Australasian Biotechnology,
Volume 8 Number 4, July/August 1998, pp. 194-213
Editorial, News, Bioshares, Florey Celebration, Letters,
Biocomputing, Meetings
Code Number:AU98028
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FROM THE EDITOR
Future of the ABA: Strategy Alternatives
After fourteen years of existence, the ABA has grown a bit
complacent, or perhaps even lethargic. It needs new drive, new
ideas and new direction.
NEWS
Governments Fund $50 Million Science Centre at University
of Queensland
The Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism, John Moore,
announced on 10 June funding for a new $50 million centre of
excellence at the University of Queensland.
Experimenta Media Arts Links to Biotechnology
The Viruses and Mutations project to be included in the
program of events at the 1998 Melbourne International Festival,
aims to highlight the intersection between art, science and
technology. Experimenta intends to create a forum for
intellectual and theoretical debate on biotechnology, including
subjects such as the human genome project, molecular biology,
genetic engineering, digital imaging and viruses and mutations in
the human body and in the environment.
ESA Microgravity Applications Promotion Programme in
Biotechnology
"The European Space Agency Directorate of Manned
Spaceflight and Microgravity, within the frame of the
Microgravity Applications Promotion Programme, invites proposals
for Topical Teams to identify and promote European research
making use of the microgravity environment of the International
Space Station. The research must be in the field of Biotechnology
including Biomedical Engineering." Press Announcements in
Nature and other journals as from 21 May 1998
Pacific Rim Conference
Canada has been selected for the 7th Pacific Rim
Biotechnology Conference.
BIO Launches Industrial Biotechnology News
In February, BIO began monthly publication of a new trade
newsletter, Industrial Biotechnology News. It will cover
uses of microbial products and processes for industrial and other
manufacturing activities, as well as biotreatment and
pollution-prevention applications.
Organic Standard Debated
The good news is, consumers may soon have a clearer sense
of what they are paying for when they buy foods labeled
"organic". The possible bad news: Biotechnology may not be
included in new standards for organic agriculture if extremist
views prevail.
Roslin Seeks Partners
The Roslin Institute, the internationally acclaimed
Scottish researchers who brought Dolly to life, is seeking
commercial partners in all fields of applications for its nuclear
transfer technology, including human pharmaceuticals and
agriculture.
AusIndustry - Grants for Graduate Based R&D Related
Projects
Grants are awarded to provide support for companies to
employ a graduate on an R&D related project. Funding is
limited to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible project costs (as
determined by the IR&D Board) over a project life of 2 years.
Eighty percent of the grant is paid to the company to cover
salary and other employment costs and the remainder is paid to
the institution for the provision of academic support and
equipment. Project costs incurred prior to application lodgement
are not eligible.
Patenting Life in Europe
On 12 May 1998 the European Parliament approved the
Biotechnology Patent Directive after ten years of discussion. One
of the major rate-limiting steps of the Biotechnology Revolution
has been the legal issue of prohibiting worldwide patenting of
transgenic inventions. This vote removes legal prohibitions to
patenting transgenics.
An Edible Vaccine in Transgenic Potatoes
Research in the Plants and Human Health group at the Boyce
Thompson Institute for Plant Research at Cornell University, led
by Drs. Charles Arntzen and Hugh Mason, is focused on developing
both production and delivery systems for subunit protein
vaccines. They have reported that transgenic plants can express a
variety of antigenic proteins, such as hepatitis B virus surface
antigen, Norwalk virus capsid protein, and the B subunit of the
Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin (LT-B).
Biosafety Assessment of the Gus Reporter Gene
The B-glucuronidase (GUS) gene is to date the most
frequently used reporter gene in genetically engineered plants.
As such, it is likely to be present in some of the transgenic
food, feed and ornamental crops being developed for commercial
use. To aid the biosafety evaluation of GUS-containing transgenic
crops, the ecological and toxicological aspects of the gene and
gene product have been examined. The assessment concluded that
GUS in genetically modified plants and plant products can be
regarded as safe for the environment and consumers.
