REGENXBIO

ROCKVILLE, Md.Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- REGENXBIO Inc. (Nasdaq: RGNX) today announced positive results from the Phase I/II/III CAMPSIITE® trial of RGX-121 for the treatment of patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), also known as Hunter syndrome. The results were presented at the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) Annual Symposium 2024.

The totality of evidence from the CAMPSIITE trial continues to support RGX-121 as the potential first gene therapy and one-time treatment for MPS II. In the United States, RGX-121 is also on track to be the first treatment that addresses the neurocognitive decline associated with MPS II, with the potential to be the first-line treatment for patients with neuronopathic disease. 

cartesiantherapeutics logo

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) (the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in its first-in-human Phase 1 trial of Descartes-15, the Company’s next-generation autologous anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T).

Speakers

As we approach the exciting BioHealth Capital Region Week, slated to kick off in just two weeks, there's still time to secure your spot at two of the region’s most anticipated events. The BioHealth Capital Region Forum and the Investment Conference are set to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the biohealth spectrum.

Growing Participation: With over 500 attendees already registered for the Forum and nearly 150 organizations signed up for the Investment Conference, the buzz is building. These events offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, attracting a diverse group of participants from the biohealth industry.

Crab Trap Competition: While applications for the Crab Trap competition have closed, we encourage everyone to register for the Forum to witness this innovation showcase. The finalists, who will be announced soon, will pitch their groundbreaking solutions to a panel of expert judges in a bid to win prizes and gain exposure.

Why You Should Attend:

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with key industry players, potential investors, and partners.
  • Educational Insights: Gain valuable insights from leading experts during panels and keynotes addressing the latest trends and challenges in the biohealth sector.
  • Investment Prospects: For startups and investors, the Investment Conference offers a platform to explore potential funding and growth opportunities.
  • Inspiring Content: Witness firsthand the innovative prowess of emerging companies during the Crab Trap competition.

Acknowledging Our Supporters: We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, whose generous support has made it possible for all attendees to participate free of charge. Additionally, our planning committees have been instrumental in crafting another year of engaging and insightful events, ensuring that the BioHealth Capital Region continues to thrive as a leading hub for biohealth innovation.

Don't Miss Out: There's still time to be part of these dynamic events. Register now to join hundreds of professionals at the forefront of the biohealth industry. Whether you're seeking knowledge, connections, or opportunities to advance your business, the BioHealth Capital Region Week is the place to be.

We look forward to welcoming you to an enriching experience that promises to elevate your understanding and engagement within the biohealth sector.

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In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., sits down with Peter Ronco, Chief Executive Officer of Emmes, a global full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO). Peter discusses his transition from leading roles at Janssen R&D and Bristol Myers Squibb to guiding Emmes' strategic direction and operations.

Peter introduces Emmes, its growth as a full-service CRO, and the recent partnership with New Mountain Capital that has accelerated global acquisitions and diversified services. He also discusses the formation of the Emmes Group, which includes Veridix AI, and the latest partnership with Mimansa AI, highlighting the impact of AI in clinical research.

Listen now via your favorite podcasting platforms:

Apple:https://apple.co/2QwoEIl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4dJCNf6
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Zfhzl7
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/3Xbi3Gf

The conversation also covers the strategic importance of Rockville, Maryland, as Emmes' headquarters and why Montgomery County is an ideal location. Peter wraps up by outlining Emmes' future growth plans.

Novavax Logo

GAITHERSBURG, Md.Aug. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™ adjuvant, today announced the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula) (NVX-CoV2705) has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 in individuals aged 12 and older. Novavax's vaccine is included in the recommendations issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on June 27, 2024.

activation

RICHMOND, Va.Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Activation Capital, an innovation ecosystem development organization, has announced the selection of 10 fast-growing startups from across the country for the inaugural Frontier BioHealth program, which commenced with an in-person gathering on August 8-9, 2024. Each company will benefit from highly specialized training, targeted mentorship, and extensive relationship-building opportunities to accelerate its growth in the life sciences and healthtech sectors.

Frontier BioHealth by Activation Capital is an educational and support program designed to provide highly specialized training, targeted mentorship, and relationship building to help scale pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and health-focused consumer products companies. As an independent nonprofit corporation operating on behalf of the Virginia Research Biotechnology Partnership Authority, Activation Capital is committed to advancing life sciences and other cutting-edge technologies through scientific research, commercialization, and ecosystem development.

