Download business matching at bio 2005

BUSINESS MATCHING AT BIO 2005
AUSTRALIAN PLANT DNA BANK LTD ............................................................... 3
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE FOR BIOENGINEERING AND
NANOTECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................... 4
AVEXA LIMITED....................................................................................................... 5
BAKER HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE ............................................................ 7
BENITEC AUSTRALIA LIMITED .......................................................................... 8
BIOPHARMICA LIMITED ..................................................................................... 12
BIOTA HOLDINGS LIMITED ............................................................................... 13
BIOTRON LIMITED ................................................................................................ 15
BRESAGEN LIMITED ............................................................................................. 17
THE BURNET INSTITUTE ..................................................................................... 19
CELLULOSE VALLEY INSTITUTE..................................................................... 20
CLINICAL NETWORK SERVICES PTY LTD .................................................... 22
CLINICAL TRIALS VICTORIA ............................................................................ 23
COLLTECH AUSTRALIA LTD ............................................................................. 24
CORTICAL PTY LTD .............................................................................................. 26
CSIRO ......................................................................................................................... 29
CSIRO PLANT INDUSTRIES ................................................................................. 31
CSIRO LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES ....................................................................... 32
DATAPHARM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ................................................................ 33
EQITX LIMITED ...................................................................................................... 35
EVOGENIX PTY LTD.............................................................................................. 37
GARVAN INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH ........................................... 40
GENE STREAM PTY LTD ...................................................................................... 42
GLYKOZ (GLYCOMICS DISCOVERY) .............................................................. 43
GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY ........................................................................................ 45
GROPEP LTD ............................................................................................................ 49
IMBCOM PTY LTD.................................................................................................. 51
INSTITUTE FOR CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH ............................................... 55
INVETECH ................................................................................................................ 59
JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY................................................................................. 60
MEDICAL THERAPIES .......................................................................................... 63
MEDITECH RESEARCH LTD ............................................................................... 65
MIMETICA PTY LTD.............................................................................................. 67
MINIFAB (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD ...................................................................... 68
MINOMIC PTY LTD ................................................................................................ 70
NEUROSCIENCES VICTORIA LTD .................................................................... 72
ORIGO BIOTECH PTY LTD .................................................................................. 74
OZGENE PTY LTD .................................................................................................. 76
PHYLOGICA LIMITED .......................................................................................... 78
QUEENSLAND BRAIN INSTITUTE ..................................................................... 80
QUEENSLAND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH ................................. 81
SOLBEC PHARMACEUTICALS LTD .................................................................. 83
STIRLING PRODUCTS LIMITED ........................................................................ 86
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE ...................................................................... 88
Australian Plant DNA Bank Ltd
Overview
The Australian Plant DNA Bank is an innovative approach to the conservation and
sustainable utilization of Australia’s diverse plant genetic resources. It offers unique
solutions to research, assessment and documentation of biodiversity.
The Australian Plant DNA Bank Ltd provides a range of commercial DNA extraction
and sample archiving services. In addition, biobanking services, novel genetic
technologies for discovery of biological active products and support for the
establishment of new biobanks are available from the Australian Plant DNA Bank
Ltd. The Bank curates an extensive collection of DNA from wild and domesticated
plants, supporting sustainable access to and conservation of biological resources.
Technology
A wide range of expertise and facilities exists to service plant genetics research and
development. The Australian Plant DNA Bank Ltd use robotic platforms, which
enable high sample throughput with increased accuracy.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships

Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics

Grain Foods CRC Limited

Puragrain Pty Limited
Partnering Opportunities
The Australian Plant DNA Bank seeks new collaborative and/or contract research
opportunities with other organizations interested in leading-edge plant genetics,
biodiscovery, genomics and biotechnology.
Specific focus of To capture the complete
Australian flora and cultivated
company
species for conservation and
sustainable utilisation of these
resources.
Provide facilitated access to
Core Business
plant genetic material for
definition
research and development.
Compilation © AusBiotech 2004
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and
Nanotechnology
Overview
The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
(AIBN) is an integrated multi-disciplinary research institute bringing together the skills of
world-class researchers in the areas of bioengineering and nanotechnology.
Based in Brisbane, this integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the
engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist who focus their efforts towards
research that produces positive health and environmental outcomes, including:
 biomedical delivery;
 biodevices;
 tissue regeneration; and
 cell therapies.
Dedicated to bioengineering and nanotechnology the AIBN focuses its research efforts into
four major programs:
 Nanotechnology for Energy and the Environment.
 Cell and Tissue Engineering.
 Systems Biotechnology.
 Biomolecular Nanotechnology.
Once construction is completed, the AIBN will be located in an AUD$60 million purpose built
world-class research complex. The AIBN will accommodate over 300 research scientists,
engineers and support personnel. Until construction of the facility is complete research groups
of the AIBN will continue to work within modern and well equipped laboratories throughout
UQ.
Avexa Limited
Overview
Avexa Limited is an ASX listed, Melbourne-based biotechnology company
with a focus on research and development of anti-infectives.
The company is developing drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases,
which have a significant unmet medical need. Avexa’s current programs
focus on the areas of antiviral drugs for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, and an
antibiotic alternative for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Avexa announced in January 2005 that it had in-licensed a Phase II HIV
drug from the global pharmaceutical company Shire Pharmaceuticals
Group plc, and would take the drug into a Phase IIb trial.
Core Business definition
The discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of infectious
diseases. Avexa aims to discover and develop new classes of drugs or
drugs that treat infections that are resistant to current therapies.
Competitive Advantages
Avexa's most advanced project is AVX754, a Phase 2 anti-HIV drug which
was licensed from Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc. This drug is currently
being developed and positioned as a first choice second regimen therapy
for the treatment of drug-resistant HIV which arises during early HIV
therapy.
The company has in-house and collaborative/contractual facilities and
expertise to synthesise new chemical leads, rapidly screen these through
in-vitro and in-vivo biological models for anti-infective activity, and
undertake and manage early to late clinical development. Avexa has
significant expertise and experience in the discovery and development of
antiviral agents.
Technology
Avexa's antiviral drug-discovery technology is aimed at developing novel
therapeutic agents for the treatment of HIV, HBV and serious antibiotic
resistant bacterial infections. By using novel targets or assay systems able
to identify unique leads Avexa's goal is to discover higher potency
therapies which act in different ways against such diseases.
Avexa uses its expertise and know-how in computational modelling and
computer assisted drug-design and -property prediction to design drugs to
bind to specific biological targets. This technology has been successfully
used in the discovery of a number of antiviral agents, and Avexa's own
HIV-Integrase model leads itself ideally to this type of research.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships

Shire Pharmaceuticals on AVX754
Partnering Opportunities
One of Avexa's later projects is a novel antiviral for the treatment of HBV
infections. This compound acts through a mechanism that is distinct from
other anti-HBV treatments either on the market or in clinical development.
As such this novel compound and those in its class could be ideal
components of a combination therapy for the treatment of HBV infections.
Avexa would be interested to discuss possible collaborations or
partnerships that could help to accelerate this novel compound’s progress
to market.
Partnering Needs
Avexa is seeking partners that would be interested in working with Avexa
to accelerate its existing programs. Alternatively Avexa is also interested
in exploring opportunities with companies that could benefit from Avexa’s
expertise in developing drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Baker Heart Research Institute
Overview
The Baker Heart Research Institute (Baker) is the premier cardiovascular
research organisation in Australia, and is a World Health Organisation
(WHO) centre for research and training in cardiovascular disease.
Our mission is to reduce death and disability from cardiovascular disease,
and we achieve this through activities ranging from research at the
laboratory bench to clinical trials and patient care. With an international
reputation for research excellence, the Baker targets the two ends of the
heart disease spectrum—the prevention of heart disease and stroke, and
the treatment and prevention of heart failure.
Key Research Strengths

Molecular neurocardiology

Molecular endocrinology

Diabetes complications

Clinical physiology (vascular)

Proteomics
Competitive Advantages

Breadth and depth of expertise in the cardiovascular arena

Proven track record of performance delivery

Established reputation

Strong brand name

Leading academic cardiovascular scientists

Geographically located in the AMREP cluster
Baker facilities contiguous with the Heart Centre in the adjacent
Alfred Hospital.

Technology

State of the art technology
Brand new building and facilities, including proteomics, confocal
microscopy etc.

Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Partnering Opportunities
Device and drug development for cardiovascular products
Benitec Australia Limited
Overview
Benitec is a leading international biotechnology company listed on the
Australian Stock Exchange with its R&D and clinical operations centered in
the heart of Silicon Valley in Mountain View, California, USA.
Benitec was founded in 1997 to develop and commercialize research from
Queensland's Department of Primary Industries. Benitec’s core patents
are jointly owned with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation, the R&D arm of the Australian government.
Benitec has been a pioneer in RNA interference (RNAi) since 1994 and
was the first company to trigger RNAi in human cells and in live animals.
Benitec’s goal is to be the leader in the development of RNAi therapeutics
using its proprietary DNA-directed RNAi (ddRNAi) technology, using both
in-house research and strategic partnerships with academic and industry.
Benitec was the first company to trigger RNAi in human cells and in whole
mammals, and with CSIRO, holds the only issued patent estate covering
RNAi in mammalian cells.
The Company has continued to expand its proprietary platform by
developing a comprehensive suite of technologies to deliver the full
potential of ddRNAi. Benitec’s customers and partners are international
biopharmaceutical companies and research institutes. The Company is
growing through strategic alliances and licensing for high value
therapeutic and biomedical applications.
Number of employees:
19
Business Opportunity Focus: Development of RNAi Therapeutics
RNA Interference
RNA interference is a natural cellular mechanism that can be exploited to
selectively eliminate the effect of any disease-causing gene by destroying
its messenger RNA (mRNA). Destruction of the targeted mRNA prevents
protein synthesis, effectively silencing the target gene.
The RNAi process is triggered by 21 bp double-stranded RNA, where one
strand is complementary to a short sequence of the target mRNA.
Benitec's ddRNAi technology involves introduction of a promoter-driven
DNA construct into cells to produce double-stranded RNA which is cut by
the ribonuclease Dicer into the 21 bp fragments that trigger RNAi and
silence the target gene.
Competitive Advantages
Benitec’s ddRNAi technology offers a number of advantages over major
competing technologies for gene silencing: ribozymes, antisense DNA and
siRNAs:
Enables Multi-targeting: The ability to target multiple genes is
mandatory for developing therapies against deadly viruses such as HIV
and hepatis C virus and for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and obesity.

Disease Modelling: Traditional knockouts are a viable option only
in mice. Transgenic ddRNAi technology enables gene knockouts in
multiple animal species quickly and cheaply.

High Throughput Functional Genomics: ddRNAi enables
systematic knockdown of multiple genes, allowing the rapid
characterization of gene function, a major initiative in the current postgenomic era.

Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
City of Hope (COH, Los Angeles, California, USA)—Benitec and
COH have developed a multi-RNA therapeutic for AIDS lymphoma, which
will enter Phase I clinical trials in early 2006. A second AIDS collaboration
is funded through Phase I clinical trials by a $7.5 million grant from the
National Institutes of Health, USA. Other collaborators include the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania,
University of Washington and Colorado State University.

Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney, Australia)—
Benitec exclusively licensed nucleic acid based therapies for diabetes and
obesity from Garvan, targeting the c-Cbl research collaboration
agreement for use of ddRNAi to identify and investigate the role of
candidate genes in Type II diabetes and obesity.

Combimatrix Corporation (Seattle, Washington, USA):
collaboration to study possible off-target effects of RNAi therapeutics
using CustomArrays from Combimatrix. CombiMatrix has nonexclusively
licensed to Benitec pools of siRNAs as therapeutic agents against viral
diseases, including two specific sequences against HIV that CombiMatrix
previously exclusively licensed from its partner irsiCaixa.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO, Australia)—joint ownership of core ddRNAi
intellectual property. Benitec has worldwide exclusive commercialization
rights for applications in human cells and the development of human
therapeutics, and an interest in CSIRO applications to production of
animals using ddRNAi.

Tranzyme Inc. (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA)—
research agreement for joint development & marketing of advanced

delivery of ddRNAi for biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo using
Tranzyme’s proprietary lentivirus delivery system.

Technology Access
(Please contact Licensing)
The ddRNAi patent estate: Benitec holds exclusive worldwide
rights for the development and commercialization of ddRNAi for all human
applications. Benitec offers attractive licenses for R&D and therapeutic
activities to ensure broad application and technology access to ddRNAi.

Minicircle DNA for gene delivery: Benitec has exclusive rights
from Stanford University, with rights to sublicense, for all RNAi
applications of Minicircles. Minicircles result in gene expression up to 500
times greater than that seen with traditional plasmid DNA in animal
models(Chen, et al. Mol Ther 2001; 3:403-410), due to the removal of
bacterial sequences in normal plasmid DNA that appear to inhibit
prolonged gene expression.

Therapeutic ddRNAi Licenses
Research licenses to Benitec’s core technologies provide freedom to
operate for commercial entities using ddRNAi technologies for therapeutic
development. Benitec retains all rights to license, partner and collaborate
with third parties wishing to use ddRNAi for therapeutic targets.
Commercial ddRNAi Licenses
For commercial entities using DNA-delivered RNAi to create genetically
modified animals across a range of model organisms including mice, rats
and primates, Benitec offers commercial licenses for freedom to operate.
Non-therapeutic ddRNAi Research Licenses
For commercial entities developing kits and reagents involving the use of
ddRNAi technology to enable gene silencing, Benitec offers nontherapeutic research licenses for freedom to operate.
Minicircle DNA for gene delivery: For commercial entities that are
interested to use minicircle DNA technology for research or therapeutic
development, Benitec has exclusive rights to sublicense the technology
for all RNAi applications.
Partnering opportunities
(Please contact Business Development)
Benitec also offers a number of partnering opportunities for both
academia and industry for rapid adoption of RNAi for:
Target validation in vitro and in vivo using siRNAs and shRNAs
(ddRNAi). Leveraging its vast experience in the optimization of short
hairpin RNAs for multiple targets, Benitec offers biotech/pharma
companies rapid target validation and in vitro/in vivo assays to accelerate
drug development. Please contact us for a comprehensive plan for target
validation at highly competitive rates and with a rapid turnaround.

Disease modelling in vitro and in vivo: RNAi has tremendous
applications in rapidly modelling diseases by gene knockdown in both in
vitro and in vivo systems, without the expense and long time lag for the
creation of knockout mice. Benitec can create a customized plan for
modelling diseases using user-identified target genes.

