Acrux expands partnership agreement with KV Pharmaceuticals

Approval to commence Phase III trials of testosterone treatment

Melbourne-based Acrux (ASX:ACR) has signed an agreement with the New York-based Population Council to commercialise a contraceptive spray containing Nestorone, a fourth-generation progestin contraceptive which cannot be taken orally.

Ross Dobinson has been appointed as Acrux's (ASX:ACR) non-executive chairman, replacing Nuno D'Aquino who is stepping down due to private commitments. D'Aquino will continue as a non-executive director and will chair the board's Human Capital Committee.

Biotech shares bucked the trend during the month of October - the Intersuisse biotechnology index gained 6.6 per cent in contrast to the All Ordinaries and the Nasdaq Biotech Index, which fell by 3.9 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively.

The new AusBiotech/ASX code of practice for reporting by life science companies, launched last week, is being hailed as an important milestone in the development of the Australian biotech sector. Here, Igor Gonda, who was on the committee to review the code's first draft, explains why he believes the code is so important to the industry.

Acrux DDS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Melbourne-based Acrux (ASX:ACR), has terminated an exclusive licence agreement it signed in May 2005 with US firm Napa Biosciences.

It's hardly surprising that one of the Australian biotechnology industry's biggest bugbears is a communication gap between companies and their investors.

Melbourne-based Acrux's (ASX:ACR) US partner Vivus (NASDAQ:VVUS) has completed enrolment for its phase III clinical study of Acrux's estradiol transdermal spray product Evamist for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Bermuda-based investment manager Orbis Mutual Funds has acquired a 12 per cent stake in Melbourne-based drug delivery company Acrux (ASX:ACR).

Geelong-based disinfectant maker Citrofresh International (ASX:CTF), which caused a stock frenzy with news of a cure-all ingredient found in oranges, has dashed investors' hopes it had a vaccine against HIV, SARS, flu and the common cold.