BioMelbourne Network - Progressing BioIndustry

AdAlta and Roche sign agreement to evaluate shark antibody technology

AdAlta and Roche sign agreement to evaluate shark antibody technology Melbourne, Australia, 9th January 2012 – AdAlta Pty Ltd (AdAlta), a Melbourne based biotechnology company specialising in the discovery and development of protein based therapeutics, signed an agreement today with international pharma company, Roche to evaluate and identify shark antibody binders. "We are excited ab... read more…

$114.2 million investment in health and medical research

19th December 2011: Some of the best and brightest minds in Australian health and medical research were recognised in Sydney today.Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek has announced that a further $114.2 million investment in health and medical research for 159 grants.“The Gillard Government is proud to be supporting our health and medical research innovators as they develop their products and t... read more…

HealthLinx to finalise patient recruitment for OvPlex™ second trial early due to excellent interim results

16 December 2011, Melbourne: HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) expects to finalise patient recruitment for its second multi-centre, multi-national OvPlex™ biomarker trial by the end of the first quarter 2012 due to excellent interim results from parts one and two of the trial already analysed. Data analysed to date are derived from a sample set comprising 222 women with malignant e... read more…

Dr Phil Kearney, MSD, elected to the board of the BioMelbourne Network

16 December 2011. Dr Phil Kearney, Director-Licensing & External Research, Merck Sharp & Dohme has been elected to the Board of the BioMelbourne Network today as a Nominated Member. The Board of the BioMelbourne Network and the management group warmly welcomed Dr Kearney to the organsiation at the December board meeting. Dr Kearney has represented Merck Sharp and Dohme as a member of the ... read more…

Genetic Technologies Appoints Dr. Mel Bridges as Chairman

December 16th, 2011. The Board of Directors of Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) has with great pleasure appointed Dr. Mel Bridges as Chairman and non-executive Director of the Company. Mel Bridges has over 30 years’ experience in the diagnostic and healthcare industries. During this period, Mel has founded and managed successful diagnostics, therapeutics and med... read more…

New Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation

12 December 2011. Today I announce changes to the Ministry and the Cabinet. These changes will better equip the Government to focus on its priorities for the coming year: Keeping the economy strong and ensuring Australians have jobs as the economy goes through a period of profound transformation. Using our prosperity to spread benefits to all Australians. The Australian economy and Austr... read more…

Government to Improve Regulation of Therapeutic Goods

8 December 2011. The Gillard government will introduce a comprehensive package of reforms for Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure the regulation of medicines and medical devices is more effective and transparent. Releasing TGA reforms: A blueprint for TGA’s future, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, said that several important review... read more…

Allied Healthcare Group appoint Dr Julian Chick as COO

BRISBANE, Australia, 7 December 2011. Allied Healthcare Group (ASX:AHZ) today announced that Dr Julian Chick has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Dr Chick will help drive the commercialisation of the Company's product pipeline and develop further commercial opportunities for the Group. Dr Chick will retain his position as Non-Executive Director of Coridon, the DNA v... read more…

More Support for Australian Innovators

Starting tomorrow Australian entrepreneurs will not have to repay Early Stage Commercialisation grants for businesses developing a new product, process, or service. Plus, these grants will be available to more businesses, as the annual turnover limit for applicants will rise from $20 million to $50 million. In addition, growing businesses that can benefit from access to skilled managers n... read more…

Patrys Announces Oversubscribed Capital Raising of AU$3.4 Million

Melbourne, Australia; 2 December, 2011: The private placement of approximately 113.5 million new shares at an issue price of AU$0.03 per share will rank equally with existing shares, and will be conducted in two tranches. A total of 37 million new shares are to be issued under the 15% placement capacity of Patrys, with settlement expected to occur on 7 December 2011. The balance of new shar... read more…

Genetic Technologies Executes Settlement and License Agreement with AutoImmun Diagnostika GmbH

1 December 2011In compliance with ASX Continuous Disclosure Rules, Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) is pleased to report it has now executed a Settlement and License Agreement with AutoImmun Diagnostika GmbH ("AID") of Strassberg, Germany.Under the terms of the Agreement, AID is granted non-exclusive rights to a number of GTG patents relating to its non-coding DNA tech... read more…

PBS growing at just 1.6%

30 November 2011. New Govt figures show PBS growing at just 1.6%. The latest Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing's annual review of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme shows that the program grew by just 5.2 per cent in 2010-11 or 1.6 per cent in real terms. This follows yesterday's MYEFO, showing lower PBS growth this financial year. Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan ... read more…

Blackburn Fellowships celebrate women in research

The outstanding achievements of Australian Nobel Laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn have been recognised through a new fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) awarded to top female Research Fellows. This important new NHMRC Fellowship was announced today by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler.“Th... read more…

Victorian-based CRCs acknowledged as nations best

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher today congratulated three Victorian-based Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) on their successful bids for Commonwealth funding. Automotive Australia 2020 CRC, CRC for Polymers and the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities will receive a total of $70.5 million from the Commonwealth CRC Program. “All three CRCs prepared a strong bid in... read more…

Immuron signs distribution deal worth up to $113 million

Immuron has secured a multi-market distribution deal worth up to C$115.5 million ($112.7m) for its debut OTC antibody product, Travelan. Canadian pharmaceutical company Paladin Labs has become the exclusive distributor for Immuron's Travelan travellers' diarrhoea treatment in Canada, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.Under the partnership terms, Immuron will be entitled to an upfront licens... read more…

Opinion: Outright Ban on Gene Patents Rejected

Australian Government responds to recent inquiries into gene patentability: outright ban rejected. By Dr Tania Obranovich, Partner Davies Collison Cave The Federal Government yesterday tabled its response to three recent inquiries into reform of Australia's patent system—including the Senate Community Affairs Committee inquiry into gene patents, the Advisory Council on Intellectual Prop... read more…

World's First Commercial 3D Bioprinter

24 November 2011. In a major medical breakthrough, an Australian company has developed the world’s first commercial 3D bioprinter, helping organisations working on tissue construction and organ replacement. Start-up company Organovo and Melbourne based Invetech were last night awarded the Engineering Innovation Award, which is sponsored by the Australian Government’s AusIndustry. Congrat... read more…

Independent, Nick Xenophon, calls for reform of the TGA

22 November 2011. Independent Senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon has called for urgent reforms to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Department of Health and Ageing processes following a Senate Committee report just tabled. The report, from the Senate’s Community Affairs References Committee, inquired into the processes for the approval of medical devices, such as... read more…

Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee : The Regulatory Standards for the Approval of Medical Devices in Australia

22 November 2011. To access the Australian Senate Committee Report investigating the Regulatory Standards for the approval of medical devices in Australia, click here. read more…

Senate’s Report into the regulatory standards for the approval of medical devices

The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) has welcomed the release of the report from the Australian Senate’s Inquiry into the regulatory standards for the approval of medical devices. The Report includes a range of recommendations not confined to the regulation of medical devices but extending to reimbursement of medical devices, and to ethical conduct in the relationship between ... read more…

Empowering a generation to take control of their hearing

The Australian hearing aid company Blamey & Saunders Hearing’s new clinic and offices will be opened this evening at 6 pm at historic 364 Albert Street, East Melbourne, by Michelle Gallaher, CEO of the BioMelbourne Network. The new hearing aid has evolved from sound technologies developed for Graeme Clark’s bionic ear. It empowers users to take control of their own hearing. They can buy online... read more…

Binding Heads of Agreement signed with Oryzon Genomics for distribution of OvPlex™ in Spain

23 November 2011HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) has signed legally binding Heads of Agreement with Oryzon Genomics for the distribution of OvPlex™ in Spain, with the option to extend exclusive license rights to Portugal, Andorra, France and Italy. HealthLinx expects to execute the legal distribution agreement by early in the new year, with distribution to begin in Spain in 2012.Oryzon Genomic... read more…

Minister Launches Consultation on Mental Health

Monday 21 November 2011. Victorians with a mental illness, carers, researchers and treatment and support providers are being invited to participate in a consultation process as part of the Coalition Government’s $10 million Mental Illness Research Fund. Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the consultation would help shape the priority research areas to be funded. "The Victoria... read more…

Phosphagenics: SPP Closes Heavily Oversubscribed

19 November 2011Australian drug delivery technology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has closed its share purchase plan (SPP) heavily oversubscribed.The company has met its target of raising $3 million via the plan. This capital is in addition to the $24.1 million raised via recent placement to institutions and sophisticated investors. Following the scale-back and ro... read more…

Vale Michael Hirshorn OAM

Vale Dr Michael Hirshorn OAM Friday 18 November 2011. It is with great regret and sorrow we wish to inform you that, on the morning of Friday 18 November 2011, Mike lost his courageous battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by his loving family, colleagues and many friends. Mike was Director of Four Hats Capital. He enjoyed a 30 year career of founding, building, managing and investing... read more…

Research Australia 2011 Awards

More than 160 guests attended the dinner and Research Australia CEO Elizabeth Foley said “We are pleased to have such a strong showing of our community this year; to us this represents a real coming together in what has been at times a difficult year for the sector. With the threat of funding cuts and the general economic climate presenting many challenges we feel it is all the more important t... read more…

CogState signs $2.6m sales contract

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) today announced that it has signed a contract with an international pharmaceutical company to participate in a phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Under the contract, which will generate US$2.6 million of revenue for CogState over the study duration, CogState will provide its cognitive testing technology and associated services to 60... read more…

HealthLinx CEO to retire in 2012

Mr Nick Gatsios will resign as CEO of HealthLinx Limited (ASX: HTX). Mr Gatsios was a founding director of the private company when it was established in 2002 and has been CEO of the company since it listed on the ASX in 2006. In a decision reached by both parties, Mr Gatsios will extend his contracted notice period by two months to remain with the company as managing director until 30 June 2... read more…

AusIndustry releases R&D Tax Discussion Paper

An objective of the Australian Government is to transition the R&D Tax Incentive into a significant vehicle for driving the nation’s innovation system through increased research and development. AusIndustry’s aim is to engage with a wide range of audiences to encourage an innovation culture and enable the development of strong guidance material for the R&D Tax Incentive. We are seeking partici... read more…

Phosphagenics raises $3 million in oversubscribed SPP

Victoria-based Phospagenics (ASX:POH) has raised $3 million in a heavily oversubscribed share purchasing plan to fund the development of its targeted drug delivery products. The Victorian biotech will put the proceeds towards its activities commercialising drug delivery applications using its Targeted Penetration Matrix (TPM) technology. The capital raising follows a $24.1 million placeme... read more…

Cancer scientist awarded prestigious 2011 Victoria Prize

Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher announced at a ceremony in Parliament House that Professor Andreas Strasser has won Victoria’s highest honour for science in 2011, the prestigious $50,000 Victoria Prize, for his groundbreaking work in cancer. Ms Asher said that Professor Strasser’s research had provided extraordinary insight into how cells work and wh... read more…

Prostate Collaboration to Continue with Garvan Institute

13 November 2011HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have agreed to continue their research collaboration to include a larger patient cohort following positive results from the initial study into prostate cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the expression of proprietary HealthLinx biomarker/s in plasma samples provided by the Garvan Institute a... read more…

Victoria’s $150 million technology commitment

11 November, 2011 - The Victorian Coalition Government has committed $150 million to secure Victoria’scompetitive edge and maintain the state’s reputation as Australia’s technology hub.Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said the investment would advance Victoria’sappeal for local, national and international ICT businesses.“New technologies are central to the Victorian Coalition Government... read more…

Broadvector completes acquisition of CSIRO’s intellectual property for its prostate cancer therapy and related vaccine technology

10 November 2011 | Melbourne Australia Broadvector Limited (‘Broadvector’) has successfully completed the acquisition of intellectual property rights from the CSIRO, which underpin a potential treatment for early stage prostate cancer and a related vaccine technology. As a part of the terms of the intellectual property acquisition transaction CSIRO has become a major shareholder in Broadvecto... read more…

Immuron Submits Investigational New Drug Application for Fatty Liver Disease and NASH with US FDA

8 November 2011Immuron Limited (ASX: IMC) has submitted an application for an Investigational New Drug (IND) for its proprietary IMM-124E fatty liver disease product candidate with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This follows an encouraging pre-IND meeting with the FDA earlier this year.IMM-124E is a potential new treatment of fatty liver disease, in particular Non-Alcoholic Ste... read more…

Alchema Completes A$15M Placement, Announces Share Purchase Plan and Proposed Demerger of Alchemia Oncology

7 November 2011Highlights · Institutional Placement of 62.5 million shares to domestic and international investors at A$0.24 raising A$15 million;· Share Purchase Plan to raise up to A$5 million; and· Proposed de-merger of Alchemia’s wholly owned subsidiary Alchemia Oncology Pty Ltd to create a stand-alone company containing all of the HyACT® oncology assets including... read more…

Phosphagenics Licenses Diclofenac Gel for Indian Market

4 November 2011Melbourne drug delivery technology company, Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY), has licensed TPM/diclofenac, its topical non-steroidal pain formulation, to Themis Medicare Pvt Ltd of Mumbai for the Indian market. This represents Phosphagenics’ first commercial deal in India and its first licensing agreement of its diclofenac product. Under the terms of the agreem... read more…

GE to Speed Fight against Cancer, Starting with Breast Cancer

GE CEO and Chairman Jeff Immelt and several venture capital partners today announced a healthymagination open innovation Challenge to fund promising ideas to improve breast cancer diagnostics. To learn more about this initiative, visit www.healthymagination.com. Immelt also said that GE will invest $1 billion over the next five years on R&D programs to expand its suite of advanced technologies ... read more…

Thomson Reuters Launches New Competitive Intelligence Solution for the Pharmaceutical Industry

30 October 2011 Thomson Reuters today announced the launch of Thomson Reuters CortellisTM, the next generation solution for the life sciences industry that brings together the company’s best-in-class drug research and development data and the latest information management technology, to transform the way pharma and biotech professionals access and use data across the entire drug research ... read more…

Global pharmaceutical executive to head local Cancer drug development CRC

Pharmaceutical industry executive, Dr Warwick Tong, has been appointed CEO of Cancer Therapeutics CRC Pty Ltd (CTx). Based in Melbourne, CTx was founded under the CRC program to ensure that novel cancer biology was combined with early drug discovery and development capabilities within Australia. Dr Tong, who joined CTx in early October, has worked in both the major pharmaceutical and biotechn... read more…

Phosphagenics' Successful $24.1m Capital Raising and $3m SPP

21 October 2011, Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne drug delivery technology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has raised $24.1 million via a $17.1 million placement to institutions and sophisticated investors and a $7 million placement to a Singapore-based investor. It is intended to seek a further $3 million via a share purchase plan (SPP). "This capital raising ... read more…

New Appointment to CSIRO Board

20 October 2011. Dr Don Rusell has been appointed to the CSIRO Board. Announcing his appointment today, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said Dr Russell’s deep understanding of the workings of Government would be of great value to the CSIRO Board. "His appointment will boost links between CSIRO and Government portfolios and agencies and bolster CSIRO’s ability to meet challenges ove... read more…

Victorian Government's $55m commitment to biotechnology

Minister Rich-Phillips said the plan was part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s suite of technology strategies under Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future, which reflects the Coalition’s new approach to supporting technology and its commitment to driving productivity growth.“The statement sets forth the Coalition Government’s direction for Victorian biotechnology and the key role of b... read more…

Victorian Government unveils $10 million mental illness research fund

The treatment of people with a mental illness will be improved through a major research fund unveiled today by Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge. Announcing details of the $10 million fund at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Academic Centre Research Symposium 2011, Ms Wooldridge said it delivers on a Coalition election commitment to provide a greater research focus to mental illness. “I... read more…

