+Bioline International Official Site (site up-dated regularly)

Welcome to 1999 from the ABA Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting in September last year. Six directors seeking re-election were joined by three new Directors, Dr Neil Willetts, Biotechnology Consultant in NSW, formerly from Biotech Australia, Dr Peter Rogers, CUB-Brewtech in Victoria and Dr David Tribe University of Melbourne. As in recent years more Directors have been drawn from an industry/private sector background perhaps reflecting the emerging needs associated with the maturing of biotechnology and its commercialization. The current Directors bring a wide range of experience and skills as is shown in the section on ABA News which provides profiles of them. This year we have decided to have two Vice Presidents Dr Peter Riddles and Mr Gary Cox to help share the activities; in terms of succession planning, however, Dr Peter Riddles is President-elect.

Since the first full face-to-face meeting of ABA Directors on 4 November 1998, we have met monthly by telephone conference in order to contain travel costs and to review progress in the key areas we have chosen to focus on initially. These areas are:

This initial focus aims to raise the profile of the ABA as the peak body in Biotechnology in Australia and to set the framework to allow implementation of particular aspects of the Business Plan, a summary of which was provided in the last edition of the journal (September-October 1998). The Business Plan focused, in particular, on appointment of an Executive Director and increased activity in the States and Regions (branch activities). Implicit in the appointment of an Executive Director was the need to increase fees and raise additional project money. However, even with the recent increases in membership fees, this appointment is not yet possible without seriously eroding the finances of the ABA. The AGM approved the recommended increases in fees of the corporate members but not those proposed for the ordinary members or students; thus additional income will need to be sourced. Currently, then, responsibility for progressing key priority areas has been allocated to the various Directors, with review of progress at the regular ABA Directors' meetings. As tasks are completed, others will be taken up.

Also to raise the ABA's profile, nationally, two more conferences are planned. One, a shorter one, on a specific topic "A Roadmap for Commercialisation of Australian Research" to be held in Melbourne on Tuesday 27 April 1999 at the Crown Towers Hotel in conjunction with the Licensing Executives Society (LES) just before the main LES International Conference "Licensing in the 21st Century; The Big Picture". The other will be a longer one, the 15th ABA Conference in the year 2000 in Brisbane. The Directors thank the WA Branch, particularly Dr Michael Borowitska and the Conference Organising Committee for their great energy and efforts in organizing the recent Second Asia-Pacific Conference on "Biotechnology on Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Biobusiness".

Activities progressed since the first meeting of the current Directors have included in Queensland a joint meeting "Biotechnology: Scourge or Saviour?" with the Australian Science Communicators as part of their "Science in the Pub" series , the establishment of a NSW Meetings Committee Group, an inaugural Canberra region lunch time meeting "Briefing on Biotech" and establishment of a meetings committee for that region and an initial Victorian ABA meeting planned early in the New Year at Brewtech to ascertain what ABA members would like in future. I attended, on behalf of the ABA, a briefing meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Australia's position on the Biosafety protocol and wrote in support of it; this letter has been circulated initially to Corporate members as has a report on attendance at a briefing meeting from the Gene Technology Office on the proposed model for regulation of gene technology; both of these are printed in the journal. Lyndal Thorburn represented the ABA at a recent briefing, at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on the trade related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) agreement and we are seeking Corporate members' views via email on the protection of biotechnology-based intellectual property in the context of a planned review of this TRIPS agreement.

The ABA welcomes the establishment of the Biotechnology Task Force within the Federal Government's Department of Industry Science & Resources to advise the Government on strategies for development of the Australian bioechnology sectors. The ABA was pleased to work with them recently in the setting up of a meeting of about 30 participants held on 14 December to address investment requirements for the commercialisation of Australian biotechnology research. Dr Shirley Lanning has lead a Sub-committee of ABA Directors to progress negotiations to work with them on the preparation of the Directory, initially on-line. A Biotechnology Consultative Group has been formed to advise the Biotechnology Task Force on the "development of the Biotechnology Action Agenda and other strategies to encourage the advancement and uptake of biotechnology applications for industry and economic development, including job creation"; we congratulate Dr Elane Zelcer, an ABA Director, and CEO of Thrombogenix Pty Ltd on her appointment to the Group.

Why this journal is so late!

Minister Announces Industry Membership of Biotechnology Consultative Group

The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, has announced the industry membership of the Biotechnology Consultative Group.

"Biotechnology is a key technology for investment and employment growth in the next millennium," Senator Minchin said. "Members of the Consultative Group have all been selected on the basis of their standing in the biotechnology community and ability to represent priority sectors. The Consultative Group will work with related industries, universities and research organisations to investigate opportunities for the development of an internationally competitive biotechnology sector. It will also target impediments to the development and uptake of biotechnology products in Australia.

"The Group will play an important role in maintaining the competitive position of traditional industries, including agriculture, food and pharmaceuticals, and provide benefits to health and the environment. It will advise on the development of the biotechnology Action Agenda and other strategies to encourage the advancement and uptake of biotechnology applications for industry and economic development, including job creation."

The Group will also include representatives from Commonwealth Departments to ensure a whole of Government approach. It will be supported by the Biotechnology Task Force in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The Consultative Group's first meeting will be held in Canberra in February.

Initiatives already under way, as part of the Biotechnology Action Agenda, include:

Mr Tony Bates - President, Australian Business Ltd and Chairman, Start-up Australia Pty Ltd, a venture capital and management company. Mr Bates is also a member of the Dairy Research and Development Corporation and former CEO and Director of several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Cyanamid Australia and Peptech Ltd.

Professor Graham Mitchell AO - Principal, Foursight Associates Pty Ltd, a company providing an advisory service in research and development, with emphasis on biotechnology. Professor Mitchell is also Principal Adviser, Science and Engineering Technology Policy, Department of State Development, Victoria, a Director of several biotechnology companies and was previously the Director of Research at CSL Ltd.

Professor John Lovett - Managing Director, Grains Research and Development Corporation, the largest of the rural Research and Development Corporations, and former Professor of Agronomy, University of New England. Professor Lovett is a member of the Boards of BRI Australia Ltd and two Cooperative Research Centres.

Dr Jim Peacock AC - Chief, CSIRO Plant Industry. Dr Peacock is a Director of the Gene Shears biotechnology company and a Director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, a former member of Australian Science and Technology Council and former Chairman of the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources.

Dr Jonathan Izant - Director of Business Development, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Director, Aza Research Pty Ltd, Founder and Director, PsyGene Pty Ltd and Visiting Research Fellow, University of New South Wales. Dr Izant has also been Assistant Professor, Genetics at Yale and Research Manager, Johnson and Johnson Research Pty Ltd.

Mr John Grace - Managing Director, AMRAD Corporation, a major Australian pharmaceutical and biotechnology company. Mr Grace is a member of the Australian Research Council, a former member of the Industrial Research and Development Board and a former President of the Australian Biotechnology Association.

Dr John Ballard - Managing Director, GroPep Pty Ltd, a producer of tissue growth factors, and Director, Cooperative Research Centre for Tissue Growth and Repair. Dr Ballard is Affiliate Professor in Biotechnology, University of Adelaide, Deputy Chair of the CRC Association, and was Assistant Chief, CSIRO Human Nutrition.

Dr Bill Henderson - Director and Deputy Chairman, Forbio Ltd an agribiotechnology company, specialising in the application of plant biotechnology to woody plantation crops. Dr Henderson has qualifications in international corporate law and expertise is in the structuring, financing and inter- nationalisation of new business ventures.

Dr Elane Zelcer - Chief Executive Officer, Thrombogenix Pty Ltd, a start-up company which is developing new classes of pharmaceutical products, and former CEO of Montech Pty Ltd. Dr Zelcer has experience in technology development, investment and commercialisation, and is a Director of the Australian Biotechnology Association.

Dr Ian Edwards - Research Director and Board Member, Biowest Australia Pty Ltd, an Australian-owned agricultural biotechnology company. Dr Edwards was formerly Worldwide Research Director - Field Crops Research, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, and has headed grain research programs in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Dr Carrie Hillyard - Managing Director, Bionetworks Pty Ltd, a biotechnology consulting company, and a principal of, Coates Myer and Company, a fund manager in the Innovation Investment Fund program. Dr Hillyard was Director of AGEN Biomedical Ltd and a member of Industrial Research and Development Board.

Dr Annabelle Bennett SC - Dr Bennett is a barrister specialising in intellectual property and other fields, and has experience in biological research. Dr Bennett is currently Pro-Chancellor, Australian National University, a member of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee, and Vice President of Chief Executive Women.

Dr Carol Nottenburg - Director of Intellectual Property and Principal Scientist, Centre for the Application of Molecular Biology to International Agriculture, a non-profit research corporation . Dr Nottenburg is a specialist in biotechnology patent matters and was an Associate Attorney and Assistant Professor of Clinical Research.

Dr Geoffrey Annison - Scientific and Technical Director, Australian Food Council. Dr Annison's previous appointments include Project Manager, Food Carbohydrates Laboratory, CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition, Technical Manager, Rhône-Poulenc Animal Nutrition, Singapore, and Visiting Fellow at Massey University.

Industry Award for Top Milk Researcher

Frothier cappuccinos, specialised milk powders and better quality yoghurt are the result of groundbreaking research into milk chemistry done by a CSIRO scientist working within Food Science Australia, Dr Mary Ann Augustin. Dr Augustin and two of her team members, Mr Bruce Aitken and Mr Phillip Clarke, are the winners of the 1998 Sir Ian McLennan Achievement for Industry Award. Dr Augustin leads a larger team whose discoveries over the past ten years have generated tens of millions of dollars for the dairy industry.

"By understanding the properties and behaviour of milk we have found ways to make products more reliable, with improved texture, consistency and mouth feel," Dr Augustin says.

Dr Augustin's detailed understanding of milk behaviour has also resulted in a range of other premium value dairy ingredients. These can be used in a variety of foods such as ice cream, yoghurt, chocolate, sauces, soups and bakery products and include:

The Sir Ian McLennan Achievement for Industry Award was established in 1985 by the leaders of Australian industry and technology to recognise outstanding contributions by CSIRO scientists and engineers to national development.

Sir Ian was Chairman of BHP for many years and later Chairman of the ANZ Banking Group and Chairman of Elders IXL. He was associated with Australian ind-ustry for over fifty years and was an enthusiastic supporter of new technology until his death on October 25, 1998 at the age of 89.

Food Science Australia is Australia's largest food research organisation, and is a joint venture between CSIRO and the Australian Food Industry Science Centre (AFISC).

Prestigious Award Recognises Breakthrough in Malaria Research

A pioneer in molecular genetics of malaria has been awarded the 1998 Glaxo Wellcome Australia Medal for breakthrough research applicable to human health.

The winner, Dr. Alan F. Cowman, is Principal Research Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, where the award winning research has been carried out over the past 10 years. He is considered a world authority on drug resistance to malaria.

Dr. Cowman's innovative work includes the development of novel technology which he used to identify a malaria gene responsible for the life-threatening clogging of capillaries by infected blood cells. Modern genetics rests on the ability to modify the genetic makeup of organisms, either by delivery of a single additional (often modified) gene, or by inactivation (or "knockout") of a specific gene. Although this was achievable in the mouse for some time, it had not been possible for malaria, until Dr. Cowman's new discovery.

He also identified the mechanism used by the malaria parasite to evade the action of an important group of anti-malarials, a discovery which has important implications for the development of new drugs that can overcome parasite drug resistance.

The aetiological agent responsible for the most lethal form of human malaria is the antraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Clinical manifestations of falciparum malaria include cerebral malaria, which is the major cause of death from this disease, whereby infected erythrocytes sequester in the deep vascular beds of the brain.

During growth of the asexual stage of the parasite in human erythrocytes, a series of dramatic and extensive changes occur in the structural and functional properties of the infected erythrocyte, which includes development of the ability to adhere to endothelium. Crucial to these changes are proteins of parasite origin which are either deposited on the inner aspect of the erythrocyte membrane or inserted into it. One of these proteins includes the knob associated histidine rich protein (KAHRP). Morphological changes in infected red cells include the appearance of thousands of small protrusions at the cell surface termed knobs. The adhesive changes in infected cells are due to the expression of the antigenically variant P.falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1) which appears to be concentrated on the exterior surface of knobs.

Dr. Cowman and his colleagues have developed targeted gene disruption in this parasite that has allowed them to elucidate the function of the KAHRP protein by making the first gene knockout in P.falciparum. This has shown that this protein is essential for knob formation. Analysis of the adherence properties of the parental and transgenic parasite lines shows that the biological function of knobs in P.falciparum is to enable parasitized cells to cytoadhere to microvascular endothelium under physiologically relevant flow conditions. This has important implications for the role of KAHRP and knobs in the development of cerebral malaria and suggests that this protein is an important target for the development of new drugs to prevent this syndrome.

Human malaria is becoming increasingly refractory to treatment through a combination of resistance by mosquitoes to many insecticides, the limited resources of many of the malaria-endemic countries and resistance of the parasite to many antimalarials. Several decades ago it looked as though falciparum malaria would share the same fate as smallpox and, if not entirely eliminated, at least be controllable using some of the many measures available at the time.

As there is no known non-human reservoir, eradication of the parasite from the human population must greatly decrease, it not eliminate transmission. Motivated by such thoughts, population based prophylaxis was introduced into many areas of the world including parts of Thailand and South America. Since these optimistic forecasts the parasite has managed to develop resistance to virtually all of the antimalarials that have been used to combat this deadly disease.

The work of Dr. Cowman and his colleagues has elucidated the mechanism of resistance used by the parasite to evade the lethal effect of two major classes of antimalarials. Antifolates interrupt the synthesis of DNA and are represented by the sulpha drugs and the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors. Analysis using molecular, genetic and biochemical approaches has shown that the mechanism of resistance to the sulpha group of compounds is mediated by mutation of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase, the enzyme target of this group of drugs. The two most widely used DHFR inhibitors are pyrimethamine and proguanil and P.falciparum has developed resistance to these drugs by specific mutations in the DHFR enzyme which decrease the binding affinity of the enzyme for the inhibitor.

Understanding the mechanism of resistance of P.falciparum to the DHFR inhibitors and the sulpha drugs has allowed detailed analysis of the epidemiology of the spread of drug resistance alleles in the malaria endemic regions of the world. This is important to understand the prevalence of drug resistant P.falciparum in different regions which is information that enables the current antimalarials to be used in a more efficacious manner. Also, in the future, this work has opened the way to the development of novel antimalarials that counteract the mechanisms of resistance that the parasite used to evade these drugs.

County Welcomes Wills Review Investment Recommendations

County Investment Management recently welcomed new proposals to Government aimed at facilitating greater private investment in Australia's burgeoning biotechnology industry.

The proposals are contained in a Discussion Document issued today by the Health and Medical Research Strategic Review, entitled "The Virtuous Cycle _ Working Together for Health and Medical Research". The Review, chaired by Mr. Peter Wills AM, was commissioned by the Federal Government to develop a new economic framework for health and medical research in Australia, and to make recommendations on improvements to current arrangements.