Micro-Plants Yield Pharmaceutical New Wave
Compounds with anti-cancer properties and potential for
use in new generation antibiotics and nutritional supplements
have been found in tiny marine plants around Australia's
coastline.
NSW Chemist Presented with Biota Award
NSW chemist, Dr Noel Chambers was recently presented with
the Biota Award for Medicinal Chemistry, which recognises the
work of younger chemists in designing and developing small
molecules as potential therapeutic agents.
An Opportunity for Companies & Organisations
The Year in Industry Program - University of Sydney
The School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, offers an
elective program whereby a group of Chemistry students spend
their third year of training in Chemistry in full-time employment
in the chemical industry or in a government scientific
laboratory. At the end of the year, the students return to the
University to complete their studies for the BSc degree.
The Berd has Flown
Australia has just recorded its first fall in business
expenditure on R&D (BERD) since the Australian Bureau of
Statistics began measuring R&D in the mid 1970s. This is
another gloomy sign for Australia's economic outlook, and a bad
sign as we enter a millennium which is going to place an
increasing emphasis on industries that are sophisticated,
intelligent and sustainable.
Medical Treatments Unable to be Patented
The Federal Court found this week that methods of medical
treatment are unable to be granted a patent monopoly, according
to national law firm Freehill Hollingdale & Page, acting for
the pharmaceutical company FH Faulding & Co Limited.
Australian Scientists in World-First Cell Discovery
A team of Australian scientists from CSIRO and the
Biomolecular Research Institute has achieved a world-first
advance by describing the structure of a vital receptor found on
the surface of the body cells of all animals including humans.
The discovery, reported in a July issue of the international
scientific journal Nature, has major implications for our
understanding of the mechanisms behind growth and development,
and diseases such as diabetes and many forms of cancer.
BioTechnica '99 - International Trade Fair for
Biotechnology
Break into new markets at the Biotech Marketplace, from
5-7 October 1999 - in Hannover
ManuFesto '98
Australia's Own Giant High-Tech Fair
Manufesto '98, the prestigious annual event for Australia's
industrial and technology development communities, will be held
at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 22-25 September 1998.
New Bioinformatics Company
An innovative new bio- informatics company, recently
launched by NSW Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Andrew
Refshauge, is already a pathfinder in areas of understanding of
disease and the development of new medicines. Bioinformatics is a
new discipline at the leading edge of two of the fastest growing
areas of science and technology - Biotechnology and Information
technology.
COMPANY NEWS
AMRAD - Clinical Trials of AM424 Progress
Despite some important medical advances, there has been
little progress in providing innovative and effective drug
treatments for debilitating diseases that destroy nerves and
muscles.
Cortecs plc Proposes to Appoint New Director of Finance to
Main Board
Cortecs plc has appointed Mr James Long as Director of
Finance commencing Monday May 18, 1998. After a short qualifying
period it is intended by the Company to invite Mr Long to join
the Main Board of Cortecs plc.
Biota and Monash University Benefit from New Laboratories
The establishment of Biota Holdings Limited's laboratories
at Monash University is fostering a collaborative research
environment, the biotechnology company's CEO, Dr Hugh Niall, said
on 10 June.
Biota Awarded Start Grant for Common Cold Project
Biota Holdings Limited of Melbourne, Australia announced
on 4 June that it has been awarded a 3 year R&D Start
Grant to the value of AU$3.2M to pursue its rhinovirus project.
Biota and PanBio Sign Marketing and Distribution Agreement
for Biota's Influenza Diagnostic Test
Biota Holdings Limited announced on 28 May that it has
signed a marketing and distribution agreement in Australia with
PanBio Ltd, for Biota's AB FLU OIA® rapid, point of care
influenza diagnostic test. Distribution is planned to begin in
the southern hemisphere winter of 1999.
