Laboratory News & BioScience May 2017

In association with The NZ Microbiological Society Inc. VOL. 22 No. 1 JUNE 2012 ISSN 1172-7101 

Issue 118 | May 2017 

THE MAGAZINE FOR LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS 

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NOW INCORPORATING 

First evidence of rhinoceros’ ability to 

correct gender imbalance 

Research led by Victoria University 

of Wellington has demonstrated the 

ability of rhinoceros to modify the 

sex of their offspring to avoid the 

dominance of one gender and limit 

severe competition for breeding. 

The study, led by Associate Professor 

Wayne Linklater from Victoria’s School 

of Biological Sciences, provides the first 

experimental evidence in the wild that unbalanced 

population sex ratios can result in 

a compensatory response by parents to ‘correct’ 

the imbalance. 

“This is called a homeostatic sex allocation 

(HSA) response—a biological theory first proposed 

in 1930,” explains Associate Professor 

Linklater. 

“Almost all population models assume 

birth sex ratio is fixed. Our evidence indicates 

that this may not be the case.” 

The study, published today in Nature Ecology 

& Evolution, was co-authored by Dr Peter 

Law from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 

in South Africa, Pierre du Preez from 

Namibia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism, 

and former Victoria University postdoctoral 

researcher Dr Jay Gedir. 

The research team examined 24 years of 

rhinoceros data, gathered during the course 

of 45 reintroductions of the animals across 

southern Africa. 

Sex-bias is especially important 

in rhinoceros populations due to 

their critically low numbers, says 

Associate Professor Linklater. 

“But because of the evidence 

of HSA, we need not be so concerned 

about that misbalance, 

because parents appear able to 

‘correct’ it when they breed. 

“HSA has an especially strong 

effect when the gender imbalance 

is very large. In fact, the further 

it is from an even-sex ratio, 

the stronger the response is by 

parents.” 

Associate Professor Linklater 

says that those populations where HSA is 

possible will be more resilient. “Their small 

populations will have improved establishment 

and greater viability. Such species will 

populate habitats faster, and be less susceptible 

to random demographic processes and 

Continued on page 3 

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NEW ZEALAND LABORATORY NEWS | NEW ZEALAND BIOSCIENCE 

ISSUE 118 | MAY 2017 

QIAGEN joins CANCER-ID consortium for 

liquid biopsy workflows 

Public-private partnership aims to 

standardise and clinically validate 

blood-based biomarkers 

Recently announced it has joined CAN- 

CER-ID, a public-private consortium 

aiming to establish standard protocols 

and clinical validation for blood-based biomarkers 

in lung and breast cancer. 

Rapid advances in the use of liquid biopsies, 

which enable cancer treatment and 

monitoring through the identification of 

circulating tumor cells and tumor-related 

nucleic acids in blood samples, have highlighted 

the need for standardised methods 

and workflows to avoid unreliable or even 

false analytical test results, including sequencing 

bias. The CANCER-ID consortium 

of 36 partners from 13 countries is a project 

of Europe’s Innovative Medicines Initiative 

(IMI) and will conduct clinical trials using liquid 

biopsy methods as part of its efforts to 

accelerate the development of better and 

safer medicines for patients. 

“QIAGEN is pleased to be joining CAN- 

CER-ID to help develop standards and conduct 

clinical validation to enable broad 

adoption of reliable molecular analyses from 

liquid biopsies. Personalised healthcare is 

providing life-saving genomic insights, and 

blood-based biomarkers offer the potential 

to transform diagnosis and patient monitoring 

due to significantly easier access,” said 

Markus Sprenger-Haussels, senior director 

and head of sample technologies in the life 

sciences business area. 

“Creating standardised methods for liq- 

uid biopsies, as well as standards for Sample 

to Insight workflows, is key to enabling routine 

with the highest quality samples, upfront 

processing and links to analytical tests 

that are critical for achieving actionable insights. 

As a pioneer in developing liquid biopsy 

sample technologies, we look forward 

to sharing QIAGEN’s experience with our 

colleagues in CANCER-ID and contributing a 

wide range of solutions that can help to improve 

outcomes for cancer patients.” 

The consortium’s scientific coordinator, 

Prof. Dr. Klaus Pantel, director of the Institute 

of Tumor Biology at the University Medical 

Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany, 

stated: “We welcome the participation of 

QIAGEN, which has a long track record in setting 

standards in sample processing and in 

molecular testing solutions. CANCER-ID is an 

excellent example of a public-private partnership 

enabling a collaborative research 

approach to come up with novel concepts 

in modern cancer therapy. The consortium 

brings together a large, experienced team of 

experts from academic and clinical research, 

innovative small- to medium-sized enterprises, 

diagnostics and pharmaceutical companies, 

far beyond the scope of traditional 

‘one-on-one’ industry-academia collaborations.” 

Liquid biopsies hold promise for use in a 

range of clinical applications, including disease 

screening in patients for whom surgical 

biopsy is inappropriate, or in repeated testing 

to monitor changes in disease status. 

However, protocols for implementation of 

liquid biopsies are currently very varied, and 

the collection of blood-based biomarkers has 

not yet been standardised. These areas need 

to be addressed since differences in sample 

processing techniques can result in material 

changes of nucleic acid profiles and cause 

genomic bias in subsequent sequencing. 

CANCER-ID intends to develop standards for 

liquid biopsy workflows in breast and lung 

cancer to support downstream applications 

such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) 

and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. 

The consortium also partners with clinical 

studies to validate the use of liquid biopsies 

to identify relevant cancer biomarkers. 

QIAGEN is the only company providing 

basic and clinical researchers with Sample 

to Insight solutions for all three emerging 

liquid biopsy approaches: circulating cellfree 

nucleic acids, circulating tumor cells 

and exosomes. Novel QIAGEN workflows 

include the gold standard QIAamp® Circulating 

Nucleic Acid Kit for manual extraction of 

circulating cell-free nucleic acids; QIAseq® 

cfDNA All-in-One Kit combining cell-free 

DNA extraction and library preparation; 

PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA System for whole 

blood collection and room temperature 

stabilisation of circulating cell-free DNA; AdnaTest® 

cancer products for the enrichment 

and molecular characterisation of circulating 

tumor cells; GeneRead® QIAact Actionable 

Insights Tumor Panel, optimised as the 

first complete NGS solution for analysing either 

liquid biopsies or FFPE tissue samples; 

and QIAGEN Clinical Insight, a bioinformatics 

solution backed by expertly-curated 

and proprietary knowledge databases. 

For information on these technologies, 

please visit www.qiagen.com. 

‘Quake brain’ affecting our memory 

and ability on simple tasks. 

From the University of Otago, 

Christchurch 

Cantabrians’ cognitive abilities – or 

their ability to do simple tasks – appear 

to have been significantly affected 

by exposure to earthquakes, new 

research from the University of Otago, 

Christchurch, has found. 

The research by the campus’ Department 

of Psychological Medicine found a group of 

people affected by the traumatic events of 

the February 2011 quake made 13 percent 

more errors on tasks involving learning the 

way through a maze compared with those 

who had not experienced the disruptive and 

ongoing natural phenomena. 

[ 2 ] 

Head of Psychological Medicine, psychiatrist 

Professor Richard Porter, says the 

‘quake-affected group’ identified as having 

experienced a degree of trauma during the 

February 2011 quake, and included emergency 

responders, those who were injured 

or had a family member injured during the 

quake or whose property or neighbourhood 

had been badly damaged. Despite having 

experienced trauma, this group of people all 

identified themselves as being ‘resilient’. 

They were tested two years after the 

February quake, and their results compared 

with a group of people who had done the 

same test but had no experience of quakes. 

The findings of the research are preliminary, 

meaning they have been analysed but results 

have not yet been published in any scientific 

journal. 

Professor Porter says the research shows 

the ongoing impact of quakes even two 

years after the February event and that there 

is likely to have been a significant effect on 

memory for a large percentage of the population, 

since many were exposed to these 

types of traumas. This problem was even 

greater for people who developed post-traumatic 

stress disorder after the earthquakes. 

The research emphasises that these problems 

are common and others should make 

allowances for these sorts of difficulties. 

