ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kerecis, the company pioneering the use of sustainably sourced fish skin and fatty acids in cellular therapy and tissue regeneration and protection, today announced the availability of Shield Spiral, an extension of the Kerecis Shield silicone fish-skin combination product range.

ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in discovering, developing and commercializing both first-in-class and best-in-class therapies for hematological malignancies, announced today that on July 2, 2024, in relation to the Exclusive Option Agreement with Takeda for the third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor olverembatinib (HQP1351), Ascentage Pharma has received the US$100 million option payment called for by the Exclusive Option Agreement.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced it has received more than $250 million in contract modifications from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to deliver millions of doses of four medical countermeasures (MCMs). These contract modifications will help ensure continued supply/stockpiling of critical MCMs to address biological threats and emergencies against anthrax, smallpox and botulism.

WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced another funding round of approximately $504 million in implementation grants to 12 Tech Hubs to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, and accelerate the growth of industries of the future in regions across the United States.

The Tech Hubs Program is a flagship initiative of President Biden’s Administration to invest in and grow the economies in communities across the country, advancing America’s global leadership in critical technologies, and strengthening our national and economic security.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 02, 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 it has entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) financing that is expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $130.0 million to the Company, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The PIPE financing is expected to close on or about July 3, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The PIPE financing included participation from both new and existing investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Invus, Schooner Capital, Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company), Timothy A. Springer, Ph.D., a leading mutual fund manager, and other institutional investors.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) (“Cartesian” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, today announced positive topline results from its Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG).

Descartes-08, Cartesian’s lead product candidate, is an autologous mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T) directed against the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA). It is designed to be administered as an outpatient treatment without the need for lymphodepleting chemotherapy required to achieve activity with conventional CAR-T cell therapies. Descartes-08 was previously granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of MG.

BEL AIR, Md., (July 1, 2024) – Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded $500K to Baltimore-based Early Charm to develop a biomanufacturing incubator at a Harford County-owned facility near Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The funding from the state’s Build Our Future grant will be used to upgrade the CONVERGE Innovation Center, formerly known as the HEAT Center, located at the I-95/Aberdeen interchange.

Biomanufacturing is the use of biological processes to build new materials such as body armor made from spider silk, three times the strength of Kevlar. This technology has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing.

Professor Ramzi Maalej, CTO and Founder of FluoInk, recently traveled from Tunisia to Maryland to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit. FluoInk is currently working on its innovative Bacti Cleaner technology, which adds antibacterial properties to paints. It is making strides in the eco-friendly and non-toxic product space with the development of this product.

BioHealth Innovation Inc. (BHI) is collaborating with FluoInk, along with partners from The Tunisian Health Center for University Research Excellence and Sustainability (CURES) and FHI 360, to help grow their business. While in Maryland, Professor Maalej connected with key figures in the BioHealth Capital Region, including Brian Castleberry, Senior Regional Manager - Middle East, Africa, and UK at the Maryland Department of Commerce, and Brian Darmody, AURP Chief Strategy Officer.

"Visiting Maryland and participating in the SelectUSA Investment Summit was an incredible experience. The networking opportunities and the collaborative environment, facilitated by BHI and FHI 360, were beyond my expectations," said Professor Ramzi Maalej, CTO and Founder of FluoInk. "This summit has opened new doors for transforming our academic research into impactful commercial products."

Join us for an episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis featuring Dr. Bradley Maron, Senior Associate Dean for Precision Medicine and Executive Co-Director of the University of Maryland-Institute for Health Computing at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. With his extensive background in cardiovascular research and precision medicine, Dr. Maron offers a wealth of knowledge and innovative perspectives.

In this episode, Dr. Maron shares his professional journey, discussing his various roles at the University of Maryland and what drew him to the region. He provides a comparative analysis of the ecosystems in Boston/Harvard and Maryland/University of Maryland, highlighting the unique attributes and opportunities within each.

Dr. Maron introduces the Institute for Health Computing (IHC), explaining its creation, mission, and strategic partnerships with the University System of Maryland and Montgomery County. He outlines the significance of data science in improving health and wellness, addressing its increasing role and challenges.

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EyeControl improves clinical outcomes, prevent cognitive decline, and enhance the patient and family experience.“We are honoured to be able to support every patient – but especially our soldiers."

When Yoav Tzivoni, a combat soldier seriously wounded in the northern Gaza Strip, awoke after six months in the intensive care unit of the Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, he shockingly asked the nurse for his favorite heavy metal music.

“I was shaking from excitement when the nurse texted and said Yoav is asking for his music!” recounts Michal Finkelstein, product specialist, and speech and language pathologist by training, in charge of customer relations and success at the Israeli company EyeControl.

“What? Is he awake?” Finkelstein wondered, saying that she was “shaking from excitement.”

