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In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., welcomes guests from ARPA-H: Craig Gravitz, Director of the Project Accelerator Transition Innovation Office (PATIO), and Jenica Patterson, Ph.D., Portfolio Lead at ARPA-H. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of ARPA-H’s mission and innovative programs.

Craig Gravitz and Jenica Patterson share their educational and career backgrounds, setting the stage for a discussion about ARPA-H and its various initiatives. They provide insights into how ARPA-H differentiates itself from other agencies like HHS and NIH, while also highlighting their collaborative efforts.

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Listeners will learn about the Project Accelerator Transition Innovation Office (PATIO) and its crucial role within ARPA-H. Jenica Patterson discusses her portfolio, including key areas and projects, and provides details on the new women’s sprint for health initiative and its funding tracks.

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., speaks with Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. Alex joins the podcast to discuss the latest Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters list, where the BioHealth Capital Region secured its #3 ranking for the second consecutive year.

The conversation highlights the factors that contributed to the success of the top biopharma clusters, focusing on early investments in biotech, the generation of high-quality science, building networks with partners, and broadening clusters beyond anchor businesses. Alex elaborates on how these regions have sustained their scientific excellence and the long-lasting impact of pioneering efforts.

GSK and Flagship Pioneering have entered into a partnership worth up to $7bn to discover and develop novel medicines and vaccines for a range of conditions.

Bringing together GSK’s expertise in disease and development capability via Flagship’s ecosystem of bioplatform companies, the collaboration aims to develop a portfolio of up to ten future medicines and vaccines, beginning in respiratory and immunology, which will each be subject to an exclusive option by GSK for further clinical development.

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., speaks with Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. Alex joins the podcast to discuss the latest Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters list, where the BioHealth Capital Region secured its #3 ranking for the second consecutive year.

The conversation highlights the factors that contributed to the success of the top biopharma clusters, focusing on early investments in biotech, the generation of high-quality science, building networks with partners, and broadening clusters beyond anchor businesses. Alex elaborates on how these regions have sustained their scientific excellence and the long-lasting impact of pioneering efforts.

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In the rapidly evolving world of life sciences, the real estate sector is experiencing significant shifts and opportunities. JLL’s latest report, U.S. Life Sciences Property Report, explores the dynamics of leasing, occupancy rates and market conditions.

To learn more about the life sciences market in Washington, D.C., we sat down with local experts, JLL Research Manager Kate Paine and Executive Managing Director Pete Briskman to delve deeper into these trends and gain valuable insights.

In the D.C. market, how have lease terms in the life sciences sector changed over time and what factors have influenced these changes?

Mirroring national leasing trends, lease terms in the D.C. market are shortening, especially among new leases and relocations. The average lease term for new leases (non-renewals) has fallen to just over five years, down from nearly 10 years in 2022. Shortening of lease term is a response to supply outpacing demand, which is giving the leverage back to tenants and allowing startups and pre-revenue tenants to negotiate for shorter terms. A key contributor to shortening lease terms over the past few years is the influx of spec suites that have delivered to the market, which are designed to be flexible space options for early-stage companies.

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) proudly recognizes the $500,000 investment from TEDCO in Solaxa Inc., a Bethesda-based biopharmaceutical company. Led by Founder & CEO Christian Walker, Solaxa is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of aminopyridine drugs that both detect and treat ion channel dysfunction. Previous research has shown that aminopyridines can improve nerve signaling and muscle function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis, and Solaxa is presently researching additional benefits in patients with other nerve disorders. Solaxa is organized as a for-profit public benefit corporation, with a mission to advance scientific knowledge and deliver impactful and accessible therapies that improve outcomes for patients worldwide.   

Prior to this investment from TEDCO, Solaxa was recognized as the “Best of Montgomery” finalist at the 7^th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap Pitch Competition in September 2023. Even more recently, Solaxa was recognized as “Venture of the Year” by the Maryland Tech Council in May 2024.  

