BHI Weekly Newsletter Archives

GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Deka Biosciences (“Deka”), a biotech company focused on developing novel cytokine therapies to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its review of the investigational new drug (IND) application for DK210 (EGFR) and concluded that Deka may proceed with a Phase 1 clinical trial in the United States. The Phase 1, first-in-human, multicenter clinical study seeks to characterize the safety, and biomarkers for response of DK210 (EGFR) in patients with advanced solid cancer who are overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) (NCT05704985).

 First placebo-controlled study of an engineered cell therapy

Gaithersburg, MD, January 31, 2023 – Cartesian Therapeutics, a fully integrated, clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering RNA cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer, has dosed the first participant in its Phase 2b randomized controlled trial (RCT) for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. The RCT will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the company’s lead asset, Descartes-08, a first-in-class, RNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (rCAR-T).

Stronger sales in Europe and the U.S. helped offset declining demand in Japan for the Medical Business Unit of Japanese industrial conglomerate Canon for the company’s fiscal 2022. The company said that sales in the medical division grew almost 7%, to the highest level in the history of the business unit.

For the year, Canon Medical saw sales of 513.3 billion yen ($3.970 billion), representing growth of 6.9% compared to the full-year 2021 numbers. The medical division’s income before taxes fell by 7% to 31.9 billion yen ($246.7 million) – the prior-year numbers were boosted by an increase in deductions related to a corporate acquisition.

The newly established Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) will accelerate cutting-edge biomedical and health research, moving discoveries from the laboratory to patients more quickly, sustainably and equitably than ever before. As the agency seeks to remove roadblocks to solving some of the biggest challenges in health today, Montgomery County, Md., is uniquely positioned to support this crucial federal agency and the ideal home for ARPA-H.

Image: MCEDC

Prince George’s County, Maryland based Medcura’s is pioneering a proprietary biosurgical technology that has repeatedly demonstrated the rapid arrest of difficult-to-control surgical bleeding. With help from TEDCO, a Maryland based venture capital leader, Medcura is working to become the next standard of care in surgical bleeding management. In the television program “Stephen Hawking’s Science of the Future” Medcura was featured in an episode as a top innovative product of this decade for its ability to quickly stop bleeds using naturally abundant and highly economical ingredients.

Click here for more.

GAITHERSBURG, M.D. – Transwestern Real Estate Services (TRS) announces Quality Biological, Inc. has signed a 24,000-square-foot lease at Shady Grove Development Park, a 745,000-square-foot, 10-building mixed-use project in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Transwestern Senior Vice Presidents Guy Copperthite and Jim Darby represented Quality Biological in negotiations with property owner Minkoff Development Corporation.

Quality Biological has provided contract manufacturing solutions to the life science and biotech research industry for nearly 40 years. The company takes occupancy of its new space in July 2023.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Research Agreement with University of Maryland, Baltimore, to Study TNX-1500 (Fc-modified anti-CD40L mAb) for the Prevention of Rejection in Heart Xenograft Transplantation in Animals

Research Study to Assess the Role of TNX-1500 in the Prevention of Heart Xenograft Rejection

Preclinical Xenotransplantation Studies are Expected to Support Regulatory Filings for TNX-1500

CHATHAM, N.J., Feb. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it has entered into a sponsored research agreement with the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), for the prevention of rejection in heart xenograft transplantation in animals utilizing TNX-1500¹, an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody directed against CD40-ligand. UMB’s preclinical studies will utilize genetically-modified porcine hearts supplied by Revivicor, Inc., a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation. The principal investigator is Muhammad M. Mohiuddin, M.D., MBBS, Professor of Surgery, and Director, Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, Tuesday announced the selection of 24 Maryland companies to participate in the FY2023 FAST SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab cohort.

This program, now in its fifth year, supports companies in the cohort, allowing them to work with TEDCO experts on preparing polished proposals for up to $275,000 in federal awards through the SBIR/STTR Phase 1 program.

The companies in this year’s cohort encompass a variety of technology disciplines, from medical devices to quantum computing to even biomanufacturing.

The Technology Transfer Society – Washington D.C. chapter is running an Introduction to Technology Transfer and Commercialization course in conjunction with Montgomery College. The course will be given in a hybrid format to allow for both virtual and in-person attendance.

