Cholesterol is an essential ingredient in healthy lung function, Australian research shows.

Mass spectrometry expert appointed new CEO of the Australian Research Council.

NIH-funded trial of Starpharma's VivaGel microbicide under way in US.

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.

Melbourne and California-based ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals (ASX:CXS) has been awarded two linkage project grants worth AUD$525,000 in cash from the Australian Research Council (ARC) over the next three years.

Acrux [ASX: ACR] has announced positive results for a Phase 1 proof-of-concept, pharmacokinetic study of its contraceptive spray Nesterone MDTS.

Origin Capital, an unlisted pooled development fund set up by TSL Group's Ross Dobinson and Michael Naphtali, has raised AUD$6.5 million in private equity for investment into three biotech ventures.

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has received two competitive linkage grants, worth a total of AUD$440,000 over the next three years, from the Australian Research Council to further develop pharmaceutical applications of its proprietary dendrimer macromolecules.

Recently listed Perth and Singapore biotech company Rockeby Biomed (ASX: RBY) has commenced a US clinical trial of its laboratory-based SysCan3 and rapid point-of-care CanDia5 diagnostic tests for Candida infections, as a step toward gaining FDA approval of the products.

A new South Australian initiative aims to give scientists in that state easier access to expensive research equipment and expertise.

A $1.5 million Biotechnology Fellowship Fund, launched last week by the South Australian government agency Bio Innovation SA, will bring three internationally renowned scientists to South Australia's universities.