BioHealth Innovation Weekly for October 3, 2023

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October 3, 2023

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Navigating the Future of Autoimmune Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Theresa Podrebarac, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development at Horizon Therapeutics

How can patients help shape the future of scientific innovation? What's the vital role of the patient's voice in developing life-changing medicines? In this captivating episode, fresh off her thought-provoking appearance at the 9th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum, Dr. Theresa Podrebarac takes us on a journey through the dynamic landscape of autoimmune medicine.

Dr. Podrebarac is a renowned physician scientist with a wealth of expertise in the biotech industry. As the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Horizon Therapeutics, she's at the forefront of bringing hope to patients with rare, autoimmune, and severe inflammatory diseases. Join us as we explore pivotal questions:

What is Horizon Therapeutics' mission, and what are Dr. Podrebarac's primary responsibilities in this quest for life-changing medicines?
How has Dr. Podrebarac's background as a rheumatologist influenced her belief in the importance of the patient's perspective in drug development?
Discover Horizon's impressive journey in clinical development, with a sharp focus on autoimmune diseases.
Dive into Horizon's global presence and the crucial role of its Maryland operations.
What are the clinical goals that will shape the future of autoimmune medicine?

Innara Health Acknowledges BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) and Ethel Rubin for Their Role in Joining Cardinal Health

Innara Health has extended their recognition to BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) and Ethel Rubin for our significant contributions to Innara Health's journey. BHI is acknowledged for our confidence and insight in introducing Innara Health to the BioHealth Capital Region, while Ethel Rubin is thanked for her expert counsel, candor, and influential role on the Board, along with her valuable network. Our support has played a crucial part in Innara Health's mission to improve the lives of premature newborns and infants.

Israeli BioHealth Companies Shine at BioHealth Capital Region Events

The BioHealth Capital Region recently played host to a series of significant events that drew attention from the global biopharma community. Notably, several Israeli BioHealth companies, some traveling directly from Israel, participated in these events, underscoring the region's growing prominence, especially after being recognized by GEN as a Top 3 BioPharma Cluster in the United States. This remarkable participation was made possible with the dedicated efforts of Aisha Espey, Director of Commerce, Head of Science and Technology from the Embassy of Israel in Washington DC, and Andrea Yonah, Director of Business Development for the U.S. East Coast/Midwest at the U.S. Israel Binational Industrial R&D (BIRD) Foundation.

The BioHealth Capital Region Forum serves as the region's premier gathering for the biopharma sector, fostering collaborations and discussions that advance public health and economic outcomes. The Crab Trap, now in its 8th year, is a competition spotlighting entrepreneurs with transformative health solutions. The Investment Conference is a platform for companies and investors to create partnerships, featuring brief presentations highlighting BioHealth opportunities and innovations.

Deka Biosciences Closes USD $20 Million Series B2 Financing Led by MPM BioImpact

GERMANTOWN, Md., Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Maryland-based biotech company Deka Biosciences ("Deka") today announced that it has successfully closed a USD $20 Million Series B2 financing with a syndicate of life science investors led by MPM BioImpact, and joined by additional investors including Leaps by Bayer, Lumira Ventures, O-Bio (Echo Investment Capital), Viva BioInnovator, Alexandria Venture Investments, Amana Investments, Plains Ventures, ATEM Capital and CEO John Mumm. The proceeds of the financing will support the advancement of Deka's pipeline and drug product manufacturing as they continue clinical trials following the receipt of a notice to proceed letter from the FDA for their investigational new drug (IND) application to evaluate DK2¹⁰ (EGFR). Additionally, Detlev Biniszkiewicz, Ph.D. of MPM-BioImpact, will join the Deka board.

Maryland Department of Commerce: Maryland, together with D.C and Virginia, now a “Top 3” biopharma cluster

The latest rankings from Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (or GEN) included some long-awaited good news for Maryland: the Biohealth Capital Region (BHCR) had moved up to No. 3 on the publication’s list of the top ten biopharma clusters in the United States.

Leaders in Maryland’s biohealth industry have been working to make the BHCR a “Top 3 by 2023” since back in 2016. In recent years, the region (comprising Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.) has ranked No. 4.

“It’s been an incredible journey working with so many dedicated individuals and organizations in the region over the years to meet this goal,” Rich Bendis, president and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., said in a statement . “The spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the BioHealth Capital Region has been the driving force behind this success, and I’m proud to be part of this remarkable community.”

