Andy

QIAGEN’s therascreen PDGFRA RGQ PCR kit approved in U.S. to aid in identifying patients with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors positive for the PDGFRA D842V mutation who may be eligible for treatment with AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) // First FDA-approved companion diagnostic to detect mutation in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha gene associated with primary resistance to other drugs // Approval adds to QIAGEN’s leading portfolio in precision medicine, including now 12 FDA approved companion diagnostics

How does a region evolve to become a leading driver in the BioHealth Capital Region? What are the secrets behind the successful collaboration between various organizations like MCEDC (Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation), MTC (Maryland Tech Council), and the Maryland Department of Commerce? How does a serial biotech entrepreneur leverage his experience to grow a diverse cross-section of businesses, including life sciences, technology, cybersecurity, defense, and hospitality?

In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis chats with Brad L. Stewart, SVP of Economic Development for Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). Brad’s multifaceted career spans from being a Chief Executive Officer to leading expert teams in strategy and innovation, plus economic development specialists in Montgomery County.

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In 2016, during the Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum at MedImmune/AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, Maryland, an ambitious goal was set: to make the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) a Top 3 BioHealth cluster in the United States by 2023. That vision has been realized in the latest Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News “Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters” rankings, marking a significant milestone in the region’s relentless pursuit of excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the BioHealth field.

Rich Bendis, President & CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., stated, “It’s been an incredible journey working with so many dedicated individuals and organizations in the region over the years to meet this goal. The spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the BioHealth Capital Region has been the driving force behind this success, and I’m proud to be part of this remarkable community.”

The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) has released its annual Licensing Survey for 2022, revealing promising trends in technology transfer across the United States and Canada. The survey’s findings underscore the significant growth in research funding, the robustness of startup companies, and the evolving landscape of licensing.

U.S. Survey Highlights

In the United States, the survey reported record-breaking research expenditures, topping $91 billion in 2022. This marks a 9.5% increase from the previous year and the highest total in the survey’s 30-year history.

Prime Medicine to use MaxCyte’s Flow Electroporation® technology and ExPERT™ platform to advance their innovative Prime Editing technology and develop a new class of one-time, potentially curative therapies

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MaxCyte, Inc., (Nasdaq: MXCT; LSE: MXCT), a leading, cell-engineering focused company providing enabling platform technologies to advance the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation cell-based therapeutics and to support innovative, cell-based research, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Prime Medicine, Inc., a biotechnology company committed to delivering a new class of differentiated one-time curative genetic therapies.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced today that it was awarded a 10-year contract by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), valued at up to a maximum of $704 million, for advanced development, manufacturing scale-up, and procurement of Ebanga™ (ansuvimab-zykl), a licensed treatment for Ebola virus disease (EVD).

“For almost 25 years, Emergent has tackled the most serious diseases to assist governments in their preparedness and response strategies,” said Dr. Kelly Warfield, senior vice president, science and development at Emergent. “Ebola virus has the ability to emerge unexpectedly posing a risk to global health. Its elusive nature makes it difficult to predict when and where an outbreak may occur, which underscores the importance of preparedness efforts against this public health threat.”

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, JULY 26, 2023 — RIVANNA®, developers of imaging-based medical solutions, announced that they have received funding totaling $30.5 million over 39 months from early execution of an option by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funding will support the further advanced development of the Accuro® XV for comprehensive point-of-care musculoskeletal diagnostics as well as submission of an application for FDA clearance.

“Completing our base-stage performance milestones ahead of schedule is a testament to our organization’s dedication and commitment to healthcare innovation,” said Delphine Le Roux, PhD, PMP, Director of Program Management. “As a direct consequence of this accomplishment, the project received early option one funding, expediting Accuro XV’s product development and initial clinical evaluations for FDA clearance. The continued support of our funding partners underscores the strong collaboration built on trust among all stakeholders involved in this effort,” added Le Roux.

Virginia officials recognized AMPEL BioSolutions today for their dedication to identifying, training, and retaining STEM-trained workers, especially in the area of precision medicine.

The annual Virginia Talent + Opportunity (V-TOP) award is given on National Intern Day to employers who provide work-based learning opportunities, particularly to interns, who are essential to Virginia’s economy and play a crucial role in developing the necessary skills for career success, as stated by Kirk Cox, President of VA Bus Higher Ed Council. Internships are the foundation for workforce development.