Melbourne Brain Centre Parkville enhances Victorias reputation for medical research

The Melbourne Brain Centre in Parkville will build on Victoria’s internationallyrenowned reputation for leadership in medical research, Premier Ted Baillieu said today. Speaking at the opening of the Melbourne Brain Centre at Melbourne University’s Parkville campus, Mr Baillieu said the new facility would strengthen connections between researchers and clinicians, enhancing their ability ... read more…

Acrux Gets Marketing Authorisation For Recuvyra™

13 October 2011. commercial use of Recuvyra 50 mg/mL transdermal solution for dogs. Recuvyra contains the active ingredient fentanyl and is approved for the control of postoperative pain associated with major orthopedic and soft tissue surgery in dogs. A single dose applied to the skin of dogs prior to surgery controls pain for at least 4 days. The product was developed using a transde... read more…

Victorian Biotech People Appointed to R&D Tax Incentive Advisory Committee

Thursday, 13 October 2011. Experts from across small business and industry will oversee Australia’s new R&D Tax Incentive as it helps thousands of businesses invest in new ideas and products. Announcing the new R&D Tax Incentive Advisory Committee, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said it would mean that industry and business - users of the R&D tax Incentive – will be able to advise ... read more…

Innovation Australia Board Welcomes Three New Members

Thursday, 13 October 2011. Dr Nicholas Gruen, Mr Richard Shaddick and Mr Innes Willox have joined the board of Innovation Australia, the independent statutory body that provides expert advice and assists the Government with its innovation programs. Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the new appointees would strengthen the board, helping to increase innovation activity in Australian i... read more…

New China Agreements Advance Lead Drug Candidate and New Product Pipeline

13th October 2011. Melbourne. Agenix Limited (ASX: AGX) today confirmed it had signed two new agreements with its strategic partners in China covering the commercialisation of new drug candidates, the sharing of resources, expertise and completion of pre-clinical toxicology tests for its new hepatitis B drug in China.Agenix’s China subsidiary entered an agreement with China’s Institute of Pha... read more…

JDJ Bioservices and Charles River form local alliance

13 October 2011Australian biotechnology services and consultancy business, JDJ Bioservices, announced today that it had signed a distribution agreement with Charles River. JDJ Bioservices will be the Australian and New Zealand representative for Charles River Biopharmaceutical Services in the region.Charles River Biopharmaceutical Services (BPS) delivers client-focused solutions tailored ... read more…

$15 million for smart solutions to healthcare challenges

4 October 2011 - A new $15 million program to promote demand-driven innovation in Victoria’s healthcare system was today announced by Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips at a BioMelbourne Network event in Melbourne. The Health Market Validation Program (Health MVP) is a competitive grants program that will leverage the power of government-as-customer to support the development of inno... read more…

Great Advances Expected From Centre For Neural Engineering

Tuesday, 4 October 2011. A better understanding of the human brain and diseases of the central nervous system is closer thanks to the new Centre for Neural Engineering at the University of Melbourne. Established through a $17.5 million research infrastructure grant from round 2 of the Australian Government’s Education Investment Fund (EIF), the centre will bring together scientists and researc... read more…

Burnet's Malaria Researchers Among Australia's Best at Conference

4 October 2011. Australia’s best malaria researchers have come together for the two-day Malaria in Melbourne (MiM) Conference, which focuses on early-career researchers and their latest work. ? Melbourne has more than 40 malaria labs and a lot of the world-first research into the devastating disease comes out of Melbourne-based institutes. ? MiM is an opportunity for researchers to exp... read more…

Patrys Delivers Positive 10 Year Data

Melbourne, Australia; 27 September, 2011: Patrys Limited (ASX: PAB; "the Company"), today announced positive results from a follow-up of gastric cancer patients who were treated with anti-cancer compound PAT-SC1. • Significant survival benefit for PAT-SC1 treated patients • 10 year survival data now available PAT-SC1 was the first of the Patrys’ IgM antibodies to be used in a clini... read more…

Mesoblast and Lonza Establish Strategic Global Manufacturing Alliance

27 September 2011, Melbourne, Australia and Basel, Switzerland 26 September 2011 - Global regenerative medicine company Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) and Lonza Group (SWS: LONN), a world leader in biologic manufacturing, today announced that they have entered into a strategic alliance for clinical and long-term commercial production of Mesoblast’s off-the-shelf (allogeneic) adult stem cell produ... read more…

Zita peach Appointed NED to Starpharma

26 September 2011. Melbourne, Australia : Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) has today announced the appointment of Ms Zita Peach as a Non-Executive Director. Zita has more than 20 years of commercial experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in marketing and business development, working for major industry players such as CSL Limited and Merck Sharp & Dohm... read more…

Phosphagenics Ready to Commence Pivotal Oxycodone Clinical Trials

19 September 2011, Melbourne, Australia: Australian drug delivery technology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has, in collaboration with 3M, completed the optimisation of the TPM/oxycodone patch. This milestone clears the way for the company to commence its pivotal oxycodone clinical trials. Phosphagenics has previously shown that the prototype patches developed in-... read more…

Phosphagenics Signs Development Deal With Global Cosmetics Company

14 September 2011, Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne drug delivery technology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH) has entered into an agreement with a leading global cosmetic and dermatology company to conduct a human study on a new cosmetic product incorporating its TPM® platform delivery system. Phosphagenics’ CEO, Dr Esra Ogru, said the partnership with another leading cosmetic, hig... read more…

Clinuvel Completes Scenesse Pre-Clinical Program

4 September 2011Clinuvel says it has completed its pre-clinical program for its ultra-violet light protection drug Scenesse or afamelanotide.Clinuvel said completing the program was “an important regulatory milestone” for filing the marketing authorization application to the European Medicines Agency for the orphan disease erythropoietic protoporphyria.The company said the data from the four pr... read more…

Acrux Loses Founder, Director Prof Barrie Finnin

4 September 2011Acrux says co-founder Prof Barrie Finnin has retired as a director after 12 years’ service to the company. Acrux said Prof Finnin was a co-inventor of its transdermal drug delivery technology and he played an integral role in developing the core technology and the company’s corporate growth. Acrux said it would appoint a suitably qualified non-executive director to replace Pro... read more…

R&D Tax Incentive All Set To Support Australian Businesses

Friday, 2 September 2011. Information sessions, held across Australia in September and October, will help businesses learn how to access and best use the new R&D Tax Incentive to drive the development of new ideas, products and processes. Encouraging people to attend, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr, said the R&D Tax Incentive, as the program will be now known, will support and reward the... read more…

Medicines Development places first Development Manager at Virax Holdings Ltd

31st August, 2011 - Medicines Development is pleased to announce that Charlotte Mulder has completed its rigorous Development Manager Training Program and has been successfully placed at Virax Holdings Ltd as a Development Manager. Charlotte is Medicines Development's first trainee and placement under its Development Manager training and placement initiative supported by the Victorian Governmen... read more…

R&D TAX CREDIT WINS PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT

24th August 2011 - The Gillard Labor Government’s new R&D Tax Credit will help businesses in every sector of the Australian economy transform and invest in the future – leading to more high-wage, high-skill jobs. The Credit, which passed the Parliament today, is a key element of the Government’s innovation agenda, Powering Ideas, a comprehensive program to transform and secure a future for Aus... read more…

R&D Bill Delivers for Australian Innovators

23 August 2011 - The research and development reforms passed in the Parliament today increase support for small and medium sized businesses, particularly after the Greens secured amendments to help the cash-flow of these companies which are the engine room of innovation in Australia.The agreement to make quarterly cash payments to small and medium-sized companies, instead of annual tax credits,... read more…

New pharmaceutical centre brings 100 additional jobs to Melbourne’s South East

16 August 2011 - A new $12 million state-of-the-art pharmaceutical distribution facility opened in Dandenong South today, bringing 100 additional jobs to the Melbourne’s South East by the end of 2012.Formally opening the centre, Victorian Minister for Technology and member for South Eastern Metropolitan region Gordon Rich-Phillips said the investment in the high-tech and high-scale pharmaceutic... read more…

New Brain Research Facility at Royal Melbourne Hospital

12 August 2011 - A state-of-the-art neuroscience facility opened in Melbourne today offers new hope for Australians suffering from acute brain episodes such as a stroke and degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias and Parkinson’s disease. The Melbourne Brain Centre at The Royal Melbourne Hospital was officially opened by Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Ro... read more…

Science Needs More Support: Bandt

9th August 2011: The government needs to set a national goal for research and development spending of at least 3% of GDP, Greens MP Adam Bandt told a meeting of the biotechnology industry today. Addressing the breakfast meeting of the BioMelbourne Network at Melbourne’s Federation Square , Mr Bandt said while there had been increased business investment in R&D, government funding was lagging be... read more…

CTA forms collaboration with Indian CRO Clininvent

CTA forms collaboration with Indian CRO Clininvent Melbourne, Australia 9 August 2011/ Mumbai, India 9 August 2011. Cancer Trials Australia (CTA) announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Mumbai based Clininvent Research Private Limited (CRPL) with the aim to leverage complimentary capabilities in selected areas of clinical development and offer services spanning ... read more…

Australian Medical Research : Facts to Shape the Future

1 August 2011. A new report providing comprehensive data about the current status, future opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s health and medical research sector has been released today by Research Australia. Professor Christine Bennett, Chairman of Research Australia, said the Shaping Up: Trends and Statistics in Funding Health and Medical Research ... read more…

Australia's Strong International Innovation Position - Report

Friday, 29 July 2011 AUSTRALIA'S STRONG INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION POSITION Innovative Australians are improving the things they make and the way they make them, ensuring a fairer, richer, healthier and greener future, according to the Australian Government’s latest Australian Innovation System Report. “Innovation will make Australia more productive and competitive, and may answer the... read more…

Victorian Government releases annual biotechnology report

The Hon Gordon Rich-Phillips, Victorian Minister for Technology has released The Victorian Biotechnology Annual Report 2010, which showcases company and research highlights in the Victorian biotechnology sector and reports on outcomes achieved under priority action areas in 2010. Click here to downloand a copy of the report. read more…

Completion of Successful Capital Raising

27 July 2011Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) is pleased to announce to the market the successful completion of an AUD 11.7 million capital raising to institutional and sophisticated investors in Australia and the United States.The proposed private placement of 60,000,000 new shares at an issue price of AUD 0.195 per share will rank equally with existing shares. Geneti... read more…

Travelan Discovered to Affect E. coli Associated with European Food Poisoning

27 July 2011Immuron Limited (ASX: IMC) using in vitro testing has demonstrated that Travelan binds strongly to E. coli O104 surface antigen. This form of E. coli is the sub-type shown to cause the most recent outbreak of food poisoning in Europe. This finding suggests that Travelan could reduce the risk of infection in those exposed to the European E. coli outbreak strain as it does for... read more…

Commercialisation Australia – Building Businesses Through Innovation

22 July 2011Australians may soon benefit from a natural treatment for osteoarthritis, the improved management of Parkinson’s disease and a baby bottle that eliminates the need to carry separate formula containers, thanks to the Australian Government’s Commercialisation Australia program.Thirteen companies will share $5 million under the program and get help from highly-skilled case manager... read more…

New funding to commercialise medical research in Victoria

21 July 2011Victorian Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today announced new funding of $1.6 million from the Victorian Government to support the operation of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund over the next four years.The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage commercialisation of medical research discoveries from its me... read more…

Victoria secures deal for innovative anti-cancer drug project

20 July 2011Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips has welcomed Victorian pharmaceutical company IDT Australia Limited’s announcement this week of a $3.1 million investment in an anti-cancer drug project.The new project will see IDT partner with Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer Swift Pharmaceuticals to develop oral anti-cancer drugs for local and international markets.“This is a g... read more…

A Decade of Discovery

14 July 2011Leaders of government and the research community have congratulated the Australian Research Council on ten years of outstanding service as a statutory authority.The ARC was a Labor initiative established by Minister John Dawkins in 1988. It then became an independent statutory authority on 1 July 2001, with the support of both sides of politics. Over its life the ARC it has lau... read more…

WiSE Summit 11 April – Final Communiqué and Presentation

12 July 2011The final communiqué arising from the Women in Science and Engineering Summit at Parliament House in Canberrra on 11 April 2011 is now available for download. The communiqué outlines the commitments made at the summit by research funders, leaders and employers which will help to remove the barriers to retaining and promoting women in science and engineering.We’ve also compiled ... read more…

Phosphagenics Signs Major Distribution Agreement for Asia

12 July 2011Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has signed an agreement with a leading Asian distributor ensuring its Elixia® personal care range will be available in stores across the Asia Pacific region by the fourth quarter, 2011. The milestone distribution deal has been struck with the Sungate Supplies Pte Ltd, which will exclusively supply AS... read more…

Nominations open for 2011 Victoria Prize and Fellowships

30 June 2011“Research and innovation are the foundation from which knowledge-based economies and societies grow. These two award programs are designed to celebrate, nurture and reward talented Victorians,” Ms Asher said. “The $50,000 Victoria Prize from the Victorian Coalition Government will recognise an individual whose discovery or innovation has significantly advanced knowledge or has ... read more…

Australia's World Class Biotechnology on Show

29 June 2011Some of Australia’s most innovative firms will showcase their wares on the global stage at the world’s largest biotechnology event – the BIO 2011 International Convention in Washington DC.As part of the continued push to promote Australian products and services in markets overseas, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr supported the delegation made up of representatives from ind... read more…

Genetic Technologies Executes Settlement and License Agreement with Navigenics Inc.

