News

16 June 2021
Australian spinout eyes the clinic with a prophylactic nasal spray for Covid-19
Whether patients are immunocompromised or just don’t like needles, one fledgling Australian biotech says it has an alternative to Covid-19 vaccines that doesn’t involve a jab in the arm — and on Tuesday, it pulled in a fresh round of funding to take it into the clinic. ENA Respiratory, which spun out of ENA Therapeutics […]
15 June 2021
ENA Respiratory Advances COVID-19 Preventative Therapy through AU$32 Million Fund Raise
Round jointly led by Brandon Capital and Minderoo Foundation with co-investment from Uniseed will support the clinical development of INNA-051 Company appoints President and Chief Scientific Officer of the COPD Foundation and respiratory therapy expert Ruth Tal-Singer, Ph.D. to Board of Directors ENA Respiratory, a biotechnology company developing a first-in-class nasal spray for the prevention […]
3 June 2021
George Medicines appoints Stefan König as Chief Executive Officer
Mr König joins to lead late-stage drug development company developing proprietary fixed dose combination therapies for non-communicable diseases US FDA grants IND authorization to commence Phase III trials with triple combination candidate for the treatment of hypertension Chief Business Officer, Karl Roberts, appointed to new role of Chief Operating Officer George Medicines, a late-stage drug […]
3 June 2021
Preclinical studies from Vaxxas and Collaborators Reveal Potential of Vaxxas’ Novel High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP) to Effectively Deliver SARS-CoV-2 Spike Vaccine
Vaccination via HD-MAP induced enhanced T-cell and spike-specific antibody responses as compared to needle-and-syringe delivery of the same vaccine in an animal model Complete protection from COVID-19 disease by a single dose skin patch delivery using Vaxxas’ HD-MAP was demonstrated in a lethal challenge of the SARS-COV-2 virus in an animal model Serum antibody levels […]
26 May 2021
Researcher rewards needed to fuel biotech boom
The newest board member of Australia’s largest life sciences fund says the country must develop ways to entice researchers to commercialise their work if the industry is going to produce future biotech giants like CSL and Cochlear. Kylie Diwell, who has recently joined the board of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and works as a […]
23 May 2021
‘No amount could be enough’: Calls for Canberra to back biotech, as medtech firms await funding
One of the nation’s most experienced biotechnology investors has urged the federal government to do more to support the sector, as medical technology companies await funding to flow from a $1.5 billion scheme to boost manufacturing in Australia. The life sciences industry cheered the $1.5 billion “Modern Manufacturing Strategy” when it was outlined last October, […]
14 May 2021
Adelaide’s BioMed City is attracting strong clinical trial interest as its critical mass continues to grow
There has been a 50 per cent increase in clinical trials in Adelaide as a result of the state’s safe-haven status throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the general manager of Adelaide BioMed City says. Yvette van Eenennaam, who is also chair of the SA Genomics Centre, said the $3.8 billion precinct at the western end of […]
13 May 2021
Allay Therapeutics Launches with First Clinical Data to Demonstrate Weeks of Pain Relief with Ultra-Sustained Non-Opioid Platform
First clinical data to demonstrate non-opioid pain relief lasting two weeks after one administration, where current post-surgical pain products are effective for a maximum of three days Significant reductions in pain and opioid usage relative to standard of care – Clinical candidate for support of total knee replacement surgery, ATX-101, to move into Phase 2b […]
12 May 2021
Tax breaks tipped to trigger innovation boom
The country’s innovation giants say tax breaks for profits generated on local intellectual property will nurture high-value, local jobs and foster new companies, despite Australia still offering significantly weaker incentives than countries such as Britain and Singapore. Australia joins 24 other countries with patent box schemes, which offer lower tax rates on profits generated from […]
12 May 2021
First REDI Fellowships Awarded to Boost Medical Research Commercialisation Capabilities
MTPConnect is pleased to announce that researchers in South Australia and Queensland have been selected as the first two fellows from the REDI (Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry) Fellowship Program. The program provides financial support to Australian, international and/or multinational medical technology or pharmaceutical (MTP) companies to bring the best talent in-house for up […]
11 May 2021
‘IP Box’ regime would keep vaccines here
Australia may have been better prepared to deal with the COVID-19 crisis if the federal government implemented an “IP Box” tax incentive scheme that encouraged biotech manufacturers to base much of their operations here, a top intellectual property lawyer says. Kylie Diwell, a director of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and partner at Minter Ellison, […]
11 May 2021
Researchers cannot be expected to commercialise their innovations alone says leading IP lawyer and new MRCF Board member
Researchers cannot be expected to commercialise their inventions alone and their ability to access a skilled team in early-stage life science commercialisation dramatically boosts success, says one of Australia’s leading intellectual property and commercialisation lawyers, Kylie Diwell. Ms Diwell, partner at MinterEllison, has been appointed to the Board of the Brandon Capital managed Medical Research […]
3 May 2021
FDA fast-tracks Australian breast cancer technology
An Australian imaging device about the size of an electric toothbrush that could save breast cancer patients from going under the knife multiple times has been fast-tracked by the US Food and Drug Administration. West Australian medical technology company OncoRes is ­behind the ­device that uses new technology to make real-time ­tumour assessments and help […]
3 May 2021
FDA grants Australian breast cancer innovation ‘Breakthrough Device Designation’ status
