A leading researcher has raised the ire of CSL (ASX:CSL), saying the Melbourne company is "making the wrong vaccine for bird flu."

Peplin (ASX:PEP) has reported preliminary results of its US-based phase IIa dose escalation clinical trial to establish the maximum tolerated dose of PEP005 in actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, a skin condition which can develop into skin cancer.

Melbourne's Genetic Technologies (ASX:GTX, Nasdaq:GENE) has formed a strategic alliance with MetaMorphix, a developer of new genetic markers.

Botanical biotech Solagran (ASX: SLA) has been granted approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for Bioeffective A as a new complementary medicinal substance for topical and internal use.

Bone Medical (ASX:BNE) has reported that its oral parathyroid hormone (PTH) product Perthoxal, for the treatment of osteoporosis, proved safe and tolerable in a phase I trial.

Brisbane cancer drug developer Progen Industries (ASX:PGL) managing director Lewis Lee has resigned, and the company has named his replacement -- one-time Monsanto executive Justus Homburg.

Melbourne's Antisense Therapeutics (ASX:ANP) has raised $3.6 million through a private placement to Australian and professional investors to fund the phase IIa trial of its antisense compound ATL1102 for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

Solbec Pharmaceuticals (ASX:SBP) has received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for its lead anti-cancer compound Coramsine for the treatment of high risk stage II, stage III and stage IV melanoma.

The CSIRO and the Chinese Government have signed an agreement designed to strengthen the relationship between research laboratories in Australia and China.

Peptech chairman Mel Bridges today told shareholders that the company's best strategy for building value was to develop its product pipeline.

Adelaide-based GroPep (ASX:GRO) has increased its profit more than 80 per cent after tax to AUD$1.55 million in the half-year to December 31 2005, compared with $850,000 in the previous corresponding period.