I want what's best for Australian biotech, says Opara
09 March, 2005 by Renate KrelleAs a new self-designated "shaker" of the Australian biotechnology sector, Polish-born medico and property investor Richard Opara is almost rueful about the two board spills he is orchestrating at Australian Cancer Technologies (ASX:ACU) and Polartechnics (ASX:PLT). But he is adamant that there is "no substance" to the speculation that the companies will merge.
Chemeq company secretary steps down
09 March, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerChemeq's (ASX:CMQ) company secretary Adam Deane has advised the company that he intends to step down. He is the third person from the company's executive team to leave since mid-December.
February a cruel month for biotech
08 March, 2005 by Staff WritersBiotechnology stocks fell 7 per cent in February, dropping below their August 2003 levels, according to stockbroker Intersuisse.
Chemeq says it will meet production requirements
08 March, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerChemeq (ASX:CMQ) has clarified its current and future production capabilities after questions were raised in a research report about the ability of the company to produce the levels of product required by new investment partner Mizuho.
Half-year results: Chemeq, Eqitx, Life Therapeutics, Rockeby; BTC
01 March, 2005 by Staff WritersAnti-microbial company Chemeq's (ASX:CMQ) half-year loss has soared 242 per cent to $14.3 million, as the company poured $7.3 million into the commissioning and validation of its Rockingham manufacturing facility. Research and development expenses also increased to from $1.2 million to $2.1 million.
Pfizer to get bigger in Japan
01 March, 2005 by Staff WritersUS drug giant Pfizer intends to add 100 researchers in Japan by the end of 2006 to a total of 400 as part of its global push to accelerate its drug discovery drive.
Half-year results: Sirtex, Panbio, Eiffel, Prana, Epitan, Cryptome, BioDiem
28 February, 2005 by Staff WritersDisappointing sales in both the US and Australia, and higher marketing and administration costs have contributed to a lower half-year profit for Sirtex (ASX:SRX). Although sales revenue grew 8 per cent to $4.9 million, the company's gross profit fell to $3.57 million from $3.6 million in 2003.
NIH faces budget pressure
25 February, 2005 by Staff WritersThe US National Institutes of Health annual budget is expected to increase at a much slower annual rate next year, after several years of "substantial" growth, according to a senior executive.
New report paints picture of an industry growing up
25 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleFewer biotechnology companies are being formed in Australia, but the companies that are being formed are more robust than their predecessors, consultancy Innovation Dynamics has found as part of its annual pulse-taking of the local biotechnology sector.
Two more Australian biotechs to list on ASX
24 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerTwo Australian biotech companies lodged IPO prospectuses with ASIC this week, both looking to list in the next couple of months.
Half-year results: Agenix, Progen, C3, Cygenics
24 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleBrisbane's Agenix is not yet out of the red, announcing a net operating loss of AUD$5.2million, up from $2.1 million in the corresponding period last year.
Perlegen promotes improved HapMap
21 February, 2005 by Kevin DaviesWith considerable help from Affymetrix offshoot Perlegen Sciences, the International HapMap Consortium has announced it will build a more detailed map of human genomic variation than originally anticipated.
Alchemia waiting for grant revenue
18 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleJust over half a million in undelivered grant funding has left a hole in Alchemia's (ASX:ACL) accounts, with the company announcing a net loss after tax for the half-year of AUD$4.6 million, compared to $2.7 million in the previous corresponding period.
USCOM gets FDA green light
16 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleSydney heart monitor firm USCOM (ASX:UCM) has received regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, allowing it to market its devices in the states.
Financial results: Meditech and Optiscan
11 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerMeditech Research (ASX: MTR) has reported that its revenues increased 90 per cent to AUD$679,495 while its net loss decreased marginally to $2.7 million during its financial year ending December 31, 2004.