Specifically, the Review has recommended (Chapter 4) that Australia's taxation regime be made internationally competitive in order to attract early-stage investment in biotechnology innovation from both domestic and overseas sources. This would involve the removal of some current obstacles from Australia's capital gains tax system, and the facilitation of a different form of investment structure, limited partnerships, to make it possible for long-term investors such as superannuation funds to efficiently pool their investments in the sector.

Commenting on the Discussion Paper, County's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nick Birrell, said "We applaud the Review Team for so capably articulating the impediments standing in the way of efficient investment in biotechnology innovation in this country, and for proposing some relatively straightforward measures to remove those impediments."

"These proposals are especially timely for County, as we are currently in the process of exploring ways to raise investment capital from superannuation funds and other long-term investors to support basic medical research, leveraging off the existing National Health & Medical Research Council Grant's Program. The outcome of this process - a new Medical Research Investment Fund - is expected to be open for investment sometime in the first half of 1999""

"The reforms suggested in the Wills Review would contribute greatly to the removal of obstacles to genuine investment in innovation in this country, without unduly upsetting any of the other valid objectives of national taxation policy. We therefore urge the Federal Government to adopt the Review's recommendations as a matter of urgency, in the context of the Business Taxation Review currently underway""

"County is convinced that the essential ingredients - a wealth of world class scientific research talent, a growing pool of patient investment capital, a vibrant and competitive investment management industry - are in place for Australia to take real advantage of the biotechnology revolution""

"But in the absence of such reforms, Australia faces the very real risk of losing the intellectual capital and research infrastructure it has so far built up in the field of medical research, with significant adverse consequences for the nation's balance of payments and future economic prosperity", Dr. Birrell said.

Trio Honoured with New Australian Science Award

A former Australian Ambassador to UNESCO, an American zoologist working in South Australia and a world renowned expert on membrane biophysics have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to science. Professor Ralph Slatyer, Dr. Pamela Parker and Professor Hans Coster are the first to be awarded an Australian National Commission for UNESCO Science Medallion.

The new awards acknowledge recent and significant contributions to science in line with the highest principles of UNESCO, the Secretary-General of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO.

FASTS Worry about ARC

Below is a copy of the letter FASTS' President Peter Cullen sent to the Minister for Education in late November 1998.

Hon David Kemp MP Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Training Parliament House, CANBERRA

The Council of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) expressed deep concern at its Annual Council meeting in Canberra last week about rumoured changes to the ARC.

I urge you to make a statement committing the Government to maintaining its support for basic research, and committing to stay with the widely accepted inter-national model of independent peer review of competitive grants.

FASTS believes that it is critical that Australia moves towards a knowledge-based economy where we can command a price premium in the global markets for our smart ideas, design and management. All of our understanding of innovation makes it clear that a strong basic research system is one prerequisite to success. Other Governments seem to recognise this with major increases to basic research funding being proposed in the USA, UK and Japan.

Until recently, Australia had an excellent basic research system, and we believe it is other elements of the innovation cycle that have failed. The ARC has made a major contribution to this research system and our international standing.

It is the disciplinary experts who know whether work has already been done or not, whether it is worth doing and whether the methods proposed are likely to lead to a successful outcome. The system is fundamental to all of science. The intense competition for ARC funds over the last decade has ensured that only the very best proposals get funded.

The peer reviewing system used internally within universities is often not as effective or transparent as that used across the broader scientific community on a national basis. Often in-house referees are used who may not be at the cutting edge of the field. University administrators are unlikely to know the cutting-edge external reviewers from whom to seek opinions, and the proponent may be tempted to nominate less well-informed reviewers. We doubt that an internal university reviewing process can meet the standards that have been developed by ARC. We believe scarce basic research funds should be focussed only on the most excellent of proposals.

Our universities are now in serious financial difficulties, and quality in some areas is slipping. There is great pressure on Vice-Chancellors to divert block funds to administration, research infrastructure, libraries and other areas. We are concerned that with the changes as mooted the quantum of funds actually available to support research will be reduced.

It is our view that innovative and insightful ideas should be funded regardless of where in the university system the proponent works. As we understand the proposals, block-granting systems would create "minimal research" universities. Excellent ideas from staff at such Universities would have a greatly reduced chance of being funded. It would be hard for these institutions to develop a track record to enable them to lift their standing in the proposed periodic discipline based reviews.

I again urge you to put an end to these damaging and ill-considered ideas which are putting at risk the standard and standing of the Australian basic research system.

More FASTS on ARC Grants

Australia's peak council for scientists and technologists has welcomed a slight increase in the proportion of successful applications for research grants from the Australian Research Council, from 19.6 per cent to 20.7 per cent. Professor Peter Cullen, President of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), also welcomed the Government's commitment to the knowledge-based economy.

"Research is the driver of economic growth in Australia, and I am encouraged by the Minister's statement that support of research funding is a priority for Government," he said. "But Australians need to look at funding going to high-quality research in a new way. It should be regarded as an investment, not a drain on the public purse."

Professor Cullen said that he was concerned that applications for large grants dropped by seven per cent this year. While success rates are up, the size of the average grant has fallen by about $2000 over last year's. "The Government needs to lift its investment in Australian science if it is genuinely committed to promoting excellence in research and research training," he said.

Professor Cullen noted a strong increase in the number of applications for SPIRT grants, with new applications up by almost 15 per cent. "This increase shows a strong commitment by industry, and there is a clear case for extending the funding of this successful cooperative effort between Government and industry."

Professor Cullen said that the scientific community supported the existing methods of selecting which science projects should be funded, even if the process needed a little fine-tuning to make it work better. "It's very important that we preserve the international standing of our science by using a competitive, peer-reviewed process to select the best and most promising projects."

Official Opening of Saskatchewan Nutraceutical Network

The Saskatchewan Nutraceutical Network officially opened its doors in October. SNN, the first organisation of this type in Canada to be fully funded, has received $1 million in funding support from the Canada-Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovation Fund. The Centre has been in operation since 1997 and has received interim support from Ag-West Biotech and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. Its mandate is to lead the development and support the growth of an economically viable nutraceutical and functional food industry in the province.

Approximately 20 companies are processing or producing nutraceutical or functional foods in Saskatchewan. Estimated total annual sales are between $30 and $40 million. Current world consumption of nutra-ceuticals and functional foods is estimated to be $15-20 billion annually. Extremely rapid growth is being projected; expectations are that the industry will increase to $500 billion by 2010.

Contact: Kelley Fitzpatrick, President, SNN, 105 North Road,
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4L5. Phone 306-668-2654; fax 306-933-7208; e-mail info@nutranet.org; Web site www.nutranet.org

New Biotechnology Website and Poster

BioResearch Ireland (BRI) has launched a new internet site, BioZone, aimed at informing schools and the public on the growing importance of biotechnology to our economy, environment and health. The site is located at http://www.biores-irl.ie/biozone

The website is particularly designed to give secondary school students an introduction to biotechnology and is equally useful to members of the public who wish to understand this growing technology.

The site, designed by Integrated Management Solutions, uses striking animated graphics to explain some of the biotechnological processes and is also well equipped with a glossary explaining the scientific terms in easily understood language. It also provides information on university courses and the biotechnology industry in Ireland.

To promote the site, and also to promote the benefits of biotechnology, a poster was also launched. This provides a summary of the main ways in which biotechnology is being used for the benefit of man and his environment. The poster, which is being sent to secondary schools throughout the country, is cofunded by BRI and Monsanto PLC.

For further details contact: Declan McGee, BioResearch Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tel: 353 1 8370177 Fax: 353 1 8370176, email: mcgeed@biores-irl.ie

New Director for National Food Biotechnology Centre

Dr. Gerald Fitzgerald, Associate Professor at UCC's Department of Microbiology and Food Science & Technology, has been appointed Director of BioResearch Ireland's (BRI) National Food Biotechnology Centre, also at UCC. Outgoing Director, Prof. Charles Daly, is standing down to take up the dual positions of Professor of Food Science and Technology (an Allied Irish Banks sponsored chair at UCC) and Dean of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology.

For Dr. Fitzgerald, this represents another step in a long running association with the National Food Biotechnology Centre (NFBC). A major research programme at the Centre has been the study of lactic acid bacteria in food processing, particular in cheese and yoghurt and Dr. Fitzgerald has been a central figure in this programme since its inception. A feature of the NFBC, as with other BRI Centres, is its close relationship with its host university. Dr. Fitzgerald's succession to Prof. Daly will ensure that this partnership between UCC and BioResearch Ireland will be continued.

Bioethics Issues Take Centre Stage at EuropaBio '98

To share the US perspective of the biotechnology industry and to enhance collaboration with EuropaBio, BIO participated in EuropaBio '98, held in Brussels, Belgium, October 27-30. More than 650 representatives from the industry, universities and government met to discuss the latest in science, bioethics, technology transfer and regional development models.

"BIO is pleased to join forces with EuropaBio '98 to strengthen the development of biotechnology in Europe and worldwide," said BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum. During his address, Feldbaum also highlighted some of the cultural distinctions between US and European public debates on biotechnology.

Bioethics activities were a top priority of the meeting, as EuropaBio unveiled its "Core Ethical Values," a document just approved by the EuropaBio Board of Directors in October. "Core Ethical Values" outlines the principles by which the European biotech community will address ethical issues in health care, agriculture, food and environmental biotechnology.

"EuropaBio's `Core Ethical Values' presents the vision of the industry as we take our societal role to heart," said Erik Tambuyzer of Genzyme, a member of EuropaBio's Board of Directors and chair of its Ethics Task Force. "We use this statement to inform the external world and to stimulate our internal dialogue to further refine our long-term strategy as we address the responsible uses of biotechnology."

EuropaBio also announced the creation of an Advisory Group on Ethics (AGE), consisting of seven members - research or
university professors in ethics-related areas from different European countries. Members of the AGE presented statements on key issues, including genetic data protection and confidentiality, novel foods and consumer choice, animal welfare, genetic testing and eugenics.

By Suzanne Tomlinson, Bioethics Counsel (Reproduced from BIO News - December 1998/January 1999)

Australians to Benefit from World-Class Medicines Research Unit

A NEW world-class medicines research unit was recently dedicated at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney by visiting Chairman of Glaxo Wellcome plc, UK Sir Richard Sykes and the The Hon. Dr. Andrew Refshauge MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Aboriginal Affairs.

The 13-bed Unit is one of only four established by Glaxo Wellcome worldwide and will carry out early stage trials of new medicines in healthy volunteers. These `Phase I' clinical trials are a crucial step in the development of effective new medical treatments and will provide a major boost to Australia's research capabilities.

Other benefits to flow from the project include enhanced teaching and research capabilities, attraction of top research projects and scientists to Australia and local job creation.

The new Unit was dedicated as the James Lance Glaxo Wellcome Medicines Research Unit in honour of Professor James Lance OBE, AO, an Australian world-renowned researcher in neurology. Sir Richard Sykes said the Unit will become a flagship medical research centre for Australia: "This new Medicines Research Unit will play a major role in turning drug discoveries into medicines and therapies that are safe and effective for treating disease."

The Unit will be fully funded and administered by Glaxo Wellcome Australia in a unique collaboration with the Prince of Wales Hospital and the NSW Department of Health.

What Does a Phase I Clinical Trial Unit Do?

In order to turn a drug discovery into a medicine that is safe and effective in treating disease, a long and costly process of trials and testing must be undertaken. On average it takes 8-12 years and $500 million to bring one new medicine to the market. Once a potential drug candidate is identified and studied in test tubes and in animal models, it moves into the four phases of clinical trials.

Phase I trials are designed to establish the safety profile and safe dosage range of a medicine. This phase of testing is usually the first introduction of the drug to humans. Phase I trials usually involve healthy volunteers, whilst Phase II, III, and IV trials involve patients who have the relevant disease or condition the medicine is intended to treat.

As with all phases of clinical trials, any research project undertaken at a Phase I Unit requires ethics committee approval, complete documentation, participant consent and thorough monitoring throughout. The Phase I unit operated by GWA at the Prince of Wales Hospital will undertake the following types of research studies:

IMS Health Releases Five Year Forecast of Global Pharmaceutical Growth

IMS HEALTH (NYSE:RX) expects the global pharmaceutical market to grow at 7.8 percent compound average annual rate during the next five years, reaching $406 billion in 2002. The compound growth rate in North America is expected to be 9.8 percent, higher than the global average. At year-end 1998, the value of the global pharmaceutical market at manufacturers' selling prices is projected to total $301 billion. IMS HEALTH is the world's leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

"The global pharmaceutical industry outlook has never been stronger - we're entering a golden age," said Victoria R. Fash, IMS HEALTH president and chief operating officer. "Based on unprecedented R&D investment by pharmaceutical companies worldwide, the number of new compounds in the pipeline is at an all-time high. This is a significant growth driver, which ultimately contributes to the advancement of world health."

The market value projections are published in Global Pharma Forecasts 1998-2002, a report published annually by IMS HEALTH's specialist forecasting division. The report includes five-year growth projections for the pharmaceutical markets in 230 countries and 11 regions.

New Product Launches

New product launches are a key driver of pharmaceutical industry growth. Notable launches from the top global pharmaceutical companies include Evista (Lilly) in osteoporosis; Viagra (Pfizer) for erectile dysfunction; Lipitor (Parke Davis/Warner Lambert/Pfizer), a lipid-lowering agent; Singulair (Merck & Co), the oral antiasthmatic; Epivir-HBV (Glaxo Wellcome), the first anti-viral hepatitis B; Zeloda (Roche), breast cancer therapy; Plavix (Sanofi/BMS), a platelet antiaggregant; and Embrel (Wyeth-Ayers), a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Regional Pharmaceutical Market Growth

During the next five years, the fastest growing regions are expected to be North America, the Middle East, Australasia and Southeast Asia, including China. Japan and Western Europe pharmaceutical markets are expected to grow at rates slower than the global average. Growth in the Japanese market will continue to be constrained by economic pressures in the first half of the period under review, but will improve in the second half.

North America remains the world's largest pharmaceutical market, with 39 percent of 1998 projected worldwide sales, or $118 billion. Contributing to growth are new product launches and volume gains resulting from increased prescription drug coverage for Medicare and Medicaid recipients under managed care programs. Overall sales are expected to remain robust, producing a compound average growth rate of 9.8 percent over the 1998-2002 period. North American pharmaceutical market value is expected to total $169 billion in 2002.

Price controls will continue to challenge European markets. Growth in select European markets, including Germany, France and Italy is expected to be lower than the European regional average rate of 5.8 percent. Growth in the U.K., however, is expected to be 9 percent above the European regional average rate. Spain, forecast to grow at 10.2 percent annual rate, is expected to experience double-digit growth in the next five years.

