ANDREW Barr says the ACT Government has today approved the establishment of a new company based at the University of Canberra which will bring a revolutionary breast cancer treatment to market.

“Health always has been and always will be a priority of my government, and I’m excited to further support the development of health services on the University of Canberra campus,” Andrew said.

“Having recently opened the Radiation Oncology Centre clinic and turned the first sod at Canberra’s next public hospital on the campus, this is another step in creating more job opportunities for Canberrans in the health sector.

“EpiAxis Therapeutics Pty Ltd, under the leadership of Professor Sudha Rao, is leading groundbreaking research which aims to minimise the recurrence of breast cancer, which occurs in up to 40 percent of women who are diagnosed with the deadly cancer.

“The government is actively working to diversify our economy by playing to our city’s strength in higher education and research. New companies like EpiAxis are exactly the kind of ventures we want to see emerging from our universities.

“As the Federal Liberal Government continues to cut jobs in our city – with more job losses announced this week, it’s crucial that the ACT Government supports our education institutions to develop more job creating opportunities like EpiAxis therapeutics. This is what my government is committed to.

“The venture is supported the University of Canberra, ANU Connect Ventures and private investors and it will collaborate with clinicians at the Canberra Hospital to carry out clinical trials.”