Latest from The Australian
The Australian
an hour ago
- Health
- The Australian
Neurizon's NUZ-001 shows promise in Huntington's disease
Neurizon's NUZ-001 and active metabolite NUZ-001 Sulfone show strong neuroprotective effects in a zebrafish Huntington's model Results show potential of drug to counteract early neurodegenerative damage caused by disease Neurizon plans to initiate additional validation studies in mammalian models of Huntington's Special Report: Clinical-stage biotech Neurizon Therapeutics has reached a milestone in development of its lead drug candidate NUZ-001 to treat Huntington's disease. Neurizon Therapeutics (ASX:NUZ), which is dedicated to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, has rolled out new preclinical data demonstrating significant neuroprotective effects of NUZ-001 and its active metabolite NUZ-001 Sulfone, in a zebrafish model of Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive degeneration of motor function, cognition and mental health. The disease affects between 2.7 and 4.8 per 100,000 people globally with no cure and no disease-modifying treatment. The treatments available only manage symptoms. In the Huntington's disease model, targeted mRNA knockdown of the Htt (huntingtin) protein triggered hallmark disease characteristics, including: Increased cell death Morphological malformations (smaller eyes and swollen hindbrains) Impaired haemoglobin production and Reduced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a critical biomarker of neuronal function and survival. mRNA knockdown is a lab technique that reduces the activity of a specific gene, in this case the HTT gene, which produces the protein involved in Huntington's disease. Treatment with either NUZ-001 or NUZ-001 Sulfone after Htt knockdown: Prevented developmental and morphological abnormalities Attenuated neuronal cell death Restored the delayed production of haemoglobin; and Rescued BDNF expression. Neurizon said the results provided evidence of NUZ-001 and NUZ-001 Sulfone's potential to counteract early neurodegenerative damage. Study details For the preclinical study, wild-type zebrafish embryos were raised in standard conditions. Morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MOs) targeting Htt mRNA were then injected into one-cell stage embryos to decrease Htt expression. NUZ-001 or NUZ-001 Sulfone at 1 and 10 μM concentrations were added to the embryonic media six hours post-fertilisation to evaluate the protective effects on Htt knockdown-induced deficits. At two days post-fertilisation changes in morphology (eye size and hindbrain swelling), neuronal cell death (apoptosis), haemoglobin levels, and the BDNF expression levels were analysed. Source: Neurizon Therapeutics Knockdown of Htt (Htt MO) resulted in smaller eyes and swollen hindbrain ventricles in zebrafish embryos. Neurizon said partial rescue of eye size and full reversal of hindbrain swelling were observed with 10 μM NUZ-001 and NUZ-001 Sulfone (Figure 2b). Source: Neurizon Therapeutics Other key findings of the study include: Neuronal cell death was significantly higher in the Htt knockdown group, while treatment with 1 μM and 10 μM NUZ-001, and 10 μM NUZ-001 Sulfone, significantly reduced apoptosis Haemoglobin levels were significantly decreased in the Htt knockdown group but partially restored by both concentrations of NUZ-001 and NUZ-001 Sulfone; and Expression of BDNF transcripts was significantly rescued with 10 μM NUZ-001 and 10 μM NUZ-001 Sulfone. Watch: Last patient completes treatment in OLE study NUZ-001 showing promise NUZ-001 is currently in clinical development for the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND) called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where it has shown: Preclinical efficacy in enhancing proteostasis Reducing pathological protein aggregation; and Preserving neuronal function. The company said new findings in the Huntington model further underscore NUZ-001's potential as a platform therapy targeting core cellular stress and clearance mechanisms common to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Neurizon plans to advance additional preclinical studies in mammalian models of Huntington's disease as part of its broader strategy to expand NUZ-001's therapeutic applications to other progressive neurological disorders with high unmet need. 'These results mark another important milestone in the realisation of the potential for NUZ-001 to treat a range of neurodegenerative diseases,' CEO and managing director Dr Michael Thurn said. 'Huntington's disease is a devastating, rare genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a range of symptoms including uncontrolled movements, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. 'These exciting results demonstrate NUZ-001 has consistent neuroprotective effects beyond amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), strengthening our conviction in NUZ-001's potential as a disease-modifying platform therapy across a range of neurodegenerative conditions.' This article was developed in collaboration with Neurizon Therapeutics, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
The Australian
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Australian
Smaller banks offering lowest home loan interest rates after RBA rate cuts: canstar