OncoRes Medical has received ‘Breakthrough Device Designation’ from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite development of its Quantitative Micro-Elastography (QME) Imaging System. This innovative technology is designed to facilitate real-time tumour assessment to help surgeons more accurately identify and remove cancerous tissue—an approach that could substantially improve outcomes in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) […]
28 April 2021
R&D tax credits yet to meet targets
The government’s research and development tax incentive scheme (RDTI) appears to be doing better than its predecessor, but not nearly as well as was hoped. Software companies, in particular, remain unimpressed. New Zealand Software Association president Roger Ford sees New Zealand as a country of adapters as much as innovators. “[New Zealanders are] more likely to […]
22 April 2021
Strong quarter for Osprey with continued growth in units and revenue
Osprey Medical Inc. (ASX:OSP) (Osprey or the Company) today released its Appendix 4C – Quarterly Cash Flow Report for the period ending 31 March 2021 (1Q 2021 or the Quarter). Key Highlights • Group: COVID recovery continues with worldwide units sold up 14% and revenue up 21% on previous quarter • US: Lean expansion with […]
16 April 2021
NZ clinical trial boom post-Covid slowly but surely emerging
Despite slow Covid recovery globally, enquiries for future NZ trials hit 10-year high. The Covid clinical trial boom that seemed inevitable for a healthcare system virtually untouched by a global pandemic has been slow to materialise, but industry stalwarts say it’s still on the horizon. The Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry found in the […]
15 April 2021
World’s First Leadless Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Implant Utilizing EBR Systems’ WiSE CRT System
Prof Pascal Defaye of CHU de Grenoble-Alpes performed world first Leadless LBBAP implant. EBR Systems, Inc., developer of the world’s only wireless cardiac pacing system for heart failure, today announced that Professor Pascal Defaye, Head of Rhythmology and Cardiac Stimulation Unit, CHU de Grenoble-Alpes, France, performed the world’s first successful Leadless Left Bundle Branch Area […]
9 April 2021
VC Land Podcast: Shining a light on biotech with Brandon Capital
The VC Land Podcast connects you with some of the leading players in Australia’s growing venture capital (VC) market. Hosted by news media and PR veteran, CEO of Mojomedia.com.au, Justin Kelly, we chat to leading VCs on how to get started, what it takes to build a successful business, how to overcome challenges, and advice for […]
16 March 2021
Tech leaders call for national plan, software R&D and IP tax cuts
Australia has survived the COVID-19 crisis in admirable fashion, but is at risk of squandering its advantage unless more steps are taken to propel the nation’s fast-growing technology sector, according to industry leaders. The sector proved to be one of the most resilient throughout the pandemic, with venture capital funding deployed in start-ups soaring to […]
12 March 2021
ANDHealth inks deal with US health insurance giant
ANDHealth has penned a partnership with the innovation arm of the second-largest health insurer in the United States, Anthem, Inc, opening a new path for local digital start-ups to enter the market. The tie-up between Anthem Digital Incubator and ANDHealth, a non-profit digital health accelerator business, means Australian start-ups that often lack the expertise to expand […]
8 March 2021
Azura heads for final studies for world-first dry eye treatment
Brandon Capital-backed biotech start-up Azura Opthalmics has made a big leap towards creating the world’s first treatment for a type of dry eye disease, publishing promising phase two clinical trial results last week. Most of the treatments available for dry eye, such as artificial teardrops, moisten the surface of the eye. But for 85 per […]
8 March 2021
Women in science: Tackling gender diversity in top jobs
Women are underrepresented in the top jobs of science and tech. A new programme is trying to fix that. Maria Jose Alvarez was pitching her agritech start-up to a group of investors when they cut her off with questions. Not for her, but for her male co-founder standing off to the side. “I was presenting, […]
4 March 2021
Remove red tape to speed new drugs to market, says research CEO
The chief executive of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund says red tape impeding drug development should be removed to allow faster pathways to reimbursement and save more lives. Chris Nave, managing director of Brandon Capital, said the rapid pace of development of the COVID-19 vaccines has shown that the world can supercharge development times. Brandon manages the $700 million […]
4 March 2021
Promising new potential treatment for leading cause of Dry Eye Disease a step closer as Azura Ophthalmics announces positive results in Phase 2 Program
Azura Ophthalmics moves into registration studies following positive Phase 2 Program results which could see its treatment for Meibomian gland disfunction – the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease – complete its first registration study by early next year Azura Ophthalmics Ltd., a clinical-stage company developing innovative therapies for Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), today announces […]
2 March 2021
Industry-led leadership programme launched to support women into more top science and innovation roles
Brandon Capital Partners launches the WILD Programme with the Kiwi Innovation Network – 10 women on first intake A new industry-led programme, Women in Leadership Development (WILD), has been launched to increase the number of women holding top positions in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) roles in New Zealand. The first intake of 10 […]
22 January 2021
OncoRes Medical receives $150,000 funding boost from Western Australian Government
Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly today announced the McGowan Government will invest $150,000 in funding from the New Industries Fund into Western Australian-based medical device start-up OncoRes Medical to enhance R&D capability and create local jobs at their Nedlands-based facility. OncoRes Medical CEO, Dr Katharine Giles, said the funding will support OncoRes Medical’s continued […]
