BUSINESS MATCHING AT BIO 2005 - EUROSFAIRE ... · Web viewQIMR has substantial expertise in the characterisation of infectious organisms and understanding the immunological basis

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...........................................39

GENE STREAM PTY LTD......................................................................................39

GLYKOZ (GLYCOMICS DISCOVERY)...............................................................39

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY........................................................................................39

GROPEP LTD............................................................................................................39

IMBCOM PTY LTD..................................................................................................39

INSTITUTE FOR CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH...............................................39

INVETECH.................................................................................................................39

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY.................................................................................39

MEDICAL THERAPIES..........................................................................................39

MEDITECH RESEARCH LTD...............................................................................39

MIMETICA PTY LTD..............................................................................................39

MINIFAB (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD.......................................................................39

MINOMIC PTY LTD................................................................................................39

NEUROSCIENCES VICTORIA LTD.....................................................................39

ORIGO BIOTECH PTY LTD..................................................................................39

OZGENE PTY LTD...................................................................................................39

PHYLOGICA LIMITED..........................................................................................39

QUEENSLAND BRAIN INSTITUTE.....................................................................39

QUEENSLAND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH.................................39

SOLBEC PHARMACEUTICALS LTD..................................................................39

STIRLING PRODUCTS LIMITED.........................................................................39

The University of Adelaide..........................................................................................39

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 company

To capture the complete Australian flora and cultivated species for conservation and sustainable utilisation of these resources.

Core Business definition

Provide facilitated access to plant genetic material for research and development.

Compilation © AusBiotech 2004

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyOverviewThe 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 LimitedOverviewAvexa 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.


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.


Shire Pharmaceuticals on AVX754


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 InstituteOverviewThe 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


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/PartnershipsPartnering Opportunities Device and drug development for cardiovascular products

Benitec Australia LimitedOverviewBenitec 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: 19Business 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.


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 post-genomic era.


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 non-therapeutic 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 LimitedOverviewBioPharmica 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


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


Seeking overseas partners in the areas of oncology, infectious diseases, depth of anaesthesia monitoring and fibre optic probes.

Biota Holdings LimitedOverviewBiota 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


Antiviral drug discovery


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/PartnershipsPartners

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.


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 LimitedOverview

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.


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.


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 LimitedOverviewBresaGen 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


Seeking alliances and contracts for process development with Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies.


Protein Engineering.


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.


BresaGen has worked with a wide range of Biotech and Pharmaceutical companies, including CBio, QRx Pharma, Metabolic Pharmaceuticals and ALZA Pharmaceuticals.

Partners

N/A.


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 InstituteThe 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 InstituteOverview

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.


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/PartnershipsCurrent 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.


Organisations who wish to access our expertise and facilities, either through contract research or Joint Venture opportunities.

Partnering needsComplementary organisations with commercialisation opportunities.

Clinical Network Services Pty LtdOverview. 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; ando 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; ando 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 companieso Small to medium USA and Canadian biopharmaceutical companieso 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 VictoriaServices

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 outcome-focused 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 LtdOverview

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 end-products. 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 acidCosmetic-grade native soluble collagen (type I/III) from sheepskin, opaque solution, 10mg/mL protein in 0.1M acetic acidResearch-grade native soluble collagen (type I/III) from sheepskin, clear solution, 5mg/mL protein in 0.1M acetic acidMedical-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

TechnologyPatented 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


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.


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 15Specific focus of company Inflammatory and autoimmune diseasesCore Business definition Inflammation drug discovery and development

compilation © AusBiotech 2004

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)


“Innovation at the interface of scientific disciplines”

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:

Biodiscovery Bioinformatics Biomarkers Biomaterials Bioprocessing Bioprospecting Bioremediation Biotherapeutics Biotransformation Ecological Impacts of Transgenes Functional Genomics Molecular Engineering Nanotechnology Proteomics Structural Biology


CSIRO conducts R&D in many areas, including:

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 IndustriesCSIRO (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:

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 IndustriesTechnology 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;

Strategic Planning & Project Management Study Design; Investigator Selection; Set-up & Start-up Ethics Submissions; GTRAP; CTN; CTX Clinical Trial Setup (Protocol, CRF design) Clinical Trial Management Monitoring (experienced regional monitors in major centres) Data Management (including eCRF) Data coding Statistical Analysis