Making one simple change could save tens of thousands of dollars, and that's even before making extra repayments or throwing money into an offset account. The average owner-occupier variable home loan rate is now at 5.8 per cent, comparison group Canstar estimates. So if you're on that rate or above, and especially if you're in the early years of a 30-year mortgage, it might be time to shop around for a better deal. To give you an idea of what you could be paying, the lowest variable offering currently in the market is 5.34 per cent. For first home buyers it's even lower at 5.24 per cent. Who's offering the best rates? Smaller banks and non-bank lenders are offering the most competitive rates. Non-bank lender Pacific Mortgage Group is leading the pack with its 5.34 per cent variable loan but there are plenty of others sitting just slightly higher, per the table below. Again, keep in mind that Horizon's offering is only for first-home buyers. All up, eight lenders are currently offering rates of 5.39 per cent, including People's Choice, RACQ Bank and Australian Mutual, while a handful more have rates as low as 5.44 per cent. All up, 34 lenders now offer at least one variable rate under 5.5 per cent, according to Sally Tindall, head of research at Canstar. 'If your rate's above 5.8 per cent, alarm bells should be ringing. That's just the average, it's not even competitive,' she says. If you're keen to stick with the big four banks, CBA, Westpac and ANZ are currently offering variable rates of 5.59 per cent, while NAB is the outlier at 5.94 per cent. These are the advertised rates but there's often wriggle room for the bank to do a better deal if, for example, your loan-to-value ratio is particularly low. For those looking at fixed rates, there's a handful offering just under 5 per cent. But the cash rate is widely expected to fall further in the near term, meaning variable rates will continue to drop. Refinancing options Do-it-yourself refinancing, that's dealing with the bank yourself rather than through a broker, can be a bit of a pain and time consuming but it can also pay off. Your broker isn't always going to tell you the absolute lowest rates on the market, only the ones they can get for you. But if you've got a broker who can get you a competitive rate, it means they do all the legwork and you don't have to spend hours calling up each lender to get the best deal. Keep in mind, broker or not, switching lenders comes with fresh credit checks and invasive financial questions, as well as refinance fees that can range from $500 to $2000. There's also the risk that you refinance and the Reserve Bank cuts rates but your new lender doesn't pass the cuts on. We may not see this in the current cycle, especially since Treasurer Jim Chalmers was straight onto the banks in February ordering them to pass the RBA cut on, but it's a risk to be aware of. If you can't get a lender to give you a rate near the lowest in the market (5.34 per cent), getting it down from say, 6 to 5.5 per cent, will still mean a big saving. But there are traps to watch for, including the impact of stretching out your loan term back to 30 years. Crunching the numbers for The Australian, Canstar has come up with a couple of scenarios that illustrate the point. A borrower with a $600,000 home loan and 25 years left on their mortgage who refinances to 5.5 per cent and keeps their current loan term will potentially save almost $52,000 in interest. But if that same borrower extended the loan term back out from 25 to 30 years, their monthly repayments would drop by $459 but over the life of the loan they'd actually end up paying $55,000 more than if they'd done nothing at all. Canstar's scenario assumes there's two more RBA rate cuts (which we expect this year), bringing the cash rate to a neutral 3.35 per cent. It also assumes the banks pass on these cuts. No frills, digital only Other offerings in the market to look at are the no-frills, digital-only products like CBA's digi home loan and digital bank Up, which is backed by Bendigo Bank. CBA's digi home loan rate for owner-occupiers is at 5.59 per cent while its offering for investors is a competitive 5.69 per cent. Unloan, another digital-only offering backed by CBA is even lower, at 5.49 per cent. Like other lenders, CBA has seen a pick-up in customers looking to refinance since the RBA kicked off its rate-cutting cycle in February, according to its executive general manager for home buying, Dr Michael Baumann. 'It's a good trigger for customers to look at the interest rate they're paying and figure out whether they're on a good deal,' Baunmann says. The bank has seen a doubling of applications on the digital home loan product in the past year. And in a sign of an increasingly competitive market, CBA recently slashed its rates more than the RBA's 0.25 per cent May rate cut. Over the past six weeks the rate for owner occupiers has come down 31 basis points, while for investors it's down 43 basis points. With market watchers tipping two more RBA rate cuts in the next few months, if you get your lender down to a rate of 5.49 or less before the next cut you could be looking at a rate that starts with a 4 within a few months. Business The latest surge in Bitcoin, along with big players making investments in the sector, is retesting interest in the mysterious asset class. But is it for you? Business From July 1 the way the ATO enforces unpaid debts is changing. For some, it means their interest bill is poised to double.