This course is intended to provide students with an overview of the entire technology transfer process – moving technologies from the lab to market. This course is a great overview for anyone interested in learning more about the operations of a technology transfer office or those looking to understand how to commercialize their own invention. Students will hear from experienced professionals to broaden their understanding of technology transfer.

This Spring 2023 course (SMB035) will take place starting February 8^th  on the Montgomery College Rockville Campus each Wednesday from 6-8:40 p.m. For more details on the course see here .

Richmond, Virginia, Feb. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Phlow Corp., a U.S.-based public benefit corporation leveraging advanced manufacturing processes to re-imagine the domestic production of pharmaceutical products critical to U.S. healthcare, announced today the formation of the Phlow Business Advisory Board made up of internationally recognized pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to the company; the addition of Melinda Hancock of Sentara Health System to Phlow’s Board of Directors; and the promotion of Dan Hackman from Chief Business Officer to President.

AURP’s BioHealth Caucus will examine topics, including:

• Economic impact of the biotech industry in the U.S.
• New biotech hubs growing in VA, NC, OK, MO, and NH
• Building the biotechnician workforce
• Bio innovation impact from the federal multi-billion-dollar CHIPS + Science Act
• Significance of the Bayh-Dole Act and life science IP to keep the U.S. competitive
• Bio manufacturing in space
• Award winning life science incubators, accelerators, and labs
• Importance of the business press covering the biotechnology community
• NIH funding for small business bio hubs
• Emerging role of quantum computing in drug discovery
• Special presentations from state bio infrastructure in MA and MD
• Plus, an optional tour of Harvard’s Science and Engineering building and Harvard Allston Enterprise Research Park

WIB-Capital Region: 5th Annual HERstory Gala

Thursday, April 27, 2023 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ET

Join WIB-Capital Region to honor outstanding women in our local bioscience sector!

The HERstory Gala is the premier event for our chapter and its supporters. This elegant event attracts men and women from industry, government, non-profit organizations, and academia across the Capital Region Metro Area. It provides unique opportunities to meet with some of the region’s most successful women. This event highlights women trailblazers in the life sciences who have significantly impacted the region. Additionally, awards will be presented to the 2022 WIB Inclusion Grantee and the 2022-2023 Rising Star Award Winner.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Montgomery County companies had a record year of investment in 2022, with more than $29.9 billion in combined initial public offering (IPO), merger and acquisition, private investment and venture capital deals. That is an increase from $4 billion in 2020 and more than $18 billion in 2021. In all, Montgomery County had 144 deals across 126 companies in 2022.

“The record investment in Montgomery County companies is a testament to the region’s remarkable climate of business growth and innovation,” said Bill Tompkins, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “We are a premier destination with a powerful network of existing businesses across a wide range of industries. Our deep talent pool, diverse and vibrant communities, and proximity to the federal agencies including the Departments of Transportation and Energy, FDA, and NIH position the County’s companies for success.”

QuartzBio, a Part of Precision for Medicine, Acquires SolveBio and Expands Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Data Management Solutions for Clinical Research & Development (R&D)

QuartzBio’s suite of end-to-end SaaS solutions provides pharmaceutical and biotech clients with a fully connected data ecosystem linking sample, biomarker, and clinical data to improve collaboration, planning, and R&D productivity.

Frederick, MD – January 24, 2023 – Precision for Medicine, the first global, precision medicine clinical research services organization, today announced the strategic acquisition of SolveBio by QuartzBio.

SolveBio’s intelligent technologies and enterprise data management platform has integrated into QuartzBio’s suite of SaaS solutions, providing a single, scalable solution supporting clinical sample inventory management and biomarker data management for the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.

By Alex Keown
January 24, 2023

BioHealth Innovation’s lofty goal of the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) achievement of “Top 3 by 2023” is not likely to be reached this year due to inflation and uncertain economic conditions.

That’s the assessment of Rich Bendis, President and Chief Executive Officer of BHI, who has championed the region’s transition into a top four biopharma hub in the United States. However, given the state of the economy and the amount of money being invested, Bendis said it is unrealistic to expect the region to move up the ranking of the top 10 life sciences regions compiled by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN).

The Bear Institute, a pediatric health IT collaboration between Washington, D.C.-based Children’s National Hospital and Oracle Health, has named four startup companies as the winners of its second annual pediatric digital health innovation competition.

