BIO Alabama Recent news from the BIO Alabama community

Wiregrass Innovation Center to host Pitch Competition

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:32:23 GMT

Wiregrass Innovation Center to host Pitch Competition for Alabama entrepreneurs $50,000 allocated for pitch winners.

City of Dothan hosts its first-ever Pitch and Connect event

DOTHAN (March 10, 2026) - Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the Wiregrass region and beyond are invited to make history at the inaugural event held inside the newly-opened Wiregrass Innovation Center. Total investment dollars available is $50,000 brought to you by Halogen Ventures.

On Thursday, April 16, at 10 a.m., local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch, connect and grow in a dynamic pitch event presented by Halogen Ventures, in partnership with BioAlabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Participating companies will pitch their ideas to a room of industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners, while also gaining valuable exposure and connections within Alabama’s growing innovation and life sciences community.

Companies interested in pitching can apply using the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTuWHQ9B4ZPMv7KbyuYc_wodYu-NFsa2AJaIesgcQF6 G2U-g/viewform?usp=preview

Spots are limited, and early applications are encouraged. The deadline to apply is March 27th. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of innovation in the Wiregrass region.

This inaugural event also marks a major milestone for the new Wiregrass Innovation Center, setting the tone for the bold ideas, entrepreneurial energy and collaborative spirit that will define the region’s future.

“This event is about far more than pitching,” said City of Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba. “It’s about fostering relationships, fueling ideas and opening doors for entrepreneurs in a space that champions innovation and collaboration from day one.”

This event is designed for startups and emerging companies in Alabama seeking visibility, feedback and meaningful connections. Companies from the life science, biotechnology and agtech industries, are especially encouraged to participate.

Event Details:

● What: Wiregrass Pitch and Connect – Inaugural Pitch Event

● When: Thursday, April 16, at 10 a.m.

● Where: Wiregrass Innovation Center, 122 Museum Avenue, Dothan, Alabama 36303

● Presented by: Halogen Ventures

● In partnership with: BioAlabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

● Application Deadline: March 27, 2026

For more information about HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, visit hudsonalpha.org/wiregrass.

About HudsonAlpha Wiregrass

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. The Institute launched the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass initiative in partnership with the city of Dothan in 2022.

CerFlux CEO to Lead Distinguished Panel on Personalized Precision Oncology at BIO 2025

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:49:35 GMT

CerFlux CEO to Lead Distinguished Panel on Personalized Precision Oncology at BIO 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., (April 23, 2025) – For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Karim I. Budhwani, CEO-Scientist of CerFlux and Chair of BIO Alabama, will lead a panel of distinguished experts discussing the future of personalized precision oncology at the BIO International Convention, the world's largest biotechnology conference. The panel discussion titled, "From Discovery to Deals: Bridging the Valley-of-Death with a Molecule-to-Medicine Expressway," will take place on June 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The panel will address a critical challenge in oncology drug development: despite over $90 billion invested annually in R&D, the industry continues to face a staggering 96% failure rate. Dr. Budhwani and his fellow panelists will explore how emerging technologies can transform the current "valley of death" into an efficient pathway for bringing promising cancer treatments to market.

Joining Dr. Budhwani on this prestigious panel are industry leaders:

Dr. Kara Bortone, Johnson & Johnson
Dr. Sandeep M. Menon, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Maggie Scully, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
Dr. Christopher J. Mortko, Merck

"Year after year, we witness tremendous investments in cancer research with disappointingly low success rates. Rather than accepting high failure rates as inevitable, we need to fundamentally rethink our approach," said Dr. Budhwani. "Our panel will examine how cutting-edge biomedical engineering, AI/ML technologies, personalized medicine approaches, and strategic collaborations can create a more efficient pathway from discovery to market, making these innovations accessible even to smaller biopharma companies."

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Cancer accounts for a $2.5 trillion annual global economic impact, with nearly 2 million people diagnosed every year in the US alone. For patients, the cost of treatment is often overwhelming, with 42% wiping out their life savings in just two years after diagnosis.

"Cancer remains one of the most devastating health challenges facing our communities, affecting countless families across Alabama and beyond,” noted Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “The pioneering work being done in biotechnology represents not only hope for patients but also significant economic growth potential for our state. I'm proud that Alabama’s own Dr. Budhwani continues to lead this critical global conversation at the intersection of cutting-edge cancer research and biotechnology innovation, representing Alabama's growing presence in the life sciences sector on the world stage."

The panel discussion will offer attendees actionable insights into de-risking oncology assets earlier in development, creating more compelling partnering opportunities, and implementing novel approaches that can dramatically improve success rates. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can implement regardless of company size or resources – a critical advantage, especially in the current funding environment where investors must navigate greater uncertainty and thereby increase emphasis on de-risking assets and accelerated market entry timelines.

This session marks Dr. Budhwani's fourth year leading discussions on personalized precision oncology at BIO, highlighting his ongoing commitment to advancing this vital field. The BIO International Convention is expected to draw approximately 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe, representing the full ecosystem of biotechnology innovation.

For additional information on the panel and speaker profiles, please visit: https://convention.bio.org/program-1/discovery-deals-bridging-valley-death-molecule-medicine-expressway

About CerFlux, Inc.

CerFlux, Inc. is a Birmingham (Alabama) based cancer biotech company. CerFlux is creating advanced, personalized medicine solutions, including its patented ChipMux® biopsy-on-a-chip for simultaneously testing multiple anticancer agents directly on standard-of-care tumor biopsy tissue. Our goal is to apply this biopsy-on-a-chip technology across the cancer care continuum; from improving AI in cancer drug response prediction with PROPHET, predicting clinical efficacy for preclinical compounds with PEER to improving clinical trials with POETRY and identifying the most effective cancer treatments for each patient on an individualized basis with POET. By building solutions that quickly and clearly separate optimal from ineffective options, we will improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

About BIO

BIO is the world’s largest advocacy association representing biotechnology companies, academic and research institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

Additional Information

To request collateral materials for publication or to schedule interviews with principals from CerFlux, Inc., please contact Dr. M. Grace Albright at mga@CerFlux.com for availability.

TriAltus Bioscience Announcement

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:01:32 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TriAltus Bioscience Extends Patent Protection for CLīM Protein Purification Technology

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., August 20, 2024 -- TriAltus Bioscience announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 12030913 for its innovative CL7/Im7, branded as “CLīM”, technology.

The patented "Bacterial Colicin-Immunity Protein Purification System" features an engineered Colicin Immunity protein (Im7) designed to enhance binding and stability. Im7 is integral to the CLīM protein purification system, where it can be immobilized on solid supports or substrates for diverse applications. CLīM utilizes the high affinity between the engineered CL7 affinity tag and Im7 ligand to achieve highyield, high-purity protein purification, addressing limitations seen in other affinity systems.

The technology has been licensed from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where Dmitry Vassylyev, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics, led the invention efforts.

CEO Bob Shufflebarger commented, “This patent reinforces the foundational technology that enables TriAltus to produce and market engineered enzymes of exceptional quality and value. We anticipate that enhancing the value proposition for end-users will drive market expansion, influencing procurement decisions within the life science and biotech sectors, thereby allowing them to focus on discovery and development.”

“The new patent is the second U.S. patent issued for Dr. Vassylyev’s innovative protein purification technology,” said Kathy Nugent, Ph.D., Executive Director of UAB’s Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. "Protein purification is vital to biotechnological processes, and this method is inexpensive yet efficient. We are proud that this UAB-developed technology may, in turn, drive new innovation in biotechnology."

About TriAltus Bioscience

TriAltus Bioscience harnesses its proprietary CLīM affinity purification system to deliver proteins with exceptional purity and yield, streamlining the production process. TriAltus has demonstrated the effectiveness of its technology on a variety of complex proteins and is now forming strategic partnerships to apply its systems to bespoke customer projects.

For more information, visit Protein Purification Simplified – TriAltus Bioscience

Contact:

Tessa Blackburn

Director, Business Development TriAltus Bioscience

tessa.blackburn@trialtusbioscience.com

+1 (205) 453-8242

Evonik honored with Trade Excellence Award in Alabama

Mon, 20 May 2024 15:00:29 GMT

Evonik honored with Trade Excellence Award in Alabama

Award recognizes positive impact of global trade on regional economy
Evonik part of the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub

Mobile/Birmingham, AL, May 09, 2024 - Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, was honored by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey with the 2024 Governor’s Trade Excellence Award during a special ceremony at the State Capitol in Montgomery, Ala.

The award recognizes excellence in exporting by companies in Alabama and aims to raise awareness of the positive impact of global trade on the state’s economy.

Evonik employs approximately 1,000 people in Alabama at its sites in Mobile and Birmingham.

“The award is a great honor for Evonik, and we are grateful to local, state, and federal partners for their support of our growth and export strategy,” said Kel Boisvert, member of Evonik’s North America Leadership Team (NALT) and site manager in Mobile.

Evonik manufactures specialty chemicals for a variety of products at the Mobile site, including coating additives for wind turbine blades, structural foams for aircraft, catalysts for biodiesel production, and amino acids for optimized livestock farming.

In Birmingham, Evonik specializes in bioabsorbable polymers and drug delivery techniques for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. Evonik is part of the Birmingham Biotechnology Hub, a regional consortium of public, private, and academic partners which recently received a Federal Tech Hub designation. The Tech Hubs Program was enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and aims to catalyze growth in critical industries.

“Evonik is pleased to contribute to the booming bioscience industry in Birmingham,” remarked Hans Thullesen, site manager of Evonik Birmingham Labs. “Receiving the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award underscores the importance of biotechnology not just in Alabama, but across the globe.”

Alabama-based companies exported goods and services worth over $27.4 billion in 2023, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. Germany was the top destination with $5.1 billion.

Link to press release and images

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: http://corporate.evonik.us/region/north_america.

Acclinate Empowers Black Maternal Health with AI-Powered Cultural Understanding

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:02:51 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acclinate Empowers Black Maternal Health with AI-Powered Cultural Understanding

Birmingham, AL – April 24, 2024 – Acclinate, a pioneer in health equity through technology and community engagement, has partnered with Quilt.AI, a company at the forefront of employing artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and interpret internet data at scale to intensify its Black maternal health initiatives. With Black women in the United States facing a maternal mortality rate three times higher than that of white women, Acclinate's efforts are more crucial than ever.

Over the past year, Acclinate’s NOWINCLUDED community platform has engaged directly with Black mothers, gathering invaluable insights through the Mommy Listening Tour, a campaign focused on better understanding the health perspectives of Black moms. The tour, which utilized digital and in-person efforts, revealed that 75% of Black mothers trust OBGYNs for reliable health information, and over 51% are willing to travel up to 10 miles for quality maternal care. These findings stress the need for accessible and culturally responsive healthcare solutions.

The NOWINCLUDED team also recently had the opportunity to hear directly from Black mothers at the Black Maternal Health Expo at Babypalooza, further enriching the company's understanding of their experiences and needs. This face-to-face engagement has been instrumental in shaping our ongoing initiatives.

To amplify these efforts, Acclinate is leveraging additional findings from Quilt.AI's advanced AI platform, which has been dissecting online conversations about Black maternal health, producing a comprehensive report. The report confirms that a significant 75% of online discussions highlight a pressing need for better support systems for Black mothers, while another 63% underscore a demand for more culturally competent healthcare providers. Additional insights indicate a substantial conversation around the need for mental health support, with many Black mothers expressing a lack of accessible resources to manage postpartum depression.

Tiffany Whitlow, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer at Acclinate, remarks, "Leveraging these insights allows us to tailor our initiatives more effectively, ensuring we address the nuanced challenges Black mothers face in healthcare. Our Mommy Listening Tour and most recent listening experiences at the Black Maternal Health Expo have been invaluable, offering direct feedback from our community so we can work together to advocate for better maternal health outcomes. "

Anurag Banerjee, co-founder and chief executive officer of Quilt.AI adds, "We're extremely excited to partner with Acclinate and contribute our AI tools to uncover meaningful health insight to support Acclinate's mission and help drive positive impact and better serve Black women in the community."

As Acclinate continues its efforts, the organization is poised to introduce innovative solutions and solidify its commitment to improving maternal health outcomes for Black women, ensuring that their voices are heard and their health is prioritized.

About Acclinate:

Acclinate, a digital health startup dedicated to improving health equity, specializes in predictive analytics technology and community engagement. Focused on accessing and engaging communities of color, Acclinate empowers informed health decisions and promotes clinical trial participation. Learn more at acclinate.com.

