V-Con is Stockhead’s investing focused video conference series, bringing you expert insights, panel discussions and presentations from leading analysts, listed small caps and industry players.

This latest video conference focuses on the Australian biotech sector, which gives investors perhaps the ultimate opportunity to do well by doing good.

ASX biotechs are literally working on cures for cancer as well as treatments for autism, kidney disease and Alzheimer’s. They’re developing simple blood tests for the early detection of cancer and trying to harness the regenerative potential of exosomes – tiny extracellular vesicles produced by stem cells.

They’re working to make interventional cardiology procedures safer for patients with kidney disease, trying to produce skin treatments from marijuana compounds and working on novel treatments for nail fungus infections.

COVID-19 has reminded everyone about the importance of human health – and it was a Brisbane-based company, privately held Ellume, that is helping America tame the pandemic there by producing millions of at-home COVID testing kits as part of a $300 million deal announced by the White House.

Companies in the space need to meet some of the strictest regulatory obligations, relative to other sectors. But the Ellume deal shows what commercial returns are on offer for Aussie biotechs that achieve key medical breakthroughs.

What Australian company will be the next to develop a miracle cure or breakthrough treatment? Watch the videos yourself to see what the experts say.

Session 1 – Expert Interview

Sky News and CNBC business journalist Oriel Morrison interviews Melissa McBurnie, Investment Director at Brandon Capital Partners and Scott Power, Research Analyst at Morgans Financial.

Session 2 – Company Presentations – Part 1

Exopharm Ltd (ASX:EX1)
Chris Baldwin, Deputy CEO & Chief Commercial Officer

Exopharm is a clinical-stage company at the forefront of developing transformative exosome medicines. The company’s mission is to be a global leader in exosome-based therapeutics.

Neurotech International Ltd (ASX:NTI)
Brian Leedman, Chairman

Neurotech International is developing neuro-stimulation and neuro-diagnostic solutions to be delivered via the Mente platform, an innovative platform technology to enable medical practitioners to remotely monitor and play an active role in home-based therapies.

Dimerix Ltd (ASX: DXB)
Nina Webster, Managing Director & CEO

Dimerix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, with multiple Phase 3 opportunities, developing innovative new therapies in areas with unmet medical needs.

Orthocell Ltd (ASX:OCC)
Paul Anderson, Managing Director & CEO

Orthocell is a world-leading regenerative medicine company providing innovative products to restore mobility, function and performance.

Noxopharm Ltd (ASX:NOX)
Graham Kelly, Managing Director & CEO

Noxopharm is a clinical stage drug development company focused on the development and commercialisation of its clinical stage drug candidate Veyonda® (previously known as NOX-66). Veyonda® is a first-in-class, dual-acting cytotoxic and immuno-oncology drug candidate designed to enhance the effectiveness and safety of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Session 3 – Company Presentations – Part 2

Hexima Ltd (ASX:HXL)
Michael Aldridge, Managing Director & CEO

Hexima is a clinical stage, anti-infectives focused biotechnology company engaged in the research and development of defensin peptides for applications as human therapeutics. The company’s lead product candidate, pezadeftide applied in a topical formulation, is a potential new prescription treatment for toenail fungal infections (or onychomycosis).

Race Oncology (ASX:RAC)
Phillip Lynch, Managing Director & CEO

Race Oncology is an ASX listed precision oncology company with a Phase II/III cancer drug called Bisantrene, a potent small molecule inhibitor of the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) protein. Over-expression of FTO has been shown to be an important to the progression of a wide range of cancers.

Patrys Ltd (ASX:PAB)
James Campbell, Managing Director & CEO

Patrys is focused on developing novel antibody technologies for hard-to-treat cancers.

Osprey Medical Ltd (ASX:OSP)
Mike McCormick, President & CEO

Osprey is focused on improving outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients by reducing contrast-induced acute kidney injury caused by widely used contrast dyes.

Kazia Therapeutics (ASX:KZA)
James Garner, CEO

Kazia is focused on developing treatments for brain and ovarian cancer. The company’s lead drug candidate, GDC-0084, aims to deliver therapies across the blood brain barrier, the body’s natural mechanism to protect the brain from foreign agents.