21 December 2020
With health policy top of the political agenda, now’s the time to supercharge Australia’s biotech sector says new MRCF Board member
Erica Kneipp, Head of Health and Medical Research Strategy at ANU, who was instrumental in establishing the Federally funded Australian Medical Research Future Fund and Biomedical Translation Fund, joins MRCF Board. COVID-19 has put health policy firmly at the top of the public policy agenda alongside security and finance, providing a unique opportunity to supercharge […]
21 December 2020
Erica Kneipp tapped for $700m biotech fund
Former assistant secretary of the Department of Health Erica Kneipp has been tapped to join the board of Medical Research Commercialisation Fund as the pandemic supercharges an opportunity to boost Australia’s biotech capabilities. Ms Kneipp, head of health and medical research strategy at the Australian National University, was at the centre of the creation of the […]
18 December 2020
Research on preventative nasal spray, which protects against COVID-19 and common cold, published in leading peer-reviewed academic journals
Research on preventative COVID-19 nasal spray published in prestigious, peer-reviewed academic journals: EBioMedicine and the European Respiratory Journal Novel therapy developed by Australian biotech company, Ena Respiratory, shown in animal study to reduce COVID-19 virus levels in the nose and throat by up to 96%; also found to be effective against rhinovirus (common cold), the […]
22 November 2020
Nasal spray which could fight Covid and other respiratory infections gets funding
A nasal spray with the potential to fight Covid-19 and other respiratory viral infections will be tested in the hope of manufacturing it in Australia. The INNA-051 nasal treatment, developed by the Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory, targets the primary site of most respiratory infections, including Covid, and activates immune defence mechanisms in the respiratory […]
17 November 2020
New investments for drug research
Brandon Capital, Sofinnova Partners invest $8.2 m in new UK start-up seeking novel cancer blocker. The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and European venture capital firm, Sofinnova Partners, have co-led an initial investment of $8.2 million (£4.5 million) into Myricx Pharma, a new drug discovery company focused on developing novel treatments for cancer. The UK-based Myricx […]
16 November 2020
Myricx Pharma Launches with £4.5M (AU$8.2M) Financing to Progress its Novel NMT inhibitors in Cancer
Start-up from Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute brings together 15 years of world-leading research on N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) and breakthrough discoveries related to its inhibition in cancer Initial financing of £4.5M (AU$8.2M) from venture capital syndicate of experienced life sciences investors, Sofinnova Partners and Brandon Capital Partners Led by a team of world-class […]
6 November 2020
PolyActiva successfully completes initial clinical trial with Latanoprost FA SR Ocular Implant delivering glaucoma treatment to patients over a six-month period
PolyActiva Pty Ltd, a clinical-stage Australian ophthalmology biopharmaceutical company, today announced it has successfully completed its Phase I clinical study for its lead candidate, the Latanoprost FA SR Ocular Implant. The device was well tolerated in all 8 patients with no significant safety findings. The study also showed that the implant persists for the entire […]
1 November 2020
Aravax appoints Financial Executive Thomas Ulmer to Board of Directors
Aravax, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing the first safe and rapidly effective treatment for peanut allergy, announced today the appointment of Thomas Ulmer to the Board of Directors. Mr. Ulmer was previously the Chief Financial Officer of Immatics N.V., a NASDAQ-listed biopharmaceutical company and brings nearly two decades of experience serving in […]
29 October 2020
OncoRes Medical wins IGNITE Madness 2020
Perth-based medtech company, OncoRes Medical, has taken out the IGNITE Madness pitch competition in Houston, Texas, USA. In addition to the US$10,000 first prize, OncoRes Medical was awarded the prestigious Texas Medical Centre Ventures investment prize which is valued in excess of US$100,00. IGNITE is a newly organized non-profit organization comprised of a network of […]
26 October 2020
Eyeing pandemic’s silver lining for drug trials
The coronavirus pandemic has battered the smooth running of clinical trials for new drugs worldwide, but Australia has managed to pull through in a comparatively strong position, according to a biotechnology outfit researching an eye treatment. “Because Australia and New Zealand had done such a great job, with respect to managing the current rates of […]
23 October 2020
Azura Ophthalmics raises AUD$28m for registration studies for treatment of leading cause of dry eye disease
Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) in raise for registration study to treat Meibomian gland dysfunction, the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease Meibomian gland dysfunction affects more than 30 million adults in the United States alone – registration studies used to seek potential regulatory approval with the FDA Financing also will support development of pipeline […]
5 October 2020
Vaxxas Announces US$22 Million (A$30.6 Million) Award from U.S. Government to Advance Vaxxas Needle-Free HD-MAP™ Vaccine Patch Technology for Pandemic Response
Needle-free Vaxxas HD-MAP patch offers potential platform to dramatically improve vaccination in pandemic response by producing more patient-doses from limited quantities of vaccine, enabling rapid vaccine distribution without refrigeration, and creating a novel option for self-administration. Initial BARDA funding focuses on clinical demonstration using pandemic influenza vaccine; Vaxxas investigating opportunities to improve performance of other […]
28 September 2020
Preventative nasal spray shown to reduce viral replication by up to 96% in COVID-19 challenge study