About Quilt.AI:

Quilt.AI is a technology company that aims to bridge the gap between data and culture, using AI to uncover human insights from vast amounts of digital information. With a commitment to ethical data usage, Quilt.AI serves a diverse range of clients, from Fortune 100 companies to nonprofits, helping them understand the cultural contexts behind data. Quilt.AI has been called a “AI for Good” company by the Economist. Learn more at www.quilt.ai.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Romario Gardner

Public Relations Specialist

Romario@acclinate.com

256-435-2800

CerFlux Awarded $100,000 Innovate Alabama Grant to Advance Cancer Research from Lab-to-Life

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:27:23 GMT

CerFlux Awarded $100,000 Innovate Alabama Grant to Advance Cancer Research from Lab-to-Life

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., (Apr 11, 2024) – CerFlux, Inc., creators of advanced personalized medicine technology for cancer treatment, announced today that it has been awarded a $100,000 Innovate Alabama grant. This competitive grant award will support the development of our innovative ChipMux® technology, aimed at revolutionizing the approach to cancer treatment.

Every year, about 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer. Worse, treatment turns out to be ineffective for about 75% of solid tumor patients who receive systemic therapy. This is because every tumor is distinct in makeup and response to treatment. Unfortunately, a generalized treatment approach is forced upon a disease that is uniquely personal due to lack of personalized predictive tools. Consequently, patients are exposed to several rounds of potentially harmful overtreatment until the right regimen is found, imposing a substantial physical, emotional, and financial burden. Adding insult to injury, over 40% of patients deplete their entire life savings in just 2 years.

CerFlux ChipMux technology addresses this critical, urgent, and unmet need for accessible and affordable predictive technologies that identify optimal therapy regimens and strategically eliminate ineffective options. This project represents a major departure from the generalized one-size-fits-none approach to cancer treatment. If successful, our patented biopsy chip multiplexer technology will screen multiple anticancer regimens simultaneously on intact core biopsy tissue from each patient’s own tumor – before treatment – to identify the right treatment for that patient. The ultimate aim of this groundbreaking technology is to eliminate ineffective treatment regimens and identify the most effective regimens for each patient on an individualized basis.

“During this SBIR Phase I project, we will address several key objectives from bioprinting 3D tumor proxies to demonstrating the predictive capacity of this platform for personalized cancer treatment,” explains Dr. Karim Budhwani, CEO of CerFlux, Inc. “If successful, this personalized approach will not only reduce the cost of cancer treatment but, more importantly, it will substantially lighten the emotional, physical, and financial burden suffered by patients.”

In an era where precision and personalization are becoming increasingly vital in medicine, ChipMux technology holds the promise to set a new standard in cancer treatment: The right treatment at the right time for each patient on an individualized basis. Predictive technologies like ChipMux – that match each patient with the right treatment regimen BEFORE treatment is administered – will make a profound impact on the lives of cancer patients, offer substantial cost savings to insurance providers, and strengthen US leadership in advanced research.

The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program provides non-dilutive funding to companies that have previously received federal SBIR or STTR grants. The grants are designed to support the growth and success of Alabama-based companies, as well as recruit new businesses to the state. The receipt of this grant highlights the potential impact of ChipMux on improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes. The grant will fund activities over the next year to help bring us a step closer in making personalized precision cancer treatment a reality for patients around the world.

About CerFlux, Inc.

CerFlux, Inc. is a Birmingham (Alabama) based cancer biotech company. CerFlux is creating advanced, personalized medicine solutions, including its patented ChipMux® biopsy-on-a-chip for simultaneously testing multiple anticancer agents directly on standard-of-care tumor biopsy tissue. Our goal is to apply this biopsy-on-a-chip technology across the cancer care continuum; from improving AI in cancer drug response prediction with PROPHET, predicting clinical efficacy for preclinical compounds with PEER® to improving clinical trials with POETRY and identifying the most effective cancer treatments for each patient on an individualized basis with POET®. By building solutions that quickly and clearly separate optimal from ineffective options, we will improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

About Innovate Alabama

Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots here in Alabama. Innovate Alabama was established to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the Alabama Innovation Commission’s report, including smart policy solutions that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. With founding CEO Cynthia Crutchfield leading the charge, Innovate Alabama is also made up of a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. Learn more about Innovate Alabama at www.innovatealabama.org.

Additional Information

To request collateral materials for publication or to schedule interviews with principals from CerFlux, Inc., please contact Rachel Stacey at rss@CerFlux.com for availability.

Acclinate Celebrates Victory in the 3rd Annual Anthem Awards

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:04:34 GMT

Acclinate Celebrates Victory in the 3rd Annual Anthem Awards

Birmingham, AL, January 30, 2024 – Acclinate, a trailblazer in advancing health equity through inclusive research, proudly announces its achievement as a Winner in the esteemed Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion category of the 3rd Annual Anthem Awards.

The Anthem Awards, hosted by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, is a prestigious event bringing together influential figures to honor outstanding achievements in purpose-driven initiatives globally.

Acclinate's innovative approach, blending predictive analytics technology with empowered community building, has not only supported pharmaceutical companies in actively increasing representation in clinical trials but has also championed inclusivity in broader healthcare initiatives. Serving as a catalyst, Acclinate transforms trust and data into products that better serve communities of color.

Tiffany Whitlow, Chief Development Officer, and co-founder of Acclinate, expressed her excitement, saying, "From the beginning, we recognized the need to change the perception of healthcare, particularly concerning the care of minority communities. Through various mediums, including video storytelling, we have consistently engaged our audience by shedding light on health narratives often overlooked. This accolade underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and health equity in clinical trials, and we are deeply honored by this recognition of our efforts."

For more information on Acclinate, please visit www.acclinate.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. To learn more about NOWINCLUDED and join the community built for healthier communities of color, visit www.NOWINCLUDED.com and follow us on Instagram.

Acclinate Media Contact:

Ellie Newby, Head of Marketing & Communications

ellie@acclinate.com 256-435-2800

Find The Anthem Awards Online:

● Website: anthemawards.com

● Facebook: facebook.com/anthemawards

● Twitter: @anthemawards

● Instagram: @anthemawards

● LinkedIn: The Anthem Awards

● YouTube: wbby.co/anthem-youtube

About The Anthem Awards:

Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honor purpose-driven work globally across seven core causes, including Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. Founded in partnership with influential organizations such as the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.

Empowering Healthcare Equity: Celebrating 4 Years of Acclinate's Innovation

Reliant Glycosciences, Supported by the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant, Host Events for Patients with IgA Nephropathy

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:53:52 GMT

Reliant Glycosciences, Supported by the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant, Host Events for Patients with IgA Nephropathy Birmingham, AL / December 2023 – In 2022, Reliant Glycosciences, LLC (Reliant) received an Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant for $247,500. This grant is one of the first of its kind in the state of Alabama and provides support for additional work related to a Phase II Award of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Reliant focuses on developing diagnostics and prognostic tools for patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN is the most common form of glomerulonephritis in the world and affects more than 150,000 Americans. It is even more prevalent in other countries and regions (Europe, Japan, Singapore, and India). Glomerulonephritis is a form of kidney disease that injures the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys. Several of the Reliant Founders helped to define IgAN as an autoimmune disease: Immune complexes are formed from immunoglobulin A protein lacking some sugars (galactose-deficient IgA) bound by immunoglobulin G antibodies (IgG). These complexes form in the blood and ultimately accumulate in the kidneys causing injury.

With the help of the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant, Reliant has hosted several events for IgAN patients. Each event has enabled Reliant to raise awareness of their assays. Ultimately, Reliant’s assays will improve diagnosis and treatment for IgAN. To organize these events, Reliant partnered with the IgA Nephropathy Foundation. This non-profit organization seeks to improve the lives of patients with IgAN through commitments to research, public education, and patient service. The most recent event in July, called SPARK, allowed Reliant to connect with over 250 patients, caregivers, and family members.

Reliant has developed two assays for IgAN-specific biomarkers. In June, Reliant announced the launch of “The GalD Assay” for release by the end of 2023 as a research tool for the measurement of blood levels of galactose-deficient IgA1. The second assay measures blood levels of the IgG antibody that binds to galactose-deficient IgA1; it is scheduled for release in 2024.

With the help of the regional events for IgAN patients, the SBIR Phases I and II, consultations with key opinion leaders in the field, the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, and the Innovate Alabama Supplement Grant Program, Reliant has established their footprint in the Birmingham biotech sector.

Dr. Matthew Renfrow, Reliant Co-Founder, states, “We are proud to be a true homegrown startup that is having an impact worldwide for patients with IgA nephropathy.”

To learn more about Innovate Alabama, visit the website at: Innovate Alabama – Helping Innovators Grow Roots

To learn more about Reliant Glycosciences, visit the website at: Biomarker | Reliant Glycosciences, LLC

To learn more about the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, visit the website at: IgA Nephropathy Foundation

Written by: Tatum Street, MBA

Innovate Alabama Selects BIO Alabama as an Inaugural Designee of the Innovate Alabama Network

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:26:08 GMT

Innovate Alabama awards $9.3 million to the inaugural designees of the Innovate Alabama Network

BIRMINGHAM, AL (October 26, 2023) – Innovate Alabama has announced the inaugural designees of the Innovate Alabama Network, a comprehensive resource to connect communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions across Alabama fostering innovation in their local footprint. Fifty-one designees in 17 Alabama counties make up the group, receiving $9.3 million in supporting funds from Innovate Alabama.

“The Innovate Alabama Network is a major step forward to growing the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Alabama,” said Innovate Alabama CEO Cynthia Crutchfield. “By providing funding and resources to our local communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions, we are developing a statewide network for innovation programming and catalyzing entrepreneurship in all of our communities, both rural and urban.”

By investing in these organizations who are shaping the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Innovate Alabama is driving innovation-related activities, encouraging collaboration across the state and providing vital seed funding to propel innovation forward at the community and regional level. In total, 30 nonprofit entities, 11 communities and municipalities and 10 colleges and universities received an Innovate Alabama Network Designation.

“I’m encouraged and energized to see the overwhelming response to the Innovate Alabama Network,” said Innovate Alabama Board Chairman and Alabama State Director of Finance Bill Poole. “We have a diverse ecosystem for innovation in Alabama, so to bring all of these partners together in one place to partner and collaborate together on moving our state forward is a move in the right direction for Alabama.”

Applications for the second round of the Innovate Alabama Network are now open. Any interested Alabama community, nonprofit or higher education institution can apply by 5 p.m. CT on Friday, January 5, 2024. Innovate Alabama will host a series of informational webinars and office hours through the end of the year for organizations that want to learn more about the program. To register for these sessions, visit this link.

Program guidelines have evolved since the Innovate Alabama Network was initially launched. For important key program updates and to apply to the second round of the Innovate Alabama Network, visit innovatealabama.org/innovate-alabama-network.

Designees from the first round of the Innovate Alabama Network include the following communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions:

Communities:

City of Auburn
City of Bessemer
City of Dothan
City of Henagar
City of Hoover
City of Marion
City of Mobile
City of Pinson
City of Talladega
Shelby County
Town of Pike Road

Nonprofit entities:

Alabama Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence
Alabama Trails Foundation
Baldwin County Community and Economic Development Foundation
BioAlabama
Birmingham Bound
Birmingham Business Alliance
Bronze Valley Foundation
Cordova Economic Industrial Development Authority
Ed Farm
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama
Hardware Park
HBCU Cares
Higher Education Partnership
Innovation Depot
Innovation Portal
Main Street Marion
McWane Science Center
Montgomery Tech Lab
Prosper Foundation
QIE Foundation
REV Birmingham
Singing River Trail
Southern Research
Teach2Lead
The Alabama Collective
The Arc of Madison County
The E-Center
The Overton Project
United Way of Southwest Alabama
Venture for America

Higher Education Institutions:

Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Auburn Lowder Center for Family and Entrepreneurship
Drake State Community and Technical College
Talladega College
Trenholm State University
Troy University
University of Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of South Alabama

###

About Innovate Alabama

Galleri Named to TIME’s List of the Best Inventions of 2022

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:56:10 GMT

November 10, 2022 - TIME revealed its annual list of the Best Inventions, which features 200 extraordinary innovations changing our lives.

We are honored to have GRAIL’s Galleri® test named among the top inventions of 2022. The Galleri test is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test that can detect a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancer1 through a simple blood draw.