Medical Writing, including Full Study Reports Project Management Pharmacovigilance 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

Small to medium size CRO not present in Australia. A Japanese CRO. European CROs North American CROs

Partnering needs

Alliance with other CROs to support their services in Australia. Alliance with other CROs to allow us to extend our services overseas. Biotech and Pharma sponsors in North America, Japan & Europe wishing to

conduct clinical trials in AustraliaNumber of employees >35Specific focus of company Clinical Research- Monitoring, Data

Management and Statistics.Core Business definition Full Service CRO


EQiTX LimitedOverviewEQiTX 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.


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.


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.


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:

Supportive in vivo studies utilising relevant models and methods of administration

Large therapeutic markets associated with chronic diseases and the aging population

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 LtdOverview

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;

to support the development of an internal pipeline of valuable antibody therapeutics for world markets and,

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.


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:

Humanised antibodies—suitable for long term administration to patients

New versions of antibodies and other proteins which are optimised for success in the clinic and the market place

A solution to the gap between research tool ( a mouse antibody) and antibody therapeutic ready for development

Further enhancement of the potency of anticancer antibodies through toxin linkage


EvoGenix has relationships with a number of well recognised international companies to deliver highly optimised versions of protein product candidates supplied by our partners.


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 ResearchOverview

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 therapeutically-focussed 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.


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.


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.


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.


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 carbohydrate-based 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.


Griffith University’s competitive advantages in biotech include: The advancement of novel cancer immunogenics and identified target

molecules implicated in various cancers The discovery and development of novel anti-microbials to combat multiple

drug resistant micro-organisms 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

The identification of markers or genes for genetically inherited complex diseases including obesity, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis

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, age-related 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:

Migraine Molecular Genetics - studies aimed at identifying the genes involved in this common debilitating disorder;

Cardiovascular Genomics - investigating cardiovascular risk factors in a well-characterised, homogeneous population from Norfolk Island;

Multiple Sclerosis - aims to identify the genes involved in multiple sclerosis and eventually explore therapeutic possibilities;

Skin Cancer - identification of the genes involved in the formation of non-melanoma skin cancer and the premalignant skin lesions known as solar keratoses;

Breast Cancer Genes - studies directed at investigating the genes involved in the development of sporadic human breast cancer and breast cancer invasiveness; and

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.

Obesity – studies directed at understanding the underlying genetic basis of this common metabolic condition

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.


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 LtdOverview

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.


Our core technical competencies are:

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/ServicesBiopharmaceutical Drug DevelopmentGroPep’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:

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 ProductsGroPep 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 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 OpportunitiesAt present, GroPep has 3 products in clinical development which are available for out-licensing as discussed above.Partnerships RequiredCurrently 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

Building of partnerships and alliances with major Australian and international biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

Sourcing of development funds to assist in proof of concept 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, co-located 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:

Identification of early stage technologies Patent protection of commercial technologies Linkage of early stage technologies with seed funding for proof of concept

development 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:

Intellectual property development Commercial development Corporate Alliances Government liaison Preparation of business plans and commercially focused grants Capital raising and negotiation for venture capital Market analysis 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 LtdExpertise 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 thattransform 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 thanthe 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.


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 ResearchOverview

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

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/ServicesThe Institute's research programs are contained within seven research divisions and the major research programs within those divisions are summarised below. Cell BiologyAsthma and AllergiesThe 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 BiologyHouse Dust Mite AllergensThis division focuses primarily on the study of house dust mite allergens, the triggers of mite allergy and asthma and experimental immunotherapy.Clinical SciencesThis 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, andThe development and application of new techniques for measuring lung function in infants up to the age of two years. Children's Leukaemia and CancerThe research program of this division comprises four areas:

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

Aboriginal Health and SIDS ResearchThe 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 important and unique study looking at infant care practices in the Aboriginal population.

Birth DefectsInstitute 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 DisabilitiesCerebral 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 HealthAdolescent 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 DiseasesCurrent 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 BiologyCancer 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.VirologyThe 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.

InvetechOverviewInvetech’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 AdvantagesWe are committed to ensuring your success by rapidly developing highly competitive, exceptionally reliable instruments.