Gaithersburg, Md. – Adventist HealthCare has named John Sackett as its next president and CEO, effective Aug. 4, 2024.

Sackett has served as Adventist HealthCare’s chief operating officer since 2014 and served as president of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center from 2013–2019. During his tenure, Sackett helped launch Adventist HealthCare’s Leadership System and its Standard Management Approach that earned a Malcolm Baldrige Category Best Practice Recognition, one of the nation’s highest honors for performance excellence. He also guided the system’s expansion of comprehensive care through the integration of additional acute care hospitals and significant campus improvement projects.

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 29, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $100,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Azadi Health. TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund is housed under TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds which were created to engage and invest in economically underserved founders and communities.

“At Azadi, we are committed to creating a solution to allow marginalized communities more effective and accessible access to mental health care,” said Rodney Bell, co-founder and CEO of Azadi Health. “Thanks to TEDCO’s investment, we look forward to continuing this journey to provide improved care to all.”

Azadi Health, located in Baltimore, Md., is a company developing technology-based tools to support better access to mental health care. Taking decades of research in language, psychology, machine learning and data science, the company has created a tool that could provide a more accessible and effective solution for monitoring patients who may be a risk to themselves or others. Through this support the company aims to enable care teams and caretakers to intervene faster when needed.

The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Technology Transfer Center invites you to the 2024 Technology Showcase on September 4th, at the Frederick National Laboratory Advanced Technology Research Facility in Frederick, MD. This free, in-person event will present a remarkable lineup of cutting-edge technologies ready for commercialization. Industry experts will share their insights through engaging presentations, panel discussions on successful collaborations, and a competitive poster session highlighting innovative research.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, fostering meaningful networking and potential partnerships. The keynote speaker, Steven Walker, will deliver a compelling address on the future of biotechnology and its impact on cancer research.

The event is an exceptional platform for biotech stakeholders to discover new technologies and explore collaborative ventures. Whether you’re a company, investor, or entrepreneur, the 2024 Technology Showcase offers invaluable insights and connections.

In celebration of the three-year anniversary of JLABS @ Washington, DC (JLABS DC), it’s great timing to highlight recent accomplishments and milestones reached by incubating and regional companies. Additionally, JLABS DC is excited to share new access to specialized lab equipment to support more innovators within the region. 

Since the start of 2024, there has been continued success for incubating companies that reside at JLABS DC. Examples with recent funding announcements include Nanochon, raising $4 million in a Series Seed Prime, Acclinate closing $7 million in a Series A round, and Tiny Cargo securing investment from Virginia Ventures Partners. 

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SXTP; SXTPW) (the “Company”), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines for infectious diseases, announced today that it has been awarded a fixed-price contract with the United States Army Medical Materiel Development Activity to support commercial validation of new bottle and replacement blister packaging of ARAKODA^® (tafenoquine), the Company’s malaria prevention product.

This follows the implementation of an increased tablet compression batch size in Q1 2024, planned in anticipation of increasing sales volume in 2024. Recently, 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals announced that Q1 2024 ARAKODA net sales revenues increased 515% year-over-year to $105.7 thousand.

Ready to take your business to the global stage? Join the Maryland Global Consulting Program through the Robert H. Smith School of Business Center for Global Business and tap into the vibrant export ecosystem right here in Maryland. Gain invaluable insights and resources to expand your company’s global footprint and tackle international business challenges head-on.

Benefits of the Program

1. Customized Consulting Support: Work closely with a dedicated team of business students to develop strategies for global market expansion or address specific international business challenges tailored to your company’s needs. Student teams dedicate a minimum of 10 hours per week per semester to a single consulting project. 

In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., speaks with Matt Gardner, Head of Life Sciences, Americas, at CBRE. With over 30 years of experience in the technology and life sciences sectors, Matt Gardner provides a comprehensive look at the latest trends and developments in the life sciences industry.