The competition, dubbed the Bear Institute Pediatric Accelerator Challenge for Kids, allows startups to share their innovations and receive feedback from judges while competing for a chance to win an on-site pilot and software development support, according to a Jan. 17 release from Children’s National.

Germantown’s Precigen Inc. (NASDAQ: PGEN) has raised $75 million in a public offering that closed Friday and intends to use the proceeds to speed development of its experimental treatments for multiple rare diseases.

The clinical-stage biotech, which is developing gene and cell therapies for cancers, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases, sold 42.86 million shares of common stock for $1.75 each. The company also gave the underwriters an option to buy up to 6.43 million additional shares in the 30 days after it filed an updated prospectus Jan. 26 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As many of us were winding down our work over the winter holidays, my colleagues at the University System of Maryland were putting the finishing touches on our 2022 Annual Report. And while the new year compels us to look ahead with purpose, the report gives us a chance to look back at what’s brought us to our place of strength.

The annual report breaks down progress on our five strategic priorities: Innovate the education we provide our students. Make that education accessible to all. Prepare students for jobs that will write Maryland’s future. Conduct and commercialize research that changes the world. Center equity and justice in everything we do.

Novavax Announces Plan to Deliver Updated Protein-based Vaccine Consistent with FDA Recommendations for 2023/2024 Vaccination Season at VRBPAC Meeting

Jan 27, 2023

FDA Advisory Committee votes to harmonize vaccine strain composition of primary series and booster doses Novavax’ protein-based option remains an important part of the current U.S. vaccine portfolio

Novavax participated in yesterday’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee’s (VRBPAC) meeting, which resulted in a unanimous vote recommending harmonizing vaccine strain composition of primary series and booster doses. During the meeting, Novavax shared data demonstrating that the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (NVX-CoV2373), when used as a booster induces a broad functional immune response, including against forward drift variants.

In conversation with Mathias Alder, CEO of Gain Therapeutics discussing his personal life insights and professional achievements in the field of Computational Drug Discovery. Matt Pillar:  A few months ago, I set out to learn as much about computational biology and as myriad applications in Biotech as I could. And on more than one occasion, that effort led me to a Zoom call with Matthias Alder. That my inquiry resulted in multiple opportunities to talk with Matthias made me happy. One, because he’s a really great guy, and two, because while his company’s drug discovery model leans heavily into proprietary structure based computational methods, he’s not one of these bombastic, over the top futurists who’s all in on relinquishing science to the algorithms. Just the opposite, he’s pragmatic and practical about the advantages and the limitations of deploying computational tools in an industry whose mission it is to save lives by injecting things into living human bodies.

The Technology Transfer Society – Washington D.C. chapter is running an Introduction to Technology Transfer and Commercialization course in conjunction with Montgomery College. The course will be given in a hybrid format to allow for both virtual and in-person attendance.

This course is intended to provide students with an overview of the entire technology transfer process – moving technologies from the lab to market. This course is a great overview for anyone interested in learning more about the operations of a technology transfer office or those looking to understand how to commercialize their own invention. Students will hear from experienced professionals to broaden their understanding of technology transfer.

This Spring 2023 course (SMB035) will take place starting February 8^th  on the Montgomery College Rockville Campus each Wednesday from 6-8:40 p.m. For more details on the course see here .

The biotechnology industry is one of the riskiest and the most challenging—but it is also one of the few that makes the difference between life and death.

In recent years, biotech has given us major breakthroughs: vaccines that provide protection from lethal viruses; a lupus treatment approved for use in children with the first new mechanism of action in more than 50 years; and significant progress in hematology with the approval of a bispecific antibody for multiple myeloma.

Image: Dinesh Patel, PhD, CEO of Protagonist Therapeutics (PTGX)

Pennovation Works, the 23-acre University of Pennsylvania property just across the Schuylkill River from the core campus, has long been a site for innovation. Home to a ferry business in the 18th century, a paint company in the 19th century, and a DuPont chemical research facility for much of the 20th century, the space underwent a further transformation in 2016 with the establishment of the Pennovation Center, an incubator for science and technology startups, many of which have their origins within the University. Last year, the 65,000 square foot Pennovation Lab opened, offering larger lab spaces for companies outgrowing their previous locations.