OxiWear Logo

ARLINGTON, Va.Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OxiWear, a pioneering company in wearable health technology, is proud to announce that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its cutting-edge oxygen monitoring device. This certification marks a significant milestone in OxiWear's mission to revolutionize patient care and enhance the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases.

OxiWear is a cutting-edge ear pulse oximeter designed for continuous, real-time measurement of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate. This device provides unmatched accuracy and convenience while still and during motion, across all skin types, within clinical and home environments. Unlike traditional methods, OxiWear ensures that patients and healthcare providers have constant access to important oxygen saturation data. The continuous data collection capability is vital for the early detection of hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), offering prompt haptic and emergency messaging alerts that can potentially save lives.

TedcoNeoPath

Rural Maryland-based biotechnology business seeks to develop new methods for image-based tissue diagnostics and assays

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 27, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $25,000 Pre-Seed Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) investment in NEOPATHOLOGY CORP. TEDCO’s RBII was designed to enhance technology commercialization and provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies based in rural Maryland.

“Our proprietary approach standardizes the tissue diagnostic process using contemporary spatial biology-enabling platforms,” said Paul Aiyetan, founder, CEO and director of NEOPATHOLOGY CORP. “Through this process, we are hoping to reduce diagnostic errors, improve diagnostic accuracy and expedite the time to treatment initiation. Thanks to TEDCO’s investment, we can continue progressing towards our goals.”

JHTV Logo

Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) has proudly released its FY24 Annual Report, marking ten years of exceptional growth in innovation and entrepreneurship. The report highlights JHTV's significant achievements, including a fourfold increase in venture investments and a tripling of annual licensing revenue. These accomplishments underscore JHTV's critical role in translating groundbreaking research into impactful technologies.

The report also celebrates the establishment of the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship, which continues to nurture student and community innovation at Johns Hopkins. In addition to these milestones, JHTV has spearheaded collaborations, secured substantial funding, and supported the growth of new startups, further solidifying its position as a leader in academic technology transfer.

HJF Save the date small

HJF, Montgomery County, Maryland & BioBuzz

We are teaming up to bring the research community a new and exciting opportunity - the HJF Networking and Educational Series. Each quarter, a new topic will be presented in HJF's state-of-the-art Conference Facility located at HJF Headquarters, followed by complimentary food and drinks.

Join us at 4 p.m. on September 9, 2024

https://www.hjf.org/networking-educational-series

Questions? Send an Email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Want to Learn the Ins & Outs of the FDA Approval Process?

Join us for an informative FDA Panel, moderated by HJF's Scientific  Employee Resource Group, followed by networking with Montgomery County life science colleagues.

Date: September 9, 2024
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: HJF Conference Facility
6720A Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817

TedcoSimmbion

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 26, 2024)TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Simmbion, LLC. Businesses receiving an investment from TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund, housed under TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds, receive access to a variety of benefits designed to nurture business growth.

“The promise of biologic drugs has been hampered by the need for frequent injections and cold-chain logistics,” said Derese Getnet, CEO of Simmbion. “Through the assistance of TEDCO, Simmbion is working to eliminate the need for recurrent needle-based administration of these drugs (and all the associated cold-chain). In success, our approach will transform adherence to treatment for diabetes, obesity, rare genetic diseases and cancer.”

NIHBHI

The next cycle of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is just around the corner, with a critical submission deadline set for January 5th, 2025. This highly competitive program offers early-stage funding opportunities for small businesses engaged in research and development that addresses significant biomedical challenges.

The NIH SBIR program provides a powerful vehicle for small businesses to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare IT. Through this program, businesses can secure non-dilutive funding to advance their innovative solutions while gaining access to NIH’s vast network of resources and expertise.

Now is the time for eligible companies to prepare their proposals. Securing funding through the NIH SBIR program requires a robust and well-articulated application that clearly demonstrates the proposed project’s scientific merit, innovation, and commercial potential. Companies should also ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and align their research with NIH’s priorities.

