Scientists from the University of Queensland have created a new antibiotic that can neutralize various gram-positive bacteria in mice, including major threats such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In a recent study, published in the Sept. 14, 2022, issue of Science Translational Medicine, the new compound outperformed the approved antibiotic vancomycin, and destroyed tough-to-eradicate bacterial biofilms while prompting a low rate of resistance.

Scientists from the University of Queensland have created a new antibiotic that can neutralize various gram-positive bacteria in mice, including major threats such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In a recent study, published in the Sept. 14, 2022, issue of Science Translational Medicine, the new compound outperformed the approved antibiotic vancomycin, and destroyed tough-to-eradicate bacterial biofilms while prompting a low rate of resistance.

Immuno-oncology company Imugene Ltd. announced an AU$80 million (US$53.9 million) capital raise that will allow the company to add additional studies within its immuno-oncology pipeline as well as pursue potential licensing opportunities. The funds raised will allow the company to interrogate its pipeline further in other indications or combinations, Imugene CEO Leslie Chong told BioWorld. “There’s a lot we could do with our current pipeline, and now our cashflow is greatly extended.”

Voronoi Inc. out-licensed its pan-RAF inhibitor program in a deal worth up to $482.2 million with Metis Therapeutics, a company integrating drug discovery and delivery with artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Pharmaxis Ltd. has found new funding to breathe life into a drug that looked like it might sit on the shelf for a while, but now appears to be a good candidate for tackling Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Melbourne-based Occurx Pty Ltd. announced a AU$16 million (US$11 million) series B round that will progress lead candidate OCX-063 to phase II trials in chronic kidney disease. The capital raise was jointly led by Brandon Biocatalyst and Uniseed and includes a AU$1.5 million grant from Australian biomedical incubator Cureator.

Genexine Co. Ltd.’s DNA vaccine, GX-188E, showed potential in extending overall survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer in a phase II study when given in combination with Merck & Co. Inc.’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab). The Seoul, Korea-based company analyzed 60 patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 or HPV-18-positive advanced cervical cancer who had progressed after standard-of-care therapy.

Nutromics Pty Ltd. has raised $14 million to build out its wearable diagnostic platform that uses DNA sensors to track multiple targets in the body using a single patch.

Genexine Co. Ltd.’s DNA vaccine, GX-188E, showed potential in extending overall survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer in a phase II study when given in combination with Merck & Co. Inc.’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration has approved Brain Navi Biotechnology Co. Ltd.’s Naotrac, an autonomous neurosurgical navigation robot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to map out the most precise surgical pathway for minimal tissue damage to the brain.