Tzivoni and his fellow wounded ICU soldiers are benefiting from a recently discovered additional and potentially internationally game-changing use of EyeControl, a wearable device that enables patients – including those on ventilators – to communicate with medical staff and family members via eye gestures and a bone conduction headset, to hear the recorded messages of loved ones – and to listen to one’s favorite music.

EyeControl helps improve clinical outcomes, prevent cognitive decline, and enhance the patient and family experience. It is currently being tested in prestigious university hospitals in and out of Israel to see if it reduces delirium in ICU patients.

Click here to read more via TJP.

BETHESDA, Md., June 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gain Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GANX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of the next generation of allosteric small molecule therapies, today announces that Matthias Alder has departed the Company in order to pursue other opportunities. Upon Mr. Alder’s departure, the Company appointed Gene Mack, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective June 25, 2024. Mr. Mack will retain his role as Chief Financial Officer. Khalid Islam, Ph.D., founder and Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, will bolster management as Executive Chairman until a permanent CEO is appointed.

Chicago, May 2024 — miRecule, a cutting-edge startup focused on developing antibody RNA conjugate therapeutics, clinched the top spot at the prestigious MedCity INVEST Biopharma track competition held at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. The event, presented by MedCity News and the Mid-America Healthcare Investors Network (MHIN), brought together active investors and promising entrepreneurs from the healthcare industry.

miRecule’s innovative approach to personalized RNA therapeutics captured the attention of venture capital judges, who recognized the company’s potential to revolutionize healthcare.

Agency seeks proposals for innovative research and development from small businesses 

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today announced new funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. 

The ARPA-H SBIR/STTR solicitation seeks proposals from small businesses that aim to rapidly achieve better health outcomes across patient populations, communities, disease, and health conditions.

18 projects will receive funding to support their growth and development

COLUMBIA, Md., (June 27, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the 2024 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program (“Makerspace Program”) awardees. Funding will be awarded to 18 projects spanning across nine (9) counties and Baltimore City.

“TEDCO is committed to supporting the continued growth of innovation in Maryland. The Makerspace Program is just one tool that TEDCO has to promote this expansion,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance and operations officer at TEDCO. “And after witnessing the success and growth of last year’s awardees, we are hopeful that these awardees will continue the trend.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amazon Web Services committed $10 million to fund pediatric rare disease research, including cancer, on Wednesday at its annual summit in the nation's capital.

The tranche of cash is first being allocated through three, $1 million grants to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.; Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; and the Children’s Brain Tumor Network, located at the Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia. 

AWS says the unrestricted cash grant will allow the children’s cancer centers, which are already using AWS software, to continue innovation in accelerating pediatric research, improving well-being for children and empowering the professional pediatric workforce and caregivers of children. 

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CraniUS^™, an R&D company focused on groundbreaking diagnostics and treatments for patients with chronic brain disease, has been awarded a competitive $1 million grant from the State of Maryland as part of Governor Wes Moore’s Build Our Future Innovation Infrastructure Pilot Program. This funding milestone – the first ever granted by the state program - will help CraniUS^™ expand its research capabilities, accelerate product development into human studies, and enhance its contributions to Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.

COLUMBIA, Md., June 25, 2024 — Welldoc^®, a leading digital health company specializing in AI-driven cardiometabolic health, today announced a collaboration with Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, to transform healthcare delivery for health plans and members by bridging the gap between nutrition and health. Through enhanced access to quality care and nutritious food, Welldoc aims to improve health outcomes and reduce overall costs of care for individuals managing cardiometabolic conditions.

In Montgomery County, where incubator spaces are in high demand and existing facilities often have to turn away new entrepreneurs and startups, a new opportunity has emerged. Amador Bioscience’s recently announced incubator space in Germantown promises to help address this critical need, offering fledgling life sciences companies the space, resources and support they require to develop their projects beyond initial concepts.

Amador Bioscience is a translational and early clinical development partner for companies developing new drugs. Set within its existing but unused laboratory space in Germantown, Amador’s new incubator offers more than 10,500 square feet of lab and office space with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the diverse needs of life sciences startups.

Join us for a compelling episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we welcome Dr. Michelle E. Tarver, Deputy Center Director and Chief Transformation Officer at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With a distinguished background as a board-certified ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Tarver is at the forefront of transforming the evaluation and inclusion of medical devices in underserved and underrepresented populations.

In this episode, Dr. Tarver introduces the FDA and the CDRH Division, explaining the definition of a medical device by FDA standards. She discusses the creation of the Chief Transformation Officer role within the FDA, highlighting its importance and the strategic vision behind it.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platforms.

