisted Melbourne biotech HatchTech believes it may have just the remedy: a safe, potent ovicide that kills the eggs of the common head louse.
UK legislators demand pharma shake-up
05 April, 2005 by Staff WritersA tougher regulatory regime, curbs on drug promotion, financial penalties for companies that break advertising rules, and a register of industry gifts to healthcare professionals have been demanded by British legislators.
The pharmaceutical forecast
05 April, 2005 by Ian NisbetA new environment for pharmaceutical companies is on the horizon and it will be the fittest who survive, predicts Ian Nisbet.
Port Phillip Bay dolphin identified as unique species
04 April, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillMelburnians appear to have been living with an unrecognised new species of dolphin, unique to Port Phillip Bay.
Start-up Australia invests in bone-building tech
04 April, 2005 by Renate KrelleVenture capital fund Start-up Australia Ventures has invested AUD$3 million in junior biotech Caldeon, which is collaborating with the University of Western Australia to optimise osteoporosis drug leads which could reduce bone loss.
Biogen withdraws 2005 financial forecast
04 April, 2005 by Staff WritersBiogen has withdrawn its 2005 earnings forecast as it can no longer count on revenue from its suspended multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri.
Pfizer, Prana big winners in latest P3 round
01 April, 2005 by Renate KrelleFour Queensland-based companies, two Victorian biotechs and the NSW-based arm of an international pharmaceutical firm have received a total of AUD$46 million under the federal government's pharmaceutical partnerships program, known as P3.
In brief: Starpharma, Proteome Systems, Meditech, C3, Biodiem
31 March, 2005 by Staff WritersStarpharma (ASX: SPL, USOTC:SPHRY) has appointed former Cerylid Biosciences chief executive officer Dr Jackie Fairley to the newly created position of chief operating officer. Fairley will begin her role with Starpharma toward the middle of 2005.
Epitan plans AIM listing
31 March, 2005 by Staff WritersMelbourne's Epitan is planning to raise up to 15 million pounds (AUD$37 million) in a flotation on London's AIM stock market. EpiTan focuses on dermatology and its main product, Melanotan, helps treat sunburn injury.
