News

The BioHealth Capital Region recently played host to a series of significant events that drew attention from the global biopharma community. Notably, several Israeli BioHealth companies, some traveling directly from Israel, participated in these events, underscoring the region’s growing prominence, especially after being recognized by GEN as a Top 3 BioPharma Cluster in the United States. This remarkable participation was made possible with the dedicated efforts of Aisha Espey, Director of Commerce, Head of Science and Technology from the Embassy of Israel in Washington DC, and Andrea Yonah, Director of Business Development for the U.S. East Coast/Midwest at the U.S. Israel Binational Industrial R&D (BIRD) Foundation.

The BioHealth Capital Region Forum serves as the region’s premier gathering for the biopharma sector, fostering collaborations and discussions that advance public health and economic outcomes. The Crab Trap, now in its 8th year, is a competition spotlighting entrepreneurs with transformative health solutions. The Investment Conference is a platform for companies and investors to create partnerships, featuring brief presentations highlighting BioHealth opportunities and innovations.

Innara Health has extended their recognition to BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) and Ethel Rubin for our significant contributions to Innara Health’s journey. BHI is acknowledged for our confidence and insight in introducing Innara Health to the BioHealth Capital Region, while Ethel Rubin is thanked for her expert counsel, candor, and influential role on the Board, along with her valuable network. Our support has played a crucial part in Innara Health’s mission to improve the lives of premature newborns and infants.

The Greater Washington area has a long history of influential business leaders powering the growth of our region and the strength of their communities. On Dec. 5, the Washington Business Hall of Fame will welcome five such leaders to receive our region’s signature lifetime business achievement award. The Hall of Fame brings these visionaries (the best in business) to the table with the next generation of leaders (the next in business), through an experience that connects and inspires us all.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Laureates are no strangers to media coverage. If you live in the Washington region, chances are you’ve seen their names in headlines for years. What you may not have witnessed is these trailblazers telling their stories in their own words. That’s what this series brings you – the look back, lessons and life advice that these Laureates have to offer based on a lifetime of success.

How can patients help shape the future of scientific innovation? What’s the vital role of the patient’s voice in developing life-changing medicines? In this captivating episode, fresh off her thought-provoking appearance at the 9th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum, Dr. Theresa Podrebarac takes us on a journey through the dynamic landscape of autoimmune medicine.

Dr. Podrebarac is a renowned physician scientist with a wealth of expertise in the biotech industry. As the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Horizon Therapeutics, she’s at the forefront of bringing hope to patients with rare, autoimmune, and severe inflammatory diseases. Join us as we explore pivotal questions:

• What is Horizon Therapeutics’ mission, and what are Dr. Podrebarac’s primary responsibilities in this quest for life-changing medicines?
• How has Dr. Podrebarac’s background as a rheumatologist influenced her belief in the importance of the patient’s perspective in drug development?
• Discover Horizon’s impressive journey in clinical development, with a sharp focus on autoimmune diseases.
• Dive into Horizon’s global presence and the crucial role of its Maryland operations.
• What are the clinical goals that will shape the future of autoimmune medicine?

GERMANTOWN, Md., Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Maryland-based biotech company Deka Biosciences (“Deka”) today announced that it has successfully closed a USD $20 Million Series B2 financing with a syndicate of life science investors led by MPM BioImpact, and joined by additional investors including Leaps by Bayer, Lumira Ventures, O-Bio (Echo Investment Capital), Viva BioInnovator, Alexandria Venture Investments, Amana Investments, Plains Ventures, ATEM Capital and CEO John Mumm. The proceeds of the financing will support the advancement of Deka’s pipeline and drug product manufacturing as they continue clinical trials following the receipt of a notice to proceed letter from the FDA for their investigational new drug (IND) application to evaluate DK2¹⁰ (EGFR). Additionally, Detlev Biniszkiewicz, Ph.D. of MPM-BioImpact, will join the Deka board.

FREDERICK, Md., September 26, 2023: Today, Theradaptive, a leading biopharmaceutical company using protein engineering to create targeted therapeutics, has been awarded a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Clinical Trial Award of up to $7.4M with options, subject to FDA approval to begin phase I/II clinical studies. Awarded through the DOD’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), the award recognizes the scientific merit of Theradaptive’s work in targeted regenerative therapeutics to create safer and more efficacious treatments for patients with conditions such as spinal degenerative disc disease, orthopedic trauma, and craniomaxillofacial and dental repair.

The Clinical Trial Award is aimed at providing assistance to companies implementing clinical trials for biologics or medical devices focused on improving the patient outcomes of military service members and veterans. This award will help Theradaptive scale up the production of its OsteoAdapt regenerative therapeutic product for spine and trauma repair and will become clinically available upon initiation of first in human clinical trials in early 2024.

The latest upgrade is part of wider goals to create the industry’s first unified digital data platform for decentralized and hybrid trials

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Emmes, a global, full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation, announces the addition of telehealth capabilities within Advantage eClinical. The new application means any scheduled visit can become virtual with video calls augmented directly through the platform and patients signing in through their existing participant portal. Advantage eClinical is designed to enable a simple, intuitive experience that fits seamlessly into the everyday lives of study participants and sites.