“We do not know how long this effect is 

likely to have lasted. We are currently seeking 

funding to re-test the group of people to see 

if their memory has now returned to normal,’’ 

Professor Porter says. 

The research was funded by the University 

of Otago and Canterbury Medical Research 

Foundation (CMRF).


IANZ accreditation keeps water flowing safe 

By Dr Llew Richards, chief executive of 

International Accreditation New Zealand 

Good quality water is critical to our 

survival – no one knows this more 

than International Accreditation 

New Zealand (IANZ). 

IANZ has become a vital component of 

the New Zealand environmental sector 

since our organisation began 44 years 

ago – assessing, with subsequent accreditation 

or recognition, laboratories that test 

for drinking water or water used for food 

preparation and processing, as well as 

those that test for chemical levels and microbiological 

contamination. 

Water is, and always has been, a ‘hot’ 

topic in New Zealand. Following events 

such as the Havelock North water contamination 

disaster in August 2016, in which 

more than 5000 residents became violently 

ill from a campylobacter outbreak, and 

more recently, the tropical storm wreaking 

havoc on Auckland’s water processing systems, 

having safe drinking water is at the 

forefront of public scrutiny. 

At IANZ, our job is to give assurance to 

the users of water that water quality is, in 

fact, good because the testing laboratories 

(that we accredit or recognise) are competent 

in their work. For example, this helps 

those in charge of water processing facilities 

in the instance that if there ever is an 

issue, contamination can in fact be picked 

up in time to notify those whom it may affect. 

Sometimes, as happened in Havelock 

North, water may not be safe to drink so 

having the right testing processes in place 

in order to be able to identify any issues is 

extremely important. Whether effective action 

is taken in order to prevent harm is not 

up to the laboratory (or IANZ) however, the 

authority to move quickly on issues such as 

contamination lies with the facility that the 

laboratories are testing. 

The scope of our work, in terms of water, 

is not only limited to that supplied to 

homes. IANZ must also consider any potable 

water application relating to one of 

New Zealand’s largest industries – tourism. 

Protecting those that enter New Zealand, 

and partake in cultural experiences such 

as visits to Marae or similar attractions, is of 

equal importance to IANZ as well. Our goal 

has always been to consistently give any 

consumer full assurance that the water they 

are drinking is safe and tested by a fully-accredited 

facility. 

IANZ’s work includes the accreditation of 

many other types of testing and calibration 

laboratories, which are either owned by local 

authorities or are run privately. We also 

accredit inspection bodies and radiology 

services to ensure those facilities are technically 

competent to do the work they do. 

Today, regulators and the general public 

recognise and rely on IANZ accreditation to 

make sure test results are technically reliable. 

At IANZ, we are very conscious of what 

we do in terms of protecting the health and 

wealth of New Zealand, as well as the safety 

of our people and the precious environment 

we are lucky to call home. 


First evidence of rhinoceros’ ability 

to correct gender imbalance 

From page 1 

genetic drift.” 

Explaining the allocation of resources by 

parents among male and female offspring is 

a leading issue in evolutionary biology, says 

Associate Professor Linklater. 

“Extreme sex ratios commonly occur, so 

the incidence of HSA will significantly impact 

our understanding of a range of ecological 

processes including invasion biology and 

conservation management.” 

The study was completed with funding 

from the United States Fish and Wildlife 

Service’s Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation 

Fund. 

Associate Professor Linklater now plans 

to do further research into how an HSA response 

works in Australian brushtail possums. 

This includes how competition to 

breed triggers the effect and at what point in 

the reproductive process the mother is able 

to control the sex of her offspring. 

“Possums are ideal subjects for such a 

study because their offspring are born into 

the marsupial pouch at an extraordinarily 

young age—very early in development— 

and so can be studied in great detail,” he says. 

“Possums are also invasive mammals in New 

Zealand. Understanding their reproductive 

processes can provide new ways of managing 

population numbers.” 

IANZ_LabNews_182x89_P.indd 1 

[ 3 ] 

21/03/17 6:16 am



Bigheart at NUS and Holmusk partner to 

innovate healthcare IT for chronic disease 

SINGAPORE - The National 

University of Singapore (NUS) 

and Holmusk, a digital health and 

data analytics company, signed a 

Memorandum of Understanding 

(MOU) recently to explore 

collaborations for improving 

healthcare delivery in the region. 

Under this MOU, the Biomedical Institute 

for Global Health Research 

and Technology (BIGHEART) at 

NUS and Holmusk will establish a working 

relationship on several topics related to 

healthcare IT and medical device development. 

These include personal informatics and 

intervention through healthcare applications, 

such as mobile food logging, diabetes 

management and mental health. 

Another area to be explored is the analysis 

of personal health data from surveys, 

smart phones and wearables, electronic 

medical records and other clinical data. 

"There are many critical healthcare 

challenges faced by both developed and 

developing countries today, " said Professor 

Luke P. Lee, founding director of 

BIGHEART at NUS. "This collaboration 

will allow us to take our interdisciplinary 

research further, by collaborating with 

Holmusk on apps, digital technology and 

predictive analytics. Together, we believe 

we can move closer towards overcoming 

some of the technical barriers that prevent 

good healthcare in the region. 

"BIGHEART at NUS is at the forefront 

of basic and translational healthcare research. 

We are excited to lend our digital 

health and data analytics experience and 

capabilities to these projects, in order 

to commercialise and bring pioneering 

research to the region in a practical and 

sustainable manner," said Nawal Roy , CEO 

and Founder of Holmusk. 

About National University of 

Singapore (NUS) 

A leading global university centred in 

Asia , the National University of Singapore 

(NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, 

which offers a global approach to education 

and research, with a focus on Asian 

perspectives and expertise. 

NUS has 17 faculties and schools across 

three campuses. Its transformative education 

includes a broad-based curriculum 

underscored by multi-disciplinary courses 

and cross-faculty enrichment. More than 

38,000 students from 100 countries enrich 

the community with their diverse social 

and cultural perspectives. 

NUS has three Research Centres of 

Excellence (RCE) and 30 university-level 

research institutes and centres. It is also 

a partner in Singapore's fifth RCE. The 

University has established many research 

partnerships and joint laboratories with 

academic institutions, industry leaders 

and government agencies. Research activities 

are strategic and robust, and NUS 

is well-known for its research strengths in 

engineering, life sciences and biomedicine, 

social sciences and natural sciences. 

The University also strives to create a 

supportive and innovative environment 

to promote creative enterprise within its 

community. 

For more information on NUS, 

visit www.nus.edu.sg 

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[ 4 ]


IANZ accreditation crucial to export market 

By Dr Llew Richards, chief executive of 

International Accreditation New Zealand 

Fundamental to New Zealand’s 

exporting success is our ability to 

produce some of the world’s most 

sought-after products, such as 

dairy and meat, to an exceptionally 

high standard. 

As more than 95 percent of our agricultural 

produce is now exported, New 

Zealand has grown to be one the most 

efficient farming economies globally. We are 

well-respected for our pastoral farming expertise, 

food production systems, research 

and investment in education, animal health, 

farm technology and agricultural science. 

However, in order for New Zealand to 

remain a leading worldwide seller of quality 

agricultural produce, exports must have 

a Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) export 

assurance certificate to make sure the food 

being sold meets the destination countries’ 

standards, commonly known as overseas 

market access requirements (OMARs). The export 

assurance certificate/OMARs essentially 

act as a passport, helping good food (that’s 

passed all the necessary tests) get through 

importing country borders, aiding access into 

overseas markets for New Zealand exporters. 

This is where we, at IANZ, come in. The MPI 

have instituted a Recognised Laboratory Programme 

(RLP) that requires all RLP laboratories 

to be accredited by IANZ for the full range 

of tests that have been stipulated by overseas 

food regulators (such as those in the United 

States, who have a specific testing protocol). 

The last thing overseas markets want is contaminated 

beef or dairy to enter their food 

supply, which is why accreditation is so important. 

When a product, such as dairy, is being 

exported to 152 countries with different 

We exist to ensure these food testing laboratories, 

as well as many other testing and calibration 

laboratories, inspection bodies and 

radiology services, are technically competent 

to do the work they do. Striving to protect 

the health and wealth of New Zealand, as 

well as consumers overseas, helps guard the 

international reputation of the fantastic food 

products our country produces and provides 

to the world. 

