Bye-bye biodollars: ASX code calls for realistic biotech reporting
04 May, 2004 by Renate KrelleTechnospeak and blue sky 'biodollars' will be frowned upon and plain English encouraged under the Australian Stock Exchange's new biotechnology reporting code.
Peptech, Agenix to merge
29 April, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerSydney-based biotech Peptech (ASX:PTD) and Brisbane-based Agenix (ASX:AGX) have revealed plans to merge, creating one of Australia's largest biotechnology companies with a market capitalisation of AUD$400 million.
WEHI head gets pontifical appointment
23 April, 2004 by Susan WilliamsonProf Suzanne Cory, director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, has been appointed a member of the Pope’s scientific advisory council, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
WA's BioPharmica readies for float
22 April, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerPerth-based investment company Grandbridge (ASX:GBA) is preparing to list its biotechnology business BioPharmica on the ASX.
Ignore the fashion victims and know your strengths, says Maxygen chief
16 April, 2004 by Renate KrelleIdiosyncratic researchers who are stubbornly out of step with the fashions of science may be among Australia's more valuable assets when it comes to building a successful life science industry, an Australian Venture Capital Association briefing in Sydney heard today.
SA, Germany in biotech start-up pact
14 April, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillBio Innovation South Australia has a special offer for Australian biotech companies eying the lucrative European market: set up in SA, and take a free one-month working holiday to Germany to court potential business and research partners and clients.
Cogstate acquires second cognitive test from Pfizer
13 April, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne company CogState (ASX: CGS) has acquired a second computer-based cognitive test through an agreement with Pfizer which gives the pharmaceutical company preferred rates to CogState's test and CogState a royalty-free licence to market the new test to other pharmaceutical companies.
The money's waiting for good biotech projects: VCs
07 April, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerBoth public and private equity is out there for quality biotechnology ventures, say venture capitalists, and new initiatives and funds will only increase that.
SciVentures, Griffith team up on $1.3m start-up funds
07 April, 2004 by Renate KrelleSciVentures Investments and Griffith University have teamed up to provide AUD$1.3 million of pre-seed funding to two Griffith University start-ups.
Research agencies face funding shake-up
30 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerCSIRO, the Australian Institute for Marine Science, and other publicly funded research agencies (PRFAs) may be in for a funding shake-up, following the release of the Research Collaboration Review by Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training Brendan Nelson last week.
New VC rules give hope to NSW biotechs
19 March, 2004 by Renate Krelle"Getting money for scientific research in this country is like crawling over broken glass," says Dr Tony Smithyman, MD of Sydney biotech Cellabs. But he is upbeat about new legislation announced by the NSW government which brings NSW venture capital partnership structures in line with overseas venture capital rules.
Healthcare sector led VC field last year
19 March, 2004 by Renate KrelleHealthcare venture capital -- which includes biotechnology -- led the pack in 2003, receiving more Australian venture capital funds than IT software, communications, business services or general technology, according to a new report.
Starpharma breaks away from PDF status, raises $7.56m
18 March, 2004 by Renate KrelleStarpharma (ASX:SPL) today cast off the shackles of its pooled development fund status, and changed its name to Starpharma Holdings Limited. The company also completed a placement of 9 million shares at AUD$0.84, raising $7.56 million.
Trial report sparks Ventracor trading halt
12 March, 2004 by Renate KrelleVentracor (ASX:VCR) called a trading halt this morning in the wake of a newspaper report the company said "could be misinterpreted" to suggest a pilot trial of its VentrAssist heart device would be delayed.
Eyes on China as untapped biotech partner for Aust
09 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerChina has the potential to be a lucrative market for biotechnology, with opportunities in biopharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology and industrial biotechnology applications, according to speakers at this morning's BioMelbourne Network breakfast.
