Australian shares climbed on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 1.1 per cent to 8,805.3 at 2.46pm AEST. Nine of the 11 sectors traded higher, led by real estate, after August inflation came in slightly below market expectations. Annual inflation rose to 4 per cent from 3.5 per cent in July, while monthly CPI slowed to 0.4 per cent from 1 per cent. The data came a day after the RBA lifted the cash rate to a 15-year high of 4.6 per cent and left the door open to further tightening.
In small cap company news,
INOVIQ confirms pathway for ovarian cancer test commercialisation
INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ) has completed an independent technical review of its EXO-OC ovarian cancer test following issues with its OC2200 study. The review confirmed differences in sample collection and handling were the largest source of study variability and supported the biological relevance of EXO-OC. INOVIQ has established a staged optimisation and validation program targeting US Laboratory Developed Test commercialisation in the first half of 2028.
Immutep receives $856,669 R&D tax incentive
Immutep (ASX:IMM) has received an $856,669 cash rebate from the Australian Federal Government’s R&D Tax Incentive program for eligible research and development activities undertaken in FY25. The non-dilutive funding will support further development of its efti and IMP761 product candidates, with the company’s expected cash runway extending into the first half of 2028.
First Graphene expands UK partnership as PureGRAPH heat sensors enter market
First Graphene (ASX:FGR) has signed a three-year strategic partnership agreement with UK-based Vector alongside the commercial launch of Peltyr, a graphene-enhanced heat sensor incorporating its PureGRAPH technology. The sensors measure heat transfer through building materials to assess thermal performance, with potential applications across construction, aerospace, automotive and industrial markets. The agreement also provides First Graphene with access to new commercial opportunities through Vector’s customer network
Mayne Pharma settles US patent dispute with Sun Pharma
Mayne Pharma (ASX:MYX) has reached a settlement with Sun Pharma over US patent litigation relating to its menopause treatment IMVEXXY. The agreement provides for potential generic market entry by Sun Pharma from 21 October 2032, or earlier under certain circumstances, subject to court approval. No financial payment or upfront consideration is included in the settlement.
Vitrafy partners with US blood network Versiti
Vitrafy Life Sciences (ASX:VFY) has entered into a partnership with US blood network Versiti to advance its cryopreservation technology for platelets. Vitrafy will initially place two freezing units at Versiti’s research facility in Wisconsin, while the partnership will also support verification and validation work for Vitrafy’s planned US medical device listing, targeted for FY27.
