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Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 11 No. 1, 2001, pp. 5-14 NEWS Code Number: au01004
The Australian Davos Connection (ADC) is an international business network with a social focus. It is holding a forum to provide an assessment of the challenges to Australia of the new developments in biotechnology and the related requirements of economic investment, skills, ethical and regulatory infrastructure. It is to be held on April 6 in Melbourne. Speakers will include:
For further information call Tanya at ADC on (03) 9654 5630 or email info@adcevents.com.au More than two-thirds of pharmaceutical/biotech alliances fail to meet expectations, according to a new survey of the partnering capabilities of global pharmaceutical companies by Pricewaterhouse Coopers. The failures occur irrespective of the location of the companies involved or the stage of development at which the alliance is entered into. The results are very disappointing according to Karen Dado, biotech strategy and risk management services. “Most of the Australian respondents regard multinational pharmaceutical and medical technology companies as key commercialisation partners because, logically, they have access to resources and skills to commercialise relatively quickly, strong marketing and distribution capabilities, and market credibility,” she said. “Being able to form highly functional strategic alliances with these partners is critical for local players looking to overcome the challenges posed by location, aggressive competition, long development lead times and high risk of technical failure. Unfortunately however, the survey shows that few alliances see these benefits materialise.” More than 50 per cent of respondents indicated that poor alliance leadership was the main reason for failure. The other major reasons were changes in senior management, weak commitment to the alliance, and differences in partnering cultures between the organisations involved. “The key message here is that most of the reasons given for alliance failure are within management’s control,” said Ms Dado. “Clearly, there is significant potential to reduce the failure rate of alliances by addressing the problems stated in this survey report, in particular by putting in place strong leadership, communication channels and demonstrated commitment to joint success.” Ms Dado added that there is a perception among respondents of a capability gap at the local pharmaceutical level, and that gaining access to the ‘right people’ at head office level is a real challenge. “Clearly, communication and integration processes are lacking and there is a common need for a much more coordinated effort in building and nurturing contacts in a ‘big pharma’ globally,” she said. The survey also asked respondents to rate the top pharmaceutical companies in terms of each one’s attractiveness as an alliance partner at each stage of development. For discovery research the top three rated companies are Pfizer, Glaxo Wellcome and Merck & Co. For clinical development the top three are Aventis, Bristol Myers Squibb and GlaxoWellcome. For co-marketing promotion the top three are Aventis, Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck & Co. “Global Pharmaceutical Company Partnering Capabilities Survey - An Australian Perspective” is a supplement to the second annual global survey of partnering capabilities of multinational pharmaceutical companies. Copies of the report can be obtained from the website: www.pwcglobal.com/autice HALT TO AGRICULTURAL DISEASE THROUGH GENE TECHNOLOGYAustralian farmers spend approximately half a billion dollars a year controlling infectious diseases in livestock. Despite the widespread use of powerful anti-parasitic and antibiotic drugs, the problem continues to cause major agricultural and economic loss, and ecological damage. Genetic Technologies Limited and The University of Melbourne (Department of Veterinary Science) will now collaborate to tackle the problem, through the genes of the offending parasites, to alleviate this serious agricultural problem and without the use of traditional drug treatments. The collaboration will bring together the expertise of The University of Melbourne in parasitology and Genetic Technologies’ patented know-how concerning gene structures, using non-coding sequences to help the researchers locate the key genes of interest to the collaboration. This major biotechnology initiative, “Pathogen Genomics and Genetics Program’, paves the way for new and exciting developments in gene discovery and analysis of infectious agents - such as parasites. Associate Professor Robin Gasser of The University of Melbourne said: “The Pathogen Genomics and Genetics Program will now explore genetic solutions to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease in agricultural animals and common worms in domestic animals. For example, one study will focus on