Following the Southeast Asia Region's economic crisis, rapid expansion of pharmaceutical markets came to an abrupt halt in mid-1998. Several major markets have contracted dramatically since that time, particularly Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand. Evidence exists that patients in these countries are "trading down" to lower-cost treatments, e.g. selecting public instead of private healthcare services, primary case instead of hospital treatment, and self-medication products and traditional medicines instead of prescription drugs. However, market growth is expected to resume within two-to-three years, with the total pharmaceutical market in the Southeast Asia Region, including China, forecast to grow at an average compound growth rate of 11 percent to $20.11 billion in 2002. China's pharmaceutical market is expected to continue growing at a high rate, with average compound growth of 12.4 percent to $9.01 billion in 2002.

Therapeutic Classes

Cardiovasculars remain the leading therapeutic group in absolute size, for the combined developed markets of Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan the United Kingdom and the United States. In these ten developed countries, cardiovascular drugs represent 13.5 percent of the total pharmaceutical market in 1998. Alimentary Tract and Metabolism represent the second- highest market share at 10.5 percent, and Central Nervous System products are in third position with a 9.9 percent share of the pharmaceutical market in developed countries.

In terms of growth rate among the ten developed countries, Blood and Blood Forming Organs products are expected to experience the strongest growth, increasing to 9.3 percent of the pharmaceutical market by 2002. Musculo-Skeletal products are projected to grow to an 8.4 percent market share during the same period. The growth rate of Cardiovasculars is expected to slow during the next five years, representing just 6.1 percent of the pharmaceutical market in 2002.

In the Far East Region (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand), Alimentary Tract & Metabolism drugs currently are the largest therapeutic group, accounting for more than a quarter of all pharmacy sales in 1998. However, the growth of that therapeutic group is expected to be only 0.5 percent over the next five years. The second largest class in the Far East Region's retail sector is Systemic Anti-infectives, followed by Respiratory System drugs. The Respiratory System class is expected to maintain current market share over the forecast period, while the Systemic Anti-infectives class is projected to increase its share of the retail market from 14.0 percent to 14.9 percent. Cardiovascular System products in the Far East Region are forecast to demonstrate the highest compound average growth rate at 6.7 percent, followed by Systemic Anti-infectives at a 4.3 percent growth rate and Central Nervous System drugs with 3.9 percent growth.

In the Latin American Region (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela), Alimentary Tract & Metabolism products represent the largest therapeutic group, and are expected to maintain that position during the forecast period. Systemic Anti-infectives and Cardiovasculars are forecast to hold the second and third market share positions of 10.1 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively.

TABLE 1

World Pharmaceutical Market Growth by Region 1998-2002

REGIONS	CAGR % 1998-2002
North America	9.8%
Europe	5.8%
Japan	4.9%
Latin America & Caribbean	8.4%
Southeast Asia/China	11.0%
Eastern Europe	8.6%
Middle East	10.6%
Africa	3.3%
Indian Sub-Continent	8.6%
Australasia	9.8%
CIS	6.7%
Total World Market	8.0%
*Data Source: IMS HEALTH

All country data have been derived principally from IMS HEALTH sources accounting for 95% of the world market and the remaining 5% from official export/import and local manufacturing data.

1. All figures were calculated on a year-end basis at manufacturer's selling price (or CIF for imports) and represent local currency sales converted into $US exchange rates.

2. An important factor is the effect of exchange rate conversions during the five-year forecast period, which in some cases may well distort real growth in the specific countries. This is particularly relevant in the case of Latin America, where due to volatility in exchange rates, the forecast figures have been based on standard unit growth and constant prices.

3. Forecasts are at actual price and therefore reflect
derived price forecasts (or assume that the price growth inherent in the historical data will continue into the forecast period).

4. All IMS HEALTH sourced data was grossed-up to account for any outlets not covered in the audit.

TABLE II

Projected World Pharmaceutical Market by Region in 2002 ($billion)

REGION	$ billion
North America	$169.5 bn
Europe	$100.8 bn
Japan	$ 45.8 bn
Latin America and Caribbean	$ 30.5 bn
S.E. Asia and China	$ 20.1 bn
Middle East	$ 10.6 bn
Eastern Europe	$ 7.6 bn
Indian Sub-continent	$ 7.3 bn
Africa	$ 5.3 bn
Australasia	$ 5.4 bn
CIS	$ 3.2 bn

North America, Europe, Japan and Latin America are projected to account for 85.2% of the worldwide Pharmaceutical market by 2002.

Next Science 2000 Moves to First Quarter 2000 And To New Venue

Science 2000 which is Australia's largest scientific and laboratory exhibition, will be held from the 21^st/23^rd March 2000 at the Rosehill Gardens Function Centre in Sydney. The event was originally scheduled for September 1999, but has been moved to March 2000.

The SSAA have already received expressions of interest from professional societies who wish to be included in the overall technical program for Science 2000 - 2000 which will focus on Science for the New Millenium. Groups interested in being part of this program are asked to register their interest as soon as possible.

Applying for R&D Assistance - It's Not as Hard as You Think

"We understand that in business, time is money," said Olga Sawtell, of the Industry Research and Development Board speaking recently at an industry discussion group in Sydney. "Especially if you're running a small business, you're too busy making ends meet to spend much time of paperwork," she added.

The Commonwealth Government's IR&D Board program, R&D Start, provides assistance to businesses to conduct R&D. AusIndustry administers R&D Start for IR&D Board.

AusIndustry has made its application process more "user-friendly". Businesses that have looked into applying for AusIndustry assistance in the past might find it worthwhile to look again, as changes have been made since July 1998. "We aren't in the business of sending companies on a wild goose chase. What we want to do is make sure that funding allocated by the Federal Government for R&D is spent on projects with high commercial potential," explained Mrs. Sawtell.

The process begins by filling out a one-page initial inquiry form, and sending it to AusIndustry. AusIndustry has an office in every state in Australia, and they promise to get back to you within 48 hours. An Aus-Industry case officer will then talk with you about your idea, to try and help you assess whether it will fit into the eligibility criteria. If you decide to pursue your application, help is available. It is the AusIndustry case officers' job to offer advice on how to present your application in the best possible light. This could involve telephone conversations or face-to-face meetings, depending on what is more convenient for you. You can go into an AusIndustry office, or a case officer can come to you. Some companies have found the rigorous application process has actually been positive for their business.

So, if you are planning for a research and development project, AusIndustry may be able to help you get it off the ground. To contact AusIndustry, ring the hotline on: 13 28 46, or visit the website at: www.ausindustry.gov.au

Population and Environment Research Fund

Almost every Australian has an opinion on this subject, but these opinions are very rarely backed by solid information from a wide range of scientific disciplines. The Australian Academy of Science wants the debate about population and the environment to be based on fact, not emotion. To support this goal, we have established the Population and Environment Research Fund.

The Population and Environment Research Fund will support empirical research into how the size, distribution, material aspirations and other characteristics of Australia's population are likely to affect our environment - not only our land and landscape, but also social cohesion, health, the economy and defence.

Some of the problems arising in Australia may be due to population pressures in other countries. This will also be part of the research. The Academy will ensure that there is rigour and balance in any research work that we fund.

The first donor to the Population and Environment Research Fund has pledged at least $150,000, partly as a donation and partly as a bequest. We are now seeking additional donations and bequests. You can help us build the capital fund, and the interest will be used for research. Alternatively, you may specify that your donation be used directly for research. All contributions to the fund are tax deductible under Section 78(4) of the Income Tax Assessment Act.

For more information about the Academy and the Population and Environment Research Fund, contact the Academy's Executive Secretary or Development Officer: phone: (02) 6247 5777; fax: (02) 6257 4620; email: aas@science.org.au.

Business Development Directory & 1999 Membership Directory On The Way

The 150 page print version of BIO's new Business Development Directory, produced in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Institute for Biotechnology. The directory, also available online at (www.bioindex.org), is a comprehensive desktop reference of business development personnel at more than 1,500 biotechnology companies worldwide.

BIO's 1999 Membership Directory - highlighting more than 800 companies, academic institutions, state biotech centres and other organisations in 47 states and 26 nations - has been mailed out. The 240 page directory also describes BIO's various committees and provides information about our services and programs.

Master of Arts in Science and Technology Studies

Modern science and technology are critical in shaping our social, cultural and natural environments, and crucial to industrial development and the generation of wealth. They create and destroy jobs. They help us ensure high standards of health and safety, and yet often form a direct threat to human and environmental health. Despite this centrality of techno-science to our lives, few of us understand it, and few university courses seriously tackle its nature and influence.

Deakin University's Master of Arts in Science and Technology Studies is a unique, course-work degree program that focuses on the social analysis of science rather than its technical dimensions. It looks at what science is, what it is and is not good for, and how it relates to the distribution and exercise of power in modern societies.

The course can be studied entirely online, using the very latest in Web interactivity and
presentation, or can be taken via traditional off-campus study.

Membrane Technology in Food and Bioprocessing

An intensive two day seminar on the fundamentals and recent developments of Ultrafiltration in the Food and Bioprocessing Industries with Special Guest Presenter - Dr. Munir Cheryan of the University of Illinois, USA.

Enquiries: Jenny Carney Tel: (02) 4570 1455 Fax:(02) 4578 4100 E-mail: J.Carney@UWS.edu.au

First Australian Consensus Conference - Gene Technology in the Food Chain

For three days in March 1999, ordinary citizens and leading experts will come together at the first Consensus Conference ever to be held in Australia. The conference will be held at Old Parliament House in Canberra to discuss Gene Technology in the Food Chain.

The Consensus Conference is an exciting departure from typical conferences or community consultations. It provides a democratic forum to achieve broader and more informed debate about important issues. It allows for a wide range of points of view to be represented and given an equal hearing. It encourages informed consensus; allows room for differing opinion and provides a meaningful and constructive way of facilitating informed public partici- pation in decision making.

The Consensus Conference method has been used very successful in Europe, the United States and New Zealand - many of them have fed directly into the development of legislation/regulation. The Consensus Conference involves a carefully constructed and tested process for impartially selecting a lay panel from all walks of life right across Australia and bringing that panel together with a wide range of experts. The lay panel sets the key questions it wants the experts to address. In broad terms, the experts inform the lay panel; the lay panel cross-examines the experts; and after this dialogue, the lay panel deliberates and develops its conclusions as a published report. This report is then made available to the Australian people, government, industry, scientists and the media.

Convened by the Australian Museum and overseen by a Steering Committee chaired by Sir Laurence Street, the Consensus Conference is supported by a wide range of groups, including (alphabetically): Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries Australia, Australian Consumers' Association, AVCARE, several CRCs, CSIRO, The Myer Foundation, Environment Australia, Rural Research and Development Corporations, and State Departments of Agriculture.

With the exception of the session in which the lay panel develops its conclusions, the conference is entirely open to the Australian public to attend and witness. There will also be one session in which visitors can participate themselves and ask questions.

Gene Technology in the Food Chain is an issue which will ultimately involve everyone in the community and about which there is a need for greater awareness, informed discussion and wide debate. Gene Technology has both risks and benefits, which extend beyond scientific issues, and need to be explored by the general community. A Consenses Conference on this topic is particularly relevant now, as Commonwealth and State negotiations are under way to consider how to regulate, and coordinate the regulation of, gene technology.

The Consensus Conference will provide a useful forum for defining how effective two-way communication between ordinary citizens and experts can take place in an area as contentious as gene technology. It is an effective, fair and transparent way to achieve greater community participation in decision making on some of the challenging issues which face Australia.

For further information please contact Jude Bourguignon, Consensus Conference Publicist, at Socom Public Relations on Tel: (03)9349 1099; Fax: (03) 9349 1599

Prince Launches Public Debate on GM Crops

In the first online forum on his official website, the Prince of Wales was cited as inviting responses as to whether genetically-modified food are needed, noting that mixing genetic material from species that cannot breed naturally "takes us into areas that should be left to God. We should not be meddling with the building blocks of life in this way." While acknowledging that genetic manipulation could lead to major advances in medicine, agriculture and the good health of the environment, Charles was cited as saying that advanced technology brings its own dangers, adding, "I am not convinced we know enough about the long-term consequences for human health and the environment of releasing plants (or, heaven forbid, animals) bred in this way. I suspect that planting herbicide resistant crops will lead to more chemicals being used on our fields, not fewer. But this isn't the whole story. Such sterile fields will offer little or no food or shelter to wildlife, and there is already evidence that the genes for herbicide resistance can spread to wild relatives of crop plants, leaving us with weeds resistant to weedkiller."

Warning that genetic material does not stay where it is put, that pollen is spread by the wind and by insects, and that GM crops can contaminate conventional and organic crops growing nearby, Charles was further quoted as saying, "Major problems may, as we are assured, be very unlikely, but if something does go badly wrong with GM crops we will be faced with a form of pollution that is self-perpetuating. I don't think anyone knows how to clean up after that sort of incident, or who would have to pay for it."

Charles was also cited as questioning the claims that some GM crops are essential to feed the world's growing populations,
adding, "Is it really true? Is the problem sometimes lack of money, rather than lack of food? And how will the companies who own this technology make a sufficient profit from selling their products to the world's poorest people? Wouldn't it be better to concentrate instead on the sustainable techniques which can double or treble the yields from traditional farming systems?"

National Science Week May 1-9, 1999

National Science Week is Australia's only nation-wide celebration of science that involves people of all ages, backgrounds and interests.

The week aims to increase awareness of the importance of science and technology to our economic and social well-being through a focused and accessible week of science-based activities.

Last year's events included some 400 creative presentations of science-related concepts.

National Science Week is a partnership between the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Science Festival, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

National Science Week aims to promote a holistic approach to science and technology in society. Some of the messages the celebration promotes include:

1998 at a Glance

National Science Week attracted more than 250,000 visitors, staged 400 events and obtained at least $300,000 worth of media coverage in its first year, in 1998.

This was the first time Australians from all states and territories, ranging from young children to grandparents, were involved in a celebration of science.

Big Plans for 1999

A whirlwind round Australia tour by Triple J's Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Adam Spencer from Quantum is only one of the highlights of a spectacular week of science being planned for National Science Week 1999.

Millions of Australians will take part in the celebration from their armchairs. The ABC for instance, will devote its top rating shows to science during the week.

Each state and territory will mount its own science spectacular, as will many cities and country towns to complement national events such as those featured by the ABC.

In Queensland, the Gold Coast's Griffith University will involve the whole community in solving a forensic science mystery in which eight local celebrities find themselves suspects when the local Mayor's new Malibu surfboard disappears after a dinner party. Townsville Grammar School will hold a Science Expo and Brisbane's Queen Street Mall is being given a giant science mural.

Sydney's Garvan Institute will open its doors to the public to showcase its medical research, host a debating challenge on the future of medical research and genetic engineering and hold seminars on topics ranging from where we are in our quest for cures to Mad Moments in Science.

ScienceNOW! And the Great Australian Science Show will be in Melbourne. A highlight of ScienceNOW! Will be Fresh Science featuring some of Australia's best young scientists.

