At University of California Berkeley researchers have developed an innovative new way of delivering vaccines that may one day be an option over scary, and slightly painful, needle injections. The MucoJet device is a pill that, when pushed against the cheek, releases its cargo in the form of a microjet. The pressure generated is enough to push large molecules through the mucosal layer and into tissue that’s usually highly concentrated with immune cells.

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today launched DrugCostFacts.org, a new interactive web tool designed to help healthcare stakeholders gain a better understanding of the true facts surrounding drug costs, spending and value.

The site features a series of commonly asked questions—ranging from “Why are some drugs expensive?” to “What role do PBMs, insurance companies and wholesalers play in determining what patients pay for their drugs?”—and then answers these questions using infographics, videos and interactive tools. The site also has additional research and reading materials for those who want to dive deeper into these issues. The tool is mobile responsive, allowing users to access information on their phones and tablets.

Scott Gottlieb, a former deputy commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the agency, according to an emailed statement from the White House.

Gottlieb, 44, served in several senior positions at the FDA during the George W. Bush administration. He has talked extensively about how to lower the cost of prescription drugs by modernizing the agency’s approval process and speeding cheaper generic competitors to market.

Many global cities want to be named the next tech innovation hub. But who’s really in the running?

It’s a question on which there are myriad perspectives and theories — the latest taking the form of a survey by professional service company KPMG. The company recently released part one of it’s yearly technology industry innovation survey (now in its fifth year) — a survey of over 800 “global technology industry leaders” in which KPMG asks about the changing landscape of tech. Part one the survey explores “the rise of new ecosystems of incubators, accelerators, and venture capital alongside government incentives across the world.”

The conviction that competitive differentiation will require effective digital initiatives has led many life-sciences companies to create a new leadership role, chief digital officer (CDO), to guide their digital initiatives.

To understand how these leaders see the digital future and how they are managing for success, we spoke to CDOs and their equivalents at ten pharma companies. These conversations suggest three imperatives for digital efforts: focus on the team applying the tools, not on the tools themselves; make bold, disruptive bets; and optimize the portfolio of initiatives to achieve company priorities, while taking finite resources into account.

The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) today released new data showing record growth in entrepreneurial activity at the state’s universities as part of its Illinois Innovation Index, which reports on the key metrics of the state’s innovation economy. The report found that during the past five academic years, students and faculty at Illinois universities created 804 startups through technology licensing, entrepreneurship programs, competitions and other university initiatives. A record number of these startups, nearly 500, are also staying in the state.

Wed, April 5, 2017 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology Research 9600 Gudelsky DriveRockville, MD, Maryland 20850

From patient engagement to data analytics, the Health IT space is one of the hottest sectors in healthcare today. Join our next SoPE event and learn from developers, investors and entrepreneurs how to best get your innovative idea from inception to consumers while anticipating and avoiding the common pitfalls you are bound to encounter along the way.

Moderator: Jeffrey N. Hausfeld MD, MBA, Founder and Chairman - Society of Physician Entprepreneurs, Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer - BioFactura, Inc.

NextGen Venture Partners,  a young, Washington, D.C.-based venture firm that’s quarterbacked by a handful of investors but fueled financially by a network of hundreds of part-time investors who help with its portfolio, has raised $22 million for its debut fund. (This if you don’t count a $1 million pool of capital that it raised from its network in 2015.)

We had a quick chat with Jon Bassett, one of the firm’s five partners, late last week to talk about what NextGen is trying to create. That conversation has been edited for length.

The Next Step: VC Investment Update

Entrepreneurs, investors and others: Join the NVTC Small Business and Entrepreneur Committee for the second part of this practical series on raising investment capital. This expert panel will feature some of the most active VCs investing in Greater Washington region companies. The panelists represent active venture investors who have participated in venture rounds in the last year in Greater Washington and are looking to make more investments. The panel will discuss their recent experiences, their desired investee profiles and offer practical advice on raising venture stage capital.

Moderator:

Norm Snyder, CPA, Partner, Aronson LLC

Speakers:

J.S. Gamble, Co-Founder, Blu Ventures Todd Klein, Managing Director and CIO, SWaN & Legend Ventures Adam VeVerka, Director- Business Development, NewSpring Capital Kristin Gunther, Vice President, Revolution Growth

USDA ARS and the USDA SBIR program formed a partnership to encourage USDA SBIR applicants to develop research collaborations with ARS scientists and/or to license ARS technologies. The purpose is to increase the likelihood of success by providing both money and technologies to small U.S. businesses. The relevant language in the SBIR’s “Request for Application” states: "Additional factors that will be considered in the review process include whether an application involves a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with a USDA laboratory, or a license to a USDA technology, or is a resubmission.”