Image: A view of the new research, development, and biomanufacturing facility from the intersection of Grays Ferry Avenue and 34th Street on the Pennovation Works property. (Image: Longfellow Real Estate Partners)

By Cho KyooHong

On Jan. 9, the Ministry of Health and Welfare reported to President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning its 2023 plan, of which the main tasks include leaping forward as a leading country in the field of biohealth through human resource cultivation, deregulation and export support.

Noting that a large number of quality jobs can be created as the biohealth industry grows, President Yoon called for strong support from the government for domestic enterprises to be up to global standards, which requires a tax benefit corresponding to that of the semiconductor sector, capacity development and a solid industrial ecosystem.

Image: Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyoo-hong

At first glance, it seems like a rough time for venture capital, especially in the healthcare industry. Overall, venture investments in 2022 were down 35% from 2021, according to CB Insights, with digital health investments down over 50%. Biopharma investment beat the trend a little bit, according to Evaluate Vantage, down only 23% from the year before.

Image: Dimension founders Zavian Dar, Adam Goulburn and Nan LiDIMENSION

BioHealth Innovation (BHI) is an innovation intermediary that facilitates the commercialization of emerging technologies in the BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, DC and Virginia).  We are seeking a Life Sciences Business Strategist to join our team remotely.

The right candidate will be an energetic and continuous learner who is passionate about accelerating the adoption of new technologies to improve lives. The position is geared toward an early-career scientist who wants to engage with the biohealth industry in new ways.

Our Strategists support selected growth-stage businesses beyond commercialization plans and federal grant proposals—they cultivate important relationships with client entrepreneurs and innovators. The Strategists’ work also includes collaborating with expert Entrepreneurs-In-Residence from around the country and other professionals in BHI’s network who have built careers at the intersection of business and science.

The University of Virginia will build a biotechnology institute funded with a $100 million donation from Charlottesville investor Paul Manning and his wife, Diane, the university announced Friday.

Along with the Mannings’ gift, U.Va. will contribute $150 million, and the state has allocated $50 million in initial investments for the institute in its 2022-24 budget, according to the announcement.

Image: Paul Manning. Photo courtesy the University of Virginia

Ahead of his swearing-in on Wednesday, Gov.-elect Wes Moore’s Cabinet is nearly complete. Moore announced his picks for nine additional cabinet positions on Tuesday, filling out key roles including the heads of the departments of Housing, Environment, Planning and Commerce.

The latest appointments include two Maryland mayors — Jake Day of Salisbury and Emily Keller of Hagerstown — meaning a change of leadership elsewhere in the state.

Image: The Great Seal of the State of Maryland on the front of the Maryland State House. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

• Company has initiated Phase I/II AFFINITY DUCHENNE™ trial of RGX-202
• Company also enrolling newly active observational screening study, AFFINITY BEYOND, evaluating AAV8 antibody prevalence in boys with Duchenne
• Commercial-scale cGMP material from the REGENXBIO Manufacturing Innovation Center to be used in the clinical trial
• RGX-202 is a potential one-time AAV Therapeutic for the treatment of Duchenne and includes an optimized transgene for a novel microdystrophin and REGENXBIO’s proprietary NAV® AAV8 vector

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — REGENXBIO Inc. (Nasdaq: RGNX) today announced that the Phase I/II AFFINITY DUCHENNE™ trial of RGX-202 for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) is now active and recruiting patients. RGX-202 is designed to deliver a transgene for a novel microdystrophin protein that includes the functional elements of the C-Terminal (CT) domain found in naturally occurring dystrophin. RGX-202 uses REGENXBIO’s proprietary NAV® AAV8 vector.

AFFINITY DUCHENNE is a multicenter, open-label dose evaluation and dose expansion clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability and clinical efficacy of a one-time intravenous (IV) dose of RGX-202 in patients with Duchenne.

On December 19, 2022, the Department of Defense (“DOD”) issued a proposed rule seeking to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (“DFARS”) to implement the data rights portions of recent Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program Policy Directive, which emphasizes the need to protect the intellectual property interests of small businesses. In addition to addressing the small business directives, the proposed rule seeks to update markings requirements related to (1) small business data rights and (2) concerns raised by the Federal Circuit’s decision in The Boeing Co. v. Secretary of the Air Force, 983 F.3d 1321 (Fed. Cir. 2020).

