Western Australia’s growing medical life sciences sector is taking centre stage this week as the Cook Government leads a delegation of 18 companies and organisations to AusBiotech 2025, Australia’s premier life sciences conference being held in Melbourne.
The event, which runs until 24 October, brings together more than 1,600 delegates from around the world to explore breakthroughs in biotechnology, clinical research, and health innovation. For Western Australia, it is a chance to highlight local strengths in medical research, clinical trials, and digital health, while building national and global partnerships.
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the conference was an opportunity to promote Western Australia’s scientific excellence and attract investment to the state. “The Cook Government takes pride in supporting this sector as it promotes local job opportunities and diversifies our economy,” he said. “Western Australia is home to a world-class health and medical life sciences sector, with strengths in clinical trials, digital health, medical research, and biotechnology.”
He added that showcasing WA’s capability on the national stage would help local companies and researchers “forge new partnerships, attract investment, and drive the development of life-changing medical innovations.”
Among those attending are Perth-based firms such as Argenica Therapeutics, which is developing a neuroprotective drug to reduce brain injury after stroke; BlinkLab, a neuroscience-led digital diagnostics company spun out of Princeton University that uses smartphone-based tools to detect autism and ADHD; and Orthocell, known for pioneering regenerative treatments to restore mobility.
Other participants include Cyclowest, a radiopharmaceutical manufacturer; Linear Clinical Research, a world-class clinical trials facility; and Proteomics International, which provides novel diagnostic and analytical services. Institutions such as the University of Western Australia, the Perron Institute, and the Department of Health are also part of the delegation, alongside Life Sciences WA and the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub.
Dr Henk-Jan Boele, co-founder of BlinkLab, said the company’s mission is rooted in practical neuroscience. “For me, it’s gratifying to apply neuroscience for improving autism and ADHD diagnosis and care,” he said. BlinkLab’s autism diagnostic tool, which uses artificial intelligence and smartphone technology, aims to identify developmental conditions much earlier than traditional assessments. The company listed on the ASX in April 2024 and is now pursuing FDA clearance for its first two diagnostic products.
Argenica Therapeutics, also ASX-listed, is developing its lead candidate ARG-007, a synthetic peptide designed to protect brain cells and improve recovery following acute ischaemic stroke. The company is exploring further applications in traumatic brain injury and neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, reflecting a growing focus on urgent neurological treatments emerging from Western Australia’s biotech sector.
Minister Dawson said the state’s upcoming role as host of AusMedtech 2026, Australia’s leading medical technology conference, would further cement Perth’s position in the national innovation ecosystem. “With Perth set to host AusMedtech in 2026, WA has an incredible opportunity to further raise its profile as a hub of biomedical excellence,” he said.
The government’s support for the Melbourne delegation forms part of a broader strategy to accelerate the growth of the life sciences industry and expand global collaboration. Western Australia’s participation at AusBiotech is being seen as both a showcase and a signal—that the state is ready to compete on the world stage in medical innovation.
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