Being compliant with the standards does not guarantee a 

because what is tested relates to the materials used, metho 

length and thickness of the glove, etc. In the table below you 

mance for three of our synthetic gloves based on EN16523-1:2 

all comply with the same standards, but as you will notice th 

same level of performance. 

regulations between them, IANZ accreditation 

of the testing laboratories provides THE assurance 

that the specific regulatory require- 

THICKER AND LONGER THE GLOVE, THE BETT 

Chemical name CAS n° Concentration 

ments for those countries are being met. 

SHIELD 

NEO N 

An issue often encountered by labora- 

Thickness (Palm) 0 

tories testing agricultural produce, and the 

Sodium acetate Sat. solution 127-09-3 100% 4 

exporters themselves, is the fact OMARS are 

Acetic Acid 64-19-7 100% 

continually changing, with several OMARs 

issued every year. At IANZ, we are often Hydrochloric carrying 

Acid 7647-01-0 37% 4 

out extension assessments for labora- 

Formic Acid 

tories needing to carry out testing in Acrylamide accordance 

64-18-6 

79-06-1 

98-100% 

40% 

1 

4 

with these new methods. Secondary isoarmyl alcohol 98% 598-75-4 100% 4 

IANZ accreditation also facilitates efficiency 

in business – stopping the need for dupli- 

Ethidium Bromide 1239-45 5% 4 

Chloroform 67-66-3 99,80% 

cate testing. For example, where regulators in 

Dimethyl Formamide (DMF) 68-12-2 99% 

other countries recognise the New Zealand 

process, the product can go straight Dimethyl on the Sulfoxide (DMSO) 67-68-5 99% 1 

market rather than being tested again. Ethanol Dr Llew Richards 

64-17-5 100% 1 

Formaldehyde 50-0-07 37% 4 

Formamide 75-12-7 100% 1 

Isobutanol 78-83-1 100% 4 

Isopropanol 67-63-0 100% 4 

Methanol 67-56-1 99,90% 

Phenol 108-95-2 50% 1 

Sodium Hydroxide 1310-73-2 50% 4 

Thris (hydroxymethyl) 

aminomethane Sat. solution 


77-86-1 100% 4 

DISCLAIMER: The data provided was based on gloves tested under laborato 

information is for guidance only and may not reflect the user’s application. A 

assess the suitability of gloves for a specific application. 

+ 

twinSHIELD 

twinSHIELD techn 

• Double-layered = reduced 

• Stronger = better protecti 

• 2 colours: Red, Orange or 

ding to the risk and a soft 

EN16523-1: 2015 (s 

• Breakthrough occurs whe 

• The test temperature is 2 

• Test results must be with 

samples tested. The lowe 

PPE CAT. III 

AQL 

0,65 

0120 

[ 5 ]



IC-ICP/MS – collected 

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Reliable determination of elemental composition, 

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IC-ICP/MS is the method of choice, as it combines the molecular selectivity 

of IC with the elemental selectivity and sensitivity of ICP/MS. 

Metrohm White Paper WP-008 provides the analytical scientist 

with a method overview and a collection of applications on the 

speciation of the most frequently analyed heavy metals and other 

substances in matrices ranging from foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, all 

kinds of waters to petroleum, soil, and even air samples. 

The full range of Metrohm instruments is available in Australia 

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Online hyphenation of ion chromatography (IC) to inductively coupled plasma mass 

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[ 6 ] 

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M1937 Eco IC Adv NZ 85x277 20161213.indd 1 15/12/2016 12:29


Harsha Chigurupati knows the meaning of 

hard work and determination 

After what took more than 10 

years of research, development 

and clinical trials, the founder of 

Chigurupati Technologies has 

invented India’s first globally 

disruptive technology, NTX 

Technology. 

NTX Technology is a patented 

compound of FDA approved ingredients 

that when infused into 

alcohol, protect the consumer’s liver and 

DNA, without affecting the experience of 

drinking alcohol. 

Harsha Chigurupati began working 

on NTX Technology in 2006, with initial 

steps of proof of concept based upon 

research papers, thorough molecular research 

and proven in vitro and in vivo trials. 

The research performed by his team of 

PhD scientists focused only on metabolic 

pathways that didn't impact the state of 

being intoxicated, and at the same time 

did not affect the way a person would enjoy 

drinking. 

Understanding the potential complications 

of creating a safer way for consumers 

to enjoy spirits, the team sought 

to develop a technology that was stable 

in alcohol, adding minimal taste, and yet 

would be easily approved by any regulatory 

organisations. 

The scientists followed the “GRAS” or 

"generally recognised as safe" ingredient 

list approved by the Federal Drug Administration 

(FDA) and the TTB as a starting 

place then began molecular screening 

through trial and error to find compounds 

that would be stable in alcohol. 

Once the dosage of each element and 

the synergistic combination was optimised, 

the results were proven through 

human clinical trials. 

The result: the creation of NTX Technology, 

a proprietary, patented blend 

of Glycyrrhizin (Licorice Root Extract), 

Manna Sugar (Low Calorie Sugar Crystals 

found in fruits and plants) and Potassium 

Sorbate (White Salt). 

Multiple human clinical trials, conducted 

in both India and the United States, 

found that alcohol infused with NTX technology 

reduced stress and protected the 

liver from alcohol induced stress by up to 

93 percent. 

More astounding was the discovery 

that alcohol begins to cause damage to 

human DNA within a mere 15 minutes 

after consumtion, and that NTX Technology 

also provides protection to the DNA. 

The damaged DNA can then mutate into 

diseased cells, changing the epigenetic 

expression of the genes, as well as increasing 

the probability of other possible 

complications such as allergies or even 

cancer. 

Chigurupati Technologies has entered 

a partnership with Bellion Spirits, a US 

based spirits manufacturer, to introduce 

a full line of alcoholic beverages infused 

with NTX Technology, pioneering a new 

alcohol industry category of Functional 

Spirits which are safer on the body than 

traditional spirits. Alcohol created with 

NTX Technology is already available in 

the United States. 

“It is an exciting development in technology,” 

Chigurupati explained. “More 

than two billion people around the world 

drink alcoholic beverages on a regular basis, 

despite the known detrimental effects 

it can have on the body. To offer a safer, 

smarter option to consumers is an industry 

changing concept, soon to be accepted 

as the norm. It is similar to when the 

automobile was introduced to the market, 

it made horse drawn carriages obsolete.” 

Chigurupati Technologies continues to 

develop additional technologies designed 

to improve consumers lives, reducing the 

impact of age accelerating elements and 

factors in everyday living. 

By leveraging and integrating these 

technologies into consumer goods, these 

advancements are made available and accessible 

to the mainstream market. 

“Evolution is mankind’s ability to overcome 

natural limitations,” Chigurupati 

states. “Through our primary focus on 

research and development, Chigurupati 

Technologies develops new technologies 

that allow us to overcome such limitations. 

Integrating these developments into 

consumer goods, introducing to market 

in a fashion that does not change the way 

people experience, interact and enjoy 

these product, ensures they will choose 

these smarter options.” 


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New global research and development head 

for Hookipa Biotech 

Vienna, Austria: Hookipa Biotech, 

a company pioneering a new class 

of immunotherapies for oncology 

and infectious diseases, recently 

announced the appointment of Igor 

Matushansky, M.D., Ph.D. as R&D 

global head. 

Dr. Matushansky joins Hookipa from 

Daiichi Sankyo, where he was the 

global head of Translational Development 

for Oncology. He led Daiichi Sankyo’s 

international research unit focused on 

early oncology therapeutic programs, strategy 

and development, and was accountable 

for development activities from post-target 

identification basic science research to firstin-man 

trials and proof-of-clinical concept. 

Before that, Dr. Matushansky was at Novartis 

where he was global head for Clinical 

and Scientific Development at its Gene & 

Cell Therapy Unit as well as a global clinical 

programme lead within Novartis’ Oncology 

Translational Medicine Unit. 