New preventative nasal spray treatment that could protect people from COVID-19 infection and prevent transmission announced Novel therapy developed by Australian biotech company, Ena Respiratory, shown to significantly reduce COVID-19 virus levels in the nose and throat, in a gold-standard animal study Reduced COVID-19 replication by up to 96%, study performed by Public Health England […]
28 September 2020
Nasal spray cuts COVID-19 growth, study shows
It is unclear yet the length of protection a vaccine will provide. If it only lasted a few months the nasal spray would add another level of protection. A novel nasal treatment developed to boost the human immune system to fight common colds and flu has proved successful in reducing COVID-19 viral growth in a […]
3 September 2020
Biomedical Translation Bridge Program grants $1m to develop a drug treatment for obesity-related health conditions
Federal Governments Medical Research Future Fund provides grant to biotech company, Cincera Therapeutics Cincera Therapeutics Pty Ltd, a biotech company with operations in Adelaide and Melbourne, has been granted $1 million by the Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) Program. The funding will progress its research in developing a drug to treat severe and life-threatening obesity-related health […]
30 July 2020
GE Healthcare to Distribute Osprey Medical’s Technology to Address Angiography Based Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
GE Healthcare and Osprey Medical Inc. (ASX:OSP) (Osprey) today announced a strategic alliance under which GE Healthcare will exclusively distribute Osprey’s product portfolio in Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey. Osprey’s DyeVert™ contrast minimization devices, complemented by GE Healthcare’s range of iodinated x-ray contrast media, offer healthcare professionals a technology platform to […]
22 July 2020
OncoRes Medical awarded prestigious research funding
Perth-based medtech company, OncoRes Medical, has been awarded $1 million funding as part of the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund BioMedTech Horizons program, operated by MTPConnect. The grant will help to fund the development of a second-generation intraoperative imaging device, designed to reduce repeat operations for women with breast cancer. OncoRes Medical, together with […]
12 June 2020
Innovative type two diabetes treatment scores $29m
An early stage non-invasive treatment for type two diabetes is set to begin human trials in Adelaide in late 2020, thanks to a $29 million cash injection from Brandon Capital’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund and US fund Santé Ventures. The treatment is being developed by US company Glyscend Therapeutics. It is the result of a […]
12 June 2020
$29M investment to develop new treatment for type 2 diabetes
An orally administered treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D), which mirrors the astonishing effect of gastric bypass surgery in improving sugar control in diabetes patients, has received a Series A investment of AU$29m. The funding round for biopharmaceutical company, Glyscend Therapeutics, was led by Brandon Capital’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) and US healthcare investor, […]
29 May 2020
Vaxxas announces that MSD Exercises Option to Apply Novel Immune System Activation Platform for Vaccine Candidate
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Vaxxas, a biotechnology company commercializing a novel vaccination platform, today announced that MSD, the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA, has exercised its option to utilize Vaxxas’ proprietary High Density Microarray Patch (HD‐MAP) platform for a vaccine candidate. MSD also retains an option to license the HD‐MAP technology for […]
28 May 2020
Harro Höfliger and Vaxxas Announce Alliance to Develop Industrial‐scale Aseptic Processing Line for Vaccine Products Based on Vaxxas’ High Density Microarray Patch (HD‐MAP)
Needle‐free Vaxxas HD‐MAP can enhance routine vaccination with potential to revolutionize vaccination in pandemic response; produce more patient‐doses from limited quantities of vaccine, distribution without refrigeration, and potential for self‐administration. Collaboration lays engineering groundwork for capital expenditure investments of up to $25 million over the next 3 years. Harro Höfliger and Vaxxas will develop world’s […]
25 May 2020
Nation faces ‘generational loss’ of biotechs warning
The head of Australia’s largest life science investment fund has urged the government to provide a COVID-19 support package to the $170 billion sector, including changing JobKeeper eligibility and the scrapping of controversial legislative changes to the R&D tax incentive. Dr Chris Nave – founding partner of Brandon Capital which manages the Medical Research Commercialisation […]
8 May 2020
Urgent COVID-19 response package needed to support and protect $170b life sciences sector
Potential initiatives include broadening JobKeeper eligibility, fast tracking R&D Tax Incentive payments, and diverting a proportion of MRFF funding to biotech commercialisation A COVID-19 response package to support Australia’s suffering life science sector, valued at over $170b, is urgently needed says Dr Chris Nave, CEO of Australia’s largest life science investment fund, the Medical Research […]
24 March 2020
Bill Ferris, pioneer venture capitalist, appointed Chair of the MRCF
Pioneer venture capitalist, Bill Ferris, the architect behind the Federal Government’s $500m Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF), has been appointed  Chair of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF). Mr Ferris was former Chair of the Garvan Medical Research Institute and inaugural Chair of the Turnbull Government’s Innovation and Science Australia Board. Mr Ferris will take over […]
18 March 2020
Vaxxas High-Density Microarray Patch to Efficiently Deliver Vaccines Directly to Skin
Vaxxas, a clinical-stage biotechnology company commercializing a novel vaccination platform, today announced the publication in the journal PLoS Medicine of groundbreaking clinical research indicating the broad immunological and commercial potential of Vaxxas’ novel high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP). Using influenza vaccine, the clinical study of Vaxxas’ HD-MAP demonstrated significantly enhanced immune response compared to vaccination by needle/syringe. This is […]