Federal innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives would receive substantial new funding under the text of the omnibus spending bill shared on the morning of Dec. 20 by the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The legislation, which totals $1.7 trillion and covers both regular FY 2023 appropriations and supplement funding, provides a total of $1.8 billion for programs authorized by this year’s CHIPS and Science Act and increases funding for multiple long-standing efforts — including each of the SSTI Innovation Advocacy Council’s priority programs. The legislation is expected to pass Congress this week, before the current funding agreement expires on Dec. 23.

TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, unveiled a legislatively mandated Maryland Innovation Competitiveness Study—one that could lead to a 5-year, $250 million down payment for an Equitech Growth Fund and the establishment of a major Kirwan-type commission. The new commission would map out an in-depth strategic plan focused on ensuring Maryland becomes a national model for a thriving, inclusive tech sector and innovation economy.

Linshom Medical raising $3M series A to launch respiratory monitor

Ellicott City startup Linshom Medical is looking to raise a $3 million round as it works to develop a medical device that catches the warning signs of a respiratory crisis.

CEO Richard Hughen plans to use the series A raise, as well as a $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, to fund a study to prove the company’s respiratory monitor is effective at detecting breathing issues. The company previously raised $1.5 million in convertible notes. Linshom has raised $1 million of its $3 million series A goal so far, with support from the Maryland Momentum Fund, the Maryland Technology Development Corp. and other investors.

Once the studies are complete, the three-person company is planning to do a soft launch in a few hospital systems late this year.

Today, College Park, Maryland quantum leader IonQ announced its first-ever acquisition.

The DMV company acquired the operating assets of Entangled Networks, a Toronto, Canada-based startup founded in 2021. Entangled Networks specialized in enabling computing for multiple quantum processors, including those that are distributed. Through the deal, the Entangled team will become the staff of IonQ Canada, the quantum pioneer’s first outpost in the country.

Life Science Start Ups: Connect with Investors at the Investor Hub Event at JLABS @ Washington, DC

Are you a promising early-stage life sciences start up seeking pre-seed or series A funding in the next 12 to 18 months?

If so, you might be a fit for the Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) Annual East North America (ENA) Regional Investor Hub Event at JLABS @ Washington, DC, on March 9, 2023.

Visit https://jji.jnjinnovation.com/ena-investor-hub-event to learn more and register.

Biopharmaceutical company Kite Pharma will expand its footprint in Frederick County with a new warehouse that will bring 100 new jobs to the area, the company announced Tuesday.

Kite, a Los Angeles-based subsidiary of Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD), will build an approximately 70,000-square-foot raw materials warehouse to support its global cell therapy manufacturing network. The company’s CAR T-cell therapy uses a person’s own immune system to recognize, attack and destroy certain types of cancer with a one-time, individualized treatment.

Deployed military personnel frequently face numerous health and safety hazards as part of their daily activities in service to their nation. Among many dangers is the possibility of encountering hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs), a group of highly infectious pathogens such as the Ebola virus. Many of these diseases do not currently have effective therapeutics and can be prevalent in areas where service members are deployed, putting them at risk of exposure.

George Mason University infectious disease researcher Aarthi Narayanan has partnered with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and Cyclica, a biotechnology company based in Canada, to identify potential broad-spectrum therapeutics for illnesses triggered by HFVs and similar pathogens.

Sanofi has thrown its financial weight behind its venture capital unit, making a $750 million, multi-year commitment to enable the financier to build on a year in which it backed 10 companies globally.

Sanofi Ventures is a well-established player in the biotech VC space, with its roots dating back to the formation of Sanofi-Genzyme BioVentures in 2011 and beyond that to the establishment of Genzyme Ventures a decade earlier. But Sanofi has largely stayed in the shadows, leaving its venture unit to build out a portfolio without publicly disclosing the details of how it supports the fund.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., January 12, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Adaptive Phage Therapeutics, Inc., (APT) a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing the APT phage bank, the world’s largest therapeutic phage initiative for treatment of bacterial infectious diseases, today announced the first patient has been dosed in the PHAGE clinical trial, evaluating bacteriophage therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) who carry Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in their lungs. The trial is evaluating whether the bacteriophage, or “phage,” therapy is safe and able to reduce the amount of bacteria in the lungs of volunteers. The trial is being conducted by the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) which consists of more than 100 leading experts, working together to combat the ongoing antibacterial resistance crisis and improve patient care. ARLG is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The investigational phage therapeutic, WRAIR-PAM-CF1, was developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and is licensed to and manufactured by APT. The trial is expected to enroll a total of 72 patients at multiple sites across the country.