If you have any ideas, questions, comments, or would like a program or registration form contact the national office:

Willow McGregor, National Coordinator, National Science Week, PO Box 193 Civic Square, ACT 2608 (Tel: (02) 6205 0281; Fax: (02) 6207 0072, email: scienceweek@orac.net.au; www.abc.net.au/science

First State Second Best in Biotech: Report

New South Wales falls behind other states and overseas countries when it comes to capturing opportunities presented by biotechnology, according to a report by the NSW Innovation Council. The report, Biotechnology in NSW: Opportunities and
Challenges, recommends that the State government:

Further information: James Callachor, NSW Innovation Council Tel: (02) 9338 6777; email: callacj@www.nsw.gov.au

Political Solution on Gene Technology Labelling - False Comfort

Statement by Executive Director of the Australian Food Council, Mr Mitchell H. Hooke

"Despite good intentions, consumers and industry have not been well served by the nation's Health Minister's decision today instructing ANZFA to draft an amendment to the Standard (Food Produced from Gene Technology) that will require the mandatory labelling of all food products using gene technology - it is intended products will be required by law to be labelled `does contain ...', `may contain...' and provision be made for the option `does not contain...'

"If the Standard is amended, the regulations will require industry to label all products produced from or using ingredients of gene technology, irrespective of whether the product is different in any way from existing products and no matter how small an amount of altered DNA or protein they contain - even one molecule.

"It's the politically "cheap" option. The more difficult decision was to determine where Governments should legitimately require the labelling of these products, recognising that companies are going to want, and are able, to provide information on the product in line with their consumers' needs.

"Serving consumers' interests is what our business is all about. The political solutions to this complex issue may appease some in the short-term, but will be costly to industry and ultimately consumers, and to Australia's global trading position, with no real tangible benefit to consumers.

"What benefit is there to a consumer to have the vast majority of products within the next few years on supermarket shelves labelled `may contain...'? We wanted regulations to better differentiate products in consumers' interests.

"It is not going to be possible to deliver the mandatory labelling of all products beyond a `may contain...' and in that, the Ministers are giving false comfort. This decision is not confined to packaged products.

"How then do the Ministers expect industry to label all of the products coming through the food service sector into restaurants, fast food outlets, sandwich shops, catering at functions, school fetes and canteens and on airlines and in hospitals?

"And what about the labelling of fresh fruit and vegetables? If they are not substantially different, how do you know? How is the law going to be enforced?

"What is the definition of a genetically modified product if it is substantially equivalent to its traditional counterpart?

"Is it to be on the basis of containing altered DNA or protein? If so, are the Ministers proposing de minimus or threshold levels as they are trying to do in Europe? Surely this defeats the purpose of the exercise.

"What about products that don't contain any altered DNA or protein, but are produced from gene technology crops? For example, lecithin from Roundup Ready soybeans, starch from Bacillus thuriengiensis (Bt) corn, oils from modified canola, cotton and soybeans - if you can't detect the altered material - how are you going to enforce the law?

"What about products where the altered DNA/protein is destroyed in the processing - oils are a good example - even the
Europeans have excluded these products in their attempts at laws.

"Australia now stands out from the rest of the world by imposing the most restrictive regime for the labelling of these products. Even the Europeans haven't gone this far for the very reasons we implored the Ministers to consider - it will be meaningless to consumers, unenforceable, impractical and impose unnecessary costs.

"Worse still, Ministers have ignored the advice of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, that such a regime which must apply to imported product, could see Australia challenged under WTO rules. A situation many of our off-shore trade reform competitors will relish.

"Notwithstanding our grave misgivings, the industry will do its utmost to conform with this decision and to minimise the costs to consumers.

"It will not detract from our genuine attempts to provide voluntarily, real, meaningful information to consumers on product labels and through the Australian Food Council's Food Science Bureau, on related matters on food science and new technologies."

Peptech Signs Agreement with Pfizer

(Extracted from an announcement made to the Australian Stock Exchange on 23 December 1998)

Peptech Limited today announced that it has signed an agreement with leading pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. whereby Pfizer will fully fund an initial 12 month program of clinical research as well as the development of methods for the large scale manufacture of Peptech's third generation long acting implant for reversible castration of companion animals. This is the first time Peptech has successfully negotiated a research agreement with a major pharmaceutical company and follows the granting of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Ovuplant product earlier this year.

The CEO of Peptech, Dr Michael Cohen, said that this was great news for Peptech shareholders and vindicated the decision to focus on Peptech's core capability in mammalian reproduction control. The agreement marked a further step in the rapid evolution of the company into a genuine biotechnology business, manufacturing products for the global market.

In addition, Peptech's US sales of Ovuplant were strong and Peptech's projections showed the US will become the Company's largest market in the coming year. Peptech's finances have been improved due to a lowering of corporate overheads and the Company will now have sufficient financial resources to enable an acceleration of the Company's research efforts in 1999 to further extend the value of its implant technology system.

The first project scheduled for completion was a range of sterility and stability tests which were being carried out on both Ovuplant and the long acting implant. These were required for the full commercial development of the product range. The Ovuplant studies were part of the registration process for Europe where the horse breeding market was estimated to equal or exceed that of the USA.

The Company will also complete a 12 month efficacy trial in cattle in late January which should confirm the ability of the implant to produce long term fertility control in larger animals. The company continued to develop applications for slow release deslorelin, a synthetic variant of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) the active ingredient of both Ovuplant and its long acting implant formulation.

With sterility and stability data and proof of long term efficacy in larger animals, the Company will be undertaking the development of a commercial product for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in dogs. This is an important problem in older dogs and vets were increasingly using human anti-hormone medication as an expensive and only partially successful treatment. Peptech is confident that it can develop a formulation that will be effective for three months following a single treatment, will be completely effective and much less costly. Such a product will be developed in house with the aim of having a product approved and on sale in the Australian market hopefully within two years. As with Ovuplant, the Company would gain valuable knowledge on the marketing of the product before any of its companion animal products were approved for sale in the US. This will not only provide a source of new revenue, but will ensure that Peptech was in a position to inform the US marketing effort based on Australian experience, a strategy which has proved to be extremely successful with Ovuplant.

With the recent research data it has generated, Peptech was confident that its deslorelin implant could be developed for human use. Once sterility data is available, the Company will be in a position to develop a range of deslorelin products for specific human applications. Such products will address substantial existing markets for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer as well as gynaecological disease, infertility and as an adjunct treatment in patients undergoing cytotoxic therapy for cancer or leukaemia to protect their reproductive capability.

AMRAD and Becton Dickinson form Strategic Alliance

AMRAD Corporation Limited (AMRAD) announced the signing of a strategic alliance agreement for the development and distribution of rapid diagnostic tests with Becton Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX) a major international supplier of medical diagnostic products. The agreement represents a major step in realising value for AMRAD ICT by facilitating increased sales for the AMRAD ICT range of products.

AMRAD will play key roles in the development and high volume automated manufacture of the tests, while Becton Dickinson will bring its established marketing, sales and distribution expertise to the alliance.

Mr John Grace, Managing Director, AMRAD said, "The rapid diagnostics market is one of the fastest growing healthcare markets in the world. AMRAD ICT has all the critical capabilities to realise significant value for its investment in AMRAD ICT by bringing AMRAD's expertise into an alliance with a world-class company like Becton Dickinson."

"Becton Dickinson's alliance with an international renowned biotechnology company such as AMRAD providing access to AMRAD ICT's diagnostic technology is a strategically valuable development for our company," Mr Jeremy Layman, Managing Director of Becton Dickinson Australia said.

Optiscan Releases World's First Endomicroscope

Optiscan Imaging Limited announced late last year that it has officially released its first research confocal endomicro-scope. "We are very excited about the release of this unique endomicroscope," said Roger Wallis, Optiscan's general manager. "It represents another very important step in our development plan to release a stand-alone system for clinical use."

Produced as an attachment to the current bench top research F900e Personal Confocal system, the endomicroscope "probe" is used instead of a conventional microscope to allow imaging of living tissue in vivo. Unlike a conventional microscope, the endomicroscope probe can be positioned at almost any angle onto difficult-to-reach or thick living specimens.

Applications for the endo-microscope include use in the fields of anatomical pathology, cell biology, dermatology, life sciences, neuroscience, histo-pathology, pharmacology, physiology, forensic science and veterinary science. Researchers at Monash University have been quick to embrace this technology and apply it to skin research and investigation of gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Optiscan Imaging Limited is a Melbourne based, Australian listed company (OIL), engaged in research and development to produce a miniature confocal endomicroscope for clinical use, which permits direct and non-invasive views of cells inside the human body. This flexible confocal endomicroscope will allow living cells to be viewed under high magnification at the actual time of medical consultation. The potential benefits of this innovative diagnostic technology include the facilitation of direct microscopic diagnosis and the reduction of time needed to take tissue samples invasively for biopsy examination in the laboratory. The high on-going costs related to curative medicine are seen as Optiscan's major opportunity.

For further information, please contact Roger Wallis, General Manager on 03 9562 7741.

Vermitech

Vermitech Pty Ltd has won the prestigious innovation award for its unique solution to handling the problems of organic waste.

"Vermitech has developed a cost efficient, pollution free process for the conversion of organic waste into vermicast, offering an ecologically and commercially sustainable solution for the disposal of sewage sludge and other organic waste" Ms Polmear CEO of Pacific Access said in announcing that Vermitech was the winner of the 1998 Yellow Pages® Business Ideas Grant.

"Utilising all Australian technology, the full scale pilot facility in Redland, Queensland was opened in April 1998, as the largest of its kind in the world, processing 20,000 tonnes a year of sewage and green waste," she said.

BioVerm is used in four states in vineyards, orchards, vegetable production and rehabilitation of mine sites and degraded soils. BioVerm is also used by leading Race Tracks and Golf Courses and Local Councils because it delivers the results, does not pollute, has no odour and creates a healthier soil.

Ilexus

Ilexus Pty Ltd announced recently that the USA Patent Office has notified the Austin Research Institute (of which Ilexus is a fully owned subsidiary) that its patent application describing the action of the carbohydrate glactose 1,3a(gal) "GAL" transferase in xenographs has been accepted.

"This acceptance of the patent by the USA office represents an important recognition for our work in organ transplantation," said Prof Ian McKenzie, Director of the Austin Research Institute and co-inventor with Dr Mauro Sandrin.

"The ability to manipulate the gene producing this carbohydrate now exists and we see this area of research being progressed very rapidly."

The CEO of Ilexus, Mr Marcus Clark indicated: "We see this as an opportunity to gain further interest from groups both interested in research collaboration and clinical development of the science."

Ilexus is a biotechnology company providing products and services in the areas of immunological therapeutics and diagnostics. Its mission is to ensure that it continually promotes and represents the research of the Austin Research Institute in order that all projects achieve maximum clinical usage and value.

For further details please contact: Mr Marcus Clark, CEO, Ilexus Pty Ltd, Kronheimer Building, A&RMC, Studley Road, Heidelberg Vic 3084 Tel: 03 9287 0637; Fax: 03 9287 0601.

FuCell

Other companies have developed humanised mouse antibodies using a variety of different technologies. However, these products typically have reduced binding affinity for their target and do not have the normal human glycosylation (attached sugar groups), impairing their ability to provoke the desired immune response. In addition, non-human components have the potential to create unfavourable immune responses in humans. The FuCell method creates cell lines which are truly fully human allowing a wide range of potential therapeutic applications.

Products developed using the patented FuCell technology are created independently of other patented production processes. This means that FuCell will be able to produce a competitive product without running into patent disputes, which in many instances obstruct development of products requiring multiple patent licenses. In addition, FuCell does not have to pay licensing or royalty costs.

FuCell is now planning to expand its capabilities in fusing cells, small scale cell culturing and in characterising the products of the hybridomas. This expansion will include strategic liaisons and FuCell is seeking alliances with large biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as partners in product development.

Further information: Greg McDonell, FuCell Pty Ltd, Tel: 02 9385 4239; Fax: 02 9385 5981.

Biogen, Bristol-Myers, Monsanto Win Award for Innovation

US President Clinton has named Biogen Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and four Monsanto company executives 1998 winners of the National Medal of Technology. The award is the USA's highest honour for technological innovation. It recognizes breakthroughs resulting in creation of new or significantly improved products, processes and services that have profound and lasting contributions to the US economy and quality of life.

BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum said, "We sincerely congratulate these three BIO members on receiving such a prestigious honour. They have proved once again that the biotechnology industry is America's true leader in innovation."

Biogen was recognized for "applying breakthroughs in biology to the development of life-saving and life-enhancing pharmaceutical products to treat large, previously underserved patient populations throughout the world." The company's hepatitis B vaccines were singled out as "the first vaccines using recombinant DNA technology."

Bristol-Myers Squibb was honoured "for extending and enhancing human life through innovative pharmaceutical research and development and for redefining the science of clinical study through ground-breaking and hugely complex clinical trials that are recognized models in the industry."

At Monsanto, Robert T. Fraley, Robert B. Horsch, Ernest G. Jaworski and Stephen G. Rogers received a team award for "pioneering achievements in plant biology and agricultural biotechnology and for global leadership in the development and commercialization of genetically modified crops to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability."

Fraley is co-president of the agricultural sector. Horsch is co-president of the sustainable development sector and general manager of the Agracetus Research Campus. Rogers is director of biotechnology projects at the company's European Centre for Crop Research in Brussels, Belgium. Jaworski is the retired director of Monsanto's biological sciences program.

BIOTA

New Drug Application for Relenza^TM Filed

Biota Holdings Limited announced on 28 October 1998 that its development partner, Glaxo Wellcome plc, has filed a New Drug Application (NDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Relenza^TM (zanamivir) for the treatment of influenza. "The filing of Relenza^TM with the US FDA is Biota's most significant milestone for this year," said Biota's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Hugh Niall. "The US represents the single largest potential market for Relenza^TM."

Market Applications have been Filed with Worldwide Regulatory Bodies

The US FDA filing marks the fourth market clearance application to market Relenza^TM in a series of worldwide regulatory body filings during 1998. Earlier this year, the company announced that an application to market Relenza^TM for the treatment of influenza had been filed with Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Last month, the company also announced regulatory application filings in Europe and Canada to market Relenza^TM for both the treatment and prevention of influenza.

Faster Relief from Influenza Symptoms

Melbourne - 16^th November 1998 - Biota Holdings Limited has been advised by its development partner Glaxo Wellcome, that the results of two Phase III clinical trials of zanamivir were presented at the 36^th meeting of the prestigious Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) conference held in Denver, Colorado between 12-15 November 1998. The results demon- strated that zanamivir (Relenza) has been shown to cut the time to recover from influenza by up to one-third in otherwise healthy patients, and reduce complications from influenza by 71 per cent in high risk patients.

