About AusBiotech.

The contributions of biotechnology industry leader Mr Peter Turvey are being recognised by AusBiotech as it acknowledges the passing of a friend and former board member.

Mr Peter Turvey served on the AusBiotech Board as an elected Director from 2011 – 2014, and supported the industry organisation’s advocacy work. He also served as the Chair of the Risk & Audit Sub-Committee.

Dr Anna Lavelle, AusBiotech CEO from 2006 -2016, said: “As CEO of AusBiotech it was a privilege to have Peter Turvey as part of the board. He was many things, including, smart, funny, thoughtful, pragmatic, caring and a polished professional. I learnt a great deal from Peter and miss his presence in the world. There are many grieving his passing, as one does a unique human being. I think Peter would have been quietly content that he made an important contribution to many people and to his sector.”

Peter Turvey was formerly the Manager of Intellectual Property and Company Secretary of CSL, before assuming the role of Principal at Foursight Associates.

After completing his law degree, Peter went into private practice and in 1984 joined Biotechnology Australia, then Australia’s largest biotechnology company, as the Manager of Intellectual Property and Company Secretary.

In 1992, Peter joined CSL as its first in-house Corporate Counsel and was appointed Company Secretary in 1998. Peter was heavily involved in CSL’s acquisitions and divestments, including CSL’s largest commercial transactions of that time: the acquisition of ZLB and Aventis Behring, and the divestment of CSL’s animal health business to Pfizer. He was also involved in the protection and licensing of the company’s intellectual property.

Dr Sergio Scrofani, AusBiotech Director and Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development at CSL said, “Peter made a significant contribution to our company including through CSL’s transformation from a government owned enterprise to a public company in 1994. He was instrumental to CSL’s formative years as a global company, and he leaves behind a valuable legacy as colleague, friend and mentor to many within the Australian biotech sector.

Peter is fondly remembered and respected by those who had the privilege of working with him during his long tenure at CSL.”

AusBiotech extends sincere condolences to his family and colleagues.

It is with sorrow that AusBiotech acknowledges the passing of Living Cell Technologies (LCT) Founder, Emeritus Professor Sir Robert Elliott.

Chairman Dr Bernie Tuch has paid tribute to one of Australasia’s foremost scientific entrepreneurs.

“Bob leaves an incredible legacy,” said Dr Tuch, “one we are humbled to be a part of. We were fortunate to have Bob on the Board right up until his death. At 86 years of age he was still coming up with new ideas.”

Sir Robert co-founded LCT (initially called Diatranz) with Auckland businessman David Collinson in 1987 aiming to commercialise his research into type 1 diabetes. Long-term AusBiotech member, the Australasian biotech company is now improving the wellbeing of people with serious diseases worldwide by discovering, developing and commercialising regenerative treatments that restore function using naturally occurring cells. LCT has been actively engaged in AusBiotech’s flagship investment events as well as involved in AusBiotech-led BIO delegations.

Dr Tuch continues, “The medical, scientific and biotechnology communities in New Zealand have lost a tireless researcher and a visionary pioneer. Long before Bob founded LCT, he was at the forefront of child health research in New Zealand.

“His research into cystic fibrosis and type 1 diabetes was world renowned and he contributed to other biotechnology success stories including A2 Corporation and Somnaceutics.”

Sir Robert trained as a paediatrician at Adelaide University. He moved to New Zealand in 1970 to become the Foundation Professor, Director of Paediatrics at The University of Auckland. A world leader in diabetes and autoimmune related research, he published more than 200 research papers and was an Emeritus Professor of Child Health Research.

A knighthood was recently awarded to Sir Robert in recognition of services to medical research. In 2011 he was awarded the prestigious World Class New Zealander (Life Sciences) award. In 1999 he was awarded a CNZM (a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) for services to the community.

AusBiotech sends its condolences to Robert’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

It was with sadness that AusBitoech acknowledges the passing of Dr John Holaday (1945-2019). During his time in Australia, John was an active AusBiotech member who regularly spoke at its conferences and was featured in its journal. His contribution to the global and Australian biotech scene is respected, and he will be missed.

Last week, in North Carolina, USA, John was the victim of a random shooting – an innocent bystander, he was shot as he was walking to a business meeting. John was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and died days later.

John was a serial entrepreneur in life sciences, raising over $500m in private and public rounds of financing. Most recently he was the chairman, founder and CEO of DisposeRx, which is dedicated to eradicating the misuse of leftover opiod medication through disposal in a safe manner. He was also Chairman of Baltimore-based start-up Aireon Therapeutics, President of Exosis: a start up developing a novel, personalized cancer treatment, and a member of multiple Boards.

David Langsom, Editor, Biotech Daily, reflects, “He was one of the CEOs who actually listened to alternative views. We got on very well. The first time Marc Sinatra and I met him at Donato’s restaurant in Bourke Street, we thought Bill Clinton had walked in the room. Tall, a thatch of neat, silver-white hair brushed back, good suit, Southern accent, charismatic ... you all know John. I shall miss him. A tragic waste of a good person’s life.”

