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Biotech News Company news Regular news within the Australian biotech industry. |
- GTG to provide sports performance tests to Japan
- Healthscope sells Pathnet for local focus
- Progen to expand PI-88 clinical trial
- Ventracor firm on US heart pump patent infringement claims
GTG to provide sports performance tests to Japan
August 5 – Genetic Technologies has executed an agreement with Sportsstyle Co for the marketing and distribution of the ACTN3 SportsGene Test throughout Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, Sportsstyle will market the test under its own name while GTG will analyse test results and issue reports for customers. The product aims to analyse an individual's genetic makeup for factors that contribute to athletic performance and provide insight into specific nutritional and training requirements for increased physical performance. Financial terms were not disclosed. GTG is also finalising an agreement for the distribution of the test throughout Europe.
[Source: Company Announcement]
Healthscope sells Pathnet for local focus
August 4 – Healthscope has entered into an agreement with Indian-based Metropolis Health Services for the sale of its 49 per cent share in Pathnet India Pvt, held through The Gribbles Group. The sale reflects Healthscope's focus on short term strategy for growth of its operations in Australasia, while Pathnet is expected to generate strong earnings in the longer term. The sale is scheduled for completion on 15 August 2005 and is said to have no impact on the 2005 and 2006 full year earnings.
[Source: Company Announcement]
Progen expand PI-88 clinical trial
August 9 – Progen Industries will expand its clinical trial program for its lead prostate cancer product, PI-88. The new trial will combine PI-88 with the Sanofi-Aventis chemotherapy agent, Taxotere. The trial will assess the efficacy and safety of PI-88 in patients who are not responsive to hormone therapy, and assess whether the combination is more effective than Taxotere alone. Sanofi-Aventis will supply Taxotere in addition to a financial grant towards the trial.
[Source: Company Announcement]
Ventracor firm on US heart pump patent infringement claims
August 2 – Ventracor has announced that it will continue to pursue litigation against US-based HeartWare over US patent infringements covering its left ventricular assistant device. The announcement follows a defence statement issued by HeartWare claiming that the litigation, issued through Ventracor's US-based subsidiary, VentrAssist, is unsubstantiated. HeartWare has subsequently filed six counterclaims seeking damages and costs based on unfair competition and violations of US antitrust laws. The Ventracor device is currently undergoing US and CE Mark trials. HeartWare is understood to be commencing trials of its device in 2006-2007.
[Source: Company Announcement]
