Rockville, Maryland’s Fina Biosolutions recently was awarded an SBIR grant to develop a genetically detoxified tetanus toxin as a carrier protein for conjugate vaccines.  The NIAID funded grant is for $289,000 and will use a mutant toxin engineered by Dr. Joseph Barbieri of the Medical College of Wisconsin.  FinaBio’s Scientific Director, Andrew Lees, noted “We are very appreciative of the help from BHI in securing this grant which will help us to commercialize a new genetically detoxified vaccine carrier protein that complements our existing conjugate vaccine portfolio.” FinaBio has created an E. coli strain with an oxidative intracellular environment that grows to very high densities and can express soluble disulfide bonded proteins. The mutant tetanus toxin will be produced in this E. coli strain and compared as vaccine carrier protein with the chemically detoxified protein.  Fina Bio received assistance from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in preparing the SBIR grant application through its Federal Funding Assistance program.

This new program is specifically aimed at helping patients with Type 2 diabetes, who take medications to control their blood sugar levels.

Sonavex, a Baltimore-based medical device company, has announced a raise of $3M in financing including the first close of its Series A round led by Grey Sky Partners. Recently named Maryland’s 2016 Incubator Company of the Year, Sonavex is focused on improving surgical patient outcomes with point-of-care imaging technologies. Other organizations participating in this financing include CRCM Venture Capital, TEDCO, and the Abell Foundation. Award of a $750k Phase II SBIR grant from the National Science Foundation is also included in the financing. With this influx of capital, Sonavex will be advancing the commercialization of EchoSure, a Doppler ultrasound system, and developing additional ultrasound solutions currently in the company’s pipeline. The press release also announces the addition of Bill Niland, CEO of Harpoon Medical, and Bob Hallenbeck, former executive at Becton Dickinson, to Sonavex’s Board of Directors.

Sisu Global Health got more recognition for its device that recycles blood for use during surgery, winning the First Mile Innovation Challenge.

The competition, which was run by the Consortium of Affordable Medical Technologies (CAMTech), GE Sustainable Healthcare Solutions and MGH Global Health, sought applications from around the world that address health hardships in low and middle income countries. About 80 companies from 16 countries applied, according to an announcement.

Redox, a Madison, WI-based startup that develops digital tools that enable healthcare applications to access data from electronic health records systems, says it has raised $9 million from investors.

New York-based RRE Ventures led the Series B financing. Other participants in the funding round included return backers .406 Ventures (in Boston), HealthX Ventures (Madison), and Flybridge Capital Partners, which has offices in Boston and New York. .406 Ventures led Redox’s $3.5 million Series A round, which was announced in late 2015.

Since its inception, biotechnology has been preoccupied with virus filtration, the clearance of invasive and adventitious viruses from biopharmaceutical products. And now, far from waning, virus filtration is set to become even more important. Virus filtration, reports Markets and Markets, constitutes a global market that is growing 12% each

The NIH has awarded MIMETAS and the University of Pittsburgh a prestigious SBIR grant to develop a Liver-on-a-Chip platform for high throughput discovery and development. Accurate prediction of hepatotoxicity is a major problem in the development of new drugs leading to high development costs.  Animal hepatotoxicity testing is expensive, unsuited to high throughput and overall has unreliable concordance with human hepatotoxicity. MIMETAS scientists have teamed up with the University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute led by D. Lansing Taylor, Ph.D. to develop a liver-on-a-chip platform of unprecedented throughput, predictivity and usability. “We’re extremely happy to be working with Lans and his team on this project”, says Dr. Anthony Saleh of MIMETAS. “Prof. Taylor is a frontrunner in developing in vitro liver cultures and has vast experience with microfluidic techniques." “We were extremely impressed when we learned about the MIMETAS OrganoPlate platform”, commented Prof. Taylor. “It enables High Throughput, 3D co-culture with a vascular and hepatic compartments, as well as ease of handling. There is really no equivalent in the Organ-on-a-Chip space”.

Great news in the happiest season of the year. We've published our 3D neuronal models for drug screening in Nature Scientific Reports and we received a grant with Pittsburg University for liver-on-a-chip. Of course we're looking forward to meet you at the SLAS2017 in Washington and at the ISSCR in Basel. And Christmas would not be Christmas without our warm wishes for the holiday season and the year 2017. We're definitely looking forward to it!

In Africa, the team building Sisu Global Health is stepping up the introduction of its blood transfusion device. In Baltimore, the team is posting fundraising gains.

Sisu recently raised $500,000 from the Camden Partners Exelixis Fund, CMO Katie Kirsch said.

