Stories by: Tim Dean

The staggering amounts of data being generated in genomics, epigenomics, proteomics and other ‘omics studies - not to mention systems biology, which attempts to knit the various ‘omics together - is presenting a titanic challenge for life science researchers.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Australia, with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) estimating it costs Australia $5.9 billion in 2004-2005.

It’s one of nature’s most impressive machines, yet it’s barely micrometres long. It’s a motor with 99 per cent efficiency that can rotate at up to 100,000 rpm, and switch directions faster than any device created by human ingenuity.

Melbourne-based generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, Halcygen Pharmaceuticals (ASX:HGN), is seeking to add new talent to its board and senior management following the departure of Executive Director and COO, Craig Bottomley yesterday.

Neither side in the upcoming federal election has made any significant announcements concerning the life sciences and biotechnology, which is further undermining confidence in the biotech industry, says Mark Horsburgh, President-elect of Licensing Executives Society Australia & New Zealand (LESANZ).

Infuenza is a tough virus to crack. Today we’re fortunate to have two neuraminidase inhibitors - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) - that are very effective at stunting the spread of influenza.

In this section of the roundtable the panellists discussed the so-called 'valley of death' between a promising discovery and having a product that the industry will actually put money behind.

In this final part of the roundtable discussion the panellists address the role of government in commercialisation and then provide their closing comments on how we can improve the system in Australia.

It's the perennial question: how do we effectively translate cutting edge research into successful products in the market? Australian Life Scientist brought together a panel of industry luminaries to discuss the challenges of commercialisation in Australia.

10 years ago, on June 26, 2000, the first draft of the human genome was announced to the public with great ceremony and aplomb. And hyperbole.