News

By BHI EIR Anna Zornosa – On October 24th, Arpa-H announced the 23 winners of its “Sprint for Women’s Health” initiative. I’ve had a chance now to read the announcement carefully and assess the impact. Having done so, I can share that I’m impressed, grateful, and certain that decades from now we’ll look back on the Biden Administration’s accomplishments and count progress on #womenshealth as chief among them.

But the question of whether the $110 M in grants awarded last month will make an impact won’t take that long to determine. The unique thing about the ARPA-H mission and methodology is that it allows for some big bets with short time-lines. Awards were divided into two tracks: “Sparkplug” projects representing high potential research with grants of about $3 M; and “Launchpad” projects where initiatives already at or near prototype get  $10 M in funding to take a product to market. And the expectation is that Launchpad efforts, if successful, will be launched in two years.

Join us for an insightful episode of BioTalk as Rich Bendis speaks with Eric Mayton, CEO of Cerillo, one of the recent winners at the Crab Trap competition during the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week. Cerillo, based in Charlottesville, VA, is making waves in microbiome research and biological product development with its innovative tools designed to tackle variability challenges and enhance data collection efficiency.

In this episode, Eric shares Cerillo’s mission to combat Eroom’s Law—the increasing cost and time in drug development—through affordable and accessible research tools like the Stratus and Alto microplate readers. We also dive into the impact of Cerillo’s co-culture duet system, which is transforming cellular interaction studies in fields such as antimicrobial resistance and biofuel development.

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:

Apple – https://apple.co/3Cw22DT
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For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today announced the launch of the updated MOVE Grant Program to reduce office vacancies in the County. The County Council recently modified the program to award funding to companies expanding in the County and to businesses signing their first leases in the County.  

MSCRF invites applications across seven key grant programs to propel innovation in regenerative medicine

COLUMBIA, Md. (November 14, 2024) – The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) announces the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund’s (MSCRF) second funding cycle of Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This funding opportunity spans seven diverse grant programs: Manufacturing Assistance, Clinical, Validation, Commercialization, Discovery, Fellowship and Launch. The application deadline is January 13, 2025.

MSCRF grants support both young and established scientists, companies and research organizations to accelerate and advance the commercialization of innovative stem cell technologies for positive impact on human lives. 

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, November 14, 2024 – BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI), a public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of healthcare solutions in the BioHealth Capital Region, is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The new board members include Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions, Kelly Services; and Brett Shealy, Executive Director of Life Sciences, J.P. Morgan. Each new member brings extensive expertise to support BHI’s mission of advancing the region as a leading hub for life sciences and health technology.

Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services, leads Kelly Government Solutions (KGS) and brings nearly 20 years of experience in science and clinical services for federal clients. With her expertise in federal sector operations, strategy, and business development, Sarah’s insights will enhance BHI’s alignment with government initiatives in the biohealth space.

Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, joins the board as the new representative from Johnson & Johnson Innovation, replacing Sally Allain in this role. Rachel is responsible for overseeing innovation sourcing, portfolio development, and accelerating startup growth at JLABS @ Washington, DC. Previously, she served as the inaugural Director of the BARDA Alliance, managing BLUE KNIGHT™, a joint initiative with BARDA to drive high-impact science and technology innovation.

Brett Shealy, Executive Director of Life Sciences at J.P. Morgan, joins the board with deep expertise in corporate banking within life sciences and healthcare. His leadership roles at both J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of financial strategy and investment. Brett’s insights will support BHI’s initiatives to increase funding pathways and support growth within the biohealth sector.

COLUMBIA, Md., (November 12, 2024) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $200,000 Seed Funds investment in NextStep Robotics. TEDCO’s Seed Funds aim to reach prospective businesses showing potential of being venture fundable or other forms of corporate venture, such as follow-on funding.

“Foot drop is a disability that results from underlying neurological or muscular injuries and affects millions of Americans each year,” said Bradley Hennessie, CEO of NextStep Robotics. “With traditional treatments, patients were left with uncomfortable orthotics or assistive devices. However, with this latest investment from TEDCO, we are excited to continue moving forward to provide more appealing solutions and support patients and physical therapists alike.”

LONDON, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ascend Advanced Therapies (Ascend), a gene-to-GMP development partner, has partnered with EW Healthcare Partners to expand the footprint and capabilities of the company in the US and to continue investing further in infrastructure. Advanced BioScience Laboratories (ABL), a biotherapy, oncolytic and viral vector contract development, and manufacturing organization (CDMO) located in Rockville, MD, a portfolio company of EW Healthcare Partners, will become part of Ascend. EW will also make a significant capital investment in Ascend to support continued growth of the company.

The Accelerate Investor Conference spurs the region’s innovation and startup ecosystem engagement to a new level and showcases the Virginia, Maryland, and metropolitan Washington, D.C., region as a destination for business development, venture investment, and job creation.

Each year the event grows in size and stature. This year Mason Enterprise, which plans the event, reports there were 480 registered attendees, 19 speakers, 48 company pitches, 72 investors judged and participated, and 14 student teams that pitched. 

The competition targeted entrepreneurs with early to mid-seed stage, high-growth businesses with the potential to have an immediate and positive impact on our local economy, as well as student concepts with longer-term business viability. After days of networking, engagement, and education, the winners were selected.

The 11th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week has been rescheduled to take place from September 23rd through 25th, 2025, at USP in Rockville, Maryland. Mark your calendars for this premier gathering of industry leaders, innovators, investors, and experts shaping the future of the biohealth industry.

Building on the tremendous success of our 10th Annual Week, the 2025 event will continue to feature hallmark events like the Forum, Crab Trap Competition and the Investment Conference, offering invaluable networking and presentation opportunities for both emerging companies and seasoned investors.