Click here to read the entire article.

Emmes Introduces Telehealth Capabilities into Advantage eClinical

The latest upgrade is part of wider goals to create the industry's first unified digital data platform for decentralized and hybrid trials

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmes, a global, full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation, announces the addition of telehealth capabilities within Advantage eClinical. The new application means any scheduled visit can become virtual with video calls augmented directly through the platform and patients signing in through their existing participant portal. Advantage eClinical is designed to enable a simple, intuitive experience that fits seamlessly into the everyday lives of study participants and sites.

Maryland Department of Commerce Webinar Event: Reach Your Raise: Attract Investors with Maryland’s Biotech Tax Credit

If your Maryland-based life sciences company is doing R&D in biotechnology and preparing to raise equity funding, your investors may be eligible to benefit from tax credits from the State of Maryland through the Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit (BIITC) program. Join the Maryland Department of Commerce on October 2nd to learn about the program benefits and how you can work with your investors to enhance their returns by investing in you.

Click here to learn more and register.

Anzu Partners Closes Third Venture Fund Focused on Companies Enabling Next-Gen Solutions in Clean Tech, Industrial, and Life Sciences Technologies

Fund III cohort accelerates the energy transition, facilitates discovery of better therapeutics and advances critical industries

ATLANTA & BOSTON & SAN DIEGO & TAMPA, Fla. & WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Anzu Partners, an investment firm delivering capital and strategic support to early-stage breakthrough technology companies, today announced it has raised more than $200 million at the close of its third venture capital fund.

Fund III was established to invest in companies developing next-generation solutions in clean technology, industrial innovations, and life sciences. Investors in Fund III include new and returning public and private institutions, single and multifamily offices, and accredited investors across the U.S. and overseas.

TEDCO invests in AGED Diagnostics

COLUMBIA, Md. (September 28, 2023) –TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Seed Funds investment into AGED Diagnostics, a biotechnology company. Previously, AGED Diagnostics received a $250,000 investment from TEDCO’s Builder Fund, a funding opportunity that is under the umbrella of our Social Impact Funds.

“1 in 3 Americans have liver disease, but many remain unaware of it until the disease progresses to a stage when it is no longer curable, patient outcomes are poor and/or healthcare costs are burdensome,” said Rachel Zayas, CEO of AGED Diagnostics. “Thanks to TEDCO’s investment we are able to continue our research and development, working towards a future where liver disease can have early detection.”

The BioHealth Capital Region Successfully Hosted Its Annual Forum, Crab Trap, and Investment Conference

The BioHealth Capital Region continued its tradition of fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the life sciences sector with its series of events in 2023. The highlights included the 9th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum, the 8th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap, and the 6th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference, bringing together industry, academic, government, entrepreneurs, and investors.

WBJ: Dr. Kurt Newman’s journey from surgeon to CEO

The Greater Washington area has a long history of influential business leaders powering the growth of our region and the strength of their communities. On Dec. 5, the Washington Business Hall of Fame will welcome five such leaders to receive our region’s signature lifetime business achievement award. The Hall of Fame brings these visionaries (the best in business) to the table with the next generation of leaders (the next in business), through an experience that connects and inspires us all.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Laureates are no strangers to media coverage. If you live in the Washington region, chances are you’ve seen their names in headlines for years. What you may not have witnessed is these trailblazers telling their stories in their own words. That’s what this series brings you – the look back, lessons and life advice that these Laureates have to offer based on a lifetime of success.

Luminoah Wins 8th Annual Crab Trap Competition at BioHealth Capital Region Forum

Luminoah Wins 8th Annual Crab Trap Competition at BioHealth Capital Region Forum

Rockville, MD, September 22, 2023 — Luminoah, a MedTech startup located in Charlottesville, VA, dedicated to improving the lives of people requiring enteral feeding, emerged as the top company at the 8^th Annual Crab Trap Competition, held as part of this year’s BioHealth Capital Region Forum. The event, which took place on September 20th, showcased Luminoah's innovative wearable system, designed to optimize compliance and clinical outcomes through the integration of durable medical equipment, consumable nutrition pouches, and remote patient monitoring.

Neal Piper, Founder & CEO of Luminoah, delivered an outstanding presentation highlighting the company's groundbreaking technology. Luminoah's wearable system represents a significant advancement in the field of enteral feeding, offering an innovative solution to enhance patient care.