Matt shares key findings from CBRE’s recently released U.S. Life Sciences Talent Trends’ report for 2024, offering insights into what the life sciences sector can expect in the coming year. He discusses the national real estate market, highlighting the differences between office space and life science wet lab space, and emerging trends in the sector.

The conversation explores the strategic importance of the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR), consistently ranked as a top market for life sciences research talent. Matt elaborates on what makes this region crucial for CBRE and the life sciences sector as a whole.

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In 1996, Martine Rothblatt’s six-year-old daughter was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare lung and heart disease without a cure. Undeterred, Rothblatt, a cofounder of Sirius Satellite Radio, launched her own biotech firm with the goal of finding one.

“There is nothing worse than being told that your daughter is going to die.” Forbes in 2018. “I just said I will find a way, or she was going to die, because all of the previous people with this illness had died.”

Nearly three decades later, Rothblatt’s daughter is healthy and in her 30s. Meanwhile, shares of the now publicly traded firm, United Therapeutics, are up 54 times its price at its 1999 IPO. This year alone, shares have surged, up 50% so far in 2024 and up 40% since April 30—enough to make Rothblatt the world’s newest billionaire.

With the advent of life-changing cell and gene therapies (CGTs) to treat pediatric diseases, price is becoming a significant obstacle to care and cures.

Successful therapies can wind up shelved or in hard-to-reach clinical trials for a litany of reasons: high manufacturing costs, significant regulatory burdens, a lack of enthusiasm from the pharmaceutical industry in the small pediatric market and the simple fact that insurance companies resist paying the price of $1 million or more for a therapeutic. When successful treatments are set aside and become victims of this market failure, leaders in pediatric medicine say the drug has been relegated to the “Valley of Death.”

Experts at Children’s National Hospital and other leading U.S. research institutions are working to ferry drugs across it.

Shuttle Pharma’s Selective HDAC Inhibitor Exhibits ATM Activation and Modulation of ER Expression Resulting in Substantial Growth Inhibition of Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Cells, as Reported in PLOS ONE

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHPH), (“Shuttle Pharma”), a discovery and development stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients treated with radiation therapy (RT), today announced the publication of a manuscript reporting on the ability of one of the Company’s HDAC inhibitor pre-clinical assets, SP-1-303, which exhibits ataxia-telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM) activation and modulation of estrogen receptor expression resulting in substantial growth inhibition of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells (ER + BC).

BioMaP-Consortium Project Agreement Will Combine Sustainable Biochemical Production with AI To Demonstrate a Scalable Platform for the Quick Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Ingredients.

STERLING, Va., July 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Many ingredients that make up the pharmaceuticals Americans rely on are manufactured overseas. When supply chain issues or shortages occur, as witnessed during the COVID pandemic, it can negatively impact millions of Americans and affect national security. The White House issued an Executive Order in 2022 to stimulate U.S. biomanufacturing. Increasing American biomanufacturing, will provide more control over pharmaceutical production, boost the economy, and encourage creation of greener manufacturing methods.

Under a new $7.5 million, two-year project agreement awarded to Capra Biosciences through the BioMaP-Consortium, Capra will demonstrate the ability of its platform to rapidly scale and manufacture biologically derived small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Capra has a demonstrated history of using its biofilm-forming microbes and proprietary bioreactors to transform low-cost feedstocks into a variety of chemicals, including their first commercial product, retinol.

D.C.-based maternal mental health startup Seven Starling has raised $10.9 million in an oversubscribed round to expand its virtual care services — which include supporting postpartum, early parenthood, infertility, miscarriage and loss and other experiences — further across the country.

San Francisco women’s health-focused venture firm RH Capital led the round and existing investors Menlo Park, California’s Pear VC; San Francisco’s Expa; Santa Monica, California’s Magnify Ventures; Palo Alto, California’s Emerson Collective; and Emeryville, California’s Inflect Health also took part.

Emerson Collective is led by Laurene Powell Jobs, who is an investor in D.C.’s Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the owner of the Washington Wizards, Capitals, Mystics and other sports ventures. Emerson counts The Atlantic magazine, which is based in the District, among its holdings.