BioPharmica Limited
Overview
BioPharmica is working to commercialise a portfolio of Australian
biomedical research discovered by leading Australian universities, medical
institutes and hospitals targeting large global markets.
The Company has projects undergoing pre-clinical development in the
areas of oncology, infectious diseases, depth of anaesthesia monitoring
and fibre optic probes.
Number of employees
7
Business Opportunity Focus
Investment/Partner
Core Business definition
Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Therapeutics
Alliances
BioPharmica works with leading Australian universities, research institutes
and hospitals including the University of Western Australia, the Laboratory
for Cancer Medicine at the Western Australian Institute for Medical
Research (WAIMR), Swinburne University of Technology and the Royal
Melbourne Institute of Technology University. WAIMR combines the Royal
Perth Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Fremantle Hospital and
UWA. In addition pre-clinical work is being conducted at the Royal
Melbourne Hospital.
Partners
Diagnostic Array Systems Pty Ltd and Cortical Dynamics Pty Ltd
Partnering Opportunities
Seeking overseas partners in the areas of oncology, infectious diseases,
depth of anaesthesia monitoring and fibre optic probes.
Biota Holdings Limited
Overview
Biota is a world-leading antiviral drug discovery company with its
headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. Biota was responsible for zanamivir,
a neuraminidase inhibitor, subsequently launched by GlaxoSmithKline as
Relenza™ for the treatment of influenza.
In partnership with Sankyo, Biota is developing second generation flu
antivirals (LANI or long-acting neuraminidase inhibitors), and has
discovery and development programs aimed at therapies for diseases
caused by Human Rhinovirus (common cold), RSV (Respiratory Syncytial
Virus) and hepatitis C. In partnership with Thermo Electron, Biota also
markets the FLU OIA® diagnostics range for the rapid detection of
influenza.
Number of employees
35
Specific focus of company
Antiviral drug discovery
Competitive Advantages

World-recognised expertise in viral respiratory diseases, particularly
influenza.

Key management in place with outstanding industry experience and
commercial partnering skills.

Consolidation of corporate and research operations into new
Australian facility, facilitating improved coordination of research
programs and other synergies.

A US base for optimal global business development activities.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Partners

Sankyo Co. Ltd (Japan): Biota’s joint venture partner on the
development and commercialisation of long-acting neuraminidase
inhibitors (LANI).

Thermo Electron Corporation: US manufacturer and marketing
partner of the FLU OIA and FLU OIA A/B rapid flu diagnostic kits.

Aerogen Inc: Partner for the development of an aerosol
formulation of CS-8958 (LANI compound), suitable for use with
Aerogen’s proprietary Aeroneb® Go Micropump Nebuliser. In
September 2004, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) granted
Biota a three-year, US$5.6 million grant designed to accelerate the
development of its LANI drug in a bulk dry powder form suitable for
stockpiling and administration via a nebuliser.
Partnering Opportunities

LANI: Biota, in its alliance with Sankyo, is seeking a commercial
partner to fund and support further clinical development and
commercialisation of LANI as a single dose inhaled drug for the
treatment and prevention of seasonal influenza.
FLU OIA & FLU OIA A/B: Biota and Thermo Electron are seeking
partners in Asian and European markets for distribution of the FLU OIA
and FLU OIA A/B diagnostic kits for the rapid detection of influenza.
Biotron Limited
Overview
Biotron Limited was incorporated in February 1999 to commercially
develop products from research in a number of programs at the John
Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) within the Australian National
University (ANU).
The Company has operations in Canberra and in Sydney. The company
listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) in January 2001. The
company employs 15 staff and consultants, including PhD scientists,
research technicians and administrative officers.
Biotron has two major projects in development, in addition to four earlier
research-stage projects. The primary focus is on the two major projects –
Virion and C-Test. Biotron has identified a new class of viral proteins as
targets for potential intervention, and the Virion project is developing
novel small molecule therapeutics that target these proteins. These
compounds have the potential for treatment of several significant viral
diseases, including HIV-1, Hepatitis C, Dengue, SARS and viruses
associated with the common cold. Biotron’s anti-HIV program is in late
preclinical development, and the Company is aiming to initiate Phase I/IIa
clinical trial in humans in the near future.
The C-Test project is developing diagnostic tests for the early detection of
cancer, exploiting specific molecules present on cancer cells. This
biomarker approach is a rapid, sensitive, non-invasive assay detecting
these cancer-specific molecules in the blood of cancer patients. Trials are
on-going for prostate and colorectal cancer. The other four research
projects are at earlier stages of development, and cover areas of research
targeted to stroke, heart attack and heart failure.
Competitive Advantages
The competitive advantages of the company’s two lead products include:
Virion

Novel small molecule drugs that target a new class of viral proteins
in several significant viral diseases.

Novel small molecule drugs targeting HIV-1 that have excellent oral
bioavailability and good toxicity profiles in preclinical toxicity tests
done to date.

Anti-HIV drugs target a different stage of the virus life cycle
compared to existing anti-HIV drugs and act on the reservoir of
infection.

Strong patent position.

Proprietary assays for rapid screening of new compounds against
the antiviral targets.
C-test

Rapid, non-invasive assay for diagnosis of specific cancer types.

Sensitive methodology suited to high-throughput.

Strong patent position.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Biotron is seeking an alliance with a commercial partner to facilitate
development of the Virion product through clinical trials. The Company is
also seeking an alliance with potential partners for further development of
the C-Test anticancer diagnostic test.
Partnering Needs
The Company intends to develop compounds and diagnostics for sale or
license to major pharmaceutical companies. It does not intend funding
manufacture, or entering the sales and distribution process.
BresaGen Limited
Overview
BresaGen Limited (ASX:BGN) is a biotechnology company committed to
commercialisation of protein pharmaceutical products and technology.
The Company is focussed on cost-effective production of proteins and
peptides in bacteria and specialises in process development and supply of
clinical trial material for third parties through its protEcol™ Services
business unit. In addition, the Company supplies protein-based active
pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) to pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies.
The group has over 15 years experience in bacterial fermentation and the
manufacture of recombinant proteins and operates a TGA approved cGMP
facility, manufacturing a range of proteins including growth hormones
from various species.
Number of employees
32
Business Opportunity Focus
Seeking alliances and contracts for process development with
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies.
Core Business definition
Protein Engineering.
Competitive Advantages


Cost-effective processes for production of proteins and peptides in
E. coli.
cGMP manufacturing facility.
Technology
Using a proprietary bacterial expression system, BresaGen has
established cost-effective technology to express and purify recombinant
proteins and peptides on a commercial scale.
Therapeutic Products

EquiGen™ Injection, a treatment for poor body condition in horses.

hGH API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient), a treatment for human
growth hormone deficiency.
Process Development and Contract Manufacturing

protEcol Services, assists clients to develop high yield, cost
effective recombinant production of proteins and peptides using E. coli.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
BresaGen has worked with a wide range of Biotech and Pharmaceutical
companies, including CBio, QRx Pharma, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals and
ALZA Pharmaceuticals.
Partners
N/A.
Partnering Opportunities
The company has developed a robust, cost-effective and scalable process
for manufacture and purification of peptides and small proteins (20-250
aa). Alliances are sought with other biotech companies who require cost
effective processes for protein in this range.
A purpose built manufacturing plant has been commissioned and licensed
by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Contract projects are sought to
maximise use of this manufacturing capacity.
The Burnet Institute
The Burnet Institute is Australia's largest communicable diseases research
institute, investigating some of today's most serious viral infections such
as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and measles.
It was founded in 1986 and named in honour of the highly acclaimed
Australian scientist Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet. We integrate basic and
applied laboratory research in virology and other communicable diseases
with field research and the design, implementation and evaluation of
public health programs.
We assist socially marginalized groups by tackling tough problems:
HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, and illicit drug use.
Our laboratory research is motivated and informed by the direct
experience of our people on the streets and in communities in developing
and developed nations.
The Burnet Institute is the only medical research institute to be accredited
for funding by AusAID, an Australian Federal Government overseas
funding agency, and in 1998, we were accorded Collaborating Centre
status by the United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) - one of just 12
such centres in the world.
The Burnet Institute also has an important educational role, and provides
training in research and in public health at the undergraduate and
postgraduate level through its associations with the University of
Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University, LaTrobe University and
University Udayana in Indonesia.
Cellulose Valley Institute
Overview
Cellulose Valley Institute—plant science solutions—provides a complete
range of services for the research and development of natural plant
products, by uniting seven synergistic research groups in plant genetics,
phytochemistry, health sciences, and environmental and resource science.
Competitive Advantages
Cellulose Valley Institute creates synergies by offering the collective skills
of clinicians, pharmacognosists, phytochemists, plant geneticists,
health/education practitioners, and environmentalists on single or multiple
projects.
Technology/Services

DNA Technologies;

Genomics; Plant Improvement;

Bioinformatics;

QA/QC of herbs and essential oils;

Extraction;

Chemical Profiling;

Isolation and Purification of compounds;

Structural elucidation, Bioassay guided fractionation and screening;

Flow cytometry;

Platelet aggregometry;

High throughput fibrinolysis bioassay; and

Radio-labelling and counting.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Current Partners

TP Health;

Mayne Health;

BRI Aust Ltd;

Blackmores;

Sanitarium;

Complementary Healthcare Council;

EcoFibre Industries Ltd;

Tabco Ltd;

EcoTechnology Australia Ltd;

Puragrain Pty Ltd;

Grain Foods CRC Ltd;