Image: Photo: Business Wire

The Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program offers grants for projects that team Maryland-based companies with University System of Maryland faculty to develop technology products and processes.

Join us for a free webinar to learn how MIPS can help advance your technology-based products by leveraging the facilities, resources, and expertise within Maryland’s public universities to create new products and opportunities!

Next webinar:
Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 1 p.m.
online via Zoom

Click to register

Mentia is honored to be selected for the inaugural Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory #A2Collective #johnshopkinsuniversity The National Institutes of Health Full story at https://lnkd.in/g6ewtb9W

Happy New Year! Maryland is coming off of a busy and successful year of business attraction and expansion. Continue reading to see the companies that committed to Maryland in the 4th quarter of 2022.

Our momentum continues into 2023, with many exciting new projects on the horizon. We look forward to connecting with industry colleagues at events this spring, and as always, we’re standing by to help you make your next project a success.

COLUMBIA, Md. (January 10, 2023) – TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a new collaboration between TEDCO’s Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) and The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). The MII Pop-up Event will take place on February 8 at HJF home office in Bethesda, Md., including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and speakers from MII, TEDCO and HJF leadership.

“We’re very proud of MII’s successful track record when it comes to both collaboration and outcomes,” said Dr. Arti Santhanam, executive director of MII. “This MOU gives us the opportunity to expand on that success in partnership with the dedicated team at HJF. Together, we anticipate advancing new business creation with crucial military medical applications.”

Organizations across the globe are pivoting their workplace technology strategy and many employers are grappling with big questions about which tools are needed to create a thriving hybrid environment in 2023.

Based on a JLL survey of over 1,000 companies worldwide, a vast majority expect to make significant changes to their tech stack over the next three years. Download the infographic highlighting the workplace technologies that were consistently mentioned by employers as top priorities and discover why those technologies are prioritized and how they change workplace.

The BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) and its life science ecosystem have a rich and deep history of pioneering scientific innovation, research, development, and commercialization. The region’s history has been written by life science anchor companies, scientific research universities, government research organizations, rich startup culture, and serial entrepreneurs, all of whom have played critical roles in transforming the BHCR into one of the most innovative and productive biocluster in the world.

Image: https://biobuzz.io/

To kick off the new year, The Galien Foundation is delighted to share with you highlights from the 2022 Prix Galien Awards Ceremony and recognize the incredible achievements of the Medalists  of the Prix Galien Golden Jubilee and the Prix Galien USA.

A new year means new opportunities to grow your business. If you’re one of the millions of resolution makers who are using the new year to take their ventures to new heights, Maryland SBDC has the expertise to turn your goals into gains.

Whether your goal is to start a business, grow a business, or just learn something new, Maryland SBDC will jump-start your year with no-cost confidential, one-on-one consulting and low-cost training on topics ranging from business planning and financing to marketing and more.

Total research spending at American universities reached nearly $90 billion in 2021,1 2 and university licensing revenue has climbed to almost $3 billion a year.3 From robotics to agriculture to medicine, useful discoveries constantly emerge from academic labs. Yet policymakers often fail to recognize the critical role of intellectual property in driving all that spending, income, and innovation. Standing up for strong IP rights must be a priority for American universities.

Click here to read the full PDF Briefing.

There are now more Americans aged 65 and older than at any other point in history, and that number is expected to rise, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). With longer lifespans come challenges like Alzheimer’s, which about one in nine Americans aged 65 or older have.

The a2 Pilot Awards were created to encourage the development of tech for the elderly. Funded by the NIA with $40 million over the next five years, the awards announced today the first cohort of 33 projects selected for funding. The majority use artificial intelligence or machine learning tech, and 40% are led by women.

This free 1:1 virtual session is an opportunity to discuss your company with experts in diagnostics, therapeutics, digital health and medical devices.