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, we have the honor of speaking with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, Joey R. Hood. With an impressive diplomacy and international relations background, Ambassador Hood sheds light on the vital collaboration between the U.S. and Tunisia in scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer.

Ambassador Hood discusses the current status of U.S.-Tunisia cooperation in scientific research and technology transfer, emphasizing these areas’ critical role in Tunisia’s development. He highlights the importance of scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer in Tunisia and explains how the U.S. can support and enhance these efforts.

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As we gear up for the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum on September 17^th-18^th, 2024, at the US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, we invite your organization to become a sponsor. This year’s forum marks a decade of innovation and collaboration within the biohealth sector and offers unique sponsorship opportunities that promise substantial visibility and engagement. You can become a sponsor with unique new sponsorship opportunities this year, including “Lunch Sponsor” and “Reception Sponsor” for both days.

Sponsoring the forum ensures that your organization’s logo will be prominently displayed on all event materials, daily presentation decks, and standees positioned strategically throughout the venue. This visual branding extends throughout the event, ensuring your message reaches all attendees. Furthermore, all sponsors are invited to an exclusive VIP Leadership Dinner, providing a prime networking opportunity with top industry leaders.

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 16, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $500,000 investment in OmniSpeech. This investment was made in two parts, with $300,000 coming from TEDCO’s Venture Funds and the remaining $200,000 coming from TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds.

“After decades of research and development, we are excited to expand our reach to improve more apps and devices with AI/ML-powered speech,” said Carol Espy-Wilson, founder and chief technology officer at OmniSpeech. “With TEDCO’s generous investments, we are excited to advance our innovative AI and machine learning technologies.”

Maryland-based company seeks to revolutionize green algae growth factors 

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 11, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in Phycin, Inc. TEDCO’s Pre-Seed Builder Fund is housed under TEDCO’s Social Impact Funds which were created to engage and invest in economically underserved founders and communities.

“At Phycin, we are focused on revolutionizing growth factor production, allowing researchers to continue their efforts with an efficient and cost-effective alternative,” said Jun Wang, CEO of Phycin, Inc. “Thanks to TEDCO’s investment, we can continue our research and development and hopefully offer more affordable and efficient solutions for various industries.”

COLUMBIA, Md., (July 11, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces the appointment of Graham Dodge as the vice president of the Innovation Connectors department. Dodge will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight to TEDCO’s Cultivate Maryland and Innovation Connectors.

The Innovation Connectors department, previously known as TEDCO’s Entrepreneur & Ecosystem Empowerment (E3) department, is responsible for driving strategic collaborations, supporting entrepreneurial innovation and defining strategies to leverage networks and resources for innovative success. The department houses influential programs intentionally created to support entrepreneurial growth, such as the Rural Business Innovation Initiative, Urban Business Innovation Initiative, Network Advisors, Prelude Pitch and more.

July 8 (Reuters) – Emergent BioSolutions (EBS.N), opens new tab said on Monday Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N), opens new tab has agreed to pay $50 million to settle claims related to a terminated manufacturing deal for the latter’s COVID-19 vaccine. Shares of the company rose about 2% in extended trading. In 2022 J&J informed Emergent of its decision to terminate the deal, citing breaches including failure to supply COVID-19 vaccine drug substance on the part of the contract manufacturer.

Emergent had said J&J breached the agreement by failing to buy the minimum quantity of COVID-19 vaccines made by the company.

Under the five-year agreement, opens new tab, signed in 2020, Emergent would provide contract manufacturing services to produce the COVID-19 vaccine drug substance for commercial manufacturing. It was valued at about $480 million for the first two years.

The U.S. health regulator had limited the use of the J&J vaccine in 2022 due to the risk of a rare blood clotting syndrome.

