A drug co-invented by a University of Auckland researcher and part funded by a New Zealand venture capital company is about to take the next step on the path to gaining a foothold in the global 'wound-healing' market.

A cancer vaccine approved in the US is potentially paving the way for effective treatments to become widely available in two or three years.

Epidemic is expected to return, although only five cases have been confirmed so far.

Australian authorities are investigating the death of a toddler within 12 hours of her receiving a flu vaccination.

Kiwis could get quicker access to new and expensive medicines - and the Govt's bill could go up - under a free trade deal with the US.

Animal rights protesters - and one beagle - picketed outside the venue for a speech by animal testing scientist Allen Goldenthal yesterday.

Scientists have identified the genes of the opium poppy responsible for the production of the painkillers codeine and morphine.