John was CEO of QRxPharma, Sydney, Australia for seven years (2007-2014). The biotech company addressed acute and chronic pain management, based on a patented dual opioid concept. QRxPharma broke the biotech mould of the time, both scientifically and financially. On May 25, QRxPharma (QRX) listed on the ASX with a $50m underwritten offering managed by JP Morgan along with Patersons and Ord Minnett. A record time of only four months elapsed from the start of diligence until completion of the offering.

John was also a board director of Neuren Pharamaceuticals for six years (2007 – 2013) – an Australian ASX-listed biotech company developing new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

John was named Ernst & Young’s Entrepeneur of the Year 2006 Hall of Fame, held more than 80 patents globally, and had published more than 230 scientific articles, book chapters and four books.

AusBiotech sends their condolences to John’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

It is with immense sadness that AusBiotech acknowledge the passing of friend and former board member, Dr Paul Walton, in October 2013.

AusBiotech extends sincere condolences to his wife Suzanne, his family and colleagues at CSL.

“Dr Walton’s contribution to the AusBiotech board provided invaluable leadership to our industry over the last few years, and great support to his fellow board members. He provided wisdom and insight to help us develop the industry and he will be sadly missed,” said Dr Deborah Rathjen, Chairman of AusBiotech.

Dr Anna Lavelle, CEO of AusBiotech said: “Paul offered his support to me generously and provided sound advice about many issues. He was also a good friend and will be missed by many. Paul dedicated his working life to the biotechnology sector and we acknowledge his contributions. A fierce intellect, energetic and passionate - rest in peace.”

Dr Paul Walton was the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at CSL, based in Parkville, Victoria. Dr Walton’s role at CSL included responsibility for corporate strategy, opportunities for corporate growth including mergers & acquisitions, and was Secretary of the CSL Board Innovation and Development Committee.

Dr Walton joined CSL in 1999 and has held various roles in CSL businesses in the USA including CSL Diagnostics and JRH Biosciences in Kansas City, and ZLB Bioplasma in Glendale, California. In these roles Dr Walton worked on acquisitions and mergers of the foundation organisations that formed CSL Behring, particularly the Aventis Behring acquisition where he managed the integration process. Before taking his current role in 2008 he was the Senior Vice President for Business Development at CSL Behring’s USA headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining CSL Dr Walton held research and management roles at Genentech Inc. in San Francisco, Diagnostic Systems Ltd in Houston, GroPep Pty Ltd in Adelaide and the CSIRO. He held a PhD and Master’s degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and a Graduate Certificate from the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Dr Walton joined the board of AusBiotech, while Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development at CSL, in October 2010, and retired in October 2012.

Nancy Millis is one of the pioneers of the study of fermentation technology in Australia, and thought of as the First Lady of biotechnology.

Prof Millis’ areas of interest lie in the general field of biotechnology, more specifically in fermentation, wastewater and environmental biotechnology. Having attained a Master of Agricultural Science (MAgSc) at the University of Melbourne, and then a PhD from Bristol University, Prof Millis was appointed to the position of Lecturer in the Microbiology department at the University of Melbourne from 1953 until 1982, during which time she was awarded a Fulbright travel grant (1954). In 1982, she was made a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Melbourne, a position that she held until 1987. In 1988 she was made Emeritus Professor of the University of Melbourne.

During her career she was appointed MBE - Member of The Order of the British Empire (Civil) - 31 December 1976 for her work in biological sciences and education and appointed AC - Companion of the Order of Australia - 11 June 1990. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Society for Microbiology and of AusBiotech Ltd. From 1981-2001 she chaired the Commonwealth government’s agency for the surveillance of genetic engineering.

The Millis Oration is held each year at the AusBiotech national conference in honour of Prof Millis’ achievements.

Pictured: Prof Nancy Millis with Prof John Shine at the AusBiotech 25 Year Gala Dinner event in 2011.

In 2012, the biotechnology industry was shocked and saddened by the passing of Dr Andrew Baker, a veteran of the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industries.

Dr Baker had been a partner with GBS Ventures since 2002, and had sat on the board of several biotechnology companies, including Hatchtech, Spinifex, Verva, Euthymics and Xenome.

Dr Baker led the initial GBS Venture Partners’ investment in Spinifex that, along with parallel investments from UIIT and Symbiosis, established the company and set Spinifex on the path to develop innovative pain medicines. He was a founding Board member of Spinifex Pharmaceuticals and Chairman through to December 2011.

He had over 28 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and had worked for companies such as Genentech, Bayer and Johnson & Johnson. He was involved in founding of several listed companies and assisting them with commercial growth and product development, combining his scientific and industry expertise.

Dr Baker held a Bachelor of Science with Honours in genetics from the University of Sydney, and completed his PhD at the Australian National University.

In 2011 AusBiotech and the biotechnology community joined family and friends in mourning the loss of significant leader in the Australian biotechnology industry, Dr Mike Hirshorn, Director of Sydney-based Four Hats Capital.

