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.
Heartware float on track
13 January, 2005 by Renate KrelleThe lawsuit issued by Sydney's Ventracor (ASX:VCR) late last year against US artificial heart company Heartware doesn't seem to have dampened enthusiasm for the newcomer's initial public offering.
Australia should look for competitive niches
13 December, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerSmaller countries like Australia should implement a well-defined strategy for the development of small technologies including micro- and nanotechnology, according to small technology commercialisation expert Kees Eijkel, in Melbourne to participate in the Healthy Opportunities from Small Technologies conference this week.
Venture capital investment picks up the pace
10 December, 2004 by Michael VitaleAustralian venture capitalists invested more than $1 million per week in Australian biotechnology in the past financial year, an increase on the previous year and a recovery to the historic level of two years ago. As in the past, a large portion of the investment was made by a small number of investors, and was received by a small number of investees.
Australian professor to chair WHO committee
10 December, 2004 by Renate KrelleProf Judith Whitworth - a specialist in hypertension, and current director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research - has been appointed for a three-year term as chair of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Advisory Committee on Health Research.
Charles River, Proteome Systems joint venture over
09 December, 2004 by Renate KrelleA joint venture between Massachusetts pharmaceutical services company Charles River Laboratories (NYSE:CRL) and Sydney's Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) has been wound up, a victim of the US company's recent $1.5 billion merger with the Inveresk Group.
Nelson appoints new science advisor
06 December, 2004 by Staff WritersFederal education, training and science minister Brendan Nelson has named Dr Jade Sharples as his new science advisor.
Getting the most out of ideas
02 December, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerOpen innovation -- the concept that ideas and technology have to flow both into and out of companies in order to maximise the development and commercialisation of innovative new products and services -- needs to be embraced by Australian companies both in the biotech sector and other industries, according to visiting academic Prof Hank Chesbrough.
VC funds ready to roll
01 December, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerIf all the venture capital funds targeting the biotech sector get up and running, next year the Australian biotech industry will have access to more early-stage funding than ever before.
The end of the BIF boom?
29 November, 2004 by Michael VitaleWith Biotechnology Innovation Fund and R&D Start grants rolled into the new Commercial Ready, the Australian biotech sector may face a post-BIF bust, writes Michael Vitale.
Ex-Meditech CEO to head WA firm Acuron
29 November, 2004 by Renate KrelleThree months after being forced to step down as CEO of Melbourne biotech Meditech (ASX:MTR) after a shareholder stoush, expat South African Chris Carter has been appointed CEO of Western Australian minerals-explorer-turned-biotech Acuron (ASX:AVP).
Students solve universal lab problem
24 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerA team of students at the Howard Florey Institute has won a national award for developing the most innovative product in the Young Achievers Australia Biotechnology Entrepreneur program for 2004.
Imugene raises $5m; Salus seeks$6.4m
23 November, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerImugene (ASX: IMU) has raised AUD$5 million through the sale of new shares primarily to institutional clients of Southern Cross Equities. The shares will be issued in two parts, with the first tranche occurring this week, and the second tranche following shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting to be held in January 2005.
