UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

The UpFrontPSMA trial evaluated [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 plus docetaxel versus docetaxel alone in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The study met its primary endpoint, showing a significant increase in undetectable PSA at 48 weeks in the [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 plus docetaxel arm. Secondary endpoints also favored the experimental arm, indicating potential efficacy in mHSPC management without increased toxicity or impact on quality of life.

The Allan Labor Government approved 245 new homes at the former Pentridge Prison site in Coburg, ensuring the project avoids VCAT delays. The development will revitalize the area with sustainable, vibrant precincts near public transport, schools, and amenities. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny emphasized the government's focus on fast-tracking well-planned developments close to public transport and services.

The Australia & New Zealand research antibodies market is projected to reach USD 77.6 million by 2030, driven by R&D initiatives, government investments, and growth in neurobiology & stem cell research. Key players include Abcam, Bio-Rad Laboratories, BD, Merck, Lonza, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cell Signaling Technology, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Agilent Technologies, and Revvity.

The Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium Limited (VPCC Ltd) is established with $35 million from the Government and $10 million from the Children's Cancer Foundation, aiming to develop safer therapies and treatments for childhood cancer. Led by Dr Udani Reets, the consortium includes partners like Hudson Institute, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and the Children's Cancer Foundation, focusing on enhancing collaboration and delivering a childhood cancer survivorship program.

The Allan Labor Government establishes the Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium with $35 million, aiming to transform childhood cancer research through targeted investment, earlier diagnosis, and better treatments. The Consortium, led by Dr Udani Reets and supported by $10 million from the Children's Cancer Foundation, unites leading institutions to advance paediatric cancer research and improve outcomes for affected children worldwide.

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is diagnosed when cancer cells spread but origin is unclear. CUP patients face poor outcomes and long diagnostic journeys. Genomic technologies, like whole-genome sequencing, aim to identify CUP origins, guiding targeted treatments. A blood test using cell-free DNA is being developed to speed up diagnosis and improve patient outcomes, supported by collaborations like The Advanced Genomics Collaboration (TAGC).

PharmAla Biotech signed a contract to supply MDMA to Harvard Medical School for a clinical trial on borderline personality disorder. The trial, pending grant funding, aims to study MDMA's mechanistic effects. PharmAla supports researchers with a customer-centric approach, facilitating the complex regulatory process required for MDMA trials.

Largest whole-exome sequencing study of epilepsy (54,000 exomes) identifies strong genetic links, particularly in ion channel genes, across multiple epilepsy subtypes. Findings suggest synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability as therapeutic targets, with data accessible via the Epi25 WES Browser.

Melbourne researchers created blood stem cells resembling human ones, potentially enabling personalized treatments for children with leukaemia and bone marrow failure. The lab-grown cells, developed by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, can be transplanted into immune-deficient mice, mimicking successful umbilical cord blood cell transplants. This breakthrough could address donor shortages and prevent complications from mismatched transplants.

A new Cochrane Library Editorial calls for global implementation of antenatal magnesium sulphate to prevent cerebral palsy in preterm babies. The drug, costing around £5 per dose, has been confirmed by a recent Cochrane review to reduce cerebral palsy rates by 30%. Despite WHO recommendation since 2015, widespread implementation remains a challenge. Successful programs like PReCePT in England have shown significant impact, but global uptake is still incomplete, especially in low-resource settings.