A strong supporter of AusBiotech and its work, Dr Hirshorn has been a member since 2001. His contribution to the industry was highly respected, as a founder and CEO of Cochlear, and a founding director of ResMed.

In 1988 he won BRW Businessman of the Year (Technology) for establishing Cochlear in the US Europe and Japan and in 2004 Mike was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his work in commercialising medical technology.

Dr Hirshorn had a 30 year career of founding, building, managing industry heavyweights and investing in technology companies.

Dr Hirshorn had significant international management expertise in all operational areas from manufacturing to research and development, intellectual property, worldwide marketing and sales, regulatory affairs, government relations, business development and developing strategic alliances with major multinationals.

As a private equity investor, Dr Hirshorn raised funds, invested in companies, played a hands-on role in their growth and achieved exits and IPOs. Mike was been a director on the board of many companies including six portfolio companies, including Dynamic Hearing, LBT Innovations and TGR BioSciences.

AusBiotech CEO Dr Anna Lavelle said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. The biotechnology, science and business communities will feel this loss acutely given his active presence and enormous contribution.”

In 2010 the biotechnology community mourned the loss of Dr Mike Dalling, a pioneering biotechnology scientist and business leader in Australia, who passed away suddenly.

A strong supporter of AusBiotech and its work, Dr Dalling’s companies were AusBiotech members. His contribution to research and development of biotechnology and its commercialisation in Australia was well known and highly respected.

Dr Dalling had worked for many years on the transfer of gene-technology into floriculture, and headed, as MD, the first biotechnology company, Calgene Pacific which worked on producing the previously elusive “blue” rose and carnation. The company later became Florigene, which has recently commercialised the blue carnation.

Dr Dalling led the Victorian Government’s Strategic Industry Research Foundation (SIRF) for many years, where he assisted Victoria’s manufacturing industries. Under his leadership, SIRF coordinated the creation of the Australian “concept” car, pioneered the creation of value from research initiatives and developed a number of alternative business models, including ceramic fuel cells. While at SIRF, it was with his influence that Victoria became a major supporter of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) initiative commenced during the Hawke Government and which continues to this day.

As chairman, director and in advisory roles, Dr Dalling contributed to many public, private and not-for-profit organisations, including Nufarm Ltd, the Lighthouse Foundation, the Medical Imaging CRC, Victoria University, Benitec, Neural Diagnostics, the Birchip Cropping Group, Cougar Energy and Biomass Conversion Technologies. He had also spent many years as a senior academic in the School of Agriculture at Melbourne University.

AusBiotech CEO Dr Anna Lavelle said: “The biotechnology, science and business communities alike have experienced a great loss with the passing of Mike Dalling. His legacy remains in the companies, organsations and in the industry that he worked tirelessly to develop for the public good.”

AusBiotech members will be deeply saddened at the premature death of Greg Lonergan, one of the founding members of the Association.

Greg was born in Perth forty nine years ago. He attended the University of Western Australia after matriculating as top student at Narrogin Agricultural Senior High School in the grain and livestock belt where he was also school captain. During this period he was a delegate to the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Conference in Adelaide. At University he began a medical course but later changed to science and graduated with first class honours in biochemistry. After graduation he was employed by CSR in Perth and later moved to Melbourne with the same company.

In 1983 he was appointed tutor in biochemistry at Swinburne University of Technology which had developed a course based on fermentation, industrial biochemistry and microbiology. His industrial experience was invaluable in this course. Within a short period he was promoted to lecturer and then senior lecturer and contributed to the teaching and research in biological aspects of waste management, an area where he was to work for the remainder of his career.

He established an affiliation with the Swinburne Centre for Applied Colloid Science and subsequently, due to the expansion of biologically based projects, this centre was renamed as the Centre for Applied Colloid and Biocolloid Science. His interests in waste management encompassed specific topics such as biological methods of detection of toxic compounds, detoxification of toxic materials using biological based systems, decolouration of industrial based dyes, scale up fermentation techniques, the role of manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase and laccase and other enzymes in detoxification mechanisms and the chemistry and biology of compost and its possible use in biodegradation.

Within the centre he commenced a PhD project related to biological degradation of organic dyes and particularly remazol brilliant blue R. The project encompassed an examination of the growth parameters leading to maximum enzyme yield of his freshly isolated, high laccase-producing fungus which he identified as Pycnoporus cinnabarinus. Problems associated with scale up from bench to large scale fermentation were also examined,

Greg also had extensive involvement with Visy Industries and the Co-operative Research Centre for International Food Manufacturing and Packaging Science. Projects undertaken included the enzymatic de-inking and enzyme assisted watering of recycled paper products and degradation of recalcitrant polymeric material. A project of particular interest which he supervised was associated with development of biodegradable polymers.

His interests included the Australian Biotechnology Association founded in 1986. He was a foundation member, its inaugural treasurer and served terms on state committees once they were established. At the time of his passing the Association (now named AusBiotech) was flourishing.