American Botanical Council.
Partnering Opportunities
Organisations who wish to access our expertise and facilities, either
through contract research or Joint Venture opportunities.
Partnering needs
Complementary organisations with commercialisation opportunities.
Clinical Network Services Pty Ltd
Overview.
Clinical Network Services (CNS) is an Australian Contract Research Organisation
(CRO) servicing the international healthcare community. Since its foundation in 1998,
CNS continues to be the only Queensland head-quartered CRO offering clinical
research management services. Based in suburban Brisbane, Queensland, CNS is well
situated to take advantage of a local population of 3 million people and some of the
most respected hospitals and research services in Australia.
CNS offers the following services:
•full clinical research Management Services, including:
o study design;
o project management;
o site monitoring; and
o clinical research consultancy and training.
•and in association with their local and international partner organisations, CNS is also
able to offer:
o data and biostatistical management services;
o Phase I/II site services;
o Phase II – IV Investigational site management services; and
o local, national and central laboratory services.
CNS believes its services when coupled with a network of preferred local companies
offer our customers all the enhanced benefits of small company service with large
company diversification. In addition to familiarity with Australia’s world-class clinical
services and hospitals, through their relationships with international preferred
partners and networks in Europe, United States of America and New Zealand, they
can also offer an international solution.
Number of employees: 7
Specific focus of company: Management of clinical trials at Australasian clinical sites on
behalf of national and international drug and medical device development companies
Core Business definition: Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Competitive Advantages: A responsive, internationally experienced staff.
Clients:
o
Major international pharmaceutical companies
o
Small to medium USA and Canadian biopharmaceutical companies
o
European (UK and German) and USA contract research organisations (CROs)
o
Australian CROs and biopharmaceutical companies
o
Public and private sector medical research institutes
Clinical Trials Victoria
Services
Clinical Trials Victoria (CTV) is committed to attracting global investment
in clinical trials to the state of Victoria and throughout Australia. The aim
is to secure innovative, world class clinical research trials and ultimately
improve patient health outcomes.
Clinical Trials Victoria serves to bridge the gap between discovery,
preclinical development and clinical research and will encourage outcomefocused research through the collaborative efforts of its member
organisations.
Clinical Trials Victoria can make a difference to your projects!
Central clinical trial support and facilitation: administrative management,
education and training, regulatory affairs and quality assurance,
marketing, finance and IT infrastructure for clinical trials.
Significant improvement processes for standardised documentation:
finance and legal, clinical trial ethics submission and operating procedures.
Trial design support.
Management of communication networks, database design and
development for clinical research tools and registries of investigators and
trial participants.
Achieving critical mass of investigators and trial participants for clinical
trials.
Investment into technological advances in diagnostic, monitoring and
bioanalytical assessment for clinical product development.
Services to Biotech and Pharma Sponsors
Links to Member expertise and services.
Facilitator of preferred provider agreements between Members and
Industry.
Forums for investigators and clinical trial sponsors to facilitate
infrastructure improvements related to the conduct of clinical trials.
Access to a network of clinical trial sites.
CollTech Australia Ltd
Overview
CollTech Australia Ltd [ASX: CAU] is an Australian Stock Exchange listed bio-industrial
company involved in the extraction and purification of biomaterials from animal sources.
CollTech's ISO and cGMP compliant plant uses patented manufacturing technology to extract
and purify collagen from sheep for the global food, cosmetic and medical markets. The
sheepskins are sourced from EU and US accredited export abattoirs in Australia and the
sheep are veterinary controlled and certified Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy
(TSE) free under Australia’s internationally recognised National TSE Surveillance Program.
Australia has been declared Bovine Spongioform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Scrapie
FREE by the Office International des Epizooities (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Collagen is a natural biomaterial used in the manufacture of food, cosmetic and medical endproducts. It is the major structural protein found in the connective tissue of mammals,
particularly in skin, tendon, bone and cartilage. Traditionally collagen has been extracted from
bovine (cow) and porcine (pig) sources, which have been affected by disease outbreaks
(BSE), religious acceptance and supply issues. Ovine (sheep) collagen is a novel source of
collagen with similar properties to bovine and porcine collagen. The biodegradable,
hypoallergenic and cell adhesive properties of collagen make it a versatile biomaterial suitable
for a wide range of commercial applications.
CollTech’s OviColl™ range of ovine collagen biomaterials include:
Food-grade native insoluble collagen (type I/III) from sheepskin, 10%
solids in dilute acid
Cosmetic-grade native soluble collagen (type I/III) from sheepskin,
opaque solution, 10mg/mL protein in 0.1M acetic acid
Research-grade native soluble collagen (type I/III) from sheepskin,
clear solution, 5mg/mL protein in 0.1M acetic acid
Medical-grade available 2006
Number of employees: 11.
Specific focus of company: (eg seeking investment or seeking partner);
Commercialising bio-industrial products and seeking collaboration partners to develop
medical end-products.
Core Business definition (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, agriculture etc)
Bio-industrial company involved in the extraction and purification of biomaterials from animal
sources.
Competitive Advantages
 Patented technology provides global monopoly for supply of collagen from sheepskins
 Internationally certified TSE-free source of collagen
 Lower production costs with higher yields and purity than traditional collagen sources
 Product acceptance in global religious markets
Technology
Patented manufacturing process for the extraction and purification of collagen from sheep
(ovine) skin.
Corporate Alliances / Partnerships
 CollTech Asia appointed as distributor for North Asia.
Partnering Opportunities
 Strategic partner for the development of novel medical end-products from ovine collagen.
Partnering Needs
 Distribution of OviColl™ range of collagen biomaterials.
Cortical Pty Ltd
Overview
Cortical is a Melbourne based drug discovery company, which was founded in 2003
by Associate Professor Eric Morand and Dr Magdy Iskander of Monash University.
Cortical’s mission is to develop small-molecule solutions to therapeutic targets in
inflammation. Diseases as diverse as arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and
colitis are characterised by inflammation and may be targeted with drugs from
Cortical’s R&D repertoire. Based in Australia’s capital of biomedical research and
biotechnology commercialisation, Cortical operates its R&D in fully complemented
laboratories within the Monash research precincts.
Cortical’s mission is to discover novel therapeutics for the treatment of human
diseases and commercialise these via research and development, and where
appropriate via strategic partnership with pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies.
The main focus of the research involves Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor, or
MIF, as an emerging therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. MIF plays an
essential role in the initiation and perpetuation of the immune and inflammatory
responses. Blockade of MIF has been shown to be effective in experimental models of
rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, sepsis, and other inflammatory
conditions
Competitive Advantages
The development of small molecule MIF antagonists would represent a major
advantage in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, via their direct effects, and
indirectly via augmentation of the actions of corticosteroids. Cortical’s research team
is headed by Eric Morand, recognised as a world leader in MIF research, and also a
clinical rheumatologist. Teamed with the drug design and medicinal chemistry
expertise at the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Cortical has generated active small
molecule inhibitors. The compounds have generated much interest and Cortical’s
alliance with Genzyme, announced in December 2003 (see below), validates the path
taken.
The Collaboration and License deal with Genzyme provides great competitive
advantage for a small company to be able to tap into the experience and expertise of a
major successful US biotechnology company.
The Board and Cortical management team has considerable experience in drug
development and commercialization.
Technology/Services
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor, or MIF, is an emerging therapeutic target in
inflammatory diseases. Work from laboratories including that of Dr Morand have
determined that MIF plays an essential role in the initiation and perpetuation of the
immune and inflammatory responses. Blockade of MIF by antibodies has been shown
to be effective in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, multiple
sclerosis, asthma, sepsis, and other inflammatory conditions.
MIF and corticosteroids
MIF also has a unique relationship with corticosteroids which are often used to treat
inflammatory diseases. Unlike other pro-inflammatory cytokines, the levels of MIF
are actually increased by corticosteroids. The increased levels of MIF act to
antagonise or limit the effects of corticosteroids. The presence of increased MIF
following corticosteroid treatment means that corticosteroids work less efficiently.
Therefore, antagonising MIF might provide a means to increase the effectiveness of
corticosteroids, thus reducing the dose required to achieve a required effect. This is
known as a “steroid-sparing” effect. As steroid side effects are dose dependent,
steroid-sparing would be of immense value to patients.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Cortical is backed by $AUD 2 million from GBS Venture Partners and Start-Up
Australia Ventures, through the Federal Government’s Pre-Seed and Innovation
Investment Funds respectively. Cortical was a recipient of a $AUD 250,000
AusIndustry Biotechnology Innovation Fund grant in the June 2003 round, and
followed this with a $3.03m R & D Start Grant in July 2004 to advance it’s MIF
antagonism program into Phase I clinical trials.
In December 2003, Cortical announced an agreement to develop and commercialise
products for Inflammatory Diseases with US top ten biotech company Genzyme
Corporation.
Cortical and Genzyme scientists are working together to develop new investigational
oral drugs to fight inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and
colitis. Under the agreements, the two companies will collaborate on the research and
development efforts through Phase 2 clinical trials. Genzyme will complete the
development, and commercialize any products that arise from the collaboration.
In exchange for an exclusive worldwide license to products that arise from the
collaboration, Genzyme will also make certain payments upon the completion of
development milestones and pay royalties on sales. Under the terms of the
agreements, Cortical retains rights to develop MIF antagonist products for localized
uses. Genzyme has also made an equity investment in Cortical of $AUD1m.
Partnering opportunities
Cortical’s expertise in cytokine biology, coupled with drug design and medical
chemistry expertise and access to patients and in vivo disease models provides an
excellent basis to partner with other biotech and pharma companies. Cortical is also
interested in partnering with companies to develop MIF antagonist therapies for local
application to inflammatory conditions of the skin, respiratory system, eyes,
peripheral and cardiovascular systems and veterinary applications.
Number of employees
Specific focus of company
Core Business definition
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
15
Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
Inflammation drug discovery and development
CSIRO
Overview
CSIRO (the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is a
statutory research agency of the Government of Australia. We are one of the world’s
largest and most diverse scientific research institutions employing some 6,500 staff in
more than 65 sites around Australia and overseas. Our research collaborations stretch
across more than 70 countries. We conduct world-class research for many industry
sectors spanning
Human Health, Agribusiness, Energy and Transport, Information, Communication
and Services, Manufacturing, Mineral Resources and the environment. CSIRO is
Australia’s largest single provider of Biotechnology research.
We are actively pursuing commercialisation ventures and alliances to enhance the
adoption of our research.
CSIRO invests some A$140m annually in biotechnology research, being a substantial
part of the overall investment into biotechnology research in Australia. The total
revenue for CSIRO is in the order of A$900m, including more than A$560m from the
Australian Government (Annual Reports can be found at www.csiro.au)
Competitive Advantages
“Innovation at the interface of scientific disciplines”
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Multidisciplinary capability deriving from expert scientific teams located in
Australia and overseas
Extensive networks and close ties with private industry, government
organizations, universities and research institutions in Australia and
internationally
Flexibility and experience in establishing successful relationships through a
range of business models including start-up companies, incubator companies,
joint ventures, strategic alliances, licensing and collaborative research
linkages.
Extensive intellectual property portfolio providing opportunities for
investments and collaborations in emerging technologies
Technology
CSIRO diverse capabilities in biotechnology covers all fields of human health,
agricultural, environmental and industrial biotechnologies, which allows us to build
cross disciplinary teams to deliver solutions in areas like:
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Biodiscovery
Bioinformatics
Biomarkers
Biomaterials
Bioprocessing
Bioprospecting
Bioremediation
Biotherapeutics
Biotransformation
Ecological Impacts of Transgenes
Functional Genomics
Molecular Engineering
Nanotechnology
Proteomics
Structural Biology
Partnering Opportunities
CSIRO conducts R&D in many areas, including:
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Gene Silencing - Powerful new RNAi methods to develop gene-based
therapies, and drive advances in plant and animal breeding
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering - Cartilage repair, biomedical adhesives,
collagen technologies, polymer and surface design.
Bioprocessing and functional foods - Biological processes for food,
pharmaceutical and industrial applications
Drug Discovery & Development - Cutting edge structural biology, rational
drug design, protein engineering and chemistry to accelerate lead generation
and optimization
Therapeutic Delivery - Site specific and/or controlled release of drug
molecules and the delivery of genetic material via novel viral vectors
Diagnostics - New approaches to infectious agent identification, disease
investigation and prevention using molecular biology, novel PCR technologies
and monoclonal and recombinant antibody technology.
Bioinformatics - Sophisticated statistical analysis of array-based data sets with
applications in diagnostics, toxicogenomics and pharmacogenomics
CSIRO Plant Industries
CSIRO (the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is a
statutory research agency of the Government of Australia. We are one of the world’s
largest and most diverse scientific research institutions employing some 6,500 staff in
Australia and overseas. Our research collaborations stretch across more than 70
countries.
CSIRO invests some US$100m annually in biotechnology research, making it a major
provider of biotechnology R&D in Australia. CSIRO conducts R&D in many areas,
including:
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Gene Silencing - New RNAi methods to advance plant and animal science and
develop gene-based therapies;
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering cartlidge repair, biomedical adhesives,
collagen technologies, polymer and surface design;
Drug Discovery & Development – Advanced structural biology, rational drug
design, protein engineering and chemistry to accelerate lead generation and
optimization;
Therapeutic Delivery – Site-specific/controlled release of drug molecules and
the delivery of genetic material via novel viral vectors;
Diagnostics - New approaches to infectious agent identification, disease
investigation and prevention using molecular biology, novel PCR technologies
and recombinant antibody technology;
Bioinformatics – Statistical analysis of array-based data sets with applications
in diagnostics, toxicogenomics and pharmacogenomics;
Bioprocessing and functional foods - Biological processes for food,
pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Plant Industry Technology Overview
CSIRO discovered the role of double stranded RNA as the trigger for RNA
interference (RNAi) or gene silencing.
CSIRO hairpin-intron technology has proven very effective in plants and has been
adopted worldwide. This break through technology is a powerful tool to determine
gene function and is being used to develop a range of traits in crop and horticultural
plants. The technology is also being used to protect livestock against pathogens and to
explore gene function around valuable traits in animals.
CSIRO's hairpin RNAi technology provides methods for making gene constructs that
target the gene of interest. It also delivers important information about gene function.
Hairpin RNAi is precise, fast, flexible and stable with nil off target effects, and can be
used to completely turn off or turn down the function of a gene.
CSIRO Livestock Industries
Technology Overview
CSIRO discovered the role of double stranded RNA as the trigger for RNA
interference (RNAi) or gene silencing.
CSIRO hairpin-intron technology has proven very effective in plants and has been
adopted worldwide. This break through technology is a powerful tool to determine
gene function and is being used to develop a range of traits in crop and horticultural
plants. The technology is also being used to protect livestock against pathogens and
to explore gene function around valuable traits in animals.
CSIRO's hairpin RNAi technology provides methods for making gene constructs that
target the gene of interest. It also delivers important information about gene function.
Hairpin RNAi is precise, fast, flexible and stable with nil off target effects, and can be
used to completely turn off or turn down the function of a gene.
Dr Tim Doran is a researcher with the Gene Technologies sub-program of CSIRO
Livestock Industries, and is based at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory
(AAHL) in Geelong. He is project leader of RNA interference (RNAi) technologies
and is working to develop RNAi as a therapeutic for livestock diseases.
Datapharm Australia Pty Ltd
Overview
Datapharm Australia has completed over 300 studies in over 40 therapeutic areas with
over 50 clients. A variety of study designs have been used including crossovers,
randomized parallel-group/comparative, pharmacokinetic, Phase I to IV, multi-centre
GP, and some including health economic data.
Datapharm Australia’s enviable team culture is characterized by infectious enthusiasm
and energy, many years of experience and training, attention to detail and quality.
Datapharm Australia always supports their clients and makes their projects successful.
Competitive advantages
Our strong in-house statistical team is unique in Australia for an independent local
CRO. In addition to a regional monitoring service, Datapharm provides a full data
management service from initial advice on study design to the final clinical study
report. We have been recognized for the quality, timeliness and cost-effectiveness of
our services. Validated systems are in place to produce quality data to ICH GCP and
FDA requirements, as is vigilance to ensure maintenance of client security and
confidentiality.
Advances in technology have become a driver of many of the processes we use in
collecting patient data and tracking trial status. Datapharm prides itself on staying on
the wave of these advances by developing new systems to streamline our monitoring
resources and tracking (SMART), data collection (eCRF), pharmacovigiliance, and
closedown (e-archive) operations. We now have secure online CRA administration,
communications and archiving ideal for connectivity of our Australia wide regional
CRAs and sites (Global Monitoring Effice).
Technology/Services
The following services are offered within the required regulated environment;
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Strategic Planning & Project Management
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Study Design; Investigator Selection; Set-up & Start-up
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Ethics Submissions; GTRAP; CTN; CTX
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Clinical Trial Setup (Protocol, CRF design)
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Clinical Trial Management
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Monitoring (experienced regional monitors in major centres)
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Data Management (including eCRF)
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Data coding
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Statistical Analysis
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Medical Writing, including Full Study Reports
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Project Management
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Pharmacovigilance
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Contract recruitment
Datapharm Australia is constantly developing the application of computer technology
in an appropriate manner to provide optimum services to the client. We have
developed computer based project resourcing, project and business management
reporting tools to ensure a smooth and efficient organisation. Additional IT
applications we have developed for clinical research include an eCRF and monitoring
tools for regional CRAs.
Partnering opportunities for
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Small to medium size CRO not present in Australia.
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A Japanese CRO.
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European CROs
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North American CROs
Partnering needs
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Alliance with other CROs to support their services in Australia.
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Alliance with other CROs to allow us to extend our services overseas.
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Biotech and Pharma sponsors in North America, Japan & Europe wishing to
conduct clinical trials in Australia
Number of employees
Specific focus of company
Core Business definition
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
>35
Clinical Research- Monitoring, Data
Management and Statistics.
Full Service CRO
EQiTX Limited
Overview
EQiTX Limited (ASX Code – EQX) is a publicly listed Australian
biotechnology company with interests in the areas of chronic diseases and
age-related conditions. EQX is developing a portfolio of technologies to a
stage where they will be of commercial interest to multinational
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
The company's two main programs are the ZingoTX project to develop
pharmacologically active compounds for pain management, and the VacTX
project to develop and commercialise novel synthetic vaccines to prevent
or treat a range of human conditions, including infectious diseases,
cancer, allergies, inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Competitive Advantages
Each of the technologies selected by EQiTX has demonstrated potential
sustainable competitive advantages over existing therapeutics in large
markets. EQiTX’s approach is outcome-focused, with each new product
planned, from the outset, to display a range of unique selling propositions
to ensure its success in the market.
EQiTX itself offers clear competitive advantages to both investors and
owners of intellectual property with what is perhaps a unique model. It
retains sufficient scientific, technical and commercial skill in-house
(supplemented by an eminent and active Advisory Panel) to add
significant value at every step of the product development and
commercialisation process.
Technology
ZingoTX was established to undertake R & D activities leading to the
commercialisation of potential new drug candidates discovered and
patented by the University of Sydney. The objective of ZingoTX is to
value-add to the technology through a R & D program focusing on the
selection of drug candidates for clinical trials in patients suffering from
chronic pain and in particular, neuropathic pain. In early 2005, 'in vivo'
pain and inflammation studies are being completed to select a lead
candidate for preclinical toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies. EQiTX
now holds 44.6% of ZingoTX, and has the option to increase its
shareholding to 58%.
VacTX was established to exploit the CRC for Vaccine Technology's
synthetic lipopeptide vaccine platform technology for human applications.
Novel safe and highly effective vaccines for the prevention or treatment of
a range of infectious diseases and to treat cancers and allergies,
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are being developed using this
unique and patented technology. The pure lipopeptide vaccines are readily
and reliably synthesised at a competitive cost to traditional vaccines and
monoclonal antibodies. They induce highly specific immune responses and
are soluble, enabling them to be administered without using needles.
EQiTX may invest up to $3.5M to earn up to 50.5% of this Project.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Partners
Through its key executives and members of its Advisory Panel, EQiTX has
strong links into a number of international pharmaceutical companies.
Importantly, these will provide avenues to progress the technologies
through the latter stages of the drug discovery pathway, and in particular
clinical trials.
EQiTX is positioning itself as a commercialisation agent of choice for
research institutions in Australia. In the ZingoTX project, EQiTX has
partnered with the University of Sydney and TP Health Pty Ltd. In the
VacTX project, EQiTX has partnered with the CRC-VT.
Partnering Opportunities
Commercialisation partnering opportunities will be identified as each
technology development is advanced. Partnerships with owners of
intellectual property are being sought (see below).
Partnering Needs
EQiTX is actively looking for new opportunities for potential acquisition
that strategically fit with the investment model and satisfy the
requirements of our key criteria.
Key criteria to be met include:
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Supportive in vivo studies utilising relevant models and methods of
administration
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Large therapeutic markets associated with chronic diseases and the
aging population
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Research outcomes supporting competitive advantages that
address unmet needs and product improvements
Researchers with high quality results in the areas of interest are
encouraged to approach the company for confidential discussions.
EvoGenix Pty Ltd
Overview
The strategy of EvoGenix is to develop new therapeutic products in the
rapidly expanding antibody sector.
EvoGenix builds from a powerful and integrated technology platform,
providing the key value-creating step in identifying new antibody
therapeutics both;
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to support the development of an internal pipeline of valuable
antibody therapeutics for world markets and,
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to assist our partners through collaboration and out-licensing to
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
The EvoGenix technology platform occupies a highly competitive position
in the pathway to creating new antibody products, offering the only fully
integrated approach to moving from a non-human antibody (the common
product of drug discovery) to a potent product ready for administration to
patients.
Competitive Advantages
To reduce the incidence of immune reactions in patients, antibody
products are 'humanised' so as to minimise the amount of foreign
sequence presented to the patients immune system. In conventional
humanisation the starting antibody is matched on the basis of sequence
homology to a human framework.
With the EvoGenix approach to humanisation—SuperhumanisationTM, the
frameworks are chosen on the basis of function resulting in products that
are less immunogenic and yet retain the high binding affinity of the
starting product. The approach is covered by granted patents and offers
an easy, effective, and inexpensive way of transforming conventional
mouse monoclonal antibodies into high-quality therapeutic products.
EvoGenix’s technology for protein optimisation—EvoGene™ offers a
unique approach to fine tuning protein products. The truly random
approach enables access to the highest level of diversity whilst requiring a
fraction of the resources of approaches such as saturation mutagenesis. It
is not only more efficient, but also more effective for protein fine-tuning
when compared with gene shuffling, since changes to the targeted protein
are minimised and can readily be restricted to those contributing directly
to the improvement in properties (controlled mutation levels).
EvoGene™ is protected by granted patents, and offers Freedom to
Operate to our collaborators.
Technology
EvoGeneTM protein optimisation technology, for test tube evolution of
proteins – provides products with higher value as drugs including greater
activity and potency, greater specificity (reducing side effects) and greater
stability or expression (reducing production costs). The EvoGene approach
can be applied to any protein including therapeutics, diagnostics,
industrial enzymes or agribiotech products.
SuperhumanisationTM—a novel method for converting a mouse antibody,
which would cause an immune reaction if administered to humans, into a
'humanized' form, which is can be administered safely to patients over an
extended time frame.