Before being recruited to the pharmaceutical 

industry, Dr. Matushansky was a Professor 

at the Columbia University Medical Center 

where he ran an independent laboratory 

and clinic focusing on the molecular biology, 

translational opportunities and clinical trials 

in sarcomas. 

Currently he is an Adjunct Professor of 

Medical Oncology, Columbia University. He 

grew up in New York City where he received 

his undergraduate B.A. degree, summa cum 

laude, from Columbia University. 

He then went on to attend the Albert Einstein 

College of Medicine where he received 

his MD as well as a PhD in Molecular Biology. 

He performed his Internal Medicine residency 

at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill 

Cornell Medical Center and then completed 

a fellowship in Medical Oncology as well as 

a post-doctoral research fellowship in Cancer 

Biology at the Memorial Sloan Kettering 

Cancer Center. 

Commenting on the appointment, 

Hookipa’s CEO, Mr. Joern Aldag said: “Dr. Matushansky’s 

valuable experience heading up 

R&D units at big pharma coupled with his 

significant immuno-oncology expertise will 

be transformative to Hookipa as we expand 

our company from prophylactic to therapeutic 

immuno-oncology focused therapies. 

His impressive and extensive professional 

background makes him a perfect fit for our 

leadership team during an important time 

in our Company’s growth. I look forward to 

working together to achieve our goals and 

strategic priorities for 2017 and beyond.” 

Dr. Matushansky said: “TheraT® has real 

potential both alone and in combination 

with other immune-modulators and/or 

targeted therapies to improve not only the 

current clinical outcomes but the quality of 

life for a wide array of cancer patients. It’s an 

exciting time to join the Hookipa team and 

I am very eager to share my experience in 

drug development to further its mission to 

help patients.” 

Robotics in primary industries 

- the revolution begins! 

The robots are coming, and Professor 

Mike Duke from the University 

of Waikato’s School of Engineering 

recently explained how humans can embrace 

their arrival in his Inaugural Professorial 

Lecture. 

More than 70 percent of New Zealand’s 

merchandise exports come from the primary 

industries, with the Ministry for Primary 

Industries aiming to double primary 

exports from $32 billion in 2012 to $64 billion 

by 20251. 

Professor Duke says increasing labour 

costs, mainly due to the need to import labour, 

and concerns over labour reliability, 

coupled with environmental and health 

and safety legislation are threatening the 

profitability of many primary sector companies. 

He says to address these issues, the 

widespread introduction of robotics and 

smart machinery into New Zealand’s primary 

industries could save companies 

money, improve safety, quality and efficiency. 

“Robots have been used for decades in 

automotive factories and, more recently, 

they’ve been introduced in horticultural 

pack houses. However, ‘in field’ robotics is 

a much more difficult nut to crack, as the 

[ 8 ] 

variability of the environment and products 

makes it far more difficult. 

“Recent developments in computing 

power, algorithms and sensing, combined 

with advances in computer aided design 

and manufacturing technologies are resolving 

many of the problems. This will 

quickly lead to an army of ‘in field’ robots 

and smart machinery, replacing imported 

labour for many repetitive tasks.” 

There are several examples of New 

Zealand-built ‘in field’ prototypes that 

are meeting, or are close to meeting, the 

commercial viability threshold. Once that 

tipping point is reached, there will be a 

revolution in the primary sector as ‘in field’ 

robots perform tasks including harvesting, 

pollination, weed spraying, thinning, 

transportation, quality control and pasture 

repair. 

“As the revolution progresses, we’ll have 

to get used to the sight of robots roaming 

the fields and orchards of New Zealand,” 

says Professor Duke. 

“There are interesting developments 

and opportunities linked to the introduction 

of robotics. One is the redesign of 

agricultural spaces to better utilise robots. 

A second is that New Zealand has a fantastic 

opportunity to not only improve its 

The University of Waikato’s Professor Mike Duke gave his 

inaugural professorial lecture recently. 

primary industry performance, but also 

export hi-tech, high-value machinery and 

services.” 

In his Inaugural Professorial Lecture, 

Professor Duke explained the work of the 

University’s AgriEngineering Research 

Group (and its partners), which aims to 

turn the vision of primary sector robotics 

and smart automation into a reality. 

The lecture, at the Gallagher Academy 

of Performing Arts is the University’s way 

of introducing its newest professors to the 

community. 

1 Ministry for Primary Industries https://www.mpi. 

govt.nz/exporting/overview/growing-exports/


Drug could slow motor neuron disease 

A drug with the potential to delay 

the progression of motor neuron 

disease (MND) could be in human 

trials within three years. 

University of Queensland researchers 

have shown the anti-inflammatory 

drug PMX205 is effective in animals 

with the disease, delaying the progression of 

symptoms and extending survival. 

Associate Professor Trent Woodruff (pictured) 

said a private company would undertake 

formal pre-clinical safety trials with the 

drug. 

“As long as the results from the safety 

studies are positive, the drug could be ready 

to be trialled in patients in 2019,” Dr Woodruff 

said. 

In the meantime, his laboratory at UQ’s 

School of Biomedical Sciences will test the 

drug in a range of motor neuron disease 

models. 

“To date we have only tested the drug in 

one model based on the inherited form of 

MND, but we believe the same inflammatory 

pathway is likely to be active in all forms of 

MND,” Dr Woodruff said. 

“Our next project will focus on sporadic 

MND, which accounts for 90 per cent of patients.” 

There is no known cure for MND, a terminal 

disease with an average life expectancy 

of two and a half years. 

People with MND progressively lose the 

use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow 

and breathe. 

UQ’s Dr John Lee, a Motor Neuron Disease 

Research Institute postdoctoral fellow who 

conducted the research, said PMX205 could 

help manage patient symptoms to improve 

quality and length of life. 

“At the moment, the only drug available 

for patients prolongs survival by two to 

three months at most,” Dr Lee said. 

“In animal models, PMX205 made a visible 

difference to tremors, muscle strength 

and mobility, and if this is reflected in people, 

it could make a real difference to patients.” 

The drug has obtained “orphan drug” 

approval from United States and European 

licencing authorities, which allows for accelerated 

progression to human trials. 

The research published in the British 

Journal of Pharmacology was supported by 

the National Health and Medical Research 

Council and the MND Research Institute of 

Australia. 


Obese people have lower pain 

threshold, new research shows 

An extra layer of fat won’t provide a 

cushion against pain – in fact, obese 

people are more sensitive to pressure 

pain than those who are not overweight, and 

they are equally susceptible to extremes of 

hot and cold. 

A new study, carried out at Leeds Beckett 

University, highlights the differences in pain 

response between different groups of people. 

The results could reinforce the argument 

for weight loss programmes being part of 

pain management plans for obese people 

suffering from chronic pain. 

The team investigated 74 volunteers, categorised 

as obese, overweight or normal according 

to their body mass index (BMI) – a 

standard way of measuring if a person is at a 

healthy weight for their height. 

Volunteers in each group had pressure, 

cold and heat applied to two different areas 

of the body. The first experiment tested the 

hand, at the base of the thumb, an area that 

has little body fat. The second measured responses 

near the waist, in an area where extra 

fat is stored. Volunteers were asked to report 

at what point the pressure, cold or heat first 

felt painful. 

Each volunteer was also asked to report 

their experience of cold pain by putting their 

hands into icy water. Again, they were asked 

to report the point at which they felt pain. 

In the obese group, volunteers reported 

feeling pain from pressures equivalent to 

around 4.3kg per square centimetre, while 

those in the group with normal BMI reported 

pain at about 8.6kg per square centimetre. 

Interestingly, the middle group, those classed 

as ‘overweight’, had a slightly higher pressure 

pain threshold than the ‘normal’ group, with 

pain being reported at 10kg per square centimetre. 

In terms of response to hot and cold temperatures, 

there was no significant difference 

across any of the groups, when tested at the 

waist. Only a small increase in sensitivity was 

reported in tests on the hand, suggesting that 

an extra layer of fat is no protection against 

extreme temperatures. 

“Obese people are more likely to experience 

pain from factors such as the mechanical 

impact of increased weight on joints than 

people with a normal BMI,” explains Dr Osama 

Tashani, a senior research fellow at the Centre 

for Pain Research at Leeds Beckett University. 