Every year, millions of fish raised in aquaculture die of nervous necrosis virus (NNV). “The disease affects the brain, and the fish lose their vision and balance,” says Vikram Vakharia, professor of marine biotechnology at UMBC. As a result of damage to the nervous system, “the fish just swim in circles,” Vakharia says. His lab is housed at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Leiden-based biotechnology company Mimetas has received 1.6 million USD funding for development of an organ-on-a-chip model for neurotoxicity. The aim of the project is to improve existing neurotoxicity tests and to reduce experimentation on animals. A panel of experts from BASF, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbvie, NC3Rs and renowned academic institutions has selected the Mimetas solution from a lineup of strong competitors. Mimetas will lead the consortium, which also includes the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (Utrecht, The Netherlands) and Cellular Dynamics International (Wisconsin, USA).

Rockville, MD, November 19, 2014 – BeneVir BioPharm, Inc. today announced it closed a Series A investment round with Pansend, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of HC2 Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: HCHC). BeneVir’s core technology was licensed from New York University (NYU) and originally developed by Ian J. Mohr, Ph.D., NYU Langone Medical Center.

BeneVir used this core technology to develop a pipeline of cancer immunotherapy drug candidates that affect antigen presentation in both tumor cells and antigen presenting cells. BeneVir’s pipeline consists of oncolytic viruses delivered locally or systemically. Once inside tumors, the viruses selectively destroy cancer cells, evade elimination by the immune system, and activate multiple classes of anti-tumor immune cells. This multi-mechanistic approach builds upon key elements of both oncolytic virus and immune-checkpoint inhibitor approaches to cancer treatment and is designed to block the major methods that tumors use to subvert the immune system. Proceeds of the financing will be used to conduct initial proof- of-concept clinical studies of BeneVir’s lead product, further develop the pipeline, and establish partnerships to test promising combination therapies in a diverse set of metastatic solid tumors.

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Benevir has been accepted into the Hive program and will be taking part in the TEDMED 2014 convention from September 10-12, 2014 in Washington, DC and San Francisco.

BeneVir's cancer therapeutic is designed to induce the immune system to recognize and rid the body of two types of tumor cell. The first type is responsive to current immunotherapies, and many patients experience complete remissions. Tumor cells of the second type have evolved to hide from the immune system and are refractory to current immunotherapies. These tumor cells are ultimately responsible for tumor recurrence and poor clinical outcomes. To our knowledge, there is no technology in development that can induce immunity to both types of tumor cell. We feel we have a unique perspective in the emerging field of cancer immunotherapy and that our technology will exhibit enhanced clinical benefit for a wide range of cancer patients.

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We are pleased to announce that emocha Mobile Health launched its video-based directly observed therapy application, miDOT, in Harris County, Texas. miDOT will be used to bridge the distance between healthcare workers and the tuberculosis (TB) patients that are dispersed across the nearly 1,800 square miles surrounding Houston, which has one of the nation’s highest Tuberculosis rates. The roll-out began in early February after emocha won a competitive bidding process based on a head-to-head pilot with competing technologies.

July 8 - 9, 2015, Boston, MA, USA

The first ever Organ-on-a-Chip World Congress focuses on Organ-on-a-Chip technology, Biofabrication and 3D-Bioprinting in the life sciences. The conference will be held on 8-9 July 2015 in Boston, organized by Selectbio.

MIMETAS is corporate sponsor of this inaugural conference.

Oral Presentation Abstract Submission Deadline: February 27, 2015

Poster Submission Deadline: June 30, 2015

Maarssen, the Netherlands, 14 June 2013 - MIMETAS was awarded the prestigious LifeSciences@Work award during yesterdays' Dutch Life Sciences SME Event. 75 recently established Life Science companies were invited to compete through an on-line video pitch contest. The video pitches were analyzed by a professional jury, consisting of primarily investors and life science professionals.

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MIMETAS today announces the appointment of Herbert L. Heyneker, Ph.D. as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dr. Heyneker will be supporting MIMETAS in her mission to develop high-throughput Organ-on-a-Chip products for predictive therapy testing.

"Organ-on-a-Chip technology is extremely hot in the United States today. But none of the technologies I've seen so far comes even close to the level of elegance and sophistication that MIMETAS is offering." says Herb Heyneker, who is based in the San Francisco Bay area. "I am strongly convinced that MIMETAS technology has the potential to create a revolution in medicine development and therapy selection. [...]"

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MIMETAS' co-founder Paul Vulto has won the Audience Award and the runner up Jury Award for Best Proposition at the International Conference on the Commercialisation of Micro- and Nanosystems (COMS). The jury, which included serial entrepreneur Steven Walsh and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Janusz Bryzek, called the MIMETAS proposition a technology that will change the world, having the potential to grow into a billion-dollar company.

