MONASH UNIVERSITY

Australian researchers at Monash University have made significant progress in developing a hormone-free male contraceptive pill by 3D mapping a key bodily protein, overcoming previous obstacles that affected sperm viability and health. The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, aims to create a pill suitable for young men without long-term side effects.

Cobenfy, a new class of medication for schizophrenia, has been approved by the FDA. Developed by Monash University scientists, it combines xanomeline and trospium to improve symptoms and reduce side effects.

A social media claim that products must be toxic to be approved as medication is false; toxicity is not a prerequisite for approval by health regulators. All substances can cause harm at certain levels, but medicines can be used safely if used as directed. LD40/LD50 tests are used in toxicology but are not required for medicine approval; regulators use NOAEL values instead.

Monash University scientists determined the 3D structure of P2X1 using cryo‐EM, crucial for developing a hormone-free, reversible male contraceptive pill. This breakthrough addresses previous challenges in targeting P2X1, aiming to provide a viable contraceptive option for men without long-term fertility impacts.

A team flagged data-integrity issues in 130 studies by a biomedical researcher, Ahmed Abbas, and colleagues, published between 2014-2023. Concerns include odd statistics, unfeasible results, and duplicated text. Eleven studies have been retracted, impacting clinical practice. Women’s health specialists are developing strategies to prevent questionable data publication.

A study in CANCER found higher risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure hospitalization in older cancer survivors, with chemotherapy linked to elevated rates. Cardiovascular disease incidence was greatest in patients with metastatic, blood, and lung cancers. Early screening and preventive measures are crucial for mitigating these risks.

The Liberal National Coalition believes in Australia's life sciences and biotech sector's potential, highlighting strengths like health research, clinical trials, and biotech companies. The speaker criticizes current Labor Government policies for hindering sector growth, citing funding cuts and anti-business policies. They advocate for a Coalition approach focusing on commercializing research, attracting private investment, leveraging sector strengths, and avoiding picking winners, as demonstrated in past policies like the Medical Research Future Fund and National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Newly diagnosed epilepsy patients face drug choice challenges; levetiracetam, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and oxcarbazepine compared for adverse events, with levetiracetam linked to higher aggression and discontinuation rates. Lamotrigine favored for lower side effects but requires careful titration.

Desai Sethi Urology Institute researchers found that prostate cancer patients with the adrenal-permissive HSD3B1 allele had better survival outcomes when treated with ADT plus enzalutamide or ADT plus nonsteroidal antiandrogen, reversing poor genetic outcomes.

Leon Serry AM, known as the father of Australian biotech, founded Circadian (now Opthea Ltd) and pioneered the industry, overcoming scepticism and funding crises. He was a notable investor, philanthropist, and mentor, supporting early-stage biotechs and contributing to the commercialization of biomedical science. Serry was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his significant service.