“But our study suggests that even in areas of 

the body which are not bearing weight, obese 

people are more susceptible to pressure pain.” 

“The overweight group had the highest 

pressure pain threshold, which might be because 

there were more people in this group 

taking part in physical activities, which could 

also affect how a person feels pain,” says Dr 

Tashani. 

The results, published in the European 

Journal of Pain, show that obese people are 

likely to have the lowest pressure pain threshold 

– but it could also suggest that those with 

a low pressure pain threshold are more likely 

to become obese. 

“It could be the case that a person who is 

more sensitive to pain is less likely to do physical 

activity and therefore more likely to gain 

weight and become obese,” says Dr Tashani. 

The team plan to carry out further research 

into the factors that make people 

more susceptible to pain. This includes examining 

the chemicals secreted by fatty tissues 

in the body which could affect the response 

of pain receptors. 

[ 9 ]



PRODUCT NEWS 

Silver Award for Excellence in Instrumentation 

for Process IC 

Pittcon 2017 in Chicago might be 

a 20-hour flight away (or more) 

from Australia and New Zealand 

Nonetheless at the annual leading 

exposition for laboratory science 

featuring new technology and 

scientific research Metrohm had 

some very good days. 

Pittcon Silver Award for Process IC 

Metrohm, the perennial groundbreaker 

in ion analysis received the Pittcon Today 

Silver Award for Excellence for its recently 

introduced Process Ion Chromatograph. 

The innovative system was presented by 

MetrohmProcess Analytics mid 2016 and 

is now available around the globe. 

The new Process Ion Chromatograph 

(IC) offers a flexible online solution for 

continuous monitoring of ionic compounds 

in liquid media from ng/L to % 

concentrations. With one injection, multiple 

components components can be 

analysed – all together with automated, 

intelligent inline sample preparation and 

injection techniques. 

The wide range of available analytical 

columns, detectors, and equipment 

makes it very easy to adapt lab applications 

to almost any process requirement. 

Metrohm USA also introduced the 

new OMNIS Titration Platform that was 

launched in Australia and New Zealand 

mid last year. The MIRA M-3 – thenew 

RAMAN handheld spectrometer, the new 

low-cost ECO IC for routine analysis and 

teaching labs and Vision Air, the intuitive 

spectroscopy software were presented 

with great success as well. All these products 

are also available in Australia and 

New Zealand at MEP Instruments, a company 

of Metrohm. 

The full range of Metrohm instruments 

is available in Australia and New Zealand 

at MEP Instruments. 

Proud days for Metrohm Process Analytics in Chicago: The new Process Ion Chromatograph wins the 

Pittcon Silver Award for Excellence in Instrumentation 

For further information please contact 

MEP Instruments 

MEP Instruments Ltd (New Zealand) Unit 

E2, 14-22 Triton Drive, 

Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand 

Tel 09 477 0620 Fax 09 476 0631 Email 

info@mep.net.nz, 

www.mep.net.nz 

Alphatech releases a new range of Analytical 

and Semi-Micro Balances from Precisa 

Gravimetrics Switzerland 

The new Precisa 390 H Series are packed 

full of new technology. 

With a 7“shock and scratch resistant 

anti-reflective display, and easy to use menu 

inspired by the best smartphones, you will be 

familiar in seconds with operating parameters 

and applications. 

Other features include Electrostatic Cancellation 

System – Electronic observation of levelling 

– Fully automatic internal self-linearization 

and calibration system – Touchless sensors for 

opening draft shield door, taring or zeroing. 

[ 10 ] 

You will never have to read the manual – 

just watch the video at www.precisa.com 

For further information or help give us 

a call. 

Customer Support: sales@alphatech.co.nz 

Product Manager: Graeme Schofield: 

graeme.schofield@alphatech.co.nz 

Mobile: +64-274-795842 

Alphatech Systems Limited 

A 100% NZ owned & operated company! 

Phone: 0800 257 428


PRODUCT NEWS 

A REVOLUTION IN GLOVE TECHNOLOGY – 

Gloves for hands that need extra protection 


SHIELD Scientific offers a level 

of “compliance, comfort and 

protection” like never before. 

SHIELDskin CHEM gloves have 

been specially designed by Shield 

Scientific for laboratory use and in 

order to protect you from chemical 

hazards while maintaining 

dexterity and feel. 

The polychloroprene/nitrile formulation 

along with the double-dipping process 

known as twinSHIELD technology are 

totally new manufacturing processes. Twin- 

SHIELD technology is the process of manufacturing 

where the inside of the glove is a 

white polychloroprene that provides comfort 

and stability while the outside layer is 

a powder-free red nitrile that offers strong 

chemical resistance. The white polychloroprene 

layer has been washed to ensure that 

there is little to no chemical residue remaining 

from the manufacturing process, significantly 

reducing the unpleasant smell typically 

associated with disposable gloves. 

SHIELDskin CHEM safety gloves have 

a length of 300 mm/12”, which meets the 

minimum liquid proof length requirement 

needed for a glove offering protection from 

chemical hazards as specified in EN 374- 

1:2003. They resist permeation for at least 30 

minutes in 4 out of the 12 chemicals listed in 

EN 374-1:2003. 

To help users in their risk assessments for 

evaluating personal protection to chemical 

exposure, SHIELD Scientific has developed 

one of the most comprehensive chemical 

resistance guides. Testing of chemical 

resistance on SHIELD Scientific gloves was 

conducted by independent reputable testing 

laboratories. This resource can be found 

at http://shieldscientific.com. Here you are 

able to enter chemicals either by CAS number, 

chemical name or product type in order 

to find the level of protection that you have 

with the SHIELD Scientific glove range. 

For more information or to request a 

sample contact LAB SUPPLY 

0800 522 787 | info@labsupply.co.nz 

labsupply.co.nz 

Live imaging and analysis at the nanoscale! 

The new Nanolane N-Lab Station uses 

unique optical sensors to enable labelfree 

live imaging, surface interaction 

studies and topographic analyses at the 

nanometre scale. 

The N-Lab allows live molecular interactions 

to be studied on selected areas and 

adsorption/desorption kinetics of reactions 

to be calculated. Users can assess sample 

surface topography (profile section, roughness, 

3D view) and track structural, morphological 

changes in real time. Applications 

range from molecular biology, surfactants, 

thin films, nanolithography, nanotubes, Lab 

on Chip devices and more. 

The intelligent analytical capabilities 

are due to the patented optical contrastenhanced 

sensors (SEEC Sensors). These 

sensors modify the polarisation of light to 

allow nano-particles and films to be visualised 

in static or dynamic mode, in air or 

liquid. 

The N-Lab Station is fully automated. It 

incorporates an internal microscope with 

motorised stage and autofocus, integrated 

fluidics and temperature control for easy 

and accurate sample analysis. LabSOFT 

software is the user friendly interface that 

facilitates live nanoscale imaging. A proprietary 

algorithm (Q-SEEC) is used for quantitative 

measurements and enables the determination 

of the sample thickness. 

For further details contact 

ATA Scientific Pty Ltd 

+61 2 9541 3500 

enquiries@atascientific.com.au 

www.atascientific.com.au 

[ 11 ]



PRODUCT NEWS 

QIAGEN MoBio - Superior extraction of DNA, 

RNA and Protein from challenging samples 

MO BIO Laboratories, a QIAGEN 

company, provides innovative 

molecular biology research tools 

for the isolation of DNA, RNA 

and protein from a range of 

challenging sample types like soil, 

water, plants, stool and biofilms. 

MO BIO kits have been renamed as of 

January and thus become part of the 

QIAGEN Sample Technology portfolio. 

A list of name changes is available at www. 

mobio.com/cross-ref. The kits will be packaged 

in QIAGEN boxes. In order to standardise 

the components across different products, 

the volume or packaging sizes of the reagents 

may change. The chemical formulation of the 

reagents will NOT be changed. 

The complete line of rebranded nucleic 

acid purification kits can be processed 

manually, or automated on the King- 

FisherTM, epMOTION®, or Hamilton liquid 

handling platform. 