the genes and their products associated with parasite reproduction and development in an effort to halve the spread of infection.” The Program has been launched to develop products to replace the traditional anti-parasitic and antibiotic drugs currently in use. Internationally, the market for these drugs is estimated at about $9 billion per year. The projected animal health market in Australia for 2002 is approximately $559 million for livestock and $120 million for companion animals. Over the next five years, this collaborative venture will focus on developing new and environmentally-safe approaches centred around understanding disease processes, as well as developing new highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests. The benefits of the research will not be limited to agricultural animals. Related disease-causing organisms, such as blood-sucking hookworms, also cause major disease in humans, particularly in developing countries. Other important parasites also occur in domestic dogs and cats, some of which are transmissible to humans. “Some of the drugs used today also have the disadvantage of causing unwanted interference with ‘eco-friendly’ insects, such as dung-beetles, which degrade the faecal pats of cattle. These invertebrates play vital ecological roles and we believe new and safer alternative treatments must be found.” Genetic Technologies Limited, which was formed in August 2000 by the merging of the privately held Swiss company, GeneType AG, and a publicly listed Australian company. GeneType, established in 1989, has a strong intellectual property portfolio in genetics and genomics, and a proven track record in DNA testing services in Australia. Dr Mervyn Jacobson was appointed Executive Chairman of Genetic Technologies at the time of the merger. ACCESS TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES UNDER THE EPBC ACTThe major recommendation of the Report of the Access Inquiry is that regulations under s. 301 of the EPBC Act provide for an access permit and a benefit-sharing contract. Under the recommendations of the Inquiry, the regulations will require a party seeking a access to biological resources in Commonwealth areas to apply for an access permit from the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. While the assessment process for the permit is under way, the applicant will be required to negotiate with the holder (or owner) of the biological resources a benefit-sharing contract, which covers the commercial and other aspects of the agreement (in particular, matters such as up-front payments, royalties and protection of indigenous knowledge). It is proposed by the Inquiry that the contract be based on a model contract which the report outlines and recommends be developed and agreed by governments, industry, indigenous organisations and other stakeholders. The Inquiry recommends that the regulations provide that the Minister may issue the access permit on being satisfied, among other things, that:
The Inquiry recommends that the contract only have effect if the Minister issues an access permit. ACCESS TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCESFederal Environment Minister, Senator Robert Hill, recently released the findings of a high-level inquiry into one of the major environmental issues for the new millennium - access to biological resources. The inquiry was initiated by Senator Hill in December 1999 and recommends ground-breaking regulations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. These would control access to biological (including genetic) resources on Commonwealth areas. Senator Hill said the plan would regulate access to genetic material in plants and animals and would deliver substantial benefits to industry, the environment and indigenous communities. The regulations would control access to genetic material extracted from plants or animals, which could be used in products such as drugs to fight disease, to develop soaps, shampoos or sunscreens. “Access to biological and genetic resources is of strategic importance to Australia’s ability to develop a prosperous biotechnology industry,” Senator Hill said. “This is why the inquiry is recommending a scheme which streamlines access - it provides certainty for industry at the same time as safeguarding Australia’s unique biological resources.” Senator Hill welcomed the inquiry’s recognition of the special knowledge held by indigenous people in relation to Australia’s biodiversity. Senator Hill paid tribute to the work of the Chair of the Inquiry, South Australian legal practitioner Mr John Voumard, and the expert advisory group which assisted him. “As a result of the work of the Inquiry, Australia now has a chance to lead the world in addressing some of these contemporary challenges, such as those raised by ‘bioprospecting’. Senator Hill said he hoped the inquiry report would make a significant contribution towards the development of a nationally