The study conducted in Europe in the winter of 1997/98, recruited 356 patients, of whom 78 per cent (277) were confirmed to have influenza infection, and 32 (9%) were classified as `high risk'. Patients were given either placebo or orally inhaled zanamivir at 10 mg twice-daily (bd) for five days, in the double-blind, randomised trial. The primary endpoint of the trial was median time to alleviation of clinically significant symptoms of influenza, measured by the patient's own assessment as an absence of fever and a score of `none' or `mild' for headache, cough, sore throat and myalgia. Zanamivir reduced the severity of all these symptoms and loss of appetite as confirmed by the investigator's assessment. High risk and otherwise healthy zanamivir-treated patients experienced relief from symptoms two and a half days sooner than placebo treated patients, a highly significant difference in the otherwise healthy group (p<0.001).

Dr Douglas Fleming, Birmingham Research Unit, Royal College of General Practitioners, UK and principal investigator of the study said: "The trial confirmed that zanamivir provided significant treatment benefits. We observed a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms reported by all patients, so zanamivir not only reduced the duration of illness, but also made it less debilitating. These results convincingly demonstrate the efficacy of zanamivir."

Compared with those receiving placebo, patients taking zanamivir experienced fewer complications (9% less, p=0.037) and returned to their normal activities faster (1.75 days faster, p=0.023).

These findings were strongly reflected in the Southern Hemisphere trial of zanamivir reported at the IDSA meeting by Adrian Griffin on behalf of MIST (Management of Influenza in the Southern Hemisphere Trialists). This randomised, double-blind study involved 455 patients who were treated with zanamivir 10 mg bd or placebo for five days, and followed up for 28 days. A substantially high proportion of patients (76 or 16.7%) were classified as high risk in this study, which revealed a 71 percent reduction in complications (p=0.004) and a 65 percent reduction in associated antibiotic usage (p=0.025) in these patients.

Patients were asked to report similar parameters to those in the European trial, including health status, days incapacitated, and time taken to return to normal activities. In patients with confirmed influenza infection, a two-day reduction was observed in time taken to return to normal activities (p<0.001) with zanamivir treatment. Compared with the placebo group, patients treated with zanamivir reported less interference with work and recreational and leisure activities. They also reported significantly better health status scores and greater satisfaction with medication compared with the placebo group. All these differences were shown to be statistically significant.

When treating influenza with the currently available antiviral agents, such as amantadine and rimantadine, resistant virus emerges readily; however, resistance has not been detected in the treatment studies with zanamivir. Zanamivir is the first orally inhaled drug in a new generation of specific treatments against the influenza virus known as neuraminidase inhibitors, which work by interfering with the life cycle of the influenza virus. It blocks the neuraminidase enzyme on the surface of the virus, thus preventing its release from the cell, and inhibiting it from spreading to neighbouring cells within the respiratory tract. Administering zanamivir via an inhaler ensures that the drug is delivered directly to the surface of the respiratory tract - the only site of influenza virus infection in humans. It also means that high levels of the drug reach the site of virus replication.

Glaxo Wellcome has developed zanamivir under licence from Biota Holdings Limited. This licence gives Glaxo Wellcome the right to develop and market zanamivir worldwide.

Biota Announces US FDA Market Clearance to Market Rapid Test for Influenza

Melbourne, Australia - 3 December 1998 - Biota Holdings Limited has announced that its collaborator, BioStar Inc., has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration to market their FLU OIA® rapid point of care influenza diagnostic. The company expects that the product will be launched on Monday 7 December in the US, in time for the Northern Hemisphere flu season.

"FLU OIA® enables practitioners to perform proper and efficient diagnosis of influenza that is necessary for effective treatment and containment of the infectious disease", commented Dr Hugh Niall, CEO of Biota Holdings Limited.

FLU OIA® is the first commercially available product for Biota, a biotechnology company based in Melbourne, Australia. BioStar will market and distribute the diagnostic test in the US, Europe and New Zealand. PanBio Pty Ltd will market and distribute the product in Australia. BioStar retains worldwide manufacturing rights.

TRACE

Technology Transfer Agreement

On October 30 1997 Chiron Diagnostics, a business unit of Chiron Corporation, announced that it entered into a technology transfer agreement with Shanghai Long March - TRACE Medical Science Co Ltd. The agreement covers the manufacture and distribution of Chiron Diagnostics' Critical Care and Routine Chemistry reagents for The People's Republic of China (PRC). Shanghai Long March - TRACE Medical Science Co Ltd was established in 1989, as a Sino-Foreign joint venture company by Shanghai Likang Industry & Commerce General Corporation (Shanghai, China), Wearmax Holdings Limited (Hong Kong, China), and TRACE Scientific Limited (Melbourne, Australia).

Over the past ten years TRACE Scientific has played an integral part in the development of the joint venture company to its current market leader position. The three partner agreement began in 1988 with the distribution of TRACE labelled product in PRC. Upon fulfillment of marketing objectives, a sub manufacturing plant was established in 1991 and involved the filling and packaging of product within the PRC. TRACE directed numerous training sessions of joint venture staff in Melbourne and Shanghai, to assure the needs of the joint venture were being addressed and the level of product quality was retained. Full technology transfer was accomplished in 1996 as a part of the final stage in the agreement, whereby product is now entirely manufactured and distributed in the PRC.

In 1997 Chiron entered into a technology agreement with the group which includes a 22% equity interest in the company and has seen a change in company name to Shanghai Long March - TRACE Chiron Medical Science Co Ltd. Additionally, Chiron will hold two seats on the joint venture company's Board of Directors, along with two seats by TRACE Scientific, Wearmax Holdings and three seats by Shanghai Likang Industry & Commerce General Corporation. "We have been extremely impressed by Shanghai Long March - TRACE Medical Science Co Ltd.'s new manufacturing facility and their extensive country-wide distribution system," said Richard W. Barker, President of Chiron Diagnostics Corporation.

With its head office and new manufacturing facility in Shanghai, and branch offices in Shenyang, Beijing, Guanzhou, and Xian, the company manufactures and sells a complete line of in vitro diagnostic reagents for clinical chemistry, immunology, and microbiology and maintains an extensive distribution network throughout the PRC.

Unique Collaborative R&D Product

TRACE Scientific, in conjunction with Monash University, has recently completed the development of a unique Enzymatic Mitochondrial Antibody-M2 reagent (EMA). Anti-M2 is a useful aid in the diagnosis of Primary Bilary Cirrhosis, an auto immune disorder affecting the small bile ducts in the liver. The test is based on the potent pyruvate dehydrogenase complex inhibitory properties of the anti-M2.

US Patent for DST Technology

TRACE has now been granted a US and Australian patent covering the firms Dynamic Stabilisation Technology. US patent numbers 5,705,356, 607,234, and Australian patent number 682,882 were issued this year and cover the use of the co-enzyme regeneration system in Bicarbonate, AST, ALT, Urea and Ammonia reagents. Patent protection is also being sought in other jurisdictions.

TRACE Biocol - Pigs and Calves now Registered

TRACE Biocol is a veterinary colostrum supplement initially developed by TRACE Biosciences to address high neonatal mortality and improve performance to weaning in pigs by preventing scours. It also provides a range of proteins and minerals to improve the health and growth rate in neonates. TRACE Biocol was originally registered in 1996 for pigs and successfully distributed in Australia through Aus Vac Pty Ltd.

On the 6^th November 1997 the National Registration Authority granted an extended registration of TRACE Biocol to include its use for neonatal calves.

Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Australia

Zeneca is a new name in pharmaceuticals in Australia - known for many years as ICI Pharmaceuticals.

Zeneca Australia is part of the international Zeneca Group based in the UK. It has a strong commitment to research and development to support its vision, "Bringing health to life", having invested 17 per cent of turnover (or more than 440 million pounds) in R&D in 1997. Zeneca is one of the leading companies on the London Stock Exchange, currently ranked 11^th.

APMA has Moved

As of September 1998, the Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (APMA) has moved to: Level 7, 88 Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2060. The phone and fax numbers remain unchanged at Phone - (02) 9922 2699; Fax - (02) 9959 4860.

bio shares

Covering Australian Biotechnology Stocks - compiled by M.J. Playne

At the ABA Annual General Meeting, Kelvin Hopper presented a Business Plan which aimed to increase the representation of biotechnology in the Australian political and regulatory environment. His plan included the establishment of an Executive Director who could lobby on behalf of the Association and also provided for increased services to members. It represented a significant increase in activity by the Association, requiring increased funds, and it was proposed to obtain these through an increase in subscriptions.

There appears to be advantages in having an Executive Director with responsibility for representing the ABA, but the Association does not yet have the funds to support such a position. While a subscription increase has been proposed, it is not automatic that increased subscriptions will provide increased funds. In fact, it has the potential to result in a decrease in membership, and an accompanying reduction in funds. Increased membership is more certain to achieve an increase in funds, so that the ABA should be patient and first address the task of expanding its membership base. In many other societies, the lobbying activities for which the appointment of an Executive Director is proposed are shared amongst members, while administrative functions are handled by staff on lower salaries. The ABA has achieved much to date without an Executive Director, and could achieve more with a bigger pool of members to contribute.

An increased membership base would provide both increased funds and an increased level of expertise available for supporting the proposed lobbying program. Kelvin pointed out that membership turnover was high, an indication that members might find the value of services marginal. ABA offers members an excellent journal and a quality scientific conference from time to time. However, other local Societies provide equivalent or better services for similar subscription rates, and the journal is available to many nonmembers through their employer's library. To reduce turnover and increase membership numbers, improved services are necessary and this issue was identified in Kelvin's report, which discussed the importance of active state and special interest groups. Regular local meetings would be expected to increase the value of ABA to its members, and options for such meetings include short evening programs with one or two speakers, and half day or full day meetings on specific topics. Programs could be organised by local committees or by special interest groups.

The profile of the ABA is also important to expansion of its membership base. For many years, I worked for a biotechnology company in the pharmaceutical area, and during the latter years was in charge of R&D groups involved in the development of biotechnology products. However, despite its relevance, few of my staff had much interest in the ABA, and requests to attend its conferences were infrequent. In contrast, interest in ASM was high, although both societies were equally relevant to the scientific interests of staff, and complementary in what they offered. Reasons for the lower profile of ABA among my staff included the lack of local meetings and the irregular nature of the scientific conference. Holding the conference on an annual basis could be expected to improve the ABA profile, by ensuring that its meetings become part of the annual calendar. Most departments in industry and academia aim to send staff to local meetings and find a regular calendar helpful in their planning and budgeting. Organisations included in that calendar enjoy a higher profile than those who are not included.

Extension of Term for Pharmaceutical Patents

Amendments to introduce provisions for Extension of Term for pharmaceutical patents were passed by the Commonwealth Parliament on 15 July 1998, and will come into effect by 27 January 1999. Implementing regulations were released on 24 November 1998. The application for extension must be lodged before the initial 20 year term expires.

Court Decision Finds Against Medical Treatment

In a decision issued on 22 July 1998, the Federal Court of Australia has held that a dosage schedule for administration of an anti-cancer drug is not patentable.

F.H. Faulding & Co Limited had sought revocation of Australia Petty Patents No. 641894 and No. 651307, both in the name of Bristol-Myers Squibb. The patentee took action for infringement against Faulding.

The specification was based on the results of a joint National Cancer Institute of Canada - European clinical trial, and described a method of administration of taxol (paclitaxel) to a cancer patient using an intravenous infusion of the drug over a period of 3-6 hours. This was a much shorter period than that normally used for this drug, and would permit treatment on an outpatient basis.

It was held that the claims of both patents were not novel and did not involve an inventive step in the light of several publications, including an editorial and an abstract describing the design of the trial and some preliminary results. The claims were also found not to be fairly based, in that they encompassed types of cancer and dosage schedules beyond what as disclosed in the specification.

Surprisingly, it was also held that claims to methods of medical treatment were unpatentable, on the ground that such claims were "generally inconvenient" and therefore did not satisfy the requirements of Section 6 of the Statute of Monopolies, a prerequisite for patentability in Australia. The judge, Heerey J., adopted the dissenting judgement of Sheppard J. in Anaesthetic Supplies Pty Ltd v Rescare Ltd ([1994] FR 1). He stated that he did not have to follow the Rescare decision, in which the majority of the Full Federal Court held that methods of medical treatment were patentable, saying that because in that case the claims were found to lack fair basis the views expressed by the Court regarding methods of medical treatment were obiter only.

The decision is controversial. The Australian Patent Office practice for many years has been to raise no objection to a claim merely on the ground that it defines a method of medical treatment, and a very large number of such cases has proceeded to grant. Since the two patents in suite were held not novel and obvious, Heerey J.'s remarks also appear to be obiter. It also appears that claims to a new medical use of a known compound can be distinguished from the situations contemplated by Sheppard J. and Heerey J., which were more in the nature of "mere working directions".

The Patent Office has announced that in view of the inconsistency between the decisions it will continue to allow claims to methods of medical treatment, and will also allow Swiss-form second medical use claims.

India to Join Paris Convention and Patent Cooperation Treaty

India joined the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty on 7 December 1998, and can now be designated in PCT applications. The Indian Patent Office is being restructured and centralised in New Delhi, and amendments to the Indian Patents Act are being proposed to permit protection of pharmaceuticals and novel organisms, including genetically-modified organisms.

South Africa To Join Patent Cooperation Treaty

South Africa also has announced that it would join the Patent Cooperation Treaty, probably early in 1999. The necessary amendments to the South African Patent Legislation are being prepared. However, no commencement date has yet been announced.

European Biotechnology Directive Passed

The long-awaited European Union Directive on the Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions has finally been passed by the European Parliament, and adopted by the Council of the European Union. The Directive was published on 30 July 1998 in the Bulletin of the European Union. Implementation of the Directive by member states of the European Union must be completed by 30 July 2000, and after that date National patent laws and Patent Office practice must comply with the Directive. Please contact Dr Vivien Santer in our Melbourne office or Ann Kurts in our Sydney office if you would like further information.

The directive greatly clarifies and restricts the exclusions from patentability which have hither to cause such difficulty for applicants for European patents because of the way in which they are currently expressed in the European patent convention. Patentability of isolated DNA fragments and of novel plants are not restricted to a specific plant variety is affirmed. "Essentially biological processes for the production of plants or animals" are defined restrictively, to consist "entirely of natural phenomenas such as crossing or selection".

New Zealand Modifies Practice Re Medical Treatment

The New Zealand Patent Office currently accepts claims to methods for treatment of the human body unless the treatment relates to the treatment of disease. For example, claims to cosmetic treatments are allowable. There is no restriction regarding treatment of animals. The New Zealand Patent Office has recently issued guidelines as to the types of claims which will be allowed. The guidelines greatly narrow the exceptions from patentability. Thus claims for methods of treatment of humans will be allowed in situations including the following:

Australian Patent Office Fee Reductions

The Australian Patent Office has announced that it will abolish continuation and renewal fees for the third and fourth years for any case on which such a fee falls due on or after 1 November 1998. In addition, sealing fees for grant of a patent for which the sealing deadline is after 1 November 1998 have been abolished, and are refundable if they have already been paid. The fee for requesting examination has been reduced from AU$350.00 to AU$290.00 for any case in which the request for examination is lodged after 1 November 1998, provided that the Direction to Request Examination issued after 1 May 1998.