28 June 2011In compliance with ASX Continuing Disclosure Rules, Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) is pleased to report that it has now executed a Settlement and License Agreement with Navigenics Inc. (“Navigenics”) of Foster City, California.Navigenics was a counterparty to the Company’s recently announced patent infringement suit filed in the District Court of Colorado... read more…

Phosphagenics on Track to Reach $1 Million Target for Personal Care Products

28 June 2011Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) is on track to reach its million dollar sales revenue target by the end of July for its Elixia® range of Personal Care products. The sales result comes as the company adds two further high profile stockists for Elixia® products: Terry White Group and Symbion Pharmacy Services to its growing list of re... read more…

Coalition establishes new Victorian Biotechnology Advisory Council

28 June 2011Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips has announced that the Victorian Government will establish a new advisory council for Victoria’s biotechnology sector.Delivering on a Coalition Government election commitment in establishing the council, the 2011–12 Victorian Budget has provided $1.2 million over four years to operate the council.Mr Rich-Phillips said, “The Victorian Biot... read more…

Inquiry into a State-based reform agenda

28 June 2011The Commission's inquiry will be informed by a benchmarking of Victoria's competitive position relative to other Australian and key overseas competitor jurisdictions. The inquiry will also investigate the most advantageous package of policy reforms the Victorian Government can undertake to improve productivity, participation and the competitiveness of the Victorian economy.An ... read more…

Monash University appoints John Brumby to ARMI Board

27 June 2011Mr Brumby, who was recently appointed as Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow at Monash University, is a major supporter of the development of Victoria as a leader in medical research.“I am honoured to take up this position on the board of this world-class Institute. It has been a long-term goal of mine to make Victoria a first-rate biotechnology and research development state... read more…

World’s Largest Brain Research Centre Opens in Melbourne

27 June 2011The first facility of one of the world’s largest dedicated brain research centres was opened today by State and Federal representatives at the Austin campus of the Melbourne Brain Centre.Minister for Health David Davis and Mr Craig Ondarchie MLC representing Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher, noted that the Melbourne Brain Centre is a key research fa... read more…

BioMelbourne Network - ' Connecting Women in Biotechnology Luncheon' - Wrap Up & Thank You

24 June 2011Dear BioMelbourne Network members and friends, It’s been three weeks since my last confession (to you at the Connecting Women in Biotechnology Lunch). And I confess, it was such a ‘rush’ hosting it. Thankyou for your wonderful messages, emails and phone calls of support and thanks. It is lovely receiving such positive and inspiring feedback. So many terrific outcomes followed tha... read more…

Raising the Bar Bill Will Encourage Innovation

23 June 2011The Bill was introduced into the Senate today by Innovation Minister Kim Carr.Mr Bruce said a “research use exemption” for which the Bill provides will directly address concerns in some quarters that patents on biological materials can potentially stifle scientific research. “This Bill makes it absolutely clear that scientists are free to conduct research on patented invention... read more…

Landmark Agreement to Achieve World Standards in Therapeutic Products

22 June 2011The Australian and New Zealand Governments will establish a world leading agency to regulate medicines, medical devices and other therapeutic goods in both countries.Prime Minister Julia Gillard and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key today signed a statement of intent to implement the joint agency progressively over a period of up to five years.The new agency will reduce regul... read more…

AVCAL Welcomes Better Targeted R&D Tax Breaks

22 June 2011The Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) welcomes the commitment by the Federal Government to reshape the research and development tax concession framework to better support true R&D in small and medium?sized businesses. AVCAL CEO Dr Katherine Woodthorpe said: “Tightening up the eligibility requirements for the R&D tax concessions now means that mos... read more…

Crossbench Support Means New R&D Tax Credit Will Start on 1 July 2011

Joint Media Release The Hon. Wayne Swan MP, Treasurer and The Hon. Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Wednesday, 15 June 2011. The Gillard Labor Government’s $1.8 billion R&D Tax Credit will deliver more funding to innovative firms – including manufacturers, ICT and biotech – increasing productivity and Australia’s national income.Australian companie... read more…

Greens Secure Further Support For Small Companies

Christine Milne, Australian Greens Deputy Leader 15 June 2011. The Greens will support the government's research and development reforms because they increase support for small and medium sized businesses engaging in R&D, particularly after the Greens secured amendments to help the cash-flow of these companies which are the engine room of innovation in Australia. The agreement ... read more…

Advanced Manufacturing Precinct opened at RMIT

Wednesday 8 June 2011. Victorian manufacturing's leadership in innovation, research and design will be strengthened with a new Advanced Manufacturing Precinct opened last night at RMIT University by the Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva. The precinct, which has been supported by a $7 million contribution by the Victorian Government, will help Victor... read more…

$40 million Funding Boost to Australian Medical Innovations

8 June 2011, Australia: The Australian medical research sector is set to receive a major boost with the announcement today of the first closing of a new A$40 million venture fund, the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund Innovation Investment Fund Limited Partnership. The new fund is an investment partnership between the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), the Australian Gove... read more…

Help for early stage innovators gets the tick

Monday, 6 June 2011. Since its inception in 1998, the Innovation Investment Fund (IIF) has licensed 13 new venture capital innovation funds that have helped 99 Australian businesses commercialise original research. To date the IIF program has committed a pool of $524 million of government and private capital to invest in promising early-stage companies. Yesterday, the program receiv... read more…

$1.1m Sounds Good for Childhood Hearing Problems

6 June 2011The University of Melbourne spin-out Otifex Therapeutics has raised $1.1m from the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and Uniseed to develop a nasal spray for the most common cause of childhood hearing problems.University of Melbourne spin-out Otifex Therapeutics announced the company has secured $1.1m investment funding to advance the development of a nasal spray for Otiti... read more…

Medicines Development Career Opportunity - Development Manager

30 May 2011• Opportunity to join the exciting world of drug development • Training provided to maximise your existing scientific skills • Dynamic and challenging roleMedicines Development, Victoria’s leading provider of specialist drug developmentmanagement expertise to the biotech/ pharma sector, is currently looking for talentedindividuals to join its Development Manager training and placem... read more…

New Victorian Technology Minister supports biotech

Hansard: Victorian Parliament. 26 May 2011 COUNCIL Biotechnology: advisory council Mrs PEULICH (South Eastern Metropolitan) -- My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Technology, my South Eastern Metropolitan Region colleague the Honourable Gordon Rich-Phillips. I ask: can the minister update the house on progress in implementing the Baillieu government's commitment to cr... read more…

Starpharma's VivaGel Demonstrates Efficacy in Bacterial Vaginosis

24 May 2011Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) today announced successful results of a major phase 2 clinical study that demonstrated efficacy of VivaGel® for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV).Key Points:• VivaGel® meets primary endpoint, demonstrating significant efficacy for treatment of BV• VivaGel® expected to avoid many shortcomings of existing therapies• Trial re... read more…

Phosphagenics and 3M Collaborate to Improve Oxycodone Patch 5 Fold

24 May 2011Melbourne drug delivery technology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) is a step closer to commercialising its first-in-class oxycodone ‘pain patch’ following successful completion of initial formulation collaboration with global development partner 3M Drug Delivery Systems.3M has refined Phosphagenics’ original oxycodone transdermal patch prototype and will c... read more…

Australia's Biggest Medical Devices Conference Opens in Sydney

23 May 2011 AusMedtech is an important event for one of the State’s strongest sectors to discuss the emerging markets and trends in medical technologies, Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said today.Mr Stoner this morning delivered the opening address at AusMedtech 2011, the country’s largest medical technologies conference where leaders from Australia’s m... read more…

Victorian scientists receive prestigious ATSE Clunies Ross award

Friday 20 May 2011. Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher today congratulated the Victorian recipients of the 2011 ATSE Clunies Ross award presented at a ceremony last night in Brisbane. Professor Anthony Burgess, Professor Ashley Dunn and Dr Nicholas Gough were jointly recognised for their work in having first purified and cloned the blood cell growth factor GM-CSF... read more…

Phosphagenics to Launch BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème™

• ELIXIA® product range to be launched in selected Myer stores on Thursday, 20 May 2011 • BodyShaper reduces the appearance of cellulite by up to 56% 17 May 2011, Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH) will launch its novel anti-cellulite product in Australia’s largest department store, Myer, on 20 May 2011. The product, BodySh... read more…

No pricing cuts to PBS in Budget

13 May 2011. The fact that the 2011 Budget had no PBS price-related savings measures, as per the Memorandum of Understanding between Medicines Australia and the Government, is welcome. The MoU, which was signed in May 2010, was the result of tough negotiations between the Government and industry, and delivered savings to taxpayers, savings to consumers and process improvements to the PBS. Med... read more…

2011-12 Federal Budget

11th May, 2011 - The 2011/12 Federal Budget provides funding support for the following initiatives: Australian Government’s Record $3 Billion Support for the CSIRO Bid for Advanced Radio Telescope for Australia and New Zealand Buy Australian at Home and Abroad Inspiring Australia to Lead the World in Science Funding to Safely Decommission Nuclear Facilities read more…

Medical researchers relieved at NHMRC funding in 2011 Budget

11 May 2011 -Burnet staff join the thousands of protesters at the Rally for Research in April. The Burnet Institute welcomes the Federal Government’s Budget announcement that funding for the National Health and Medical Research Funding Council (NHMRC) will not be cut as predicted, but be retained at close to current levels.Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan confirmed last night in the Budget speech t... read more…

Budget provides seed of optimism for health

11 May 2011 - “The decision not to cut health research funding in the Budget, combined with a undertake a strategic review, will reassure researchers and the concerns are taken seriously,” said Rebecca James, Chief Executive of Research Australia.Funding for research through the National Health and Medic protected from cuts and will increase from $715m. The announcement of a government review i... read more…

Health and medical research review announced by Minister for Mental Health and Ageing

11th May, 2011 - In his video, Mr Butler praised the medical research community for their passion and diligence, and thanked the campaign for raising the profile of medical research in the community.Watch the video read more…

New centre strengthens manufacturing innovation

Wednesday 11 May 2011. A new multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art Innovation Centre opened today at the VictorianCentre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (VCAMM) facility in Knoxfield. This new facility promises to spur new opportunities in innovation and research for Victoria’s quality-driven manufacturing industry. Officially opening the centre, Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and T... read more…

2011/12 Federal Budget Protects Medical Research

10th May, 2011 - 2011/12 Federal Budget Protects Medical Research. The Government has clearly come down on the side of medical research in a very tough Budget, despite earlier leaks it planned to slash funding. Following public outcry, the Government stated it was committed to medical research in Australia but stopped short of confirming there would be no budget cutsm - Read more read more…

Research Australia Awards 2011 Call for Nominations

Research Australia invites you to nominate outstanding Australians for a prestigious Research Australia Award. Award recipients will be honoured at the Research Australia’s 10th Anniversary Awards dinner, at the National Gallery in Victoria on Wednesday 16 November 2011. Previous winners have included Dame Elizabeth Murdoch AC, DBE, Ms Delta Goodrem, Sir Gustav Nossal AC, CBE and Prof... read more…

GMiA Welcomes an Important Amendment to the Intellectual Property Laws to Support Innovation

9 May 2011Members of GMiA strongly welcome the Federal Government’s step of including the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Raising the Bar) Bill 2011 on its list of legislation for introduction in the 2011 parliamentary winter sitting.The purpose of the Bill is to make improvements to intellectual property (IP) rights legislation to better meet the objectives of the IP rights system to ... read more…

Study finds proposed scheme supports better R&D

5th May 2011. The Australian Business Foundation today released The BERD in the hand: Supporting Business Investment in Research and Development by Dr Nicholas Gruen CEO of Lateral Economics. Both Narelle Kennedy of the Australian Business Foundation and Nicholas Gruen were members of the Cutler Review which proposed changing the existing R&D tax concession. The paper argues that the governme... read more…

Teva to Acquire Cephalon in $6.8 Billion Transaction

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL and FRAZER, PA – May 2, 2011 – Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) and Cephalon, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEPH) today announced that their Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which Teva will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Cephalon for $81.50 per share in cash, or a total enterprise value of approximately $6.8 b... read more…

Coalition delivers $7.9 million to drive innovation through technology

From the Minister for Innovation Services and Small Business The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its election commitments with a $7.9 million package in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget for technology-focused initiatives to drive innovation and help create a stronger economy. The package will fund the delivery of the Coalition’s commitment to establish: the Office of the Lead Sci... read more…

NSW Premier backs no cuts to medical research

Thursday 21 April 2011. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell today called on the Federal Government to rule out cutting a single dollar for medical research in next month’s budget. Mr O’Farrell and Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, today met with researchers at the Garvan Institute, just one of the many medical research institutes in NSW where rumoured fed... read more…

GTG Announces New Product Collaboration with Global Pharmaceutical Company for Companion Diagnostics in Oncology

20 April 2011Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) has executed a preliminary research collaboration agreement to jointly develop a new cancer profiling product with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.Under the collaboration Genetic Technologies will use certain expertise and intellectual property to work with this world-leading pharmaceutical company to ... read more…

Labor's mixed messages on research cuts

19 April 2011Nicola Roxon is under increasing pressure to clarify the Government’s position and rule out any cuts to health and medical research in the upcoming Federal Budget.Shadow Health Minister Peter Dutton said the proposed cuts of $400 million and the media reports today of an unconfirmed backdown are causing enormous angst and uncertainty for thousands of researchers, scientists, studen... read more…

LABOR ATTACK ON MEDICAL RESEARCH IS ANTI-REFORM

18 April 2011Labor’s plan to slash $400 million in medical research funding in the upcoming budget is both anti-reform and at complete odds with Julia Gillard’s rhetoric about boosting productivity and workforce participation.“The fact Labor ministers, including Finance Minister Penny Wong, are refusing to rule out a $400 million funding cut to the National Health and Medical Research Council, ... read more…

Several Cancers Are Underrepresented In Clinical Trials

18 April 2011Several cancers with a high burden of disease are not receiving the clinical trial investment they require, according to a study in the Medical Journal of Australia.Dr Rachel Dear, a medical oncologist and PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, and co-authors used data from The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry to explore the association between cancer clinic... read more…

TGA: New Biologicals Framework

15 April 2011. The amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990, to create a new regulatory framework for biologicals were passed by Executive Council on 10 March 2011. The biologicals framework will commence on 31 May 2011. After this date, all products within the scope of the framework will need to comply with the requirements made under the new legislation, subject to relevant transi... read more…

bioMérieux Discloses Sale of 100th Previ Isola

15 April 2011Clinical and diagnostic technology company LBT Innovations Limited (ASX: LBT) can confirm its international licensee bioMérieux has installed its 100 PREVI™ Isola. The PREVI™ Isola is the automated plate streaker developed by LBT. PREVI™ Isola is a substantial unit that boosts the efficiency of media processing tasks in microbiology labs. It was launched by bioMérieux in Novem... read more…

Think long term: invest in science

14 April 2011. Australian Academy of Science President Professor Suzanne Cory today urged the Federal Government to defend Australia’s economic productivity, public health and environment by properly investing in science research and education. “Australia is a world leader in many scientific fields, but we can’t rest on our reputation orremain competitive without ongoing Government commitment,... read more…

Scrap corporate tax cuts not health and medical research: Bandt

12 April 2011. Greens MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt will today call on the Treasurer to rule out potential cuts to health and medical research amidst intense speculation that $400 million will be slashed in the forthcoming budget. Mr Bandt will address a ‘Discoveries Need Dollars’ rally in Melbourne today, called by health and medical researchers to protest against funding cuts. “Melbo... read more…

Biotech stands up for medical research

Biotech stands up for medical research 12 April 2011. The proposed federal government budget cuts to health and medical research will reduce the potential for home grown discoveries to reach the bedside. Fewer local discoveries and talent is bad news for biotechnology. ‘Is this the innovation recession we have to have ?’, said Michelle Gallaher, Chief Executive Officer of the BioMelbou... read more…

MEDICAL RESEARCH CAMPAIGN - RALLY TOMORROW TUESDAY, 12TH APRIL

11th April - The Australian research community plays an integral role in improving the health outcomes of Australians and supporting the development of our biotechnology community, by providing the pipeline of discoveries needed to realise clinical benefits for patients.There is increasing concern that the Federal Government may cut funding for health and medical research in the May budget. Yo... read more…

Phosphagenics to Launch New Cellulite Cosmetic

Biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) will launch its novel anti-cellulite technology in Australia by the end of the month after recent US studies produced stunning results.The product, known as BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème™, uses the company’s proprietary platform TPM® technology to deliver fat reducing active compounds into the skin.It is now being re... read more…

Phosphagenics New Elixia Skincare Products to Launch on Shopping TV

7 April 2011Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) is launching its new Elixia® skincare range on Foxtel’s shopping channel TVSN. The first on-air event is scheduled for this weekend beginning Friday 8 April. As part of the launch, Phosphagenics’ CEO, Dr Esra Ogru, will be presenting the scientific benefits of the Elixia® line during six hourly live... read more…

Baillieu must commit budget funding to cancer centre

6 April 2011Each year nearly 2000 Victorians will have to travel to other hospitals to receive their cancer care, because of the Baillieu Government’s refusal to fund the last stage of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said today.Mr Andrews today added his name to the petition, signed by thousands of Victorians, urging Mr Baillieu to do the... read more…

Phosphagenics collaboration to develop anti-acne drug

6 April 2011Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has entered the second stage of a development agreement with a global dermatology company to jointly develop a prescription drug to treat acne.Under the terms of the agreement Phosphagenics will undertake formulation development studies for the new product that combines Phosphagenics’ TPM® platform d... read more…