The Australian
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Australian
Luxury meets sustainability in Melbourne
Experience a first look at Melbourne's brand new 1 Hotel – a place where Victoria's natural environment is celebrated in every element of your stay. 1 Hotel Melbourne is unlike any other experience in the city. A retreat right on the Yarra, the hotel honours the city's natural beauty and vibrant heritage in everything it does. The commitment to sustainability, and reverence for Victoria are reflected in everything from the design elements to the locally-focused menus of its signature restaurant, From Here by Mike. Featuring 277 guest rooms and 114 hotel-branded residences, as well as several dining options, 1 Hotel Melbourne merges luxury and nature through its design and interiors. More than that, it honours Melbourne's heritage in a sustainable way. For example, during construction, heritage-listed materials from the city's old Goods Shed No. 5 were reused and restored to begin a new chapter in the city's story. Decorated with 7000 plants, the interiors of 1 Hotel emphasise its focus on nature. The lush atmosphere is enhanced by light streaming through the expansive glass walls – connecting guests to Melbourne with views of the Yarra River and beyond. Repurposed wharf materials are woven throughout the property's design, used to both enhance the aesthetic and fill functional roles. For example, 1944 bluestone pavers from the old Goods Shed No. 5 have been preserved to form a heritage footpath. Other materials reused include subaquatic wharf timbers, railway sleepers, steel trusses, and even window frames have been restored to celebrate Melbourne's history. Signature restaurant From Here by Mike has been created in partnership with celebrated Australian chef Mike McEnearney. With a focus on local ingredients and a low-waste approach, the restaurant heroes Victorian producers, showcasing the quality and variety of produce available close to Melbourne. Menus will evolve throughout the day, but all retain the same ethos of low waste and sustainably grown food. There will be a focus on local growers, with diners encouraged to learn more about the people behind their meals. The wine list will also focus on local boutique growers, with a map showing the different regions each wine comes from. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink, the ground-floor Crane Bar and Lounge offers locally distilled spirits alongside Australian wines, in a space designed to encourage connection – both with fellow guests and Melbourne's vibrant surroundings. Wellness is also central to the ethos of 1 Hotel Melbourne, reflected in its dedicated wellness area. This includes a stunning indoor swimming pool, the Bamford Wellness Spa, a gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and even ice baths for guests to enjoy. Located on the banks of the Yarra, 1 Hotel Melbourne invites guests to slow down and take time to appreciate everything the city has to offer. Perhaps take a coffee to the gardens outside, or relax with a glass of local wine as you watch Melbourne evenings come to life. Be among the first to experience 1 Hotel Melbourne, where nature and luxury converge to create an extraordinary retreat in the heart of the city. Reservations are now open. To book your stay or learn more, visit 1 Hotel Melbourne.