PCT and US Fee Reductions

From 1 January 1999 the maximum designation fee has been reduced. Firstly a designation fee is charged only for the first eleven countries designated: any further designations are free of charge. From 1 January, the fee will only be charged only for the first ten countries. This represents a reduction of 150 Swiss Francs.

Furthermore, from 1 January 1999 there will be 200 Swiss Franc reduction in the PCT application fee for applicants who utilise the PCT Easy electronic filing system. Griffith Hack's Melbourne office is taking part in the Australian patent Office's trial of the PCT Easy system, and will benefit from this fee reduction.

The US Patent and Trade Marks Office announced on 10 November 1998 that a number of its fees have been reduced, including the initial filing fee, surcharges for claims over 20, extension of time fees, issue fees, renewal fees. Most of the reductions are very small, the most important being the issue fee (US$110.00) and the renewal fees (US$110.00 for the 31/2 year fee, US$200.00 for the71/2 year fee and US$250.00 for the 111/2 year fee).

News from Malaysia

Malaysian company unveils new veterinary vaccines

Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) disease are economically-important viral diseases of poultry with high mortality and causes loss of appetite, respiratory and nervous symptoms, weight loss, and a drop in egg production. To help control this disease, Malaysian Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Pty. Ltd. (MVP) has just unveiled a combined ND-IB vaccine which is approved for use in Malaysia and also registered for sale in Vietnam and Indonesia, with the registration process ongoing in Thailand. MVP is a subsidiary of the MTDC (Malaysian Technology Development Corporation) Biotechnology holdings group and was formed in 1992 as a strategic partnership with Arthur Webster of Australia (a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Cyanamid Co.), in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia and the Dept. of Veterinary Services. In addition to the ND-IB vaccine, MVP also produces other veterinary vaccines against fowlpox, infectious bursal disease, swine fever and hog cholera, as well as providing diagnostic services for these diseases. It is hoped that MVP's products will benefit the local and regional livestock industry and also reduce the country's dependence on imported vaccines. The latter is particularly significant in view of the current economic crisis affecting the region.

Important AIDS Congress to be held in Malaysia

A major event in the Malaysian conference calendar for 1999 is the 5th International Congress of AIDS in the Asia Pacific (ICAAP) to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 23-27, 1999. HIV/AIDS is a major disease problem and the Asia-Pacific region has the dubious distinction as the region where the epidemic is growing at the fastest rate. The conference will bring together scientists, health professionals, educators, counsellors and people afflicted with HIV/AIDS to discuss all aspects of this disease. The conference will consist of plenary sessions, breakout multi-track sessions, skills-building workshops, satellite symposia and community forums. The scientific programme will include basic science, clinical science & care, epidemiology, prevention & public health, and
social & behavioural science. With 4,000 expected participants, the Congress will be the largest HIV/AIDS gathering for 1999 and the last major conference of its kind this milennium.

Contact: Irene S.K. Tan, Malaysian AIDS Council, P.O. Box 11642, 50752 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: 603 445 1033, Fax: 603 442 6133, email: icaap99@pd.jaring.my, web site : http://www.icaap99.org.my

Sixth Congress of the Asian Society of Transplantation

This important Congress will be held at the Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, SUNTEC City, Singapore from 20-24 September, 1999. Plenary Lectures will focus on the important recent advances in the immunological aspects of transplanation and the future impact of novel advances in therapeutics and genetic engineering. Symposia sessions will focus on transplantation of kidney, liver, bone marrow, heart and other organs, including pancreas, islet cells, intestines and xenotransplantation.

For further information contact: Congress Secretariat, Sixth Congress of the Asian Society of Transplantation, Conference & Exhibition Management Services, 1 Maritime Square, #09-43, World Trade Centre, Singapore 099253. Tel : 65 278 8666, Fax : 65 278 4077, email : cemssvs@singnet.com.sg

33rd Malaysia-Singapore Congress of Medicine

The 33rd edition of one of the longest standing congresses in the region will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from August 18-22, 1999. The Congress will feature specialty sessions in the following areas: dentistry, medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, opthalmology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery. Several pre-congress workshops on randomised clinical trials, foetal ultrasound, management of hepatitis B and contact lens will also be held.

For further information contact: Secretariat, 33rd Malaysia-Singapore Congress of Medicine, 19 Jalan Folly Barat, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel : 60 3 2530100, Fax : 60 3 2530900, email : acadmed@po.jaring.my

News from Indonesia

National Biotechnology Seminar

The 1998 National Biotechnology Seminar of Indonesia was conducted on September 21, 1998 at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia. Attended by about 300 participants, 6 invited papers were presented orally, and about 60 papers were discussed as poster papers. Three areas of research and development were covered namely agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and medical biotechnology.

Focus on agricultural biotechnology was directed toward the improvement of plant cultivars, increase yield as well as improving the quality of harvest. Focus on industrial biotechnology was aimed at R & D on the development of food, feed, fertilizers, organic solvents as well as antibiotics. On the other hand, focus on medical biotechnology was aimed at producing diagnostic kits and biomedicine from Indonesian natural resources.

In addition to the National Biotechnology Seminar, the second congress on Indonesian Biotechnology Consortium (IBC) which was held on September 20, 1998 in similar place has elected the new chairman of IBC, Prof. Joedoro Sudarsono of Gadjah Mada University replacing Dr. A. Azis Darwis of Bogor Agricultural University. Dr. Darwis now is an Assitant to Minister of research and Technology of Indonesia. The IBC is comprised of 20 research institutions, both government-owned and private owned institution dealing with R&D and Commercialization of Biotechnology.

For more information please contact: Dr. Khaswar Syamsu, IUC for Biotechnology IPB Fax. 62-251-621724/621257 or Dr. Umar A. Jeny, IUC for Biotechnology Gadjah Mada University Fax. 62-274-564305

The establishment of the Indonesian Oil Palm Society was initiated by Seven Inter University Centres of Biosciences (the IUC for Biotechnology and the IUC for Life Sciences of Bandung Institute of Technology; the IUC for Food and Nutrition and the IUC for Biotechnology of Gadjah Mada University; and the IUC for Food Nutrition, the IUC for Biotechnology and the IUC for Life Sciences of Bogor Agricultural University), the Centre for Development Studies of Bogor Agricultural University, and the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI). The society was officially declared by the State Minister for Research and Technology, Prof. Zuhal Abdulqadir, on the occasion of National Biotechnology Seminar, Malang, 21st September 1998.

The Main Objectives of IOPS/MAKSI are to create integrated resources management on the oil palm development and to increase its added value for benefits of the Indonesian community. MAKSI is also expected to function as a vehicle for oil palm research and development cooperating between all parties working oil palm (government, private sector, universities, NGO's, and other interested parties) from up-stream to down-stream activities in Indonesia.

News from Thailand

COSTED News

Early last year, the Regional Secretaries of COSTED convened in Chennai during 16-17 February 1998, with representatives from COSTED Western and Central Africa, African Biosciences Networks, Asia Oceania Network of Biological Sciences, COSTED Latin America and COSTED Asia.

Besides the traditional exchange of information between COSTED Regional Secretaries, the meeting took an opportunity to discuss the development of new programmes, the results of which are briefly presented here:

Capacity Building and Networking Activities in the following topics

Delivering Science

General Activities of Common Interest

Reproduced from AONBS Special Issue,
Thailand with acknowledgement to Dr Sakarindr Bhumiratana

ABA NEWS

New South Wales

Neil Willetts has been appointed Director responsible for this branch of the ABA, and fully endorses the priority that the current Directors are placing upon ensuring that local branches are active and serve the needs of State members.

An important component of this activity is the organisation of a series of local meetings, to inform members of advances in various aspects of biotechnology, and to give opportunity for networking. To this end, a meetings committee has been formed, and includes in addition to Neil, Peter Gray (UNSW), David Irving (Biotech Australia), Ian Jenson (Gist-Brocades) and Tim Littlejohn (Sydney University, ANGIS and EnCompass Bioinformatics). Additionally,the Biobusiness Forums held jointly by Aoris Nova and the ABA will continue.

The first meeting of 1999 will be held on the 25 February in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology at Hicks Hall, Food Science Australia, Gate 1, Delhi Road, North Ryde, Sydney when Dr. Alan Lane of the CRC for Industrial Plant Biopolymers will present a talk entitled "Industrial Fermentation".

Input regarding local meetings or other State matters would be welcomed, and can be directed to Neil Willetts.

Canberra

A Canberra-region ABA group was launched on 28^th November 1998 with a "Briefing on Biotech" and a presentation on the ABA and its new strategic direction. The meeting, held at the CSIRO Division of Entomology, was attended by 30 representatives of government departments, academia and industry. Those who attended have asked for meetings to be held every 3 to 4 months at lunchtime. A local committee has been established and will meet early in February to plan seminars for 1999.

If anyone wishes to be notified about Canberra meetings, please fax Lyndal Thorburn on (02) 6297 2203 or email advance@cyberone.com.au to have your details placed on the mailing list. It is expected that the next meeting will be held in late March.

Victoria

A meeting was held at the CUB BrewHouse in Abbotsford on the 4th February to discuss the formation of a Victorian branch. There was a very good response to the circular advising of the meeting and, after a very hot and sticky day in Melbourne, almost 30 people attended. The history of the ABA was reviewed including the role of the Fermentation Special Interest Group and a former attempt to instigate a Victorian Branch of the Association. The success and the momentum of the Queensland Branch was put up as a potential model for a local branch.

The meeting decided that a local branch would be a positive move and a steering group was formed to make recommendations about the structure and the function of the branch and the activities that the group could undertake. The group members are Paul Taylor, -postgrad student University of Melbourne, Gerard Henry from AMRAD, Felicity Roddick -Chem Eng RMIT and representing VFSIG, George Lovrecz -CSIRO Molecular Science, Vivien Santer -Griffith Hack, Scott Carpenter -AgrEvo, David Tribe- Microbiology, University of Melbourne.

Let's look forward to some enjoyable and mutually helpful activities giving more value to ABA members, and promoting biotechnology in Victoria. David's group will compile a report for circulation to members by mid March. Another meeting - the inaugural meeting of the Victorian Association will be scheduled in early April. Carlton and United provided drinks, excellent food and very convivial surroundings for the meeting and we thank Peter Manders from Carlton and United for proving the venue and the catering.

Below we present biodata on the recently-elected Directors of the Australian Biotechnology Association.

Anne CAMPBELL

Over the past 20 years, Anne has worked in R&D both as a scientist and a manager in the Australian agricultural industry. At ICI Australia (now Orica) in Melbourne, this covered animal health/husbandry applications as well as biotechnology-based projects in crop care and diagnostics; at the international animal health company Mallinckrodt- Veterinary based in Sydney, the focus was on product development. She was an inaugural Planning and Development Manager and then a Program Consultant with the Grains Research and Development Corporation. Subsequently, she was Group Manager, Agronomy and Crop Protection, including responsibility for biotechnology, with the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, the principal R D&E provider for the Queensland sugar industry. Currently, she is the Manager of the Cooperative Research Centres Association.

Anne has served the ABA since 1994 as a Director; for four years before that she was chairman of the then Education Working Group and established Groups in Melbourne and Sydney. As Chairman of the Education Working Group, she led the production of many ABA education leaflets which are targeted for the interested general public and explain about biotechnology and its applications. At the invitation of the Japan Biotechnology Association, she represented the ABA Education Working Group at the BioJapan '92 conference and spoke on "Promoting Biotechnology for the General Public in Australia". Anne also served on the Queensland Committee of the ABA for nearly two years when she was based in Brisbane. She continues to have a strong interest in helping to promote in the general public an awareness about biotechnology and its potential impact in a range of applications that will affect the community as end-user. She sought re-election for a further and final term to help continue the efforts to re-focus the ABA to better foster the commercialisation of Australian bioscience.

Gary COX

Gary is a partner of Wray & Associates, a Western Australian (Perth) based firm of Patent Attorneys. Gary's technical education was in Biochemistry and Microbiology. He subsequently qualified as a Patent Attorney and specialises in the field of intellectual property (eg. patent) protection in biotechnology. Before joining Wray & Associates Gary worked as an Examiner of Patents in biotechnology at the Australian Industrial Property Organisation (formerly the Australian Patents Office). He also worked as a technical assistant in biotechnology with a Sydney based firm of Patent Attorneys. He is presently the secretary of the Western Australian branch of the Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA) and a member of the intellectual property sub-committee of the ABA. He is also the secretary of the Western Australian branch of the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and a member of various other scientific and intellectual property related organisations.

Gary has been involved in various intellectual property disputes in recent years, the most notable of which include the dispute involving Amgen's Erythropoietin patent application and the recent Federal Court case between Murex Diagnostics et al and Chiron Corporation et al over the rights for HCV.

Gary is interested in promoting biotechnology within Australia and amongst our South East Asian neighbours. He is particularly interested in educating Australian scientists about intellectual property and its future role in Australian science. He is currently not only a director of the ABA, but also a member of the ABA Intellectual Property Committee.

Dr Shirley Lanning, currently Chief Executive Officer of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association, is the former Manager (Australasia) of the Rothschild Bioscience Unit, an international team of investment advisers within Rothschild Asset Management Limited. Shirley was responsible for establishing the Melbourne office, promoting the Australian business of the Bioscience Unit, and for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities in the region. She was responsible for the development and writing of the successful submission to the Federal Government for an Innovation Investment Fund licence, leading to the establishment of the Australian Bioscience Trust.

Shirley has over 14 years' experience in the bioscience sector. Before migrating to Australia in 1992, she was Associate Director for Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd, an international public relations agency, where she developed strategic and marketing communications programs for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the UK and Europe. She served as a Member of Council for the Association for the Advancement of British Biotechnology for a number of years, before being appointed as its Executive Director. She was responsible for re-launching the organization as the BioIndustry Association.

Shirley has had a continuing interest in the commercialisation of Australian biotechnology and in the activitites of the ABA since leading a British trade mission here in 1988 on behalf of the UK biotechnology trade association. She has been a Director of the ABA since 1995. Shirley is a member of Austrade's Biotechnology Advisory Panel and Visitor to the Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture.

Peter RIDDLES

Peter is currently Executive Director of CSIRO's Bioactive Molecules Initiative. Before that he was a Portfolio Leader with CSIRO Tropical Agriculture, responsible for the Livestock and Biotechnology aspects of the Division and holds an Adjunct Professorship with the University of Queensland. He has broad knowledge of biotechnology, including the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries

He has been a member of the Australian Biotechnology Association since shortly after its inception, holding office as Chairperson of the Queensland Branch, and Director, for nearly two years. He has worked to reorganise the Association to be more responsive to the needs of the business community and its linkages with research providers. He has also worked at the level of the Queensland branch, promoting interaction among research, business and services communities at the State level. The Queensland branch is recognised as being one of the most active groups within the Association.

Peter's major interest continues to ensure that the benefits of Biotechnology are returned to Australia and Australian industry. Most importantly, he believes the ABA will play a leadership role in promoting the requirements of a biotechnology industry to government and business, and participating in raising public awareness.