Biota awarded $US231 million for phase III anti-influenza drug

6 April 2011The Office of Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the US Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Biota up to $US231 million ($A223.7 million) over five years to its wholly owned subsidiary, Biota Scientific Management, for the advanced development of lanin... read more…

Alternative Medicine: Regulatory Review Needed

6 April 2011Alternative therapies including Chinese herbal products need more stringent regulation, according to an article in the Medical Journal of Australia.Ms Winnie Chau from the Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, said that online shopping has made herbal medicines more available, and regulation more difficult.Ms Chau and co-authors studied a 75-year-old man who developed renal failur... read more…

New Superbug Detected In Australia

6 April 2011Australia is in the grip of a new superbug that can cause potentially fatal colon infections, an editorial in the latest Medical Journal of Australia says.The first case of an epidemic strain of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) thought to have been acquired in Australia has been identified at a hospital in Melbourne, and further clusters have been reported in residential ag... read more…

Don't cut life-saving funding funding for health research

6 April 2011“The Australian community needs to mobilize to stave off funding cuts to health and medical research,” Rebecca James, Chief Executive of Research Australia said today.Research Australia has launched an iPetition for patients, scientists, health care providers, and supporters of medical research to ask the Australian government to at least maintain existing life-saving funding for... read more…

Medical research funding must be boosted

6 April 2011The AMA today joined leading science, medical and research groups in calling on the Government to increase or at least maintain current levels of health and medical research funding.AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that there have been reports and rumours of proposed cuts to funding for the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other medical research pro... read more…

Discoveries need dollars - protect medical research from funding cuts

5 April 2011. Doctors and scientists say the Gillard government is trying to soften them up to accept budget cuts to medical research that will slash jobs and set back the search for cancer treatments. The Australian Medical Association yesterday appealed to Labor to rethink the rumoured cuts that could be as high as $400 million over four years as it strives to return the budget to surplus by... read more…

New Directors Appointed at Burnet

1 April 2011. Burnet Institute welcomes the appointment of three new directors to its Board – Professor Peter Colman, Ms Mary Padbury and Professor Mike Toole. “We are very proud to have the support on the Board of these outstanding professionals who will greatly contribute to the future strategic direction of the Institute,” Chairman of the Burnet Board, Mr Alastair Lucas said. Having ac... read more…

Clinical Trial numbers fall for third straight year

31st March 2011. The BioMelbourne Network hosted a briefing on the Clinical Trials Action Group Report on 30th March at St. Vincent's Institute in Melbourne. New figures from the Therapeutic Goods Administration show the third straight fall in the annual number of new clinical trials in Australia highlight the urgent need for Government to deliver on its promise to fix the problem, Medic... read more…

Investment in Medical Research Saves Lives and Money

29 March 2011An open letter to Members and Senators of the Australian Parliament.Investing in health and medical research delivers positive economic, social and health outcomes. Australian medical innovations have not only saved lives, but have reduced healthcare costs, attracted international investment and built new industries.The escalating cost of healthcare, through increasing incide... read more…

Prana Biotechnology Ltd Raises Research Cash

29 March 2011The company intends to use the proceeds of the private placement for ongoing and future research programs into the development of the Company's proprietary compunds, including its lead compound PBT2 and for working capital purposes. Read more read more…

YM Biosciences Shareholder Update

23 March 2011This is an occasional update of some of the important news about YM BioSciences Inc.As you are aware, the Australian biotechnology company, Cytopia, was merged into YM BioSciences in January 2010. The combined company is now developing three clinical-stage products: CYT387, a small molecule, dual inhibitor of the JAK1/JAK2 kinases for the treatment of severe haematological di... read more…

Hunter Immunology: National Lung Disease Vaccine Trial

23 March 2011Hundreds of Australian patients are set to trial a new oral vaccine designed to help people plagued by chronic respiratory infections, predominantly during winter.Scientists at Melbourne biotechnology company Hunter Immunology have developed a treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, or COPD, which is being trialled on up to 340 patients at major hospitals around ... read more…

Prana: MHRI Data Shows PBT2 Iimproves Alzheimer's Cognition

23 March 2011Prana says new data shows the ability of its lead drug PBT2 to repair damage in an Alzheimer’s affected brain, facilitating the restoration of cognition in Alzheimer’s disease. Prana said the findings by researchers at the University of Melbourne and Victoria’s Mental Health Research Institute led by the MHRI’s Dr Paul Adlard help explain the rapid improvement in cognition previo... read more…

Chemgenex CEO Dr Greg Collier: ‘Data on Track for March 31’

23 March 2011Chemgenex chief executive officer Dr Greg Collier has told Biotech Daily that the Omapro data analysis is on track for the March 31, 2011 option deadlines. Dr Collier said his company would complete the data in time for Cephalon to review it before March 31. ”We are very confident they’ll have time to make their decision by March 31,” Dr Collier said. “All is going well.” Chemge... read more…

Prana: ‘PBT434 Works Upstream of Dopamine in Parkinson's’

16 March 2011Prana says its PBT434 is neuroprotective and may have efficacy in Parkinson’s disease, working upstream of changes in dopamine requirements. Prana said the head of research Prof Robert Cherny presented data on PBT434 to the Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases in Barcelona on March 12, 2011, entitled, ‘PBT434: A Novel Neuroprotective Drug for PD’. Prana said tha... read more…

Japan Tragedy no Impact so far on Biota, Cellmid

16 March 2011Biota and Cellmid are apparently the only two Australian-listed biotechnology companies with significant operations in Japan and both say they are unaffected at this stage.Biota’s has partnered with the Tokyo-based Daiichi Sankyo and chief executive officer Peter Cook told Biotech Daily that so far Daiichi Sankyo’s operation had not been affected by the earthquake, tsunami and... read more…

Asthma Sufferers Set to Benefit from New Research Facility

10 March 2011A new computing facility called MASSIVE – or Multi-modal Australian ScienceS Imaging and Visualisation Environment – is the latest tool in the fight against serious and life-threatening illnesses including lung disease, diabetes, AIDS and cancer.Speaking at the official opening of the facility, Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said MASSIVE would be Australia’s first ce... read more…

Historic milestone for Burnet Institute

8 March 2011Health Minister David Davis has paid tribute to the Burnet Institute for 25 years of groundbreaking health and medical research.Speaking at its 25th anniversary celebrations today at Government House, Mr Davis said the Burnet Institute had a long and distinguished history in research leading to new treatments and better public health in Australia and around the world.“Medical an... read more…

Calzada's Polynovo Completes Animal Burns Trial

8 March 2011Calzada says a pre-clinical trial has shown its Novoskin bioresorbable temporizing matrix is superior to a collagen-based “current leading dermal replacement product”. Calzada said the trial of Novoskin bioresorbable temporizing matrix (BTM) in pigs by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Polynovo Biomaterials showed 23.44 percent wound contraction compared to the collagen product’s 5... read more…

Starpharma Wins $250K Victoria Agriculture Dendrimer Grant

8 March 2011Starpharma says the Victorian Government has awarded it $250,000 to further develop its Priostar dendrimer agricultural program. Starpharma said the funding was announced by the Minister of Technology, Gordon Rich- Phillips, as part of the Victorian Government's Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program. The company said the Priostar dendrimer technology was hoped to improve del... read more…

Phosphagenics to Partner with Agriculture Company for Australian and New Zealand Market

8 March 2011Melbourne drug delivery biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has partnered with dairy research company Mastitis Management Australia (MMA) to fast track a new technology with wide application to the global dairy market. Phosphagenics’ platform delivery technology TPM® is being used to deliver an all-natural formula targeting mastitis, or blocked ... read more…

Immuron anti-HIV antibodies lab test demonstrate important progress in HIV prevention

8 March 2011Immuron Limited has received results of recent laboratory studies that show its antibody preparations have powerful and broad neutralising efficacy against many clades (strains) of HIV. These results were presented as part of the latest findings on its antibodies against HIV at the 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Boston. The results represent i... read more…

ABS Launches Most Comprehensive Health Survey Ever Conducted

4 March 2011In the next few days, the ABS will commence the first Australian Health Survey (AHS), the biggest health survey ever conducted in Australia.The AHS builds on previous health surveys allowing comparisons of health information over time such as obesity, smoking, health conditions and how we manage our health.The AHS will collect new information about what we eat and drink, how ac... read more…

Commercialisation Australia: Getting Good Ideas to Market

4 March 2011Thirty four Australian inventions, including a drug to treat learning and memory loss, an additive to reduce carbon emissions from cement production and a greener hot water system will be turned into commercial success stories, with the support of the Gillard Labor Government.$13 million will be invested in the projects through Commercialisation Australia, the Australian Govern... read more…

Report Boosts Clinical Trials Efforts

3 March 2011The Gillard Labor Government has accepted the recommendations of the Clinical Trials Action Group report. The changes that will occur will boost pharmaceutical research and development and improve the clinical trials approval process.Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon welcomed the report as an important driver in keeping Australian clinicians at the cutting edge of med... read more…

Gene Bill threatens access to biologic medicines - Medicines Australia

Banning patents on biological materials will harm Australian patients, destroy Australianjobs and stall medical research, Medicines Australia has told a Senate Committee.In its submission to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s inquiry into thePatent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010, MedicinesAustralia warned that the Bill could severely restrict patients’ ... read more…

Federal Government $86M for La Trobe Molecular Sciences

1 March 2011Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the Federal Government would provide $85.8 million to build the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Sciences.Senator Carr said the $98 million Institute would be a “world-class interdisciplinary research facility [and] will see La Trobe University build on its global reputation for excellence in biological sciences.La Trobe University will ... read more…

Immuron Granted Key Patent for Anti-influenza Product

1 March 2011Melbourne-based clinical stage biopharmaceutical company Immuron Limited has been granted the Australian patent for its influenza preventative product candidate (Imm-255).Immuron’s influenza product will potentially be the world’s first orally administered product for mucosal protection against influenza viruses. The safety profile of this product emanating from Immuron’s platf... read more…

Universal Biosensors Appoints Paul Wright CEO

1 March 2011Universal Biosensors has appointed Paul Wright chief executive officer, effective today. Universal Biosensors said Mr Wright was chief executive officer of Vision Biosystems, the major subsidiary of Vision Systems, which develops, manufactures and markets diagnostic instruments and consumables and following the sale of Vision Systems to Danaher Corp, Mr Wright was retained to as... read more…

OvPlex™ Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Patented in UK

24 February 2011Melbourne diagnostic technology company HealthLinx Limited (ASX: HTX) has achieved a critical milestone with notification that the UK patent office has granted a patent for its OvPlex™ product. This is the first jurisdiction to complete a review of the patent for the company’s lead product, the ovarian cancer diagnostic technology known as the OvPlex™ Panel. It has deemed ... read more…

Response to the Scoping Study for a National Not for Profit Regulator

22 February 2011The BioMelbourne Network (the Network) welcomes the opportunity to respond to this timely review of the need for a national not for profit regulator.The BioMelbourne NetworkThe Network is as an independent Victorian biotechnology membership based industry association. The Network represents some 160 organisations and employs four paid staff (2 part time and 2 full time).The Netw... read more…

World experts to tackle infectious disease threats

22 February 2011Enhancing the world’s ability to respond to the increasing threat of emerging infectious diseases was the focus of more than 600 international experts in human, animal and environmental health at the 1st International One Health Congress, that began last week in Melbourne.The concept of ‘One Health’ is a global strategy for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and com... read more…

FDA Approves Universal Biosensors, J&J Blood Glucose Test

22 February 2011Universal Biosensors says that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted regulatory clearance for the Onetouch Verio blood glucose test.The Onetouch Verio diagnostic was developed with Johnson & Johnson’s Lifescan and has regulatory clearance in Australia, the Netherlands, France and Italy.Universal Biosensors chairman and interim chief executive officer Andrew Denver... read more…

EMEA Approves Prima Phase III CVac Ovarian Cancer Trial

22 February 2011Prima says the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has approved a phase III clinical registration trial of CVac for ovarian cancer pending country and hospital approvals. Prima chief executive officer Martin Rogers told Biotech Daily that similarly to a special protocol assessment with the US Food and Drug Administration the company had approved endpoints for registration purp... read more…

Patent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010

22 February 2011Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Dutton.Mr DUTTON (Dickson) (11.00 am)—The purpose of the Patent Amendment (Human Genes and Biological Materials) Bill 2010 is to clarify current Australian patent law in relation to human genes and biological material. It will amend the Patents Act 1990 to reinforce the distinction between discovery and invention.It will expre... read more…

Antisense Prepares ATL1103 Growth Hormone Safety Trial

21 February 2011Antisense says planning is underway to begin its first human safety trial of ATL1103 by October 2011.Antisense said ATL1103 was designed to block growth hormone receptor expression and was a potential treatment for particular growth and sight disorders and some cancers.Following the manufacture of the drug compound by technology partner Isis Pharmaceuticals, Antisense said i... read more…

Nominations for 2011 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science

17 February 2011Australian scientists are heroes. They inspire us to dream of a better world. They give us the tools to build it. The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science honour their contribution to the nation.Opening the nominations, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the prizes were a fitting tribute to the important work done by scientists and science teachers.“These prizes reward... read more…

Consultation on Reforms in the Medical Devices Regulatory Framework

13 February 2011On 2 November 2010, the TGA released a discussion paper on proposed reforms to the medical devices regulatory framework.The paper addressed Recommendation 8 of the Review of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Australia released in February 2010.The TGA invited submissions, views and input from all interested parties by close of business on Friday 17 December 2010. A total... read more…

Mesoblast EGM Votes for Cephalon and its $30m

10 February 2011Mesoblast shareholders overwhelmingly supported the issue of shares to US partner Cephalon, triggering a further $US30 million in upfront fees.The resolution on the issue of shares to Cephalon was passed with 153,493,277 proxy votes in favor and 57,798 proxy votes against.The ratification of a prior share issue and the election of Cephalon’s Kevin Buchi as a director were su... read more…

Clinuvel Completes US Phase II for Scenesse

Phase II and III studies evaluating Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria had been completed in Europe and Australia, a confirmatory phase III study was underway in Europe and Scenesse had orphan drug status in Europe and the US for EPP. Clinuvel is in discussion with the US Food and Drug Administration to facilitate further drug access for the patients. more read more…

NSW Police Extends Genetic Technologies Forensices Testing

10 February 2011Genetic Technologies says the New South Wales Police Force has extended its forensic DNA testing agreement for a further year.Genetic Technologies said it would conduct forensic DNA analysis on “complex volume crime” samples which include, but are not limited to, materials relating to crimes such as breaking and entering, motor vehicle theft, theft of items from motor vehicl... read more…

New Appointments to CSIRO Board

10 February 2011Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr today announced the appointment of Mr Mark Paterson AO and Mr Hutch Ranck to the CSIRO Board. They replace outgoing board members Mr Douglas Rathbone AM and Ms Deborah O’Toole. “Australians rely on the CSIRO to address some of our biggest problems, such as food security, climate change and renewable energy,” Senator Carr said.“It is one ... read more…

10 of the Best Medical Research Projects

9 February 2011The successes of the Australian Government’s $700 million annual investment in health and medical research has been showcased in a new publication launched today by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler.The ‘10 of the Best Research Projects 2010’ booklet profiles the work done by some of the country’s leading researchers to improve health for all Australians.... read more…

Premier's Award - looking for nominations

2 February 2011. Applications are now open for 2011 Premier's Award for Health and Medical Research. The 2011 Premier's Award for Health and Medical Research program provides $70,000 in prize money: $16,000 for the winner and $8,000 each for three commended applicants and the $30,000 Jack & Robert Smorgon Families Award. Jack & Robert Smorgon Families Award In conjunction with the Pr... read more…

