Innovation

The latest issue of the Australasian Journal of Biotechnology (Volume 35, Number 2) is now available, showcasing the people and ideas shaping Australia’s life sciences future.

One of Australia’s most influential philanthropic institutions, the Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation, is celebrating 30 years of supporting local health and medical research with more than $90 million invested and a legacy of breakthroughs now shaping clinical care around the world.

In a landmark move to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology capabilities and pandemic readiness, CSL Seqirus and Vaccine Industrial Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the country's Ministry of Health to localise manufacturing of cell-based seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

Two leading Australian researchers have been awarded prestigious CSL Centenary Fellowships, each valued at $1.25 million over five years, to advance groundbreaking research in lifelong immunity and AI-driven protein design.

“After positive feedback from FDA during our recent Type D meeting, we are excited to initiate start-up activities for the phase 1 clinical trial and are delighted to have found an excellent partner in SAPRO,” said Michael Baker, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Arovella.

A pioneering RNA therapy being developed in Melbourne could transform the treatment of lupus, offering new hope to thousands of Australians living with the chronic autoimmune disease.

Anteris Technologies (ASX:AVR) has announced one-year clinical results demonstrating sustained favourable hemodynamics and excellent safety outcomes for its DurAVR Transcatheter Heart Valve in patients with small aortic annuli, including no valve-related mortality and a very low rate of prosthesis-patient mismatch.

Australia has taken a significant step toward building sovereign advanced biomanufacturing capability with the official opening of the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility in Sydney.

Uniseed has appointed Alastair Hick as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter in the fund’s 25-year history. He will formally take the helm in January 2026, succeeding Peter Devine, who will leave the organisation in December after 20 years in the role.

“MSAC’s position is a powerful endorsement of RECELL’s clinical impact and the difference it makes in patients’ lives,” said Katie Bush, Senior Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs at AVITA Medical.

Myrio Therapeutics has entered a research collaboration with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Langone Health to accelerate the development of next-generation T cell immunotherapies for solid tumours.

MTPConnect has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support the growth of life sciences companies in both countries.