BioHealth Innovation Weekly for July 16, 2024

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July 16, 2024

Strengthening Ties: U.S.-Tunisia Cooperation in Science and Technology with Ambassador Joey R. Hood on the BioTalk Podcast

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, we have the honor of speaking with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, Joey R. Hood. With an impressive diplomacy and international relations background, Ambassador Hood sheds light on the vital collaboration between the U.S. and Tunisia in scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer.

Ambassador Hood discusses the current status of U.S.-Tunisia cooperation in scientific research and technology transfer, emphasizing these areas’ critical role in Tunisia’s development. He highlights the importance of scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer in Tunisia and explains how the U.S. can support and enhance these efforts.

Click here to listen via your favorite Podcast platform:

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Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cG6xJt
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TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2M60Wmx

BioHealth Capital Region Week 2024 Registration Now Open

Join us this September for the BioHealth Capital Region Week 2024, a gathering that epitomizes the spirit of innovation in the biopharma industry. Hosted once again at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, from September 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2024, this event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, ensuring it remains free for all attendees. This year, we are featuring three cornerstone events: the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum, the 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition, and the 7th Annual Investment Conference. Each event is tailored to foster unique opportunities for networking, learning, and investment, drawing together industry leaders, innovators, and investors from across the nation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to US Pharmacopeia for hosting us and to our sponsors whose contributions are vital in making these gatherings accessible to all. Click here to register and apply.

A Decade of Advancement and Achievement

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BioHealth Capital Region Forum, and we are celebrating a decade of advancements that have positioned our region at the forefront of the biopharma industry. The Forum, spanning the first two days (September 17-18), will feature a lineup of speakers who are pioneers and thought leaders in the industry. Attendees will gain invaluable insights through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and sessions that delve into the latest innovations and trends shaping healthcare and biopharmaceuticals.

Crab Trap Competition: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

The excitement peaks on September 18th with the 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition. This event showcases emerging companies as they pitch groundbreaking solutions to a panel of esteemed judges for a chance to win significant funding and support. It's not just a competition; it's a launchpad for the next generation of BioHealth innovations, providing startups with the visibility they need to attract investors and partners.

Connecting Innovators with Investors

The week concludes with the 7th Annual Investment Conference on September 19th, a must-attend for startups seeking investment and investors looking for the next big thing in BioHealth. This conference facilitates direct connections between up-and-coming companies and seasoned investors through curated meetings, fostering a dynamic environment for deal-making and partnership formation.

Elevate Your Startup: Apply to Compete in the 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition

Are you ready to showcase your company to some of the top minds in the industry? The 9^th Annual Crab Trap competition, a highlight of the annual BioHealth Capital Region Week, is now accepting applications from emerging companies eager to demonstrate their groundbreaking solutions. Scheduled for September 18th at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, this competition is an unmissable opportunity for startups looking to make a significant impact.

A Platform for Pioneers

The Crab Trap provides a unique platform for startups to present their innovations before a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. This year’s competition promises exciting prizes, including cash and business services, to accelerate the winning entry’s growth and success.

Why Enter Crab Trap?

Participating in the Crab Trap competition offers numerous benefits:

Visibility: Gain exposure to a broad audience of industry professionals, investors, and potential partners.
Feedback: Receive valuable insights and feedback from leaders in the biohealth industry.
Prizes: Compete for a chance to win cash and services that can catalyze your company’s growth and development.

Apply Now

Maximize Your Impact: Sponsorship Opportunities at the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum

As we gear up for the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum on September 17^th-18^th, 2024, at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, we invite your organization to become a sponsor. This year’s forum marks a decade of innovation and collaboration within the biohealth sector and offers unique sponsorship opportunities that promise substantial visibility and engagement. You can become a sponsor with unique new sponsorship opportunities this year, including “Lunch Sponsor” and “Reception Sponsor” for both days.

Sponsoring the forum ensures that your organization’s logo will be prominently displayed on all event materials, daily presentation decks, and standees positioned strategically throughout the venue. This visual branding extends throughout the event, ensuring your message reaches all attendees. Furthermore, all sponsors are invited to an exclusive VIP Leadership Dinner, providing a prime networking opportunity with top industry leaders.

TEDCO Invests in OmniSpeech

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 16, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $500,000 investment in OmniSpeech. This investment was made in two parts, with $300,000 coming from TEDCO’s Venture Funds and the remaining $200,000 coming from TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds.

“After decades of research and development, we are excited to expand our reach to improve more apps and devices with AI/ML-powered speech,” said Carol Espy-Wilson, founder and chief technology officer at OmniSpeech. “With TEDCO’s generous investments, we are excited to advance our innovative AI and machine learning technologies.”