Superhumanisation and EvoGene have been combined into an integrated
package called EvoMAb technology—the only approach available which
combines these two steps in antibody development into a single efficient
process. This is a high value adding step in moving from the research
phase of drug discovery, which yields an active mouse antibody, through
to a potent optimised product candidate ready to enter preclinical/clinical
development.
ApoptoMabTM technology—an approach for further increasing the potency
of anti-cancer antibodies by arming them with a powerful toxin. Antibodies
act as the 'magic bullets' that home in on cancer cells, delivering the toxin
into the cells which die as a result.
Taken together, the EvoGenix technology platform provides key
capabilities, both for developing internal products, and for deriving shorter
term income through partnerships and licensing:
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Humanised antibodies—suitable for long term administration to
patients
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New versions of antibodies and other proteins which are optimised
for success in the clinic and the market place
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A solution to the gap between research tool ( a mouse antibody)
and antibody therapeutic ready for development
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Further enhancement of the potency of anticancer antibodies
through toxin linkage
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Partners
EvoGenix has relationships with a number of well recognised international
companies to deliver highly optimised versions of protein product
candidates supplied by our partners.
Partnering Opportunities
EvoGenix welcomes discussions with companies interesting in improving
properties of proteins in development for use in the therapeutic,
diagnostic, agricultural or industrial fields. Our technology is particularly
well suited to rapid improvements in the affinity, specificity and
humanisation of antibody product.
Partnering Needs
Our preferred arrangement with partners involves sharing both the risks
and benefits of future product returns, as well as payments to cover R&D
costs.
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Overview
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is the largest medical research
institute in NSW and a cornerstone of the St Vincent’s Biotechnology
Precinct. Garvan has a demonstrated track record in forging links with the
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and finance industries.
Commercial activities include international research collaborations,
intellectual property (IP) licences and when appropriate, the formation of
spin-out companies.
Selective protection of Garvan’s IP has generated a patent portfolio
containing potential prognostic and diagnostic markers, therapeutic
targets, technology platforms and screening models in therapeuticallyfocussed areas. Garvan seeks strategic partners within these areas for
collaborative research projects and licensing. Opportunities include:
Diabetes and Obesity
Type II diabetes and insulin resistance; glucose transport; clinical studies.
IP: PKC isoforms and modulation of insulin acitivity; Diabetes drug
screening assay; novel therapeutic targets for diabetes and obesity;
extensive animal models.
Neurobiology
Genetics of mental illness; the Neuropeptide Y system, weight loss and
energy homeostasis; neural stem cell research and hearing.
IP: NPY receptors and ligands; genetic markers for mental illness;
extensive range of knockout and transgenic models.
Bone and Mineral
Clinical and molecular epidemiology; molecular biology of vitamin D
receptor.
IP: Gene prognostics for bone density; mouse models for osteoporosis;
novel isoforms of vitamin D receptor.
Arthritis and Inflammation
Effect of BAFF on B and T cell function; molecular basis of type I diabetes;
expression profiling of B and T cell sub-sets; emphasis on auto-immune
diseases.
IP: Pre-diagnostic screens for patients undergoing auto-immune therapy;
therapeutic targets for modulation of auto-immune responses; generation
of monoclonal antibodies against GPCRs.
Cancer
Extensive gene profiling studies in breast, ovarian, prostate and
pancreatic cancer; gene methylation and cancer development; mammary
gland development; cell cycle regulation; characterisation of EGFR
signalling; mechanisms of resistance to anti-estrogen therapies.
IP: prognositic, diagnostic and therapeutic targets; extensive collections
of tissue banks with detailed clinicopathological data; knockout and
transgenic models of disease.
Pituitary Disease
Regulation of growth hormone secretion; clinical research program on
mechanisms of therapeutic hormone action.
IP: hormone assays.
Gene Stream Pty Ltd
Overview
GeneStream Pty Ltd is a privately owned biotechnology company that has developed
improved DNA-based tools for medical research and in particular, drug screening.
GeneStream currently has two major projects, each relating to a separate family of
patents. Project 1, the RapidReporter® system, is available for licensing and relates to
a patented modification to standard reporter vectors, that provides vastly improved
performance in applications such as cell-based high throughput drug screening (HTS).
Project 2, MetaboMouse®, will be ready for licensing in 2005 and relates to patented
transgenic mice with a more human-like drug metabolism for use in animal-based
drug testing, where they provide a more accurate prediction of drug effects in humans.
Competitive Advantages
GeneStream’s RapidReporter® system provides much faster and more pronounced
responses to drug effects. The system requires no changes to standard detection
methods or equipment and is thus easily incorporated into existing methodologies. In
drug screening, the RapidReporter® system dramatically improves the separation
between active vs. inactive compounds (or toxic vs. non-toxic compounds). Benefits
include lower variance, fewer false positives and an improved ability to detect weakly
active or transiently acting compounds. The possibility of overlooking potentially
beneficial and lucrative compounds in HTS is substantially reduced with the
RapidReporter® system. Other advantages include more accurate kinetic assays and
dose-response studies and the ability to shorten assay times.
Technology
1. The RapidReporter® system involves the patented incorporation of both
mRNA- and protein-destabilising elements into a reporter vector, thus
dramatically reducing the time lag and dilution of effect that normally occurs
between a drug’s true effect (altered transcription) and the resultant
measurable effect (altered reporter protein activity). Further modifications
improve expression levels and reduce promoter interference.
2. The MetaboMouse® technology involves the patented humanisation of genes
involved in drug binding or drug metabolism to provide transgenic mice that
more accurately predict the likely effect of drugs in humans.
Partnering Opportunities
GeneStream is seeking pharmaceutical companies or HTS service providers willing to
test the RapidReporter® system in their own applications. A worldwide distributor for
the academic and small biotech markets is also being sought.
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
Glykoz (Glycomics Discovery)
Company Overview
Glykoz is a company committed to the discovery and commercialisation of novel
carbohydrate-based drugs for a range of clinically significant therapeutic applications.
The Company, located in the emerging Life Sciences corridor of South East
Queensland in Australia, leverages world-leading expertise in carbohydrate-based
drug discovery to develop new drug candidates for licensing to international
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Immediate focus is on a novel class of
drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Carbohydrates have been proven to play an important role in a vast array of biological
processes. It is now apparent that they provide the biological system with a very
versatile language, a code that is in the process of being broken. There is a growing
focus within the pharmaceutical industry on the emerging study of carbohydrates
called 'Glycomics' in which Glykoz has proven world-leading expertise.
An immediate public health concern is drug-resistant bacteria. A number of important
infections including tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis and childhood ear infections
are just a few of the diseases that have become more difficult to treat due to the
emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance is becoming a factor
in virtually all hospital-acquired infections. In addition to its adverse effect on public
health, antimicrobial resistance contributes to escalating health care costs.
Compounds currently under development by Glykoz exhibit activity against a range
of bacteria including many common, clinically important, drug-resistant varieties. The
chemistry used to create these compounds is novel and the structures of the Glykoz
compounds do not resemble existing antibiotics. The base chemistry provides
opportunities to create compounds with novel shapes and modes of action that will be
applicable to a number of different clinical situations.
Glykoz has strategic research relationships with Griffith University’s Institute for
Glycomics and Monash University’s Department of Microbiology. Co-founding
scientists, Federation Fellow, Professor Mark von Itzstein from Griffith University’s
Institute of Glycomics, and Howard Hughes Scholar, Professor Ross Coppel from
Monash University lead Glykoz’s anti-infectives research program. Partners with
complementary expertise and resources capable of accelerating product development
and marketing will benefit from Glykoz’s strength in carbohydrate-based drug
discovery and development.
Partnering Opportunities
Glykoz is seeking strategic partners to advance the discovery and development of
novel carbohydrate-based drugs for a range of therapeutic uses. Alliance opportunities
exist for industry partners capable of adding value to the development of its existing
anti-infective technologies and the advancement of new therapeutic discovery
programs.
Alliances for new product development would suit partners seeking to:
• Deliver novel therapeutics to market for specific targets or clinically significant
indications.
• Improve performance of new drug candidates through carbohydrate
modification.
Glycomics, being the science of carbohydrates and their role in biological processes,
is gaining increasing pharmaceutical industry recognition as the next key code to be
broken. Carbohydrates have been proven to play an important role in a vast array of
biological processes. It is now apparent that carbohydrates provide the biological
system with a very versatile language, one that Glykoz will utilize to discover and
develop new proprietary therapeutics.
The Company’s most advanced novel compounds represent a new class of antibiotics
applicable to a number of different clinical situations. The compounds, undergoing
optimisation, show activity against a range of clinically significant bacteria including
drug resistant varieties.
Partners with complementary expertise and resources capable of accelerating product
development and marketing will benefit from Glykoz’s strength in carbohydratebased drug discovery and development.
Areas of particular interest for partnering include:
• Infectious Diseases
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular/Metabolism
Griffith University
Overview
Griffith University is based in South East Queensland with headquarters in Brisbane.
Griffith University is internationally recognised for its biotech capability.
AstraZeneca has provided $100M in funding to the Natural Product Discovery Group
(1993-2007). Griffith's Biotech Research Institutes and Centres include: the Institute
for Glycomics, the Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, the Genomics Research
Centre and the Heart Foundation Research Centre.
Competitive Advantages
Griffith University’s competitive advantages in biotech include:
 The advancement of novel cancer immunogenics and identified target
molecules implicated in various cancers
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The discovery and development of novel anti-microbials to combat multiple
drug resistant micro-organisms
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Microbial Diversity as a source of biologics - Culture collections of microbes
obtained from a variety of unique and varied environments constitute a
valuable resource for screening for novel biologics
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The identification of markers or genes for genetically inherited complex
diseases including obesity, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis
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Development of autologous cell based therapies. These include autologous
therapies for neural repair, which are showing promise as agents for repairing
nerve damage, including damage to spinal nerves - the cause of quadriplegia
and paraplegia. Further research includes the development of broader scale
autologous therapies for a range of diseases and medical conditions.
Technology/Services
Institute for Glycomics
The Institute for Glycomics was established in February 2000 on Griffith University’s
Gold Coast campus and is headed up by Federation Fellow and Australia Prize
winner, Professor Mark von Itzstein.
The Institute’s research is directed towards the discovery of novel carbohydrate-based
entities (glycopharmaceuticals) to interfere in the carbohydrate related biological
process of a disease. This promises a new avenue for the control of a variety of
metabolic disorders such as cancer and diabetic complications; viral and bacterial
induced diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis; food poisoning infections, agerelated diseases such as arthritis and illnesses resulting from immune system
dysfunction such as multiple sclerosis.
The Institute has expertise in the discovery of important carbohydrate recognising
proteins, evaluation of protein structures, the design, synthesis and development of
new pharmaceuticals placing the Institute at the cutting edge of Glycomic based
medicines.
Professor von Itzstein’s most ambitious target - for which he won the 1996 Australia
Prize for Excellence in the field of Pharmaceutical Design - was designing and
synthesising drugs to combat ‘flu’. One of these anti-influenza drugs has been
commercialised by international pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline and is
now marketed worldwide as Relenza.
The Institute is seeking partnerships with biotech companies developing
carbohydrate-based therapies
The Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies.
The Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies was established in 2003, under the
Queensland Government’s Smart State Research Facilities Fund (SSRFF). The
Institute is situated at the Nathan Campus of Griffith University, with additional state
of the art facilities planned on site in 2005.
The Institute focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of human disorders
and the development of new drug and cellular therapies. Disorders affecting our aging
population including neuro-degeneration, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory
disease and cancer are the major focus of the institute.
The Institute comprises four complementary programs: Chemical Biology, Cell
Biology, Natural Product Discovery and Neurobiology.
1) The Chemical Biology group uses small molecules to explore biological function.
Approaches in the Chemical Biology group include dynamic combinatorial chemistry
and affinity mass spectrometry as a tool to investigate protein ligand as well as protein
confirmation. A microbial gene resource facility will allow research into microbial
modulators of protein function.
2) The major focus of the Cell Biology Program is the interplay between genotype
and phenotype and the molecular mechanisms involved in cell growth, differentiation
and death. The studies are broad ranging from basic genetic regulation and cellular
differentiation in cells through to studies on the primary cause of specific human
diseases.
3) A collaboration between Natural Product Discovery (NPD), Griffith University and
AstraZeneca was established in 1993. NPD undertakes high throughput screening of
extracts of plants and marine organisms collected from Queensland’s rainforests and
Great Barrier Reef. The unique substances that occur in Australian forests and waters
are potential new drugs. Extracts displaying activity in the high throughput screen are
examined to identify the structure of the active components.
The scope of the project was expanded in 2000 with the addition of a Medicinal
Chemistry section. This addition has resulted in the development of local expertise in
yet another link in the drug discovery chain.
4) The goal of the Neurobiology project is to develop new treatments and diagnoses
of human brain diseases through an understanding of the cellular and molecular
regulation of nervous system development and regeneration. Current research
includes autologous cell transplantation therapy for spinal cord repair, the
developmental aetiology of schizophrenia, and term cell therapy for Parkinson’s
disease.
The Institute has a number of patented technologies available for license, and is keen
to develop strategic linkages with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Genomics Research Centre
Based at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, the Centre undertakes research into
the molecular genetic basis of human disorders; complex disease gene mapping; gene
isolation and characterisation; gene sequence analysis and bioinformatics; diagnostic
applications and therapeutics development.
The Centre has unique capability in:
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Migraine Molecular Genetics - studies aimed at identifying the genes involved
in this common debilitating disorder;
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Cardiovascular Genomics - investigating cardiovascular risk factors in a wellcharacterised, homogeneous population from Norfolk Island;
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Multiple Sclerosis - aims to identify the genes involved in multiple sclerosis
and eventually explore therapeutic possibilities;
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Skin Cancer - identification of the genes involved in the formation of nonmelanoma skin cancer and the premalignant skin lesions known as solar
keratoses;
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Breast Cancer Genes - studies directed at investigating the genes involved in
the development of sporadic human breast cancer and breast cancer
invasiveness; and
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Migraine Therapeutics - development of bioassays to detect human platelet
and neuronal Ca2+ dependent serotonin release. These involve screening plant
extracts to identify those affecting the human serotonergic system as potential
new migraine treatments.
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Obesity – studies directed at understanding the underlying genetic basis of this
common metabolic condition
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Osteoporosis – Targeted program aimed at identifying genetic pathways and
potential drug targets
The Centre is seeking strategic research partnerships with pharmaceutical companies
seeking solutions to complex genetic conditions.
Heart Foundation Research Centre
Located at the University’s Gold Campus, this Centre has a major focus in
understanding cardiac and vascular responses to injury that might lead to novel
therapies. The Centre enjoys a strong national and international reputation with over
40 academic and research staff from the fields of science, health, nutrition, and
physiotherapy and exercise science.
Research themes include cell signalling, free radicals, energy metabolism, apoptosis,
gene expression, and natural protective mechanisms in a variety of injury models. The
Centre receives substantial funding support from the National Heart Foundation of
Australia.
The Centre's research activities focus on the basic principles of cardiovascular science
that have broad relevance and application with the impact of aging on heart and lung
disease the priority research area.
The Centre is pre-eminent in its examination of natural compounds and receptors that
enable heart cells to resist cardiovascular damage. Research has shown that the latest
candidate - known as the A3 adenosine receptor - may be activated within the body to
make the heart resistant to attack.
It is hoped that it may be possible to pre-empt damage by injecting a gene into heart
cells to enhance the production of the life-saving A3 receptor protein. The research
has attracted five-year funding from the National Institutes of Health of the USA and
the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
The Centre is seeking commercial partnership to advance core areas of activity into
cardiac protection therapies.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
AstraZeneca, Sequenom, Progen Industries, Glykoz, Meditech, SciVentures.
Partnerships Required
Griffith University is focussing on partners in the following areas:
1) Cancer vaccine companies with interest in autologous and heterologous vaccines;
2) Agbiotech and Agri-chemical companies interested in high throughput screening of
extracts of plants and marine organisms collected from Queensland’s rainforests and
Great Barrier Reef. The unique substances that occur in Australian forests and waters
are potential new herbicides and insecticides;
3) Companies with an interest in carbohydrate technologies, whether for use in
infectious diseases, cancer or other purposes.
Gropep Ltd
Overview
GroPep Limited is a biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures
and commercialises products that bring significant benefits to human health.
GroPep listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2000. Our 85 staff are
based at modern, purpose built facilities in Adelaide, South Australia. The
Company is a globally orientated business with exports contributing 95% of
sales revenue and 72% of total revenue. GroPep operates two related
business activities: Biopharmaceutical Drug Development and Biological
Products
GroPep posted a $227, 000 profit for the half year ended December 2003,
built on a 60% growth in total revenues to AUD$6.5 million. The company
expects to be profitable for the full 2003/2004 fiscal year. Furthermore GroPep
has now been cash flow positive for the past 4 quarters. Recently GroPep
announced a AUD$3 million facility upgrade to support the growing cell culture
products business and permit biopharmaceutical production to FDA/TGA
standards.
Competitive Advantages
Our core technical competencies are:
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Development of processes for GMP implementation
GMP manufacturing
Clinical trials design and management
We have extensive know how, capabilities and experience in these areas
which are critical to successful biopharmaceutical drug development
Technology/Services
Biopharmaceutical Drug Development
GroPep’s strategy is to in-license preclinical products from universities,
research institutions, and start up companies with proof of concept in animal
models. Managing development through phase 2 trials, and utilising their
experience in GMP process development, pharmaceutical industry
manufacturing and clinical trial design, GroPep then partners with branded
pharmaceutical companies for late stage development and marketing.
Currently GroPep is seeking new in-licensing opportunities to maintain its
pipeline.
At present, GroPep has 3 products in clinical development, which are
available for out-licensing:
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PV903- a self administered vaginally delivered recombinant protein for
the treatment of recurrent miscarriage, resulting from an intolerant
immune response to the developing foetus, (Pre-clinical).
PP0102- a topical, peptide formulation for the treatment of psoriasis
(Pre-clinical)
PV701-a topical growth factor composition for the treatment of oral
mucositis (completed phase I)
Biological Products
GroPep develops, manufactures and markets growth factors for use in cell
culture. Our leading product, LongTMR3IGF-I, a replacement for insulin in
serum free culture medium, is marketed and distributed by JRH Biosciences
Inc, a subsidiary of CSL Limited. Four US FDA approved pharmaceuticals are
manufactured using GroPep growth factors. GroPep also sells growth factors
and associated reagents to university, institutional and industrial researchers.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
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CSL Limited/JRH Biosciences Inc.-a distribution agreement
underpinning the marketing and sale of GroPep’s cell culture products
Campina BV- a license agreement for multinational Campina, to
manufacture and sell non-pharmaceutical products utilising GroPep’s
WGFE technology
ImmunoDiagnostic Systems Ltd (IDS)- a collaborative agreement for
the joint development and marketing of immunoassay (ELISA) kits for
use in the research and diagnostic markets
OSI Pharmaceuticals- an agreement for worldwide exclusive rights to
infertility applications for the PV903 drug substance
University of Adelaide- a license agreement to develop and
commercialise a treatment (PV903), for recurrent miscarriage
TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd- license agreement to use GroPep
technology by commercilaising gastro-intestinal and skin applications of
milk derived growth factors. GroPep is also a founding shareholder of
TGR Biosciences
Primegro Limited- are commercialising agricultural and veterinary uses
of GroPep developed growth factor technology. GroPep is also a
shareholder of Primegro Limited
Partnership Opportunities
At present, GroPep has 3 products in clinical development which are available
for out-licensing as discussed above.
Partnerships Required
Currently GroPep is seeking new in-licensing opportunities to maintain its pipeline.
We are looking to in-license preclinical products from universities, research
institutions, and start up companies with proof of concept in animal models.
IMBcom Pty Ltd
Overview
IMBcom Pty Ltd occupies a leading position in the business of commercialising
Australian biotechnology, drawing on the research base of one of the largest
biotechnology research institutes in the country - the Institute for Molecular
Bioscience (IMB) at The University of Queensland. In the investigation of human and
animal biology, the Institute for Molecular Bioscience generates a fund of ideas, many
of which lend themselves to innovation and commercialization. This process can lead
to new medical treatments, highly valuable health diagnostic products and novel
biomedical and other technologies.
IMBcom is the value-adding innovation carrier for these ideas. The company protects
the discoveries of the IMB researchers, builds alliances with organizations to promote
them, and draws up partnerships with investors who help to grow them into platforms
for new enterprises.
IMBcom facilitates commercialisation within the Institute, training its postgraduates
and supporting its scientists to capitalise on a culture that recognises the value of
commercialisation as a benefit both for the community and for the industry linkages
that are created. IMBcom is actively involved in establishing and developing new
enterprises and has played a leading role in creating eleven start-up companies in the
past four years, as well as forging collaborative alliances with major international
companies.
The IMB evolved in 2000 from the merging of a number of Centres of The University
of Queensland including the Centre for Drug Design and Development and the Centre
for Molecular and Cellular Biology and the ARC Special Research Centre for
Functional and Applied Genomics. It is committed to becoming a leading research
centre in the molecular biosciences and to the facilitation of commercialisation of its
internationally competitive research.
The University recognised the need for a focused approach to the technology and
innovation which results from research conducted at the IMB. It was in support of
these aims that the IMB and The University of Queensland established IMBcom,
which uses the IMB's unique pipeline from genomics through to pharmaceuticals with
key commercial activities involving:
 Development of emerging technologies through the establishment of spin-off
companies
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Building of partnerships and alliances with major Australian and international
biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
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Sourcing of development funds to assist in proof of concept
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Nurturing of spin-off companies through incubation
IMBcom’s people have backgrounds in science and medical research, law and
intellectual property management, which they apply to assist in the commercialisation
process of innovative science from the IMB.
The IMB is building a culture of entrepreneurship and technological enterprise where
scientists will have opportunities to develop the research and managerial skills to
enable them to actively participate in the biotechnology revolution. IMBcom closes
the gap between fundamental research and commercialisation. The IMBcom team, colocated with IMB scientists, is actively involved in identifying and developing IMB
technologies with them. This close collaboration between business and science
facilitates the achievement of milestones that recognise partner needs - both scientific
and commercial.
Technology development can be achieved through alliances and licensing
arrangements with industry which bridge the gap between the needs of the industry
partner and the scientific development process.
Technology/Services
IMBcom staff work closely with the research scientists to develop an intimate
knowledge of their research directions and commercial potential. The close
collaboration between business and science enables scientific and commercial goals to
be achieved collectively and coherently. IMBcom is dedicated to developing and
managing a portfolio of collaborations with industry, government, and other research
organisations. We also provide IMB staff and students with education and training in
the management of intellectual property and its commercialisation.
IMBcom is not just a technology transfer company. IMBcom has a unique structure
consisting of experienced staff work with scientists to identify and develop
opportunities for commercialisation through licenses, alliances and start up formation.
At IMBcom we provide a commercialisation pipeline through:
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Identification of early stage technologies
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Patent protection of commercial technologies
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Linkage of early stage technologies with seed funding for proof of concept
development
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Nurture and project management development projects in association with
commercial partners in order to achieve scientific and commercial milestones