This webinar will include an overview of the USDA SBIR program and crafting a competitive SBIR proposal. Also an overview of ARS and how to develop a successful research collaboration (CRADA) with an ARS scientist and/or license an ARS technology will be discussed. The webinar will address coordinating the statement of works in an ARS CRADA and a USDA SBIR proposal.

When Subra Suresh was tapped to lead the National Science Foundation (NSF), in 2010, he saw that many of the pathbreaking discoveries developed through the agency’s grants weren’t finding their way to the marketplace, so he sought to foster better links between government and industry.

This, of course, was not an entirely new idea. Over the years, there have been numerous efforts, ranging from the Bayh-Dole Act, of 1980, to numerous initiatives to revamp technology transfer offices within government agencies, but nothing really seemed able to speed new discoveries out of the labs and into the marketplace.

Knowledge of an individual's skin condition is important for pressure ulcer prevention. Detecting early changes in skin through perfusion, oxygen saturation values, and pressure on tissue and subsequent therapeutic intervention could increase patients' quality of life drastically. However, most existing sensing options create additional risk of ulcer development due to further pressure on and chafing of the skin. Here, as a first component, we present a flexible, photonic textile-based sensor for the continuous monitoring of the heartbeat and blood flow. Polymer optical fibres (POFs) are melt-spun continuously and characterized optically and mechanically before being embroidered. The resulting sensor shows flexibility when embroidered into a moisture-wicking fabric, and withstands disinfection with hospital-type laundry cycles. Additionally, the new sensor textile shows a lower static coefficient of friction (COF) than conventionally used bedsheets in both dry and sweaty conditions versus a skin model. Finally, we demonstrate the functionality of our sensor by measuring the heartbeat at the forehead in reflection mode and comparing it with commercial finger photoplethysmography for several subjects. Our results will allow the development of flexible, individualized, and fully textile-integrated wearable sensors for sensitive skin conditions and general long-term monitoring of patients with risk for pressure ulcer.

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) today announced the release of its 2016 annual data report, offering an in-depth look at trends and metrics for the cell therapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering and broader global regenerative medicine sector.

Using data provided by ARM's data partner Informa and compiled and analyzed by ARM's staff, the report details industry-specific statistics and trends from more than 730 leading cell therapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering and other regenerative medicine companies worldwide. Key features of the report include total financings for the sector, partnerships and other deals, clinical trial information, major clinical data events, current legislative and regulatory priorities and ARM's strategic priorities for 2017.

REGENXBIO Inc. (RGNX), a leading biotechnology company focused on the development, commercialization and licensing of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy based on its proprietary NAV® Technology Platform, today announced that Kenneth T. Mills, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Cowen and Company 37th Annual Health Care Conference on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 10:40 a.m. ET at the Boston Marriott Copley Place in Boston. In addition, REGENXBIO representatives will be holding one-on-one meetings at the conference.

A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed in the Investors section of REGENXBIO’s website at www.regenxbio.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be available on the same website for approximately 30 days following the presentation.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) 9700 Great Seneca Hwy Rockville, MD 20850

Recent, high-profile hotel hacks have brought increasing attention to the hospitality sector and its cybersecurity challenges. While hospitality organizations have long supported the internal flow of information and data (e.g. allowing a hotel guest to charge dinner from the hotel restaurant to his/her room), technological improvements and customer demands have pushed hotels to offer increasing amenities, such as free Wi-Fi or mobile check-in. Through collaboration with the hospitality industry, the NCCoE is developing an example solution to help organizations strengthen the security of their property management system to better protect the business against network intrusion, data breach, fraud loss, and damage to reputation, while continuing to allow customers and guests to utilize and appreciate a hotel’s technological amenities. Join us for a lively discussion on the unique trends and challenges to improving cybersecurity in the hospitality sector.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

University of Maryland: College Park, MD. Jeong H. Kim Engineering Bldg. (#225), Room 1107: Kay Boardroom In-person attendance only!