TEDCO Invests in Phycin, Inc.

Maryland-based company seeks to revolutionize green algae growth factors

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 11, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Phycin, Inc. TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund is housed under TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds which were created to engage and invest in economically underserved founders and communities.

“At Phycin, we are focused on revolutionizing growth factor production, allowing researchers to continue their efforts with an efficient and cost-effective alternative,” said Jun Wang, CEO of Phycin, Inc. “Thanks to TEDCO’s investment, we can continue our research and development and hopefully offer more affordable and efficient solutions for various industries.”

Finalists selected for inaugural Bio Centrifuge Africa Competition - BHI's Rich Bendis to be a Judge

As the first of its kind in South Africa, through a partnership between Eduvos and Task and supported by Wesgro, the inaugural Bio Centrifuge Africa competition will be selecting the winners on 17 July at the exclusive live pitching event in Cape Town.

The competition was launched this year to highlight South African talent in the expanding biotech sector and serve as a bridge between the country and the USA's BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR). This groundbreaking event promises to propel visionary health-focused innovators and biomedicine students onto the global stage.

South Africa, through the Western Cape’s biotech hub, has forged a partnership with the BioHealth Capital Region in the US. As part of this collaboration, the winner of Bio Centrifuge Africa will have the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Crab Trap competition, scheduled for September 18, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland.

TEDCO Announces Graham Dodge as the New Vice President, Innovation Connectors

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 11, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces the appointment of Graham Dodge as the vice president of the Innovation Connectors department. Dodge will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight to TEDCO’s Cultivate Maryland and Innovation Connectors.

The Innovation Connectors department, previously known as TEDCO’s Entrepreneur & Ecosystem Empowerment (E3) department, is responsible for driving strategic collaborations, supporting entrepreneurial innovation and defining strategies to leverage networks and resources for innovative success. The department houses influential programs intentionally created to support entrepreneurial growth, such as the Rural Business Innovation Initiative, Urban Business Innovation Initiative, Network Advisors, Prelude Pitch and more.

Axios - How AI is driving the venture capital market

Artificial intelligence is keeping the venture capital ecosystem afloat. It accounted for more than 40% of new private U.S. "unicorns" in the first half this year, and over 60% of the increase in total venture-backed valuation, per PitchBook.

The big picture: There were 13 new U.S. AI unicorns — private companies that reached valuations of over $1 billion — between Jan. 1 and June 25 of this year.

Elon Musk's xAI on its own added $24 billion in valuation, while all AI unicorn companies combined added $116 billion in aggregate value.
Overall U.S. unicorn value has grown by $162 billion so far this year.

Follow the money: Over the past few years, AI accounted for about 15%-17% of venture dollars invested in North America and Europe. That number increased to about 20% in 2023 and is rising even more in 2024, according to PitchBook senior emerging technology analyst Brendan Burke.

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Emergent, J&J settle COVID vaccine supply deal dispute

July 8 (Reuters) - Emergent BioSolutions (EBS.N), opens new tab said on Monday Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N), opens new tab has agreed to pay $50 million to settle claims related to a terminated manufacturing deal for the latter's COVID-19 vaccine. Shares of the company rose about 2% in extended trading. In 2022 J&J informed Emergent of its decision to terminate the deal, citing breaches including failure to supply COVID-19 vaccine drug substance on the part of the contract manufacturer.

Emergent had said J&J breached the agreement by failing to buy the minimum quantity of COVID-19 vaccines made by the company.

Under the five-year agreement, opens new tab, signed in 2020, Emergent would provide contract manufacturing services to produce the COVID-19 vaccine drug substance for commercial manufacturing. It was valued at about $480 million for the first two years.

The U.S. health regulator had limited the use of the J&J vaccine in 2022 due to the risk of a rare blood clotting syndrome.

AMPEL BioSolutions: Lupus Treatment with Omega3-Rich Krill Oil Improves Disease Activity

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – July 15, 2024 – Today AMPEL BioSolutions, with collaborators Lupus Therapeutics and Aker Biomarine, revealed peer-reviewed results that supplementation with Omega3-rich Krill Oil improves disease activity of autoimmune Lupus patients.

Omega3 lipids called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are found in microscopic shrimp-like crustaceans called Krill from the waters around Antarctica are key to maintaining a low inflammatory state. Some studies indicate that Krill contains Omega3 in an easily digested phospholipid form that may achieve more effective integration into cellular membranes compared with the triglyceride-rich form predominant in fish oil. And the concentrated Superba Boost Krill Oil (AKBM-3031) was highly ranked by the evidence-based CoLTs (Combined Lupus Treatment Scoring) published approach for testing in the ORKIDS clinical trial.