Linkage of market needs to technical capabilities of the IMB
IMBcom provides expertise in the following areas:
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Intellectual property development
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Commercial development
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Corporate Alliances
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Government liaison
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Preparation of business plans and commercially focused grants
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Capital raising and negotiation for venture capital
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Market analysis
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Technology licensing
Spin-Off Companies
Xenome Ltd (with UniQuest Pty Ltd)
Drug discovery and development harnessing the unique variety of Australian
venomous species by evaluating their venoms as potential therapeutics.
www.xenome.com
Promics Pty Ltd (with UniQuest Pty Ltd)
Drug discovery and development focussing on the treatment of autoimmune and
inflammatory diseases. www.promics.com
Protagonist Pty Ltd
Expertise in the discovery of small molecules that mimic or inhibit protein-protein
interactions. www.protagonist.com.au
Mimetica Pty Ltd
Development of a chemical technology for creating drug candidates directly from the
known structures of natural peptides.
Nanomics Biosystems Pty Ltd
Revolutionary “colloidal barcoding” approach to create massive libraries of
identifiable chemical entities that can be effectively utilised.
Start-Up companies
Kalthera Pty Ltd
Exploring the potential of a validated novel protein framework technology that can be
applied in a diverse range of pharmaceutical applications.
Cyclagen Pty Ltd
Development of a new technology that relates to new insecticidal peptides for crop
protection.
Nephrogenix Pty Ltd (joint venture with Monash University)
Employing expertise in cell and tissue-based therapeutics and growth factors to
develop technologies that will facilitate the regeneration of diseased kidneys.
ElaCor Pty Ltd (joint venture with Baker Medical Research Institute)
A new enterprise built on the development of peptide-based therapeutics for the
treatment of heart disease.
Developing Projects
IMBcom utilises a unique pipeline of research activities from genomics to
pharmaceuticals to build relationships and alliances with industry and the investment
community. At present we are developing projects around:
Inflammation: Excess secretion of Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) by activated
macrophages is a cause of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. IMB scientists
are targeting a novel group of critical trafficking molecules that control the secretion
of TNFa. This research is expected to lead to novel, effective and safe treatments of
inflammatory diseases.
Anti-Tumour drugs: IMB scientists are investigating differentiating agents that
transform cancer cells to either a non-proliferating or normal phenotype. A novel
series of compounds has been developed that display selective cytotoxicity at
nanomolar concentrations in a range of human cancer cell lines. Initial animal data
indicate that these compounds are orally bioavailable.
BioEnergy: Researchers at the IMB have developed a genetically modified green algal
system that uses solar energy to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen
(O2). This new algae produces several times more hydrogen than
the wild-type and has the potential for economical large scale H2 production.
Computational Biology: IMB scientists are utilising super computer facilities and
advanced database methodologies to investigate comparisons in genomes and the
proteins they encode. They are developing software tools to analyse complex data
systems such as pattern discovery methods for relating structure, sequence function
and annotation among large data sets.
For more information on these and other developing projects, please contact us.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Major opportunities exist for alliances and collaborative research with organisations
in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector as well as international and local
biotechnology companies and government agencies. IMBcom continues to build and
develop partnerships with Australian and international companies to assist in the
commercialisation of the innovative research programs that arise from the IMB.
Institute for Child Health Research
Overview
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research improves the health of children
through the development and application of research into the causes and
prevention of ill-health and the maintenance of health.
Aims of the Institute
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to conduct high quality research
to apply research findings to improve the health of children,
adolescents and families
to teach the next generation of health researchers
to be an advocate for research and for children
Technology/Services
The Institute's research programs are contained within seven research
divisions and the major research programs within those divisions are
summarised below.
Cell Biology
Asthma and Allergies
The principal research theme is the aetiology and pathogenesis of
immunoinflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, with particular
emphasis on atopic asthma. The second major research stream focuses upon
postnatal development of T-cell immunity to environmental antigens in
humans, in particular airborne allergens relevant to asthma pathogenesis.
Asthma is found in up to 20% of the population and costs the nation up to
$700 million per year in therapeutics and lost productivity. It is therefore a
significant aspect of the Institute's activities which involves both collaboration
within the Institute as well as with co-investigators in Sweden and the UK. The
outcomes of this research are likely to be new drugs for asthma therapy but
far more importantly a vaccine to prevent asthma in high-risk children. As
asthma is now increasing in all developed countries, novel approaches such
as these are vital. The Institute is now acknowledged as a world leader in this
research. In addition, this program has attracted over $1 million in research
support from the international pharmaceutical industry, a testimony of the
excellence of the research.
Molecular Biology
House Dust Mite Allergens
This division focuses primarily on the study of house dust mite allergens, the
triggers of mite allergy and asthma and experimental immunotherapy.
Clinical Sciences
This division conducts high quality, clinically orientated research that focuses
on paediatric respiratory diseases, especially asthma, cystic fibrosis and
vaccine preventable disease. There are six primary areas to the research
program:
The study of normal growth and development of the lung and how the lung
responds to adverse influences,
Researching the mechanisms underlying the host inflammatory response in
cystic fibrosis as well as issues related to diet, growth and nutritional
requirements,
Performing Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials with new vaccines, conducting trials into
non-vaccine treatments of vaccine-preventable diseases and researching the
development of immunity to vaccines,
Investigation into the mechanisms of atopic sensitisation, bronchial
hyperresponsiveness and asthma,
Analysing the mechanisms underlying the development of asthma and better
methods for managing, monitoring and treating asthma, and
The development and application of new techniques for measuring lung
function in infants up to the age of two years.
Children's Leukaemia and Cancer
The research program of this division comprises four areas:
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Gene expression profiles in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia,
Detecting the presence or absence of specific tumour suppressor
genes,
Paediatric brain tumours, and
Identifying new approaches to find anti-cancer drugs through the
development of a platform technology for isolating specific peptide
inhibitors of oncoprotein interactions.
This division works closely with the Oncology unit at the Princess Margaret
Hospital and is the only collaboration outside the USA that is a member of the
Children's Oncology Group (COG); the largest study group for childhood
cancers in the world.
The Hospital's bone marrow transplant program depends upon the work of the
scientists at the Institute. Cure rates from T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia (T-ALL) have improved over the last 40 years to 70%. We hope
that the outcomes of children with T-ALL will improve further as the research
team works to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease by
investigating the cause.
Population Sciences
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Aboriginal Health and SIDS Research
The Institute has established a culturally appropriate program in
Aboriginal health research and is integrally linked to translation of
research outcomes into the community. This is ground breaking
research and the benefits are both real and long term.
In addition, our research examines the rate of occurrence of SIDS,
which remains high in the Aboriginal population, despite a reduction in
the population as a whole. This observation has led to another very
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important and unique study looking at infant care practices in the
Aboriginal population.
Birth Defects
Institute researchers, with other international groups, have been
involved in the research into spina bifida and other related severe
neural tube defects. We now know that increasing the vitamin folate
before and during early pregnancy prevents most neural tube defects in
babies and, in collaboration with the Health Department of Western
Australia, the Institute implemented the world's first preventative
programme. The rate of births with spina bifida began falling in 1996
and is nearly half the rate before the health promotion project was
undertaken.
Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children and
affects one in 500 children born in this country. A child born with CP
may suffer from partial paralysis, lack of limb co-ordination, posture and
speech defects and even epilepsy. Research at the Institute has
identified that only a small percentage of these cases (<10%) are due
to problems during labour. The real cause seems to stem earlier in the
development of the child while in utero, and maternal factors such as
infections during pregnancy and pre-term births play a more significant
role. Another component of our program focuses on the investigation of
causes of intellectual disability and their changes over time.
Child and Youth Mental Health
Adolescent suicide and related child and adolescent mental health
problems have been described as an epidemic internationally, and
Australia has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.
Researchers in the Institute's Psychosocial Division are addressing
this. Detailed data collection and total state population surveys have
not only identified some of the major causes of child and adolescent
mental ill health but have been used to develop effective early
interventions now being tested in this community.
Infectious Diseases
Current studies in this area are focusing on identifying the most
important factors predisposing children to otitis media, or "glue ear".
Otitis media can seriously affect childhood development, school
performance and subsequent social and economic wellbeing. The
immediate cause of the problem is a bacterial infection in the ear but
other factors such as demographic, socio-economic and environmental
risk factors contribute to the problem.
Perinatal Epidemiology
The overall focus of research in this area is the early determinants of
childhood disease, which often depend on maternal health as well. A
confidential population database containing information on all children
born in Western Australia since 1980, as well as large cohort studies,
help identify the role of pre-term births and growth restriction on a
variety of childhood health outcomes. We are also looking at the effect
of IVF programs on mother and child.
Cancer Biology
Cancer is caused by dysregulated or uncontrolled growth of cells. There are
two key elements to this process. One is the mechanisms that go awry within
the cell itself, and the other is the result of the signals that the cell receives
from its external environment. We are interested in both these processes.
In terms of the problems that can occur within a cancer cell, our studies are
focused on a key molecule that is critical in the development of human T-cell
leukemia. This molecule, which we discovered, is called the SCL gene and is
involved in up to 60% of cases of this devastating childhood disease. In these
cases it is aberrantly 'turned-on' in cells where it should normally be silent. We
are actively seeking to understand the mechanisms by which it causes
leukemia in the hope that this will inform our attempts to develop new
therapeutic approaches. To this end, we must also understand the normal
function of this gene: we know that it is also critically important in the normal
formation of all blood cells and blood stem cells in particular, but we know little
about how it exerts this effect.
To address this we are seeking to identify the genes through which SCL acts
(so called 'target genes'). SCL also has a function in the brain about which
nothing is known. Obviously we also need to understand this if we ever hope
to turn the SCL gene off in cells. Our studies on SCL are closely integrated
with similar work taking place within the Institute. Our studies on the signals a
cell receives from its environment are examining a growth factor (or hormone)
that we discovered causes breast cancer cells to stop growing. This growth
factor is called Oncostatin M (or OSM). Again we need to understand both the
normal function of this growth factor and how its action on cancer cells can be
exploited to therapeutic advantage. Our studies are designed to address both
these important questions.
Virology
The division was recently set up to provide a nucleus for the development of
research into infectious diseases of significance in childhood.
The diseases being studied are Murray Valley encephalitis, Japanese
encephalitis and enterovirus encephalitis.
Our current research focuses on understanding how viruses cause disease
within the central nervous system (CNS). This research covers a wide range
of activity, including molecular studies of viral replication, studies of the
pathogenesis of viral encephalitis using animal models, the development of
community surveillance for viruses causing CNS infections and the
development of improved diagnostic methods.
Invetech
Overview
Invetech’s mission is to create business success stories through the commercial
application of technology, innovative engineering and design. Since 1988 Invetech
has been helping its Australian and international clients develop new products and
manufacturing processes that create a competitive edge.
Competitive Advantages
We are committed to ensuring your success by rapidly developing highly competitive,
exceptionally reliable instruments.
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140 product development engineers, designers and scientists
More than 5,000 instruments manufactured
Excellent track record (40 plus projects)
Extensive experience:
- automating chemistry, immuno, cellular and molecular assays
- analysing tissue, living cells, whole blood, serum and other bodily fluids
- manipulating slides, chips, vials and microplates
- applying high precision microfluids to reagent and sample handling.
Invetech's core capability is design and development of integrated instrument,
software and consumables systems for bio applications.
We have been working collaboratively with clients in Europe, North America and the
Asia-Pacific regions since 1988.
Our 200+ professionals offer a complete idea to market outsourcing solution,
including the option for contract manufacturing.
Our clients respect us as highly responsive and friendly professionals committed to
delivering commercial success.
Technology
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Operational Improvements
Technology Upgrade Strategies
Design and Implementation of New Technology
Manufacturing Plans
Equipment Replication
Machine Development/Automation.
James Cook University
Introduction
James Cook University (JCU) is Australia’s leading tropical research university with a
current research ranking of eleventh amongst the world’s tropical universities based
on citations. JCU is located in close proximity to a number of tropical ecosystems,
including the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. The University is
internationally recognised for its strengths in the biological and environmental
sciences (including marine science and aquaculture) and geosciences, and has
growing strengths in tropical health and medicine.
Research at JCU touches on a number of areas of biotechnology. These encompass
aquaculture, aquatic diseases, disease detection and food testing, biofouling,
development of human and veterinary vaccines, biodiscovery, development of
herbicides and pharmaceuticals, medical biotechnology, tropical health and medicine
and agricultural biotechnology, including novel crops, molecular farming, sugar and
cattle. JCU maintains a Genetic Analysis Facility providing DNA sequencing and
other services based in its Advanced Analytical Centre.
Amongst the areas of research strength identified in the University’s Research and
Research Training Management Plan relevant to biotechnology are:
•Marine Science;
•Tropical Biology and Conservation; and,
•Australian Institute for Tropical Medicine.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The Biotechnology Laboratory within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology is addressing problems associated with increasing sugar production and
sugar quality as part of the CRC Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology.
In collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) research is
concentrating on screening, isolating and identifying compounds from marine and
terrestrial organisms with potential agrichemical and pharmaceutical applications.
Techniques are being developed for rapid identification of compounds involved in
shellfish poisoning along with a series of rapid throughput screening assays for use
by potential industry partners.
Identification and expression of protein components of venom from taipan, box
jellyfish and jellyfish causing Irukandji syndrome are being conducted to identify
novel proteins with possible pharmaceutical and broader scientific use and for the
development of rapid diagnostic kits for use in the health sector.
Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology
Current work of the Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology in bacteriology is
concentrating on the human diseases meliolidosis and streptococcosis. Basic clinical
research carried out in the Discipline includes determination and characterisation of
the cellular immune responses in meliolidosis and the determination of the
lymphocyte responses in rheumatoid heart disease. The virology section is giving
emphasis to viral diseases of humans including rotavirus, and viral disease of
domestic animals with emphasis on Marek's disease. The veterinary immunology
thrust is in the study of the immune system of prawns and tropical fish species.
Current parasitological research includes investigations into the key threatening
process, chytridomycosis of amphibians. Aquatic pathobiology research is
investigating viral diseases of prawns and diseases of finfish.
The Discipline has a nationally accredited food microbiology laboratory, which will
produce improved detection methods for food-born pathogens. The parasitology
section has made excellent progress in the human disease, lymphatic filariasis, and
has developed improved diagnostics for trypanosomiasis in a variety of domestic and
wildlife species. The Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology spun out the
biotechnology company, TropBio Pty Ltd, to market its inventions.
Comparative Genomics Centre
The Comparative Genomics Centre (CGC) is a medical research centre founded in
April 2003 by the School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences in association with the
School of Medicine. The overall aim of the Centre is to use a variety of genetic
models, including staghorn coral, fruit fly and mice, to study human disease from an
evolutionary perspective. Disorders studied include birth defects, cancer, dementia,
infectious diseases and autoimmunity. Housed in state-of-the-art custom built
laboratories, the CGC offers a unique opportunity to research comparative genomics,
molecular genetics, immunogenetics and immunology.
The CGC houses six research groups, each of which studies novel aspects of human
health and disease. The Medical Genomics Group is working to determine the
causes of autoimmune diseases using both cellular and genetic techniques. Current
projects study: the genetics of autoimmune diabetes, gastritis and lupus in mice; the
effects of mycobacteria on autoimmune diseases; and the role of immunoregulatory
NKT cells in childhood diabetes. The Coral Genomics Group is studying a local
Acropora (staghorn coral) as a model system, in order to investigate issues central
to the evolution of developmental mechanisms. The Drosophila Genetics Group's
main focus is to investigate human disease using the model organism Drosophila
melanogaster (vinegar fly). As Drosophila share a many key genes regulating cell
division in man, they can provide important insights into disorders of chromosome
segregation and cell cycle regulation. The Sociogenomics Group studies social
insects, such as bees, ants and wasps, to model the genetics of social behaviours
like altruism. The Neurobiology Group studies cell-based models of dementia and
central nervous system inflammation, in order to identify compounds that can halt the
progress of these diseases. The Cellular Immunology Group studies infections and
inflammatory diseases in mice bearing targeted deletions of key immunological
genes, in order to dissect the critical pathways involved in the initiation and resolution
of immune responses.
The six research groups of the CGC have a number of collaborative research
programs - and this is where the real strength of the Centre lies. For example, we are
currently studying a coral gene with significant homology to plant defensins, which is
highly conserved in humans. Results to date are consistent with this gene playing an
important role in resistance to infection in man.
Centre for Tropical Agri-Tech Research (CTAR)
The establishment of a Centre for Tropical Agri-Tech Research (CTAR) in the School
of Tropical Biology, Cairns campus, provides an exciting opportunity for JCU as the
key link between plant biotechnology research, sustainable agricultural practices and
