FDA accepts Mesoblast’s responses
Biotech company Mesoblast has announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Mesoblast’s Biologics License Application (BLA) resubmission for Ryoncil (remestemcel-L) in the treatment of children with steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease (SR-aGVHD). According to a statement, the FDA considers the resubmission to be a complete response and Mesoblast anticipates a decision on or before on sale of the drug before January 7, 2025. Mesoblast’s resubmission on July 8, 2024 addressed remaining Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control items raised by the FDA. Mesoblast CEO Dr Silviu Itescu said: “We are pleased that FDA has accepted our BLA resubmission for review, and look forward to the potential approval of RYONCIL for children with SR-aGVHD.”
Austral Bricks launches new brick and paver ranges
Australia’s largest brick manufacturer Austral Bricks’ has released two new additions to its range that the company says play with texture to make a lasting impact in the echo of traditional streetscapes. Joining the Brickworks’ group’s designer collections are a new brick series and paving range, ‘imbuing the traditional materials with enhanced durability and visual flair’. “Each product gives shade ranges a textural twist to make a statement across spaces residential to commercial.” Austral’s Vogue collaction starts with classic clay hues and adds a chic and modern look. The company’s Oakdale Pavers (pictured) were created in response to a meticulous analysis of trending colourways.
Boeing Ghost Bat jet could be armed – Minister Thistlethwaite
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned jet aircraft being built for the RAAF by Boeing could be armed in future, according to the Assistance Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite. Speaking on Sky News Thistlethwaite was asked whether the aircraft, which will fly alongside manned aircraft, was for surveillance or whether it would be a ‘killer drone’. “There’s still the option to arm it as far as I’m aware. When I was at the (Boeing) facility in Melbourne, the people that were working on the programme from Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force did indicate that the program has the capability in the future to be an armed and a combat drone, if you like. Those decisions will be made in the future.” Thistlethwaite said the Ghost Bat had great export potential.
Wellnex Life raises cash in preparation for London listing
Healthcare manufacturer Wellnex Life’s proposed dual listing on the Main Board of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) has been given a boost with a successful $2 million capital raise. The company raised the cash in a placement involving UK
based brokers and high net worth investors. The funds, along with IPO proceeds received once the company is listed on the LSE, will be used to retire all outstanding debts of the company, as well as to provide working capital in order to fund international expansion. The CEO of Wellnex Life George Karafotias said: “The strong support demonstrated from UK investors in the completed placement, validates the direction that the company is headed.”
Australian Manufacturing Week heads to Brisbane in 2026
Event organiser AMTIL has announced that Australian Manufacturing Week will be held in Brisbane in 2026, the first time it will have been outside of Sydney or Melbourne. According to an update from AMTIL on Thursday, the attraction of one of the country’s largest manufacturing events continues a program of Queensland Government initiatives that highlight the state’s thriving manufacturing sector. The event will be held in the heart of South Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, with “thousands of delegates and more than 150 exhibitors attend the city for the weeklong celebration”. “Queensland manufacturers regularly exhibit at this event so it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase Queensland’s thriving manufacturing sector,” said Queensland minister for manufacturing Glenn Butcher. CEO of AMTIL, Lorraine Maxwell, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be taking Australian Manufacturing Week to Brisbane in 2026, in collaboration with the Queensland Government… Queensland manufacturers have been regular visitors and exhibitors at Australian Manufacturing Week since its inception and so it’s absolutely time for us to bring this flagship event to the state of sunshine, innovation and world-class manufacturers.”
Wine Australia cancels Alex Russell’s licence
Federal government agency Wine Australia announced on Thursday that it has cancelled the export licence held by Alex Russell Wines. Wine cannot be exported from Australia without an export licence issued by Wine Australia. “There are no concerns about health or safety for consumers of the wine” it added. “Alex Russell Wines Pty Ltd may make an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of this decision in accordance with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.” Separately, Russell & Suitor Wines’ application for an export licence was refused by Wine Australia, with the company able to make an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. “Wine Australia is not able to comment further as this matter is subject to an ongoing investigation” it said.
State’s first commercial agave crop planted
Plant-based technology company Vircura, working in conjunction with The Madgett’s Block, has planted the first commercial agave crop in South Australia, primarily to produce agave spirit. According to a statement from the company, the site will grow 1,200 agave tequilana plants, also known as blue agave. Vircura General Manager Adam Djekic said the plants would take between three and six years to grow, and once at maturity, they would partner with The Madgett’s Block owners Oli and Tara Madgett to find a buyer interested in distilling. “Agave crops are completely new to South Australia and we see it as an emerging commercial industry,” said Djekic said. “Tequila is one of the fastest growing spirits popularity-wise internationally, and it is an industry which could grow significantly in Australia over the coming years.” Vircura Chief Scientific Officer Professor Rachel Burton said agave is a “wonder plant” with many uses, including to produce bioethanol and hydrogen production.
Picture: Austral Bricks