18 March 2020
Vaxxas Awarded US$5 million Grant for Clinical Study of Measles and Rubella Vaccination
Vaxxas, a biotechnology company commercializing a novel vaccination platform, today announced that it has received a US$5 million [AU$7.5 million] grant to conduct initial human clinical studies using Vaxxas’ High Density Microneedle Array Patch (HD-MAP) for measles and rubella vaccination. This funding is provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and builds on an […]
10 March 2020
Multi-million-dollar mission to tackle major global health challenges
The George Institute for Global Health today announced that $53 million from three Australian investors will now support the commercialisation of its world-leading research to address some of the biggest health challenges of our time. The investments are set to fast-track the growth of George Health Enterprises, the Institute’s commercial arm, and George Medicines, its […]
18 December 2019
Canaan backs Pathios’ search for small molecule drugs that hit ‘orphan’ GCPR
As fruitful as G protein-coupled receptors have proved for modern medicine — by common estimates, more than 30% of FDA-approved drugs target this class of proteins — there are still dozens of “orphan” GPCRs whose endogenous ligands are poorly understood. One of them is GPR65, a pH sensing receptor that British biotech Pathios believes plays […]
16 December 2019
MRCF establishes life science incubator to boost NZ startup successes
Brandon Capital, the manager of New Zealand and Australia’s largest life science investment fund, the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), has been appointed by Callaghan Innovation as an official partner for its new Technology Incubator programme. Brandon will establish a life science incubator focused on super-charging promising New Zealand life science start-ups. The new incubators […]
26 November 2019
In conversation with Darren Kelly, CEO of Certa Therapeutics and OccuRx
At first glance, Darren Kelly doesn’t seem to sleep. He’s the CEO of not one but two fibrosis-related biotechs, an entrepreneur in residence at Brandon Capital, Australia’s largest life sciences-focused VC firm, a director at the Centre for Eye Research Australia and—to top it all off—the associate dean of innovation and enterprise at the University […]
23 October 2019
QUE Oncology recruiting Sydney breast cancer patients experiencing hot flushes & night sweats
Melbourne biotechnology company QUE Oncology has announced that the Royal North Shore Hospital is actively seeking patients for a clinical study, which will see its novel non-hormonal therapy tested on women with breast cancer to prevent debilitating hot flushes and night sweats. Breast cancer survivors are routinely prescribed drugs which reduce or block the action […]
26 September 2019
$14m invested in University of Melbourne spin-out to create vaccine for periodontal gum disease
A vaccine for periodontal gum disease, which affects a third of all adults globally, is in development following a $14 million investment into newly-formed biotech company Denteric Pty Ltd. The company was set-up to develop and commercialise the research outputs of a long-running programme originating from the University of Melbourne working in collaboration with CSL. […]
10 September 2019
FDA Grants EBR Systems Breakthrough Device Designation Status for the WiSE Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) System
EBR Systems, Inc., developer of the world’s only wireless cardiac pacing system for heart failure, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the WiSE CRT System for the treatment of heart failure. The FDA created this designation and its associated program in 2017 for certain devices […]
28 August 2019
Perth tech joint-winner in global finals for international start-up competition
Perth medical device company, OncoRes Medical, has been announced as one of three ‘Entrepreneurs of the Year’ at the global finals of an internationally-recognised start-up event, following a pitch overnight to an international audience including the Duke of York, Prince Andrew. OncoRes, which is developing an imaging tool to improve the outcome of breast cancer […]
27 August 2019
EBR Systems Closes $30M in New Funding, John McCutcheon Joins Company as President and CEO
EBR Systems, Inc., developer of the world’s only wireless cardiac pacing system for heart failure, today announced it has closed $30M in new funding to complete enrollment of its pivotal SOLVE CRT clinical trial and to prepare for commercialization of the WiSE Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) System. This financing was led by Australian private equity firms Brandon […]
20 August 2019
Q-Sera’s innovative blood clotting technology granted patent in US
Medical device company Q-Sera Pty Ltd today announces that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent & Trademark Office for the foundation patent of its innovative blood clotting technology for use in blood collection tubes. The Q-Sera technology is based on lead active RAPClotTMwhich has been shown to rapidly produce […]
1 August 2019
QUE Oncology launches Phase II trials in New Zealand
Australian biotechnology company QUE Oncology today announces the launch of its Phase II trials which will see its novel non-hormonal therapy, for women with breast cancer suffering hot flushes and night sweats, tested across at least three sites in New Zealand. QUE Oncology is developing drugs for large unmet medical needs and has already advanced […]
29 July 2019
QUE Oncology Appoints Dr. Julie Cherrington and Elizabeth Cermak to Board of Directors
QUE Oncology, a clinical-stage biotechnology companydeveloping a novel treatment for breast cancer patients suffering debilitating hot flashes, today announces the appointment of two highly-regarded life science executives to its Board of Directors. Dr. Julie Cherrington and Elizabeth Cermak have been appointed to the board, each bringing decades of experience from both large pharmaceutical and start-up […]
23 July 2019
PolyActiva completes recruitment in key Phase I glaucoma implant safety study.
