Experimental use of patents may be re-invented
10 February, 2005 by Renate KrelleOne of the legal myths of scientific research -- that using a patented invention is OK as long as that use is only experimental not commercial -- might just become reality later this year.
Becalmed Pfizer reviewing company operations, plans job cuts
10 February, 2005 by Staff WritersPfizer, faced with slowing earnings growth, and safety concerns that have hurt demand for its arthritis products, is conducting a comprehensive review of its operations and is considering job cuts.
Biotechs will bail without bucks, warns Henney
04 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerThere is no reason why an Australian biotech company couldn't be the next Amgen, says Chris Henney, the US scientist turned serial entrepreneur who has a seat on Adelaide company Bionomics' board of directors. But he warns that will likely have to move to the US in order to pursue their goal, in part due to the lack of capital available for company growth in Australia.
Chemeq finalises Japanese deal
01 February, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerChemeq's bail-out deal with Japanese investment group Mizuho International has been signed off, and subject to approval from Chemeq's shareholders, the company will receive an injection of cash of at least AUD$40 million.
Optiscan receives $5m order from Pentax
31 January, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerOptiscan (ASX: OIL) has received an order in excess of AUD$5 million from collaborator Pentax to supply miniaturised microscope components for a flexible endo-microscope, as the Japanese company gears up to launch the new product on the market in May.
Govt to measure biotech's economic impact
28 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleThe federal government is about to embark on a project to quantify the great unknown: measuring the economic impact of biotechnology on the Australian economy overall.
Over 3000 keen to use synchrotron
28 January, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerAt least 3000 scientists from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will be lining up to use the Australian Synchrotron when it opens for business in 2007, according to a report released this week by the project.
Australian scientists honoured
27 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillEminent physiologist and founding director of Melbourne's Florey Institute, Professor Derek Denton, was made a Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Australia Day Awards for his service to medical science and Professor Denton made pioneering discoveries about how the brain regulates the body's sodium balance, and fluid and electrolyte levels.
ANSTO to launch STAR accelerator
21 January, 2005 by Susan WilliamsonIn the lead up to the completion of the replacement nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, the Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation (ANSTO) plans to announce a name for the new reactor next week, as well as launch a new Small Tandem for Applied Research (STAR) accelerator.
Starpharma deal with Dow out of the bag
20 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleStarpharma (ASX:SPL) was forced into a trading halt this morning after a report in Melbourne broadsheet The Age revealed that Starpharma's US subsidiary Dendritic Nanotechnologies (DNT) was about to consummate an intellectual property deal with US giant Dow Chemical company.
McKinley resigns as Benitec CEO
18 January, 2005 by Graeme O'NeillJohn McKinley is to resign as CEO of Brisbane-base RNAi specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) and Sydney solicitor Ray Whitten -- a 5.79 per cent shareholder through Barbary Coast Investments -- has been appointed as chairman of its board.
Search for a CEO underway at AusBiotech
17 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleFollowing the resignation just before Christmas of AusBiotech executive director Tony Coulepis, the industry body will appoint a CEO to replace him.
QBF ups Glycoz investment
14 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleQueensland BioCapital Funds has invested a further $1.9 million in antibiotic-developer Glycoz, bringing its total stake in the company to $2.4 million
Chemeq bailed out by Japanese investor
14 January, 2005 by Melissa TrudingerChemeq (ASX: CMQ) looks likely to be bailed out of its financial woes by Japanese investor Mizuho International (MZI). But the rescue comes at a price, and Chemeq must meet a string of covenants in order for the deal to continue.
Belyea to step down as Metabolic CEO
13 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleObesity drug-developer Metabolic (ASX:MBP) announced today that the company is searching for a new CEO and that when an appointment is made, founding CEO Chris Belyea will move into a "scientific and technical" role within the company.