Peter ROGERS

Over the past 30 years Peter has worked as a scientist - as an academic and within industry. He is at present the Manager of R&D and Process Development at BrewTech which is the technical services section of Carlton and United situated in Carlton which has been synonymous with the company and its products for many years. Many of the projects that are undertaken are related to the physiology, biochemistry and genetics of yeast and the development of strategies for managing large and complex fermentations.

After graduating and postdoctoral positions in Germany, he accepted a position at Griffith University in Brisbane. For much of this time he mixed a basic research program in biochemistry and microbiology with more applied R&D projects especially with the meat industry. He has taken a strong interest in the development of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in biotechnology. The introduction of a degree program in food science and nutrition was one of the outcomes of this. Another initiative was the introduction of sandwich courses in conjunction with DEET for the placement of students in industry as part of their assessment.

Peter has a strong interest in the pedagogic activities of the Association and the importance of the growing biotechnology industry in Australia in the food, beverage and allied industries as well as the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. He is especially interested in ensuring that we manage the industry to cater for innovation, profitability and employment growth for our emerging young scientists. He retains an adjunct Professor appointment at Griffith University. He has participated as a Committee member in the Queensland branch of the Association. He welcomes the opportunity to provide a viewpoint from the beverage industry to the ABA.

Lyndal THORBURN

BSc (Hons) (Sydney); Grad Dip Legal Studies (Canberra); Grad Dip Ed (Mitchell)
Lyndal Thorburn has been a member of the ABA for 3.5 years and joined the Association's Board in May 1998 to fill a casual vacancy. Since that time, and with Dr Anne Campbell, she has begun planning to establish a local ABA group in Canberra. She is also a member of the Licensing Executives Society (ANZ), and Australian Business Ltd.

Her company, Advance Consulting & Evaluation Pty Ltd, works in science and technology evaluation and public policy for high tech industries, including biotechnology. The business builds on Lyndal's past experience in policy areas of the Australian public service, CSIRO (where she advised on technology transfer policy, public affairs and international relations), and her qualifications in science (genetics/zoology) and legal studies. The company has completed projects on technology transfer strategies (including spin-offs from research institutions), the scope of industrial biotechnology and Australian R&D trends.

In the context of current PhD research into the biotech industry at Macquarie University, Lyndal has also published and presented papers on venture capital funding of biotechnology and financing of high tech companies. A paper on trends in the growth of Australian biotechnology companies was published in the last edition of the ABA journal.

David Edward TRIBE

David is currently Coordinator of the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology, and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the University of Melbourne. He has active interests in both the commercial and the academic sectors, having acquired extensive industry experience both in Australia (at CSL) and overseas (at DuPont USA). He has continued industry interactions by service on Institutional Biosafety Committees and by consulting. David is also active in networking in the Asian Region through the UNESCO Microbiology network.

His teaching involves giving courses in Biotechnology to BSc students, and he pursues applied research relating to pest control, diagnostic microbiology and fermentation science. He has been an active contributor to public discussion of policy and risk issues raised by biotechnology, and is a co-editor of the ABA journal. He has helped in the organisation of several biotechnology related conferences. David helps to ensure that the academic perspective is well represented at the ABA.

Neil WILLETTS

Neil gained his BA(Hons) in Biochemistry and PhD from Cambridge University, and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

The first fifteen years of his career were spent in academia, in the Department of Molecular Biology, Edinburgh University, ultimately as Professor of Molecular Genetics. His research interests lay in the fields of bacterial plasmids and transposition phenomena, and involved extensive use of recombinant DNA technology.

In 1982 he joined Biotechnology Australia Pty Ltd, becoming Director of Research and Development in 1983 and continuing in this post until 1997. This role required the broadening of his knowledge base, to cover projects in many areas of biology and to gain management and commercial expertise. Simultaneously, he was Visiting Professor of Biological Sciences at Sydney University, allowing him to contribute directly to forging stronger links between the academic and commercial worlds.

He has served previously as Director of the ABA (1988-94) and was President in 1992-93. Neil decided to seek re-election as Director as he wished to continue to make a contribution to the development of biotechnology-based industry (including its important links to academia) in Australia, and sees the Association as having a significant role to play in achieving this objective.

Elane is currently Chief Executive Officer of Thrombogenix, a privately owned, development stage biotechnology company developing products for treatment and diagnosis of thrombosis. Thrombosis is a major cause of heart attack and stroke, costing the industrialised world billions of dollars each year in health care and lost productivity. Her responsibilities include strategic management of the company including R&D programs, building on a valuable strategic alliance with the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, and securing additional funding.

Elane's career path has progressed from basic medical research through business management and customer service to management and commercialisation of university technologies, and the initiation and development of a biotechnology start-up company. Following completion of a PhD in physiology and biochemistry, she undertook post-doctoral studies in Canada and the United States, returning to Australia to work in business with multi-national pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies. Prior to joining Thrombogenix, Elane was CEO of Montech, Monash University's licensing and commercialisation company, where she worked with researchers to improve their linkages with business.

Elane understands the needs of academia and business, and is committed to taking emerging technologies through the development phase to commercialisation. Her role with Thrombogenix demonstrates her commitment to increasing the value of the biotechnology industry in Australia.

Business Support Centres

JETRO Services: Essential Support for Business People Visiting Japan

Story of a Melbourne Businessman

"Having visited Japan previously, I was looking forward to my arrival in Tokyo to commence the search for a distributor and possible sales leads for our product. JETRO Melbourne had assisted me in completing a large amount of research in Australia regarding the market in Japan. Prior to my departure I had identified prospective distributors of my product through the JETRO Import Business News that is distributed to the trade in Japan. I intended meeting with two prospective importers in Japan.

I anticipated that I would need to undertake a number of visits to Japan in order to find out more about the particular needs of customers in Japan and to identify the right company to distribute our product.

During my visits to JETRO, I was informed of the Business Support Centres (BSC) that were available for use by overseas businessmen visiting Japan. The Centres are located in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Fukuoka. The concept of the Centres was appealing. The offer of a serviced office in Tokyo with advisers to assist with business was excellent. I decided to make a firm booking.

I arrived in Tokyo on Sunday and allowed myself one day to settle in. At 9.30 am on Monday morning I presented myself at the BSC right on opening time. I went to the reception desk and was pleased to find out that not only was I expected, but I had been allocated an office, an adviser and a telephone and facsimile. I gladly paid the small deposit as a guarantee against damages and unpaid bills. The receptionist showed me all the facilities at the Centre; these included a library, a secretarial section and meeting rooms. Having settled into my office I was asked if I would like to see the adviser that had been allocated to me in order to ascertain the results of his research. I met the adviser at 10.45 am.

I had not anticipated the level of research and the amount of information that would be presented to me. The adviser had identified all the importers with links to camping and retail.

In addition he had very detailed figures relating to segmentation of the market, market trends and volumes. From the list of possible importers two high prospect representatives were identified. The adviser offered to attempt to arrange appointments to see them. I was advised that it would probably take a number of days to arrange. Whilst the adviser was making the necessary appointments, I was able to visit key retail outlets around Tokyo. I was provided with comprehensive directions by the staff at the BSC. Without their help I would not have been able to navigate my way around Tokyo using the underground railway.

By 2.00 pm I was back at the BSC having collected a wealth of information on the retail end of the market. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the prospective distributors had agreed to see me. It was indeed unusual, as normally substantial notice is required. I had an appointment at 5 pm that evening in Tokyo and another at Sanjo City, North East of Tokyo at 9.30 am the next morning. The BSC assisted with directions, Bullet Train details for the trip to Sanjo City and advice on how to conduct the meetings and the outcomes I could reasonably expect.

Both meetings went well. I was able to debrief the adviser at the BSC on my return to Tokyo. In addition, he advised on the meetings with the two distributors I had identified from Australia. Having completed all my meetings, the adviser assisted in developing a short list.

As a result of our visit, we have selected our distributor and the first order will be shipped in September. I must point out that the timely nature of our success was an exception and not the rule. Normally the selection of distributors and the time to first order takes well in excess of 12 months.

There is no doubt that our success was due to the advice provided in Melbourne and in Tokyo. The assistance of the BSC was critical."

Fostering International Relationships in Biotechnology

Australia-German Collaborative Opportunities
A Major Biotechnology Initiative Sponsored by the Department of Industry Science and Resources to be Project Managed By Ernst & Young (Melbourne)

This is preliminary notice of a major project dedicated to fostering biotechnology-based relationships specifically between Australia and Germany. This is a two-phased project.

Phase 1 - A fact finding and information exchange visit to Australia by Professor Rolf Schmid, University of Stuttgart in February/March 1999; and

Phase 2 - Attendance by some 30 Australian biotechnologists and/or biotechnology business entities (both public and private sector) at BioTechnica'99. This is a major European International Trade Fair in Biotechnology to be next held in Hanover, Germany between 5-7 October 1999. Attendees will contribute to the Australian presentation at BioTechnica'99 using the facilities of the planned Australian biotechnology business and information centre. They will also be expected to use this opportunity to make carefully planned visits to research institutions and businesses to extend their collaboration with like entities in Germany and to widen their networking within the European Union.

Background to Project

Germany, a founding member of the European Union, is a major contributor to science and technology in Europe. In the bioscience field, there is a long list of German scientists which have made important contributions. It includes Nobel laureates such as Emil and Hans Fischer, Fedor Lynen, Manfred Eigen, Robert Huber and others. Taking a key area such as genetic engineering and 1996 as a reference year, about 30% of all publications in Europe on this subject originated in Germany. The "BioRegio programme" of Germany, which has channeled public and private funding into four German regions, selected through tough national competition, has won international acclaim.

While Europe is integrating rapidly, there are ample opportunities to form partnerships beyond the European Union. Scientific ties between Australia and the UK have a long history, and by contrast information about science and technology in Germany is probably less well known to Australians. The purpose of Prof. Schmid's visit to Australia is to enhance this understanding and to promote Australian-German partnerships across all disciplines of biotechnology.

Professor Rolf Schmid

Professor Schmid is currently the Professor and Head of the Institute for Technical Biochemistry at The University of Stuttgart, Centre for Bioprocess Engineering. Prof. Schmid's professional background is in biotechnology-related R&D in German industry, in a national research center and in a university. In this framework, he has organised a considerable number of projects which were sponsored by companies, the German Ministry of Research and Technology and the European Union. He has conducted R&D abroad in France, USA and Japan. In 1993, he visited about 30 Australian institutions involved in biotechnology-related R&D.

The purpose of Professor Schmid's forthcoming two week visit to Australia is to provide details on the present state of research and commercialisation of biosciences in Germany and to raise interest in cooperative R&D and commercial programmes between Australian and German partners from academia and industry.

Professor Schmid will be visiting various research institutions and companies in most Australian capital cities meeting with Australian biotechnologists. His itinerary is being finalised and further details will be published in the national press.

During his visit, Professor Schmid will detail the opportunities Australian biotechnologists and commercial entities can gain by attending BioTechnica'99. BioTechnica'97 attracted nearly 600 exhibitors and 8000 visitors from over 30 nations. BioTechnica'99 will be even larger and will cover all disciplines in biotechnology (see http://www.biotechnica.de).

It is an ideal platform from which Australian biotechnologists and research entities can either launch or strengthen existing collaborations and bio-partnering ventures with Germany entities.

The key objective is to give all selected Australian participants the best possible business environment and networking opportunities from which to expand their collaborative research and commercialisation activities within the sophisticated German and European markets.

Ernst & Young, as global professional service providers specialising in biotechnology partnerships, have been provided a grant to co-ordinate both phase 1 and 2. Ernst & Young will manage the selection of Australian participants to attend Biotechnica'99 based on an "expressions of interest" process. The details of this process and application guidelines will be publicised in late February 1999 to coincide with Professor Schmid's visit to Australia. Details will also be placed in the national press at this time.

The Department of Industry Science and Resources is supporting this project by way of providing financial assistance and facilities for participants attending Biotechnica'99 and in supporting carefully planned networking opportunities in Germany and Europe.

BIOCOMPUTING

Biosafety WebPages

ICGEB invites you to visit its new "Biosafety WebPages" on internet at the following address:

Electronic Journal of Biotechnology

The first issue of the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology is available on the Internet. In order to increase the visibility of the journal, there are two server locations:

Companies are invited to publish advertisements free of charge in this journal. The classified section of this web site is http://ejb/feedback/classified.asp.

Access to the FAO site on the Internet

FAO statistical database http://apps.fao.org - complete sets of data on all relevant agricultural domains from around the world, covering 210 countries and territories and over 3,000 different items in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and nutrition.

FAO Events Calendar http://www.fao.org/scripts/events - provides an interactive calendar of events, major meetings and conferences. The Conference, Council and committee meeting announcements provide a direct link to available meeting documents.

FAO Governing Bodies http://www.fao.org/unfao/bodies - provides a description of the structure of the governing bodies and links to meetings' documentation in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

Employment Opportunities in FAO http://www.fao.org/VA/Employ.htm - this is the site where all the FAO current vacancy announcements are posted.

WAICENT Web page http://www.fao.org/waicent - it is the entry page to the World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT), FAO's programme on information management.

FAO Publications Catalogue http://www.fao.org/catalog - up-to-date information on new publications and electronic products published by FAO.

Legal Office http://www.fao.org/legal - membership of the Organisation, Basic Texts of the Organisation, texts and status of treaties, and data bases on national legislation on food and agriculture and coastal state requirements for foreign fishing.

Information on the main technical areas of FAO can also be accessed at the following Internet addresses:

FAO News and Highlights http://www.fao.org/news a central page regularly updated to provide information on major developments regarding food and agriculture.

FAO In-depth Focus column http://www.fao.org/focus/e/default.htm provides textual and visual material to illustrate FAO's involvement in specific themes related to food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Visit Ag-West Biotech's Web Site

Ag-West's presence on the World Wide Web includes dozens of valuable features for the agbiotech community in Canada and around the world, including:

New York Biotech Association Website

The New York Biotechnology Association announced the launch of their new Website on January 1 1999.

Elsevier Website

Elsevier Science announces the launch of the BIOtech Website, a gateway to important information about its scientific publications and databases in biotechnology and related disciplines, as well as access to a valuable bibliographic database of biotechnology articles - all provided at no charge.

The BIOtech Website has been designed to keep investigators and information specialists in industry, academia and government informed about publishing initiatives in the multidisciplinary field of biotechnology throughout the Reed Elsevier organisation.

Using a system of navigational links, visitors to the BIOtech Website are must a mouse-click away from information about print publications (including journals, books and magazines) and innovative electronic information services and data manipulation tools (Web-based, traditional online files via major vendors, CD-ROMs and powerful graphical interfaces). Publications and services span fundamental research, industrial applications, patents, regulatory, legislative and business news in the following disciplines: agriculture and food; biochemical engineering and manufacturing; environment; life sciences; clinical and veterinary medicine.

