Biotechnology News
Archived Content from 2010


 

BiotechnologyNews.net provided investment related news to companies, research organizations and investors involved in the biotech sector. The service included indepth interviews and commentary from the people closest to the biotech market, subscribers were notified three times per week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) via personalised email as well as having access to a complete archive on the website.
Content is mainly from the site's 2010 archived pages providing a glimpse of what this site offered its readership.

The current website for AusBiotech is found at: www.ausbiotech.org/

 

Aspermont and AusBiotech announce significant joint venture

Aug 5 2009
Aspermont Limited today announced that the company will launch a regionally focused life sciences news service in conjunction with the national biotechnology industry association, AusBiotech.

The joint venture will see both organisations share their expertise to publish an enhanced industry-leading biotechnology news service, BTN (www.biotechnologynews.net). It will provide an opportunity for a leading publisher and industry body to leverage off one another's strengths. The initiative builds Aspermont's existing bulletin service, and covers editorial, marketing, advertising, and a strategy to expand into the Asia Pacific region.
Related Stories

    Exploring parallels between biological and computing world
    Recent study helps predict probability of pregnant mothers to have child with autism
    Researchers review current state and future potential of biologic medications to treat asthma in children

AusBiotech CEO Dr Anna Lavelle said: "This is an exciting development for Australia's fast-growing biotech industry. An expanded quality, industry-specific news service will be to everyone's benefit."

"AusBiotech is very pleased to offer this enhanced BTN news service to its 3,000 members as a complimentary part of its special membership benefits," she said.

Aspermont CEO Colm O'Brien said he was delighted to be working with AusBiotech on the partnership to build a relevant industry news source for the Australasian life sciences community.

"There is an increased need for a quality life sciences news and information service in the region in the current environment. Aspermont is perfectly positioned to meet this requirement through initiatives such as partnering AusBiotech, as well as through our reach in emerging and related areas, including renewable energy and clean technology.

"Aspermont is set to capitalise on the significant growth anticipated in these emerging and high-growth sectors," he said.

BioTechnologyNews.net is a specialist life sciences publication delivered three times a week to the desktops of more than 3000 AusBiotech* members and subscribers. Read by the sector’s decision-makers, BTN captures the latest news in investment and funding, research, technological innovation, public policy issues and industry relationships.

~~~

News from 2020
With the Covid 19 pandemic still sweeping through the world, there was an announcement on the AusBiotech's current website stating: AusBiotech + Invest 2020 will this year provide a truly immersive, online and on-demand experience, delivering the biggest week in biotech. AusBiotech + Invest 2020: Online live and interactive: 28-30 October. I'm not surprised since so many businesses are conducting much of their meetings and work all online. I have been working at home since the spring. I like the fact that all registrants will have on-demand access for 30 days post AusBiotech + Invest 2020. I plan to go back to listen again to some of the presentations from research institutes, universities, hospitals and pre-series A companies in the area of human therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health and enabling technologies. It will be nice to be able to digest the information over a longer period of time. Usually these events pack so much into such a short period of time, you come home reeling with info overload.

Also with a virtual conference, if you want to take a break at a online pokies casino, it's a whole lot easier to sneak away! I'm sure my partners would not be pleased with that admission, but with the shut down of regular venues and lockdowns occurring when there are flare ups, online casinos are where most of my friends end up when they need to scratch the itch. Although there are lots of articles about Australian gambling increasing sharply since COVID-19 and gamblers themselves saying more should be done to help curb problem gambling and cut down on related triggers to reduce harm, I acknowledge for some maybe even for many people gambling in Australia is a public health issue. I am not one of them fortunately. I always have a budget before I play my favorite pokies at the online casino, Fair Go and simply stop playing when I reach my limit. If I want to feel like a "rich" punter, I will play the instant play games with their "fun" balances. That alone shows I am not addicted to my pokies. Well, I digress here.

Anyway, I am looking forward to AusBiotech life science conference in October, 2020.

~~~



About Us

 

BioTechnologyNews.net (BTN) is a specialist life sciences news service published by Aspermont Limited, in conjunction with the national biotechnology industry association, AusBiotech*.

*AusBiotech is the leading Australian industry body representing and advocating for organisations doing business in and with the global life sciences economy.