consistent system of access to biological resources. All stakeholders recognise the importance of implementing a nationally consistent scheme. “Mr Voumard has made particular efforts to consult with State and Territory Governments, and their views are reflected in the inquiry’s recommendations. A full report is available on Environment Australia’s website at http://chm.environment.gov.au/ documents/inquiry.doc CSIRO Plant Industry is moving its cereal chemistry research laboratory from Sydney to Canberra. CSIRO Plant Industry program leader, Dr Matthew Morell, said the Grain Quality Research Laboratory, located at North Ryde, has been a key contributor to Australia’s cereal industry, conducting research in wheat and flour quality, and improved flour processing. “Since its integration with Plant Industry in 1987, the laboratory has increasingly used modern tools in molecular biology to understand the genetic basis of differences in flour quality between wheat varieties,” says Dr Morell. “The move promises to strengthen and enhance this work through building better links between cereal quality researchers and the wealth of expertise in conventional genetic methods and new gene technologies at the Canberra site.” An interdisciplinary approach, involving several Canberra-based research programs, is being adopted to help meet the demands and needs of the wheat and cereal industry and markets in the 21st century. “The move will commence in January 2001 and will be progressive as new facilities are built, and some staff and major equipment are relocated,” says Dr Morell. “The exciting research environment available in Canberra will complement the continuation of the existing cereal chemistry capacity.” The transfer will be complete by 30 June with an official opening of the new facilities planned for July/August 2001. $325M FOR COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRESThe Commonwealth Government will spend $325 million to foster world-class research in fields ranging from agricultural and rural-based manufacturing to medical science and information technology. Announcing the Cooperative Research Centres funding on 18 January, the Minister for Industry. Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, said $325 million would be made available over seven years to fund 19 major research projects. The centres will conduct research in fields ranging from smart internet technology, weed management, dairy products and railway engineering to mineral discovery and salinity treatment. The latest selection round attracted 49 applications, with the successful candidates coming from across Australia and a wide range of industry sectors. Senator Minchin said “The aim of the CRC Program is to foster stronger links between industry, educational institutions and government, in order to develop world-class research. The program offers the business community an opportunity to collaborate with research institutions and undertake R&D relevant to industry needs. “For example, the CRC for Innovative Dairy Products with headquarters in Victoria, will undertake research aimed at further developing innovative products using genomic technologies to maintain Australia’s globally competitive position. High value commercial outcomes will be the focus of the research in this industry, where already, about 50 per cent of milk production and 60 per cent of manufactured dairy products are exported. This new round of Commonwealth funding for the CRC Program brings its investment since the program began in 1990 to about $1800 million. Over the same period, industry will contribute about $1400 million and other participants about $4100 million. The latest financial boost will bring the number of currently funded centres at 1 July 2001 to 65. Since its inception, the CRC Program has funded a total of 83 centres. A full list of the successful CRCs can be found at the website of the Government’s business unit, AusIndustry, at www.ausindustry.gov.au under What’s New. Further information on all the Government’s business assistance programs can also be found at this website. THE 8TH PACIFIC RIM BIOTECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE17 -20 November 2002, Auckland, New Zealand. The 8th Pacific Rim Biotechnology Conference will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from 17 to 20 November 2002. The programme will include scientific and business themes spread over three days. The venue, the Sheraton Hotel, is located in downtown Auckland, where delegates can enjoy spring weather in the “City of Sails”. The joint host organisations are the New Zealand Biotechnology Association and BIOTENZ. A web site is being prepared and further details will be available in due course. Information on the host organisations can be found on www.biotech.org.nz and www.biotenz.org.nz. For further information, contact the Conference Secretariat on email toplev@xtra.co.nz Information describing New Zealand can be found at www.purenz.com NEW COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES 2000 Selection Round - Successful Applications by Research Sector: Manufacturing Technology