Using next-generation genomic sequencing and machine-learning technologies, the Galleri test detects a signal associated with cancer and includes one or two predictions of where in the body the cancer signal originated.

“I am thrilled to see the Galleri test included in TIME’s list of best inventions of 2022,” said Bob Ragusa, chief executive officer at GRAIL. “We believe strongly in the importance of early cancer detection and the impact it can make on patients’ lives. This test is a promising new tool in our fight against cancer.”

To compile the list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME’s editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields—such as the electric vehicle industry, medical care, and the metaverse. TIME then evaluated each contender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

Of the new list, TIME’s editors write: “The result is a list of 200 groundbreaking inventions (and 50 special mention inventions)—including life-mapping artificial intelligence, diamonds made from excess carbon in the air, and the most powerful telescope ever—that are changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible.”

See full list HERE.

Dr Milton Harris, of Serina Therapeutics, awarded the Per-Ake Albertsson Award

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:43:12 GMT

Dr. Milton Harris, Serina Therapeutics Board Chairman and HudsonAlpha Board Member, was awarded the Per-Åke Albertsson Award for his life-long work in Bio-partitioning and Purification of Aqueous Polymer two-phase systems. Dr. Harris will receive the award at BPP 2022 in Aveiro, Portugal at the end of September.

Dr. Per-Åke Albertsson was a Swedish Biochemist, Educator and a Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In his memory, this award is given to exemplary scientists who have contributed in the field of separation sciences.

Dr. Milton Harris founded Shearwater Polymers, Inc. in 1992 to advance polyethylene glycol “PEG” technology. The company later became Nektar Therapeutics. Dr. Harris co-founded Serina Therapeutics in 2006 and joined the Board of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology at the same time. Dr. Harris is also the recipient of the Nagai Innovation Award (2005, Controlled Release Society) and a member of the Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.

BIO Alabama CEO Transition Update

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:24:27 GMT

BIO Alabama CEO Headed to Oklahoma

September 14, 2022

BIO Alabama CEO Rachel Lane, PhD, RD steps down from the association at the end of September to transition her efforts to the Tulsa Innovation Labs Canopy Virtual HealthTech program in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Under Dr. Lane’s leadership, BIO Alabama and the state’s bioscience industry grew significantly, marked by the following key accomplishments:

Annual Conference | This in-person, two-day meeting gathered over 200 statewide industry partners and featured leaders and speakers from across the US.
Inaugural RALLY | This reverse-pitch event was supported by the AL Department of Commerce and connected local and national industry companies with Alabama academic institutions for collaboration.
Workforce Development | This initiative in collaboration with the AL Department of Commerce and AIDT charts a path for upscaling Alabama’s bioscience workforce.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Tech Transfer Research (STTR) Award Workshops | The workshops are sponsored by the Innovation Corporation and connect innovators with federal agencies and information about nondilutive funding.
Platforms | BIO Alabama’s advocacy on behalf of Alabama bioscience companies create opportunities for innovators to be showcased on regional, national, and international stages.

BIO Alabama held their first in-person conference in six years in April 2022.

“Dr. Lane applied her vision and knowledge to take our industry to new, innovative levels,” said Chairperson Kacee Sims, PhD, director of marketing and technical services at Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. “Losing her leadership is a disappointment, but I know she will continue to be an ambassador for us beyond our state’s lines.”

Dr. Lane expressed gratitude to the Alabama bioscience and innovation community, stating “We have made significant strides toward our vision for the industry, thanks to the collaborative, welcoming spirit of this community. There is still work to be done, and it must be done together. The Alabama spirit that fueled our progress these past two years will continue to propel momentum forward.”

Dr. Lane presents at the EDAA 2022 winter conference with panelists Vince Perez (AL Department of Commerce), Amy Sturdivant (58, Inc), and Blair King (Alabama Power).

The BIO Alabama executive committee is strategizing a transition plan to ensure the continuation of Alabama’s forward progress in the industry.

“BIO AL is a critical catalyst for our state’s industry,” stated Bill Dean, executive director of the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation and member of BIO AL’s executive committee. “We are evaluating Dr. Lane’s thoughtful transition plan and are committed to continuing the momentum we have gained over the last two years.”

BIO Alabama was founded in 1998 by industry leaders from across the state and is the state affiliate for BIO International. Bioscience companies in Alabama feed, fuel, and heal the world. BIO Alabama is committed to developing and fortifying the ecosystem that promotes the success of these companies by ensuring these companies have the intellectual property, people, space, capital, and business environment to complete their mission.

Learn more about BIO Alabama at bioalabama.com.

Reliant Glycosciences, Awarded One of the First Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grants in the State of Alabama

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 16:41:36 GMT

Birmingham, AL / September 2022 – Reliant Glycosciences, LLC (Reliant) is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded an Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant for $247,500. This grant is one of the first of its kind in the state of Alabama and will support the company’s National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Award.

As stated in a press release by Gov. Kay Ivey, “The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is the latest way our state is creating an attractive business environment for pioneering ideas that will change our world. Alabamians have the grit, determination, and creativity to make these ideas a reality, and with Innovate Alabama’s supplemental funding, these small businesses will take their ideas from concept to commercialization.”

With a SBIR Phase II Award, Reliant was eligible to apply for matching funds to their award.

Dr. Kathy Nugent, the executive director of the UAB Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, commented in an UAB News Article, “The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is a fantastic opportunity for UAB-based start-ups who have already received SBIR and STTR funding to continue to develop their innovative technologies. These technologies have already passed muster with scientific experts, making them strong investments for state funding.”

Reliant was formed with the mission to develop assays for biomarkers of IgA nephropathy with the diagnostic and/or prognostic value that will enable the development and monitoring of future disease-specific therapies. IgA nephropathy is a kidney disease that often leads to kidney failure.

Reliant Co-Founder, Dr. Matthew Renfrow stated “This is a great opportunity for us and the state of Alabama. We are a local spin-off from UAB and we are so grateful to Governor Kay Ivey, Chairman Bill Poole, and all of the members of the Alabama Innovation Corporation Board of Directors for the vision and foresight of a program like Innovate Alabama to promote and support a small business that has the potential to have a big impact in the biotechnology sector.”

https://www.reliantglycosciences.com/

https://innovatealabama.org/

Written by: Tatum Street, MBA

Serina Therapeutics Receives State Grant to Develop Pain Drug to Help Target Opioid Misuse and Addiction

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:20:26 GMT

Serina Therapeutics announced that it was recently awarded $250,000 by the State of Alabama’s Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant.

The funding helps support the development of SER-227, a medication that can be administered in a hospital room by a physician to provide immediate and prolonged pain relief over a period of 3-5 days. The prolonged nature of the medicine is to prevent the need to use potentially addictive opioids such as morphine in the immediate post-op period.

Dr. Tacey Viegas, Serina’s chief operating officer and project director, said the grant will be used to complete the product development and pre-clinical studies required to support the initiation of clinical trials.

“We’re grateful to Governor Kay Ivey, Chairman Bill Poole and all the members of the Alabama Innovation Corporation Board of Directors”, Viegas said. “The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant helps small businesses like us take our ideas from concept to a path for commercialization and ultimately helps improve the quality of life here in Alabama, and we hope, around the world.”

Serina is a Huntsville-based pharmaceutical research and development company that has developed a proprietary drug delivery technology platform. The new grant supplements another grant the company received in 2019 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) through the Helping to End Addiction Long-Term (HEAL) program.

Go For Launch! Lands in Alabama on National Moon Day Next Week

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:53:08 GMT

Higher Orbits will launch its final event of the BRPH Series, Go For Launch! Alabama, next week running July 20-22, thanks to stellar support from their Series Sponsor.

The hands-on flagship program of Higher Orbits spotlights the wonders of spaceflight and space exploration to provide students across the country the opportunity to develop and strengthen their skills in STEM, teamwork, communication, research design, and leadership. While focusing on spaceflight, Go For Launch! students work alongside a featured astronaut at each event to learn and develop important skills that can be applied in any professional field.

Read the full article HERE.

Eurofins Discovery Announces Acquisition of DiscoveryBioMed

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 20:00:59 GMT

Eurofins Discovery acquired DiscoveryBioMed for its expertise in leveraging primary and immortalized human diseased and normal cells to develop novel, customized bioassays supporting clients from HTS to lead optimization. DiscoveryBioMed achieves this through its focus on biologically relevant cellular models for the renal, skin, taste, ophthalmic, liver, respiratory, oncology, and other therapeutic areas. The addition of DiscoveryBioMed supports Eurofins Discovery's strategy to have the most complete, highest quality portfolio of drug discovery services and products, and further strengthens its ability to support translational biology for drug discovery research and development.

Read full article here.

Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act Receives Support

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:17:00 GMT

Good news for our members who work on developing innovative cancer-detection technologies. Rep. Terri Sewell announced on June 23 that the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 1946) has achieved a significant milestone, earning the support of a bipartisan majority of members in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The legislation clears the way for coverage of Multi-Cancer Early Detection blood tests, which have the potential to shift how cancer is screened for and detected.

Many thanks to Rep. Sewell, the legislation’s lead sponsor, for leading the charge on H.R. 1946 and being a champion for innovation!

Check out the full article below.

https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-s-legislation-ensure-access-groundbreaking-cancer-detection

Reliant Glycosciences LLC receives $1.2M towards research

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 22:53:31 GMT

A University of Alabama at Birmingham biotech startup received $1.2 million to continue research toward treating a chronic kidney disease.

Reliant Glycosciences LLC received a National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research Phase II award to continue the development of its IgA nephropathy-related biomarker assays. The award runs through spring 2024.

Read full article HERE.

SunFire Biotechnologies LLC awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Defense

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:39:15 GMT

UAB start-up SunFire Biotechnologies LLC was awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Defense to continue advancing an assay to support the development of Shigella vaccines.

The Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant is for approximately $1 million over two years, and will assist SunFire researchers in qualifying and validating the assay so that SunFire can function as a contract research organization for other companies that are developing Shigella vaccines.

Read full article HERE.

CHONEX: raises $5.78M in seed round funding

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:37:07 GMT

A local ag tech firm recently raised $5.78 million in seed round funding.

Chonex will use the funds to expand production capacity and meet rising demand as well as to file patent applications for its proprietary process. Funding was led by undisclosed Alabama finance, manufacturing and engineering leaders.

Read full article HERE.

ASTOUND: Birmingham-based startup raises $1M seed round

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:53:46 GMT

Astound, a Birmingham-based startup, has successfully secured $1m in seed funding to develop the first marketplace to allow research institutions and universities to easily find corporate sponsors for important scientific research.

Read the full article here.

Reverse pitch event proves big success for BIO Alabama

Thu, 19 May 2022 20:41:23 GMT

Reverse pitch event proves big success for BIO Alabama

https://techtransfercentral.com/reprints/uiea/522-reverse-pitch-event-proves-big-success-for-bio-alabama/

BIO Alabama focusing on future of bioscience industry in state

Tue, 03 May 2022 14:33:59 GMT

BIO Alabama focusing on future of bioscience industry in state

https://alabamanewscenter.com/2022/04/29/bio-alabama-focusing-on-future-of-bioscience-industry-in-state/

Madison Core Laboratories Announces Huntsville Laboratory Expansion

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 14:32:37 GMT

Madison Core Laboratories Announces Huntsville Laboratory Expansion

HUNTSVILLE, AL - Madison Core Laboratories (“MCL”) is pleased to announce the expansion of its clinical laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama. “This expansion increases our laboratory space by approximately 50 percent and will allow MCL to enhance its comprehensive diagnostic testing product lines and launch additional innovative services to better the lives of the patients we serve,” commented Carlo Crespo, MD, Chief Executive Officer.

Phase 1 of the Huntsville Lab expansion will be the integration of core laboratory services currently being performed in the Madison facility. These services include chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis testing. By integrating these laboratory services into the Huntsville location, MCL will be able to achieve greater efficiencies and provide its clients and patients with expanded high-quality testing with faster turnaround times. The expanded laboratory footprint allowed for the immediate addition of several new instrumentation systems. Further automated instrumentation platforms will be added in the coming months.

This phase will also provide a new and larger area for specimen receipt, accessioning, and processing, and more space to support the growth of the Company’s onsite phlebotomy services. Current facility development also underway is the addition of administrative offices and a new streamlined laboratory storage system.