Join us this September for the BioHealth Capital Region Week 2024, a gathering that epitomizes the spirit of innovation in the biopharma industry. Hosted once again at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, MD, from September 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2024, this event is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, ensuring it remains free for all attendees. This year, we are featuring three cornerstone events: the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum, the 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition, and the 7th Annual Investment Conference. Each event is tailored to foster unique opportunities for networking, learning, and investment, drawing together industry leaders, innovators, and investors from across the nation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to US Pharmacopeia for hosting us and to our sponsors whose contributions are vital in making these gatherings accessible to all. Click here to register and apply.

A Decade of Advancement and Achievement

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BioHealth Capital Region Forum, and we are celebrating a decade of advancements that have positioned our region at the forefront of the biopharma industry. The Forum, spanning the first two days (September 17-18), will feature a lineup of speakers who are pioneers and thought leaders in the industry. Attendees will gain invaluable insights through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and sessions that delve into the latest innovations and trends shaping healthcare and biopharmaceuticals.

Crab Trap Competition: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

The excitement peaks on September 18th with the 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition. This event showcases emerging companies as they pitch groundbreaking solutions to a panel of esteemed judges for a chance to win significant funding and support. It’s not just a competition; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of BioHealth innovations, providing startups with the visibility they need to attract investors and partners.

Connecting Innovators with Investors

The week concludes with the 7th Annual Investment Conference on September 19th, a must-attend for startups seeking investment and investors looking for the next big thing in BioHealth. This conference facilitates direct connections between up-and-coming companies and seasoned investors through curated meetings, fostering a dynamic environment for deal-making and partnership formation.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) (“Cartesian” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, today announced positive topline results from its Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG).

Descartes-08, Cartesian’s lead product candidate, is an autologous mRNA-engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (mRNA CAR-T) directed against the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA). It is designed to be administered as an outpatient treatment without the need for lymphodepleting chemotherapy required to achieve activity with conventional CAR-T cell therapies. Descartes-08 was previously granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of MG.

18 projects will receive funding to support their growth and development

COLUMBIA, Md., (June 27, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the 2024 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program (“Makerspace Program”) awardees. Funding will be awarded to 18 projects spanning across nine (9) counties and Baltimore City.

“TEDCO is committed to supporting the continued growth of innovation in Maryland. The Makerspace Program is just one tool that TEDCO has to promote this expansion,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance and operations officer at TEDCO. “And after witnessing the success and growth of last year’s awardees, we are hopeful that these awardees will continue the trend.”

BEL AIR, Md., (July 1, 2024) – Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded $500K to Baltimore-based Early Charm to develop a biomanufacturing incubator at a Harford County-owned facility near Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The funding from the state’s Build Our Future grant will be used to upgrade the CONVERGE Innovation Center, formerly known as the HEAT Center, located at the I-95/Aberdeen interchange.

Biomanufacturing is the use of biological processes to build new materials such as body armor made from spider silk, three times the strength of Kevlar. This technology has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing.

HONG KONG and GERMANTOWN, Md. and SUZHOU, China, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sirnaomics Ltd. (the “Company“, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group” or “Sirnaomics“; stock code: 2257), a leading biopharmaceutical company engaging in discovery and development of advanced RNAi therapeutics, today announced the interim results for successful completion of the second cohort of its Phase I clinical study of GalNAc-based RNAi therapeutic STP122G, targeting Factor XI as a novel form of anticoagulation agent.

Join us for an episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis featuring Dr. Bradley Maron, Senior Associate Dean for Precision Medicine and Executive Co-Director of the University of Maryland-Institute for Health Computing at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. With his extensive background in cardiovascular research and precision medicine, Dr. Maron offers a wealth of knowledge and innovative perspectives.

In this episode, Dr. Maron shares his professional journey, discussing his various roles at the University of Maryland and what drew him to the region. He provides a comparative analysis of the ecosystems in Boston/Harvard and Maryland/University of Maryland, highlighting the unique attributes and opportunities within each.

