Project NextGen Awards Over $1.4 Billion to Develop the Future of COVID-19 Vaccines and Therapeutics
Funding includes $1 billion for vaccine clinical trials, $326 million for a new monoclonal antibody, and $100 million to explore novel vaccine and therapeutic technologies
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), awarded more than $1.4 billion for Project NextGen to support the development of a new generation of tools and technologies to protect against COVID-19 for years to come.
The awards announced today follow extensive coordination with industry partners and include support for clinical trials that will enable the rapid development of even more effective and longer-lasting coronavirus vaccines, a new monoclonal antibody, and transformative technologies to streamline manufacturing processes.
“Project NextGen is a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to keeping people safe from COVID-19 variants,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “These awards are a catalyst for the program – kickstarting efforts to more quickly develop vaccines and continue to ensure availability of effective treatments.”
COLUMBIA, Md. (August 17, 2023) – TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent Social Impact Builder Fund investment of $250,000 into Nostopharma, LLC., a small business developing treatments to restore the health of orthopedic patients.
“Nostopharma is on a mission to revolutionize orthopedic surgery. We hope to offer a complication-free future for trauma patients, athletes and chronic inflammation victims and are developing treatments to help surgeons control trauma complications, including trauma induced abnormal bone growth, a problem that the first application of our platform is looking to solve,” said Ekaterina Vert-Wong, cofounder and CEO of Nostopharma. “We are creating products that minimize abnormal bone growth from the start, helping patients avoid painful and costly revision surgeries.”
FREDERICK, Md., Aug. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Zalgen Labs LLC (Zalgen), a biotechnology and diagnostics company focused on high-impact, neglected infectious diseases, including Lassa Fever (LF), today announced publication of data demonstrating that Arevirumab-3®, its lead immunotherapeutic candidate, is an effective therapeutic for the treatment of Lassa virus infections, with activity against all major viral lineages that cause severe disease in humans, and at very low dosages.
The study emanated from an extensive and ongoing research collaboration of Zalgen, Tulane University (Tulane), UTMB, and other members of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Consortium (VHFC) [www.vhfc.org] and the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Immunotherapeutic Consortium (VIC) [www.vhfimmunotherapy.org] working on advanced alternatives to treat Lassa fever and other hemorrhagic viral infections.
What does it take to pioneer groundbreaking T-cell immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer? Join us for this episode of BioTalk, where we sit down with Bill Enright, a seasoned biotech executive with a remarkable track record spanning over three decades. Bill brings a wealth of experience in building and financing both privately held and publicly traded companies, making his mark in various roles within the life science/biotech industry.
Bill offers a compelling update in this installment since his previous appearance on BioTalk. Learn about the intriguing journey that led Vaccitech, a clinical-stage T cell immunotherapy and vaccine company, to select Montgomery County, MD, within the thriving BioHealth Capital Region, for its new site. Delve into the intricacies of their pioneering platform, which harnesses the power of immunotherapy to elicit robust T cell responses and antibodies against infectious agents and tumors.
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On August 16th, BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) in Rockville, Maryland, hosted a distinguished group of professionals from Japan, representing the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State. This visit marked a significant step towards fostering international relations in the biotechnology sector.
The delegation from Japan arrived with specific objectives for their visit. They aimed to deepen their understanding of technology transfer and the best practices in commercialization. Additionally, they sought to forge strong ties with U.S. technology transfer experts, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. A significant focus was on amplifying biotechnology research and fostering commercial partnerships between the U.S. and Japan. They also aspired to strengthen Japan’s bioeconomy sector, envisioning it as a global epicenter for biotech products and ensuring its biotechnology ecosystems resonate with democratic principles. Furthermore, the delegation intended to heighten the interest of U.S. investors in early-stage biotechnology towards Japanese startups and to broaden the horizons for Japanese companies in the global venture capital arena.
The esteemed group from Japan comprised:
- Dr. Rei Uematsu, Deputy Director, R&D Division, Industrial Science, Technology and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)
- Dr. Jun Sato, Attending Physician, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital of Japan
- Dr. Eriko Ogawa, Manager, R&D Division, Amino Up Co., Ltd.
- Dr. Noriyuki Nishimura, Principal Scientist, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
- Dr. Masahiro Taniguchi, R&D General Manager, KAICO Ltd.
- Dr. Minako Sumiyoshi, Regulatory Affairs Officer, Sanatech Seed Co., Ltd.
Representing BioHealth Innovation were Rich Bendis, President and CEO; Luis Gutierrez, Executive in Residence; Albine Martin, Entrepreneur in Residence; and Ethel Rubin, Entrepreneur in Residence.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to learn more about BHI’s mission and services, fostering a deeper understanding and potential for future collaborations.
Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BHI, remarked, “It’s always an honor to host international delegations, especially one as esteemed as this group from Japan. Collaborative efforts like these pave the way for global advancements in biotechnology. We look forward to a future filled with shared knowledge and mutual growth.”
This visit underscores the importance of international collaboration in the biotechnology sector. As the world becomes more interconnected, partnerships like these will be crucial in driving innovation and ensuring the global community benefits from advancements in biotechnology.
BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MyMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® (Nasdaq: MYMD) (“MyMD” or “the Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel therapies for age-related diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the Company’s Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to evaluate the safety, efficacy, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral TNF-α inhibitor MYMD-1® in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The application was based on preclinical data showing that MYMD-1 significantly reduced swelling and other clinical arthritis measures compared to widely used RA therapy, Enbrel® (etanercept).1 The Company plans to initiate discussions with CRO vendor IQVIA on timing of a Phase 2 study in this indication.
How does a BioPharma Cluster ascend the ranks to secure a Top 3 position? What are the key factors propelling the BioHealth Capital Region to achieve its ambitious goal of ranking 3rd by 2023? Join us in this episode of BioTalk, where our host Rich Bendis speaks with Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.
In this installment, Alex unveils the intricacies behind his latest Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters, highlighting the impressive rise of the BioHealth Capital Region to its 3rd position. Learn about the origins of these rankings, the trends that have been identified for 2023, and the dynamic shifts within the BioPharma landscape on a regional scale.
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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK and ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, Aug. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK and ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, Aug. 9, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – American Gene Technologies International Inc. (“AGT”) and 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. III (“10X III”) (NYSE: VCXB), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that they have entered into a merger agreement for a business combination that would result in the combined company being a publicly listed company (the public company following the business combination to be renamed “Addimmune”). The combined company is expected to trade under the ticker symbol “HIV”. Addimmune is a clinical-stage gene and cell therapy company developing a functional cure for HIV. Prior to the combination, the non-HIV assets will spin-off into an entity that will retain the American Gene Technologies name.
With federal funding and solutions that address major risks and aim to improve outcomes for warfighters and civilians, Polaris and Neuroene are set to continue their momentum as showcase companies in the DMV life science scene.
By Sam Hopkins
August 8, 2023
As the BioHealth Capital Region and other life sciences sectors continue to evolve and innovate, it’s crucial for start-ups and entrepreneurs to seize every opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking work.
One of those incredible opportunities is this year’s 8th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap competition, part of the 9th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum. This event has evolved significantly over the years, attracting applicants not only from the region but also from across the country and around the world.
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Georgiamune Inc., a privately held, clinical stage biotechnology company, announced the clearance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for GIM-122, a dual-functioning monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, the company successfully completed a $75M Series A financing, positioning Georgiamune as a promising new biotechnology company in the fields of oncology and autoimmune diseases.