Information and Communication Technology
Agriculture and Rural Based Manufacturing
Environment
Medical Science and Technology
Further details of successful applicants are available on: http://www.minister.insustry.gov.au/minchin/releases/2001/january/0 AIR TRAVELLERS SHOULD TEST FOR GENETIC DVT RISKAir travellers with a family history of blood clots should be checked thoroughly before flying and those at greatest risk should consider using short-term anticoagulants to protect themselves, a blood-clot expert recently warned. Mr Russell Richards, general manager of Brisbane-based blood-clot diagnostic manufacturer, Agen Biomedical, said that genetic disposition to blood clots is probably one of the major causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis, yet most people fly without knowing their family history of blood clots. A recent study has shown that up to 30% of people who experience blood clots have a family history of the disease. “Unfortunately most people with an inherited risk are unaware that they have the condition until they develop their first clot,” said Mr Richards. “By that stage, of course, it can be too late. Screening tests for thrombophilias - disposition towards blood clots - are provided by most major pathology services in Australia. People who fly frequently, or who have a family history of clotting disorders, should arrange for a test for these conditions. Short-term anticoagulants can be prescribed to protect against clot formation. Brisbane-based Agen, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sydney-based biotechnology company Biotech International Ltd (ASX: BII), has a significant research and commercial interest in the diagnosis and management of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (blood clots in the lung). Agen manufacturers laboratory blood tests that use an antibody to detect a protein (D-dimer) that is released into the blood when clots are broken down. A-dimer tests, first commercialised by Agen in 1985, are now used in hospitals worldwide to aid in the diagnosis of acute clotting disorders. Agen plans to take its antibody technology and expertise to new levels with a project designed to improve existing diagnostic techniques to identify Deep Vein Thrombosis. “The project uses our clot-binding antibody attached to an injectable radiolabelled molecule,” said Mr Richards. “Following injection of the product into patients, the radiolabelled antibody moves to D-dimer sites present on clots. Subsequent imaging of the patient with a gamma camera allows for confirmation of the diagnosis.” Agen’s panel of scientific and clinical advisors will meet next month with international clinical trial management company Kendle to evaluate the final research data. HEALTH MARKET OPENS FOR NATURAL AUSSIE PRODUCTSAustralian agriculture has the potential to play a major role in supplying materials for the revolution in health industry and new industrial product markets, according to a new scoping study. Growing interest in health and the role of nutrition in generating longer and better-quality lives, and concern about dependency on carbon-rich raw material has led to increased sales of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and industrial products world-wide. The outlook for continued growth in the use of natural materials in these markets is very promising. Australia has an opportunity to cash in on the increased interest because of its ability to produce high-quality agricultural material at low cost. Already there has been substantial growth in markets for Australian medicinal herbs, organic and functional foods (those with beneficial effects on body functions beyond nutritional effects.) The study, New Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical and Industrial Products - The Potential for Australian Agriculture, has been produced by Wondu Holdings for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC). The research team was made up of plant chemists and commercial analysts from Australia and the Phytochemical Research Group at Middlesex University in London. It provides insights into the role Australia can play in the production and supply of these products over the next decade. Research leader, David Michael, said the study pointed to increasingly segmented and polarised markets for functional foods, organic foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals made from natural products. These markets are more demanding in terms of nutrient content and product efficacy. The new markets are being driven by fundamental shifts in demand for improved health and quality of life and renewed concern about the long-term availability of petroleum-based products. Already, turnover by Australian manufacturers of