FREDERICK, Md., Dec. 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 updated efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 in participants with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and provided details on the design of its planned Phase 3 AURORA trial. The updated data will be presented today at the 2^nd Annual Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Disease Summit being held in Philadelphia.

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis welcomes Ric Hughen, CEO of Linshom Medical, and Talia Feldman, Software Engineer at Linshom Medical, to discuss their groundbreaking advancements in respiratory monitoring technology. As the main winners of the 2024 Crab Trap Competition at the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week, Ric and Talia share Linshom’s mission to improve patient safety through their innovative and accessible respiratory monitoring devices.

Ric explains how Linshom is addressing critical gaps in respiratory monitoring by bringing operating-room-quality data to patient bedsides and homes. Talia shares insights from the engineering side, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in developing reliable and user-friendly technology.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/4eVTWSO
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4geg0c2
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4g5bIUy
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4f5e3hu
YouTube Music: https://bit.ly/41deVxa

The conversation explores Linshom’s roots in the BioHealth Capital Region and how its partnerships and resources have been instrumental to the company’s growth. Talia reflects on her experience presenting at the Crab Trap Competition, and Ric discusses how this recognition aligns with Linshom’s broader visibility and growth objectives.

Uncovering bias in AI models used in medical diagnosis. Identifying patients with potentially life-threatening antibiotic-resistant infections. Predicting the spread of disease with advanced computing.

These are just a few of the advances in medical care in the works at the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC), which uses high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to benefit public health in ways unimaginable just a few years ago.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHPH) (“Shuttle Pharma”), a discovery and development stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy (RT), announced today first patient enrollment and dosing at the UVA Cancer Center in its Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Ropidoxuridine for the treatment of patients with glioblastoma. UVA is one of six cancer centers conducting the clinical trials. Shuttle Pharma previously announced the dosing of patients at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida.

Washington, D.C. – November 25, 2024 – Arlington Capital Partners (“Arlington”), a Washington, D.C.-area private investment firm specializing in government regulated industries, today announced it has acquired TEAM Technologies, Inc (“TEAM Tech”), a leading global manufacturer of essential healthcare products, from Clearlake Capital Group (“Clearlake”).

TEAM Technologies is a leading provider of specialized manufacturing and strategic supply chain solutions to blue-chip healthcare customers. The Company provides a broad array of end-to-end outsourced design and manufacturing services to medical device and pharmaceutical OEMs, with a growing specialty in advanced medical devices that are critical to the healthcare system. Through its comprehensive suite of vertically integrated processes, TEAM Tech enables customers to streamline their supply chains and reduce lead times in delivering critical products. TEAM Tech has approximately 1,000,000 square feet of manufacturing space across nine campuses in the U.S., Mexico, and Singapore.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Eric Edwards, Co-Founder and CEO of MedPhlow, shares how his innovative company is reshaping emergency medicine through cutting-edge drug delivery systems. Dr. Edwards discusses his journey from co-founding Kaléo, where he helped develop life-saving products like AUVI-Q, to leading MedPhlow, a subsidiary of Phlow Corp. Based in Richmond, VA, MedPhlow is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in essential medicine delivery, with its first product focused on improving outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Edwards explains the groundbreaking technology behind MedPhlow’s platform and how it is poised to transform emergency care. He also highlights the impact of investor partnerships, such as those with Virginia Venture Partners, and discusses MedPhlow’s next milestones in its mission to make emergency medicine more efficient and accessible.

As a part of the BioHealth Capital Region, Dr. Edwards reflects on the advantages of being based in this vibrant hub of innovation and his contributions as a BioHealth Innovation (BHI) board member. Tune in to learn about the future of MedPhlow and the inspiring work being done to advance life-saving solutions in healthcare.

Listen via your favorite podcasting platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/3Z7GqWf
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YYh6Sq
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4i16tXI
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4hWAiJ7

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has announced the launch of the SPARK Hub Prize Challenge, offering up to $50,000 in funding to innovators working on medical countermeasures (MCMs) designed specifically for children. The challenge supports technologies and products that enhance health security for pediatric populations and is open for submissions until December 16, 2024. https://www.mcm4kids.org/funding/

About BARDA and the Challenge
BARDA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by advancing the development of MCMs for various health security threats, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. The SPARK Hub Prize Challenge is an extension of this mission, focusing on solutions tailored to pediatric needs. BARDA's aim is to ensure that medical countermeasures are accessible to all segments of the population, including children, who have unique requirements during public health emergencies.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TearSolutions, Inc., a privately held biotech company developing potentially disruptive therapies for the treatment of ocular surface related diseases, today announced the successful closure of a $3M Series B round designed to accelerate its development programs for rare corneal diseases at both pre-clinical and clinical stages.