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We explore the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in evaluating medical devices, and how these efforts are essential for ensuring equitable healthcare for all. Dr. Tarver introduces the innovative “Home as a Health Care Hub” initiative by the FDA/CDRH, explaining its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- REGENXBIO Inc. (Nasdaq: RGNX) today announced it initiated enrollment in a new cohort of patients ages 1-3 in its Phase I/II AFFINITY DUCHENNE^® trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RGX-202 in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne).

RGX-202 is an investigational one-time AAV Therapeutic targeted to deliver a novel microdystrophin, representing the next wave of innovative design in Duchenne gene therapy. RGX-202 is the only gene therapy approved or in development for Duchenne that incorporates the C-Terminal domain, making the RGX-202 transgene the closest to the naturally occurring dystrophin gene.

ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancer, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, announced today that the agreed equity investment by Takeda has been closed on June 20, 2024, with all proceeds already received. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Ascentage Pharma has allotted and issued an aggregate of 24,307,322 subscription shares to Takeda International at the share purchase price of HK$24.09850 (equivalent to approximately US$3.08549).

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its drug product facility in Baltimore-Camden to an affiliate of Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (“Bora”, TWSE: 6472), a leading international pharmaceutical services company, for a total value of approximately $30 million. The Camden site, which is part of Emergent’s Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has clinical and commercial non-viral aseptic fill/finish services on four fill lines, including lyophilization, formulation development, and support services. Alongside the facility, approximately 350 current Emergent employees are expected to join Bora as part of the transaction.

Ianne Salvosa June 18, 2024 - Efforts are afoot to make Richmond more of a player in the biohealth industry.

Downtown-based Activation Capital is launching the Frontier BioHealth program to provide training and mentorship for up to 10 startups from August to November to groom life sciences companies in the area for the long term.

Activation Capital Vice President of Entrepreneurship Jim Pannucci said the program is a nod to the group’s original mission to help the region and the VA Bio+Tech Park be a hub of biotechnology. Activation Capital operates the park, while supporting entrepreneurship and startups in the region through various programs.

The Bio+Tech Park was established about three decades ago to turn Richmond into a center of biotechnology and now about 70 companies and research facilities operate in the area, with interests ranging from smoke-free tobacco alternatives to organ donation.

Small businesses can receive about $2 million to create a prototype and commercialize technology. 

The U.S. National Science Foundation has released new funding opportunities for its Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs, increasing the maximum funding for SBIR/STTR Phase I awards to $305,000 and SBIR/STTR Phase II awards to $1,250,000 to further back development of the creative ideas coming from the nation's startups and small businesses. 

The SBIR/STTR program, also known as America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, provide non-dilutive funding for startups to develop deep technologies into commercially viable products and services with positive societal impact. The program focuses on companies at the earliest stage of development; most are newly emerging from the private sector, federal labs and academia. These entrepreneurs are taking scientific and engineering breakthroughs and translating them into new generations of products and services that are commercialized into sustainable businesses.  

Navigating the complex landscape of non-dilutive funding can be daunting for many innovators and researchers. Identifying suitable grants that align with specific project goals is often challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the funding landscape and specific program criteria.

We recognize these challenges at BioHealth Innovation (BHI) and are committed to supporting your journey. Our comprehensive grant mapping services are designed to pinpoint the most relevant funding opportunities tailored to your unique needs. With our expert guidance, you can confidently navigate the intricate world of grants, ensuring that your projects receive the support they deserve.

In addition to our grant mapping services, BHI offers dedicated SBIR/STTR grant writing assistance. Our team of seasoned professionals will work closely with you to craft compelling grant proposals that stand out to funding agencies. We understand the nuances and expectations of these programs, which significantly enhances your chances of success.

Partner with BHI to leverage our expertise and maximize your chances of securing the right non-dilutive funding for your innovative projects. With our support, you can focus on what you do best—innovating and pushing the boundaries of biohealth and life sciences

Let BHI be your trusted partner in navigating the funding landscape and unlocking the full potential of your groundbreaking work. If you're seeking assistance, don't hesitate to reach out toJon NelsonatThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BETHESDA, Md., June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: NWBO) ("NW Bio"), a biotechnology company developing DCVax^® personalized immune therapies for solid tumor cancers, announced today that on June 12, 2024 it entered into an exclusive license from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for a portfolio of dendritic cell technologies and intellectual property (IP).  The technologies are already in Phase 2 clinical trials, and the Company plans to collaborate with the lead scientist-clinician, Dr. Pawel Kalinski, on the further development of the technologies.  The license is the culmination of more than 2 years of discussions and negotiations.

The license includes 5 new patent families that were just filed in 2023 and hence have their full potential patent life ahead of them.  The technologies include enhanced versions of dendritic cells (DCs) and DC based therapies, as well as conditioning regimens designed to enhance patient responses and approaches to reprogram the tumor microenvironment to boost immune therapies and help overcome resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.