This one-day event will highlight the latest trends in medical devices and technologies and feature resources in the state that help bring products from invention to market. Topics include bioelectronics, cybersecurity for medical devices, convergence of devices and drugs, big data, robotic prosthetics, and additive manufacturing applications. Organizations representing Maryland innovation, entrepreneurial, funding, regulatory, and product scale-up resources will be there to discuss ways that they work with the medical device community.

This event is sponsored by the University of Maryland Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Maryland Department of Commerce, Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC), FLC Mid-Atlantic Region, National Institute for Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership , and TEDCO.

Anyone who has lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer knows the devastating speed with which it can affect an otherwise healthy person. TED Fellow and biomedical entrepreneur Laura Indolfi is developing a revolutionary way to treat this complex and lethal disease: a drug delivery device that acts as a cage at the site of a tumor, preventing it from spreading and delivering medicine only where it's needed. "We are hoping that one day we can make pancreatic cancer a curable disease," she says.

Join us at the Sinai Hospital BioIncubator in Baltimore on March 23rd for 2 great events. First hear from Yair Flicker, CEO of SmartLogic, who will share advice on hiring your first 10 employees. Then, stick around for some great networking at the BioBuzz event. Come for one, or come for both, just don't miss it!

Event Details: 4-5:30 pm: Distinguised Speakers Series featuring Yair Flicker Topic: How Not to Hire Your First 10 Employees: Lessons from the Trenches (Sinai Hospital Board Room)

5:30-7:30 pm: BioBuzz Networking @ the Sinai BioIncubator Location: Sinai Cafeteria

You and your colleagues are invited for a sneak peek at the country’s largest, most advanced, mobile STEM laboratory! After five years of planning and eight months of construction, MdBio’s new mobile laboratory, the Mobile eXploration Lab has finally arrived in Maryland and we are ready to show it off!

Please join us for an open house onboard the MXLab. MdBio’s team will be available to give tours of the nearly 1,000-square foot facility, answer questions, and show off the newest in mobile education tools and technology.

Tuesday, March 7 | 4-6 PM

Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus

9601 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 (corner of Key West Avenue & Broschart Road)

Ample free parking is available.

The George Washington University and the Technology Commercialization Office are pleased to invite you to the 2017 Innovation Competition!

The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) is showcasing promising and impactful GW research with commercial potential. This event provides a forum for idea sharing between GW researchers, entrepreneurs, and members of the venture community, as well as the opportunity to present technologies available for licensing to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. Finalists will pitch their technologies for a chance to win $30,000 in prizes!

American University’s Business In the Capital Initiative (BCI), in cooperation with BioHealth Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, MedImmune and area governments and universities, is conducting a study of BioHealth Exports in the Washington Region. As part of the study, BCI is seeking input from area life science companies which are either currently exporting products or services-- or are not exporting but would like to do so in the near future. The study goals are to increase exports of life science products and services into the global health care markets, and to identify and remedy the barriers to entry to the global healthcare markets for BioHealth Capital Region companies.

To make this exercise a success, we are seeking life science companies in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. to participate in a survey. Participating companies will be interviewed either in person or via voice. Confidentiality of companies and the information they choose to provide is assured. To participate, contact Prof. Erran Carmel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 202-885-1928.

The chunk of the federal budget that includes most of the U.S. government’s spending on basic science would shrink by 10.5% in 2018 under a plan outlined today by President Donald Trump and administration officials.

It is unlikely that all civilian science budgets would see cuts under the proposal—and some could even get increases. But the spending blueprint, which would have to be approved by Congress, highlights the financial pressures that civilian research agencies will face as Trump and the Republican majority in both houses of Congress attempt to carry out campaign promises to raise defense spending while reining in the rest of federal spending.

State and local governments invested $3.8 billion in R&D at institutions of higher education in FY 2015, with the top ten states accounting for $2.3 billion – roughly 59.4 percent of overall spending, according to an SSTI analysis of NSF data. From FY 2011 to FY 2015, total spending remained relatively unchanged (0.1 percent decrease). Over that same period, colleges and universities in 25 states reported increased expenditures from state governments, while 25 and the District of Columbia reported declines. This edition of Useful Stats examines how institutions of higher education report changing state and local investments in R&D.

In this historic city by the sea in northeast Brazil, burn patients look as if they’ve emerged from the waves. They are covered in fish skin — specifically strips of sterilized tilapia.

Doctors here are testing the skin of the popular fish as a bandage for second- and third-degree burns. The innovation arose from an unmet need. Animal skin has long been used in the treatment of burns in developed countries. But Brazil lacks the human skin, pig skin, and artificial alternatives that are widely available in the US.