Dr. Maron introduces the Institute for Health Computing (IHC), explaining its creation, mission, and strategic partnerships with the University System of Maryland and Montgomery County. He outlines the significance of data science in improving health and wellness, addressing its increasing role and challenges.

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Agency seeks proposals for innovative research and development from small businesses 

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today announced new funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. 

The ARPA-H SBIR/STTR solicitation seeks proposals from small businesses that aim to rapidly achieve better health outcomes across patient populations, communities, disease, and health conditions.

18 projects will receive funding to support their growth and development

COLUMBIA, Md., (June 27, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the 2024 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program (“Makerspace Program”) awardees. Funding will be awarded to 18 projects spanning across nine (9) counties and Baltimore City.

“TEDCO is committed to supporting the continued growth of innovation in Maryland. The Makerspace Program is just one tool that TEDCO has to promote this expansion,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance and operations officer at TEDCO. “And after witnessing the success and growth of last year’s awardees, we are hopeful that these awardees will continue the trend.”

BETHESDA, Md., June 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gain Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GANX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leading the discovery and development of the next generation of allosteric small molecule therapies, today announces that Matthias Alder has departed the Company in order to pursue other opportunities. Upon Mr. Alder’s departure, the Company appointed Gene Mack, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective June 25, 2024. Mr. Mack will retain his role as Chief Financial Officer. Khalid Islam, Ph.D., founder and Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, will bolster management as Executive Chairman until a permanent CEO is appointed.

BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CraniUS^™, an R&D company focused on groundbreaking diagnostics and treatments for patients with chronic brain disease, has been awarded a competitive $1 million grant from the State of Maryland as part of Governor Wes Moore’s Build Our Future Innovation Infrastructure Pilot Program. This funding milestone – the first ever granted by the state program – will help CraniUS^™ expand its research capabilities, accelerate product development into human studies, and enhance its contributions to Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.

Join us for a compelling episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we welcome Dr. Michelle E. Tarver, Deputy Center Director and Chief Transformation Officer at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With a distinguished background as a board-certified ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Tarver is at the forefront of transforming the evaluation and inclusion of medical devices in underserved and underrepresented populations.

In this episode, Dr. Tarver introduces the FDA and the CDRH Division, explaining the definition of a medical device by FDA standards. She discusses the creation of the Chief Transformation Officer role within the FDA, highlighting its importance and the strategic vision behind it.

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We explore the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in evaluating medical devices, and how these efforts are essential for ensuring equitable healthcare for all. Dr. Tarver introduces the innovative “Home as a Health Care Hub” initiative by the FDA/CDRH, explaining its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Vanda” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: VNDA) today confirmed that it has received a revised unsolicited proposal from Future Pak, LLC (“FP”) to acquire Vanda for $8.50-$9.00 per share in cash plus certain Contingent Value Rights.

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, Vanda’s Board will carefully review and evaluate the revised, non-binding proposal to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Ianne Salvosa June 18, 2024 – Efforts are afoot to make Richmond more of a player in the biohealth industry.

Downtown-based Activation Capital is launching the Frontier BioHealth program to provide training and mentorship for up to 10 startups from August to November to groom life sciences companies in the area for the long term.

Activation Capital Vice President of Entrepreneurship Jim Pannucci said the program is a nod to the group’s original mission to help the region and the VA Bio+Tech Park be a hub of biotechnology. Activation Capital operates the park, while supporting entrepreneurship and startups in the region through various programs.

The Bio+Tech Park was established about three decades ago to turn Richmond into a center of biotechnology and now about 70 companies and research facilities operate in the area, with interests ranging from smoke-free tobacco alternatives to organ donation.

Join us for an enlightening episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we welcome Dan Berglund, President and CEO of SSTI. With nearly four decades of experience in tech-based economic development (TBED), Dan has been a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.

In this episode, Dan shares the history and evolution of Technology Based Economic Development, discussing key initiatives in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, and at the federal level. He highlights the importance of partnerships, detailing a compendium of state and federal cooperative technology programs that have driven progress in the field.