BTN provides comprehensive, up-to-date investment related news on the entire sector, including:

  • Pipeline progress
  • Research breakthroughs
  • Distribution deals
  • People movements
  • Corporate evolution and industry issues
  • Government and regulatory policy changes
  • IPOs and finance deals

The service includes in-depth interviews and commentary from the people working in the sector.

Subscribers receive an email bulletin three times per week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday), and have complete access to a comprehensive archive of news on the website.

The service is available complimentary to AusBiotech members as a benefit. AusBiotechmemberships start from $300 (inc GST).

For AusBiotech membership enquiries please contact:

T: +61 3 9828 1431
F: +61 3 9828 5188

 

TODAY'S STORIES

Monday 27 September 2010

 

Business R&D; spending reaches $16.9B

(Friday, 24 September 2010)

INNOVATION and Industry Minister Kim Carr says it is vital that R&D; tax credit legislation is passed by Parliament, to build on the momentum of a 13% increase to business expenditure on research and experimental development.

 

 


 

Bio Briefs: CBio, Novogen, Nanosonics and more

(Friday, 24 September 2010)

LIFE science 2010 debutante CBio has gone into a trading halt and expects to make a material announcement regarding a capital raising before market open on Monday.Full STORY

 


 

R&D; tax credit back in Parliament

(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

THE Gillard government will reintroduce research and development tax credit legislation to Parliament next week, along with a bill to toughen up on therapeutic goods regulation.
Full Story...

 


AusBiotech UPDATE

AusBiotech

  • Federal government launches Health Technology Assessment website
  • Rome-based professor to give Millis Oration at AusBiotech 2010
  • Biofuels plant opens in NSW
  • Notice of AusBiotech AGM
  • Proposed medical research policy framework to be unveiled at AusBiotech 2010

 



Biosimilars on US agenda 
(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

AS over-the-counter stem cells company Mesoblast wraps up an Angioblast takeover, the US FDA is progressing a generic biologics agenda with plans for a November public meeting amid ongoing analyst speculation about who could receive the first US biosimilars approval. 
Full Story...

 


 

Mesoblast to become large cap 

(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

MESOBLAST managing director Professor Silviu Itescu says the company is set to become the biggest stem cell company in the world after shareholders voted for the acquisition of associate Angioblast yesterday afternoon. 
Full Story...

 


 

Aeris pinged after 236% gain 

.(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

LIFE-science company Aeris Environmental has told ASX Compliance it has no explanation for a recent spike in its share price, beyond positive cash flow achieved in June. 
Full Story...


 

LCT continues restructure 

(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

NEW Living Cell Technologies managing director Ross Macdonald will become the company’s chief executive after CEO Dr Paul Tan resigned as a director. 
Full Story...

 


 

Sivida achieves turnaround profit 

(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

SUSTAINED-release, drug-delivery product developer and licensor pSivida has achieved a turnaround $8.8 million annual profit on the back of $23.1 million of revenue. 
 

 


 

Tyrian achieves Bayer milestone 

(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

 

POINT-of-need diagnostics developer Tyrian Diagnostics has shipped its first commercial batch of ReadRite Alpha-Amylase tests to Bayer CropScience. 
Full Story...

 


 

Capital Briefs: BioDiem, Apollo, Select and more 

(Thursday, 23 September 2010)

VACCINES developer BioDiem has placed 24.7% of the shortfall of a fourth-quarter rights issue with sophisticated investors, raising an extra $1 million. 
Full Story...

 


 

Calzada pulls pin on Metabolic IP spinout

(Tuesday, 21 September 2010)

Calzada executive chairman David Franklyn has denied his company’s decision to terminate an agreement to slip its Metabolic Pharmaceuticals subsidiary and intellectual property into ATOS Wellness is related to an upcoming meeting of Avexa shareholders to vote on Calzada’s proposal to roll the board.
Full Story...

 


ASDM commercialisation deal alive, limited
(Tuesday, 21 September 2010)

AS Advanced Surgical Design and Manufacture shares continue a fall of up to 28%, ASDM chief financial officer Tom Milicevic has told BTN a commercialisation agreement with AllVascular principal and limb-saving PAD device inventor Professor Rodney Lane has not fallen over.
Full Story...