7thBHI

This September 19th, the BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference will once again serve as a premier gathering for the biopharma sector, uniting a dynamic blend of participants, including industry executives, investors, and exciting early-stage companies. Known for fostering impactful collaborations and driving innovation, the free-to-attend conference on the third day of BioHealth Capital Region Week is an essential event for those invested in the continued growth of the BioHealth Capital Region.

As part of this event, BioHealth Innovation (BHI) invites you to connect with our expert Analyst Team, led by Jon Nelson. This team plays a pivotal role in advancing the biohealth ecosystem by offering strategic insights within the non-dilutive funding space that help drive success for startups and established companies.

Attendees registered will have the unique opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with Jon Nelson. These sessions offer a chance to discuss non-dilutive funding, gain valuable guidance from a team deeply embedded in the grant landscape, and explore potential options for grant assistance. The BHI Analyst Team is equipped to provide the support you need to achieve your goals.

Kelly Services and Rich 250 x 600 px

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., welcomes Brad Sibbald, Vice President of Kelly Science and Clinical, and Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services. Together, they explore the critical trends and strategies shaping the biotech and government workforce landscapes, with a particular focus on the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR).

Kelly Services, a global leader in workforce solutions, plays a pivotal role in connecting talent with opportunities across various industries, including science, engineering, technology, and telecommunications. Brad and Sarah provide valuable insights into how Kelly Services is adapting to the evolving needs of the biotech sector, from commercial enterprises to government agencies.

Listen now via your favorite podcasting platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/4dSL8N6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4e1sl2t
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3zLNbUw
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2M60Wmx

The discussion covers various topics, including the current talent landscape in the BHCR, strategies for maintaining a robust pipeline, and the challenges of retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Additionally, we learn about Kelly’s upcoming virtual job fair in September (https://bit.ly/3yMuiRm), an event for those looking to connect with opportunities in the biotech sector and the 2024 Kelly Global Re:work Report (https://bit.ly/3SSVhBl), offering listeners valuable insights into the future of work and workforce trends globally.

2 weeks Crab Trap

This is your last chance to apply for this year’s Crab Trap Competition, taking place on September 18th, 2024, during BioHealth Capital Region Week at USP in Rockville, Maryland. This event is an incredible opportunity for startups in the biohealth sector to pitch their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed industry leaders.

Pitch Your Innovation: Finalists will present their business models and technologies during day 2 of the BioHealth Capital Region Forum, gaining invaluable exposure and direct feedback from industry professionals. This platform is perfect for engaging with potential investors and accelerating your company’s visibility.

Prizes:

Additional Opportunities: The winning team will be featured on the BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, further increasing their visibility within the biohealth community.

Wilson

Wilson Sonsini's Entrepreneurs Report for the first half of 2024 is now available, offering critical insights into the current private company financing landscape. Valuations remain subdued across Seed to Series C stages, with many still below their recent peaks. However, later-stage companies are beginning to see larger fundraising amounts, suggesting a cautious but emerging confidence among investors.

A notable theme in the report is the decline in down rounds, indicating that investors are shifting their focus toward healthier, more sustainable startups. This trend, coupled with steady momentum in pre-seed notes and a dip in post-seed raise amounts, reflects a mixed yet cautiously optimistic venture capital environment.

The report also highlights significant changes in Delaware's corporate law, which could have substantial implications for governance rights among venture-backed startups. These legal developments, along with the financial trends observed, are shaping the venture landscape as we move into the latter half of 2024. Access the full report here.

Baltimore AI

BALTIMORE--()--TechstarsJohns Hopkins University, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) announced today a collaboration to launch a new healthcare accelerator program designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs building pathways to better care through artificial intelligence.

Techstars AI Health Baltimore powered by Johns Hopkins and CareFirst combines the university’s expertise in transforming research into commercially viable businesses, CareFirst’s experience in advancing access to affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare, and Techstars’ accelerator model that has helped entrepreneurs build thousands of successful companies, including more than 600 in healthcare.

SAllain2

By Sara Gilgore – Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal Aug 21, 2024 - Sally Allain, the inaugural head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s D.C. incubator, has left her position after more than four years — to grow Virginia Tech’s health sciences research enterprise.

