News

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Georgiamune Inc., a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced that the first patient has been dosed with GIM-531 in a first-in-human, phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of advanced cancer patients. GIM-531 development focuses on indications that are currently not addressed with existing or available immunotherapies including anti-PD-1 antibodies. It is an oral therapy that is a first-in-class selective T regulatory cell inhibitor.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced the sale of RSDL^® (Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion) kit to SERB Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical company, for a purchase price of approximately $75 million. In addition, SERB will pay Emergent a $5 million payment upon achievement of a milestone related to the sourcing of a certain component of RSDL^®. The transaction has signed and closed simultaneously. 

In addition, SERB will acquire and maintain operations of Emergent’s leased manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and several site-based employees who support RSDL^® will join SERB. SERB will also acquire the RSDL^® product inventory as part of the transaction and will assume certain related contracts. Emergent’s Winnipeg facility will continue to manufacture and supply bulk lotion to SERB under a long-term supply agreement between the two companies.

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 30, 2024—The Montgomery County Council voted today to approve the Planning Board Draft of the Great Seneca Plan: Connecting Life and Science with revisions. The plan covers 4,330 acres located in the heart of the I-270 Corridor between the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville and the town of Washington Grove. The Plan makes recommendations to strengthen the economic competitiveness of the Life Sciences Center, guide future developments, and transform public spaces and amenities in the area to provide valuable links and social spaces. 

“The Great Seneca Science Corridor is one of Montgomery County’s most important strategic areas, as the heart of our globally recognized biohealth industry with world-class research, education, and health care facilities,” said Council President Andrew Friedson who also chairs the Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee. “This plan builds on that strength by creating a more sustainable and vibrant community with greater connectivity to improve quality of life and economic competitiveness.”

By Dan Brendel – Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal -Jul 29, 2024 – Montgomery County and Metro have announced a formal partnership and preliminary developer solicitation to pave the way for up to 3.7 million square feet of life science-focused mixed-used development in North Bethesda, the economic development apple of Montgomery County’s eye.

The county and transit authority signed a memorandum of understanding and announced a request for qualifications on Monday, beginning the hunt for a development partner to build a University of Maryland-anchored project, integrated with a new North Bethesda Metro station entrance, on 14 noncontiguous acres of vacant Metro-owned land at the southeast corner of Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road.

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.

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.  

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 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. 

July 25, 2024 / By Laura Powers: Researchers in George Mason University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR) and Tulane National Primate Research Center conducted a breakthrough proof-of-concept study, published in Nature’s Gene Therapy, that found a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-like virus particle that could cease the need for lifelong medications. Scientists have made great strides in the treatment of HIV over the past few decades, yet those with the virus must still take antiretroviral therapy for life as the disease is difficult to eradicate.