News Archive

Gilson and QIAGEN have entered into a strategic partnership that will provide researchers the ability to limit operator-dependent variation in their manual nucleic acid extraction results and improve the traceability of their workflows.

This agreement brings together two influential leaders in the life science industries: Gilson, a global manufacturer of sample preparation technology, and QIAGEN, a leading global provider of molecular diagnostics and sample preparation technologies.

This collaboration will integrate Gilson’s TRACKMAN® Connected digital bench tools and QIAGEN’s manual nucleic acid extraction kits to create consistency between collaborators, increase confidence in their execution of extraction protocols, and improve traceability at the bench.

Personal Genome Diagnostics, the venture-backed developer of a novel diagnostic kit for genomic profiling of different cancers in lab settings, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its PGDx elio tissue complete test.

The test’s approval is another step forward for precision therapies that rely on an understanding of the unique genomic profile of an individual patient’s tumor, according to the company.

Image: Image Credits: Ed Uthman / Flickr (opens in a new window)under a CC BY 2.0 license.

BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc. (PGDx), a leader in cancer genomics, announced today that the company has received market clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PGDx elio™ tissue complete, a comprehensive diagnostic kit that can be used by molecular laboratories to perform genomic profiling of cancer in a more efficient, reliable, and accurate manner. By automating the data analysis process, which is incorporated in the cleared product, PGDx is enabling the scalability of precision medicine in healthcare systems across the country.

BALTIMORE, Md., April 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — LifeSprout, a privately-held regenerative medicine company founded with technology licensed from Johns Hopkins University, has closed a $28.5 million Series A financing. The company is using proceeds to support clinical development of novel therapeutic products from its Regenerative Matrix platform.

The financing was led by Redmile Group, LLC, with new institutional investors Nexus Management, LP, Emerald Development Managers, LP, and the Abell Foundation joining the syndicate.

“We are delighted to complement the lead investment from Redmile with a strong cadre of Maryland-based and international investors,” stated Sashank Reddy, MD, PhD, co-founder of LifeSprout. “The early, visionary investments made by the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund and others made this new financing possible.”

Gentian AS, a Norwegian company, with its US office at BioHealth Innovation in Rockville, Maryland is seeking collaborators to investigate if two of the biomarkers in their portfolio, cystatin C (FDA510(k) cleared) and plasma calprotectin (US research only), could potentially be useful for detection of the severely affected COVID-19 patients.

High mortality and long hospitalization are consequences of the severe cases with COVID-19 pneumonia. Gentian therefore believes that it is important to identify biomarkers that can aid in early, rapid and effective identification of the severely affected patients.

Alexandria LaunchLabs™ in Maryland, will provide fully equipped, affordable laboratory/office space with flexible lease terms, supporting infrastructure, access to amenities, and supporting services and programming through the project’s consortium of world-class partners, including Alexandria Venture Investments, BioHealth Innovation, Montgomery County, and the City of Gaithersburg. This unique, startup environment will accelerate the growth of local early-stage life science companies.

FDA Cleared Medical Device Improves Feeding Outcomes of Infants Born Prematurely

Olathe, KS and Rockville, MD, April 28, 2020—Innara Health, developer of the only FDA cleared medical device designed to improve the feeding outcomes of infants born prematurely, is partnering with BioHealth Innovation (BHI) to support the company’s plans for growth through greater market access and the development of NextGen technology.  Innara Health is dedicated to improving feeding outcomes for newborn and infants born prematurely.  “As we continue to expand our domestic footprint, we are very fortunate to call BHI our partner as their infrastructure and access will certainly support Innara in our journey to redesign the NTrainer, enter into adjacent markets, and expand globally” states Innara CEO Chris Mathia.  “We are excited to support Chris and his team as they expand, grow and develop new technology ultimately enabling many more NICU patients to return home to their families sooner and healthier” said BHI CEO Rich Bendis.

ANNAPOLIS, MD—After weeks of consulting with leading scientists, business leaders, and public health experts, Governor Larry Hogan today introduced the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ which provides a safe, effective, and gradual approach to reopening the state as it continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we begin to reopen, it will continue to be important for Marylanders, particularly older and more vulnerable Marylanders, to continue to stay home as much as they can,” said Governor Hogan. “All Marylanders should continue to avoid crowds and gatherings, and they should continue to practice physical distancing and to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their fellow Marylanders. Together, we are going to defeat this virus, and together, the State of Maryland will return stronger and better than ever.”

Image: https://governor.maryland.gov

Working as an emergency and critical care physician at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Steven Tropello is seeing the lack of protective equipment for medical workers up close.

One particular area is during a procedure in which a tube is inserted into a patient’s airway, called intubation. It’s necessary to place someone on a ventilator, but presents danger of spreading the new coronavirus through the air or touch to doctors if they lack protection.

Image: CareCove. (Courtesy photo)