economic and educational expertise within its schools and tropical regional agri- and
bio-industries. It identifies specifically with the University’s Tropical Biology and
Conservation Area of Research Strength but through its diversity of operations
utilises the expertise of a variety of schools across the university. CTAR currently
comprises 4 research units: Regional Bio-industries Unit; Rapid Assessment Unit;
Agroforestry and Novel Crops Unit; and Molecular Farming Unit. The Rapid
Assessment Unit was developed for the purposes of collaborative research with
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) into
improving the safety of food and agricultural products through the development and
implementation of non-invasive assessment technologies and to assist in the
commercialisation of these technologies.
Medical Therapies
Overview
Medical Therapies Limited has entered into agreements with the Universities of
Sydney and Western Sydney to acquire and develop intellectual property (IP) in the
field of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.
The company is undertaking a capital raising of $12 million to fund further
development and commercialisation of the IP.
Technology
The IP is spread across three projects, which provide a rich pipeline of potential
products and regular achievement of milestones, and hence a spread of risk.
Combined, these projects create a major new business opportunity in the global
markets for inflammation and cancer therapeutics.
Project 1 covers a range of anti-inflammatory compounds and their formulations,
including topical and oral formulations of copper-indomethacin. Metal complexes
such as copper-indomethacin are known to be more effective and less toxic than their
parent NSAIDs, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, renal damage and ulcer
formation.
The new drugs are a potential alternative in the treatment of arthritis and other chronic
inflammatory diseases to the widely prescribed but controversial COX-2 inhibitors
such as Vioxx.
The Project 1 technology is approved for use in veterinary products and is ready to
undergo human clinical trials almost immediately.
Project 2 represents a new class of chemotherapies using platinum and other metalbased intercalating compounds. These offer substantial advantages over existing
platinum cancer drugs like cisplatin. Current experimental work indicates these
compounds do not cause the nausea, hair loss, liver and kidney damage associated
with current chemotherapy agents and offer substantially greater efficacy, lower
toxicity, activity against a broader range of cancer cell types, and less tendency to
trigger drug resistance.
The Project 2 technology has undergone some pre-clinical testing and is expected to
be ready for clinical trials within two years.
Project 3 covers a class of compounds in which a metallo-complex, such as a
platinum drug, is attached to one or more sequence-selective polyamides as a means
of selectively targeting the drug to a particular genetic sequence. The technology
offers the potential to develop sequence-selective drugs for treating various cancers or
for use as antimicrobial and antiviral agents to treat diseases such as HIV/AIDS. It
also has potential, short-term diagnostic and DNA-sequencing applications.
The Project 3 technology is still undergoing fundamental research, but could have
enormous commercial potential in several applications.
Meditech Research Ltd
Meditech Research Limited (ASX: MTR) is a Melbourne-based
biotechnology company focused on developing and commercialising
drugs that improve the health and quality of life of patients with cancer
and other chronic diseases
Technology platform is based on the naturally occurring sugar
hyaluronan, found in organisms from bacteria to humans, which serves
as non-toxic and non-immunogenic targeting and delivery vehicle for a
range of drugs
Company has internationally recognised expertise in these
carbohydrate-based therapies
Meditech has created its patented HyACT™ platform, which is designed
to reduce the toxicity and quality-of-life problems associated with
chemotherapy, and has taken three anti-cancer products into clinical
testing (HyCAMP™, HyDOX™ and HyFIVE™)
In collaboration with world leader in industrial enzymes, Danish-based
biotech company Novozymes, Meditech is developing HyCAMP™, a
product for the treatment of colorectal cancer
In December 2004, Meditech initiated a Phase II trial of HyCAMP™ in
colorectal cancer patients; the study will be completed by mid-2006
Under the development and licensing agreement, Novozymes funds
part of the Phase II trial of HyCAMP™
Recent collaboration with Griffith University focuses on the creation of
novel hyaluronic acid-based drugs
Meditech intends to establish development and commercialisation
relationships with a number of pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Meditech is looking for partners for:
o
o
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o
Full development of HyCAMP™
Development of improved formulations of other approved
cytotoxic drugs (proprietary or generic)
Testing of HyACT™ formulations of cytotoxic drugs in
development
Investigation of HyACT™ formulations of cytotoxic drugs that
have been discontinued due to the absence of an acceptable
therapeutic index
Meditech holds commercial rights to the product Solarase™ (a topical
treatment for actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition) in several
Asian territories; product has already been approved in the US and
Europe. Meditech is exploring relationships with Asian companies to
explore the potential for Solarase™ in its commercial territories
Company holds rights to ten patent families which include granted
patents, pending patents, international patent applications and
provisional patent applications in relation to HyACT™ and other
technologies
Patent protection covering the intravenous and intra-tumoral use of
hyaluronic acid with any anti-cancer agent is being pursued in all major
pharmaceutical markets
Meditech believes it has a dominant intellectual property position
relating to the utilisation of hyaluronic acid as a delivery mechanism
for cytotoxic drugs
Global markets for Meditech’s drugs (improved cytotoxics alone)
estimated to be worth more than $5 billion in 2004
Raised $6.8 million in 2003 via placement and shareholder purchase
plan
$5 million cash in bank as at 31st December 2004
Market cap $16 million; 125.4 million shares on issue; approximate
share price $0.12 (12-month range $0.10-$0.31); listed in 1994 (as
Hyal Australia; in 1999 as Meditech)
Major shareholder: Queensland Investment Corporation (9.3%)
Mimetica Pty Ltd
Overview.
Mimetica is a start-up pharmaceutical development company based at the Institute for
Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland.
Number of employees: 6
Specific focus of company (eg seeking investment or seeking partner); Seeking partners
and licensees
Core Business definition (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, agriculture etc);
Pharmaceutical development (human)
Competitive Advantages
The company uses the structural chemistry, or framework approach to drug development.
Native peptide hormones are used as models for small molecule hormone mimetics based on
a number of proprietary chemical frameworks. Our technology is particularly suited to
producing novel bioactive mimetics from hormones known to contain beta or gamma reverse
turns or alpha helices. We are seeking collaborations with partners who are interested in
mimetics of turn or helix containing peptides and who have appropriate assays established.
Technology
Chemical frameworks and key intermediates protected by patents (granted, pending and in
preparation).
Partnering Opportunities
Institutions or companies with biologically active peptides who wish to convert their
compounds to more stable and drug-like peptide mimetics. Our technology is available for
licensing or partnering.
Partnering Needs
Groups with established assays, disease models and active peptide or peptidic leads would be
ideal partners or licensees for Mimetica’s technology.
MiniFAB (Australia) Pty Ltd
Overview
Since its establishment, MiniFAB has rapidly developed to be the primary centre for
activity in microtechnology in Australia. We provide industry with access to bio-,
micro-, and nano- technology fabrication facilities for product development using our
own cleanrooms and micromachining infrastructure, and additional resources of our
alliance partners.
Our business is the design, fabrication and integration of polymer microengineered
systems, exploiting the bio, micro and nano interface, for our own products and for
those of our clients and partners. MiniFAB offers an open access facility and the
major tools available in its cleanrooms are based around laser microfabrication of
polymers, polymer replication and basic silicon bulk micromachining. MiniFAB
provides Australian access to LIGA and surface micromachining through local and
international collaborations. Our activities portfolio includes:
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Systems design, integration and fabrication
Sensors, fluidic components, combinatorial chemistry, reactors, biosensors
Systems for health, agriculture, food and aerospace industry
Product design and process engineering
Manufacturing solutions (prototyping and low volume production facility)
Project Management
Technology and business incubator
The MiniFAB facility, of 3,500 m2, is located in a prime position at Caribbean Park in
Scoresby. The building accommodates the Micro Nano Machining Facility, Seminar
rooms, Office space, an Incubator and some Multi Tenanted space. Stage Two of
MiniFAB’s development will be the relocation of the facility to a purpose built
building within a 10 Ha “Small scale Technology Cluster (STC)”, located adjacent to
MiniFAB’s present facility at Caribbean Park. The purpose built building will include
the Micro Nano Machining Facility, GMP facilities, Class 100 and 1000 Cleanrooms.
Competitive Advantages
MiniFAB has the Microtechnology expertise and skills and the networks to exploit the
Biotech resources of Australia for prototyping and manufacturing. MiniFAB offers a
linkage between international and Australian groups working at the frontiers of biomicro- and nano- technologies.
Technology
MiniFAB’s capabilities include low cost polymer micro moulding and micro
replication techniques, biosensors, microfluidics, micro reactors, nano and bio devices
and packaging systems and tools. The facility provides access to a unique set of
equipment including an Excimer Laser, Nd:YAG Micromachining System, micro
etching, moulding and photolithography.
MiniFAB’s technology enables the simplified manufacturing of products using batch
processing, photolithographic techniques, minimum types of materials and a
minimum numbers of components. These techniques lead to reduced manufacturing
costs and increased product reliability. One obvious result of this technology is the
development of low cost disposable devices which creates a competitive advantage
for products in the market place.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Examples of MiniFAB’s Australian alliances are: The CRC for Microtechnology;
Swinburne University of Technology; DSTO (Defence Science & Technology
Organisation); AGRF (Australian Genome Research Facility); MycroLab; University
of Melbourne and an extensive European network/partnership (MiniFAB is partner in
the European Union 6th Framework Programme “SmartHEALTH Integrated Project”
with 32 partners).
Partnering Opportunities
The partnering opportunities MiniFAB provides are:
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Open access infrastructure for product development in Bio- Micro- NanoTechnologies
Process development using MiniFAB's facility and technology
Linkage to Australia’s Medical, Bio, Micro and Nano Communities
Contract Microtechnology Fabrication
Partnering Needs
MiniFAB’s partnering needs are:
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Alliances with Technology and Service providers in Europe, USA, Asia.
Number of employees
10.
Minomic Pty Ltd
Overview
Minomic is a leading proteomics research company providing:
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in-house discovery for diagnosis of human health problems; and
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contract services for discovery.
Our major focus is in developing novel targets and biomarkers for the diagnosis and
treatment of major diseases.
Competitive Advantages
Minomic Pty Ltd aims to become a pre-eminent global protein discovery
company by using our proteomics platform to discover proteins that can be
used for diagnostics, therapeutics and quality improvement. The goals of the
company are to:
 continue core in-house Research and Development to enhance our
portfolio of diagnostic and therapeutic targets;
 use the libraries of expressed proteins we discover to derive novel
diagnostics, therapies, quality markers and for directed screening of
chemical and informatics-derived drug libraries; and
 apply the proteomics platform to contract proteomics research.
Minomic’s convergent approach to the application of proteomic technologies
drives the MiNavigator platform, allowing us to advance our product pipeline
and service the needs of our partners.
A Company Leading from Experience:
Minomic has assembled leadership and staff with a strong blend of scientific,
technical and business skills delivering the critical balance needed for ongoing discovery, intellectual property/patent accumulation, and product
commercialisation. The company is currently exploring both financial and
technological partnering at International and Local level to commercialise its
product pipeline.
Leading from State-of-the-Art Facilities at a Globally Competitive Price:
Minomic has established state-of-the-art laboratories in Sydney, Australia,
with a team of experienced technical experts who know how to rapidly bring
product to market. A member of the Australian Technology Showcase,
Minomic has been recognised internationally for its expertise and potential.
Our Success Lies in Our Partners’ Success:
Minomic believes that our success lies in financial and technical partnerships
with global companies. The USA-based Waters Corporation is our key
foundation partner, providing access to leading edge mass spectrometry (MS)
and liquid chromatography solutions for protein identification and analysis. In
addition to Waters, Minomic has an established commercial relationship with
Perkin Elmer, one of the USA’s biggest life science companies. These
partnerships have strengthened Minomic’s research capability and capacity to
respond quickly and appropriately to the requirements of the world’s leading
companies. Locally our technology partnerships include two Australian
technology providers, Life Therapeutics Ltd and Advanced Rapid Robotic
Manufacturers (ARRM).
Expanding the Business:
Minomic currently offers a number of proteomics products and services
including contract research and an in-house biomarker discovery program.
Our product range includes separation technologies like the Gradiflow BF400
as well as a range of protein solubilization solutions. We also have custom
bioinformatics software for proteomics.
Number of employees
Specific focus of company
11
In-house discovery for diagnosis of
human health problems
Core Business definition
Proteomics for discovery and validation of
targets
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
Neurosciences Victoria Ltd
Overview
Neurosciences Victoria offers facilitated access into the Australian neuroscience
industry, providing management, scientific and commercial expertise and
experience in developing multi-national and multi-centre collaborative research
partnerships.
NSV is an excellent gateway to Australia’s world-class scientists and the best of
its research institutes, universities and facilities. It offers access to a panAustralian network of neuroscience infrastructure, technology and services and an
experienced, commercially focused management team.
Create
Discovery Science
Research Infrastructure
Pre-Clinical & Clinical Integration
Collaborate
Multi-Centre Research & Development Projects
Multi-Centre Pre-Clinical Development Facilities
Science-Industry Partnerships
Commercialise
Commerically Focused Project Portfolio
Product Co-Development Opportunities
Unified IP Management Policy
Unitary Point of Contact for Negotiation
NSV Members
 2 World Class Universities
 7 Research Institutes
 5 Major Teaching Hospitals
 600+ Neuroscientists
NSV Industry Partners
 Schering AG (Germany)
 Berlex Biosciences (USA)
 Sojitz Corporation (Japan)
 Nhwa Pharmaceutical Corp (China)
 Prana Biotechnology (Australia)
 Starfish Ventures (Australia)
Competitive Advantages/Technology
Therapeutic Areas
 Neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neuron
disease)
 Stroke
 Epilepsy
 Pain (neuropathic, visceral, trigeminal)
 Multiple Sclerosis
 Neuropsychiatry (Schizophrenia, Addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder,
Depression)
 Addiction & Obesity
Pan Australian Discovery & Development Services (available through
Australia’s National Neuroscience Facility)
 Neurogenomics & Neuroproteomics
 National Neural Tissue Resource Centre
 Cellular Neurophysiology
 Neuroscience Informatics
 Neuroimaging
 Integrative Neuroscience Facility
 Clinical Neurobiology of Psychiatry
 Neuroscience Trials Australia
Opportunities
 NCE Licensing
 Co-development
 Drug validation & testing
 Drug discovery & development technologies
 Collaborative R & D
 Animal phenotyping
 Spin-off equity participation
 Clinical Trials
Number of
employees
5
Specific focus of  Development of commercial outcomes for the neuroscience
company
biocluster located in Melbourne, Australia
 Creation & Development of integrated research infrastructure
for academic & commercial use
Core Business
definition
Neurosciences Victoria offers facilitated access into the
Australian neuroscience industry, providing management,
scientific and commercial expertise and experience in
developing multi-national and multi-centre collaborative
research partnerships.
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
Origo Biotech Pty Ltd
Overview
Origo Biotech is a plant biotechnology company focused on the genetic
improvement of plant species by introducing high value-added traits via
modern biotechnology methods to exploit worldwide market demands. Origo
Biotech is currently exploiting traits related to plant architecture and delayed
ripening in plants. Founded in Brisbane, Australia, in 2003, the company's
research center and corporate headquarters are located at the University of
Queensland.
Competitive Advantages
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Key patents related to plant promoters, plant architecture and delayed
ripening.
Proven expertise in molecular biology, tissue culture and plant
transformation.
Technology/Services
Origo Biotech is currently developing high value-added plants that will
incorporate three patented technologies including:
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A novel gene for the alteration of fruit ripening that will benefit the
consumer by providing fruit which can be stored longer before onset of
spoilage;
A novel gene for the alteration of plant architecture that will increase
the aesthetic appeal to consumers and the agronomic value to farmers
by providing plants with a greater number of branches and flowers,
shorter and more compact growth, longer flowering time, and greater
fertility;
A novel plant promoter with a very high level of constitutive expression.
Origo Biotech can additionally provide organizations with plant tissue culture
and transformation services.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Current Partners
Uniquest Pty Ltd – The Technology and Consulting Company of the University
of Queensland (www.uniquest.com.au). UniQuest provides management and
incubator services to Origo Biotech.
University of Queensland - Origo Biotech has exclusive rights to patents
developed by the Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory (PGEL), The Botany
Department. University of Queensland provides laboratory and office space to
Origo Biotech.
Origo Investments – A Venture Capitalist company owned by Spanish
investors. Origo Investments provides financing to Origo Biotech.
Partnering opportunities
Origo Biotech provides an excellent opportunity for strategic and
commercialization partners that can assist in the development and
commercialization of plants that are genetically modified with the company’s
intellectual property.
Origo Biotech provides an excellent opportunity for organizations that have
discovered novel plant genes that require a commercialization partner.
Partnering needs
Origo Biotech seeks partners that can provide a dedicated commitment, direct
financial contributions, intellectual property resources and other inputs in
exchange for commercial rights and access to novel plants with new
biotechnology traits, potential for multiplication of investment from leveraging
other funding sources and an increased profile in the plant biotechnology
industry.
Ozgene Pty Ltd
Overview
Ozgene is an Australian company that provides contract research services for global
markets. Ozgene custom designs and generates genetically modified (GM) mice and
rats, which are currently the only animal models allowing researchers to precisely
mimic human conditions of genetic disorders on a molecular level. GM mice and rats
represent the most sophisticated and valuable tools in functional genomics and drug
target validation.
Ozgene prides itself as a company run by “Scientists for Scientists”. Two scientists,
Dr Frank Koentgen and Dr Gabi Suess, founded the company in November 1999. Dr
Koentgen has more than 15 years international experience in the management and
production of GM mice and rats. He formerly established and headed the Genetically
Modified Mouse Laboratory at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in
Melbourne and previously provided GM mouse and rat services at Roche
Pharmaceuticals.
Ozgene exports 80% of its services and won the WA Industry and Export Award in
the Emerging Exporter category in 2003. Ozgene’s global customer base includes
individual academics, research institutes, biotechnology companies and multinational
pharmaceutical companies from North & South America, Europe, Japan, China,
Australia, and New Zealand. In several cases Ozgene is either the preferred supplier
or the sole supplier of knockout and/or transgenic mouse models.
Ozgene offers
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Fee for service contract research
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No milestone payments
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No royalty payments
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All Intellectual Property remains with the client
Technology
Ozgene’s services include:
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Custom design and construction of gene targeting and lentiviral transgenic
vectors
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Generation of knockout, knockin and humanised mice