PolyActiva Pty Ltd, a clinical-stage biotechnology company and leader in ocular drug delivery, has completed patient enrolment for its Phase I clinical trial to study safety and tolerability of its biodegradable, slow-release ocular implant for the treatment of glaucoma. PolyActiva’s implant has the potential to revolutionise the treatment for millions of glaucoma patients. Current glaucoma […]
21 June 2019
What Australian biotech needs to compete globally
Australia aims to be more than a destination for clinical trials, and an influx of cash is helping the country’s biotech sector fill its translational gap. But like other emerging biotech hubs, talent and a higher appetite for risk will be needed to compete on a global scale. Over the past decade, Australian biotech has […]
22 May 2019
Morphoseq™ at ‘Sequencing, Finishing and Analysis in the Future’ meeting, USA
Longas Technology Pty Ltd (‘Longas’), a developer of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, has provided details on its Morphoseq™ library prep and associated software technology at the ‘Sequencing, Finishing and Analysis in the Future’meeting, May 21 – 23, Santa Fe, NM, USA, that enables long read sequencing on short read NGS platforms. Developed over the […]
16 May 2019
Longas Launches, Unveiling Morphoseq™ Long Read DNA Sequencing Technology
Longas Technologies Pty Ltd (‘Longas’), a developer of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, today emerges from stealth mode, unveiling its Morphoseq™ technology and announcing the appointment to CEO of Nick McCooke, who built and led the team at Solexa that pioneered NGS prior to the company being acquired by Illumina. Morphoseq is a disruptive technology […]
1 May 2019
Brandon Capital scores $210m for fifth medical research fund
Brandon Capital has closed the first tranche of funding for its new $250 million biotech fund, with the venture capital firm’s earlier funds successfully outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 for the past 10 years. The VC has raised $210 million from its existing backers including HESTA, StatewideSuper and Hostplus, as well as biotech giant CSL, but is […]
1 May 2019
Brandon Capital Partners launches new Medical Research Commercialisation Fund, seeks NZ institutional
The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), Australasia’s largest life sciences investment fund, today launches its fifth fund, the MRCF5. The MRCF5 has recently completed its first close, raising NZ$224 million(AU$210 million) from the MRCF’s existing investors. This brings total funds under management to more than NZ$747m (AU$700m), making fund manager, Brandon Capital Partners, Australasia’s largest […]
2 April 2019
QUE Oncology launches Phase II trials in the United States
Clinical stage biotechnology company QUE Oncology today announces the launch of its Phase II trials which will see its novel non-hormonal therapy, for women with breast cancer suffering hot flashes and night sweats, tested at key sites in the United States. QUE Oncology is developing drugs for large unmet medical needs and has already advanced […]
15 March 2019
MRCF launches Perth-based biotech developing new treatment for Cystic Fibrosis
The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund’s Biomedical Translation Fund (MRCF BTF) today announced the launch of a new biotech company, Respirion Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd (Respirion). Respirion is developing a novel antibiotic therapy for the treatment of the life-threatening disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF), combining an inhaled version of an approved drug that is normally used to capture […]
25 February 2019
Aravax reveals positive Phase I trial results at world-leading allergy conference
Aravax, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing the next generation of peanut allergy immunotherapy with advantages in safety and practicality, has presented its clinical trial results at one of the world’s most prominent allergy conferences today. Melbourne-based Aravax today announced positive results from the Phase I trial of its peanut allergy therapy, at […]
31 January 2019
Australian Phase II trial commences for potential world-first treatment of viral conjunctivitis
Okogen, a biotech company developing ophthalmic therapeutics, today announces the launch of Phase II trials which will see its lead therapy trialled on patients with conjunctivitis across Australia. The Phase II clinical trial (RUBY) will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Okogen’s lead candidate, OKG-0301, in the treatment of acute adenoviral conjunctivitis (commonly known as […]
3 December 2018
Perth tech takes out Australian start-up competition to join international finals
Perth medical device company, OncoRes Medical, has won top honours at an internationally-recognised start-up event, which will see the company pitch to an international audience including the Duke of York, Prince Andrew. OncoRes, which is developing an imaging tool to improve the outcome of breast cancer surgery, beat off stiff competition to win the Australian […]
21 November 2018
The WILD Program launches within the Victorian STEM sector, with first intake of 20 women
The Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Program today announces its launch, with the first intake of women in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sector. The WILD Program helps build on the qualifications, skills and confidence of women considering senior leadership roles and company directorships, and identifies the high level of candidates ready to […]
8 October 2018
Brandon Capital, Rampersand, Artesian lead local VC gender diversity push
Aussie venture capital funds are making significant strides in boosting the diversity of their portfolios, but women still make up only a tiny percentage of the investors in the sector. A survey conducted by The Australian Financial Review of 10 of the top VC funds in the country revealed that of 448 investments made since the inception […]
2 October 2018
QUE Oncology launches Phase II trials