The Australian
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Australian
AEMC limits power bill price hikes in new retail energy market rules
Electricity retailers will be limited to hiking prices on consumers once a year in a major shake-up to the country's retail energy market. The Australian Energy Market Commission announced the changes on Thursday, entrenching a sweep of new rules designed to protect consumers from price shocks. Retailers are now limited to lifting prices once a year and must ensure customers who sign up to a plan with a temporary benefit do not roll over to one that is higher than the default price. Further, there is now a ban on what AMEC calls 'unreasonably high penalties' for not paying bills on time, and a ban on fees, except for network charges, for vulnerable customers. Providers must also limit fees charges to reasonable costs for all other consumers. AEMC chair Anna Collyer said the new rules, which follow from requests submitted by state energy ministers in August last year, marked a 'significant milestone in consumer protection'. Power bill increases will be limited to once a year under new rules from the AEMC: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards 'These reforms will help ensure that Australian households can have she said. 'For the first time, we have formally applied our updated equity guidance across these rule changes, explicitly considering how contract terms, benefits and fees may disproportionately impact vulnerable consumers.' She said limiting energy price increases to once a year would help households 'predict' their energy costs and avoid unexpected price rises across the year. The AEMC also announced a draft proposal to improve the visibility of the 'better offer message' that appears on energy bills. The regulator claims as many as 40 per cent of customers do not always open their bills and so miss important messages about potential savings. The draft rule would require retailers to present better offer messages in cover emails and bill summaries. 'The primary opportunity is visibility – ensuring customers know when better deals are available to them,' Ms Collyer said. Australian Energy Market Commission chair Anna Collyer said the changes would help protect consumers from price shocks. Picture: AEMC data insights director Sally Tindall said the changes were 'a step in the right direction' but more needed to be done to 'lift the clouds of confusion that hang over our electricity bills'. 'The new rule to limit price hikes to just once a year is a fantastic measure that will give Australians greater confidence when comparing their options,' she said. 'It means that Australians will be more likely to be comparing apples with apples when they do their research, particularly if the majority of retailers opt to implement any price hikes in July in line with the reference price changes. 'Right now, Australians looking for a competitive deal on their electricity plan really need to be checking on their rates at least once every six months. 'Limiting the number of price hikes to just one a year could reduce the need to check on your bill, freeing up time to focus on other expenses.' The new rules come into effect from July 1, 2026, giving retailers 12 months to implement them. Duncan Evans Reporter Duncan Evans is a reporter for News Corp's NewsWire service, based in Adelaide. Before NewsWire, he worked as a resources and politics reporter for The Daily Mercury in Mackay, Queensland and as a reporter at CQ Today, an independent newspaper based in Rockhampton. He was raised in Emerald and Brisbane and studied English Literature and American Studies at the University of Sydney. He began his career in journalism working for the Jakarta Post in Indonesia for over two years as an editor, translator and writer. He is fluent in Indonesian. @Duncanevans01 Duncan Evans
The Australian
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Australian
Virgin Australia starts new flight paths from Brisbane to Doha in Qatar
Aussies will be given the opportunity to fly directly from Brisbane to the sandy plains of the Persian Gulf thanks to a new travel route opened up by Virgin Australia. Starting from Thursday, Virgin is launching flights from Brisbane to Doha's Hamad International Airport in conjunction with Qatar airways. Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson said the new flights 'mark the beginning of a new era' for the company and for international travel to Australia. Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson, with cabin crew, says the new route is another milestone for international travel from Australia. Picture: Supplied 'Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we're not just launching new routes – we're opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience,' he said. 'This partnership strengthens Australia's global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.' Hamad International Airport supports 48 airlines, and ushers millions of passengers through its terminals every month. Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the new flights to Hamad would position the Sunshine State as a new gateway between Australia and the rest of the world. 'These new flights mean more tourists enjoying everything Queensland has to offer, giving visitors from all over the world affordable ways to reach our communities, boosting business for Queensland tourism operators,' he said. Virgin Australia has begun its new partnership with Qatar Airways to offer international travel. Picture: Supplied About 2.65 million passengers are expected to be arriving in Doha from Australia annually by this December, which Virgin says will increase 'competitiveness in the market and (provide) ample choice for Aussie travellers wanting to visit Europe, Africa and the Middle East'. Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff welcomed the new flights. 'This marks the most significant increase in capacity between Queensland and Europe in the past two years, and we're confident these new daily flights will boost tourism, strengthen international ties and support Queensland's exporters,' he said. 'It's fantastic news for the Brisbane-headquartered airline and even better news for travellers and Queensland's tourism-driven industry.' Fares are available now for purchase, with some discounts ranging up to 15 per cent for select travel dates between October 16 and March 31 next year. Read related topics: Virgin Australia Jack Nivison Cadet Journalist Jack began his journalism career as a freelancer for the New England Times, a small community paper based in Armidale, regional New South Wales. He is currently a Sydney-based Cadet Journalist at News Corp. Jack Nivison