Allain, a longtime J&J exec who built up and led the local JLabs hub that planted roots on Children’s National Hospital’s Walter Reed campus in spring 2019, stepped away this month, announcing her departure in a LinkedIn post. She’ll start with Virginia Tech next week as chief health sciences growth and innovation officer, a newly created position charged with spinning out technology companies and tapping big-name partners across sectors.

Rentention

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--()--Retension Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful closing of its Series A $10.4 million financing round to initiate a well-powered and controlled Phase 2 clinical study in patients with hypertension uncontrolled on two or more antihypertensives.

Retension Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage therapeutic development company focused on developing innovative treatments for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The company's lead drug candidate, RTN-001, a second generation PDE5 inhibitor, was designed to target the tissues of the higher vasculature by the company’s CSO and Co-Founder, Dr. Paul Sweetnam, overcoming the limitations of first generation PDE5 inhibitors in the hypertension space. According to the WHO, it is estimated that hypertension affects 1.28 billion adults worldwide, of whom only 21% have their hypertension fully under control. In prior clinical trials, RTN-001 has been studied in over 265 human subjects, including two Phase 2 studies in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. In these studies, RTN-001 was shown to be well tolerated and demonstrated clinically significant blood pressure lowering effects.

techtransf

The Technology Transfer Society – Washington D.C. Chapter is excited to announce its Fall 2024 course, "Introduction to Technology Transfer and Commercialization," offered in collaboration with Montgomery College. This hybrid course, available both virtually and in-person, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the technology transfer process—transitioning innovations from the lab to the marketplace.

Whether you're interested in the inner workings of a technology transfer office or looking to commercialize your own invention, this course is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights. You'll learn from seasoned professionals, including experts from federal labs, who will share their knowledge and experiences to help you navigate the complexities of technology transfer.

Hopkins Whiting

A Whiting School-led interinstitutional research team will develop a novel photoacoustic endoscope and fluorescent contrast agent to ensure total tumor removal and preservation of healthy tissue

A Johns Hopkins Engineering-led team has won an award of up to $20.9 million over five years from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop novel technologies for precise tumor removal. ARPA-H is a federal funding agency established by the Biden-Harris administration to rapidly advance high-impact biomedical research centered around preventing, detecting, and treating cancer and other diseases.

Using its ARPA-H award, the team, led by Emad Boctor of the Whiting School of Engineering and including collaborators from Johns Hopkins’ schools of Engineering and Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, and industry will develop a novel, non-contact photoacoustic endoscope that promises to provide an information-enhanced view of the surgical field without altering surgeons’ workflows. When used with the team’s proposed multi-cancer fluorescent contrast agent, the endoscope will help surgeons identify and remove any remaining microscopic cancer remnants during tumor removal procedures.

The team will also use existing fluorescent dyes in combination with their novel photoacoustic endoscope to visualize critical anatomical structures, allowing surgeons to “see” deep into human tissue to reveal hidden blood vessels and nerves so that they are not accidentally damaged during such procedures.

This project is one of several nationwide chosen for funding of up to $150 million total from the ARPA-H Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program, which is part of the broader Biden-Harris administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.

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OSJnJ

ROCKVILLE, Md.--()--OS Therapies (NYSE American: OSTX) (“OS Therapies” or “the Company”), an ADC and Immunotherapy research and clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has been accepted into Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS. Through membership of JLABS, OS Therapies aims to further develop and enter the clinic with its tunable Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) linker-based platform that relies on pH sensitive linkers & coating technology to reduce off-target effects to improve safety and increase the number & diversity of therapeutic payloads delivered. Through these developments, OS Therapies hopes to offer improved efficacy versus other ADCs in the market or in development. Drug candidates developed using OS Therapies’ tunable ADC platform leverage this unique linker platform to create new intellectual property for both novel and off-patent targeting antibodies and drug payloads.

WIBlogo

Women In Bio (WIB) will be well-represented at the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum on September 17th and 18th, 2024, at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD. WIB, a national organization dedicated to advancing women’s careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship in the life sciences, will host a table at this annual event as part of its in-kind partnership with BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) and the Forum planning committee. Attendees can learn more about WIB’s mission to empower women across the biohealth sector and explore opportunities to get involved in this dynamic community.

