QUEENSLAND COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW ERA FOR BIODISCOVERY: PREMIER

A cutting-edge company exploring anti-cancer properties in tropical plants has become the first to be given the go ahead to collect native material from Queensland’s rainforests under new biodiscovery laws.

Premier Peter Beattie today announced North Queensland-based EcoBiotics Limited had been granted a permit to take limited material from nature to create new pharmaceutical, medicinal and other products under the Biodiversity Act 2004.

“This signals the start of a new era for developing biotechnology products in the Smart State that could hold the key to unlocking new cures and treatments,” Mr Beattie said.

“EcoBiotics Limited is an inspiring example of combining Smart State science with Queensland’s pristine natural environment to create new healing chemicals, regional jobs and export income,” he said.

“EcoBiotics has runs on the board, with trials underway into a human anti-cancer drug and a treatment for cancer in horses. It has also developed arthritis treatment products and a range of antibiotics.”

Mr Beattie said EcoBiotics’ work was another example of the Smart State leading the way in research and discovery, underpinned by legislation that balances this quest with the need to preserve Queensland’s natural assets.

“We are the first Australian jurisdiction to develop laws governing the taking of limited native biological resources for biodiscovery purposes,” he said.

“Queensland’s unique biological diversity has the potential to create jobs and new industries, while developing cures and therapies that could help us enjoy longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Mr Beattie said the Act balances conservation and biodiscovery.

“Under the Act the collection of samples is strictly limited and this is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure sustainability of the species being collected and their environment,” he said.

“This is complemented by a comprehensive compliance code and application assessment system.

“We are driving an important new industry forward while at the same time preserving our rich diversity for future generations.”

EcoBiotics Chief Executive Officer Dr Victoria Gordon said the collection permit, along with the company’s biodiscovery access agreement with the Queensland Government, provided business and legal certainty for the commercialisation of products to multinational clients.

“We are keen to invest in growing our enterprise and this permit provides us with the perfect way to expand our biodiscovery activities into a broader collection area,” Dr Gordon said.

“This increased biodiscovery opportunity will mean we can build our business which employs people from a range of skill bases – not just scientific.”

The biodiscovery legislation meets internationally agreed requirements under the Convention on Biological Diversity for access to genetic resources.

April 7, 2007

Media Contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

Environment Minister’s Office – 0417 603 409

EcoBiotics CEO Dr Victoria Gordon – 4089 7777, 0407 041 277