We explore the early years of SSTI, looking into its creation, mission, and initial goals, and how it has grown to support a nationwide network dedicated to fostering tech-based economies. Dan discusses the evolution and growth of state TBED programs, and the changing role of the federal government in supporting these initiatives through agencies like STCS, OSTP, Commerce, NIST, and EDA.

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Dan also emphasizes the importance of private/public TBED partnerships, sharing insights into how these collaborations have bolstered economic growth and innovation. As he prepares to step down from his role after 28 years,and assume a part time role,  Dan discusses the recruitment of a new CEO and reflects on SSTI’s achievements, his legacy, and his vision for the organization’s future.

Additionally, Dan talks about Rich Bendis’s role as an original founding board member of SSTI, and his significant help in the early development of the organization. He also highlights the presence of several SSTI members in the BioHealth Capital Region.

Navigating the complex landscape of non-dilutive funding can be daunting for many innovators and researchers. Identifying suitable grants that align with specific project goals is often challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the funding landscape and specific program criteria.

We recognize these challenges at BioHealth Innovation (BHI) and are committed to supporting your journey. Our comprehensive grant mapping services are designed to pinpoint the most relevant funding opportunities tailored to your unique needs. With our expert guidance, you can confidently navigate the intricate world of grants, ensuring that your projects receive the support they deserve.

In addition to our grant mapping services, BHI offers dedicated SBIR/STTR grant writing assistance. Our team of seasoned professionals will work closely with you to craft compelling grant proposals that stand out to funding agencies. We understand the nuances and expectations of these programs, which significantly enhances your chances of success.

Partner with BHI to leverage our expertise and maximize your chances of securing the right non-dilutive funding for your innovative projects. With our support, you can focus on what you do best—innovating and pushing the boundaries of biohealth and life sciences

Let BHI be your trusted partner in navigating the funding landscape and unlocking the full potential of your groundbreaking work. If you’re seeking assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out toJon NelsonatJNelson@BioHealthInnovation.org.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Vanda” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: VNDA) today confirmed that it has received a revised unsolicited proposal from Future Pak, LLC (“FP”) to acquire Vanda for $8.50-$9.00 per share in cash plus certain Contingent Value Rights.

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, Vanda’s Board will carefully review and evaluate the revised, non-binding proposal to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

COLUMBIA, Md., (June 13, 2024) — The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) Board of Directors announces the appointment of Abishek Kulshreshtha as the executive director of TEDCO’s MII program. In this position, Kulshreshtha will oversee all MII activities starting July 1, 2024.

As an independent unit within TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, MII was created to promote the commercialization of research conducted in five of Maryland’s academic research institutions (Johns Hopkins University; Morgan State University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; and University of Maryland, College Park) while leveraging each institution’s strengths. This collaborative program has supported more than 170 startup companies, created 370 jobs and procured more than $737 million in follow-on funding since its inception nearly 12 years ago.

BALTIMORE, MD, US, June 10, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Linshom Medical, a start-up medical device company was selected to present at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference on June 18, 2024 in Washington DC. After a competitive evaluation of over 100 applications, Linshom Medical was chosen as 1 of 13 companies to present at the Medical Threat Reduction Challenge, to an expert panel of judges, including federal funders, Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC) representatives, investors, and private corporations for a chance to earn a portion of $50,000 in non-dilutive prize money.

Linshom Medical is first to deliver an operating room quality respiratory profile to the patient bedside for continuous, predictive respiratory monitoring (CPRM). Recent data shows that the wearable, FDA cleared sensor provides health care providers 15 minutes of advance notice of respiratory decline compared to current standard of care. Clinical care team intervention during this early notice window is typically simple and inexpensive vs. the costly later alternatives when patients experience respiratory decline and are in trouble. These include rapid response activation, rescue events (codes), ICU transfers and potentially death.