Biota Earns Inavir Royalty

Melbourne, Australia — 1 February 2011 Inavir Royalty for December 2010 quarter Biota Holdings Limited (ASX:BTA) today announced that Daiichi Sankyo have advisedthat sales of Inavir were 2.8 billion Japanese Yen in the period to 31 December 2010.Inavir was launched in Japan on 19 October 2010. Biota calculates that royalties receivable at 31 December 2010 are $1.16 million, after al... read more…

New Independent Committee to Assure Research Integrity

Tuesday, 1 February 2011 Australian taxpayers can be confident the research activities they fund meet the highest ethical and moral standards thanks to the establishment of the Gillard Labor Government’s Australian Research Integrity Committee. Announcing that the Committee is now open for business, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Mental Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butle... read more…

Mike Hirshorn To Join LBT Board

24 January 2011The Board of clinical and diagnostic technology company LBT Innovations Limited (ASX: LBT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Mike Hirshorn as a non-executive director. Dr Hirshorn has over 30 years experience in founding and managing technology companies, including two of Australia’s international success stories, Cochlear and Resmed. He was a founder and CEO of Cochl... read more…

Genetic Technologies files second Patent Infringement Suit in the USA

20 January 2011Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) has today filed a further patent infringement law suit in the USA, this time in the US District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division. This action follows the highly successful initial patent infringement law suit which GTG filed in the US District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, in relation to infringement o... read more…

Have Your Say About the TGA

Panel to Review the Transparency of the Therapeutic Goods Administration 16 January 2011. An independent Review Panel has been commissioned by the Australian Government to provide recommendations on improving public access and understanding about the work of Australia's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The Panel is seeking inp... read more…

Phosphagenics Cellulite Cream ‘On Track’ for Global Launch

12 Janurary 2011Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (ASX:POH; OTCQX: PPGNY) has commenced focus group trials in the US of its cosmetic products that combine the novel lipolytic peptide licensed from Calzada Ltd with the company’s patented TPM™ platform delivery technology.Phosphagenics is on track to launch its patented cosmetic product which aims to reduce the appearance of ... read more…

Nominations open for 2011 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame

23rd December 2010. Minister Dalla-Riva said the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame celebrated the groundbreaking achievements of Victoria’s manufacturing sector. "The 2011 Awards will again recognise an industry nominated young manufacturer and lifetime achievements by individuals," he said. "The 2011 Awards also include two new categories for entrepreneurial excellence by a compan... read more…

Change in Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary for Mayne Pharma Group

22 December 2010 Mayne Pharma Group Limited (ASX: MYX) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr Mark Cansdale as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Company Secretary. Mark takes over from Mr Aaron Finlay who has decided to leave Mayne Pharma to pursue other career interests. Mark is a Chartered Accountant and will bring more than 20 years experience to the role. Mark was formerly the CFO... read more…

Cloning legislative review committee established

Cloning legislative review committee established 22 December 2010. An independent committee has been established by the Federal Government to review cloning legislation in Australia. The independent Legislation Review Committee for the review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 was announced today by th... read more…

Acrux receives US$87 million for Eli Lilly

Acrux Recieves US$87 million from Eli Lilly Melbourne, 9 December 2010: Acrux (ASX: ACR) today confirmed that it has received the milestone payment of US$87 million from Eli Lilly and Company, that became due when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Axiron® for marketing in the United States. The payment increases Acrux’s cash reserves to app... read more…

VICTORIAN COALITION STATE GOVERNMENT – CABINET APPOINTMENTS

2nd December, 2010 - VICTORIAN COALITION STATE GOVERNMENT – CABINET APPOINTMENTS • Ted Baillieu: Premier • Louise Asher: Minister for Innovation, Services & Small Business. Minister for Tourism and Major Events • Robert Clark: Attorney-General, Minister for Finance • Richard Dalla-Riva: Employment, Industrial Relations, Exports, Trade, Manufacturing • David Davis: Minister for Health and ... read more…

Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Plan for Innovation

A couple of days before the Victorian State Election, the Liberal National Coalition released the Plan for Innovation. The BioMelbourne Network is preparing an opinion on the Innovation Plan on behalf of the Victorian biotechnology Industry. For a full copy of the plan email mgallaher@biomelbourne.org, all comments are warmly welcomed. The Executive Summary of the Innovation Plan: State ... read more…

US-based Dr John Chiplin joins HealthLinx board as non-exec director

1 December 2010HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) has appointed John Chiplin PhD as a non-executive director. Dr Chiplin is highly respected in the Australian biotechnology sector with over 20 years’ experience in life science and technology industries in the US, UK and Australia. As HealthLinx expands the distribution of OvPlex™ internationally it became apparent that the board required addit... read more…

Melbourne recieves $21 to set up Stem Cells Australia

30 November 2010. The University of Melbourne has been awarded $21 million from the Australian Research Council to establish Stem Cells Australia (SCA), an initiative that will position Australia as a major world player in stem cell research. The SCA has been funded as part of the Australian Research Council’s Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science. Deputy Vice-... read more…

Community Affairs References Committee - Gene Patents

26th November 2010. The Senate Community Affairs References Committee today released its much anticipated report on gene patents and their impacts on health services, medical research and human health. The report makes 16 recommendations to ensure that patents do not adversely impact on healthcare and medical research. View the report here. AusBiotech released comment on the Report. Sen... read more…

Axiron approved by FDA

Acrux achieves FDA approval for Axiron Melbourne, 24 November 2010: In a joint media release today, Acrux (ASX: ACR) and Eli Lilly and Company announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Acrux’s New Drug Application (NDA) for Axiron® (testosterone) topical solution for replacement therapy in men with a deficiency or absence of testosterone. Axiron is the first ... read more…

Parliament Passes PBS Reforms

23 November 2010Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw has welcomed Parliament's passage of the National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Bill 2010.The Bill legislates price cuts to PBS medicines agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding between Medicines Australia and the Commonwealth.Dr Shaw said Medicines Australia would work with all sides of politics and other... read more…

Coalition and Independents Join to Change Gene Patent Law

22 November 2010The Coalition will introduce a Private Member’s Bill into the House of Representatives to prevent patents being taken out on human genes.The Bill will be co-sponsored by the Independent Member for Lyne, Mr Rob Oakeshott.Shadow Minister for Health Peter Dutton announced the move at a news conference with the Patron of the National Breast Cancer Foundation Sarah Murdoch and the CE... read more…

YM Biosciences Expands Phase I /II Trial for JACK Inhibitor CYT387

22 November 2010. MISSISSAUGA, Canada – YM BioSciences Inc. (NYSE Amex: YMI, TSX: YM), today reported that the Phase I/II clinical trial for its orally available JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, CYT387, in patients with myelofibrosis has been expanded to five sites. Of the additional sites, the Stanford Cancer Center (Stanford, California) under Principal Investigator Jason Gotlib, MD has already com... read more…

Australians pay tribute to Frank Fenner

22 November 2010. Frank Fenner AC, MBE, passed away today, aged 95. Professor Fenner had a distinguished scientific career; combating malaria in Papua New Guinea (for which he was awarded an MBE in 1945), overseeing the worldwide elimination of smallpox as part of the World Health Organisation, and helping control Australia's rabbit plague through the introduction of the myxoma virus. He w... read more…

2010 Prime Minister's Science Prize Awarded to Professor John Shine

The Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP and Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr announced the recipients of the 2010 Minister's Prizes for Science at a presentation ceremony held last evening at Parliament House, Canberra. The 2010 Prime Minister's Science Prizes are awarded to leaders in research of the physical and life sciences disciplines. The very... read more…

Review to Improve Transparency of the TGA

THE HON CATHERINE KING MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND AGEING 16 November 2010. A determination of the Gillard Government to ensure the public is better informed about the benefits and risks of therapeutic goods is at the heart of a review announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King. Ms King announced a comprehensive review of... read more…

Minister Opens State of Art Research Facilities

12 November 2010 Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today officially opened two new state-of-the-art research facilities at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, which works to reduce death and disability from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and related disorders. “Like Baker IDI, the Gillard Labor Government is focused on reducing the impact on Australians of c... read more…

Patrys Completes First Treatment of Patient Group in Melanoma Trial

Patrys Completes Treatment of First Patient Group in Melanoma Trial Treatment of first patient group at initial dose of lead product PAT-SM6 now complete No safety issues reported in any patients treated Expect to advance quickly to second group of patients at higher dose Melbourne, Australia; 10 November, 2010: Patrys Limited (ASX: PAB), which is focused on developi... read more…

Opportunity for scientists to comment on science funding

5 November 2010The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) today welcomed the release by the Australian Research Council (ARC) of a consultation paper regarding the ARC Discovery Program.The medical research institute sector is a key component of the Australian health system and economy, as it is the engine-room for new ideas to better the health of all Australians. Profes... read more…

Labor to Support Critical Alzheimer's Research

5 November 2010 Victorian based scientists who could unlock an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease will benefit from a $15 million boost to continue their vital research under a future Brumby Labor Government.The Mental Health Research Institute, based in Parkville, is supporting critical research alongside local company Prana Biotechnology to advance a drug treatment for Alzheimer’s d... read more…

Trident Appoints New Chief Medical Officer

1 November 2010. Former Genzyme executive David Fuller has been appointed to the position of Chief Medical Officer.Dr Fuller's primary responsibility will be to manage the development of its suite of clinical trial services across a wide range of therapeutic conditions in both drugs and devices. Managing Director Garth Tierney said Dr Fuller had an outstanding background in clinical development... read more…

Victorian SMEs Get Boost to Take Innovations to Market

29 October 2010A Brumby Labor Government program that builds business skills and capabilities will help Victoria’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) push ahead with commercialising their new technologies.Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings today announced a number of successful ‘Program Partners’ to provide assistance under the Government’s $8 million Smart SMEs Innovation Commercialisation Pr... read more…

Public Support Continues for Biotechnologies

Monday, 25 October 2010 Australians continue to strongly support biotechnologies that provide health and environmental benefits, but support for genetically modified (GM) foods has dropped slightly since 2007, a new survey has found. The nation-wide study of community attitudes towards biotechnologies – conducted biannually over the past 10 years – was released today by the Departme... read more…

AusBiotech 2010: national conference looks to create "global solutions"

26th October 2010. AusBiotech 2010, the annual conference of the Australian biotechnology industry, has sought to educate attendees about recent trends in the global pharmaceutical market, and how they can best take advantage of current conditions. This includes exploring opportunities with regional Asia Pacific neighbors, with a potential collaboration between Australia and India one of the ... read more…

Victorian Government Grants Assist Companies Build Global Markets

21 October 2010. The Brumby Labor Government is providing $410,000 in grants to help three Melbourne companies improve their global competitiveness, save money on production costs and create local jobs. Attending AusBiotech today, Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings and Industry and Trade Minister Jacinta Allan said the grants to medical diagnostics company Universal Biosensors, GlaxoS... read more…

Joint Stem Cell Study to Investigate Multiple Sclerosis

Thursday, 21 October, 2010. A $2.2 million project by Victorian and Californian researchers will assess whether stem cell therapies can be used to combat diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Type-1 diabetes, and help organ transplant recipients.Speaking at AusBiotech 2010 in Melbourne today, Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the Brumby Labor Government had contributed $57... read more…

$1.3 Million for Biotech Skills and Capabilities

Wednesday, 20th October, 2010 A $1.3 million Brumby Labor Government grant will help Victorian biotechnology companies build their clinical strategy and project management capabilities for the successful development of new medicines. Opening the AusBiotech 2010 Conference in Melbourne today, Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced Victorian company Medicines Development Limited (MDL) had... read more…

$55m Biotech Action Plan Launched Today

Tuesday, 19th October, 2010 New $55 million action plan for Victorian biotech to create solutions and grow 600 new jobs. Premier John Brumby today launched a $55 million action plan to strengthen Victoria’s leadership in biotechnology, help in the fight against serious illnesses and create jobs across the state. Speaking at the Australasian Life Sciences Investment Summit associa... read more…

$8.5 Million Biomedical Imaging Fund to Improve Health

Monday, 18 October, 2010 Advances in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as cancer, brain and heart disease will result from cutting-edge biomedical imaging capabilities being funded by an $8.5 million Brumby Labor Government grant. Visiting the construction site of the new Melbourne Neuroscience Project being built in Parkville, Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the fund... read more…

Commercialisation Australia Grant Recipients

Friday, 15 October 2010. A new treatment for kidney disease, a robotic defence training system, specialised mining vehicles and stronger artificial joints are among 22 new commercialisation projects being supported by the Australian Government. Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister, Senator Kim Carr, today announced that 22 Australian researchers, individuals and businesses... read more…

Roger Corbett AO to be appointed to the Board of HalcyGen

14 October 2010HalcyGen Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: HGN) is pleased to announce that Mr Roger Corbett AO is seeking shareholder approval to be elected as a Non Executive Director of the Company at the Annual General Meeting on 17th November 2010.Mr Corbett has unparalleled retail and corporate experience both in Australia and internationally; previously as CEO of Woolworths Limited, Roger has... read more…

Funding Kick-Starts Commercialisation of Anti-Cancer Discoveries in W.A.

13 October 2010 Scientists investigating the anti-cancer effects of a microRNA molecule have become the first in Western Australia to secure funding from a multi-million-dollar fund set up to help commercialise early-stage medical research discoveries.Professor Peter Leedman, who is Acting Director of the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) and head of the Institute’s Ho... read more…

New Plan To Keep Victoria At The Forefront of Innovation

From the Premier.Tuesday, 12 October 2010. The Brumby Government will invest $1.5 million through the General Sir John Monash Foundation to help some of Victoria’s best and brightest post-graduate scholars continue their education at prestigious international institutions to ensure Victoria keeps up to date with the latest technological developments abroad. While speaking at the Australian Is... read more…

Proposed R&D Bill misses the mark, says Deloitte

8 October, 2010 The Federal Government’s proposed R&D tax offset will not deliver improved outcomes, administrative simplicity or transparency for many Australian corporations, according to professional services firm Deloitte.Serg Duchini, Deloitte R&D and Government Incentives lead partner, said corporations with existing operations that undertake R&D as part of, or connected with, their prod... read more…

Launch of the National Research Infrastructure Forum

Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research - Senator Hon Kim Carr. 6 October 2010 Speech at the Jasper Hotel, Melbourne Victoria [check against delivery] It is a pleasure to see so many distinguished researchers gathered in Melbourne for the 2010 National Research Infrastructure Forum. This forum provides an opportunity for you to have your say. I trust th... read more…

Acrux wins two 2010 Governor of Victoria Export awards

4 October 2010. Industry and Trade Minister Jacinta Allan has congratulated Victorian biotechnology company Acrux for scooping this year’s Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA), taking out the prestigious Victorian Export Award for Innovation Excellence and the Large Services Export Award. The West Melbourne-based company is developing and commercialising a range of patented, fast-dr... read more…

Oxford spin-outs are 'commercial blueprint'

By Richard TylerPublished: 5:58PM BST 20 Sep 2010 A study into life science start-ups shows that Oxford university is by far the best UK university at commercially exploiting its research in the field. If all universities matched Oxford's ability to commercialise life science research the UK would have 25pc more cutting-edge companies, research has found. It also shows that on a... read more…

New Federal Health Technology Assesment web site

1 October 2010. The Department of Health and Ageing has developed a new website which provides a comprehensive overview of current Australian Government Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes used to inform decisions about the registration of health technologies for use in Australia and the reimbursement of these technologies provided under various funding programs, including the Medicare... read more…