Recently, QIAGEN also added protocols for 

the following manual extraction kits, to be automated 

on the QIAcube: 

• DNeasy PowerSoil 

• DNeasy PowerLyzer PowerSoil 

• QIAamp PowerFecal 

• DNeasy Ultraclean Microbial 

• DNeasy PowerWater 

• DNeasy PowerPlant Pro 

• DNeasy PowerClean Pro 

• RNeasy PowerMicrobiome 


Bio-Strategy 

0800 34 24 66 | info@bio-strategy.com 

www.bio-strategy.com 

Waters ACQUITY® QDa 

Mass Detector 

Alphatech has the pleasure of introducing 

the new Waters ACQUITY® 

QDa Mass Detector enabling Mass 

Detection for Everyone. The ACQUITY QDa 

Detector is a small, easy-to-use and affordable 

mass detector that brings high-quality 

mass spectral information to chromatographic 

separations at the push of a button. 

Mass spectral information greatly enhances 

chemical compound identification, something 

that is very important to laboratories 

doing method development, sample profiling, 

chemical synthesis and purification. 

Designed as a mass detector for liquid 

chromatography, the Waters ACQUITY QDa 

Mass Detector is the first detector of its kind 

to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of analytes 

at UPLC/UHPLC speeds. It is plumbed 

in-line with a UPLC system and optical detector, 

complementing the quantitative 

information obtained with the optical detector 

by consistently giving chromatographers 

high-quality confirmatory mass spectral 

data for every analyte. Just like a PDA 

detector, it powers up in minutes with the 

push of a button, calibrates itself, and runs 

unattended. The single quadrupole mass 

detector operates under Waters Empower 

Chromatography or MassLynx Mass Spec- 

[ 12 ] 

trometry Software. 

First launched in 2013, the 

Waters ACQUITY QDa Mass 

Detector has fundamentally 

changed the way chromatographers 

and other scientists think 

of mass spectrometry and the 

confidence they have in their 

data. For the first time, they 

have a mass detector that can gives them 

instantaneous mass spectral data on every 

sample component; no longer are they required 

to send out samples to a mass spectrometry 

lab for nominal mass data. 

In an article published by Merck1, the authors 

pointed to utility of the QDa Detector 

for reaction monitoring, impurity identification, 

trace genotoxic impurity quantitation 

and biomolecule assays. They further state 

the recent development of this type of detector 

has enabled the “rollout of this important 

technology well beyond the initial user 

base of researchers in drug metabolism and 

bioanalysis to the direct support of research 

areas such as discovery chemistry, process 

chemistry, chemical engineering, manufacturing 

and formulation sciences.” 

The QDa Detector was recognized as 

a top innovation for 2013, the year of its 

launch, by The Analytical Scientist magazine 

and won a Pittcon Editors Silver Award 

in 2014 and in 2017 received a Pittcon Today 

Excellence Gold Award. 

Further information please contact: 

Lesley Hockings - 

lesley.hockings@alphatech.co.nz or 

Trish Fenton – 

trish.sales@alphatech.co.nz 

Alphatech Systems Limited 

A 100% NZ owned & operated company! 

Phone: 0800 257 428 

1. The Emergence of Low-Cost Compact Mass 

Spectrometry Detectors for Chromatographic Analysis 

(TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry) 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ 

S0165993615301795

In association with the NZ Microbiological Society Inc. 

Vol. 26 No. 2 • May 2017 

NEW SpectraMax iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader 

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The SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is the cornerstone of a complete laboratory 

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Bio-Strategy has acquired VWR’s lab supplies businesses in Australia and New Zealand 

for more information please contact 

www.bio-strategy.com | T: 0800 34 24 66 

LN_BioSci_0417_FC_MD_iD3_trsfr.indd 1 

10/04/2017 11:37:58 a.m.


VOL. 26 NO. 2 | MAY 2017 

Friends for Life 

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Researchers at Japan’s Okayama University have 

uncovered a potential new therapeutic target for 

invasive bladder cancer 

The GTP hydrolysing enzyme 

(GTPase), called Dynamin2, 

facilitates the rapid invasion of 

cancer into surrounding tissues; 

inhibiting its activity could limit the 

progression of bladder cancer. 

Bladder cancer is one of the most common 

forms of urological cancer, and 

removal of the bladder remains the primary 

method for treating the condition. 

However, the surgery impacts heavily on 

patients’ quality of life and places considerable 

burden on healthcare services to care 

for those in recovery. Alternative treatment 

methods are sought to reduce the need for 

such drastic surgery. 

Many cancers, including bladder cancer, 

progress via the formation of ‘invadopodia’ 

– protrusions made from bundles of F-actin 

that promote cell invasion by degrading the 

extracellular matrix of healthy cells. A family 

of GTPase known as Dynamin have been implicated 

in cancer progression and invadopodia, 

but the precise mechanisms involved are 

unclear. 

With this in mind, Tetsuya Takeda and coworkers 

at Okayama University investigated 

the role of three types of Dynamin (1, 2, & 3) 

in invasive bladder cancer. They found that all 

the three Dynamin isoforms were expressed 

in bladder cancer cell lines, but that only Dynamin2 

localized to the invadopodia. 

Further examination showed that the 

proline/arginine-rich domain of Dynamin2 is 

vital to the correct formation of invadopodia. 

Takeda’s team found that Dynamin2 interacts 

with cortactin – a protein that can trigger the 

rearrangement of F-actin filaments – and that 

these interactions are crucial for the stable formation 

of invadopodia. When the researchers 

inhibited Dynamin2 in cancer cell lines, they 

observed severe defects in invadopodia formation 

and suppression of cancer cell invasive 

activity. 

While further investigations are needed to 

clarify the mechanisms involved in invadopodia 

formation, these results indicate that Dynamin2 

may provide a valuable therapeutic 

target to reduce the growth and invasiveness 

of bladder cancer. 

Cancer cell invasion 

Cancer cells use invadopodia – protrusions 

on the cell membrane created by bundles of 

F-actin (linear polymer microfilaments) – to 

degrade surrounding tissues (invasion). Invadopodia 

are also implicated in a cancer’s 

ability to metastasize. Scientists believe that, 

if they can work out how to prevent invadopodia 

formation in different cancers, the pro- 

Continued on page 4 


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[ 3 ]



Apeiron Biologics receives green light for 

marketing approval of a neuroblastoma 

immunotherapy in the European Union 

VIENNA, Austria and HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, England: 

APEIRON Biologics AG ("Apeiron") recently announced 

that the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee 

for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has 

adopted a positive opinion recommending the approval 

of dinutuximab beta (ch14.18/CHO; APN311) for 

immunotherapy of high risk neuroblastoma. 

Dinutuximab beta has been generated and profiled by European 

academic institutions originating at the Clinical Cancer 

Research Institute in Vienna (St. Anna Children's Hospital), initiated 

by Prof. Ladenstein. 

The development was extended to multiple clinical trials across 

Europe and abroad, performed by the SIOPEN neuroblastoma study 

group and the German group at the University Children's Hospital 

Greifswald led by Prof. Lode. 

In 2011, Apeiron and SIOPEN joined forces and Apeiron took over 

the lead for commercialisation. More than 1000 patients have been 

treated and the results served as basis for Marketing Authorisation Application 

(MAA) in the EU in 2015. 

In September 2016, EUSA Pharma acquired an exclusive license to 

the global commercial rights to dinutuximab beta. 

Based on the CHMP's opinion (published March 24*), the European 

Commission within two months will issue a formal decision on the 

approval of dinutuximab beta, which is indicated for use in children 

aged 12 months and above with high risk neuroblastoma who have 

achieved a complete or partial response to earlier therapy and those 

with a history of relapsed or refractory disease. 

Dr. Hans Loibner, Apeiron's CEO, said: "We are delighted with the 

[ 4 ] 

NEW ZEALAND 

laboratorynews 

New Zealand Laboratory News and Bio Science 

is published alternate months by 

Waikato Business Publications 

PO Box 1425, Hamilton, New Zealand 

Ph (07) 838 1333 | Fax (07) 838 2807 | Email: labnews@wbn.co.nz 

Editor: Mike Blake 

Please submit editorial contributions to: mike@wbn.co.nz 

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Production Manager: Tania Hogg 

Please submit advertising material to: production@wbn.co.nz 

CHMP positive opinion for approval of dinutuximab beta for immunotherapy 

of high risk neuroblastoma, an area of significant unmet 

medical need. 