There was a remarkable moment during Donald Trump's historic address to Congress last night. The president, attacking what he called a "slow and burdensome" regulatory process at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), highlighted a heart-rending story about Megan Crowley, a young woman suffering from a rare medical disorder who was among the speech's attendees. (Notably, the address was delivered on the night of Rare Disease Day.)

The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) is now accepting submissions for its 2017 edition of the Federal Laboratories & State and Local Governments: Partners for Technology Transfer Success publication.  

The State & Local Governments (S&LG) publication showcases the significant regional value that comes when state and local government entities and federal laboratories form strategic partnerships. Help us raise awareness about the impact federal labs can have on their surrounding areas by submitting your laboratory’s S&LG success stories for publication!  

The FLC S&LG Committee encourages multiple success story submissions per region or agency. For examples of previously published success stories, view the 2015 S&LG publication.

Celebrate Your Organization’s Excellence in 2017!

Each year, UEDA members compete for our prestigious Awards of Excellence, which recognize outstanding, leading-edge higher education projects and initiatives promoting economic development and engagement. Never content to rest on our laurels, however, last year saw a significant revamping of the Awards program to reflect UEDA’s ongoing research on economic development and engagement in higher education. We hope you will join us!

Of all five scenarios proposed by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for the way forward after Brexit, the real scenario is Number 3: “Those who want more do more,” which is another way of saying that the EU will be multi-speed, EURACTIV.com was told.

The Commission published today its White Paper (1 March) on the future of the EU-post-Brexit.

The NHS has been a godsend to the British people since its introduction in 1948 – with the free healthcare it has provided ensuring hundreds of millions of people have been able to live longer and healthier lives.

Such is the impact of the scheme, a tribute was paid to it during the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympic Games – an honour reserved for only the most impactful and important moments in a host nation’s history through the ages.

A prototype online platform that uses real-time visualization and viral genome data to track the spread of global pathogens such as Zika and Ebola is the grand prize winner of the Open Science Prize (link is external). The international team competition is an initiative by the National Institutes of Health, in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The winning team, Real-time Evolutionary Tracking for Pathogen Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation (link is external), created its nextstrain.org (link is external) prototype to pool data from researchers across the globe, perform rapid phylogenetic analysis, and post the results on the platform’s website. The winning team will receive $230,000 to fully develop their prototype with NIH awarding $115,000 to the U.S. members of the winning team, and the Wellcome Trust and HHMI also contributing $115,000 to the winning team.

Imagine you are a local technology startup looking to manufacture a tiny air quality sensor that can be incorporated into an iPhone to dramatically improve public health. This is a potential billion-dollar market, but you need access to specialized and expensive semiconductor testing and evaluation labs to scale up the technology.

Large semiconductor manufacturers aren’t located in Maryland, so where do you go? California’s Silicon Valley?  New York and its semiconductor cluster in Albany?

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an urban office REIT uniquely focused on collaborative life science and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, today announced that Alexandria LaunchLabs® has selected a leading-edge group of life science startups as its first member companies. Alexandria LaunchLabs is New York City's first-in-class, highly affordable, full-service wet laboratory and office co-working space, which provides unique access to Alexandria's early-stage investment capital. Alexandria LaunchLabs' member companies will also have full access to Alexandria's world-class network and a highly amenitized campus, including a state-of-the-art conference, event and meeting space; two farm-to-table restaurants and a fully equipped fitness center.

In addition, Alexandria Venture Investments, its strategic venture capital arm and one of New York City's largest providers of early-stage life science venture capital, made its first New York City-based investment of 2017, leading the Series A financing for Applied Therapeutics Inc. Applied Therapeutics, a biotech company with technology licensed from Columbia University, is focused on developing transformative drugs in areas of high unmet medical need.

April 12-May 24

The Angel Venture Forum is changing the way we meet and screen companies!

Over the past few years, angel investors have been placing more capital into fewer companies. Only the top 5%-7% of companies that pitch investors actually receive the funds they’re looking for. Entrepreneurs educated in the capital formation process have the best chance of success. The Angel Venture Forum is one of the top educational series on the topic. 

For the first time ever, the World Health Organization has drawn up a list of the highest priority needs for new antibiotics — marching orders, it hopes, for the pharmaceutical industry.

The list, which was released Monday, enumerates 12 bacterial threats, grouping them into three categories: critical, high, and medium.