Elsevier Science publishes peer-reviewed research articles devoted to biotechnology research, as well as the primary research fields that contribute to developments in biotechnology, in more than 235 journals and numerous books and reference works. The BIOtech Website also features a calendar of upcoming conferences and events, special discount offers and more.

According to Tina Cherrington, Publishing Editor for the Biotechnology Program, "It is our intention to create a single environment through which anyone involved in any aspect of biotechnology research and its practical applications can monitor all of the resources available to them from Elsevier Science, and more broadly from any division within Reed Elsevier. The Abstracts Search feature serves an extremely important function by allowing users to keep track of the international biotechnology literature from Elsevier Science as well as other publishers. We are providing the BIOtech Website at no charge as a service to our readers, editors and authors and to the libraries serving them. We invite people to visit our website regularly - they will always find something new of interest."

MEETINGS

The First Australian Consensus Conference - Gene Technology in the Food Chain

Contact: Jude Bourguignon, Tel: (03) 9349 1099; Mobile: 0409 218 560; Fax: (03) 9349 1599

Molecular Biology's Role in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity

BioGenTec Forum NRW International Meeting Biotechnology

Contact: Sandra Bungert Tel: +49 221 92 57930; Fax: +49 221 92 579393; email: contact@ccmkoeln.de

9^th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Contact: Nicoletta Congiu (CPO Hanser Service) Tel: 49 30 300 6690; Fax: 49 30 305 7391; email: ncongiu@cpo-hanser.de

HGH '99 Human Genome Meeting

4^th International Conference on Separations for Biotechnology

Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award

The Award will be formally presented at a dinner to be held at Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne

Health Care '99

Contact: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Megan Phillips Tel: 03 9654 2962

Advances in Diagnostic Technologies

Contact: Organisers Australia Tel: (03) 9595 0259; Fax: (03) 9596 2538; email: melbourne@orgaus.com.au

Plant Protection and Plant Nutrition

Contact: Mr Bao Shuzheng or Mr Wu Jiang, China Association of Agricultural Science Societies Tel: 86 10 6419 4494; Fax: 85 10 6419 4484; email: bao@cav.net.cn

4^th South East Asian Healthcare Show & Conferences '99

In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation

Contact: Symposium Coordinator, The Conference Group, 1989 West Fifth Avenue, Suite 5, Columbus, Ohio 43212-1912, USA Tel: 614 424 5461; Fax: 614 488 5747; email: conferencegroup@compuserve.com

World Aquaculture '99

A Road Map for Commercialisation of Australian Biotechnology Research

Contact: ABA Secretariat Tel: (03) 9596 8879; Fax: (03) 9596 8874; email: aba@netspace.net.au

Biotechnology of Microbial Products (BMP '99)

Contact: BIO International Meetings Department Tel: 202 857 0244; Fax: 202 331 8132

Congress on In Vitro Biology

IBC's AG BioTech World Forum '99

New Technologies in Drug Discovery

10^th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research

7^th International Marine and Freshwater Mycology Symposium

XIX Pacific Science Congress

Contact: Prof Bill O'Sullivan Tel: (02) 9385 2005; Fax: (02) 9385 1483; email: W.ozullivan@unsw.edu.au

9^th European Congress on Biotechnology

Contact: Marcel Hofman Tel: 32 2 510 2314; Fax: 32 2 510 2615; email: cccb9.orcom@skynet.be

Forest Biotechnology '99

12^th International Carotenoid Symposium

Vapor Phase Synthesis of Materials III

Contact: Engineering Foundation Conferences, Three Park Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York NY 10016-5902 Tel: 1 212 591 7836; Fax: 1 212 591 7441; http://www.engfind.org

50^th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Exhibition - Society for Industrial Microbiology

European Bioethics Seminar: Health Care Issues in Pluralistic Societies

Global Soy Forum '99

COURSES

Training Course on Quality Assurance and Total Quality Management

Advanced Course on Downstream Processing

Advanced Course on Environmental Biotechnology

Advanced Course on Microbial Physiology and Fermentation Technology

Contact for all of the above: Dr Ir. L.A. van der Meer-Lerk Tel: +31 15 278 1922/5758; Fax: +31 15 278 2355; email: bodl@stm.tudelft.nl

PRODUCT NEWS

METTLER TOLEDO LIMITED

New Density Meters and Refractometers

Mettler Toledo's new Density Meters feature a complete sampling sequence with an automatic check. A "Check OK" statement informs the user the cell is clean and ready to run the next measurement.

Also from Mettler Toledo, new Refractometers offer the sugar and petroleum industries a higher measuring range of up to 1.70 and higher temperature up to 70^oC. The built-in Peltier thermostat not only saves valuable bench space and money, but always guarantees the correct temperature required for highly accurate results. Some of the main features of the density meters and refracto-meters are:

Plus, the new SC24 sample changer can now be used for both density and refractometry. Both density meters and refractometers have been designed for ease of use, and conform to GLP requirements.

Mettler Toledo's New Quattro pH/Ion Meters offer great versatility

Mettler Toledo's latest range of Quattro bench meters can be used in a variety of functions, from the most basic laboratory routines to the more sophisticated requirements of research and development and quality control laboratories. The meters in the Quattro range cover general pH measurement, ion analysis and conductivity.

The most basic of the range, the MP220 is designed for routine laboratory where cost and performance are paramount. Features such as one or two point calibration with endpointing, buffer prompting electrode condition indication make the MP220 ideal for straightforward applications.

More sophisticated meters include the MP230 and MA235, which offer advance computer technology. The MA235 offers high flexibility in the measurement of pH values and ion concentrations. These meters and ideally suited for Research and Development and Quality Control Laboratories, which rely on accurate measurements and high resolution.

These meters have the latest in GLP features. The MP230, with its password protected GLP menu, has a user selectable calibration reminder of up to 9 hours. It also has the ability to print the last 10 calibrations, high and low limits and sample ID. The MA235 has additional features including channel measurement, backlit graphic display and other GLP enhancements, such as instrument ID, last calibration recall and last result recall, making it ideal for the pharmaceutical industry.

Puncture pH Electrodes provide exact measurements rapidly

Mettler Toledo's pH puncture electrodes can assist in meat grading, early detection of Pale Soft Exudative and Dark Firm meat. It can also help control the ripening and smoking stages of sausages, and can check the quality of incoming raw material.

Most importantly, Mettler Toledo puncture electrodes provide exact pH values rapidly and without time-consuming sample preparation. Because the material being measured is in direct contact with the reference electrolyte XEROLYT®, annoying diaphragm contamination problems caused by proteins and fat are minimized. Rapid and reproducible values are the result. The needle shaped membrane is robust and able to take a lot of punishment. Its plastic sheath is made of food-compatible POM (FDA approved) and provides excellent protection against possible mechanical damage during insertion. Since refilling of the electrolyte is eliminated by use of the polymer electrolyte, XEROLYT®, the pH puncture electrodes require minimal maintenance. Regular calibration is their only requirement.

For more information contact: Diane Simonelli, Mettler Toledo, Tel: (03)9644 5729 Email: diane.simonelli@mt.com

AMRAD BIOTECH

AMRAD Biotech and Sorvall® Products

As you are aware, AMRAD Biotech has distributed the Sorvall® Products range in Australia since January 1996. During this time, AMRAD Biotech has developed a number of valuable relationships with many customers in the Australian Life Sciences industry. AMRAD Biotech would now like to inform you of the transfer of the Sorvall® Products distribution business to the newly formed Kendro Laboratory Products. This transfer is effective in Australia from 15 January, 1999 and is in line with the future business strategies of both companies. The transfer only affects the distribution of the Sorvall® Products range.

AMRAD Biotech will continue to develop and market its own range of manufactured products, namely:

In addition, AMRAD Biotech is very proud to represent a number of companies that are well known in the Life Sciences arena. Notably:

The establishment of Kendro Laboratory Products Pty. Ltd., a new company, results from a merger of two leading scientific instrument companies SORVALL Products and HERAEUS Instruments. They have joined together to provide customer solutions in laboratory sample processing and storage through expanded sales and technical services. As a result of the merger Kendro offers one stop shopping solutions that streamline procurement, give the ability to package commonly used laboratory equipment and allow customers to take advantage of the cost benefits which arise.

Kendro are able to supply a wide range of high quality and reliable equipment including centrifuges, CO² incubators, microbiological incubators, bio-safety cabinets, clean air benches and ultra low temperature furnaces. For more detailed about products and services, please visit their Website www.kendro.com

Our sales representatives will consist of both direct sales representatives and sales representatives from our business partner, Radiometer Pacific Pty. Ltd. Kendro direct sales and technical service representatives will largely focus on higher-end equipment such as Super-speed (both tabletop and floor models) and Ultra-speed centrifuges. Radiometer Pacific Pty. Ltd. is our partner in the general laboratory equipment area and will be supporting all the Heraeus branded products.

For information about Sorvall® Products or Kendro Laboratory Products please call (02) 9936 1540 or mobile number 0419 895 882.

domnick hunter

New tank vents protect contents from contamination

A new range of flow-efficient filtered tank vents is being introduced by gas and liquid purification specialists domnick hunter to ensure storage tanks and holding vessels are operated safely and hygienically. The vents, made from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, protect tank contents as air is allowed in and out of storage vessels during filling and emptying. Installation of a
filtered vent system gives protection against airborne micro-organisms and particulate contamination from the surrounding environment. Filtered vent systems are used in industries storing liquids and chemicals, including manufacturing, chemical, dairy, food and beverage processing, laboratory, pharmaceutical, primary product processing and sugar production. domnick hunter's National Sales Director, Mr. John Davis says flow rates in the new vents are optimised by their use of TETPOR filter cartridges, which use a PTFE membrane which is hydrophobic and removes submicron particles down to 0.01 micron.

The new range is available with a variety of tank connections, including tri-clamp, BSPP, female and weld-prepared. The vents are self-supporting and can accommodate three lengths of filter cartridge (254mm, 508mm and 762mm - 10, 20 and 30 inch). For systems requiring larger flow rates, multi-cartridge filter systems are available.

domnick hunter is one of the world's leading specialists in gas and liquid filtration, purification and separation. The international domnick hunter group plc - which is known by its "Pure Innovation" marketing signature, established this year a full Australian subsidiary which functions as an international centre of excellence and is backed by warehouse and service facilities at Boronia in Melbourne. domnick hunter employs 900 people operating globally across virtually every industrial sector.

For further information, please call Mr. John Davis, Sales Director, domnick hunter tel: (03) 9762 9922, fax: (03) 9762 9911

CLYDE-APAC

Clyde-Apac's Cutting Edge Technology Benefits IVF Programs

Clyde-Apac has released a specialised laminar flow cabinet for use in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) laboratories. The HWS120/IVF is the first cabinet of its kind to be wholly manufactured in Australia. Clyde-Apac's Regional Sales Manager for Victoria, Mr. Alan Mead, said the HWS120/IVF featured a unique heated work surface and built-in microscope, which enabled the IVF manipulation process to be carried out more efficiently. "The heated work surface enables the donors' egg and sperm to be kept at a constant body temperature during the IVF manipulation," he said. "In the past, laboratories have had to rely on small heating devices on their work benches during this process, before having to transfer the slide across to a separate microscope. This has resulted in work benches becoming somewhat cluttered. We have installed the heating element underneath, allowing the working surface to be kept at a constant temperature, while keeping the area neat and tidy. Also, with fewer cracks and crevices, it is easier to keep the working surface sterile."

Clyde-Apac has developed the HWS120/IVF in conjunction with Monash University, following extensive technological research in Europe where the heated surface technique has only been used for the past five years. It has taken about two years for the company to perfect its design. Mr. Mead said the locally produced cabinet enabled Clyde-Apac to minimise retail costs in comparison to its overseas competitors, while heightening market competitiveness. "We expect the HWS120/IVF to become a strong market competitor, both locally and internationally," Mr. Mead said. "Previously, buying this type of cabinet from Europe has been very expensive because it was so specialised. We are aiming to keep the costs of these cabinets reasonable to ensure they are more financially accessible to Australia's growing number of IVF laboratories."

The first laboratory in Australia to do so, Monash University is now using the HWS120/IVF cabinet for its IVF program. Clyde-Apac's BHA120/IVF Class II cabinet, which also features a built-in microscope, is for use in laboratories and hospitals where staff are handling potentially infectious samples from patients, such as Hepatitis B.

Mr. Mead said while the previous models were still widely used, the Class II was more effective in preventing contamination. "The normal laminar flow cabinets do not prevent potentially infectious air being blown outwards," he said. "Clyde-Apac has sought to contain these materials to within the unit. This prevents the flow of potentially contaminated air to the operator during the examination of unknown biological materials under the microscope." The company already has exported a number of these special IVF cabinets to Singapore and Sri Lanka, with further export markets under consideration.

A member of the Evans Deakin Industries group, the company has developed export markets in more than 25 countries. Clyde-Apac's laminar air flow and contamination-control products are manufactured under an accredited Total Quality Management System. The company holds certification to ISO9001 for its manufacturing operations. The company also maintains NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) registered laboratories, which form part of both its manufacturing and service operations.

For further information contact Mr. Nigel Barker, Marketing Administration Manager, Clyde-Apac, tel: (08) 8229 7847

HEARNE SCIENTIFIC SOFTWARE

New SigmaPlot Provides Unlimited Flexibility

Scientists and engineers can now enjoy new automated graphing and data analysis available in SigmaPlot 5.0 scientific graphing software from SPSS Science. With an award-winning interface, SigmaPlot's automation will maximise productivity for researchers by enabling them to streamline their work and customize the application for their own specific needs. Known for state of the art graphics, SigmaPlot enables users to create exact 2D and 3D technical graphs for presenting research results. Now the software offers users a complete technical tool as well - easy to use graphic features with expanded data analysis and automation.

New and enhanced features enable SigmaPlot 5.0 users to save time and perform smarter analysis. Those features include:

SigmaPlot 5.0 for Windows is available for Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 at a recommended retail price of $850 for a single-user licence. Upgrades from previous version are available for $325 per copy.

For more information contact Hearne Scientific Software Pty. Ltd. tel: (03) 9602 5088, fax: (03) 9602 5050, email: info@hearne.com.au

ABA Office Bearers

Dr Peter Riddles (Bioactive Molecules Initiatives)
Tel: (07) 3214 2349; Fax: (07) 3214 2390

Ms Lyndal Thorburn (Advance Consulting & Evaluation)
Tel: (02) 6297 2438; Fax: (02) 6297 2203

Dr David Tribe (University of Melbourne)
Tel: (03) 9344 5703; Fax: (03) 9347 1540

Dr Ross Crittenden (Food Science Australia)
Tel: (03) 9252 6478; Fax: (03) 9252 6555

ABA COMMITTEES :

Dr Sue Meek (WA Dept of Commerce & Trade)
Tel: (08) 9327 5637; Fax: (08) 9327 5542

Dr Martin Playne (Food Science Australia)
Tel: (03) 9252 6000; Fax: (03) 9252 6555

FROM THE PRESIDENT