CSIRO research is paving the way for the production of novel biomaterials from bee and ant silk.

Just as the HPV vaccine Gardasil receives FDA approval, an argument has broken out between the researchers involved in the vaccine's development. So who patented what?

Regulatory approval for Chemeq's (ASX:CMQ) polymeric antimicrobial CHEMEQ has been delayed in some jurisdictions, pushing expected registrations out in some cases to 2007.

Stem Cell Sciences (AIM:STEM, SCS) and Californian-based Chemicon are set to launch a new product line of culture media for mouse embryonic stem cells.

Melbourne's Zenyth Therapeutics (ASX:ZTL), formerly Amrad, has in-licensed patents from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research for antibodies that target a key part of the inflammatory process.

A recently completed phase I clinical trial of biopharmaceutical company Novogen's (ASX:NRT) anti-inflammatory compound NV-52 has shown rapid absorption indicating its potential as an oral therapy, according to the company.

The Australian life sciences industry has grown significantly in the past five years and shows signs of a positive future, according to the 15th edition of PricewaterhouseCoopers' quarterly BioForum report.

Milestone payments from partner Nobilon led to Melbourne's BioDiem (ASX:BDM) posting strong results for the half year ending December 31, 2005 with revenue up 88 per cent to $2.9 million and a loss of only $96,000 compared with the previous corresponding half.

CathRx (ASX:CXD) has taken the first step in the CE Mark approval process for its cardiac diagnostic catheters.

Melbourne's Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CUV), formerly Epitan, has begun a trial in Adelaide of its lead drug CUV1647 in a controlled-release pellet form.

Singapore-based Rockeby Biomed (ASX:RBY) has signed an exclusive deal to supply its avian flu kits to the Turkish Poultry Industry, an organisation which represents 90 per cent of the poultry industry in Turkey.