Clinical stage biotechnology company QUE Oncology today announces the launch of its Phase II trials which will see its novel non-hormonal therapy, for women with breast cancer suffering hot flushes and night sweats, tested at six sites across Australia. QUE Oncology is developing drugs for large unmet medical needs and has already advanced clinical development […]
31 August 2018
PolyActiva commences first Phase I clinical trial with potential to improve lives of millions
PolyActiva Pty Ltd, a clinical-stage Australian biotechnology company, has recently recruited first patients into its Phase I clinical study designed to show its glaucoma implant is safe and well tolerated. PolyActiva has used its proprietary polymer prodrug technology to develop ocular implants that, when placed in the eye, provide sustained treatment over a six-month period, […]
14 August 2018
Paragen Bio launches in northern Queensland with $6 million investment
Brandon Capital’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), AbbVie Ventures, and OneVentures today announce an AU$6 million investment into new biotech company, Paragen Bio Pty Ltd. This is the first biotech startup from James Cook University (JCU) and is one of just a handful of biotech companies in Northern Queensland. Paragen Bio is focused on treating […]
3 July 2018
Azura Ophthalmics receives Series B funding to create treatment for major cause of Dry Eye Disease
Azura Ophthalmics has received US$16 million in Series B funding to develop treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – the number one cause of Dry Eye Disease. The funding from Brandon Capital’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), TPG Biotech, OrbiMed and Ganot Capital, will allow the Israeli-Australian company to move into its next clinical stage […]
4 June 2018
MRCF announces largest investment to date by Biotechnology Translation Fund
The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) today announce a significant AU$25 million investment into late-stage biomedical company, Certa Therapeutics. This is the largest investment to date from the Government’s Biotechnology Translation Fund (BTF), with $22M coming from the MRCF and over $3M from Uniseed. Certa Therapeutics is focused on the emerging field of medical science […]
4 June 2018
Brandon Capital’s MRCF announces largest investment by Biotechnology Translation Fund
The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) today announce a significant AU$25 million investment into late-stage biomedical company, Certa Therapeutics. This is the largest investment to date from the Government’s Biotechnology Translation Fund (BTF), with $22M coming from the MRCF and over $3M from Uniseed. Certa Therapeutics is focused on the emerging field of medical science […]
28 February 2018
Conjunctivitis treatment gets $13m from Brandon Capital for local trial
Australians with viral conjunctivitis will be the first to try drops that hope to clear up the eye infection and reduce its fortnight-long infectious period, after an opthalmic drug developer was lured from San Diego to Sydney by $13 million from a local biotech venture capital manager. The Sydney Eye Hospital will host the first […]
28 February 2018
Okogen receives $13 Million Series A Funding for trials to treat the leading cause of eye infections
Okogen, a San Diego developer of ophthalmic anti-infective drugs, announces AU$13 million in Series A Funding from Brandon Capital’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) to advance its viral conjunctivitis treatment. The investment will go towards the ongoing development of Okogen’s lead candidate, OKG-0301, an ophthalmic formulation of ranpirnase, a potent ribonuclease with established broad-spectrum antiviral […]
28 February 2018
MRCF invests in San Diego ophthalmic biotech company, clinical trials to take place in Australia
Okogen, a San Diego developer of ophthalmic anti-infective drugs, announces AU$13 million in Series A Funding from Brandon Capital’s Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) to advance its viral conjunctivitis treatment. The MRCF has a trainee/secondee program, whereby Member Institutes or allied public sector initiatives can nominate staff members to work within the Investment Manager for […]
19 February 2018
Australian biotech company launched with AU$7m investment to develop therapies for treating obesity
Cincera Therapeutics Pty Ltd (“Cincera”) has launched with an AU$7 million venture capital commitment from the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF). The Company has been founded to develop new therapies to target conditions relating to an unhealthy Western diet, including serious and highly prevalent diseases associated with obesity. The company will initially focus on treatments […]
9 February 2018
University of Sydney spin-off Elastagen sold for $120m to Botox maker
Ridding the world of stretch marks and acne scars is on track to become Professor Anthony Weiss’s legacy, after the skin repair treatment developed at his University of Sydney biochemistry laboratory in the 1990s was sold for $120 million to the multinational that makes Botox. Professor Weiss’s breakthrough was a process to manufacture tropoelastin, a […]
2 February 2018
Allergan to Acquire Elastagen to Access Next Generation Injectable Portfolio
Elastagen Pty Ltd, a clinical stage company developing medical device products based on recombinant tropoelastin, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Allergan plc, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has agreed to acquire Elastagen for an upfront payment of US$95M plus contingent, commercial payments.” Elastagen’s revolutionary technology is based on […]
13 December 2017
New Zealand biomedical discovery set to revolutionise the global pain relief drug market
Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) today announces an investment of NZD$8 million in Series A funding for Kea Therapeutics Ltd., an early stage pharmaceutical company which is developing a new drug for the relief of severe pain. Kea Therapeutics is a spin-out of the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC) and Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences […]
