News

Clinicians caring for children are often left to rely on off-label devices and medications approved for adults, especially during national disasters and other emergencies. Children’s National Hospital is launching a new partnership with the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop much-needed solutions for this vulnerable population.

This new pediatric-focused hub will be known as the SPARK Hub—or the Hub for Special Populations Acceleration, Research and Knowledge for Innovations in Pediatrics. It will join a network of four existing BARDA hubs to develop various tools for national health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks or chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. The new opportunity for Children’s National positions the organization as a leader among those working to ensure clinicians and their patients have the resources they need in crises, approved for kids and ready for clinical use.

With COVID-19 still spreading and mpox emerging as a public health emergency of international concern, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is upping preparations for future pandemics.

The Research and Development of Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies for Pandemic Preparedness network (ReVAMPP) will research pathogens that currently lack effective treatments and vaccines, with the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) committing up to $100 million per year to the effort so long as funds are available, the agency announced Sept. 13.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, the need for robust pandemic preparedness is evident,” NIAID Director Jeanne M. Marrazzo, M.D., said in the release. “The ReVAMPP network will enable researchers to fill key knowledge gaps and identify strategies to develop safe and effective medical countermeasures for targeted virus families before the need becomes critical.”

WASHINGTON, DC (September 17, 2024) – Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) awarded Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin with its 2024 Governor of the Year Award. 

BIO’s annual award honors governors for their leadership and commitment to strengthening biotechnology in their state. For over a decade, the award has recognized governors from across the country and both sides of the aisle.

“Investing in biotechnology is investing in Virginia’s future,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As the Commonwealth’s cutting-edge research triangle and network continues to expand, my administration is determined to remain at the forefront of fostering innovation. I am incredibly humbled to receive this award, and I look forward to further solidifying Virginia’s role as a leader in the life sciences industry.”

COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) announces the allocation of approximately $4.5 million in new grant awards to advance stem cell research and technology. These grants will drive innovative research with the potential to deliver life-saving treatments and transformative cures for patients with a variety of medical conditions.

This award has been awarded to 11 accomplished scientists from Maryland-based institutions and companies. The awardees include researchers from renowned academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University System of Maryland, as well as pioneering companies such as Therapative Inc. and Caleo Biotechnologies, Inc. Non-profit organizations, including Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, LLC are also among the recipients. The grants will support critical research into treatments for brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, blindness, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and orthopedic conditions, among others.

The much-anticipated BioHealth Capital Region Week is finally upon us, promising three days packed with keynotes, competitions, and invaluable networking opportunities. Here’s what attendees can look forward to each day:

Day 1 Highlights: The 10^th Annual BioHealth Capital Forum will open with two special guests—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—setting the tone for a day of high-level discussions and networking opportunities. Keynotes for the day include:

• AMGEN’s Entrance to the BioHealth Capital Region: Robert Stoffel, VP of Rare Disease, Complex Biologics, and Strategic Technology Alliances at Amgen, will discuss the company’s strategic initiatives and their impact on the region.
• State of the Bio Industry: John Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, will provide an insightful look into the current landscape and future directions of the Bio industry.

Day 2 Highlights: Day two features the highly competitive Crab Trap competition with finalists Cerillo, Immobazyme, Linshom Medical, Liquet, Optosurgical, and Plakous Therapeutics. These innovative companies will pitch their groundbreaking advances to a panel of esteemed judges.

COLUMBIA, Md. (September 16, 2024) — TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, is thrilled to announce the 10th Entrepreneur Expo, set to take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Renaissance Harborplace Baltimore Hotel. This premier, award winning event caters to a diverse audience, previously comprised of entrepreneurs (65%), individuals in the economic development industry (11%), speakers and thought leaders (6%) and others (18%), making it a key gathering for Maryland’s entrepreneurial community, showcasing resources and providing invaluable networking opportunities.

Rockville, MD—September 17^th, 2024 —The BioHealth Capital Region Forum is honored to announce that Maryland Governor Wes Moore will attend the event this morning to deliver welcoming remarks between 9:00 am – 10:00 am. As the premier gathering for the biohealth industry in Maryland and the surrounding region, the Forum celebrates the significant contributions of this sector’s vitality and innovation landscape.

Governor Moore’s presence underscores the importance of the biohealth industry to Maryland and highlights his administration’s commitment to supporting this vital sector. “We are thrilled to welcome Governor Moore to the BioHealth Capital Region Forum. His continued support plays a crucial role in our mission to advance Maryland as a top biohealth hub in the country,” said Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc.

Frederick, MD, September 13, 2024 — VaLogic Bio, a platform company of 424 Capital and a leading provider of compliance and SaaS services to the life sciences industry, proudly announces the acquisition of Facility Logix (FLGX), a renowned firm specializing in planning, developing, and project management for life sciences facilities. This acquisition aligns with VaLogic Bio’s strategic vision to enhance its capabilities and broaden its footprint in the life sciences sector.

COLLEGE PARK, Md., September 11, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry, and the University of Maryland (UMD), an international powerhouse in quantum research and applications, today announced an agreement to expand their partnership to provide state-of-the-art quantum computing access at the National Quantum Lab at Maryland (QLab). QLab provides UMD-affiliated students, faculty, researchers, staff and partners with an unprecedented opportunity to work closely with IonQ’s scientists and engineers as they gain experience with industry-leading trapped ion quantum computers.

QLab, a first-of-its-kind lab for quantum research and development, has supported multiple cohorts of undergraduate interns, multiple academic research projects, and multiple companies within UMD’s Quantum Startup Foundry and Mid-Atlantic Quantum Alliance. Workshops have also been held for government partners such as NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as other events and tours for government and international visitors.

In a recent MedCity News article, Renée Arnold, entrepreneur-in-residence at BioHealth Innovation and the National Institutes of Health, emphasizes the critical importance of early planning for reimbursement strategies in digital health startups. She discusses the common misconception that securing a reimbursement code is the final hurdle, when in reality, startups must ensure insurers will cover their product and that the payment aligns with their pricing model. Learn more about why startups need to integrate reimbursement planning early in their journey and avoid potential setbacks post-FDA approval.

Why Digital Health Startups Should Start Thinking About Their Reimbursement Pathway Earlier

By Katie Adams on September 10, 2024 – Some of the most challenging yet most important processes for digital health startups to navigate are those related to reimbursement and coding.