medicinal and pharmaceutical products had grown from $4.6 billion in 1997/98 to more than $6 billion in 1999/2000 making it a leading growth sector in the Australian economy. “The largest and most immediate prospect in this market is for functional foods that can be produced most readily from a number of crops and animal products already produced in Australia,” Mr Michael said. “These include oats, soybean, canola, cruciferous vegetables, medicinal honey, omega-3 eggs, kangaroo meat and there is also significant development potential in sea plants. Medicinal herbs like echinacea, St John’s Wort and garlic are a growing industry but there are issues of harvesting costs, quality control and improved safety and labelling standards that need to be considered.” There is also significant potential for agricultural materials to be used in the production of commodity chemicals and fuels to match a shift away from petroleum products although the volatile oil price will remain a key factor in competitiveness for some time. Nevertheless, new processing technologies are closing the cost gap between oil and natural materials such as maize and potatoes, which can be used to make biopolymers. New Pharmaceutical, Neutraceutical and Industrial Products - The Potential for Australian Agriculture is available from the @C website at www.rirdc.gov.au or in hard copy for $20 by calling 02 6272 4819. A summary of the report can be found at: http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/RAS/00-173sum.html. WA BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTAdvance Consulting & Evaluation and Aoris Nova have completed a study on the state of the biotechnology industry and biotechnology research in Western Australia. The report, Biotechnology West: Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities, provides an inventory of resources available in WA for biotechnology researchers and companies, examines Western Australia’s biotechnology activity in the context of that of other states in Australia and internationally, considers existing and potential applications of biotechnology to build WA’s economy and identifies factors leading to both the success and restraint of biotechnology activity in Western Australia. The report was completed for the Western Australian Technology & Industry Advisory Council (TIAC) and was released by the Deputy Premier on 7 December. Copies of the report may be obtained from the TIAC website www.wa.gov/au/tiac TOP SCIENTIST HONOURED AS AUSTRALIAN ACHIEVEROne of Australia’s most internationally recognised geneticists, and a founding scientist of Bionomics Ltd, Professor Grant Sutherland, has been honoured as a 2001 Australian Achiever in the National Australia Day Council awards announced on Australia Day. South Australian-based Professor Sutherland, director of the Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, said “I’d like to thank the Hospital for its support in allowing me to achieve at this level.” Professor Sutherland is best known for his work on a disease called Fragile X syndrome, which opened the way to better diagnosis and prevention of this form of intellectual disability. He is a past president of the Human Genome Organisation. Professor Sutherland said he was now trying to translate his scientific achievements into industry. He is one of the founding scientists of Adelaide biotechnology company, Bionomics Ltd, which focuses on genomics research in the areas of epilepsy and breast cancer, and he is also co-chair of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board. Professor Sutherland is also a Companion of the Order of Australia, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, as well as Affiliate Professor in the Departments of Paediatrics and Genetics at the University of Adelaide. CHIF/ABA 2001 REALISING AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION15-17 August 2001, Hilton Sydney, 259 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW This forum is modelled on the highly successful US BIO events and will bring together venture capitalists with Australian and Asia Pacific health biotechnology innovators. CHIF/ABA 2001 is the leading event of its kind in Australia and is expected to attract over 400 representatives of the scientific and investment communities. The two previous CHIF forums delivered impressive results to the scientific and investment communities. CHIF/ABA 2001 will highlight industry trends, showcase up-and-coming companies and provide opportunities to network, exchange ideas and information and realise deals. For further information contact Marg Scarlett, tel: (03) 9521 8881; fax: (03) 9521 8889, email: conforg@ozemail.com.au; website: www.conferenceorganisers.com.au Mr Norbury Rogers, Professor Mary O’Kane and Ms Catherine Livingstone have been appointed to the CSIRO Board commencing 1 January 2001. Mr Rogers and Professor O’Kane were previous board members whose terms of appointment