Generation of lentiviral RNAi and transgenic mice and rats
Lentiviral delivery systems used by Ozgene are used under license from Caltech – the
California Institute of Technology and Tranzyme Inc. Ozgene co-developed a
proprietary gene delivery and expression technology with Tranzyme Inc and holds the
world exclusive license for this technology.
Ozgene has developed the proprietary OzMouse database system. OzMouse allows
efficient production, analysis and regular customer updating of all GM mouse and rat
projects from receiving an order to product shipment. Ozgene’s customers and
strategic partners have online access to their data and results.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Current Partners
Ozgene has strategic R&D partnerships with Bionomics Ltd, Adelaide, Australia and
Tranzyme Inc, Alabama, USA. Ozgene generates all GM mice and rats to Specific
Pathogen Free (SPF) standards in alliance with the Animal Resources Centre,
Murdoch, Australia.
Partnering needs
Ozgene is interested in finding strategic partners for its patented catalytic antibody
(CATAB) R&D program.
Number of employees
Core Business definition
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
45
Contract research services
Phylogica Limited
Overview:
Phylogica is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of
novel therapeutics directed at proteins and their interactions, focusing in the area of
inflammatory diseases such as asthma, acute stroke damage and type II diabetes.
Phylogica is developing drug therapies from small protein segments called Phylomers ®,
selected to be very specific at blocking only the disease protein interaction. The Discriminator
Blocker Trap is the tool that Phylogica uses to select the best Phylomer/s ® from their
collection to block the disease causing protein and create new therapies.
Number of employees: 12
Specific focus of company (eg seeking investment or seeking partner); seeking partners
Core Business definition (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, agriculture etc):
Biopharmaceuticals
Competitive Advantages:
As proteomics researchers discover the proteins responsible for certain diseases, Phylogica
uses a proprietary technology called the Discriminator Blocker Trap to select the best
Phylomers® from their collection to block the disease causing proteins to validate targets and
create new therapies.
Phylomers® have several competitive advantages as drug candidates over alternative
therapies, particularly antibody-based therapies. These include:
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Avoid antibody royalty stack with simpler path to market
■
Lower manufacturing costs due to their small size
■
Higher likelihood of stability due to natural origin and evolutionary selection
■
Less chance of unintended interaction with the immune system due to small size
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Potential to minimise anaphylactic side-effects associated with conventional drugs and
protein vaccines, due to small size
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Amenable to delivery with emerging technologies including buccal, transdermal, ocular,
nasal and oral routes
■
Potential for less side effects compared to conventional small molecule drug treatments
due to specificity
Technology:
Phylomers and Phylomers Libraries
Phylomers® are fragments of naturally-occurring proteins with the ability to bind tightly to
target proteins and inactivate them as a result. Phylomers® can be selected for activity
against specific disease target proteins. Phylogica's Phylomer® Libraries, consist of collections
of millions of Phylomers®. The libraries represent a rich source of potent drug leads which
double as agents for the validation of potential new targets. Thus in the case of the
Phylomers®, the agent used to validate a drug target can itself provide a potential drug
candidate.
The Discriminator Blocker Trap
The Discriminator Blocker Trap is Phylogica's proprietary screening tool designed to identify
compounds that block specific interactions of proteins. It has the ability to discriminate
between a disease protein interaction and a normal but related interaction. The end-products
of the screening process are drug leads of high specificity, likely to have fewer side effects.
The Discriminator Blocker Trap can also select compounds with the highest affinity for the
target and therefore expected to have greater potency.
Integration of the Phylomer® Libraries and the Discriminator Blocker Trap provides a
powerful drug screening and validation tool with the capability of increasing the speed,
efficiency and quality of drug discovery and development.
Corporate Alliances / Partnerships:
Founding Institutes; Fox Chase Cancer Centre & Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Partners:
Dualsystems Biotech
Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute (Cerebrovascular Disease Research
Group)
Murdoch University
Partnering Opportunities
Phylogica is open to licensing or co-developing the drug candidates from its internal drug
discovery programs focussing on asthma, acute stroke damage and type II diabetes.
Phylogica is seeking partnering opportunities with companies that need functional proteomics
tools to validate protein targets and screen for drug candidates that interact with a protein of
interest or disrupt a disease protein interaction.
Phylogica is also seeking companies with automated colony picking and protein array
capabilities to array its Phylomer® Library.
Queensland Brain Institute
Overview
The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is a world leader in the field of discovering the cellular
and molecular mechanisms which underlie the ability of the adult brain to adapt to change by
generating new nerve cells and forming new functional connections.
Neuroscience is entering an era of accelerated discovery driven by the application of new
molecular, genetic, and imaging technologies, which will provide a deeper understanding of
the regulation and function of the nervous system.
Significant advances in determining the molecular regulation of nerve cell function and
development will have a major impact on our understanding of more complex areas such as
behaviour, cognition, ageing, neurological disease and mental illness. Discoveries will also
provide, for the first time, a real opportunity to develop new therapeutics to treat mental and
neurological diseases, which account for a staggering 45% of the burden of disease in
Australia.
A major goal of the QBI is to promote excellence in neuroscience through fostering the
exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already
extant within the network of the wider UQ neuroscience community.
QBI Research Areas:
 Nerve Cell Degeneration
 Neural Cell Migration
 Neural Cell Plasticity
 Neural Stem Cells
 Computational Neuroscience
Queensland Institute of Medical Research
Overview
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) has a long and prestigious
history that spans nearly 60 years in medical research toward understanding the
immunological, biological and molecular basis of infectious disease, cancers and
immune disorders. QIMR's strategy is to create an integrated approach to biomedical
research. Programs have been implemented that extend from fundamental basic
research, to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics, though to clinical
trials. The Institute incorporates state of the art research laboratories and
biotechnology platforms; Q-Gen, a TGA-approved, GMP manufacturing facility; QPharm Ltd, a company specialising in Phase I/II clinical trials and bioequivalence
studies; The Clive Berghofer Cancer Research Centre; and is the centre agent for the
Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Vaccine Technology (CRC-VT). The
Institute comprises 21 floors and currently houses 800 scientists, support staff and
students. QIMR actively commercialise the technologies developed at our Institute
and technologies developed in conjunction with our academic collaborators.
Competitive Advantages
QIMR is one of the few places in the world where a novel concept can be taken from
the bench through to the clinic. We enjoy special recognition as a leader in the
successful commercialisation of technologies developed at our Institute. In addition,
QIMR has a world class reputation for quality research. QIMR has substantial
expertise in the characterisation of infectious organisms and understanding the
immunological basis of cancer and infectious disease. We are at the forefront in the
discovery of candidate vaccine antigens and novel therapeutic drugs, vaccine
production and the testing of potential vaccines and drugs at both the cellular, animal
model and clinical level.
QIMR has specialised facilities for genomics research, microarray and mass array
analysis, transgenic and gene knockout mice, mouse models of tumour growth and
infectious diseases, confocal and laser dissection microscopy, FACS and cell sorting
facilities, PC2 and PC3 animal facilities and GLP capabilities.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
QIMR has several strategic alliances with other Medical Research Institutes,
Hospitals, Universities, Charitable Foundations, and Commercial Partners.
Arrangements include collaborative and contract research, development and
manufacture of novel therapeutics, clinical trials, consulting, exclusive licensing of
QIMR technology, Start Up companies and business partnerships. QIMR currently
have Agreements with 25 different Australian and International Biotechnology and
Pharmaceutical companies to test novel anti-cancer agents to develop diagnostic kits
for malaria, test malaria vaccines, create cDNA libraries to name a few.
QIMR is a joint partner with CSL Ltd in Vaccine Solutions Pty Ltd; and a joint
partner with the University of Queensland in Q-Pharm Pty Limited. QIMR also acts
on behalf of the Queensland Department of Health to commercialise its intellectual
property via start up companies. Adipogen, a start up company has been formed in
partnership with Uniquest.
Partnering Opportunities
QIMR maintain an extensive Intellectual Property portfolio including technologies in
the oncology and infectious disease area. Some technologies are available for
Licensing. See Commercial Opportunities on our website
http://www.qimr.edu.au/commercial/index
Partnering Needs
We seek commercial partners who have an interest in the research and development of
seed and early state technologies that have the potential to grow rapidly into
successful businesses.
Number of employees
Specific focus of company
Core Business definition
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
550
Seeking licensing and partnering opportunities
Medical research in oncology, infectious disease,
immunology and genetics
Solbec Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Overview
Solbec Pharmaceuticals Ltd (“Solbec” ASX:SBP) is an Australian based,
internationally focused drug development company committed to the development
and commercialisation of better therapies for cancer and dermatological diseases.
Solbec’s main focus is on the treatment of cancer. A second focus is on the treatment
of the inflammatory skin disorder psoriasis.
These projects are based on our platform glycoalkaloid technology. This technology
has demonstrated efficacy against many cancers and has potential anti-inflammatory
activity. Research supports a unique and previously unknown mode of action.
Solbec is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, and listed on the Australian
Stock Exchange (Code SBP).
Competitive Advantages
Solbec has a management team with considerable international pharmaceutical and a
broad scientific experience. Our board has extensive experience in management of
public companies and a strong medical and clinical component.
The Glycoalkaloid technology provides a strong platform from which a variety of
projects can be launched and is backed by a strong and growing intellectual property
base.
Preliminary results from early clinical trials corroborate the findings of anecdotal
studies (carried out under Australia’s Special Access Scheme (Compassionate use)) in
showing reduction of tumor growth rates and tumor size. An increase of life
expectancy and palliation of symptoms has also been observed.
Solbec has worked closely with the Mesothelioma Research Group and Tumour
Immunology Group of the University of Western Australia’s department of Medicine.
This group is at the forefront of world mesothelioma research.
Solbec has developed propriety extraction procedures for its compound and has both
horticultural and extraction facilities to grow and extract the drug at commercial pilot
scale levels.
Technology/Services
Solbec’s lead compound Coramsine™ (Solasodine Glycosides) has been shown to
exhibit strong anti-neoplastic activity in specific cancer cell lines, animals and
humans. This activity is related to the presence of specific receptors on the tumour
cell membrane which allow the internalisation of Coramsine™ and the subsequent
autolysis of the tumour cell. The activity is non-apoptotic. Coramsine™ has been
shown to be specific to certain cancers and non-toxic to normal cells when cancer
cells are present. This property results in a product that is an effective anti cancer
agent without many of the undesirable effects associated with treatment with most
chemotherapeutic agents.
Initial work done on Coramsine™ by injection shows very rapid tumour regression
with no obvious side effects. No mutagenicity, teratogenicity or significant other long
or short term toxic effects have been identified. Coramsine™ has been used on
external cancers with great effect and use via the Special Access Scheme has shown
very good therapeutic activity against many internal cancers. In-vitro and in-vivo
studies on internal cancers have shown excellent results, although further research is
required to confirm these findings and provide sufficient data to allow for registration
and marketing approval of Coramsine™.
Phase I safety studies of Coramsine™ with a Phase IIA component to determine
preliminary efficacy are approaching completion. These trials are being carried out on
late stage cancer patients with solid tumours that are non responsive to current
treatments. The study design has been reviewed by the FDA.
Coramsine™ also modulates cytokine production. In vitro investigation has found that
Coramsine™ treated cells reduced the production of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) when
compared to controls and to cells treated with anti-cancer drugs Gemcitabine and
Docetaxol. IL-6 is known to be one of the chemicals produced by the body during
disease that makes people feel unwell. IL-6 is also known to be involved in cancer
cell proliferation.
Coramsine™ may thus be useful for treating IL-6 related diseases, such as psoriasis,
psoriasitic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Solbec has applied for patent protection
to cover this exciting aspect of the drug’s activity.
A Phase I/II double blinded comparator controlled clinical trial of topical
Coramsine™ for the treatment of psoriasis has been completed and results are
expected early in 2005.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Solbec has developed strong alliances with a number of corporate and research
groups. Solbec out-sources much of its work to ensure the independence of study
results. Some of the organisations with whom we work are:
Lab Pre Clinical
Pre-Clinical research
Rational Therapeutics
Non-Clinical research
Centre of Cancer Research
Non-Clinical research
University of Western Australia DOM Non/Pre Clinical
Southern Cross University
Discovery
Southern Cross Pharma.
Toxicology/Pharmacology
Proteomics International
Discovery
RMIT
Pre-Clinical Research
Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital
Clinical Trials
CMax
Clinical Trials
Bank of New York
Corporate
IDT
GMP Manufacturing
Silkier Microtech
Chemistry
Canada
California
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
New York
Australia
Australia
Partnering Opportunities