POTOMAC, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Versant Ventures today announced the debut of Pep2Tango Therapeutics Inc., a startup focused on innovative, next-generation weight loss therapies. Proceeds from the significant, undisclosed round will support development of the company’s novel unimolecular tetra-receptor agonist peptides to treat obesity and related conditions.

Read more ...

There are several keys to successful entrepreneurship—a great idea that solves a unique problem, the willingness to take risks, leadership skills, networking, and, of course, capital. The last element listed can be especially challenging for those without significant savings, investment from wealthy family members, or generational wealth, says Graham Dodge, vice president, Venture Development at TEDCO, (Maryland Technology Development Corporation), an independent instrumentality of the State of Maryland to facilitate the creation of businesses and support their growth in all regions of the State.

REHOVOT, Israel and WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biolojic Design, a biotechnology company that uses computational biology and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform antibodies into programmable, intelligent medicines, today announced that it is joining the Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) site in Washington, D.C. As part of JLABS @ Washington, DC, Biolojic Design will be able to access lab space, resources and collaboration opportunities as the company establishes a presence in the United States.

Read more ...

The NIH Office of Technology Transfer is recruiting for a Deputy Director (GS-15 level) to lead its License Compliance and Administration Unit. This critical role involves managing NIH's large and diverse invention license portfolio.

Position Details:
Title: Supervisory Technology Transfer Specialist (GS 601-15)
Location: Montgomery County, MD
Open Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
Close Date: Friday, November 22, 2024

This is an All-Sources announcement with two application pathways:
👉 Current or former USG employees: https://lnkd.in/eYJuHMpV
👉 U.S. citizens: https://lnkd.in/etYHqykM

Don’t miss this chance to join a dynamic team and make an impact on technology transfer at NIH!

By BHI EIR Anna Zornosa - On October 24th, Arpa-H announced the 23 winners of its “Sprint for Women’s Health” initiative. I’ve had a chance now to read the announcement carefully and assess the impact. Having done so, I can share that I’m impressed, grateful, and certain that decades from now we’ll look back on the Biden Administration’s accomplishments and count progress on #womenshealth as chief among them.

But the question of whether the $110 M in grants awarded last month will make an impact won’t take that long to determine. The unique thing about the ARPA-H mission and methodology is that it allows for some big bets with short time-lines. Awards were divided into two tracks: “Sparkplug” projects representing high potential research with grants of about $3 M; and “Launchpad” projects where initiatives already at or near prototype get  $10 M in funding to take a product to market. And the expectation is that Launchpad efforts, if successful, will be launched in two years.

Join us for an insightful episode of BioTalk as Rich Bendis speaks with Eric Mayton, CEO of Cerillo, one of the recent winners at the Crab Trap competition during the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week. Cerillo, based in Charlottesville, VA, is making waves in microbiome research and biological product development with its innovative tools designed to tackle variability challenges and enhance data collection efficiency.

In this episode, Eric shares Cerillo’s mission to combat Eroom's Law—the increasing cost and time in drug development—through affordable and accessible research tools like the Stratus and Alto microplate readers. We also dive into the impact of Cerillo’s co-culture duet system, which is transforming cellular interaction studies in fields such as antimicrobial resistance and biofuel development.

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:

Apple - https://apple.co/3Cw22DT
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40QSuxu
Amazon Music - https://amzn.to/40MEIvU
Tunein - https://bit.ly/4eyK01b

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 14, 2024 - Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today announced the launch of the updated MOVE Grant Program to reduce office vacancies in the County. The County Council recently modified the program to award funding to companies expanding in the County and to businesses signing their first leases in the County.  

Read more ...

MSCRF invites applications across seven key grant programs to propel innovation in regenerative medicine

COLUMBIA, Md. (November 14, 2024) - The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) announces the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund’s (MSCRF) second funding cycle of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This funding opportunity spans seven diverse grant programs: Manufacturing Assistance, Clinical, Validation, Commercialization, Discovery, Fellowship and Launch. The application deadline is January 13, 2025.