Join us for an enlightening episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we welcome Dan Berglund, President and CEO of SSTI. With nearly four decades of experience in tech-based economic development (TBED), Dan has been a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.

In this episode, Dan shares the history and evolution of Technology Based Economic Development, discussing key initiatives in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, and at the federal level. He highlights the importance of partnerships, detailing a compendium of state and federal cooperative technology programs that have driven progress in the field.

We explore the early years of SSTI, looking into its creation, mission, and initial goals, and how it has grown to support a nationwide network dedicated to fostering tech-based economies. Dan discusses the evolution and growth of state TBED programs, and the changing role of the federal government in supporting these initiatives through agencies like STCS, OSTP, Commerce, NIST, and EDA.

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Dan also emphasizes the importance of private/public TBED partnerships, sharing insights into how these collaborations have bolstered economic growth and innovation. As he prepares to step down from his role after 28 years,and assume a part time role,  Dan discusses the recruitment of a new CEO and reflects on SSTI's achievements, his legacy, and his vision for the organization's future.

Additionally, Dan talks about Rich Bendis’s role as an original founding board member of SSTI, and his significant help in the early development of the organization. He also highlights the presence of several SSTI members in the BioHealth Capital Region.

College Park, Md.—The University of Maryland was spotlighted for its innovative curriculum and robust student engagement in entrepreneurship at the annual Deshpande Symposium on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education held June 12-14 in College Park.

UMD was presented with the Entrepreneurial University Award, an annual honor given to an institution that exemplifies excellence in fostering an entrepreneurial culture across its campus.

“Students, faculty, staff and alums of the University of Maryland have a long and inspiring tradition of innovation that spans the arts, humanities and sciences – from Google and Beyond Meat to The Muppets and Under Armour,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. “This award from the Deshpande Symposium will undoubtedly help our university build upon a distinguished past and present in innovation and entrepreneurship.”

By Tammi Thomas – Chief Development and Marketing Officer, TEDCO - Jun 17, 2024

Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to a thriving ecosystem of innovators and researchers who continuously work to enhance our daily experiences. TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, empowers these entrepreneurs by providing crucial funding and resources. Here's how four Montgomery County companies within TEDCO's portfolio are contributing to Maryland's quality of life and supporting a robust entrepreneurial landscape.

GERMANTOWN, MD / ACCESSWIRE / June 14, 2024 / Seraxis, Inc., a regenerative medicine company developing pancreatic islet replacement therapies to transform the lives of patients with Type 1 and insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetes, has been notified that the company is the awardee of a $400,000 Commercialization Program grant from the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) that aims to foster Maryland research to enhance and propel stem cell treatments. Seraxis will use the MSCRF grant to accelerate the validation and manufacturing of Seraxis' genetically modified pancreatic cell line (SR-03) that is designed to be a universal allogenic transplant that will not require lifelong anti-rejection immune suppression.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 14, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™ adjuvant, today announced that it has submitted an amendment to its Emergency Use Authorization to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its updated JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine (NVX-CoV2705) for individuals aged 12 and older. The submission is in line with guidance from the U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to target the JN.1 lineage this fall.^1-3 

Novavax's JN.1 vaccine has demonstrated broad cross-neutralizing antibodies against multiple variant strains, including KP.2 and KP.3, indicating the potential to protect against forward drift variants. As discussed at the recent FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting, there is a public health benefit to target JN.1, the parent strain of the most common currently circulating variants.

ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentage Pharma (6855 HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancer, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, announced today the signing of an option agreement with Takeda to enter into an exclusive license agreement for olverembatinib, an oral, potentially best-in-class third-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which is currently in development for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and other hematological cancers. If exercised, the option would allow Takeda to license exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize olverembatinib in all territories outside of among others, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, China.

Despite the impact TKIs have had in the treatment of patients with CML, there remains a significant unmet need for patients whose disease is resistant to these therapies or who develop hard-to-treat mutations following these treatments.

COLUMBIA, Md., (June 13, 2024) — The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) Board of Directors announces the appointment of Abishek Kulshreshtha as the executive director of TEDCO’s MII program. In this position, Kulshreshtha will oversee all MII activities starting July 1, 2024.

As an independent unit within TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, MII was created to promote the commercialization of research conducted in five of Maryland’s academic research institutions (Johns Hopkins University; Morgan State University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; and University of Maryland, College Park) while leveraging each institution’s strengths. This collaborative program has supported more than 170 startup companies, created 370 jobs and procured more than $737 million in follow-on funding since its inception nearly 12 years ago.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Vanda" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: VNDA) today confirmed that it has received a revised unsolicited proposal from Future Pak, LLC ("FP") to acquire Vanda for $8.50-$9.00 per share in cash plus certain Contingent Value Rights.

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, Vanda's Board will carefully review and evaluate the revised, non-binding proposal to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.