“Having our core laboratory team under the same roof as our molecular, microbiology, and toxicology teams will also provide a better work environment for our employees that supports greater communication, increased team collaboration, and opportunities for cross-training, and sharing collective intelligence. An added benefit is that our mobile phlebotomy team and courier services will now have a single specimen drop off-site instead of multiple locations. Increasing the capacities of our laboratory not only supports our geographic market expansion and testing services growth but with the expanded laboratory facility, MCL is positioned to participate in additional research and development opportunities as we will have research space and are near the Cummings Research Park,” Crespo stated.

Phase 1 of the Huntsville Lab expansion and Madison integration will be completed by the end of April. Phase II, the addition of administrative offices, is to be finalized by mid-to-late summer 2022.

MCL started patient testing in January 2016 in its Madison, Alabama location with a focus on meeting the laboratory needs dedicated to the elderly and long-term care patients. The Company acquired a pharmacogenomics lab in Huntsville in 2018 to expand its lab test menu and quickly pivoted to comprehensive pathogen detection using state-of-the-art molecular technologies. Over the past three years, MCL has rapidly become a major local/regional laboratory through diverse test offerings.

Madison Core Laboratories would like to thank the City of Madison for supporting a small business during its growth and looks forward to continuing to serve its community from the Huntsville Lab location at 2705 Artie Street SW in Huntsville, Alabama. Construction and move activities are planned to ensure no disruption in testing services will occur.

About Madison Core Laboratories

Madison Core Laboratories is one of the leading independent laboratories in Alabama. We provide extensive laboratory services using state-of-the-art testing equipment to provide our clients with the latest innovations in the laboratory spectrum. Our clients include physician offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, homebound patients, and industrial/corporate testing needs. MCL is the only independent reference laboratory in the State of Alabama that offers mobile phlebotomy, molecular diagnostics, routine blood, urine, and toxicology testing all under one organization. The Company was recently recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Southeast Region.

Learn more at www.MadisonCoreLabs.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter @MadisonCoreLabs.

Company Contact:

Madison Core Laboratories, LLC

Martha Donze

Vice President, Strategy and Business Operations

MDonze@MadisonCoreLabs.com

gener8tor & HudsonAlpha Institute Launch Startup Accelerator

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:56:52 GMT

gener8tor and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have launched a new startup business accelerator focused on advancements in the agriculture technology sector.

The accelerator program will provide agriculture technology innovators with the coaching, capital and connections to take their ideas to new heights by investing in startups selected for the program through a fund managed by gener8tor.

The HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator Powered by gener8tor leverages HudsonAlpha’s deep experience in agriscience; specifically agriculture genomics, plant breeding and crop diversity; with gener8tor’s national network of mentors and investors, and Huntsville’s innate strengths as a technology hub. The program invests in the best and brightest startups tackling the challenges of sustainably feeding and powering a growing planet.

You can apply before July 16th here.

BIO AL Approves New Board Members

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:13:31 GMT

BIO Alabama is so excited to welcome one new director and three new executive committee members.

Our new board director is Roger Graben, PhD.

Roger Graben is a 35-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry with a broad range of experience across all disciplines. He is currently the President of Vitruvias Therapeutics Inc., (www.vitruvias.com) a 9-year-old specialty company focused primarily on difficult Rx generic products. Roger’s industry experience includes board membership, corporate management, operations management, business development, and the list goes on! We know he will be a great asset to BIO Alabama.

Vivek Lal, MD; Michael Lynch; and Amy Sturdivant will join the executive committee.

Dr. C. Vivek Lal, M.D. is a physician, a scientist, and an entrepreneur based in Birmingham, AL. He is an Associate Professor of Neonatology, in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL (UAB), and the Director of UAB’s Pulomonary Microbiome Lab. He is the founder, CEO, and CSO of ResBiotic, Inc., and its subsidiaries.

Michael Lynch is the CEO and cofounder of CHONEX, which helps farmers improve their soil and crop health. Most of his career has been spent developing solutions for rural communities, focusing on education, healthcare, and leadership development. He is Chair of the South Highland Presbyterian Church’s Mental Health Outreach Program and serves on the Oakworth Capital Market Board.

Currently serving as Managing Director for 58 INC | Shelby County EDC, Amy has more than 20 years of public and private sector work with communities in Alabama and Illinois. Her 5 years working to help attract and grow companiesat HudsonAlpha’s biotech campus in Huntsville ignited her passion to help Alabama economic developers grow the important biotech sector and the ecosystem to bolster its success.

BIO Alabama is poised to be a key player in state’s innovation economy

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 20:30:00 GMT

BIO Alabama is poised to be a key player in state’s innovation economy

by Michael Tomberlin

Access the article here.

Video here.

HudsonAlpha Expands Executive Leadership Amid Rapid Growth

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:17:11 GMT

HudsonAlpha Expands Executive Leadership Amid Rapid Growth

Dr. Neil Lamb to serve as President, Dr. Rick Myers to serve as Chief Scientific Officer

HUNTSVILLE, Ala — As HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology continues its rapid economic growth and advancements in genomics and life science research, the HudsonAlpha board of directors announced today the expansion of its executive leadership team. Richard Myers, PhD, current President and Science Director, will serve as HudsonAlpha’s new Chief Scientific Officer and President Emeritus. Neil Lamb, PhD, current Vice President for Educational Outreach, will serve as the new President of the Institute, effective July 1, 2022.

Momentum from growth and campus expansions have driven the need for an expanded executive team to intelligently manage the workload, maintain the vision, and prime the organization for continued success in the future. The Institute is a global leader in using advanced genomic technologies to solve challenges related to human health and modern agriculture, while simultaneously engaging and preparing tomorrow’s bioscience workforce. According to a recent study, HudsonAlpha has generated $3.2 billion economic impact for the state of Alabama between 2006 and 2020, with an increase of $750 million during 2019-2020. The campus is home to more than 1,100 employees and 48 associate life science companies.

“Rick Myers and Neil Lamb have been critical to the success, innovation, and growth we’ve seen since Lonnie McMillian and I first launched HudsonAlpha,” said Jim Hudson, HudsonAlpha co-founder and chairman of the board. “With Neil’s vision and work ethic leading the organization along with the innovative research led by Rick, we are truly poised to amplify our work as HudsonAlpha’s reach and impact continue to grow.”

Dr. Rick Myers has been with HudsonAlpha since its doors opened in 2008, serving as President and Science Director, and as the M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics since 2020. Dr. Myers came to HudsonAlpha from Stanford’s Human Genome Center, where he led a team that was a major contributor to the Human Genome Project—the international research effort that sequenced the entire human genome. Today at HudsonAlpha, researchers under Dr. Myers’ leadership apply genomic technology to uncover the causes of human diseases and accelerate discoveries in plants and agriculture. As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Myers will devote his focus to scientific discovery, achievement, and momentum while providing strategic support and guidance to Dr. Lamb.

“At HudsonAlpha, our team is creating improvements for humankind everyday through research-based discoveries,” said Dr. Myers. “As we take our organization to the next level, it’s critical that we have the tools, resources, and team to continue advancing our research and applying our discoveries in the real world. It is this growth that drives my passion, gives me daily purpose, and excites me for our future. I truly believe the best is yet to come for HudsonAlpha.”

Dr. Neil Lamb came to HudsonAlpha in 2006 with a calling to share his passion for human genetics and biotechnology with others through education. He has led HudsonAlpha’s educational outreach team from conception, creating innovative teacher training and toolkits, student experiences, public enrichment, and digital resources that have reshaped how science education is now delivered. Throughout his tenure as Vice President for Educational Outreach, Dr. Lamb has been a public ambassador for HudsonAlpha and a strategic internal advisor helping guide the Institute’s growth. As President, he will now drive the strategic vision and lead day-to-day operations for the entire organization.

"Rick Myers is not only a close friend and mentor, but the person who introduced me to Jim Hudson and co-founder Lonnie McMillian in the early days of HudsonAlpha," said Dr. Lamb. “I would not be here if it weren't for Rick. He has positioned HudsonAlpha for continued growth and success, and I share his vision and excitement for the possibilities of the future. This expansion of our executive team will allow us to focus more resources on our mission and expand our local, regional, and global impact for years to come.”

HudsonAlpha and resident associate companies co-located on the biotech campus in Cummings Research Park (CRP) have continued to expand their footprint in multiple sectors across the biosciences including research, testing and medical labs, pharmaceuticals, agriculture feedstock and chemicals, technology development and medical devices and equipment. The HudsonAlpha campus continues to expand, with new construction underway on a 13,000 square foot agricultural space and a 96,000 square foot global headquarters for resident associate company Discovery Life Sciences.

With this executive expansion, HudsonAlpha will be seeking a new Vice President for Educational Outreach. Find more information in the coming days at www.hudsonalpha.org.

###

About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha is a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and fosters more than 48 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.

BIO AL CEO Appointed to UA Scientific Advisory Board

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:07:15 GMT

BIO Alabama's CEO, Rachel Lane, PhD was appointed to the University of Alabama's Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM) Scientific Advisory Board.

CCBM is dedicated to the convergence of bioscience and medicine with chemical, biological, physical, mathematical, and engineering disciplines. This collaborative approach will overcome obstacles in drug development to bridge the preclinical and clinical divide.

"I am honored to be a member of this advisory board and to serve with such distinguished scientists who represent various disciplines but one goal: a collaborative approach to improving the human condition through science," said Lane. "Alabama in general, and the University of Alabama specifically, are fortunate to have the vision and energy of Ravi Kumar, PhD leading this charge in our state."

Jason Rupp joins the Acclinate team

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:25:36 GMT

Jason Rupp joins the Acclinate team

Jason brings 20 years of experience to lead Acclinate’s business development

Acclinate hires Jason Rupp as Head of Business Development effective January 20, 2022. Rupp brings nearly 20 years of business development experience to the company.

Before joining Acclinate, Rupp was President of Southeast Life Sciences (SLS), a trade association dedicated to supporting the life science community in the southeast. Among his many accomplishments at SLS, Rupp led the launch of SE Color, a division of SLS dedicated to advancing the issue of lack of diversity in clinical trials. Prior to his tenure as SLS, Rupp led business development for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)and AdvaMed in Washington, DC.

Acclinate is committed to health equity through inclusive research. The addition of Rupp will ensure fairness in clinical trials that leads to better science and creates the potential to reduce health disparities. “Since launching the Diversity& Inclusion initiatives at SLS, I’ve learned the critical need to diversify our clinical trials,” Rupp said, “The opportunity to help address this need at Acclinate is truly an honor.”

“Jason’s business development experience, industry connections, and demonstrated focus on clinical trial diversity make him an ideal addition to our growing team,” said Del Smith, Acclinate’s CEO and co-founder.

Mr. Rupp has a master’s in business administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University.

###

About Acclinate™

Acclinate™ is a Birmingham-based, digital health company helping pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations access and engage communities of color, so research is more inclusive.

CONTACT

Tiffany Whitlow

256-435-2800

tiffany@acclinate.com

CerFlux Receives $100,000 BCRFA Innovation Award

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:29:51 GMT

CERFLUX Receives $100,000 BCRFA Innovation Award

Contact: Kathleen A. Lovelady | kal@CerFlux.com | https://CerFlux.com

(Photographer Dustin Massey – Dustin Massey Studios)
L-R: Dr. Lizhong Wang; Dr. Selvarangan Ponnazhagan; Dr. Rajeev Samant; Dr. Ahmed Elkhanany; Dr. Barry Sleckman; Ms. Beth Bradner Davis; Dr. Jamil Saad; Ms. Laura Hinton; Dr. Karim Budhwani; Dr. Laura Rogers; Dr. Lalita Shevde-Samant; Dr. Xu Feng

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) has awarded CerFlux $100,000 Innovation award to fast-track research and development of the CerFlux Personalized Oncology Efficacy Test (POET)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., (December 6, 2021) – CerFlux, Inc., creators of advanced personalized medicine technology for identifying the most efficient and effective treatments for each cancer patient on an individualized basis, announced the receipt of a $100,000 grant from the BCRFA. Funding from this grant will help bolster research, development, and lab-to-life translation of its low-cost, rapid Personalized Oncology Efficacy Test (POET).

More than 3.8 million women in the US have a history of breast cancer. This year an estimated 281,550 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama supports innovative research that will help improve outcomes of patients with breast cancer. Since 1996, they have contributed almost $12 million dollars to breast cancer research. Despite the impact of COVID-19, BCRFA donated their largest amount to date. CerFlux is honored to have their support in their mission to #CrushCancer.