“We regard this as key step in the successful development of our 

company." 

Dr. Oliver Mutschlechner, Apeiron's VP Regulatory Affairs, added: 

"This was a complex but highly rewarding collaborative effort over 

several years between academic institutions and support companies**, 

coordinated and led by a dedicated group at Apeiron." 

Lee Morley, EUSA Pharma's CEO, said: "This positive CHMP opinion 

is an important milestone for EUSA as we work to bring dinutuximab 

beta to children suffering from the high risk form of the devastating 

disease, neuroblastoma. Following this positive opinion in Europe, as 

the next step we plan to submit dinutuximab beta for approval in the 

United States." 

*) http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/ 

news_and_events/news/2017/03/news_detail_002712. 

jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 

**) Key external support provided by Granzer Regulatory Consulting & 

Services (www.granzer.biz/) 

Researchers at Japan’s 

Okayama University have 

uncovered a potential 

new therapeutic target for 

invasive bladder cancer 

From page 3 

gression and invasiveness of the cancer could be better contained and 

more easily treated, thus reducing the need for surgery and more aggressive 

treatments. 

The Dynamin family proteins play a key role in the absorption of 

hormones and proteins by healthy cells. However, Dynamin2 has also 

been implicated in cancer cell migration and metastatic invasion because 

of its ability to stabilize actin-based structures. This led Tetsuya 

Takeda and his team to hypothesise that Dynamin2 may be involved 

in the formation of F-actin-based invadopodia. Their results show that 

Dynamin2 is a vital component of correct invadopodia formation in invasive 

bladder cancer. More precisely, interactions between Dynamin2 

and the cortactin protein create more stable F-actin structures, encouraging 

invadopodia growth. 

Implications of the current study 

The discovery that Dynamin2 plays a crucial role in the correct 

formation of invadopodia could inform future treatments for bladder 

cancer. Takeda’s team successfully inhibited Dynamin2 activity in cancer 

cell lines, leading to defective invadopodia and the suppression of 

the cancer’s invasive properties. Following further investigations, the 

same principle could be carried forward to create a new bladder cancer 

therapy that targets Dynamin2.


Quest for better beer hops ahead 

The growing craft beer industry is about to hop 

ahead with new University of Queensland research 

supported by the Queensland Government. 

UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences PhD student 

Edward Kerr has been awarded an Advance Queensland 

PhD scholarship to work with Newstead Brewing Co in Brisbane 

improving efficiency in craft beer production. 

“It’s a dream PhD because it’s on an interesting topic with some 

fascinating science involved and the chance to transfer this knowledge 

to industry,” Mr Kerr said. 

“Beer is the world’s oldest and mostly widely consumed alcoholic 

drink, and it was brewed as long ago as 9500 BC. 

“Although it’s an established industrial process, many details of 

the underlying biochemistry are unknown, which can lead to severe 

inefficiencies and product variability. 

“My project aims to understand how differences in yeast and malt 

can influence the biochemistry, production and product qualities of 

beer.” 

Mr Kerr’s supervisor, Dr Ben Schulz, said the project would use 

new scientific approaches to improve process efficiency and product 

quality. 

“We aim to discover novel wild yeasts from Brisbane for use in 

beer fermentation and investigate how their diversity affects beer 

production and quality,” Dr Schulz said. 

“The project will integrate several techniques to investigate 

changes in yeast behaviour affecting process control during long fermentations.” 

Newstead Brewing chief executive Dr Mark Howes said the company 

was pleased to have UQ’s scientific input to help its business. 

“I come from a research background myself, with a PhD in molecular 

bioscience from UQ and I appreciate the edge that a fresh scientific 

approach will bring to our industry,” he said. 

“Throughout the project, the insights gained into the beer-making 

process will be integrated into our microbrewery production facility. 

“We hope the project can discover and use Queensland’s microbial 

diversity, improve efficiencies in barley production and use, and 

develop more knowledge for our growing industry.” 


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General Microscopy - Tony Bradshaw 

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robert.woolley@coherent.com.au 

[ 5 ]



Australia’s Bionic Vision Technologies raises 

millions to develop ‘Bionic Eye’ for global markets 

Melbourne - Retinal implant 

innovator Bionic Vision 

Technologies (BVT) recently 

announced it had raised US 

$18million (AU$23.5 million) from 

Hong Kong-based China Huarong 

International Holdings Ltd and 

State Path Capital Limited, to 

develop and commercialise its 

next generation devices aimed at 

restoring vision to the blind. 

[ 6 ] 

This financing formally launches the 

company as it transitions to a commercialisation 

stage business. To date, the 

development of Australia’s ‘bionic eye’ has 

been funded through a five year AU$50 million 

Special Research Initiative grant administered 

by the Australian Research Council. 

BVA consortium members, whose organisations 

become alongside the new investors, 

comprise of the University of Melbourne, the 

University of New South Wales, the Bionics 

Institute, Centre for Eye Research Australia, 

CSIRO’s Data 61, The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear 

Hospital, Western Sydney University and the 

Australian College of Optometry. 

BVT will use the new funds to manufacture 

devices and begin a human clinical trial 

of its ‘bionic eye’ implant in patients with the 

inherited degenerative eye condition called 

retinitis pigmentosa. The condition is the 

most common cause of inherited blindness 

and affects more than 1.5 million people 

worldwide. 

The investment was made on the basis of 

BVT’s advanced work in developing bionic 

vision technologies including a successful 

clinical trial of a prototype device in three 

patients. BVT’s bionic eye has a number of 

significant advantages over competitors, including 

a superior surgical approach, stability 

of the device, and unique vision processing 

software that potentially improves the 

patient’s experience. 

State Path Capital Limited Chairman Mr 

Alastair Lam said: “Given BVT's commitment 

to developing and delivering a revolutionary 

solution for vision loss, we believe its ‘bionic 

eye’ technology has the potential to transform 

the lives of millions of people and meet 

a large unmet need. Our investment support 

will help move the current product closer to 

market and the communities who will benefit." 

“Our investment in BVT aligns with our 

strategy of backing transformative new technology 

with significant global potential,” said 

Mr Lam, nephew of Hong Kong-based business 

magnate, investor and philanthropist Sir 

Li Ka-shing. 

Bionic Vision Technologies executive 

chairman Robert Klupacs said: “This investment 

is an important milestone for our 

unique Australian technology and an endorsement 

of our approach to making a 

positive impact on global health. These new 

funds will help create an innovative, solution 

to potentially help improve the lives of blind 

people. 

“The funding will propel this Australian 

technology into clinical trials in coming 

months as we work towards securing regulatory 

approval and a commercial launch in key 

markets where loss of vision is a significant 

medical burden. 

“There is currently no treatment for conditions 

such as retinitis pigmentosa and our 

new investors recognise BVT has developed 

a world-leading solution with potential to 

make a significant impact patient’s sight and 

lifestyle.” 

The National Eye Institute, US, estimates 

that 1 in 4000 people have retinitis pigmentosa 

worldwide with a higher number of cases 

in China and India compared with other 

countries in the developed world. 

The development of a retinal implant will 

draw on BVT’s expertise and track record of 

success in this field. 

The bionic eye consortium was a finalist in 

the 2013 Eureka Awards and the 2013 Melbourne 

Awards. Many of its researchers have 

won prestigious prizes for their outstanding 

research including some named in the top 

100 most influential engineers in Australia, 

and by the Knowledge Society and the Office 

of the Chief Scientist in the Knowledge Nation 

100 top innovators in science and technology. 

The unique implant BVT has created is 

placed at the back of the eye where it stimulates 

the surviving nerve cells in the retina 

with electrical signals created from images 

collected by an externally worn camera. Next 

stage clinical trials are scheduled to start in 

coming months in Melbourne. 

Based on the results of the initial trial in 

2012-2014, further patients will be recruited 

and monitored for up to two years. Patients 

will be surgically implanted with a permanent 

device to wear in their everyday activities. 