expired on 31 December 2000. The renewed appointments will allow Mr Rogers and Professor O’Kane to complete full five-year terms. Senator Nick Minchin said, “Mr Rogers plays a valuable role as a member of the board’s Audit Committee. Professor O’Kane, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, brings to the board a distinguished capability in science and engineering, and research administration. “I am also delighted that Ms Catherine Livingstone will be joining the board. Ms Livingstone’s achievements as managing director of one of Australia’s leading high technology companies, Cochlear, are well known. “More recently, she was appointed to the boards of Telstra, Goodman Fielder, and Q-Vis, a company making solid-state lasers for use in eye surgery. Ms Livingstone’s experience in managing cutting-edge research companies in a highly competitive commercial environment will be a very strong asset to the board.” Members of the CSIRO Board are now:
Accounting firm, Deloitte Technology, is seeking nominations for the Fast 50. The winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 will be invited to attend the exclusive 2001 Fast 500 CEO Summit, a global forum for international technology CEOs, to be held in California in May (all expenses paid). Other winners will be invited to exchange ideas and meet senior executives of other top performing technology companies at Technology Fast 50 launches across Australia, organised by Deloitte. Those companies that have made a significant contribution to the technology sector “Rising Stars”, will also be recognised. Deloitte Technology Fast 50 is a global initiative, with 21 Technology Fast 50 programs in the US and equivalent global programs in Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands and Israel. This year Deloitte celebrates the launch of Technology Fast 50 in Australia. To participate in this important industry initiative, please send a completed nomination form and survey to Deloitte. All information submitted will be held confidentially. You can either nominate online or fax back the nomination form attached. If you want to discuss this opportunity further or need help with the survey, please call Louise Mann, Business Manager, Deloitte Technology Fast 50 on 02 9322 5601 or nominate www.tech50.com.au CARBON RACE SET TO IGNITECompetition for biomass by-products from agricultural crops such as sugar cane is set to intensify as the intrinsic value of these bio-assets is appreciated by such diverse entities as electricity generators and farmers desperate to restore soil carbon content. The competition for carbon will be one of the major topics at the second National Recycled Organics Conference and Trade Expo at the University of Queensland Gatton College campus on September 25-27, 2001. While these materials were once regarded as ‘waste’, recovered organic by-products are now being processed into a range of products suitable for beneficial reuse. ROC Acting Director, Associate Professor Alan King, said Australia faced major issues in the sustainability of both its agricultural production and industrial development. “Linear agriculture or ‘paddock-to-plate’ practices have mined Australia’s agricultural soils to the point where ecological sustainability is no longer possible in some areas. Salinity, acid soils and low organic carbon are an outcome of these linear practices.” “Cities contribute to the issue through the consumption of large quantities of energy and production of high volumes of organic matter. This conference aims to find modern solutions to organic by-product utilisation in industries ranging from aquaculture and packaging to waste-processing engineering,” he said. To develop themes for the Open Space concept, all interested parties are invited to post topics on the Recycled Organics website at www.recycledorganics.com.au. This discussion will guide the development of the Open Space program, and selection of speakers for key topics for the keynote addresses. INNOVATION PLANThe Prime Minister’s $2.9 billion Innovation Action Plan, Backing Australia’s Ability, has delivered substantial investment in the country’s biotechnology skills base and start-up businesses, as well as more broad-based support for public sector research and industry investment in R&D. Key elements of the Action Plan are:
Initiatives specific to the biotechnology industry include the establishment of a ‘World Class Centre of Excellence’ for biotechnology with funding of $46.5 million over five years. The Centre of Excellence will be an independent institute under the governance of a Board of Directors, comprising leading individuals from the research sector and industry. It could operate from one or multiple locations, with links between institutions and facilities. The centre will be focused on research and development and increasingly on the commercialisation of new technologies. The operator of the Centre will be selected through a competitive process based on the quality of the research, governance, management and business and international linkages. Selection will be through the Commonwealth Biotechnology Ministerial Council, with advice from a panel of experts, including representatives of the ARC. Another initiative of the Action Plan targeted at the biotechnology sector is the provision of an additional $20 million to double the funding for the the Biotechnology Innovation Fund (BIF), announced as a key element of the National Biotechnology Strategy last July. The Government has not yet decided whether the additional funding will be simply added to the initial $20 million fund to increase the amount available for competitive grants, or whether it will be used for some other purpose. The Fund will be operational from July 1 and it is anticipated that grants of up to $250,000 will be allocated to projects on a matching basis. Criteria for the competitive grants to be provided under the BIF are expected to be announced in April, with applications due by May or June. The operation of the BIF will be overseen by a new Biotechnology Advisory Council which will be appointed by July to replace BioCog. 2001 SCITECH DIRECTORY PUBLISHEDHallmark Editions has released the 2001 Edition of the Scitech Technology Directory which contains a detailed description and assessment of the Federal Government’s recently released innovation package. Now in its 15th edition, the Scitech Directory provides a comprehensive guide to all Federal and State Government technology, innovation and industry assistance programs. It includes tax incentives, industry R&D, trade and investment programs including biotechnology. The 2001 edition has been extensively updated to include the numerous changes to Federal and State Government programs, departments and personnel which have occurred recently. It contains details of initiatives such as the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) scheme, Innovation Investment Fund (IFF) program, R&D START scheme, Technology Diffusion Program, Invest Australia, and international R&D programs and assistance measures for the biotechnology, information technology, pharmaceutical, environmental, automotive and textile industries. The Directory also includes extensive details of venture and development capital companies, major research and technology centres, technology parks, tertiary institute consulting companies, technology support organisations, industry research institutions and professional associations. There are also sections on bodies such as AusIndustry, Austrade, CSIRO, ANSTO and DSTO. It is extensively indexed and includes over 1000 entries complete with contact names, phone and fax numbers, email addresses and websites. The Scitech Technolgy Directory is edited by Ros Stirling, the editor of Australian R&D Review, and is an essential reference for business, industry, government and academia. It is now available for only $190 which includes postage and packing. For more information tel (03) 9530 8900 or fax (03) 9530 8911. Order forms can be accessed on www.halledit.com.au NEXT YEAST MEETINGThe second “Yeasts: Products & Discovery” meeting will be held in early July 2001 at Couran Cove Resort on South Stradbroke Island, Queensland. Details in next issue. ADVANCES IN SUPERCRITICAL FLUID TECHNOLOGIESSupercritical fluid extraction is a technology which applies the unique properties of a supercritical fluid to selectively extract and fractionate valuable components from liquid or solid biological sources. The usual extraction medium is carbon dioxide at settings above its critical temperature of 31.1ºC and critical pressure of 73.8 bar, where it has physical properties intermediate between a liquid and a gas. Extraction yield and selectivity can be controlled by adjusting the pressure, temperature and flow rate within the supercritical extraction system Benefits of using the technology include the ability to recover heat-sensitive components, protection against oxidation during processing and the absence of solvent residues in the product or harmful emissions or effluent discharged to the environment. The technology has traditionally found application in the extraction and fractionation of non-polar compounds, including fats, oils, flavours and essences, pigments, functional or bioactive compounds, hop extracts, caffeine and cholesterol. Recent Technology Advances and New Product Opportunities New adaptations of supercritical technology have generated exciting possibilities for large-scale application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These include rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS) and solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS), which facilitate the production of micron-sized bioactive particles, both polar and non-polar, including enzymes, antibody fragments, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients and other bioactive components. Narrow particle-size distribution is now achievable and microencapsulation of particles can occur simultaneously as part of the recovery process. Contacts at Food Science Australia A pilot-scale supercritical fluid extraction unit is located at the Melbourne site of Food Science Australia. The plant has been successfully applied to the extraction and fractionation of a wide range of food and biological extracts. A spreadsheet for process and product economic analysis, which factors in extract value, yields obtained in pilot trials, capital cost, variable costs and plant utilisation factors to estimate commercial feasibility, is available. For further information, please contact Dr Brian Imison - Senior Process Engineer (tel 03 9731 3269) or Mr Maurice Pattison - Business Development Manager (tel 03 9731 3301). President: Dr Peter Riddles (IMBCom) Tel: (07) 3365 7130; Fax: (07) 3365 7226; Email: p.riddles@IMBCom.com.au Vice President: Dr John Ballard (GroPep Ltd) Tel: (08) 8354 7701; Fax: (08) 8354 7747; Email: john.ballard@gropep.com.au Directors: Mr Scott Carpenter (Aventis CropScience Pty Ltd) Tel: (03) 9248 6833; Fax: (03) 9248 6605; Email: scott.carpenter@aventis.com Dr Simon Carroll (Curtin University) Fax: (08) 9286 4938 Email: s.carroll@exchange.curtin.edu.au Dr Shanny Dyer (Avax Aust Pty Ltd) Tel: (02) 8923 2614; Fax: (02) 8923 2525; Email: sdyer@avax.com.au Dr David Irving (R&D, Biotech Australia) Tel: (02) 9928 8829; Fax: (02) 9928 8899; Email: David_Irving@bioaust.com.au Dr Lyndal Thorburn (Advance Consulting & Evaluation) Tel: (02) 6297 2438; Fax: (02) 6297 2203; Email: lyndal@advanceconsulting.com.au Dr David Tribe (Dept. Microbiology, Univ. Melbourne) Tel: (03) 8344 5703; Fax: (03) 9347 1540; Email: detribe@unimelb.edu.au Dr Elane Zelcer (Thrombogenix) Tel: (03) 9827 6427; Fax: (03) 9824 0054; Email: ezelcer@connexus.net.au Executive Director: Dr Tony Coulepis (AGC) Tel: (03) 9596 8879; Fax: (03) 9596 8874; Mobile: 0419 436 902 Company Secretary: Mr Peter Francis (Francis, Abourizk & Lightowlers) Tel: (03) 9614 5222 Secretariat: Mrs Anne Greig/Mrs Margaret Dorevitch Tel: (03) 9596 8879; Fax: (03) 9596 8874 Email: admin@aba.asn.au Treasurer: Mr Alex Forsyth Tel: (03) 9905 9914; Mobile: 0419 308 838 Fax: (03) 9905 9911 Publications: Dr Martin Playne (Melbourne Biotechnology) Tel: (03) 9598 9818; Mobile: 0407 804 851 Email: mplayne@netspace.net.au STATE BRANCHES ACT Branch: Dr Lyndal Thorburn (Advance Consulting & Evaluation) Tel: (02) 6297 2438; Fax: (02) 6297 2203; Email: lyndal@advanceconsulting.com.au NSW Branch: Dr David Irving (Biotech Australia Pty Ltd) Tel: (02) 9928 8829; Fax: (02) 9928 8899; Email: David_Irving@bioaust.com.au Qld Branch: Dr Greg Harper (CSIRO Tropical Agriculture) Tel: (07) 3214 2441; Fax: (07) 32142480 Email: gregory.harper@taq.csiro.au Vic Branch: Mr Scott Carpenter (Aventis) Tel: (03) 9248 6833; Fax: (03) 9248 6605; Email: scott.carpenter@aventis.com WA Branch: Dr Michael Borowitzka (Murdoch Univ) Tel: (08) 9360 2333; Fax: (08) 9360 6303 Email: borowitz@possum.murdoch.edu.au INTEREST GROUPS: Fermentation & BioProcessing Interest Group (FBIG): Dr John Power (RMIT University), Chairman Tel: (03) 9925 2796; Fax: (03) 9662 3421 Email: power@rmit.edu.au Dr Nick Kotlartski (Alpharma Pty Ltd), Secretary Tel: (03) 9388 0655; Fax: (03) 9388 1259 Email: Nick.Kotlarski@alpharma.com.au BIOTECHNOLOGY IP MANAGEMENT TRAINING INITIATIVE In December last year, Biotechnology Australia, the multi-departmental Commonwealth Government agency responsible for coordinating biotechnology issues, sought tenders for the development and delivery of a biotechnology IP management training course. Spruson & Ferguson, patent and trade mark attorneys from Sydney, were successful tenderers and will develop and conduct one-day training courses in all Australian states and territories, and produce an accompanying detailed training manual and material for the Biotechnology Australia website. The one-day course will consider issues of Identification, Protection and Management of IP, including issues of Invention v. Discovery, IP Informatics, Reading and Understanding Patents, Use of IP in R & D Decision Making, Freedom to Operate, Strategic Management of IP Resources, Research Management Lab Practice, IP Ownership, Patenting Pitfalls, Approaching a Commercial Entity, IP Valuation and IP Licensing. The course will be delivered in April-May 2001 on the following days and locations: Adelaide: 19 April 2001, Perth: 20 April 2001, Canberra: 24 April 2001, Sydney: 26 or 27 April 2001, Brisbane: 30 April or 1 May 2001, Melbourne: 3 or 4 May 2001, Hobart: 8 May 2001 and Darwin: 16 May 2001. For further details contact: Dr Andrew Blattman or Ms Shahnaz Irani of Spruson & Ferguson at: Spruson & Ferguson, GPO Box 3898, Sydney NSW 2001. Phone: (02) 9207 0777 Fax: (02) 9261 5486 Copyright 2001 - AusBiotech |
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