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The UK-based National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) has awarded MIMETAS with £100k in the NephroTube Crack-it Challenge, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Roche.

The NephroTube Crack-it Challenge aims to develop a microfluidic renal model predicting renal toxicity during pre-clinical development. In collaboration with the UMCN Pharmacology-Toxicology Department and the Swiss FHNW, MIMETAS will develop a kidney-on-a-chip by combining its OrganoPlate™ 3D-culturing technology with the human renal cell line ciPTEC™.

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MIMETAS and BHI created a U.S. subsidiary of MIMETAS to access the clinical, regulatory and scientific resources available in Central Maryland and to access the U.S. marketplace, the largest life sciences market in the world.

"We're very pleased to add Todd to the MIMETAS team," said Jos Joore, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer of MIMETAS. "Todd couples a vast experience in business creation with a profound understanding of biology and disease mechanisms. Most importantly, Todd shares our sense of urgency around enabling better medical treatment by using more predictive cell culture models."

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MIMETAS and Galapagos will collaborate to develop miniaturized 3D cell culture models that mimic specific aspects of human diseases. These models will be applied to the identification and improvement of novel compounds. Dr. Richard Janssen, Senior Director of Target Discovery at Galapagos, states: "The MIMETAS platform is the first to combine organ-on-a-chip technology with our high throughput screening of primary human cells. As we see it, OrganoPlates™ make 3D culture as straightforward as traditional cell culture."

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MIMETAS is part of Medical Delta: the consortium of top life sciences and medical technology partners in the Netherlands. Medical Delta is a research, sales and logistics driven life sciences and medical technology cluster situated in the economic heart of the Netherlands, between Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam. In this Leiden -- Delft -- Rotterdam region, top-ranked universities and medical centers work together with industry and government to provide a dynamic environment for innovative spinoffs and international companies. With thanks to Roel Kamerling.

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What do you need to turn a brilliant idea into a business? “A good morale boost,” says Abhishek Motayed, Founder and President of N5 Sensors, Inc. of Rockville. Motayed had that boost this month when N5 Sensors received two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards totaling $250,000. The grants came from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) towards N5 Sensors work developing low-power, computer chip-size benzene, carbon monoxide, and ammonia sensors. A 2012 UMD Invention of Year Award winner, Motayed has kept close contact with the university’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), a crucial participant in the creation of N5 Sensors. “My interactions with OTC were very positive and encouraging. They are very knowledgeable—they knew exactly how to advise me on funding, commercialization, and patenting,” says Motayed.

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Strand Life Sciences (Strand) representatives will demonstrate new capabilities of the company's variant interpretation and reporting software, StrandOmics at the Association For Molecular Pathologist (AMP) 2014 Annual Meeting to be held from November 12th to 15th in National Harbor, Maryland. The 20th anniversary meeting's theme is "Realizing the Dream of Precision Medicine," with a special address by Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institute of Health. At AMP, Strand will host a workshop on the innovative developments and application of its StrandOmics software, plus new expansion efforts in Personalized Medicine.

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Apollo Hospitals announced the launch of cutting-edge clinical genomic tests from the Strand Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, a part of Strand Life Sciences across its hospital network. These tests in oncology, cardiovascular, heritable eye diseases and rare genetic disorders shall be integrated into clinical practice by Apollo’s subsidiary, Sapien Biosciences in partnership with Strand Life Sciences. These tests, will help doctors diagnose disease more precisely, identify the optimal treatment and monitor disease & treatment course for better outcomes. Genomics is integral to Apollo’s focus on Research and Innovations. Genomic testing involves analyses of patient genomes – genes and sequences of DNA/RNA. The analysis helps create better prognostic tools for improved disease screening and prevention strategies. The patient benefits from optimized clinical care, personalization of treatment & monitoring of outcomes. These tests come with comprehensive pre- & post-test counselling to help the patient & their physicians to integrate the tests results into the clinical care provided. Ms. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals says,“Apollo has always believed that personalized medicine is the future of healthcare delivery. Our Chairman, Dr. P.C Reddy’s foresight of personalized health is becoming a reality today with the availability of such cutting-edge genomic tests.”

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Can you envision a world where precision medicine transforms healthcare as we know it? Tune in to this exciting episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, featuring Dr. Amrie Grammer, Co-Founder of AMPEL BioSolutions. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Grammer unveils the secrets behind AMPEL's remarkable success in precision medicine, making this episode a must-listen. Learn about the groundbreaking genomic tests developed by AMPEL, providing decision support for autoimmune diseases, and delve into the role of artificial intelligence in predicting potential treatments.