1 December 2017
Brandon Capital tests reverse brain drain theory
Finally the venture capital industry has a reliable litmus test for the propensity of top talent in life sciences and medical devices looking to return home. Brandon Capital, the Melbourne-based venture capital investor with $530 million in funds under management, is in the market for two new portfolio managers. Managing director Chris Nave says Brandon […]
14 November 2017
Venture capitalist Mark Carnegie leads $65m wireless pacemaker funding
Venture capitalist Mark Carnegie was alerted years ago by a science adviser to a Californian developer of a wireless heart pacemaker that could save the lives of some patients, but he baulked at the terms. Every month the adviser would call Mr Carnegie and say, “I have got another CRT patient who is going to […]
17 October 2017
Azura Opthalmics raises $20m from Brandon Capital, others for dry eye cure
One of the year’s biggest investments in an Australian biotech is for one of medicine’s great unsolved problems: dry eye disease. Sydney-based Azura Opthalmics has raised $US16 million ($20.3 million) to advance clinical trials of a treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the culprit in more than 70 per cent of dry eye cases. “Having […]
5 October 2017
Brandon Capital breaks even in biotech milestone
A milestone for Australia’s life sciences venture capital industry will be achieved this month when the dozen members of Brandon Capital’s investment team receive their first profit share cheque, a decade after the manager formed. A staged payment from one of Brandon’s most successful seed investments – Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, maker of a chronic pain treatment […]
5 June 2017
UQ breast cancer drug maker QUE Oncology raises $21.5m from Medical Research Commercialisation Fund
The Medical Research Commercialisation fund has led a $21.5 million raise into anti-cancer therapies company QUE Oncology, funding the development of a drug that stops breast cancer survivors suffering hot flushes during endocrine treatments. The company was founded in 2013 as a joint venture established by Emory University in Atlanta and the University of Queensland’s […]
29 May 2017
Brandon Capital on board as Parkinson’s smartwatch firm Global Kinetics seeks $30 million
Emerging Australian medtech success story Global Kinetics is raising $20-30 million to keep commercialising its smartwatch-style Parkinson’s treatment device. The company is also working on an expansion into telehealth in partnership with French hospitals and developing an app to give Parkinson’s patients more control over their own treatment. The latest capital raise follows a $14.8 million […]
23 May 2017
Researchers backed with $6.3 million in hunt for a cure to the common cold
A cure for the sniffles has long eluded science, but research teams in Newcastle and Melbourne have just received $6.3 million for trials of a molecule they hope can block the virus that causes three-quarters of all colds. The culprit that the scientists from Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and University of Melbourne are after is rhinovirus, […]
16 May 2017
Mike Daniell joins board of Australasia’s largest life sciences fund
The former Fisher & Paykel boss spent his whole working career commercialising medical R&D. Former Fisher & Paykel Healthcare chief executive Mike Daniell has joined the board of Australasia’s largest life science venture capital fund. The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund was set up in late 2007 in a collaboration between major Australian superannuation funds and […]
16 May 2017
457 visa crackdown derails drug to cure blindness
Things looked great for Xianzhong Lau a month ago. The 30-year-old Singaporean had completed a PhD in translational biology and snared a job as a project leader with a company founded by one of Australia’s top life sciences entrepreneurs, Darren Kelly. All he needed was the 457 visa that he had already applied for to […]
15 December 2016
New Australian life sciences investment fund could have spin-off benefits to New Zealand
Some $A230 million has gone to Brandon Capital which manages the MRCF, a collaborative structure of over 50 organisations including six New Zealand research institutes. Australia’s largest life science venture fund, the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund, just got bigger, with the Australian government’s launch of a $A500 million Biomedical Translation Fund aimed at making the […]
13 December 2016
Brandon Capital to manage $230m for Biomedical Translation Fund
Medical venture capital fund Brandon Capital has been selected to manage the lion’s share of the government’s $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund, which is aiming to bridge the funding gap between early stage pharmaceutical and medtech startups and commercialisation. Australia has a history of being strong in research, but weak in commercialisation, and this has […]
13 December 2016
Brandon Capital to lead Biomedical Translation Fund Consortium in government initiative to make Australia a global leader in life science research commercialisation
Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) creates fourth and largest fund as part of new initiative Venture capital firm Brandon Capital has been selected by the Australian Government to build a significant life sciences fund through the MRCF as part of the new Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF), a once-in-a-generation initiative to make Australia a global leader […]
29 June 2015
Novartis takes a pain med in $700M buyout deal for Spinifex
A little more than a year ago, Melbourne, Australia-based Spinifex decided to take part of a $45 million round to set up an office in Stamford, CT, with the clear intention of putting its mid-stage pain drug in a better position on Big Pharma’s food chain. And today that strategy paid off handsomely with a […]

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