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 Operational Improvements Technology Upgrade Strategies Design and Implementation of New Technology Manufacturing Plans Equipment Replication Machine Development/Automation.

James Cook UniversityIntroduction

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 TherapiesOverview

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 metal-based 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 LtdMeditech 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 Full development of HyCAMP™ o Development of improved formulations of other approved

cytotoxic drugs (proprietary or generic) o Testing of HyACT™ formulations of cytotoxic drugs in

development o 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

http://www.mrl.com.au/index.php?type=1&id=347




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 LtdOverview. Mimetica is a start-up pharmaceutical development company based at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland.


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 AdvantagesThe 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.

TechnologyChemical frameworks and key intermediates protected by patents (granted, pending and in preparation).

Partnering OpportunitiesInstitutions 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 NeedsGroups 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 nanotechnology 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:

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.


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 bio- micro- 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.


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).


The partnering opportunities MiniFAB provides are:

Open access infrastructure for product development in Bio- Micro- Nano- Technologies

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:

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:

in-house discovery for diagnosis of human health problems; and contract services for discovery.

Our major focus is in developing novel targets and biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of major diseases.


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 on-going 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 11

Specific focus of companyIn-house discovery for diagnosis of human health problems

Core Business definition Proteomics for discovery and validation of targets


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 pan-Australian network of neuroscience infrastructure, technology and services and an experienced, commercially focused management team.

CreateDiscovery Science

Research InfrastructurePre-Clinical & Clinical Integration

CollaborateMulti-Centre Research & Development ProjectsMulti-Centre Pre-Clinical Development Facilities

Science-Industry Partnerships

CommercialiseCommerically Focused Project PortfolioProduct Co-Development Opportunities

Unified IP Management PolicyUnitary 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


Development of commercial outcomes for the neuroscience biocluster located in Melbourne, Australia

Creation & Development of integrated research infrastructure for academic & commercial use


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.


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.


Key patents related to plant promoters, plant architecture and delayed ripening.

Proven expertise in molecular biology, tissue culture and plant transformation.

Technology/ServicesOrigo Biotech is currently developing high value-added plants that will incorporate three patented technologies including:

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/PartnershipsCurrent PartnersUniquest 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 needsOrigo 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

Fee for service contract research No milestone payments No royalty payments All Intellectual Property remains with the client

Technology

Ozgene’s services include:

Custom design and construction of gene targeting and lentiviral transgenic vectors

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.


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 45Core Business definition Contract research services


Phylogica LimitedOverview:

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.


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:

■ 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■ Potential to minimise anaphylactic side-effects associated with conventional

drugs and protein vaccines, due to small size■ 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 LibrariesPhylomers® 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 BiotechAustralian Neuromuscular Research Institute (Cerebrovascular Disease Research Group) Murdoch University

Partnering OpportunitiesPhylogica 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 InstituteOverviewThe 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; Q-Pharm 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.


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.


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.


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 websitehttp://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 550Specific focus of company Seeking licensing and partnering opportunitiesCore Business definition Medical research in oncology, infectious disease,

immunology and genetics


http://www.qimr.edu.au/commercial/index

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).


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.


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 CanadaRational Therapeutics Non-Clinical research CaliforniaCentre of Cancer Research Non-Clinical research AustraliaUniversity of Western Australia DOM Non/Pre Clinical AustraliaSouthern Cross University Discovery AustraliaSouthern Cross Pharma. Toxicology/Pharmacology AustraliaProteomics International Discovery AustraliaRMIT Pre-Clinical Research AustraliaSir Charles Gardiner Hospital Clinical Trials AustraliaCMax Clinical Trials AustraliaBank of New York Corporate New YorkIDT GMP Manufacturing AustraliaSilkier Microtech Chemistry Australia


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 16Specific focus of company Partnering, in / out licensingCore Business definition Pharmaceuticals / Drug Development


Stirling Products LimitedOverviewStirling 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.


Development of livestock growth promoters.


Animal Health company.


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

http://www.stirlingproducts.net/

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.


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 AdelaideOverview.

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 anti-cancer biologics.


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


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.

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BUSINESS MATCHING AT BIO 2005 - EUROSFAIRE ... · Web viewQIMR has substantial expertise in the characterisation of infectious organisms and understanding the immunological basis