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

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

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.

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.

Victoria's government has committed $2 million to a collaboration with Canada aimed at developing synchrotron beamlines.