What makes BCRFA support for CerFlux particularly noteworthy is the focus on lab-to-life translation of technological breakthroughs like POET in transforming cancer treatment around the world. Today, less than 3% of funded research makes such a lab-to-life leap. Further, while extensive biopharma research makes new treatment options available, the lack of tools to quickly select the right treatment for each patient on a personalized basis creates a frustrating dilemma in clinical decision-making. This is because every tumor is unique in its makeup and its response to treatment.

Without personalized predictive tools like POET, treatment is based on generalized parameters such as age, disease stage, etc. often leading to a mismatch between treatments and tumors. Consequently, about 75% of patients – nearly 3 out of 4 – must endure first line chemotherapy which turns out to be ineffective because the treatment regimen does not match the patient’s tumor. This results in lost time and a substantial physical, emotional, and financial burden.

CerFlux POET addresses this critical, urgent, and unmet need for accessible and affordable predictive technologies that identify optimal therapy regimens and strategically eliminate ineffective options. With BCRFA support, CerFlux is developing bioreactor technology to identify the most promising treatment strategies on a personalized basis using biopsy tissue from the patient’s own tumor. CerFlux already holds five patents on this technology with another five patents pending.

“Accounts of cancer date back some 5,000 years and yet, “slash, poison, and burn” continue to remain predominant approaches to treatment. Knives, salts, pastes, and heavy metals of the past have evolved into surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and combinations of the three. Despite recent advances in the field, socioeconomic impact of cancer continues to spiral out of control with 42% of patients depleting their entire life savings in just 2 years from diagnosis. Developing better tools for cancer treatment is not merely an intellectual exercise or business driver, but a mandate for us. We have designed our patented technology so that it can be applied across the cancer care continuum: POET to better match treatments to tumors and PEER (Preclinical Estimate Efficacy Report) to predict clinical success of new therapies still under development at pharmaceutical companies. Our goal is to transform both discovery and delivery of cancer treatment,” explains CerFlux CEO Dr. Karim Budhwani.

"The BCRFA is pleased to again support the promising research being conducted by the CerFlux team," said Beth Bradner Davis, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. "Our organization's core mission is to find and fund projects that have a deep impact on breast cancer patients in Alabama and around the globe. CerFlux Personalized Oncology Efficacy Test (POET) is making great advances in treatment for cancer patients. We are proud to continue our partnership."

Predictive technologies like POET – that match each patient with the right treatment regimen BEFORE treatment is administered – will transform cancer treatment in the near-term and make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, as well as providers around the world.

About CerFlux, Inc.

CerFlux, Inc., a Birmingham, Alabama, based biotech company, is creating advanced, personalized medicine solutions to rapidly identify the most effective cancer treatments for each patient on an individualized basis. While breakthroughs in biopharma discovery are helping to produce a library of treatment options, many new therapeutics are becoming more specialized and therefore effective for smaller populations. This underscores an even greater need for matching treatments to tumors on an individualized basis; ironically, cancer is a ubiquitous rare disease. Our goal is to build solutions that quickly and clearly separate optimal from ineffective options, so clinical teams can successfully treat the disease, thereby improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

Additional Information

To request collateral materials for publication or to schedule interviews with principals from CerFlux, Inc., please contact Ms. Kathleen A. Lovelady at kal@CerFlux.com for availability.

UAB Biotech Startup, Reliant Glycosciences, Enables Treatment for IgA Nephropathy

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 15:25:52 GMT

UAB Biotech Startup, Reliant Glycosciences, Enables Treatment for IgA Nephropathy

Birmingham, AL / October 2021– Reliant Glycosciences, LLC (Reliant) is pleased to report its successful completion of a $200,000 Phase I SBIR Grant from the NIH. This grant has enabled Reliant to initiate the process of translating their proprietary biomarker tests for a kidney disease, IgA nephropathy (IgAN), to the clinical setting. Biomarkers are biological molecules in blood or tissues that can indicate normal or abnormal processes or a specific disease. Since its spin-off from UAB at the recommendation of Dr. Selwyn Vickers, Dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, Reliant’s initial focus has been to provide measurements of potential disease-specific biomarkers for ongoing IgAN clinical trials.

The Reliant team

Reliant was formed in 2016 with the mission of enabling development of transformative and targeted treatments for IgAN by providing a means to characterize disease-specific biomarkers. The biotechnology company, located in Birmingham, AL, focuses on developing diagnostic and prognostic tools for patients with IgAN. IgAN, one of the most common forms of glomerulonephritis in the world, affects more than 150,000 Americans and is even more prevalent in other countries. Glomerulonephritides are diseases that injure glomeruli, the part of the kidney that filters waste products from the blood. Several of the Reliant founders helped define IgAN as an autoimmune disease wherein kidneys are injured as innocent bystanders.

The company was founded by Drs. Bruce Julian, Jan Novak, Matt Renfrow, Will Placzek, and Dana Risk as a spinout company from UAB. The founders serve on the advisory board for the company. The company has taken advantage of the Discovery BioMed incubator headed by Dr. Erik Schwiebert, an established biotech entrepreneur in the Birmingham area. The company now has one full-time scientist and one full-time administrative employee. Janusz Tucholski, Ph.D. is the Lead Scientist at Reliant and served as the PI on the Phase I SBIR grant. He received his Ph.D. in 1996 from the University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland in Biochemistry. Dr. Tucholski guides and leads IgAN biomarker assays for Reliant. Tatum Street, MBA is the Communications Manager at Reliant. She received her MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is the team’s most recent hire, focusing on the internal and external communications of the company.

As stated by one of the founders, Matt Renfrow, “Reliant Glycosciences started with the goal of getting the IgA nephropathy biomarker assays developed in Dr. Novak’s laboratory out to the market for wider use. The UAB Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship helped us make that happen through the licensing agreement and by becoming partners with us in the endeavor. We have a working team of experts, advisors, and scientists in the company that have successfully made these assays available for use by biopharmaceutical companies. The ultimate goal is to get these assays into nephrologists’ hands so they can monitor and better treat patients with IgA nephropathy.”

To learn more about Reliant Glycosciences, see their website at

https://www.reliantglycosciences.com/

Written by: Tatum Street

Updated 11/17/21

Alabama's Bioscience COVID Relief Efforts

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:19:36 GMT

BIO Alabama submitted the following letter to Governor Ivey, highlighting the tremendous work of our members in COVID-19 relief efforts.

Dear Governor Ivey,

As concern grows over the advances of the Delta variant COVID strain, we wanted to share the tremendous contributions Alabamians in our bioscience industry have made in this urgent fight. We live in a state that literally took man to the moon, and innovation is in our core, dating back to the agricultural technologies Dr. George Washington Carver developed at Tuskegee University. Now, our state’s bioscience community is assisting our neighbors, the US, and the rest of the world to curb this powerful pandemic’s destructive path by studying the virus, developing vaccines, and discovering new tools and treatments.

Avanti Polar Lipids (part of Croda International plc) utilized its Lipid Nanoparticle technology to enable the rapid clinical development of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Avanti was the first company to supply clinical and commercial quantities of this critical lipid technology that enables the targeted release of the mRNA vaccine to muscle tissue.
Moderna selected the vial produced by SiO2 Materials Science for its unique composition and manufacturing process. SiO2 increased vial production in 4 months to levels that would have taken 18-24 months for traditional vials. Without Avanti’s and SiO2’s technology and manufacturing capacity, many more lives may have been lost to the virus.
Data from a powerful artificial intelligence program developed at the Precision Medicine Institute of the University of Alabama at Birmingham resulted in the first dose-sparing cocktail of remdesivir, the only approved treatment for COVID.
At Auburn University, teams developed biosensors for rapid COVID-19 testing and reengineered standard CPAP machines into functional emergency ventilators.
The University of South Alabama collaborated with partners to repurpose their 3D printing capabilities to produce PPE for local healthcare workers.
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s powerful sequencing technology tracked the shift in COVID variants, noting the predominance of the Delta variant by June 2021.
The University of Alabama spearheaded a vaccination equity campaign, focusing on the Black Belt, which currently leads the state in vaccination status.
The University of Alabama at Huntsville collaborated with partners, including Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Alabama Supercomputer Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to identify anti-COVID-19 chemicals and drug candidates.
CFD Research is developing a new class of COVID-19 drugs with the Defense Health Agency.
Southern Research has conducted >$30 million of COVID-related research, using high-throughput screening to refine treatments, co-create vaccines, and develop assays for variant detection.

As we continue to wage war against this unrelenting virus, we must celebrate the meaningful innovations Alabama is making so that we can emerge on the other side with confidence in each other and strength together. Governor Ivey, please share these major contributions with your staff and other elected officials so that we can appreciate the united contributions of our fellow Alabamians.

Sincerely,

Rachel Lane, PhD, RD

Executive Director, BIO Alabama

How bioscience could become Alabama’s next big industry

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:04:56 GMT

Dr. Lane penned a few thoughts on Alabama's bioscience industry and the role of BIO Alabama in growing it.

https://www.thisisalabama.org/2021/08/10/how-bioscience-could-become-alabamas-next-big-industry/

Trade association advances Alabama’s biotechnology sector

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:01:34 GMT

Sam Prickett chatted with BIO AL executive director Rachel Lane PhD, RD about BIO Alabama.

https://www.thisisalabama.org/2021/07/26/new-trade-association-advances-alabamas-biotechnology-sector/

BIO AL in Mobile

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 14:56:14 GMT

BIO Alabama in Mobile

July 12-13

BIO Alabama executive director – Dr. Rachel Lane – wrapped up her listening campaign in mid-July with a visit to Mobile. The beauty and comradery of the city was evident, from the exquisitely landscaped campus of the University of South Alabama to the warm embraces shared by all members of the BIO AL roundtable.

Left to right | Ashely Lindsey (BIO AL Mobile Ambassador), Michelle Parvinrouh (Executive Director of Innovation Portal), and Rachel Lane (Executive Director of BIO AL) at the Innovation Portal celebrate the Mobile spirit of making good things happen.

Michael Berson of Adams and Reese LLP generously hosted Dr. Lane’s visit with key community leaders: Anitra Belle-Henderson (Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs at City of Mobile), Michael Chambers (Associate Vice President for Research at the University of South Alabama), Todd Greer (Vice President For Academic Affairs at the University of Mobile), Ashley Lindsey (Assistant Professor of Biology and the University of Mobile and BIO Alabama Ambassador), Michelle Parvinrouh (Executive Director at Innovation Portal), and Christina Stimpson (Director of Economic Development at Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce). Notably, this was the only meeting on Dr. Lane’s listening campaign to host a female majority. After the roundtable, Dr. Lane toured the incredible facilities at Innovation Portal. She was also excited to learn that both the University of South Alabama and the University of Mobile have implemented NSF I-Corps programs, a tremendous tool for exploring the commercial potential of scientific discoveries.

According to 2018 workforce data published in the 2020 Bioscience Teconomy report, Mobile is a key player in Alabama’s life science workforce. Alabama has a specialized workforce in Agricultural Feedstock and Industrial Biosciences, meaning that compared with the national average, the state has a significantly greater job concentration for this industry subsector. Mobile is the largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in AL to host a specialized workforce, and the only MSA in the state to land on a “top twenty” list, tailing Madison, WI for total number of employees in this industry subsector. Business Facilities – a key voice in the site selection marketplace – recently recognized Mobile as one of the top five best business environments (population <200,000) in the US, highlighting the distinct potential of this singular city to support bioscience growth. Mobile’s academic R&D capabilities, manufacturing specialty, innovation support, and favorable business environment create a unique microcosm with immense bioscience potential.

The roundtable offered helpful insight into how these exceptional features of Mobile’s bioscience industry could fit into the state’s bioeconomy. Leaders expressed sincere interest in uniting Alabama’s bioscience presence and identifying a clear strategy for positioning the state for industry success.

BIO AL Visits Tuscaloosa

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 20:06:44 GMT

BIO Alabama Visits Tuscaloosa

June 28-29th

Executive director Rachel Lane visited Tuscaloosa in late June, where she found supportive bioscience allies and enthusiastic innovators on and off campus. The trip kicked off with an engaging conversation at the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority with Executive Director Danielle Winningham and Director of Business Development Max Snyder about building Tuscaloosa’s bioeconomy. Tuscaloosa has successfully supported the automobile manufacturing industry and is interested in exploring potential crossover opportunities that support bioscience.

Dr. Lane talks with UA faculty about the state of bioscience in Alabama.