Company Focused on Bringing Industry-Leading Technology to Market in Food Safety and MedTech Industries 

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HyperSpectral, the world’s first AI-powered spectral intelligence company with hardware-agnostic solutions for particle detection, emerged from stealth today with $8.5 million in a Series A funding round. HyperSpectral’s Series A round was co-led by RRE Ventures and  Kibo Ventures with participation from Correlation Ventures, and GC&H Investments. The funds will allow the company to ramp up development of the technology, hire key talent, and create wider AI datasets through lab partnerships and testing.

Did you know? Each year, the federal government dedicates around $3.6 billion towards SBIR and STTR programs, resulting in awards to over 5,000 innovative projects!

The next deadline for NIH SBIR/STTR proposals is September 5th. As an innovation intermediary, BioHealth Innovation (BHI) is here to help you secure federal funding.

If you’re seeking assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jon Nelson at JNelson@BioHealthInnovation.org. Let’s innovate together!

— Study Deepens Understanding of Treatments for Alzheimer’s Patients, Enabling More Effective Treatments —

POTOMAC, Md.–(June  10, 2024)–IGC Pharma, Inc. (NYSE American: IGC) (“IGC” or the “Company”), today announced the publication of a significant research article in the European Society of Medicine Journal. The study investigates the effects of CYP2C9 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics (“PK”) of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) and its active metabolite in Alzheimer’s disease (“AD”) patients.

The publication is titled “A study on CYP2C9 polymorphism in Puerto Rican Alzheimer’s Patients and its role in the Pharmacokinetics of ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol” and is available at https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5380.

Join us for an enlightening episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, featuring Michael J. Tarlov, Chief of the Biomolecular Measurement Division at the Material Measurement Laboratory, NIST. With a distinguished career in analytical chemistry and extensive experience in biochemical sensing and bioprocess measurements, Michael leads critical initiatives to advance biotechnology and healthcare.

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of NIST as a non-regulatory agency within the Department of Commerce, highlighting its profound impact on measurement science, gene therapy, gene editing, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine. Michael shares insights into NIST’s collaborations, including local companies like MedImmune/AstraZeneca and Novavax, and the importance of partnerships with academic institutions like the University of Maryland in driving local biotech advancements.

Listen now via:

• Apple: https://apple.co/45acj2V
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KpFmGj
• Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3yL7oJK
• TuneIn: https://bit.ly/45bPT1s

Did you know? Each year, the federal government dedicates around $3.6 billion towards SBIR and STTR programs, resulting in awards to over 5,000 innovative projects!

The next deadline for NIH SBIR/STTR proposals is September 5th. As an innovation intermediary, BioHealth Innovation (BHI) is here to help you secure federal funding.

If you’re seeking assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jon Nelson at JNelson@BioHealthInnovation.org. Let’s innovate together!

BALTIMORE, MD, US, May 29, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Linshom Medical, a Maryland-based startup developing a wearable respiratory monitoring system, announced today that it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program to support a clinical study of its respiratory monitoring device.

The study, “Advanced Prediction of Respiratory Depression Episodes with Linshom Continuous Predictive Respiratory Monitoring (CPRM),” will evaluate the Linshom Medical device’s ability for early detection of patient respiratory decline in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Dr. Samuel M. Galvagno, Executive Vice Chair of Anesthesiology and Interim Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, will lead this effort for UMSOM as the principal investigator.

The acquisition adds two proprietary clinical technologies to its portfolio and enhances Precision’s global capabilities in clinical data management, biostatistics and programming.

BETHESDA, Maryland, May 29 – Precision for Medicine, a global leader in biomarker-driven clinical research and development supporting life sciences companies, today announced the acquisition of Algorics, one of the fastest-growing clinical technologies and biometrics service providers to the biopharma industry. The addition of Algorics brings two innovative clinical technologies and further bolsters Precision for Medicine’s reach in the Asia-Pacific region. The acquisition also enhances Precision’s global capabilities in clinical data management, biostatistics, and programming.