Early trials of the device only monitored 

patients in the clinic. Researchers will measure 

mobility and independence.


Molecular phenomenon discovered by 

advanced NMR facility 

Cutting edge technology has 

shown a molecule self-assembling 

into different forms when passing 

between solution state to solid 

state, and back again – a curious 

phenomenon in science – says 

research by the University of 

Warwick. 

Professor Steven P. Brown 

Professor Steven P. Brown from the Department 

of Physics, with colleagues 

in the Department of Chemistry, have 

identified that the supramolecular structure 

of a guanosine derivative can be different 

upon passing from the solid state into the 

solution state and vice versa. 

This defies chemical precedent, as self-assembled 

structures driven by the formation 

of specific intermolecular hydrogen bonds 

in solution would be expected to remain the 

same in the solid state. 

The phenomenon was revealed by the 

state-of-the-art nuclear magnetic resonance 

(NMR) facility at Warwick. 

In solution state, the guanosine derivative 

analysed by the researchers is constituted by 

quartet-like molecular structure – and scientific 

intuition would suggests that this should 

remain like this in the solid state. 

However, upon changing into the solid 

state, the supramolecular assembly surprisingly 

contains both quartet and ribbon structures. 

Professor Brown and his colleagues made 

this discovery using advanced NMR spectroscopy 

technology, which measures the 

magnetic response of nuclei at the centre of 

atoms. The researchers identified the distinct 

supramolecular states by spotting varying 

peaks in spectra that identify close approach 

of these magnetic nuclei in atoms. 

Professor Brown comments: 

“Access to state-of-the-art NMR infrastructure 

has enabled us to see with chemical precision 

how the guanosine-based molecules 

self-assemble, thus revealing the surprising 

phenomenon of a change in self-assembly 

upon going changing from solution to solid 

and from solid to solution.” 

The University of Warwick’s national solidstate 

NMR facility is directed by Professor 

Brown and a Facility Executive with scientists 

from 4 other UK universities - and was officially 

launched in 2010. The facility and this 

research is funded by the Engineering and 

Physical Sciences Research Council. 

The research, ‘Co-existence of Distinct Supramolecular 

Assemblies in Solution and in 

the Solid State’, is published in Chemistry: A 

European Journal – and is designated a Very 

Important Paper. 

Professor Brown collaborated with researchers 

in Italy and the U.S.A. 


Single cell technology company Dolomite Bio 

celebrates a successful first year 

Dolomite Bio, a brand of Blacktrace 

Holdings Limited, celebrated the first 

anniversary of its launch recently. 

This marked the end of a fruitful year in 

business. This biology-focused brand, a spin 

out from sister company Dolomite Microfluidics, 

is dedicated to the development of innovative 

products for high throughput single 

cell encapsulation. 

A prosperous initial year of trading has 

seen Dolomite Bio grow significantly with 

clients in 32 countries, including major academic 

institutions and pharma companies 

and exceed its sales targets by 63 percent. 

Dolomite Bio’s core technology is open 

and fully scalable, enabling microdroplet 

encapsulation of individual cells and molecules 

– from a few to millions in just a few 

minutes. It is ideal for a wide variety of high 

throughput, single cell research applications, 

including: 

• Single cell RNA-Seq 

• Direct isolation of functional antibody coding 

sequence libraries 

• Profiling natively-paired T-cell receptors 

• Directed evolution by FACS sorting 

• Functional antibody screening in droplets 

• Cell encapsulation in hydrogels 

Mike Hawes, CEO of Dolomite Bio, said: 

“Our first year’s sales clearly demonstrate 

the potential of Dolomite Bio and its single 

cell technology. With a team of single cell 

experts and numerous 

exciting developments 

underway, Dolomite Bio is 

in an excellent position to 

continue this growth and 

we look forward to further 

success in the coming 

year.” 

Mark Gilligan, CEO of 

Blacktrace Holdings Ltd, 

said: “Dolomite Bio was 

launched to focus on 

developing novel products 

for high throughput 

single cell research, taking 

advantage of Dolomite 

Microfluidics’ underlying 

technology and the Blacktrace 

group’s understanding 

of the market to serve customers in this 

rapidly growing field. One year on, we are 

delighted with the brand’s progress, and look 

forward to further success as we move into 

the future.” 

For more info, visit www.dolomite-bio.com 

[ 7 ]



SkinBioTherapeutics, a subsidiary of 

microbiome specialist OptiBiotix, to float 

on the UK AIM market 

UK-based Optibiotix, one of the 

world leaders in the development 

of human microbiome 

modulators, has announced that 

its majority-owned subsidiary, 

SkinBioTherapeutics, will seek 

admission to AIM. 

SkinBioTherapeutics uses extracts 

from probiotic bacteria to modulate 

the skin microbiome in order to improve 

skin health. Its key areas of focus are 

cosmetic skin care, infection control, and 

eczema. 

SkinBioTherapeutics has shown that 

its microbiome modulators are able to: 

increase the skin’s barrier integrity by enhancing 

the formation of multi-protein 

complexes called ‘tight junctions’, which 

seal the space between adjacent gut cells 

to prevent the passage of toxins, molecules 

and ions through these spaces; protect 

the skin from infection by outcompeting 

harmful pathogens; and increase the 

rate of skin healing in response to injury. 

These findings were based on research 

carried out in collaboration with the University 

of Manchester. 

OptiBiotix is a specialist in microbiome 

modulation, and has already had success 

with both probiotic and prebiotic products 

that modulate the gut microbiome. 

Its most recent research demonstrated 

that OptiBiotix’s microbiome modulators 

can successfully increase the growth and 

biological effect of multiple species of 

microbe in human gut models, including 

their own cholesterol-reducing probiotic, 

LP-LDL®. This research was presented at 

Probiota by microbiologist and CEO of Optibiotix 

Stephen O’Hara earlier this year. 

Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, 

commented: “The rapid development and 

growing awareness in the microbiome 

have been matched by OptiBiotix's progress 

in a number of diverse areas of key 

scientific and commercial interest. 

"OptiBiotix’s skin division has built 

its own IP, team, and development programmes 

to a point where the Board 

believe the scale of the opportunities offered 

by its SkinBiotix® technology in the 

biotherapeutic space may be best realised 

by separate listing". 

"The modulation of the skin microbiome 

in order to improve skin health is a 

very exciting area, and we look forward to 

the development of SkinBioTherapeutics.” 

PRODUCT NEWS 

The new SpectraMax iD3 

Multi-Mode Microplate Reader 

from Molecular Devices 

Unparalleled performance on a 

personalized platform 

LARGE TOUCHSCREEN 

The SpectraMax iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate 

Reader features a large, highresolution 

touchscreen with embedded 

software with no need for a dedicated 

computer workstation. 

PERSONALIZED WORKFLOWS 

A built-in near-field communication (NFC) 

reader enables you to start custom protocols 

with a single tap. NFC Tags paired to 

specific user profiles give direct access to 

personalized protocols and experimental 

results. 

INCREASED SENSITIVITY 

The superior optical system includes an 

[ 8 ] 

ultra-cooled photomultiplier tube to -5°C 

reducing background noise for excellent 

sensitivity and dynamic range. 

FLEXIBLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL 

Simple-to-use temperature control 

(ambient to 65°C) supports temperature 

sensitive assays. 

DATA YOU NEED ANYWHERE YOU WANT 

View your data quickly using the large 

touchscreen, export to a USB drive, or 

analyze using SoftMax Pro 7 Software. 

QuickSync technology automatically 

delivers data to your workstation. 

A COMPLETE SOLUTION 

Featuring orbital shaking, a four-monochromator 

optical pathway with high 

efficiency gratings, well scanning up to 

a 20x20 read matrix, spectral scanning 

and detection of plate formats from 6- to 

384-well the SpectraMax iD3 reader fits 

all your research needs. 

CAPTURE FLASH ASSAYS 

Run flash applications, such as dual 

luciferase assays, with the SpectraMax 

iD3 injector system with SmartInject 

Technology ensuring equal mixing for 

high-precision. 


Bio-Strategy 

0800 34 24 66 | info@bio-strategy.com 

www.bio-strategy.com

Laboratory News & BioScience May 2017

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