Key US Patent Granted for Breakthrough LBT Lab Automation Technology

30 September, 2010LBT Innovations Limited (ASX: LBT) the Australian clinical and diagnostic technology developer, has been advised that the United States patent has been granted for the agar plate streaking technology which is at the core of the company’s MicroStreak® system.MicroStreak® enables microbiology laboratories to automatically process agar plates during infectious disease testing sev... read more…

New Parliament Should Pass PBS Savings Bill

30 September, 2010Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw today welcomed the inclusion of the National Health Amendment (Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme) Bill 2010 on the first bills list of the 43rd Parliament.The legislation will enable the implementation of $1.86 billion in savings from the PBS. Dr Shaw urged all political parties to support the Bill and ensure its enactment at ... read more…

Discovery and Validation of 13 Diabetes Biomarkers to be Commercialised

30 September, 2010 After three years of collaborative research involving patients from The Busselton Health Study, drug discovery company Proteomics International announced the identification and analytical validation of 13 protein biomarkers for a significant complication of diabetes – diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).In a presentation at the Human Proteome Organisation's World Congress ... read more…

R&D Tax Bill introduced into Parliament

Media Release Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and research - Senator Hon Kim Carr30 September 2010 INTRODUCTION OF THE R&D TAX CREDIT The Gillard Labor Government has introduced the R&D Tax Credit to replace the existing R&D Tax Concession with a more certain, more generous R&D incentive to business, particularly SMEs. “The Bill to introduce the new R&D Tax Cr... read more…

Big Boost for Businesses Hoping to Think Small

29 September, 2010Victorian businesses will have the opportunity to increase their competitiveness by using small technologies in their products, processes or services, thanks to a $6.5 million Brumby Labor Government program.Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings today launched the first round of the Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program (STIUP) which was a key part of the $10.5 million Victo... read more…

HealthLinx Executes Commercial Agreement with Millipore

29 September, 2010Worldwide non-exclusive agreement signed for AGR2 for research purposes HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) has signed a commercial agreement with Millipore Corporation, one of the world’s largest research reagent companies to license HealthLinx’s AGR2 monoclonal antibody. The worldwide non-exclusive licence agreement allows Millipore to market and sell the monoclonal antibody for re... read more…

Victoria's Biotech sector Gets Boost in Skills Review

Victoria's Biotech Sector Gets Boost in Skills Review 27 September 2010. Victoria’s biotechnology industry is healthy, growing and well-positioned to meet future demands as it matures according to a review of the sector released today by Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings. Mr Jennings said the findings of the Biotechnology Skills Review indicate a growing demand for highly skilled biote... read more…

EVestG (Neural Diagnostics) wins ABC's New Inventor Award and People's Choice Award

EVestG wins the ABC's New Inventor Award and People's Chouce Award. 23 September 2010. EVestG is a new diagnostic technique that measures the patterns of electrical activity in the brain’s vestibular (or balance) system allowing Doctors to dramatically fast-track the detection of mental and neurological illnesses. Correctly diagnosing mental illness is a massive problem Worldwide and some s... read more…

Businesses Invest $16.9 Billion on Research and Development

24 September, 2010Australian firms are increasing their investment in research and development according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr welcomed new figures which show business expenditure on research and experimental development (BERD) reached $16.9 billion in 2008-09, a strong increase of 13 per cent in current price terms... read more…

Medicines Industry R&D Breaks Through $1 Billion

24 September, 2010The Australian medicines industry’s R&D investment has exceeded $1 billion for the first time, according to the annual Australia Bureau of Statistics business expenditure on R&D figures released today.The ABS report shows that the medicines industry attracted $1.023 billion in R&D investment in 2008-09, up $94 million or 10 per cent from the previous year.The Australian medici... read more…

National Scientists Choose Victoria for Research

NATIONAL SCIENTISTS CHOOSE VICTORIA FOR RESEARCH From the Victorian Minister for Health Wednesday, 15 September 2010 The Brumby Labor Government today welcomed an announcement that Austin Health will become a hub for world-class research into new ways of detecting and treating cancer. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will invest $1.5 million to cons... read more…

Sidley Austin LLP Receives the Most First-Tier National Rankings in the Inaugural "Best Law Firms" Survey by U.S.News and Best LawyersR

15 September 2010 We are pleased to announce that Sidley has received 20 first-tier national rankings in the inaugural U.S.News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey, the most of any U.S. law firm. In addition, the firm was named as one of the “Best Law Firms to Work For.”Out of 39 nationally ranked practice areas, Sidley’s 20 first-tier national rankings exceeded those of more than 10,000 U... read more…

Stroke Study launched in Melbourne

CSIRO 13 September 2010 Focussing on Australia's second biggest killer Substantially reducing the millions of cases of stroke recorded worldwide every year is the focus of a new collaborative CSIRO research 'cluster' being launched in Melbourne today. The cluster will conduct the START (Stroke, imaging, pRevention and Treatment) cohort study of stroke which is designed to integrate imag... read more…

BioDiem receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for BDM-E

10 September 2010Australian biopharmaceutical development company BioDiem Ltd (ASX: BDM) today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug designation to BDM-E for the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa.BioDiem plans to take advantage of the incentives offered under the Orphan Drug program. The Company will be looking to undertake an early stage cl... read more…

Vale Dr Mike Dalling

Written by Dr Roger Edwards, Neural Diagnostics Dr Mike Dalling, one of Australia’s first Biotechnology Scientists and first Business Leader in the field passed away yesterday, 8th September 2010 of a heart attack. Mike’s contribution to research and development of technology and its commercialisation in Australia was extra-ordinary, particularly in the field of biotechnology. For ... read more…

Lilly Invests USD$150 Million With Venture Firms Seeking New Drug Candidates

By Meg Tirrell and Ari Levy - Sep 10, 2010 6:09 AM GMT+1000 Bloomberg. Eli Lilly & Co. plans to invest as much as $150 million in three venture capital funds to aid development of new medicines, as the company faces generic competition next year to its top-selling antipsychotic drug. The funds may be worth a total of $750 million, up to $250 million each, and Lilly will contribute as much... read more…

Mark Morrison retires from Universal Biosensors

Universal Biosensors Announces Retirement of Mark Morrisson 9 September 2010: Mr. Morrisson announced today his decision to retire as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Biosensors, Inc. (ASX: UBI) and to resign from the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Morrisson noted that with the launch of the LifeScan OneTouch® Verio™ in the Netherlands in January 2010 and the launch last week... read more…

BioDiem’s LAIV Technology Featured at Influenza Conference

8 September 2010 Australian biopharmaceutical development company BioDiem Ltd (ASX: BDM) today announced that its Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) technology for H5N1 (avian) influenza has featured at the Options for the Control of Influenza VII conference in Hong Kong. This conference is the largest international conference devoted exclusively to influenza, covering topics from basic s... read more…

Katter Supports Coalition

7 September 2010. BREAKING NEWS - INDEPENDENT MP BOB KATTER TO SUPPORT COALITION (FED). Independent MP Bob Katter has announced that he will be supporting the Coalition to form the next Australian Government. Mr Katter made no comment on the decision of Mr Oakeshott or Mr Tony Windsor who are expected to hold a news conference at 3pm. read more…

Investment Incentive Needed for New Antibiotics

6 September 2010 Investment incentive needed for new antibiotics Governments around the world must work with pharmaceutical companies to create the right policy environment for research into urgently-needed new antibiotics, Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw said today. Last month the World Health Organisation issued a new warning about the global spread of multidr... read more…

Historic Milestone for Cochlear Implants in Victoria

Thursday, 02 September 2010A three-year-old girl from Gippsland has become the recipient of the 2000th cochlear implant at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.Visiting the hospital today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews joined bionic ear pioneer Professor Graeme Clark and patients to celebrate the historic milestone by releasing 99 balloons each with a unique patient story.“This milestone i... read more…

Phosphagenics Exercises Option to Licence AOD9604 to Develop Topical Cellulite Product

2 September 2010• Cosmeceutical with potential short timeframe to market• TPM™ technology superior in delivering active ingredients providing greater results• Human testing scheduled for early 2011Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, OTCQX: PPGNY) has exercised its option to licence the Calzada Limited (ASX: CZD) (formerly Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited) patented compound, AOD9604, for ... read more…

Dr Christine Bennett Appointed Chair of Research Australia

Dr. Christine Bennett appointed Chair of Research Australia 3rd September 2010. The Board of Research Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Christine Bennett as Chairman of Research Australia. Dr Bennett is Chief Medical Officer and Director Health Care Leadership with Bupa Australia. Dr Bennett is well positioned to take the organization into its next important... read more…

Halcygen Reports Maiden Profit and Dividend

31 August 2010 Halcygen Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: HGN) today announced underlying operating earnings of $12.2M, which are as expected for the year ending 30 June 2010. This represents eight months of the acquisition of Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd (Mayne Pharma) effective 1 November 2009. As a result of this strong profit, the Board of Halcygen has declared a fully franked dividend o... read more…

Latest International Biotech IPO's

July 2010 In the last few months, three biotech IPO's were added bringing the total of biotch IPO's since last August to 23. Genmark Diagnostics (US), CorMedix (US), and Novagali (France) each raised under USD$30M, which is under the median amount raised for all 23 biotech IPOs – globally (USD$39M) and in the US (USD$79M) . The post IPO performance continues to be weak, with the median stock... read more…

Richard Treagus wins Southern Region Entrepreneur of the Year in the 'Listed' category

Entrepreneurial excellence awarded in Southern Region Friday, 27 August 2010 — Entrepreneurial excellence was celebrated and recognised at the 10th annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Southern Region Awards held in Melbourne last night.The 2010 Southern Region winners, by category, are: Young entrepreneur: Andrew Thomas, Thomas Duryea Consulting Technology & emerging industrie... read more…

Victorian Biotech Improves Health in Developing Countries

27 August 2010, Melbourne “Victoria’s biomedical research and biotechnology sector have 120 commercial products and mature research projects either in the pipeline or on the market, to fight infectious diseases that contribute to the leading causes of death in resource poor communities,” said Ms Michelle Gallaher, CEO BioMelbourne Network. This includes some · ... read more…

Victorian biotechnology – saving lives in the world’s poorest countries

By Michelle Gallaher, CEO BioMelbourne Network. 27 August 2010. Today, Victorian biotech companies and research organisations played a hand in saving thousands of lives in many of the poorest countries in the world. Diagnosing and treating malaria, hepatitis and HIV / AIDS, vaccinating children and implementing basic are just some of the challenges international aid agencies face ever... read more…

Acrux Reports Maiden Profit of $46.6 Million

25 August 2010Highlights:- Maiden profit after tax $46.6 million (2009: loss $7.7 million)- Diluted earnings per share 28.7 cents (2009: loss 4.8 cents)- Cash reserves $58.6 million (2009: $14.7 million)- Revenue $56.1 million (2009: $3.5 million)- Axiron™ transforms Acrux financial position: - Global licence agreement with Eli Lilly, with milestone payments of up to US$335 million, ... read more…

Australia's Medical Research Commercialisation Fund Chooses Thomsom Pharma® From Thomson Reuters

25 August 2010Thomson Reuters today announces that the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) has chosen Thomson Pharma® to serve the key commercialisation and business development needs of its 27 members. The MRCF is an innovative investment collaboration,that invests in the most promising opportunities emanating from its members, including 27 of Australia’s leading Medical Research I... read more…

New Non-Exec Directors at Phosphagenics

PHOSPHAGENICS APPOINTS THREE NEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS TO BOOST ITS COMMERCIAL TRANSFORMATION Stuart James – former CEO & Managing Director of Mayne Pharma Sandra Webb – Director of Ground Zero Pharmaceuticals Don Clarke – Partner Minter Ellison, Deputy Chair of Webjet & Director Circadian Technologies Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH; OTCQX: PPGNY) has appointed Mr Stuart James... read more…

Prana Biotechnology Secures Key Patents in US & Europe

Prana Biotechnology Secures Key Patents in US & Europe Prana secures key PBT2 patents in the United States and EuropePatents support pipeline opportunities for PBT2 in AD and HDMELBOURNE, Australia – August 24, 2010 : Prana Biotechnology (ASX : PBT; NASDAQ : PRAN) today announced that it has secured key PBT2 patents in Europe and the United States.The United States Patent and Trademark Office ... read more…

Coalition policy for innovation, industry, science & research

COALITION PLAN FOR REAL ACTION ON INNOVATION, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE & RESEARCH 19 August 2010. For a full copy of the policy, email mgallaher@biomelbourne.org EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Coalition’s Plan for Real Action on Innovation, Industry, Science and Research will revitalise our national competitiveness, support our food industry, maintain our ability to supply essential materials to ... read more…

$20 million global network to tackle malaria

18 August 2010. Today at the XIIth International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA XII) Andy Waters, head of the European Virtual Institute for Malaria Research (EVIMalaR) will tell us how a global network of scientists will tackle the biggest human parasite problem, malaria.EVIMalaR, with formal links to its Australian equivalent OzEMalaR, brings together over 80 of the world’s leading research... read more…

Politicians must safeguard Australians' access to generics

17 August, 2010. The Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) is calling on all federal politicians to safeguard Australians’ The PBS provides good value for money The PBS is the most cost-effective element of the health care system in Australia. Since 1993, every product put on the PBS has undergone rigorous, independent health economic assessment to ensure it is cost-effecti... read more…

Coalition comment on R&D Tax

Media Release Authorised and printed by Brian Loughnane for the Liberal Party of Australia Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts BARTON ACT 2600 Sophine Mirabella MP Wednesday 11 August 2010 MORE BETRAYAL FROM LABOR ON AUSTRALIAN R&D Australian businesses have every right to feel dismayed after Innovation Minister Kim Carr confirmed yesterday he would stubbornly ... read more…

ALP launches innovation policy today

Campaign Media Release 11 August 2010 Minister for innovation, industry, science and research labor candidate for hinkler INNOVATION TO MOVE AUSTRALIA FORWARD Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, said today that a Gillard Labor Government would work to raise living standards and create jobs by increasing Australia’s capacity to generate and apply new ideas. Senator Ca... read more…

Medicines Australia launches federal election priorities

August 10, 2010. Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw today announced the 2010 federalelection priorities for the Australian medicines industry. Medicines and the 2010 Federal Election: Supporting Australia’s Health urges all politicalparties to support three key objectives: - Provide business certainty for the Australian medicines industry- Ensure Australian medicines industry... read more…

Universal Biosensors Announces Launch of OneTouch® Verio™ in Australia by LifeScan

August 9, 2010. Universal Biosensors, Inc. (ASX: UBI) announced today that it has been informed by LifeScan (a Johnson & Johnson company), that LifeScan’s new product incorporating technology developed with Universal Biosensors will be made available for sale in Australia under the OneTouch® Verio™ brand from the 1st of September 2010. LifeScan, a global company with a presence in 75 countries ... read more…

YM Biosciences announces conclusion of phase I dose-escalation and expansion of ongoing CYT387 phase I/II clinical study

MISSISSAUGA, Canada – August 5, 2010 YM BioSciences Inc. (NYSE Amex:YMI, TSX:YM), announced the conclusion of dose-escalation in the Phase I portion of its Phase I/II clinical trial of CYT387 at Mayo Clinic in patients with myelofibrosis. In total, 21 patients were treated in Phase I, with no voluntary withdrawals reported. CYT387 has shown significant activity in reducing spleen size and con... read more…

Roxon' critique of Abbott Health Policy

MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE SYDNEY 5 AUGUST 2010 E & O E – PROOF ONLY Subjects: Tony Abbott’s health promises ROXON: Thanks very much for coming today. I want to make some comments in response to Mr Abbott’s launch today of what he is calling a health policy. Of course what it means is the community now, at last, has a clear choice ... read more…