Cancer therapies using Coramsine™ technology by routes including IV, oral,
topical, and inhalation for human and for veterinary application.

Psoriasis treatment using Coramsine™ including topical, oral and injection.

Diagnostics. Due to its specificity for cancer cells, the glycoalkaloid
technology has potential as a diagnostic for primary and metastatic disease.
Partnering Needs
Solbec is looking for partners to:

Provide technical and financial support for phase II clinical development of
the Coramsine™ in cancer.

Develop and fund further product development especially of the oral product.

Provide support for phase II clinical development of topical Coramsine™ for
psoriasis.
Number of employees
Specific focus of company
Core Business definition
compilation © AusBiotech 2004
16
Partnering, in / out licensing
Pharmaceuticals / Drug Development
Stirling Products Limited
Overview
Stirling Products (ASX:STI) is developing and commercialising a range of
animal growth enhancers for different livestock species—pigs, cattle,
sheep, poultry and fish.
The company owns intellectual property for veterinary use of a highly
purified compound (R-salbutamol) in livestock growth promotion. ST810
has the potential to offer a safe and effective alternative to the steroid
hormones and antibiotics that are currently used. ST810 offers livestock
producers greater production efficiencies (larger carcass weights and
improved feed efficiencies) and a carcass that has a greater lean meat
content and less fat due to the energy repartitioning effects of ST810.
Stirling is currently conducting animal trials across three geographical
locations including the United States as part of the development and
commercialisation process for regulatory approval in these geographical
jurisdictions. Successful trials have already been conducted for chickens
and pigs, with further proof of concept trials for other species planned for
2005.
Stirling also owns intellectual property for use of ST810 in the treatment
of heaves in horses and has recently filed patent applications for the
treatment of overweight and obesity in humans and companion animals.
More information about Stirling is available on the company website
www.stirlingproducts.net.
Number of employees
Less than 10.
Business Opportunity Focus
Development of livestock growth promoters.
Core Business definition
Animal Health company.
Competitive Advantages
ST810 because of its chemical purity requires less active ingredient than
its competitors. As a result, greater production efficiencies and superior
carcass qualities are obtained with fewer side effects and reduced residual
compounds levels in the meat. Livestock producers are actively seeking
safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics that are currently used for
growth promotion due to the potential development of antibiotic
resistance, which has received worldwide regulatory and public attention.
Technology
ST810 is an enantiomerically pure version of salbutamol. Salbutamol is
widely used in human therapeutics and has a proven safety profile
supported by over 25 years of use. Administration of ST810 at low doses
as part of the livestock animal feed, over a defined period prior to market
(finishing period), results in a number of positive benefits. ST810
metabolically repartitions energy towards muscle (lean meat) production
and decreases lipogenesis resulting in superior carcasses with more meat
and less fat. ST810 also promotes enhanced growth rates resulting in
greater weight gains (carcass weight) but with an improved feed efficiency
(the amount of feed required to gain the increased weight).
Due to the lower levels of compound required, ST810 will have a superior
residue profile and significant economic gains in production efficiency.
Corporate Alliances/Partnerships
Stirling is currently seeking partnerships for manufacture of its finished
product and the sales and distribution of its products on an international
level. The company’s philosophy is to concentrate on development and
commercialisation, forming partnerships in those areas outside the
company’s current expertise or future direction. The nature of such
partnership arrangements will be negotiated on the merits of each
opportunity.
The University of Adelaide
Overview.
The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest and best performing research
Universities and has a track record of successful technology commercialisation. . We are
internationally recognised for excellence in research, particularly in medicine, molecular
biosciences, plant and animal science. Our specific core areas are human and animal
reproductive technologies, food and wine, plant functional genomics, drug discovery and anticancer biologics.
Partnering Opportunities
We are actively seeking partners for technologies in areas of research strength which include
human and animal reproductive technologies, food and wine, plant functional genomics, drug
discovery and anti-cancer biologics. We are seeking partners to continue the development
and to commercialise several technology opportunities including those described below.
Technology
We have several technologies at early to mid stage development, for which we are seeking
partnerships for continued development and commercialisation. These technologies span a
broad range of disciplines and include:
·
Reproductive technologies including fertility diagnostics, IVM and ART technologies
and a non-hormonal oral contraceptive
·
Antifungal compounds
·
Novel hair removal technology
·
Cancer therapeutics
·
Novel antibacterial and vaccine technologies
·
Therapeutics for alzheimers and chemotherapy induced side effects
·
Method for discovery of anti-pathogenic compounds
Competitive Advantages
University of Adelaide staff, researchers and students work in partnerships with companies,
government and other research agencies, both globally and locally. The university has
approximately 2,500 employees, including 1200 academic staff. Their innovative world-class
research has resulted in numerous successful biotechnology companies, some of which trade
on the Australian Stock Exchange.