Peptech Gains USA FDA Approval for Ovuplant
Australia's emerging biotechnology sector has taken a
quantum leap forward following the approval of Peptech Limited's
new veterinary product Ovuplant, by the United States Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). Peptech is the first Australian
biotechnology company to receive FDA approval of a drug product
developed entirely in Australia.
Hyal Financials
Mississauga-Hyal Pharmaceutical Corp reported a
consolidated net loss of $3.2M or $0.12 per share for the three
months ending March 31, 1998 compared to a consolidated net loss
of $3.4M or $0.13 per share for the same period in 1997.
John Friend
Dr J.P. Friend has been appointed Director, Australian
Proteome Analysis Facility at Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW.
New Gene Technology Company
Australia fields new player in war on crop insect pests
A novel gene discovered by Melbourne scientists can help
thwart insect pests which cost farmers worldwide hundreds of
millions of dollars. The gene, identified by researchers at the
University of Melbourne's Plant Cell Biology Research Centre,
will be used first to develop insect-resistant varieties of
cotton. Patents on the gene have been issued in Australia and New
Zealand and are pending in the USA and Europe.
John Stocker appointed Chairman of Chiron Technologies Pty
Ltd
Chiron Technologies Pty Ltd (CTPL), an wholly owned
subsidiary of Chiron Corporation of Emeryville, USA, has
announced the appointment of Professor John Stocker as Chairman
of the Board of Directors.
Purification Specialist domnick hunter Expands its
Confidence in Australia
One of the world's leading specialists in gas and liquid
filtration, purification and separation equipment is expanding
its presence in Australia after demand for its products here has
quadrupled over the last four years.
PPL Agrees Research Collaboration with Mouse Cloning Group
PPL and ProBio America Inc. have entered into an
arrangement pursuant to which ProBio will license to PPL its
proprietary cloning technology, more commonly known as the
"Honolulu Cloning Technique," initially for research into the
cloning of pigs, subsequently expanding the research to the
cloning of sheep and other farm animals. PPL will be part of an
international consortium, which shall be licensed by ProBio to
use the Honolulu Cloning Technique for research in animal
cloning. The research work will be undertaken both in the UK and
in the United States.
Monsanto and DuPont
It seems to get harder and harder to write about the
business side of agricultural biotechnology without discussing
Monsanto in one way or another. This month is no exception. In
fact, in a flurry of recent activity, Monsanto has further
strengthened its position in the crop biotechnology arena. There
is also some talk that the hunter might also be the hunted, as
recent divestitures on the part of chemical giant DuPont have led
to speculation that Monsanto might become an acquisition target
of the Wilmington, Delaware (USA)-based company.
BIO SHARES
Covering Australian Biotechnology Stocks - compiled by M.J.
Playne
Florey Celebration
Events for September 1998
Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide
Letter to the Editor
Re: A Bleat from the Bench: by Dr Martin Playne
ASIAN NEWS
Biotech Newsletter now On-Line
New Centre for Gene Analysis in Malaysia
10th Malaysian National Biotechnology Seminar
New Editor-in-Chief for Regional Biotechnology Journal
Latest News on the International Molecular Biology
Network (IMBN)
Ninth Workshop on Genome Informatics
BIOCOMPUTING
Food Safety Explained on the AAS Internet
To help the public learn more about food safety, the
Australian Academy of Science has added a new topic to its Nova:
Science in the news Internet site
Royal Society of Chemistry Databases Launched on ChemWeb
ChemWeb, In. and The Royal Society of Chemistry are
pleased to announce the launch of four more RSC databases on
ChemWeb. ChemWeb members can choose between pay-per-view or
subscription payment methods.
Cybersites for Writers
Florey Internet Site
An interactive Internet site is being developed that will
cover the life and work of Howard Florey and the development of
antibiotics. The site will provide an educational forum for all
age groups. It will also have updated information on all events
that are planned in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra to celebrate
the Florey Centenary year.
Annotated List of US Websites
MEETINGS
Details of forthcoming meetings from 14 September 1998 to 20
November 2000
ABA OFFICE BEARERS
Copyright 1998 Australian Biotechnology Association Ltd.