CTG grants third license to Monsanto

Genetic Technologies grants third license to Monsanto Increases licensing revenue to GTG Revenue is not-dilutive 6 August 2010: Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) is pleased to announce that it has granted a third license to Monsanto Company of St. Louis, Missouri, USA (“Monsanto”). Genetic Technologies had previously granted a non-exclusive license to the GTG no... read more…

$3.7 million for cancer research in Melborne

Tuesday, 3 August, 2010 $3.7 million for world class cancer research Evaluating the benefits of a world-first project that uses personalised films to support young cancer patients is one of the projects sharing in $3.7 million Brumby Labor Government funding for cancer research. Visiting the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced 24 research p... read more…

"Melbourne, Australia. Life sciences capital of the Asia Pacific" - A supplement published by Life Science CLUSTERS magazine

Click here to view the supplement, published by Life Science CLUSTERS magazine. read more…

Update on seasonal influenza vaccine for children

Update on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Children Update on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination of Children Melbourne, Australia — 30/07/2010 CSL Limited (CSL) supports the statement made today by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer regarding seasonal flu vaccine for young children.Since becoming aware of an association between CSL’s influenza vaccine and increased febrile reactions in chil... read more…

New appointment at Halcygen

Executive Director Resignation Management Appointment Thursday 29th July 2010, Melbourne Australia: Halcygen Pharmaceuticals Limited today announced Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Craig Bottomley would step down from the role after 5 years with the company due to family reasons. Lisa Pendlebury would assume the role of Investor Relations Manager. Lisa was previously the... read more…

300+ jobs created as CSL expands

More than 300 jobs created as biotech giant expands 16 July 2010. Melbourne. The Victorian Government will back global biopharmaceutical company CSL to invest $235 million on a major expansion of its Broadmeadows facility which will create 333 new jobs by 2018. At CSL in Broadmeadows today, Premier John Brumby was joined by Commonwealth Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, S... read more…

Commercialisation Grants of $2.2 million announced

14 July, 2010. Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, today announced over $2.2 million in support for eleven new projects. This follows the $9.6 million in funding announced in April. Unfortunately no Victorian companies were grant recipients. To view the list of grant recipients, click here. read more…

New Chairman elected to Avexa Board

AVEXA has gained 15% this morning after its new board elected former director Joe Baini as its new chairman and began preparing for an independent review of HIV drug apricitabine and discussions with regulatory authorities over ATC’s future potential. Baini retired from the board in May, a departure then-chairman Nathan Drona said was due to an “an inability to commit the require... read more…

Small technologies means big business for Victoria

Small technology means big business for Victoria Self cleaning paint, miniature sensors that detect disease in its early stages and next generation batteries are all revolutionary products that could result from research undertaken at the new $57 million Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication. Opening the centre in Clayton today, Premier John Brumby and Innovation Minister Gavin Jenning... read more…

Melbourne Pathology to be First Australian Site to use Breakthrough Microbiology System

• Australian innovation already sold in US, Europe and Asia• Changes microbiology labs into automated workplaces 1 July 2010: Melbourne Pathology is the first Australian laboratory to acquire PREVI™ Isola. Distributed by bioMérieux Australia Pty Ltd, PREVI™ Isola is based on LBT Innovations Limited (ASX: LBT) revolutionary MicroStreak® technology for automated agar plate streaking in microbio... read more…

Global R&D productivity declining

Global Pharmaceutical R&D Productivity Declining According to Thomson Reuters, CMR International 28 June 2010. Philadelphia & London PRNewswire/ -- The pharmaceutical industry continues to rely heavily on sales from an aging portfolio of drugs, whilst the proportion of total sales from newer drugs has dropped, according to data released today from the 2010 Pharmaceutical R&D Factbook compil... read more…

Vic Govt. announces new $11.4 million competitive business fund

5 July 2010. The new Competitive Business Fund is a key component of Transition to a Global Future, a Victorian Government initiative to assist businesses to take maximum advantage of new opportunities that are emerging in the global economy. Funding in the order of $3.3 million is available in the first round of grants for projects that strengthen the competitiveness of strategic Victorian in... read more…

Davies Collison Cave bring home IP awards

24 June 2010. DCC wins "Australian Prosecution IP Firm of the Year" Award for 2010 Davies Collison Cave is pleased to announce the firm was awarded "Australian Prosecution IP Firm of the Year" for 2010 by leading UK Journal Managing Intellectual Property (MIP). The award was presented at the Global Awards Ceremony in London on 24 June 2010. The firm has now won this prestigious award in 200... read more…

Applications for VESKI Innovation Fellowships 2010/11 are NOW OPEN

Applications for VESKI Innovation Fellowships 2010/11 are NOW OPEN... Are you, or do you know, an Outstanding Individual who wishes to return to Victoria to undertake a Research Project? Applications for VESKI Innovation Fellowships for take up in financial year 2010/11 are NOW OPEN with submissions closing at 5pm on Wednesday, 25th August 2010.The VESKI Innovation Fellowships are open to in... read more…

TGA restructured

Therapeutic Goods Administration - new structural arrangements 28 June 2010 The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will officially launch a new organisational structure on 1 July 2010. This new structure will support the TGA's delivery of appropriate, consistent, effective and efficient regulation into the future. This is the first time the TGA has comprehensively reviewed and implemente... read more…

PM Announces New Ministry

28 June, 2010. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced her new Ministry. Simon Crean will take over the Prime Minister portfolio's of Employment and Workplace Relations; Education; and Social Inclusion. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith will has been given responsibility for the Trade portfolio. Lindsay Tanner will remain in his current role until the election. Mr Tanner has indic... read more…

R&D Tax Bill stalled but still on the agenda

25th June 2010. The R&D Bill was not heard in the Senate yesterday, and so will not pass in this sitting of Parliament. The next possible sitting is in late August; however, with the change of Prime Minister and the possibility of an early election, it is possible this sitting may not occur. For more information about the R&D Tax Bill go to the BMN Resources page or click here. The ... read more…

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's first speech

THE HON JULIA GILLARD MPPRIME MINISTER TRANSCRIPT Initial remarks11:40am Thursday24 June 2010Caucus Room, Parliament HouseCanberraThank you for joining me in this jam packed room. And can I say, Australians one and all, it’s with the greatest humility, resolve and enthusiasm that I sought the endorsement of my colleagues to be the Labor Leader and to become Prime Minister of this country. I h... read more…

Pharma industry will submit Ph III trial results for publication

Pharmaceutical industry makes commitment to submit clinical trial results for publication 22 June 2010. Medicines Australia fully supports a new commitment by the global research-based pharmaceutical industry to submit for scientific journal publication the results of all its Phase III clinical trials. The commitment, set out in a policy position announced last week by the Internation... read more…

AiG calls for the R&D tax Bill to be scrapped

The Australian Industry Group is calling for the R&D tax Bill to be opposed in the Senate where it will be introduced on Tuesday 22 June. The Bill is currently up for debate in the House of Representatives and was read for the second time on Friday. For access to the Bill and to a collection of commentary by various group click on this link to the Resources section of the BioMelbourne Netw... read more…

Simon McKeon Appointed to Helm of CSIRO

Media Release: Senator the Hon Kim CarrSIMON MCKEON APPOINTED TO HELM OF CSIRO 21 June 2010. Mr Simon McKeon has been appointed Chairman of the CSIRO Board.Mr McKeon brings executive experience in a wide range of public and private sector organisations to the Board. He is currently the Executive Chairman of the Melbourne Office at Macquarie Group. Announcing the appointment today, Innovation ... read more…

Peter Beattie Appointed to Medical Research Commercialisation Fund

17 June 2010: Former Queensland Premier and long time champion of Australia’s biotechnology industry, the Hon Peter Beattie, has been appointed as a non-executive Director of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund. The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) was established in 2007 as an innovative investment collaboration between Australia’s leading medical research institutes a... read more…

Richard Treagus nominated in 2010 E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year

Melbourne, 17 June 2010: Acrux (ASX: ACR) is pleased to announce that its CEO Richard Treagus has been nominated for the 2010 Entrepreneur Of The Year awards (southern region – Victoria and Tasmania), following Acrux’s achievements with AXIRON ™ . Richard joins other nominees from across Australia who will compete for the ultimate prize of being named 2010 Australian En... read more…

Melbourne most attractive R&D tax environment in the world: KPMG

Melbourne most attractive R&D tax environment in the world: KPMG12 May 2010. Melbourne has topped the world in a special KPMG report on tax, ranked as the most attractive tax environment globally for R&D operations, ahead of Montreal, Sydney and Vancouver. The report also ranked Australia first in the national R&D tax category, scoring 12.1 against the US baseline of 100 - meaning the tax burd... read more…

Invetech team wins presitgious 2010 Gold Medical Design Excellence Award

10 June 2010. Previ Isola wins prestigious 2010 Gold Medal Design Excellence Award (MDEA) - developed and manufactured by Invetech. invetech wins the MDEA two consecutive years in a row following TearLab's win in 2009. PREVI™ Isola, a breakthrough medical instrument that delivers a faster, more precise and cost-efficient way to process patient specimens, has been awarded the prestigious 20... read more…

Victoria leads the way in Medical Research

8 June 2010. A breakthrough in understanding why organs are rejected after transplants has won Victorian medical researcher Dr Julia Archbold the 2010 Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research. The Premier, John Brumby, presented Dr Archbold and other winners with awards and prize money at a ceremony at Government House today. He also announced funding for two high performa... read more…

$21m fund for stem cell research

Media Release Senator the Hon Kim CarrJoint media release with the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon. Mark Butler MP31 May 2010Fund to power stem cell science breakthroughs The Australian Government will establish a stem cell research fund to boost research in a field that may hold the key to curing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The Australian Research Counci... read more…

OECD Innovations Strategy confirms Australia is on track

OECD innovation strategy embraces Australian approach 28 May, 2010. An innovation strategy released by the OECD strongly supports ideas already adopted in Australia as part of the Rudd Government’s innovation agenda, Powering Ideas. The OECD Innovation Strategy confirms that Australia is on the right track by focusing on innovation as a key driver of long-term economic growth. “Imitation is ... read more…

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Patent held by WARF declared invalid

Stem Cell Battle Continues The ongoing battle between the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and the Public Patent Foundation has seen one of WARF's three stem cell patents declared invalid by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patents in question relate to methods for deriving and growing primate and human embryonic stem cells. The Public Patent Foundation has been arguing that ... read more…

Dr Jackie Fairley joins Board of Melbourne Business School

MBS Announces Renewed Board Melbourne Business School announced changes to its board of directors. Chairman Ron McNeilly, has retired along with two other board members, Mr. Geoffrey Allen AM and Mr. Eric Gwee Teck Hai. The board has appointed Peter Barnes as Chairman, effective immediately. Mr Barnes has had a long and distinguished association with the Melbourne Business School, beginn... read more…

$250m biotech fund to drive innovation out of Qld

Premier and Minister for the ArtsThe Honourable Anna Bligh Thursday, May 20, 2010 Australian-first: $250m biotech fund to drive innovation out of Qld The Bligh Government has secured an Australian-first venture capital fund which provides unprecedented international financial backing to drive ideas and innovation in Queensland. Premier Anna Bligh today announced the venture capital f... read more…

Congratulations to Davies Collison Cave winner of the Australasian Law Awards

BioMelbourne Network member Davies Collison Cave is this year's Australasian Law award winner for IP Specialist Law firm. The Australasian Law Awards, made by Australian Legal Business Magazine, are the premier awards for the Australian and New Zealand legal industry. This is the fourth time the firm has taken out this prestigious award. The well-established and much anticipated event gathers ... read more…

VU installs George Pappas as new Chancellor

Victoria University installed Mr George Pappas as its fourth Chancellor on Thursday 13 May at a ceremony at Flemington Racecourse.Professor David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria, presided over the ceremony in his role as University Visitor.Mr Pappas took up his new role on 1 January 2010 following the retirement of the Hon Justice Frank Vincent AO, QC who was VU Chancellor for more than ei... read more…

Suzanne Cory - first elected female President of the Australian Academy of Science

7 May 2010 Distinguished cancer researcher, Professor Suzanne Cory, has been elected by her peers as President of the Australian Academy of Science – an institution that has been dominated by male scientists since its formation in 1954. As the first elected female President she takes over the role from outgoing President, Professor Kurt Lambeck. Professor Cory said of the appointment ‘I fee... read more…

BioMelbourne Network - 2010 Federal Budget Commentary

By Michelle Gallaher, CEO BioMelbourne Network For a summary of the Federal Budget for biotech, go to the Victoian BioPortal and follow links through to the Federal Government section of the web site where you will find all of the relevant links to documents related to biotechnology as ell as a collection of comments from other sources. read more…

Settlement Agreement Transferring Luramist Assets to Acrux

11th May, 2010. Melbourne, Australia. Acrux today signed an agreement with Vivus Inc., under which all disputes relating to Luramist ™, the testosterone spray for women, have been settled. Under the settlement agreement, which resolves all claims and potential claims by either party, the Testosterone Development and Commercialzation Agreement between the parties has been terminated with ... read more…

Genera Biosystems partners with Healthscope on a respiratory test

11th May, 2010. Melbourne, Australia. Genera partners with Healthscope to develop a test for the detection of respiratory tract pathogens. RTI-plex will be able to identify and differentiate up to 30 different respiratory pathogens, including avian influenza and SARS and Genera to retain global commercialisation rights. Genera Biosystems today announced a new collaborative arran... read more…

Avexa announces the end of lead HIV program and CEO resigns

10th May 2010. Avexa closes Apricitabine (ATC) Program and announces CEO resignation, headcount redction & plan to explore strategic alternatives. The Board of Avexa Limited (ASX:AVX) has resolved to cease any further development of its lead HIV program, ATC, following the unsuccessful conclusion of partnering discussions with global pharmaceutical companies. This announcement follo... read more…

Platypus peptides potential to kill human superbugs

From the Minister for Agriculture at BIO2010 Chicago. Thursday, 06 May 2010 One of Australia’s most unique animals, the platypus, could hold the key to finding a new generation of medicines to kill off drug-resistant “superbugs”, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper announced today. Mr Helper said scientists from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) were the first in the world to isol... read more…

Victorian Government BIO Chicago releases

5th May 2010. Overnight, the Victorian Government released a number of announcements at BIO Chicago. A new laser treatment for eye disease shows promise in a Victorian Government funded trial. The Victorian Commercialisation Fund invests in a new treatment fro Alzheimer's disease, and Victoria establishes its first bioelectronics laboratory. Click here for all of the Victorian Gover... read more…

Genetic Technologies Grants Non-Coding License to Gen-Probe

3rd May, 2010. Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) is pleased to announce that it has executed a Settlement and License Agreement with respect to its non-coding patents with Gen-Probe Inc., based in San Diego, California, USA. The license granted by GTG covers the world-wide activities of Gen-Probe in relation to its genetic diagnostics and analysis products. The commerc... read more…

Mantrax & TCG Lifesciences collaborate on drug solutions

Mantrax Ventures and TCG Lifesciences collaborate for innovative global drug discovery & development solutions Melbourne, Australia: 27 April 2010: Global contract research and informatics company TCG Lifesciences Limited (TCGLS) today launched its Australian operations to offer highly efficient and sought-after discovery research and development services. Mantrax Ventures will represent ... read more…

YM BioSciences announces controlled equity offering

MISSISSAUGA, Canada – April 26, 2010 – YM BioSciences Inc. (NYSE Amex:YMI, TSX:YM), announced today that it has filed a prospectus supplement to its final base shelf prospectus, dated September 16, 2009, with the Ontario Securities Commission, and a supplement to its U.S. prospectus, dated September 16, 2009, forming part of its U.S. registration statement, with the United States Securiti... read more…