With 13 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, including the Capital Region chapter, WIB’s members include professionals from leading biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device companies, academia, government, and supporting industries like finance and law. WIB provides a robust platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development, fostering diversity and inclusion in life sciences.

AURP

AURP and its BIO Health Caucus have sponsored the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum (Sept 17-18) at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD.

Serving on the Forum planning committee are: Amy Adams, Executive Director of George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation; Kolaleh Eskandanian, Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s National Hospital; and Brian Darmody, AURP Chief Strategy Officer.

The BioHealth Capital Region Forum gathers together the DC/MD/VA region’s biopharma sector, to highlight the region’s capabilities and achievements with insights into future trends. With over 2,300 life science companies, 78 federal labs, and numerous esteemed academic institutions, the BioHealth Capital Region stands as a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity. Learn more.

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In this special episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., hosts a compelling discussion with three groundbreaking guests from South Africa: Johann de Bruyn, CEO of TASK, Ethan Hunter, Chief Operations Officer at Immobazyme, and Dr. Carla Eksteen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University. Together, they share their journey of connecting South Africa's biotech scene with the BioHealth Capital Region, showcasing how innovation transcends borders.

Johann de Bruyn opens the conversation by introducing TASK Applied Science and its collaborative relationship with the U.S. He explains the genesis of Bio Centrifuge Africa, a business plan competition inspired by the BioHealth Capital Region's Crab Trap, designed to bridge the gap between South Africa’s emerging biotech sector and the established BHCR.

Ethan Hunter, co-founder of Immobazyme, discusses his company’s pioneering work in precision fermentation and the growing impact it has across various industries. He reflects on the significance of winning Bio Centrifuge Africa and the exciting opportunity to compete in the 9th Annual Crab Trap in Maryland this September.

Dr. Carla Eksteen shares her research journey in cancer immunotherapy and the vital role her work plays in advancing healthcare in South Africa. She talks about the opportunities provided by Bio Centrifuge Africa and her upcoming trip to Maryland as part of the competition winners.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/3SUCMwz
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XbF9wv
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3Mbzph1
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/3MbzqBB 

Brain

Natasha Sheybani, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia School of Engineering, will collaborate with researchers at Children’s National Hospital to study the combination of two therapies for pediatric brain cancer. 

High-risk brain tumors in children often don’t respond well to existing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but Sheybani and her collaborators hope their fusion of therapies will offer a better option. 

astrazeneca logo

Based on AEGEAN Phase III trial results which showed Imfinzi-based regimen reduced the risk of recurrence, progression or death by 32% vs. neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone

AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) in combination with chemotherapy has been approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with resectable early-stage (IIA-IIIB) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and no known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements. In this regimen, patients are treated with Imfinzi in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery and as adjuvant monotherapy after surgery.

MoonShot

More than two years ago, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot with the goals of reducing the cancer death rate in the United States by at least half—preventing more than 4 million cancer deaths—by 2047, and improving the experience of people who are touched by cancer. As part of this effort, President Biden and Vice President Harris secured bipartisan Congressional support to establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to generate breakthroughs in ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer and other diseases. In its first two years, ARPA-H has invested more than $400 million to fast-track progress on how we prevent, detect, and treat cancer.

TEDCO

COLUMBIA, Md., (August 13, 2024)TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kim Mozingo to vice president of Federal Programs. In this role, Mozingo will lead a suite of seven programs designed to transform federal scientific research into economic growth and new job opportunities for Maryland's small businesses.

“We are pleased to have such a dedicated individual as Kim on the TEDCO team,” said Stephen Auvil, chief federal engagement officer. “Under her leadership, TEDCO’s federal programs have experienced significant growth.  Her management of our SBIR Proposal Lab, DefTech, and other federal programs have supported more than 150 companies.  Moreover, she will be launching several new programs in her area over the next six months.  This promotion is well deserved and reflects her accomplishments and growing responsibilities.”

MII Logo

$2.1M invested in seven companies to advance innovations from lab to market in Maryland

COLUMBIA, Md. (August 13, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent round of investments through its Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), marking a significant milestone in promoting the commercialization of groundbreaking research from Maryland's prestigious academic institutions.

