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Attention and concern over the impact of COVID-19 may move to Australia's future clinical trial capability and the biotechnology sector. The federal government has consistently highlighted the...

Australian cell therapy company Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) has announced the US FDA has cleared one of its investigational therapies for trials in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19.

“We are excited to be able to contribute to Australia’s comprehensive effort to manage this pandemic,” said Cellmid CEO Maria Halasz.

Monash University and Alfred Health have announced their researchers are developing a rapid test to determine immunity to COVID-19 and the likely severity of a patient's symptoms.

Dr Jonathan Anderson, Seqirus' Asia Pacific Head of Medical Affairs, told BiotechDispatch the company has seen "strong early demand" for flu vaccines.

CSIRO says it has commenced the first stage of testing potential vaccines against COVID-19. It said the testing, expected to take three months, is underway at its high-containment biosecurity facility in Geelong. 

The company described this first approval as a major milestone that allows for the OncoSil device to be marketed and sold within the European Union and the UK.

Clinical-stage biotechnology company specialising in cell therapeutics Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) has provided an update on the planned clinical trials of its Cymerus mesenchymal stem cell products for osteoarthritis and critical limb ischemia.

Health minister Greg Hunt is expected to extend the emergency 'continued dispensing' arrangements, one country blocked Australia's attempt to export purchased health equipment, investors have backed health companies, while a new alliance of Victorian-based organisations has been established to support cancer treatment.

Australian medical technology company LBT Innovations (ASX LBT) has announced the submission of a 510(k) application to the US FDA for the APAS Independence inclusive with the MRSA analysis module as a Class 2 medical device.

Clinical stage biopharmaceutical company Opthea (ASX:OPT) says it has completed patient dosing and all follow-up week 12 patient visits in the Phase 2a trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of OPT-302 administered in combination with Bayer's EYLEA (aflibercept) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

A South Australian packaging manufacturer has reached agreement with the federal and state governments to produce 145 million masks – 100 million for the National Medical Stockpile and 45 million for South Australia.