Biotech enters the Australian immigration debate

By Michelle Gallaher, CEO, BioMelbourne Network. Published 27 April 2010 on the Invest Victoria, Countdown to BIO Blog. If Australia is to embrace and fully support innovation, the first item on the ‘must have’ check list is skills. Having the right people who can translate good ideas to commercial success. Australia has a wealth of good ideas, research and discovery ambition, but we hone... read more…

Eye drug inds new life in Geelong diabetes trial

Eye drug finds new life in Geelong diabetes trial People with diabetes invited to participate in trial Media release: Geelong, Thursday 23 April 2010 Modern drugs can stabilise adult onset diabetes but with some serious side effects. A Geelong-based company, Verva Pharmaceuticals, has a new approach – a drug used for many years to treat eye disease. In animal testing, the drug restored sensi... read more…

YM BioSciences announces efficacy data for JAK1/2 inhibitor in Blood publication

YM BioSciences announces pivotal preclinical efficacy data for the JAK1/2 inhibitor CYT387 published in Blood, the Journal of the American Society of Haematology MISSISSAUGA, Canada – April 19, 2010 – YM BioSciences Inc. (NYSE Amex:YMI, TSX:YM), announced the pre-publication of pivotal preclinical data for CYT387, the company’s highly selective and potent JAK1/2 inhibitor, currently in a Ph... read more…

Victorian Government invests $10.5 million in small technologies

On April 16 the Victorian Government launched its $10.5 million Victorian Action Plan for Small Technologies at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication in Clayton. “Victoria leads the way in nanotechnology and microtechnology in Australia and the Brumby Labor Government is taking action with this plan to ensure the growth of the sector by increasing its export and investment potential,” Innov... read more…

Halcygen completes recuitment of phase II

Halcygen Completes Recruitment of its US-conducted Phase II Study for SUBAâ-Itraconazole Final Patient Recruited (175 patients) in Phase II Safety-Efficacy Study Initiated in July 2009 Tuesday 13th April 2010, Melbourne Australia: HalcyGen Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: HGN) is pleased to announce that it has recruited and began treatment of the last patient in its US-based Phase II... read more…

Davies Collison Cave wins BRW Client Choice Award

BRW Client Choice Awards 2010 - Davies Collison Cave voted the Best Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Firm. BRW Client Choice Awards winner for 2010. Davies Collison Cave, is a BRW Client Choice Awards winner for 2010. The BRW Client Choice Awards are based on quantitative research into buyers of professional services, conducted independently by Beaton Consulting. The selection of the ... read more…

LBT Innovations Wins Prestigious International Medical Award

The award highlights PREVI™ Isola’s breakthrough technology for microbiology testingLBT CEO to accept award at formal ceremony in New York City in June9 April 2010, South Australia: An Australian medical innovation has won a major international medical excellence design award.The breakthrough PREVI™ Isola – a revolutionary technology for streaking agar plates in microbiology laboratories – has ... read more…

Boehringer Ingelheim announce new VC fund

Boehringer Ingelheim today announced the launch of its corporate venture capital fund, the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF). The BIVF aims to invest in Biotech and Start-up companies that provide ground-breaking therapeutic approaches and technologies to help drive innovation in medical science. These may include - but are not limited to - new therapeutic concepts including stem cells ... read more…

Phosphagenics signs global agreement with Novartis

March 31, 2010. The Melbourne-based biotechnology company, Phosphagenics Limited (ASX:POH, OTCQX:PPGNY) announced today the signing of a global agreement to develop their patented transdermal (TPM) insulin delivery system for the treatment of diabetes in companion animals. The deal signed with Novartis Animal Health, a business unit within the global Novartis Group, opens new opportuni... read more…

BIODIEM (ASX:BDM) - Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Program Update

Melbourne, Wednesday 31 March 2010: Australian biopharmaceutical development company BioDiem Ltd (ASX: BDM) announces an update on the Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Program with the World Health Organization (WHO). In September 2009 the World Health Organization entered into two sublicences, under its Global Pandemic Influenza Action Plan for developing countries, with the Government Pharmac... read more…

EMBL Australia Launch

BOOST TO AUSTRALIA-EUROPE SCIENCE LINK Senator The Hon. Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research today made a series of announcements on the progression of Australia’s link with Europe’s foremost life sciences research body. EMBL Australia was initiated in 2008 to capitalise on Australia being granted the first Associate Membership of the European Molecular Bio... read more…

Joint Technology Fund To Boost Victorian Innovation

A new round of funding is available for Victorian companies to turn their innovative ideas into commercial products under the joint fund agreement between the State of Victoria and Israel.Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings has opened the seventh round of funding for the Victoria–Israel Science and Technology R&D Fund (VISTECH) which provides matching grants of up to US$500,000. VISTECH was laun... read more…

Sidley Austin awarded gong for top life sciences law firm in US

February 3, 2010 New York – Sidley Austin LLP, a new member of the BioMelbourne Network and the first US member, was named the number one law firm in the United States for Life Sciences in The International Who’s Who of Life Sciences Lawyers, published by Who’s Who Legal. Sidley was the most highly nominated firm in the U.S., with more nominations from clients and peers than any other law f... read more…

Biotechnology needs a shot in the arm - R&D Tax

Biotechnology needs shot in the arm Michelle Gallaher From: The Australian March 20, 2010 12:00AM BIOTECHNOLOGY is akin to white-water rafting. It's not for the fainthearted and players are known to have a great appetite for risk and the unexpected. These attributes have served the sector well to date. Biotechnology has proved to be resilient, particularly so during the tough econ... read more…

Business Partnering Grants still open for BIO2010

The Biotechnology International Partnering Program (BIPP) provides grant assistance for eligible Victorian companies to attend recognised overseas biotechnology conferences and trade events. Participants will need to demonstrate market outcomes achieved as a result of attendance. BIPP has been developed by the Victorian Government to support the growth and internationalisation of Victorian ... read more…

Viralytics moves to increase US presence

Viralytics moves to increase US presence 19th March 2010, Sydney: Viralytics Limited (ASX: VLA, OTC: VRACY): Sydney based cancer drug development Company Viralytics Limited (ASX: VLA) has moved to increase its international profile in the lucrative US biotech investment market. The Company has gained clearance from the US Financial Industry and Regulatory Authority to upgrade its Am... read more…

US Sales of Doryx Update

Tuesday 2nd March 2010, Melbourne Australia: HalcyGen Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: HGN) reports that its marketing and distribution partner for its Doryx product, Warner Chilcott (USA), has filed its operating results showing US$66.6 million and US$210.0 million in Doryx sales for the quarter and year ended 31 December 2009 respectively (attached). The following is an extract of the commentar... read more…

Nominations Open for 2010 Victoria Prize and Fellowships

The Brumby Labor Government today invited Victoria’s leading and emerging scientists, engineers and innovators to enter the prestigious 2010 Victoria Prize and Victoria Fellowships. Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said previous Victoria Prize and Victoria Fellowships winners had pioneered new ways of treating heart failure, stress and high blood pressure as well as the development of polymer... read more…

Innovation Investment Fund - application round open today

FUNDING TO GROW VENTURE CAPITAL: CALL FOR FURTHER APPLICATIONS Fund managers around the country are invited to submit applications under the latest round of the Government’s venture capital support program, the Innovation Investment Fund (IIF). Investment in venture capital is a driver of innovation. In the wake of the global recession it is more important than ever to attract investment ... read more…

LBT Innovations - Half Year Results

17 February 2010, Adelaide: LBT Innovations Limited (formerly LabTech Systems) (ASX: LBT), the Australian clinical and diagnostic technology developer, today released its interim results for the half-year to 31 December 2009. For the first half of this financial year revenue and profit after tax decreased compared to the previous corresponding period, the main difference being no revenue from ... read more…

CSL - ASX Announcement

17th February, 2010 - CSL - ASX Accouncement - Interim Result. Profit $617 million up 23% (up 32% at constant currency) Cash Flow from Operations $491 million up 10% CSL Limited today announced a profit after tax of $617 million for the six months ended 31 December 2009, up 23% when compared to the six months ended 31 December 2008. This result included an unfavourable foreign exchange impac... read more…

Commercialisation Australia Board Members Announced

Senator the Hon Kim Carr, 9th February 2010 Australia’s innovative firms, scientists and researchers are set to benefit from a panel of experts appointed today to serve as the inaugural Commercialisation Australia Board. Commercialisation Australia is a radical new $196 million initiative which takes a hands-on approach to help bring ideas to market by offering a range of tailored assistance ... read more…

HealthLinx’ OvPlex™ ovarian cancer diagnostic awarded BioSpectrum Asia Product of the Year

5 February 2010, Melbourne: Medical diagnostics company HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) has been awarded the BioSpectrum Asia Product of the Year award 2010 for its ovarian cancer diagnostic OvPlex™. The award was judged by an independent jury of international life sciences experts compiled by BioSpectrum Asia, one of the largest industry magazines in the Asian Pacific region. The jury judged OvPl... read more…

Genera Biosystems Receives TGA Approval for its PapType HPV Detection and Genotyping Test

Melbourne: 22nd January, 2010 PapType, Genera Biosystems’ HPV test receives approval from the TGA Genera Biosystems has appointed Lazard as its financial adviser to advise on transaction options available for PapType commercialisation Repeatability/Reproducibility study successfully completed Genera Biosystems today announced that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TG... read more…

ASX Announcement - Cytopia Limited (ASX:CYT)

ASX ANNOUNCEMENT15 January 2010 COURT APPROVAL OF SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT The Supreme Court of Victoria has today made Orders approving the Scheme between Cytopia Limited (ASX:CYT) and its shareholders, pursuant to section 411(4)(b) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Shareholders voted strongly in favour of the merger at the Scheme Meeting held on Tuesday, 12 January 2010. A copy of the ... read more…

Benitec and CSIRO reach Win-Win Agreement

4 January 2010, Melbourne, Australia: Benitec Limited (ASX: BLT) today announced that it had signed a win-win agreement with Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).“We have successfully negotiated a win-win agreement whereby the Capital Growth Agreement and the Commercial Agreement will be terminated in exchange for providing CSIRO with a 10% equity sta... read more…

Committee for Melbourne appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Melbourne, 23rd December, 2009 - The Committee for Melbourne has announced today, the appointment of Mr Andrew MacLeod as its Chief Executive Officer, commencing January 2010. In taking the role, Mr MacLeod said, “I am pleased to be joining the Committee for Melbourne. I am excited by the challenge of working with the Committee’s broad and influential membership to improve our business sector,... read more…

Commercialisation Australia web site launch

The Commercialisation Australia web site was launched today with detail of what the goals of the iniative are and how companies can interact. go to www.commercialisationaustralia.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx read more…

Science Great to visit Australia

Melbourne, Australia, 3rd December, 2009 - Victorians look set to welcome a science superstar to our shores with one of the world’s most influential geneticists visiting Melbourne next year.Dr J Craig Venter, best known for his role in sequencing the human genome, will deliver the Graeme Clark Oration on 17 March 2010 in his only Australian appearance.“Dr Venter has an international reputation ... read more…

COMET axed

“A news release from Minister Kim Carr's office today details how Commercialisation Australia will supercede COMET from January 2010. As Commercialisation Australia comes into operation, the services and assistance it offers will supersede those currently available under the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program. Government assistance for commercialising Australian i... read more…

Wild Child signs US distribution deal

Perth, Australia, 25th November, 2009 - Wild Child has scored a major coup in the lucrative US market, signing a distribution deal with natural health-care giant Hyland's to allow the West Perth company to expand its presence in the country fourfold. Wild Child products, which grew out of single mother Leanne Preston's decision to make her own natural treatment for head lice in 1997, has expan... read more…

Hexima and ACPFG announce strategic alliance focused on cereals

Melbourne, Australia, 4th November, 2009: Hexima Limited (HXL) and the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics announced today a strategic alliance to explore opportunities to research and develop advanced technologies for the improvement of cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, for the Australian domestic and export markets. Opportunities would draw upon Hexima and ACPFG’s respectiv... read more…

TetraQ and Q-Pharm expanding into lucrative Japanese pharmaceutical market

Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26 October 2009 – Two of Australia’s leading contract research organisations, TetraQ and Q-Pharm Pty Ltd, have announced a collaboration with Japanese clinical trial organisation, MORE Medical, in a step to promote Queensland’s high quality drug development capabilities, particularly in preclinical drug development and early phase clinical trials. TetraQ, the... read more…

Cure for an ailing system

Article from The Australian October 24 2009 - David Penington We need to make a bold decision to depart from the failed prescriptions of the health establishmentPUBLIC concern about Australia's hospitals mounted in the lead-up to the 2007 federal election following the disasters at Queensland's Bundaberg hospital and growing evidence of mistakes in the care of patients across the country. Kevi... read more…

ASX Announcement: Genetic Technologies Ltd. agreement with Rosetta Genomics Inc.

Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Rosetta Genomics Inc. Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; NASDAQ: GENE) is pleased to advise that it has executed an Exclusive Test and Services Agreement with Rosetta Genomics Inc. (“Rosetta”), under which the Company will become the exclusive distributor in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore for Rosetta’s microRNA-based assays. Rosetta, whose he... read more…

Commercialisation Australia announced

Today, Minister Kim Carr announced the establishment of Commercialisation Australia. see www.innovation.gov.au?CommercialisationAustralia read more…

Australian Medical Science and its Commercialisation

Dr Kerry Hegarty, Sienna Cancer Diagnostics. With today’s exciting news that the Nobel Prize for Medicine has been presented to the discoverers of telomerase (the enzyme responsible for the maintenance of the ends of chromosomes), global focus is recast on Sienna Cancer Diagnostics.Sienna, based in Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute, has a growing team of scientistsdedicated exclusively to the task o... read more…

Senator Carr addresses BioMelbourne Network CEO luncheon

The Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr addressed members of the BioMelbourne Network at Ernst and Young in Melbourne on Tuesday 29th September. For a copy of Senator Carr's speech go to http://minister.innovation.gov.au/Carr/Pages/BioMelbourneNetwork.aspx read more…

R & D Tax Incentive Consultation Open

Opinion 18 September 2009 ‘The new research and development tax incentive’ consultation paper, released today – Opinion provided by Alun Needham, Executive Director, Research and Development, Ernst & Young. Treasurer Wayne Swan and Innovation Minister Kim Carr released ‘The new research and development tax incentive’ consultation paper on Friday 18 ... read more…

TetraQ Appoints K. Dyszynski to Nth America BD Position

Dean Simonsen - TetraQ. Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 09 September 2009 – TetraQ, the commercial arm of The University of Queensland’s Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development (CIPDD), has appointed Kris Dyszynski to the position of Business Development, North America. As one of Australia’s leading preclinical contract research organisations (CRO’s), TetraQ (a registered business of U... read more…

Duty to Research Does Not Amount to a Duty to Invent

Mark Roberts - Davies Collison Cave. The Australian Full Federal Court has upheld the first instance decision of Justice French in University of Western Australia v Gray 9[2009] FCAFC 116 (3 September 2009)). This complex case resulted from the claim by the University of Western Australia (UWA) that it had proprietary rights in relation to three families of patents invented wholly or in part b... read more…

Development Expertise is Crucial to Biotechnology

Dr Mark Sullivan - Medicines Development Limited. The pharmaceutical industry provides us with proven models for the development of new medicines that are directly applicable in the small or virtual biotechnology setting. It is important that, when moving from research to development, these models are applied. Development skills cannot be acquired by staff “in process” without significant risk... read more…

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