 


 

Agenix gives Legge-cy the boot

(Tuesday, 21 September 2010)

NEWLY returned Agenix has gained 21% on news it will be freed from its last Queensland commercial property lease, saving $900,000 and releasing it from a six-year financial obligation legacy left by now-imprisoned former CEO Neil Leggett who arranged for Agenix to lease back its former head office properties after they were sold.
Full Story...

 


 

Bio People: Novogen, Antaria, Genera and more
(Tuesday, 21 September 2010)

AS Novogen prepares to sell its isoflavone-related intellectual property to majority-owned US subsidiary Marshall Edwards, the parent company has added three new directors to its board, including former Deutsche Asset Management Australia chief executive Ross Youngman.
Full Story...

 



 

JOBS SECTION

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Officer
(Monday, 20 September 2010)
 
•  Medical Device Design and Manufacture,
•  Casual 3 to 4 days/week,
•  SE suburbs of Melbourne, Dynamic Company

 
Medical Marketing Manager
(Friday, 17 September 2010)
 
•  Well known international Consumer brand
•  Broad based, senior leadership role
•  Highly compensated

Senior Clinical Research Associate
(Friday, 17 September 2010)
Specialty pharmaceutical company
Broad role with great exposure

Clinical Trial Co-ordinator
(Monday, 13 September 2010)
 
•  12 month Fixed Term contract (high likelihood of extension)
•  Central Melbourne location (Parkville)
•  $70-$75,000 Package (inclusive of super and salary packaging benefit)
•  Great work-life balance benefits.

Industry Development Officer
(Monday, 13 September 2010)

 



 

INDUSTRY ISSUES
Business R&D; spending reaches $16.9B
(Friday, 24 September 2010)

INNOVATION and Industry Minister Kim Carr says it is vital that R&D; tax credit legislation is passed by Parliament, to build on the momentum of a 13% increase to business expenditure on research and experimental development.

Friday, 24 September 2010
Amanda Ellis
 

INNOVATION and Industry Minister Kim Carr says it is vital that R&D; tax credit legislation is passed by Parliament, to build on the momentum of a 13% increase to business expenditure on research and experimental development.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released yesterday shows Australian businesses increased R&D; spending to $16.86 billion in 2008-09.

Despite the year being a period when many organisations were heavily affected by the global financial crisis, BERD or R&D; investment increased by $1.95 billion.
The number of people working on corporate R&D; also increased, by 5%.
During the year, human resources dedicated to the business R&D; grew by 2693 people, reaching 53,556 total person years of effort. 
Highly skilled jobs, such as researchers and technicians, accounted for more than 83% of that total.

Senator Carr welcomed the ABS figures and said they demonstrated Australian firms’ commitment to innovation.
“It shows they are keen to develop new products and services and to reap the immense benefits that come from being innovative,” he said.
Business expenditure on R&D; for pharmaceuticals reached $1.02 billion in that year, a 12% growth on 2007-08.
“To keep this momentum going – and to benefit industries such as the pharmaceutical sector – it is essential that the proposed changes in the R&D; tax credit are passed by the Parliament,” he argued.
The Labor senator said the significant growth in BERD, especially over a period that covers the global financial crisis, was testament to the resilience and confidence of the business community.
“It demonstrates that businesses understand that innovation and R&D; are critical to their long-term planning and prosperity,” he said.
The boost in BERD was a good sign for Australia’s economy, as it showed the business community was embracing innovation, Carr said.
To view the full statistics, visit abs.gov.au.

 

MORE INDUSTRY ISSUES
 

    • Stirling buys Halcion for $3.3M
    • Vision-ary charged with insider trading
    • A sworn approach

 

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Business R&D; spending reaches $16.9B
(Friday, 24 September 2010)
INNOVATION and Industry Minister Kim Carr says it is vital that R&D; tax credit legislation is passed by Parliament, to build on the momentum of a 13% increase to business expenditure on research and experimental development.
 
