Nucleonics fires new salvo at Benitec
05 November, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillPennsylvania-based anti-viral therapeutics developer Nucleonics is continuing its trench warfare with Brisbane RNAi therapeutics company Benitec (ASX:BLT) and CSIRO over the legitimacy of their key patents on RNA-mediated gene-silencing technology.
Benitec lassoos new 'minicircle' plasmid technology
15 October, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillQueensland gene-therapy company Benitec Ltd (ASX:BLT) has licensed-in a novel, non-viral new technology from Stanford University that delivers prolonged RNAi-induced gene-silencing in mammalian cells.
RNAi experts hope for a knock-out
07 October, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillFor Dr John McKinley, CEO of Brisbane RNA-interference therapeutics developer Benitec (ASX:BLT), the power and promise of RNAi technology is captured in one word: druggability.
Finding the keys to the world of gene silencing
07 October, 2004 by Staff WritersThese are exciting times in medicine: the era of gene-targeting drugs has arrived, promising new standards in safety, selectivity and rational drug design. Antisense oligonucleotides are the best known examples of gene-targeting therapeutic agents.
GTG signs two deals with Applera spin-off MetaMorphix
05 October, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerGenetic Technologies (ASX:GTG) has reached two agreements with US animal genomics company MetaMorphix over the use of GTG's non-coding DNA patents and access to technology developed by MetaMorphix.
Proteome Systems lists, dips 15 per cent
30 September, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSydney proteomics pioneer Proteome Systems (ASX:PXL) made its long-awaited debut on the Australian Stock Exchange at noon today.
Plant genomics centre lands international research headquarters
22 September, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, which was officially opened in Adelaide last week, has taken on the headquarters for the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI) -- an international forum for the discussion and coordination of public sector research into the genetics and genomics of cereals including wheat, barley, rye and their wild relatives.
VPAC offers software access to life science and biotech
15 September, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerA new service has been established to give researchers and biotechnology companies access to drug discovery and bioinformatics tools.
CORRECTION
10 September, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillAn article published on September 8, headlined 'Nucleonics challenges Benitec-CSIRO RNAI patent' contained errors relating to the timing of the filing of key patents.
Gene patent system ain't broke, but needs fine tuning: ALRC
06 September, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerA report by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) following an 18-month inquiry into genetic patents has concluded that significant patent law reforms are needed to accommodate cutting-edge genetic technology.
Looking for drugs amongst exotic peptides
20 August, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillIn the realm of the proteome, it’s shape rather than size that matters. Perth-based drug-discovery biotech Phylogica believes it has just about every possible molecular contingency covered.
$30 million sheep genomics project launched
13 August, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillWith almost no fanfare, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) have joined forces to fund one of the largest and most significant projects in Australia’s history: a $30 million sheep genomics program.
Benitec grants license in Ambion settlement
10 August, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerBenitec (ASX: BLT) has settled its patent infringement case against US company Ambion, giving the company a world-wide non-exclusive licence to make and sell DNA-directed RNAi products.
Bionomics and Louisiana State University collaborate on gene therapy
30 July, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillSouth Australian genomics company Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has shaken hands with Louisiana State University’s Health Sciences Centre (LSUHSC) on a landmark collaboration to explore the efficacy of the company’s gene-silencing constructs as a gene therapy for solid tumours.
Fear of scientific advances a challenge: Shine
23 July, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerGrasping the opportunities provided by advances in medical science, rather than succumbing to fears about the challenges involved, is the key to the biology revolution, the vice-president of the Australian Academy of Sciences Prof John Shine told the National Press Club this week.
