Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

ResMed sends thousands of ventilators to India

Sleep apnoea treatment company ResMed is sending 28 pallets of the company’s hospital ventilators to India (pictured). CEO Mick Farrell said the thousands of devices would help with the latest Covid case surge in the country. “Thanks to our teams in Atlanta, Sydney, and Singapore for stepping up to produce and provide for preservation of life.”

Mesoblast stem cells reduce Covid deaths

Biotechnology group Mesoblast has released new data that indicates its stem cell treatment significantly cut deaths among seriously ill Covid-119 patients – but only among the young. The study showed its remestemcel-L infusion cut deaths by 46 per cent patients under age 65 on ventilators, but not in those older. When taken with the anti-inflammatory dexamethasone, deaths were cut by 75 per cent, compared to the anti-inflammatory alone. Mesoblast and pharma company Novartis have an agreement for the manufacture of remestemcel-L.

Star Combo Pharma expands product offerings and factory

Health and beauty products manufacturer Star Combo Pharma has developed 19 new product formulations as it gears up for expanded capacity at its nutraceutical manufacturing site in Smithfield, Sydney. The company’s has begun buying equipment for 13 new production lines in an $11 million investment, according to a company update. March quarter cash receipts were $6 million, down 13 per cent on the previous quarter. The company said there was strong and growing demand for Australian made product, with the company also transitioning to increase contract manufacture.

InteliCare raises cash for sales expansion

Predictive analytics hardware and software producer InteliCare has raised $2.5 million to support increased sales activity. The company combines artificial intelligence, smart sensors and an internet of things (IoT) platform to improve outcomes in aged care and health sectors. The cash will expand B2B and B2C sales teams and fund additional marketing campaigns.

Boeing and Queensland team up to support start-ups

Boeing Australia is collaborating with the Queensland government to identify local start-ups with technologies in aerospace. Part of the company’s HorizonX program, Boeing aims to identify 10 start-ups in the first year to receive mentoring, technical and business evaluation, and potentially, investment. Focus areas are advanced robotics, space, industry 4.0, sustainability, and autonomous systems.

Optiscan Imaging progresses research projects

Microscopic imaging technology company OptiScan Imaging received orders from Carl Zeiss Meditec for $350,000 in a March quarter dominated by continuing research projects. The company began stage three of its Breast Cancer Surgical Margin Assessment Trial at Royal Melbourne and Epworth hospitals. It also began imaging of patients in its trial at the University of Melbourne Dental School. Third party testing continues of its InVivage clinical device for cancer screenings and surgeries, in preparation for an application to the US Food and Drug Administration.

DXN sales rise on new data centre orders

Modular data centre manufacturer and operator DXN has reported cash receipts of $1.5 million for the March quarter, bringing year to date cash receipts to $4.5 million, up 35 per cent on the previous corresponding period. New sales in the quarter included a $1 million order from Covalent Lithium in Western Australia, and a $700,0000 order for a communications module for Boeing Defence Australia.

De.mem’s record quarter

Water and wastewater treatment company De.mem reported $3.9 million in cash receipts in the March quarter, 18 per cent up on the previous corresponding period. The company grew income form its build, own, and operate contracts which also provide consumables to water treatment projects. During the period the company bought Western Australian specialty chemicals business Carpic for $5.1 million, giving it access to a big mining industry client base.

Image: ResMed

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