Living Cell Technologies appoints new US-based CEO

The publication of the molecular structure of the insulin receptor last September, led by Australia's Colin Ward, was a milestone in the life sciences. Fiona Wylie profiles the man behind the receptor.

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

G2 Therapies, a spin-off company from Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has signed a licensing agreement worth up to AUD$137 million with Denmark's Novo Nordisk to develop, manufacture and commercialise new anti-inflammatory therapies based on G2's C5a receptor antibodies.

Sydney-based Peptech (ASX:PTD) has invested more than AUD$10 million in Domantis, as part of a £17 million (AUD$39.5 million) capital raising by the UK drug development firm, which attracted two new significant shareholders.

If your brain disengages when you read the word 'ethics', perhaps you'd better switch it on again, writes Iain Scott -- there's a lot you haven't heard on the subject.

The dark clouds over venerable Adelaide biopharma BresaGen (ASX:BGN) have parted, revealing a little blue sky. But the resurrected company's business plan is focused on terra firma -- it is going back to its roots as a service company.

An international conference to be held in Australia next week has particular relevance for the future of Australia's biotech and pharmaceutical industries, writes Iain Scott.

Genzyme will pay Wyeth US$121 million in cash for buy back rights to sell arthritis drug Synvisc in the United States and Europe. Genzyme said additional payments could extend until June 2012 for total payments of US$294 million.

Danish company Novozyme is aiming to become the "Intel" of biopharmaceuticals, and is looking for opportunities for partnerships, acquisitions and technology licensing in Australia.

Eiffel Technologies has entered into a collaboration with US drug delivery company Aradigm Corporation.