If you’re a growth-stage biohealth company looking for unbiased advice on your pitch deck, commercialization strategy, evidence development or entrepreneurial challenges, our EIRs can help.

To request a feedback session, please send a non-confidential pitch deck, and a short description of the input you’re seeking from the EIRs, to Sarah Miller   smiller@biohealthinnovation.org  

The requested information should be received by our office at least 2 weeks in advance, so that we can schedule the appropriate experts. Thank you!

On September 30, 2022, the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 (the Act) was enacted, reauthorizing the SBIR and STTR programs until September 30, 2025. The Act makes several significant changes related to national security risks and foreign influence in the programs. The changes include agency implementation of due diligence procedures, new offeror disclosure and ongoing contractor reporting requirements, and new award eligibility requirements, with an offeror’s or contractor’s omissions or misstatements resulting in repayment of the entire award amount, among other changes to the programs.

Jan 9 (Reuters) – Life sciences firm Qiagen said on Monday it has acquired DNA-biometrics firm Verogen in a $150-million cash deal, strengthening its forensics portfolio.

The deal builds on the companies’ existing partnership from 2021, under which Qiagen has the rights to distribute some of Verogen’s products such as its next-generation gene sequencing panels and genetic code analyzing technology GEDmatch.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced that it has signed an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity procurement contract with a maximum value up to $379.6 million to supply RSDL® (Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion Kit) for use by all branches of the U.S. military. Emergent’s Canadian Subsidiary will serve as the sole subcontractor to deploy RSDL® to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through a new contract award to the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). The new contract has a base year, which began in December 2022, and four single year option renewals.

“Emergent has a 25-year history of developing and supplying medical countermeasures (MCM) for the U.S. and other governments around the world,” said Paul Williams, senior vice president, government MCM at Emergent. “RSDL® has been a routine part of the U.S. warfighters armamentarium for 13 years. This new contract award demonstrates the unique capabilities of our core MCM business to continue to meet the needs and deliver on the requirements for chemical and biological preparedness of public and military forces, which is an important part of our mission to help protect and enhance life.”

Today we announced an agreement to acquire CinCor Pharma, Inc., a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on developing novel treatments for resistant and uncontrolled hypertension.

The acquisition will strengthen our cardiorenal pipeline, where there is a high unmet medical need.

This acquisition is expected to close in first quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Additional important information can be found here: https://know.az/3IvkzkQ

SHANGHAI, Jan. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi Biologics (“WuXi Bio”) (2269. HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced a license agreement with GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) under which GSK will have exclusive licenses for up to four bi- & multi-specific TCE antibodies developed using WuXi Biologics’ proprietary technology platforms.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will be granted an exclusive global license for the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of a pre-clinical bispecific antibody that crosslinks tumor cells and T cells by targeting a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) on tumor cells and CD3 expression on T cells and up to three additional pre-clinical TCE antibodies currently at an earlier discovery stage. WuXi Biologics will receive a $40 million upfront payment and up to $1.46 billion in additional payments for research, development, regulatory and commercial milestones across the four TCE antibodies. WuXi Biologics is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Emmes, a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation, today announced that Matt Honan has joined the company as vice president and global head of corporate development.

In this newly created position, Honan will lead the company in identifying and executing acquisitions that complement Emmes’ existing strong federal government client base, expand its biopharma portfolio, enhance its technology offerings, and broaden its global reach.

For the second year in a row, we offer readers a look at the 100 men and women who are shaping our businesses, governments, nonprofits, law firms and other key institutions.

Thomas Baden Jr.

The Power 100 List for 2022-23 focuses on the people who play an outsized role in the culture, lifestyle, civic conversation and economic fortunes of Maryland.

Image: https://thedailyrecord.com – Thomas Baden Jr.

The transition will take place in late January.

Image: Stanley Erck is retiring as CEO of Gaithersburg vaccine maker Novavax. EMAN MOHAMMED

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — NeoImmuneTech, Inc. (NIT or “NeoImmuneTech”), a clinical-stage T cell-focused biopharmaceutical company, today announced an agreement with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop NeoImmuneTech’s main asset NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa) (rhIL-7-hyFc), for the treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS).