Dan Blakley, Associate Vice President for Economic and Business Engagement at The University of Alabama, hosted Dr. Lane’s campus visit at the University of Alabama. From the first conversation, UA’s concerted effort to strategically lower barriers and pave multiple paths to industry engagement was evident. The Office of Research and Economic Development leadership team recently altered their tech transfer processes to streamline contract engagements, encourage industry partnerships, and promote innovation. Dr. Sharlene Newman – Executive Director of the Alabama Life Research Institute – is cultivating valuable industry research partnerships, including an engagement with CVS. The Alabama Water Institute's agenda also typifies UA's deep-rooted appreciation for the natural resources that sustain life and their commitment to solving the challenges of the future before they become the problems of the present. Ravi Kumar, PhD -- the university's latest faculty recruit -- has developed a novel drug delivery platform with the potential to promote collaborations across the state and nation.

Drs. Lane, Newman, M. Thompson (Assistant Professor of Chemistry), J. Cochran (Associate Dean for Research at the University of Alabama), J. Bara (Professor of Chemical & Biological Engineering), R. Kumar (College of Community Health) and N. Chiem (Office of Innovation and Commercialization) engaged in a lively discussion about the state of bioscience at UA and around the state. They were joined by Dana George, Business Engagement and Research Operations Manager at The University of Alabama, who runs the Mobile office and facilitates industry partnerships.

“Across all my site visits, people are so excited to gather in person again. All the conversations have been fully engaged, future focused, and collaboration centered. It’s energizing to see our members connect in meaningful ways to build the future together,” observed Dr. Lane after their discussion.

The executive agenda has clearly influenced the student and startup population. The UA graduate students that met with Dr. Lane were especially interested in learning about industry opportunities around the state, and several resident companies at The EDGE – the university’s incubator and accelerator – are navigating bio-based innovations. The Alabama International Trade Center (AITC) continues to be an incredible resource for bioscience companies statewide, helping establish their initial commercial presence. In the last five years, Carolyn Turner and Brian Davis have provided over fifty Alabama biotech companies with no-cost, in-depth technical assistance on overseas market opportunities.^*Dr. Lane wrapped up her Tuscaloosa trip with a brief stop by Representative Bill Poole’s home office and thanked him for supporting innovation in Alabama with HB 609.

^*NEW OFFERING | The AITC recently began offering graphic design services to clients

Wallace State Community College Hosts BIO Alabama

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 15:15:29 GMT

Wallace State Community College Hosts BIO Alabama

June 25

Wallace State Community College Campus

State Community Colleges are Critical to the Bioscience industry

Three days before Dr. Lane’s trip to Wallace State Community College (WSCC), the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes released the 2021 Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report.

Figure after figure, the report reinforces the essential role of two-year colleges in training the life science workforce. More than 50% of entry-level life science jobs require middle- and low-skill training (defined by the study as less than a bachelor’s degree) (Figure 1), and 25% of all life-science job postings – regardless of level – specify the need for an associate degree or less (Figure 2).

“Medical technician” (Figure 3), a position with multiple entry points supported by community college education, was the technical life science job in highest demand from 2017-2020.

The Role of WSCC in Alabama's bioscience workforce

WSCC’s contribution to training and diversifying AL’s life science workforce is obvious, graduating >50 medical technicians and training numerous agriculture professionals each year, as well as creating onramps for underserved populations (evidenced by their recent NSF award to train women and adult learners in the diesel industry). In 2022, WSCC will be rolling out a business incubator, equipped with 8 pods capable of supporting light manufacturing operations. This combination of essential training with entrepreneurial support encourages application-centered innovation.

WSCC medical laboratory technician students in training and a WSCC greenhouse

Travis Kress – who manages his own family farm in Cullman – also runs the Small Farmer Training Program at WSCC. He explained that the average Alabama farmer is nearing 60 years of age, and our state also has more new ag producers than the national average. Dr. Lane speculates that the next generation of farmers may usher in a new mentality toward technology and farming that could make Alabama an especially welcoming state for agbio innovators to call home.

WSCC’s commitment to workforce diversity and innovation is a key partner in Alabama’s future. Special thanks to Suzanne Harbin, Wesley Rakestraw, Travis Kress, Kristi Barnett, and Beth Williams for sharing this time and insight with Dr. Lane during her visit.

The Auburn Research and Technology Foundation Hosts BIO Alabama

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 21:41:55 GMT

Auburn Hosts BIO Alabama

June 2-3

Dr. Lane’s “Listening Campaign” around Alabama continued in June with a visit to Auburn. As a Texas native, she immediately felt at ease in the Alabama plains and was surprised to learn the Atlanta airport is only 1.5 hours away from the charmingly bustling town. Bill Dean – Executive Director of the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation (aka “The Park”) – hosted Dr. Lane at The Park’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Graduate students from the Department of Biology kicked off Dr. Lane’s visit with a casual conversation about how BIO AL can support their career development: their interests spanned from policy, to academia, to industry. Dr. Lane discussed the depth of career opportunities in Alabama following graduation. As a result of their conversation, BIO Alabama plans to organize virtual soft-skill professional development opportunities and industry introductions for grad students across the state.

ARTF Executive Director Bill Dean (right), BIO AL Executive Director Rachel Lane (middle), and Senior Technology Transfer Officer Troy Brady (left) discuss Mr. Dean's plans to streamline tech transfer.

Bill Dean and Cary Chandler - Senior Director of Business Development & Startups – shared their thoughtful design of The Park’s campus and resources to connect, support, and fuel innovators. Dr. Lane was impressed to learn that the campus includes the Big Blue Marble Academy. “Campus-accessible childcare helps working parents stay engaged in their careers, supporting a diverse workforce that includes more representative perspectives and experiences” she noted. Mr. Dean's unique skillset and expertise in creating innovation-conducive environments was evident in his insightful plan to bridge gaps in the innovation pathway and facilitate tech transfer.

Next, Rick Hansen, Kimberly Braxton, and Gary Piazza from the Harrison School of Pharmacy shared their work. Dr. Lane was especially excited to learn more about Dr. Braxton’s study with the “TigerMeds® Personalized Prescriptions” program. The program uses individualized pharmacogenomic results to optimize patient prescriptions for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), SSRI or SSNRI antidepressants, ADHD medications, antiplatelet medications, and antiestrogen medications.

Dr. Symone Alexander from the College of Engineering explains her work

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering proved to be refreshingly focused on industry application, including novel MRI contrast agents, and showcased several of their energetic new faculty. College of Agriculture Chair David Held spotlighted the department’s recently introduced Applied Biotechnology degree, and Professor Brendan Higgins reiterated that many of their students “want to stay in the south.” VP for Research and Economic Development Jim Weyhenmeyer discussed cultural shifts in academic research that could promote a transition from predominately market-pull to market-push innovations. The College of Veterinary Medicine unveiled a vault of stories where they successfully applied developments in animal medicine to human biology. At the end of the day, Dr. Lane toured The Park’s accelerator space with Cary Chandler and then the Center for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Commerce across the street with Dr. Mark Liles.

Representative Jeremy Gray and Dr. Rachel Lane

Dr. Lane did diversify her time in Auburn. She met with Representative Jeremey Gray to thank him for co-sponsoring HB 609, which was signed by Governor Ivey in May and provides state matching funds for companies awarded federal SBIR/STTR dollars. On her way out of town, Dr. Lane stopped by Vitruvias Therapeutics to visit with President Roger Graben.

Despite the packed schedule, Dr. Lane left unfinished business in Auburn and hopes to return for a visit with SiO2 and Pharmavite - among other companies - soon.

BIO AL Visits Birmingham

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:38:06 GMT

BIO Alabama in Birmingham

May 26-27

BIO Alabama's new executive director - Rachel Lane, PhD, RD - is hitting the road this summer, with trips planned to all five hubs in the state. At the end of May, Dr. Lane began her travels with a two-day trip to Birmingham. Advancing Sight Network was the first stop, where Dr. Greg Grossman and Kyle Mavin showed off their thoughtfully designed facility. Dr. Lane marveled at the complex beauty of organ donation.

A transplant-ready cornea at Advancing Sight Network

"The most memorable moment for me was seeing a cornea in transition between the donor and recipient. It was amazing to think that just yesterday, that cornea had seen one life close but its work would continue beyond the first soul that brought it into the world. All that past and future fit into a 50-milliliter container."

Leverett Powell and the Agile Biodetection crew then toured Dr. Lane around their spacious laboratory and offered several constructive suggestions on how to streamline the biotech startup process, based on their recent experience.

Agile Biodetection crew from left to right | Leverett Powell, Kanti K. Sunkavalli, and Elizabeth Rayburn

From there, Dr. Lane drove a few miles down the road to meet board member Jay Daly for a tour around Evonik's expansive campus, where she learned about their PLGA*-based therapeutic innovations. She then joined Chair Blair King (Alabama Power), Chair-Elect Kacee Sims (Avanti Polar Lipids), and past Chair-Elect Amy Sturdivant (58 INC) for dinner and discussion about building the AL bioeconomy.

The next morning, CerFlux Founder Dr. Karim Budhwani met Dr. Lane for breakfast. They swapped ideas about various entrepreneurial support resources for life science startups, such as the I-Corps programs and Alabama Launchpad competition.

Dr. Karim Budhwani of CerFlux and Dr. Lane

Dr. Lane then met 2022 Conference Chair Alex Cate (HudsonAlpha) and Birmingham-based members of the committee to tour the conference site: the Grand Bohemian Hotel. All members were impressed with the facility, and ideas for an exciting program began to percolate, including an executive dinner, patient-physician-innovator panels, and unique networking opportunities. From there, Dr. Lane headed to the Innovation Depot to meet with resident companies TriAltus, In8bio, ResBiotic, AI Metrics, and Amesino. They discussed how BIO AL could help facilitate tech transfer processes and support early-stage startups.

Dr. Lane ended her day after meeting with Vulcan Gray, First Avenue Ventures, and Southern Research. "The best part of the trip was realizing I've barely scratched the surface. There are so many more life science companies and institutions to visit in Birmingham. I can't wait to come back," said Dr. Lane.

*poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)

BIO Alabama's Stance on HR3

Mon, 17 May 2021 18:14:22 GMT

HR3 attempts to address some of the challenges facing healthcare costs by limiting drug prices. BIO AL's Executive Director sent the following letter to Alabama's congressional representatives and senators.

I’m writing on behalf of BIO Alabama to express our concerns about HR3 and the impact it would have on innovation and on the future development of life-saving medical treatments. Reference pricing would have a negative impact on patients and on our bioscience industry in Alabama.

The timing of this proposal is particularly ironic considering what the past year has shown us about the value of innovation and a robust bioscience industry. We have all seen first-hand the benefits of having an industry that was positioned and ready to respond to a novel and deadly coronavirus. But the importance of this industry is no less vital to those diagnosed with diseases that have been causing deaths and disability for many years.

As our national partners at BIO have said of HR3:

“This proposal, as a de-facto price control measure, would handicap future medical innovation – including for future pandemics – and destroy hope for millions of patients living with diseases for which no cures or viable treatments currently exist. As a recent study made clear, patients would have had access to significantly fewer new medicines to treat rare diseases and cancer, as two examples, had reference pricing proposals been enacted over the last decade. Moreover, the proposal would have triggered hundreds of thousands of job losses across the country."

Like BIO at the national level, BIO Alabama is deeply concerned about this legislation. We remain committed to working with you on patient-centered reforms to improve access to medications and treatments without putting our industry — and more importantly, the next generation of cures — at risk.

As a scientist, I understand the tremendous resources required to create and safely introduce new treatments, diagnostics, and medical instruments to healthcare. In my role as Founder of The Written Science, I spent years working with early-stage innovators, fueled by their zeal and hope for better medicine in the future. I experienced the challenges of healthcare access and pricing abuse in my clinical career. The challenges facing healthcare are complex and multifaceted, but HR3 is not a satisfactory solution and will create more holes in patient treatment than it fills.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

- Rachel Lane PhD, RD

International Reference Pricing Policies

Wed, 12 May 2021 20:20:18 GMT

HR3 proposes to replace the current market-based system for determining the value of prescription medicines with a system based on international reference pricing. If enacted, these policies will import to the US price controls adopted by countries with health care systems that deny patients access to the newest cures and treatments.