Explore the immense potential for a revolution in healthcare as Dr. Grammer shares insights on understanding the human genome and AMPEL's cutting-edge work in harnessing Big Data and Machine Learning for personalized precision medicine. Don't miss this great episode and gain valuable insights into the future of data-driven health.

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 Join us for an enlightening episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we explore the pivotal role of patient registries in rare disease research and treatment. Our guest, Harsha Rajasimha, MS, Ph.D., CEO of Jeeva Informatics Solutions and Founder and Executive Chairman of IndoUSrare, shares his extensive experience in clinical genomics data science and precision medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Rajasimha introduces Jeeva Informatics Solutions and IndoUSrare, his non-profit organization. He discusses the importance of patient registries in accelerating rare disease research, the current obstacles in the field, and the potential solutions.

We discuss the role of governments in rare disease research and treatment and the potential for collaboration with non-profits in clinical trials. Finally, Dr. Rajasimha shares the goals of the upcoming Indo-US Rare Summit at the GMU Campus in Arlington, VA.

Tune in for valuable insights from a leader in rare disease research and patient advocacy.

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Join us on an informative episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we delve into the fascinating realm of computer systems validation (CSV) and its significant impact on quality assurance in the life sciences industry. Our guest, Mr. Gaurav Walia, Senior Global Director of Business Development at PQE Group and Principal SME of Computer Systems Validation, Computer Software Assurance, and Data Integrity and Sr. Associate Partner, brings extensive expertise in CSV and compliance consulting services.

Discover the essential role of CSV in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and compliance of computerized systems used in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. Mr. Walia, a recognized authority in the field, will provide insights into CSV's challenges and best practices, emphasizing the critical importance of regulatory adherence and data integrity.

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What if the future of medicine could be personalized, predictive, and empowered by data? In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis discusses this topic with Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price, the co-authors of the book “The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine Is Personalized, Predictive, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands.” Together, they discuss the scientific revolution reshaping the healthcare and medicine landscape.

Dr. Hood and Dr. Price shed light on how cutting-edge technologies, such as genomics and artificial intelligence, are enabling the shift from reactive medicine to proactive, individualized care. They explore the concept of “scientific wellness,” where data-rich insights revolutionize disease prevention and unlock the potential for extended health span. Join us on BioTalk for this thought-provoking exploration of the new frontier of medicine, where health optimization is at the forefront.

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How will protein engineering unleash a new era of therapeutic possibilities for BioHealth and the BioHealth Capital Region? Join us on this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as Rich chats with Dr. Luis Alvarez, Founder & CEO of Theradaptive, who is at the forefront of protein engineering technology. Learn about Theradaptive’s ingenious approach to overcoming the challenges of naturally occurring proteins, elevating the efficacy and safety of therapeutics through precision-targeted delivery, and mitigating off-target side effects. From spinal fusion and orthopedics to soft tissue repair and targeted chemotherapeutics, Theradaptive’s breakthrough technology is set to transform the lives of millions grappling with debilitating conditions linked to loss of tissue function. Be part of the conversation that’s unlocking a world of untapped potential in the convergence of protein engineering and therapeutic discovery. Listen now here or via your favorite podcasting platforms:

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A graduate of West Point, Dr. Luis Alvarez served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. Following a combat tour and seeing fellow servicemembers forced to undergo delayed amputations due to tissue damage, he was motivated to pursue a Ph.D. in biological engineering at MIT, where he was a Hertz Foundation Fellow. Dr. Alvarez founded Theradaptive following his time in the Army, using what he learned from his research to create a platform that can now deliver biologics in a highly targeted way. Previously, he was the founding deputy director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Regenerative Medicine Program Office as well as lead for the DoD’s $720 million nerve agent pharmaceutical countermeasures program. As CEO and co-founder, Dr. Alvarez has seen the Theradaptive team grow from two to 32 people. The FDA granted the company three breakthrough designations for various spine indications, accelerating the process of reaching approval.

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Ready to explore the frontiers of cancer therapeutics? Discover how AUM Biosciences, with a key presence in Montgomery County, Maryland, in the BioHealth Capital Region, is revolutionizing the development of innovative oncology medicines and transforming the fight against cancer resistance. Join us on this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we chat with Vishal Doshi, Chairman & CEO of AUM Biosciences, a visionary leader in the biotech industry. Tune in to the conversation that's sparking new hope in the battle against cancer.

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Want to be on the cutting edge of disease treatment? Learn how companies like Immunyx Pharma are changing the landscape of immune modulation in the battle against diseases with the JLABS/BARDA Blue Knight program on this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis.

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