ARS is an acute illness caused by irradiation of most of the body by a high dose of penetrating radiation in a short period of time. These kinds of exposures can cause profound suppression of hematopoiesis and T cell depletion, significantly increasing susceptibility to infections. Currently, there is no therapeutic option for accelerating recovery of the T cell compartment following radiation exposure. NT–I7, a novel long-acting human interleukin-7 (IL-7), is expected to quickly restore lymphocyte levels and reduce vulnerability to infectious disease after radiation exposure. In the clinical setting, NT–I7 has been shown to increase T cell counts significantly and persistently while being safe and well tolerated.

Maryland, with its six million plus residents, may not be the biggest state, but even before the creation of the United States, the colony’s location in the mid-Atlantic was key to its economic prosperity.

While the state’s central location on the Eastern seaboard is still vital for companies like Amazon and its massive Baltimore-area shipping enterprise, the proximity to another center, the federal capital, provides Maryland with its most important source of large employers.

Image: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com

Cast your mind back to 2020, if you can bear it. As the year progressed, so did the impact of covid-19. We were warned that wearing face coverings, disinfecting everything we touched, and keeping away from other people were some of the only ways we could protect ourselves from the potentially fatal disease.

Thankfully, a more effective form of protection was in the works. Scientists were developing all-new vaccines at rapid speed. The virus behind covid-19 was sequenced in January, and clinical trials of vaccines using messenger RNA started in March. By the end of the year, the US Food and Drug Administration issued emergency-use authorization for these vaccines, and vaccination efforts took off.

Image: STEPHANIE ARNETT/MITTR; ENVATO

Looking forward to the trends that will define the new year, and predictions for 2023, a group of leading life sciences industry analysts predicted a much more cautious approach to investment, a reflection of larger macroeconomic challenges, yet continued long-term investment in an asset class that continues to grow in importance.

“We’ve entered a really slow, kind of cautious period,” JLL Head of Americas Work Dynamics and Industry Research Amber Schiada said. “We’ve also seen valuations come back down to earth, too.”

Scientists and researchers have made remarkable breakthroughs in basic science to better understand the complex pathology of many diseases today. Some of that progress is through utilizing technology to uncover new insights, and some of the progress is through the incalculable capacity of the human mind to analyze problems and find solutions. With all that knowledge and all the effort put in, however, human biology and disease pathology continue to be surprising. Every day researchers continue to make profound discoveries in basic science that create new possibilities in fighting disease.

The past few years in the biotech industry have been filled with challenges and promise.

From the rapid and successful deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine and the explosion of the cell and gene therapy sector to a hiring boom, remarkable advances in tissue engineering and strong biomanufacturing growth, the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) has played a pivotal role in it all.

To say a lot has changed is the understatement of the century. The question remains, however: Where is the BHCR headed?

Tonix Pharmaceuticals, a company that has a research lab in Frederick, is developing a vaccine to prepare for a future where the monkeypox virus is endemic outside of Africa.

To do that, the company is looking more than 200 years in the past.

The base infrastructure that Tonix researchers use to design vaccines for infectious diseases is based on a virus called horsepox. That’s the same virus Dr. Edward Jenner used when he started developing the first smallpox vaccine in 1796.

SEATTLE, Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGC Biologics, a leading global Biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), announced today a strategic partnership with RoosterBio Inc., a leading supplier of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs), highly engineered media, and bioprocess development services.

The partnership creates an end-to-end solution for the development and production of hMSC and exosome therapeutics leveraging RoosterBio’s well-established cell and media products and process development services, coupled with AGC Biologics’ global cell and gene therapy manufacturing capabilities.

Currently reporting to the Vice President of Economic Development, the Senior Life Sciences BusinessStrategist evaluates the commercial potential of emerging technologies and provides recommendations ongo-to-market strategies.

This is a customer facing role with a focus on supporting clients in the development of commercial analysesand federal grant proposals.

The Senior Life Sciences Business Strategist also supervises junior Life Sciences Business Strategists andmanages consultants, as needed.

Click here for more information.

Gary L. Disbrow, Ph.D., Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), visits BioTalk to discuss his career, advancing research, development, and collaboration in BioHealth.

Listen to the podcast now via Apple https://apple.co/3zCsbMl, Google https://bit.ly/3p2aAIP, Spotify https://spoti.fi/3p2V0Ne, and Amazon https://amzn.to/3BSQWqf.