BIO conducted a study that found implementation of reference pricing in the US would

- Reduce earnings of impacted companies by 62% on average (by 95% for 1/3)

- Markedly reduce biopharmaceutical companies’ investments in smaller company R&D

- Reduce by 90%+ the number of medicines developed by small and emerging biotechs (61 fewer medicines over 10 years)

- Create large investment ecosystem losses to smaller companies in 19 states

- Disproportionately impact new treatments in rare diseases, oncology, and neurology

- Eliminate nearly 200,000 biopharmaceutical industry jobs, and nearly 1 million jobs across the economy

BIO acknowledges current challenges with drug prices and recommends that policymakers a) address perverse incentives in the insurance system, b) increase competition, and c) lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Content from BIO.org

BIO Alabama names Rachel Lane executive director

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 20:13:47 GMT

BIO Alabama has named entrepreneur Rachel Lane, Ph.D., R.D., as its new executive director.

Lane founded The Written Science LLC in Huntsville, where she serves as a liaison between business and cutting-edge research teams to translate science into medicine.

As executive director for BIO Alabama, she will focus on:

Fostering independent and collaborative initiatives that cultivate a fertile, career-centric bioscience community in Alabama.
Promoting tech transfer activities by facilitating member access to innovation resources, including funding opportunities and entrepreneurial support services.
Creating constructive member engagement, through cross-member programmatic and technology match-making initiatives.
Positioning BIO Alabama as the leader in bioscience-related industries statewide.

“Rachel’s background and experience serving as a bridge between the science and business community make her the ideal person to take the reins at BIO Alabama,” said Blair King, chair of BIO Alabama’s board of directors. “We are extremely excited about what Rachel brings to our organization.”

Lane began her career in clinical dietetics, working hand in hand with clinicians to provide evidence-based nutrition to acute care patients. She earned a doctorate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 2017.

Her experience includes founding the Oklahoma Association for Women in Science Affiliate Group, for which she recruited speakers, raised funds and planned events, including the inaugural Women’s History Month Symposium, to promote the professional success of women in STEM.

Lane founded The Written Science to help early-stage biotechs communicate the business value of their technology.

As BIO Alabama’s executive director, Lane will serve as the spokesperson and lead connector of the Alabama bioscience ecosystem, advocating for the state’s bioscience researchers, industry scientists and business leaders.

“Since moving to Alabama in 2017, I’ve been increasingly impressed by our state’s bioscience offerings and potential for continued growth,” Lane said. “BIO Alabama has done a tremendous job connecting our bioscience community and I’m privileged to build on that progress with BIO Alabama’s talented board.”

The association is the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy, representing the state on a national and international stage, promoting the intellectual and innovative capital that makes Alabama a premier place to invest, start and grow in bioscience.

During 2020, BIO Alabama conducted industry research and published an economic development roadmap that outlined recommendations designed to grow Alabama’s bioscience footprint.

Originally posted on March 8, 2021 at Alabama Newscenter.

BIO Alabama says farewell to Executive Director Sonia Robinson

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 17:06:15 GMT

Organization celebrates its 2020 accomplishments and plans for future growth

BIO Alabama, the statewide bioscience association, has made great strides under the leadership of Executive Director Sonia Robinson. In early January, Robinson announced her departure and the search for a new Executive Director will soon begin. Robinson joined the organization in August of 2019 as the first full-time person serving in this role.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and our members, we thank Sonia for her service to our organization and to the broader bioscience community,” said Blair King, Board Chair. “Connecting the Alabama bioscience community is at the heart of what we do and we will continue building upon the initiatives set in motion under Sonia’s leadership. We wish Sonia the very best as she embarks on a new and exciting professional journey at Spur Staffing.”

BIO Alabama recently elected it’s officers for 2021. These individuals will be instrumental in leading the organization and initiating the search for Robinson’s replacement. BIO Alabama’s officers include: Bill Dean, Auburn University; Lawrence Ganti, Sio2 Materials Science; Blair King, Alabama Power; Erik Schwiebert, Discovery BioMed; Jared Sharp, Warren Averett; Kacee Sims, Avanti Polar Lipids; and Del Smith, Acclinate.

During 2020, BIO Alabama conducted industry research and published an economic development roadmap that outlined recommendations designed to grow Alabama’s bioscience footprint.

In addition to the roadmap, the organization also brought back it’s annual conference pivoting to an all virtual event.

BIO Alabama also launched an internship program to engage talent and connect them to the bioscience community. Two interns have accepted full-time offers with bioscience companies in Alabama and each semester the interest in the program increases.

“BIO Alabama’s Executive Director serves as the spokesperson and lead connector of the Alabama bioscience ecosystem advocating for our bioscience researchers, scientists, and business leaders,” King adds. “Sonia has been an incredible growth advocate for our organization. She also navigated the organization through much of the pandemic and enjoyed sharing the message of BIO Alabama broadly to further our mission.”

BIO Alabama will begin the search for a new Executive Director soon. Interested candidates should watch for updates to the BIO Alabama website at bioalabama.com.

BIO Alabama Welcomes Bailey, Battle, Daley, and Nolen as Spring Interns

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:58:14 GMT

Semester long internship to focus on nonprofit business operations and marketing

BIO Alabama welcomes four students into it’s spring internship program, a program for college students who are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience.

Brooke Bailey is a B.S. Physics Candidate at the University of Alabama.

“I have always had a deep passion for the bioscience world, and BIO Alabama's advocacy for networking the bioscience industry within the state of Alabama sounded nothing short of invigorating to me. Interning with BIO Alabama aligns beautifully with my career goals, while also giving me exposure to all kinds of people that can expand my horizons on the bioscience community and its future.”

Keith Battle is a PhD Candidate at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

“As a non-traditional student earning my PhD in Basic Medical Sciences at the University of South Alabama, I have always been interested in entrepreneurship as a career path after graduation. During a course in Technology Commercialization last semester I learned the importance of ‘getting out of the building,’ meaning that to be an effective researcher and create meaningful technology, one must talk to and learn the needs of those who will interact with or consume your research on a consistent basis. I see the volunteer internship opportunity at BIO Alabama as a way to continue that goal, meet leaders in Alabama’s biotech landscape, and work on an impactful project that furthers the mission of BIO Alabama to advocate for our state’s robust bioeconomy.”

Caroline Daley is a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences; Public Relations Major student at the University of Alabama.

“I was drawn to intern with BIO Alabama because I think that it will provide an excellent opportunity for me to learn and grow as a public relations professional, while also helping to promote biotechnology innovation in Alabama.”

Sara Nolen is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Marketing Major student at Auburn University.

"BIO Alabama is a perfect opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in the bioscience industry and to utilize my marketing skills. I feel like this internship will help me to create connections and provide experiences, while raising awareness for the industry, that will help me post-graduation."

Bailey, Battle, Daley, and Nolen will spend their spring semester supporting BIO Alabama’s strategic plan and implementing key initiatives focused on three areas 1) business attraction and retention; 2) workforce development; and 3) startup and tech transfer.

“We began our internship program the summer of 2020 with four students and we’re delighted to continue our internship program into the new year with four additional students from universities around the state,” said Sonia Robinson, Executive Director. “Workforce development is a key focus area for BIO Alabama and internships are an incredible way to engage our next generation of professionals. We aim to provide students with real projects that they can own, shape, and manage from start to completion. This not only gives them tangible deliverables for their specific internship criteria, but they become immersed in the Alabama bioscience community. Our hope is that our student interns find our community inviting and promising as they navigate options for their first career right out of college,” Robinson adds. “Our University partners graduate top talent and we want them to stay, work, and play in Alabama.”

BIO Alabama provides remote internship opportunities throughout the year. Interested students may email their cover letter and resume to administrator@bioalabama.com. In addition to BIO Alabama, a number of bioscience companies across the state welcome interns. Interested students may contact BIO Alabama for more information. Bioscience companies who have available internships are encouraged to send internship opportunities to BIO Alabama for assistance in promoting those opportunities to partner colleges and universities.

Interns support the executive director and Board of Directors in further connecting our bioscience ecosystem. Internships with BIO Alabama are for college credit and follow the college or university's internship guidelines including minimum hour requirements and deliverables.

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GeneCapture wins contract with Defense Health Agency for rapid wound pathogen detection and antibiotic susceptibility testing

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 15:35:04 GMT

GeneCapture technology directed at rapid treatment of wound infections

December 16, 2020 (Huntsville, Ala.) – GeneCapture and subcontractor Canvas Inc. were recently awarded a $250,000 Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) for feasibility testing of GeneCapture’s rapid portable Infection Diagnostic (ID) and Antibiotic Susceptibility Test (AST). DHA is seeking ways to quickly diagnose and accurately treat wound infections in civilians and in injured Warfighters. GeneCapture’s ID and AST platform will enable medical providers of all skill levels to treat infections with the appropriate antibiotics at the Point of Care.

The rapid treatment of an infection with the right drug is critical to the fight against global antimicrobial resistance (AMR.) The pathogens of interest to the DHA are the ESKAPE pathogens – Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcusaureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli. Multidrug resistant ESKAPE pathogens contribute to AMR world-wide and pose a critical threat to the Warfighter.

“Wound infections can be fatal. DHA is seeking to address this problem with novel solutions that combine identifying the pathogen and determining which antibiotic works best, both right at the Point of Care. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious, global problem, and GeneCapture is pleased to have been selected to demonstrate our lab-free approach for this Phase I study,” states GeneCapture Chief Scientist Paula Millirons.

Subcontractor Canvas Inc. brings software development, AI/machine learning, image processing and microbiology expertise to support GeneCapture in developing pathogen fingerprints from the CAPTURE assay data. Canvas and GeneCapture have collaborated on previous biotech projects to bring infection detection solutions to the Point of Care.

GeneCapture has developed the CAPTURE assay (Confirm Active Pathogens Through Unamplified RNA Expression), which uses a novel non-PCR protocol to quickly identify a pathogen’s RNA from a custom library of probes on a microarray. Now GeneCapture’s platform will also include a breakthrough AST assay providing rapid on-site testing of various antibiotics once the single or mixed pathogens have been identified. Both assays are designed to operate in remote environments without refrigeration or a lab infrastructure.

Photo caption: GeneCapture and Canvas microbiologists prepare experiments to demonstrate rapid identification and antibiotic susceptibility for pathogens of interest to Defense Health Agency.

###

About GeneCapture:
Gene Capture is developing a rapid infection detection device for use in point of care medicine. Using a “Genetic Signature Match” Gene Capture has been able to detect multiple infectious pathogens in human samples in about an hour. The GeneCapture technique detects the RNA of the pathogen, which indicates that the organism is alive; a major benefit of the platform. Recently, the GeneCapture team developed a rapid antibiotic susceptibility test for use in point of care and remote applications. GeneCapture’s labs are on the campus of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The early technology was developed at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. For more information see www.genecapture.com.

About Canvas:
Canvas, Inc., a Huntsville-based Woman-Owned Small Business, provides Engineering and Technical Services to a diverse group of customers in the areas Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Test and Evaluation, Technology and Product Development, and Warfighter Operations Management. Canvas was named Government Contracting Technology Business of the Year (2018) and Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year (2018) by the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce. For more information see www.canvas-inc.com.

About HudsonAlpha:
About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Opened in 2008, HudsonAlpha’s vision is to leverage the synergy between discovery, education, medicine, and economic development in genomic sciences to improve the human condition around the globe. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha has become a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and fosters more than 40 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.

HudsonAlpha Foundation announces named chair

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 14:59:47 GMT

December 2, 2020 (Huntsville, Ala.) – The HudsonAlpha Foundation and Mrs. Linda Smith announce the creation of the Smith Family Chair in Genomics at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. The Smith Family Chair in Genomics will be held by Greg Barsh, MD, PhD, faculty investigator at HudsonAlpha.

“I am so glad to continue to support HudsonAlpha,” said Smith. “I am delighted that this chair will support Dr. Barsh’s work and new discoveries in science.”

Linda and her husband, the late Mark C. Smith, moved to Huntsville, Ala. after meeting at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. Smith started two successful companies in the Huntsville community, as the founder of Universal Data Systems and co-founder of ADTRAN. A throat cancer diagnosis led to Mr. Smith’s keen interest in learning more about cancer and biotechnology. He became one of the first board members when HudsonAlpha was formed. The Smith family has supported the Institute since the beginning and continued their generosity over the years to keep HudsonAlpha at the forefront of science and discovery.

“Mark would be thrilled today to see what has happened with HudsonAlpha,” said Smith. “It is one of a kind and the sky’s the limit for HudsonAlpha’s future.”

Barsh studies the genetics of morphological variation – how DNA makes people and animals look different from one another, both within and between species. His research also helps to understand how migration, isolation, and population history affect the ability of wild animals to respond to and cope with changes in climate, habitat and environment.