MSCRF grants support both young and established scientists, companies and research organizations to accelerate and advance the commercialization of innovative stem cell technologies for positive impact on human lives. 

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, November 14, 2024 – BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of healthcare solutions in the BioHealth Capital Region, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The new board members include Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions, Kelly Services; and Brett Shealy, Executive Director of Life Sciences, J.P. Morgan. Each new member brings extensive expertise to support BHI’s mission of advancing the region as a leading hub for life sciences and health technology.

Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services, leads Kelly Government Solutions (KGS) and brings nearly 20 years of experience in science and clinical services for federal clients. With her expertise in federal sector operations, strategy, and business development, Sarah’s insights will enhance BHI’s alignment with government initiatives in the biohealth space.

Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, joins the board as the new representative from Johnson & Johnson Innovation, replacing Sally Allain in this role. Rachel is responsible for overseeing innovation sourcing, portfolio development, and accelerating startup growth at JLABS @ Washington, DC. Previously, she served as the inaugural Director of the BARDA Alliance, managing BLUE KNIGHT™, a joint initiative with BARDA to drive high-impact science and technology innovation.

Brett Shealy, Executive Director of Life Sciences at J.P. Morgan, joins the board with deep expertise in corporate banking within life sciences and healthcare. His leadership roles at both J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of financial strategy and investment. Brett’s insights will support BHI’s initiatives to increase funding pathways and support growth within the biohealth sector.

COLUMBIA, Md., (November 12, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Seed Funds investment in NextStep Robotics. TEDCO’s Seed Funds aim to reach prospective businesses showing potential of being venture fundable or other forms of corporate venture, such as follow-on funding.

“Foot drop is a disability that results from underlying neurological or muscular injuries and affects millions of Americans each year,” said Bradley Hennessie, CEO of NextStep Robotics. “With traditional treatments, patients were left with uncomfortable orthotics or assistive devices. However, with this latest investment from TEDCO, we are excited to continue moving forward to provide more appealing solutions and support patients and physical therapists alike.”

LONDON, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascend Advanced Therapies (Ascend), a gene-to-GMP development partner, has partnered with EW Healthcare Partners to expand the footprint and capabilities of the company in the US and to continue investing further in infrastructure. Advanced BioScience Laboratories (ABL), a biotherapy, oncolytic and viral vector contract development, and manufacturing organization (CDMO) located in Rockville, MD, a portfolio company of EW Healthcare Partners, will become part of Ascend. EW will also make a significant capital investment in Ascend to support continued growth of the company.

The Accelerate Investor Conference spurs the region’s innovation and startup ecosystem engagement to a new level and showcases the Virginia, Maryland, and metropolitan Washington, D.C., region as a destination for business development, venture investment, and job creation.

Each year the event grows in size and stature. This year Mason Enterprise, which plans the event, reports there were 480 registered attendees, 19 speakers, 48 company pitches, 72 investors judged and participated, and 14 student teams that pitched. 

The competition targeted entrepreneurs with early to mid-seed stage, high-growth businesses with the potential to have an immediate and positive impact on our local economy, as well as student concepts with longer-term business viability. After days of networking, engagement, and education, the winners were selected.

The 11th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week has been rescheduled to take place from September 23rd through 25th, 2025, at USP in Rockville, Maryland. Mark your calendars for this premier gathering of industry leaders, innovators, investors, and experts shaping the future of the biohealth industry.

Building on the tremendous success of our 10th Annual Week, the 2025 event will continue to feature hallmark events like the Forum, Crab Trap Competition and the Investment Conference, offering invaluable networking and presentation opportunities for both emerging companies and seasoned investors.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™ adjuvant, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed the clinical hold on Novavax's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its COVID-19-Influenza Combination (CIC) and stand-alone influenza vaccine candidates. The FDA has cleared the Company to begin enrolling the planned Phase 3 trial following the determination that Novavax satisfactorily addressed all clinical hold issues. Novavax will be working with the clinical trial investigators and other partners to resume trial activities as quickly as possible.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the successful completion of its End-of-Phase 2 Meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and agreement on the design of a Phase 3 registrational program for its product candidate, pemvidutide, in the treatment of obesity.

BETHESDA, Md. & WEST JEFFERSON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vitrian, the leading end-to-end provider of investment capital and capacity building services for biomanufacturing, announced today that it closed a $50 million investment, with ability to scale to $65 million, into AmplifyBio’s Manufacturing Enablement Center (AMEC) in New Albany, Ohio as a first step of a larger commitment to support biomanufacturing in Central Ohio. AmplifyBio is a leading advanced therapy CRO and CDMO offering a full range of drug development and manufacturing services.

Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) has tapped AstraZeneca and Pfizer alum Åsa Manelius to oversee operations at the Swedish lab where it manufactures a key vaccine ingredient that's expected to help drive the Gaithersburg company's growth.

The company said this week it has named Manelius as its new managing director of the Novavax AB site in Uppsala, Sweden — where it makes Matrix-M, the adjuvant for its Covid-19 vaccine and other candidates it’s developing. She will assume the post in Feburary.

Manelius succeeds Magnus Savenhed, a nearly 20-year Novavax executive who held that position since 2018. He became CEO of Swedish biotech TdB Labs AB in September.

Read more ...

10 groundbreaking startups to pitch at Richmond's Main Street Station on November 20, 2024

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Activation Capital, an innovation ecosystem development organization, is thrilled to announce the Frontier BioHealth Showcase, an event highlighting the achievements of 10 fast-growing life science startups that have completed the inaugural Frontier BioHealth program. Taking place on November 20 at Main Street Station in downtown Richmond, VA, the event kicks off with networking and beverages in the Head House at 4 pm, followed by the Showcase in the Concourse Room at 5 pm, where each startup will deliver a five-minute pitch to an audience of mentors, investors, and community leaders.

Germantown, Maryland, and Venlo, the Netherlands, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the QIAstat-Dx Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel for clinical use.

This marks the fourth QIAstat-Dx syndromic test to receive U.S. regulatory clearance in 2024.

Meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation within the brain) are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. One in five cases of bacterial meningitis results in permanent complications, such as hearing loss, brain damage and seizures and without prompt treatment, about half of patients will die.[1]

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis sits down with Rachel Rath, the Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, to discuss her journey and insights on building a thriving ecosystem for life sciences innovation. Rachel shares her academic and professional background, from roles at PCORI and BARDA Blue Knight to leading JLABS @ Washington, DC. She offers an in-depth look at JLABS’ national and international footprint, and the significant partnerships with organizations like Children’s National, Virginia Tech, and BARDA that strengthen the innovation landscape across the mid-Atlantic.

Tune in as Rachel shares the current priorities at JLABS, highlighting the diversity of its tenant portfolio, which spans MedTech, Pharma, and Integrated Healthcare Solutions. She also discusses how JLABS companies benefit from the support and resources available through Johnson & Johnson, including access to valuable connections, mentorship, and funding opportunities via JJDC.

Listen now via your favorite podcasting platform:

Apple: https://apple.co/4fybjcO
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4eenlXO
Amazin Music: https://amzn.to/3NRxK0P
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4ecryv7

FREDERICK, MARYLAND, November 4, 2024: BioFactura, Inc. recently announced contract option activations totaling $7.8 million by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as part of BioFactura’s prime contract valued at up to $78 million for the advanced development of a Smallpox Biodefense Therapeutic. This monoclonal antibody cocktail therapeutic has the potential to augment current medical countermeasures, guard against potential resistance of the Smallpox virus, and fulfill an unmet need in our nation’s biothreat preparedness.

Nanochon’s mission is to develop a new approach to treat cartilage replacement and repair so that the hundreds of thousands of young, active patients with knee damage can return to their lifestyles without having to undergo costly and invasive short-term fixes. Founded in 2016, their technology is a minimally-invasive early intervention that could help avert the need for total knee replacement. Nanochon’s Chondrograft device is a sturdy medical advancement that is one part orthopedic load-bearing implant, one part tissue growth scaffold, and completely revolutionary. Their implant replaces lost or damaged cartilage and encourages new growth using innovative nanomaterial and 3-D printed designs. This technology has the potential to provide a more successful, faster, longer-lasting, and more affordable solution to joint disease and injury.

The Indo US Bridging RARE Summit 2024 is set to be an unmissable event for those dedicated to advancing rare disease research and fostering global collaborations. Taking place from November 16-18, 2024, this second annual summit is hosted by the Indo US Organization for Rare Diseases (IndoUSrare) in partnership with AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi) and other key partners. The main venue is the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Campus, New Delhi, with an opening gala at the outdoor AIIMS Swimming Pool Venue on the evening of November 16th. Virtual participation will be available, offering opportunities for online networking, exhibits, and posters.