“The latest awards highlight the innovative research in university labs with tremendous commercial potential across multiple industries,” said Abi Kulshreshtha, Ph.D., executive director, MII. “We are excited to continue MII’s role in advancing Maryland’s innovation-driven economic development strategy.”

United Therapeutics logo

Multi-billion-dollar US-based biotech firm United Therapeutics has announced that it has purchased 32 acres (13 hectares) of land in Minnesota, US, for US$4.5 million to construct what it called a state-of-the-art facility, which will support clinical research on using gene-edited pig organs for human patients with heart and kidney disease.

The facility site, which is located outside of Rochester, Minnesota, in Stewartville, is roughly 14 miles (22.5km) south of the world-renowned non-profit academic and research medical centre the Mayo Clinic. While the programme is not currently working with the Mayo Clinic, United Therapeutics noted the proximity helped inform its selection of the site. 

Venture

Venture capitalists are inserting a record number of "pay to play" provisions into term sheets, according to new data from law firm Cooley.

Why it matters: This is a sharp-elbowed reminder that VCs are facing performance pressure, and that startups are having a tougher time getting funded.

Jargon watch: "Pay to play" provisions also may be known as "cram down" clauses, and basically are designed to benefit new investors at the expense of existing shareholders who don't want to invest additional capital.

  • The critical view is that this is unfair to insiders who took a chance when the company's prospects were more speculative, but who've either lost faith or no longer have money to spend (including early employees or VC funds without adequate reserves).
  • The more charitable view is that such rounds are for companies that need money — not those that just want to bolster balance sheets — and that the new investors are vital to the company's future success. In short: Get on board or get out.

linshom medical logo NEW

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, US, August 12, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The study, “Advanced Prediction of Respiratory Depression Episodes with the Linshom Continuous Predictive Respiratory Sensor”, completed enrollment of 508 patients well ahead of schedule.

“Preliminary analysis of the data shows that Linshom Medical’s sensor detects respiratory depression 12 minutes before current systems employed”, said Richard Urman, MD, MBA, the principal investigator of the study. “This gives health care providers additional time to take action and intervene before a crisis develops”.

mimetas

In a recent article by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, Paul Vulto, PhD, CEO of Mimetas, discusses the growing demand for advanced organ modeling in fields like oncology and metabolic diseases. Mimetas is at the forefront of this innovation, creating sophisticated assays that replicate the complex tumor microenvironment and immune interactions. Their groundbreaking work in liver modeling has produced a life-like liver structure, with significant applications in fibrosis, NASH, and gene therapies, enhancing the accuracy of preclinical testing.

BHCR Week One Month

We’re just over a month away from the 2024 BioHealth Capital Region Week, which takes place from September 17th, 18th, and 19th at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD. This milestone event marks a decade of transformative discussions and partnerships. Here’s what each day has in store:

BioHealth Capital Region Forum (September 17th-18th)
Celebrating our 10th Annual Forum with a robust lineup of speakers and panels:

  • Updates:
    • GEN Top 10 BioCluster Update with Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
    • BioHealth Capital Region Update with Pete Briskman, Executive Managing Director, JLL-Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated
  • Keynotes:
    • John F. Crowley, President & CEO, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
    • Robert Stoffel, Vice President of Research, Amgen
    • Craig Gravitz, Director, Project Accelerator Transition Innovation Office, ARPA-H
  • Panels:
    • Meet Some of the BioHealth Capital Region’s Med Tech Leaders
    • Virginia: Leading the Way in Advanced BioHealth Manufacturing
    • Transforming Healthcare: Innovations and Future Trends in Digital Health
    • The Baltimore Tech Hub: Implementing Equitech Principles to Build a Thriving Ecosystem for AI and Life Sciences
    • How Emerging AI, Machine Learning, and Quantum Technologies Will Impact Discovery and Regulation of New Drugs and Devices: A Peek Into the Future
    • Collaborative Approaches to Support Innovation in Biotechnology in the Capital Region
    • New BHCR Regional Research Initiatives
    • Entrepreneurs in Residence Supporting the BHCR Ecosystem
    • Inside the BioHealth Capital Region, Accessing Early Stage SSBCI Funding
    • Biomedical Engineering: Meet the Region’s Bio Engineering Academic Leaders

Additional Fireside chats and panels are still being finalized. Please check the event agenda regularly for updates.