Newsroom.

AusBiotech has continued publishing ‘30 success stories in 30 days’ on its website, showcasing the impressive achievements of Australia’s biotechnology industry. Read installments 4 – 9 of the stories about companies, people and products that have contributed to the success of the sector.

(4/30) The R and D Tax Incentive: The fourth success story of biotechnology is the much-loved R&D Tax Incentive. In public policy terms, the 2011 introduction of the R&D Tax Incentive was a momentous and pivotal inflection point for Australian innovation. 

(5/30) The cervical cancer vaccine: Ranking among Australia's most successful biotechnology success stories is the Gardasil® cervical cancer vaccine. From its origins in ground-breaking research at The University of Queensland (UQ), to its use in over 120 countries worldwide, it is saving the lives of 250,000 people every year. 

(6/30) Cochlear and the cochlear implant: As AusBiotech was in its establishment phase 30 years ago, the first children were receiving cochlear implants; a landmark event for one of Australia’s major success stories, Cochlear Limited, which was established in 1981 and has since led to profoundly changed lives for more than 350,000 people. 

(7/30) Hatchtech: When Hatchtech signed a licensing deal late last year worth up to AU$ 279 million for its head lice treatment, it joined the ranks of Australian venture capital and biotechnology success stories and provided more evidence that Australian research can make it from the university to the market. 

(8/30) Minomic International Ltd: Sydney-based immuno-oncology company, Minomic International Ltd, was jointly awarded a prestigious Australian science prize recognising ‘outstanding’ science that uses its patented antibody. 

(9/30) Bionomics and Dr Deborah Rathjen: South Australian-based Bionomics has gone from strength-to-strength with dynamic deal flow under the leadership of Dr Deborah Rathjen, who also claims the mantle of AusBiotech’s longest-serving Chair. 

‘30 success stories in 30 days’ stared in 1 February and will reach a crescendo on 1 March 2016 with the launch of the 30th anniversary historic edition of the journal, Australasian Biotechnology. Previous success stories in the series include:

• (1/30) CSL Limited;
• (2/30) Spinifex Pharmaceuticals;
• (3/30) Emeritus Professor Nancy F Millis:

This year will see a range of activities to celebrate the occasion, including a special edition of the journal, a gala luncheon event mid-year, the International BioFest 2016 in October - the largest ever gathering of life sciences in Australia.

AusBiotech marked 30 years since the industry organisation was founded as the Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA) on 28 December 2015. Fifteen years later (and 15 years ago) in May 2001, the ABA became AusBiotech, after a vote at the 2000 AGM determined that the association should become an industry organisation.