RNA play: Benitec acquires US company Avocel
17 May, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane RNA-interference (RNAi) technology specialist Benitec Ltd (ASX: BLT) has made a key strategic play in the US market by acquiring RNAi therapeutics pioneer Avocel Inc of Sunnivale, California.
Epilepsy susceptibility gene pinpointed
13 May, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerResearchers at the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide have identified variations in an ion channel gene that increases susceptibility to the most common form of epilepsy.
Singapore's Cygenics issues prospectus for $18 million ASX float
06 May, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerSingapore-based stem cell therapeutics company CyGenics has issued its prospectus for an AUD$18 million float on the ASX. With a pre-money valuation of $50 million, CyGenics will have a market capitalisation after the float of $68 million.
Wallaby genome project saved by Vic govt funds
05 April, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe wallaby genome project is poised to go ahead thanks to a last minute injection of $3 million into the project by the Victorian State Government.
New $10.5 million medical research building opens at St Vincents
02 April, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerMelbourne's St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research has opened its new AUD$10.5 million medical research building on the St Vincent's Hospital campus.
Growing replacement organs organically
31 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillAustralian scientists believe it may be possible to grow replacement organs organically, by providing organ-building stem cells with a 3-D template and leaving them to grow in situ, within the patient’s own body.
Bionomics files patent on angiogenesis gene trove
29 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillAdelaide-based meditech Bionomics LIMITED (ASX:BNO, US OTC:BMICY) has filed another international patent application on 496 potential gene targets for angiogenesis-inhibiting drugs.
Benitec defends patents
26 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillBrisbane-based biotech Benitec Limited (ASX: BLT) has fired the first shot in what may become a major international battle to determine ownership of key patents to RNA interference (RNAi), which has been described as the most powerful tool for gene technology since the invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) two decades ago.
Yeast's family tree reveals secrets of 2 million years
18 March, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillA Melbourne research team's identification of an ancient family of transport proteins in yeast cells has revealed details of the symbiotic pact that led to the evolution of the first eukaryotic life forms some 2 billion years ago.
Report underlines researchers' fears on gene patents
08 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerPublic sector researchers and healthcare experts are concerned that gene patents will stifle research and cause problems affecting cost and access to genetic tests, according to a new discussion paper on gene patents released by the Australian Law Reform Commission.
Bionomics progresses angiogenesis program
03 March, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerAdelaide company Bionomics (ASX:BNO) has progressed its international patent application covering novel angiogenesis targets into the examination stage in a number of key jurisdictions including the US, Europe and Japan.
Benitec plans for global growth
12 February, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerBrisbane-based RNAi specialist Benitec (ASX:BLT) has set up two subsidiary companies in the US, in a first step toward expanding its operations both here and overseas.
Lorne Protein report: Tagging proteases
11 February, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillA US researcher has described to the Lorne Protein Conference a powerful new technique for 'tagging' protease enzymes in living cells, illuminating potential new drug targets for parasitic diseases like malaria, and metastatic cancers.
Lorne Protein report: beating anthrax
10 February, 2004 by Graeme O'NeillMolecular geneticist John Collier has devised a potentially perfect counter-measure to the bioterrorist's current weapon of choice -- the deadly anthrax bacterium.
New ASX biotech reporting guidelines due in March
30 January, 2004 by Melissa TrudingerThe Australian Stock Exchange is working with a small group of biotechnology executives, analysts and investors to develop a draft proposal for reporting results and activities, similar to those in place for the mining and exploration sectors.
