NEVER mind building a better mousetrap to bring the world to your doorstep, Perth company Ozgene has gone one better by building a better mouse. In fact, the company supplies millions of genetically modified mice and rats to pharmaceutical companies, research organisations and individuals all over the world. Among those beating a path to Ozgene’s door is the National Institute of Health in the US, which signed a $12 million five-year contract with Ozgene for the supply GM mice. GM mice and rats are currently the only animal models that allow researchers to precisely mimic human conditions of genetic disorders at a molecular level. Western Australian Institute for Medical Research director Peter Klinken Ozgene believes Ozgene could become something of a Pied Piper by showing the way for other research-based ventures. Professor Klinken says the creation of the private company Ozgene as a spin-off from WAIMR has been one of WAIMR’s most important commercial achievements and perfectly demonstrates the type of commercial venture that academics and researchers need to be looking for