Big money for protein study
15 November, 2002 by Pete YoungA protein involved in the detection of the most lethal form of DNA damage and which is also linked with a rare genetic disorder has attracted the largest single slice of the NHMRC's latest project funding round for Queensland.
Global rice research meets up in Canberra
15 November, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillWith its long hours of sunlight, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of NSW produces the highest yields of any rice-growing region in the world, but the water-hungry crop requires around 20 megalitres of water to produce a tonne of rice. CSIRO Plant Industry molecular geneticist Dr Liz Dennis believes new rice varieties bred for cold tolerance could reduce that figure by 30 per cent, yielding substantial savings for the Murray-Darling system's over-extended water reserves.
Chemeq moves into human pharma
15 November, 2002 by Matt BergerWestern Australian company Chemeq has signed an agreement with renowned University of Western Australia researcher Prof Barry Marshall to investigate the use of its CHEMEQ polymeric antimicrobial to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
BresaGen to launch new manufacturing service
15 November, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillAdelaide's BresaGen Ltd is about to launch its new ProtEcol service to manufacture recombinant proteins and peptide therapeutics for client biotech companies in Australia and overseas.
Alchemia patents tipped to aid fundraising
14 November, 2002 by Pete YoungCarbohydrate-based drug design and manufacture company Alchemia has secured two key patents on its technology platform that should aid its efforts to tie off a multimillion dollar fundraising exercise.
New pact brings in funds for Ambri
14 November, 2002 by Pete YoungBiosensor company Ambri will receive an injection of up to $15.7 million under an equity and technology licensing pact with Dow Corning Corp and diversified US biotech Genencor International.
OGTR calls time out on GM crop applications
13 November, 2002 by Melissa TrudingerThe Gene Technology Regulator, Dr Sue Meek, has decided to "stop the clock" on two applications for commercial release of genetically modified canola while she waits for updated information on technology stewardship, crop management strategies and supply chain management.
Transnational transgenic deal for CopyRat
13 November, 2002 by Melissa TrudingerMonash University spin-off CopyRat has entered into a joint venture with French company genOway to develop rat cloning technology.
Eiffel unfazed by BattellePharma termination
13 November, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillThe decision by the world's largest private biotech, BattellePharma, to terminate its research agreement with Melbourne-based drug re-engineering company Eiffel Technologies will have little effect on the company's financial position, an Eiffel spokesman said today.
New receptor studies
13 November, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillWhat do certain anaesthetics, sedatives, and drugs for depression, anxiety and epilepsy have in common?
Pulmosonix brings forward clinical trials
12 November, 2002 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne devices company Pulmosonix is planning to start clinical trials for its two medical devices earlier than originally foreshadowed, according to a recent announcement by parent company Premier Bionics.
GM poppies for the apple isle
11 November, 2002 by Melissa TrudingerGenetically modified oilseed poppies will be field-tested in Tasmania after receiving approval last week from both the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and the Tasmanian State Government's Department of Primary Industries, Water and the Environment (DIPWE).
Shunning GM could cost future market share: report
11 November, 2002 by Graeme O'NeillA new economic model indicates Australia won't reap an export bonanza by adopting genetically modified (GM) crops, but could see its market share stagnate or decline if it rejects or over-regulates GM crops and foods.
Khan drops Biota takeover bid
08 November, 2002 by Pete YoungPerth entrepreneur Farooq Khan has junked his plan to pursue a scrip-based hostile takeover of Biota Holdings Ltd.
Ellex hit by sales slump, MD resignation
08 November, 2002 by Melissa TrudingerOphthalmic laser manufacturer Ellex Medical was battered this week after announcing a downturn in revenues caused by lower than expected sales, as well as the unanticipated resignation of managing director Peter Rowland due to differences with the board over the direction of the company.