MORE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
 

    • R&D; tax credit back in Parliament
    • Avita, US get sticky for $1.9M
    • A sworn approach

 

AGRICULTURAL BIOTECH

Bio Briefs: CBio, Novogen, Nanosonics and more
(Friday, 24 September 2010)
LIFE science 2010 debutante CBio has gone into a trading halt and expects to make a material announcement regarding a capital raising before market open on Monday.

Bio Briefs: CBio, Novogen, Nanosonics and more
Friday, 24 September 2010
Amanda Ellis
IFE science 2010 debutante CBio has gone into a trading halt and expects to make a material announcement regarding a capital raising before market open on Monday.
The autoimmune disease therapeutics developer is the only biotechnology company to list on the Australian Securities Exchange this year.
It debuted in February after raising $7.1 million with an initial public offering.
Late last month CBio managing director Jason Yeates said the company remained focused on activities that would allow completion of its pivotal clinical trial by the end of the March quarter and receipt of a final clinical trial report by the end of June.
In August it enrolled its 142nd patient in the 150-patient trial, ahead of schedule.
Novogen subsidiary talks oncology 
Marshall Edwards chief executive Dr Daniel Gold will present an update on the Novogen subsidiary’s novel oncology programs at the JMP Securities Healthcare Conference.
A one-hour webcast of the New York Palace Hotel presentation can be accessed live at the website,www.marshalledwardsinc.com at 6.30am AEST on Tuesday and will be archived for 30 days.
Novogen is preparing to sell isoflavone-related intellectual property to its majority-owned US subsidiary Marshall.
More than 100 publicly traded and privately held companies will be featured at the fifth annual JMP healthcare conference.
CathRx talks partnering models
Catheter supplier CathRx has presented a catheter supply model for a proposed US partnership to its investors.
Under the model, the ASX-listed company would supply catheter components to a US partner.
The partner would then supply finished catheters to hospitals on a per-procedure flat fee, instead of a charge for each catheter used.
The partner would then collect used catheters before reprocessing and repackaging them for return to hospitals.
Many catheters are disposed after use, so a reusable option reduces waste and changes the pricing model for facilities.
CathRx did not name the US partner in its ASX announcement, released earlier this week.
Nanosonics receives support for North America push
GE Healthcare has agreed to distribute disinfection technologist Nanosonics’ environmental probe reprocessor and consumables in North America.
The US and Canada markets agreement, announced on Tuesday, allows GE to distribute the devices in other countries, on a non-exclusive basis, with its ultrasound consoles.
Nanosonics is currently waiting on Food and Drug Administration approval for its disinfection technology and believes the new alliance will lead to further product development opportunities.
The Trophon EPR is currently for sale in Australia and France and the company believes sales in the US could start early next year, if regulatory approval is received.
On Monday the EPR was adopted by Queensland public hospitals as best practice for high-level disinfection of ultrasound probes.
The device became a mandatory new equipment purchase.
Ag biotech learning facility stays open
The Curtin University-run Muresk Agricultural College will stop offering undergraduate degrees in agriculture science, business and agriculture by 2012.
Instead, CY O'Connor TAFE will take over interim management of the campus and offer courses in agriculture.
Former Western Australian deputy premier Hendy Cowan recommended the facility become multi-purpose, with TAFE courses, short-term training and farm-based research.
After industry pressure, Cowan’s report was finally released this week in the state’s Parliament.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said he was pleased Muresk would continue and encouraged the state’s top three public universities – the University of Western Australia, Murdoch University and Curtin – to make use of the facility.


MORE AGRICULTURAL BIOTECH
            Tyrian achieves Bayer milestone

 

HEALTH BIOTECH
Bio Briefs: CBio, Novogen, Nanosonics and more
(Friday, 24 September 2010)

LIFE science 2010 debutante CBio has gone into a trading halt and expects to make a material announcement regarding a capital raising before market open on Monday.

MORE HEALTH BIOTECH
 

    • Mesoblast to become large cap
    • UniQuest trumpets with Alnylam
    • Bio People: ASDM, CathRx, NuSep and more

 

INDUSTRIAL BIOTECH
Regal swallows methane
(Tuesday, 14 September 2010)
COAL-to-liquids developer Regal Resources has agreed to snap up 100% of its joint venture partner, industrial biotechnology company Enhanced Biogenic Methane.

 

 

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