“It is an honor and privilege to carry the Smith family name, who have been known for their community leadership and philanthropy in Huntsville and beyond,” said Barsh. “Linda was pivotal in bringing me to HudsonAlpha more than a decade ago. We are forever grateful for the family’s investment in HudsonAlpha throughout the years.”

“Mark and Linda really mean a lot to me and the legacy of HudsonAlpha,” said Jim Hudson, HudsonAlpha co-founder. “I am truly thankful for their friendship over the years as well as their support to make the vision for HudsonAlpha a reality.”

The HudsonAlpha Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Institute, has created the opportunity to name chairs, such as the Smith Family Chair in Genomics, as a way for donors to make an investment in the Institute to ensure its sustainability. In addition, chair positions help increase faculty retention and recruit new talent. For more information, click here.

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About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Opened in 2008, HudsonAlpha’s vision is to leverage the synergy between discovery, education, medicine, and economic development in genomic sciences to improve the human condition around the globe. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha has become a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and fosters more than 40 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.

Biomedical Sciences Team Joins The University of Alabama

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 19:24:48 GMT

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Three professors specializing in biomedical sciences, biochemistry and bioengineering will join The University of Alabama during the upcoming spring semester, boosting research and innovation in novel design and engineering of advanced drug delivery systems.

Dr. Ravi Kumar will be a professor in the College of Community Health Sciences with an adjunct appointment in the College of Engineering’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Internationally recognized for his significant contributions to nanomedicine research with applications for the treatment of human health and diseases, Kumar will also lead the convergent bioscience and medicine initiative under the Alabama Life Research Institute.

Along with Kumar, Drs. Meenakshi Arora and Raghu Ganugula will join CCHS as associate professor and assistant professor, respectively. Arora researches the development of biomaterials for therapeutic applications, specifically for autoimmune and inflammatory disease conditions. Ganugula has expertise in biotechnology and pharmacological testing of novel bioactives and drug delivery systems.

The Office for Research and Economic Development, the Office for Academic Affairs and CCHS partnered in support of the research group’s move to UA.

“These three outstanding researchers bring a wealth of experience that will advance the University’s research enterprise through collaboration with our existing faculty while enriching the experience of our students,” said Dr. Russell J. Mumper, UA vice president for research and economic development. “They are among the world leaders working in the critical nexus of bioscience and medicine, and they will continue tackling some of the greatest challenges in improving human health.”

The team will join UA from the Texas A&M University College of Pharmacy, where Kumar leads the premier laboratory in the world in nanotechnology-based oral drug delivery systems. The team currently has about $5.8 million in sponsored research projects, including three Research Project Grants, also known as R01s, from the National Institutes of Health.

“The College of Community Health Sciences is committed to improving care and treatment for those suffering medically, and this team’s ingenuity in targeting drug delivery furthers and expands our mission and opportunity for collaboration that brings benefits to our faculty and clinical professionals,” said Dr. Richard Friend, CCHS dean.

Their lab and convergent bioscience and medicine initiative will be established in the AIME Building as part of ALRI, which brings together researchers from across campus to study problems that directly affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Alabama, as well as across the nation and world.

“Advancing solutions in biosciences requires interdisciplinary teams, and the addition of this distinguished group brings another dimension to UA’s ability to better the human condition through new intellectual and technical resources,” said Dr. Sharlene Newman, ALRI executive director.

Kumar works with basic and clinical scientists in establishing novel drug delivery mechanisms and their application to inflammatory, infectious and vascular disease conditions, and his published research is widely followed by other researchers in the field.

He was first to propose and demonstrate a non-competitive active targeting nanosystem and its application to diseases. His lab employed this platform in the treatment of difficult to treat diseases such as lupus, diabetes complications and intraocular inflammation in rodent and canine models respectively. His work has advanced fundamental understanding of blood-intestine and other biological barriers and has led to the development of two patents. These technologies have facilitated industry collaborations, as well as the formation of a spinoff company

In February, Kumar will be inducted into the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences for his contributions to drug delivery. He is also a Foreign Fellow with the European Academy of Sciences, and Fellow with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and has received a number of other national and international awards.

His tenure at Texas A&M began in 2013 after about five years as a professor at the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom. He was also an assistant professor at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research in India, and a research fellow at Saarland University in Germany.

Kumar earned a doctorate in drug delivery from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee in 2000, a masters of applied chemistry from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya and a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences from Nagarjuna University.

Arora is an assistant professor of research at Texas A&M, where she has also been a research scientist. Arora has been an integral member of the research team with Kumar at previous posts, including post-doctoral work in other labs. She earned a doctorate in chemistry in 2001 and a masters of organic chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee as well as a bachelors of chemistry, zoology and botany from Chaudhary Charan Singh University.

At Texas A&M, Ganugula is an assistant professor of research and was previously an assistant research scientist and postdoctoral researcher. He graduated in 2011 with a doctorate in biotechnology from Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in India, a masters in biotechnology from Andhra University and a bachelors of chemistry, botany and zoology from A.M.A.L. College.

https://news.ua.edu/2020/11/biomedical-sciences-team-joins-the-university-of-alabama/

The University of Alabama, the state’s oldest and largest public institution of higher education, is a student-centered research university that draws the best and brightest to an academic community committed to providing a premier undergraduate and graduate education. UA is dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, collaboration and intellectual engagement; providing public outreach and service to the state of Alabama and the nation; and nurturing a campus environment that fosters collegiality, respect and inclusivity.

Additional news about The University of Alabama can be found at: https://news.ua.edu/news-media/

HEALTH INNOVATION STARTUP RESBIOTECH SPINS OUT OF UAB

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:00:06 GMT

A University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) faculty member has founded a company to tackle the pervasive problems faced with respiratory diseases.

ResBiotech, a cardio-respiratory health innovation platform company, was recently launched by Dr. Charitharth Vivek Lal to target respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, asthma and others. Affecting more than 20 million people in the United States alone, respiratory diseases represent a $50 billion market and show no signs of decreasing.

ResBiotech, which was launched with UAB’s Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is working with the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) and other partners to seek investors, will revolutionize the future of patient care and strengthen Birmingham’s health care and entrepreneurial ecosystems, said Jon Nugent, vice president of innovation and technology for the BBA.

“Birmingham is the right place to launch this type of company because of the continual health care innovation that is one of our region’s trademarks,” said Nugent, who has worked with Dr. Lal for over a year. “There is continued and widespread interest in state-of-the-art health care innovation. Dr. Lal’s vision, coupled with support from UAB and local stakeholders, could prove to be pathbreaking for Birmingham and Alabama as a whole.”

Using medical technologies to solve major health challenges, its first product, ResBiotic – currently in preclinical development – will serve as a wellness supplement for respiratory illnesses in people of all ages.

“The company will be focused on the invention, creation and monetization of proprietary medical technologies that solve major health challenges,” Lal said.

Dr. Sanjay Singh, a local entrepreneur, former UAB faculty and a member of the BBA’s Executive Committee, will serve as the strategic business adviser for ResBiotech. In addition, a Scientific Advisory Board will be created for the company.

“ResBiotech will be an innovation, investment and commercialization vehicle, with access to world-class researchers and facilities locally,” said Singh. “I foresee ResBiotech positioned to become a national leader in the cardio-respiratory innovation industry, one that could revolutionize patient care in the future.”

Dr. Kathy Nugent, executive director of the Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UAB, emphasized Birmingham’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and Dr. Lal’s board service to Urgent Care for Children, another Birmingham startup that is quickly growing.

“It’s exciting to see research born in the university spin out and grow in Birmingham, as our ecosystem is poised for cultivating innovative concepts,” said Nugent.

Click here to learn more.

HudsonAlpha scientists named among the world’s most highly cited researchers for seventh year running

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:53:42 GMT

November 18, 2020 (Huntsville, AL) – Three scientists from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology were named to the annual Highly Cited Researchers™ 2020 list from Clarivate. The list identifies scientists and social scientists who demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade. Their names are drawn from the publications that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and publication year in the Web of Science™ citation index.

By nature, research builds upon past knowledge. When reporting new research, scientists place their work in the proper context with respect to the past work upon which it builds. This is done by referencing sources of information, also known as citations.

In the research community, citations serve not only as performance indicators for individual scientists or fields of study, but also to create webs of knowledge. Citing other research helps to validate the new work and explain how it fits into, or challenges, the current knowledge in the field.

HudsonAlpha has a strong record of making significant contributions to the research community. This is the seventh year in a row that at least three HudsonAlpha scientists have been named on the Highly Cited Researcher list. This speaks volumes to the expertise and respect that these scientists have in their field of study and beyond.

“HudsonAlpha’s outstanding track record of Highly Cited Researchers is a testament to the impactful foundational research that our Institute prides itself on,” says Rick Myers, PhD, President and Science Director and M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. “Collaborative research is an important pillar on which the spirit of HudsonAlpha was built, and we are proud that our scientists are able to be active contributors to the open flow of research and information in the genomics field.”

Past HudsonAlpha faculty included on the Highly Cited Researcher list include Myers, Devin Absher, PhD, Greg Cooper, PhD, Jane Grimwood, PhD, and Jeremy Schmutz.

The three scientists named to the 2020 list are:

Faculty Investigator Jane Grimwood, PhD – Cross-field
Faculty Investigator Jeremy Schmutz – Plant and Animal Science
Jerry Jenkins, PhD – Cross-field

Grimwood and Schmutz serve as the co-directors of the HudsonAlpha Geno me Sequencing Center. Together with their research teams, they have sequenced well over 150 de novo plant genomes, both for their own research projects and collaborative projects. The de novo plant genomes serve as a foundation for genomic and functional plant research, meaning that hundreds of scientists rely on and utilize the reference genomes created by Grimwood and Schmutz’s group.

Because of their expert status in the plant genomics field, Grimwood and Schmutz are no strangers to the Highly Cited Researcher List, both having been named to the list several times before. In fact, Schmutz has made the list every year since its inception in 2014.

Although Jenkins is a newcomer to the Highly Cited Researcher list this year, he has been a critical part of the Genome Sequencing Center team for nearly a decade. He serves as the Genome Analysis Group Leader and is involved in the generation and improvement of de novo plant genomes.

“Working in the Genome Sequencing Center with Jane and Jeremy over the past decade has given me the opportunity to participate in high-quality research and collaborate with dozens of research groups to help address important questions pertaining to plant science,” says Jenkins. “It is rewarding for me personally to see that our peers recognize the impact the group is having in plant genomics, and we plan to continue to make high quality contributions to address questions in plant science."

Grimwood, Schmutz and Jenkins are three of 6,167 researchers from more than sixty countries and regions recognized this year, 2,650 of which reside in the United States. They are also joined by 26 Nobel Laureates.

“In the race for knowledge, it is human capital that is fundamental and this list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers who are having a great impact on the research community as measured by the rate at which their work is being cited by others,” said David Pendlebury, Senior Citation Analyst at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate.

The full 2020 Highly Cited Researchers list and executive summary can be found online here.

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About HudsonAlpha: HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and commercialization. Opened in 2008, HudsonAlpha’s vision is to leverage the synergy between discovery, education, medicine, and economic development in genomic sciences to improve the human condition around the globe. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled within Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second largest research park. The state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. HudsonAlpha has become a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech education and fosters more than 40 diverse biotech companies on campus. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org.

HudsonAlpha’s genomic expertise leading to better understanding of SARS-CoV-2’s impact to the State of Alabama

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:11:12 GMT

State of Alabama, HudsonAlpha and biotech companies working to track COVID-19 transmission

November 23, 2020 (Huntsville, Ala.) – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology today announced the ongoing efforts in support of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s work to respond to and mitigate COVID-19. Through Alabama’s Coronavirus Relief Fund and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), $600,000 has been allocated to HudsonAlpha to perform genomic sequencing on positive SARS-CoV-2 samples from people across the state of Alabama.

“All of us at HudsonAlpha are grateful to the state of Alabama for this support to help strengthen our state’s response and planning for this pandemic," said Rick Myers, PhD, President, Science Director and M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. “HudsonAlpha’s genomic research scientists are fully committed to combating this deadly virus.”

There are multiple goals with this COVID-19 initiative including identifying different strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus from all regions of the state, generating longitudinal data to determine changes in the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the pandemic; identifying possible sources of new hotspots of infection in Alabama; surveying for possible emerging strains of virus which could have implications for vaccine development and vaccine efficiency; and adding an Alabama perspective to national and global COVID-19 initiatives through sequencing data generated in the state. The information generated will be provided to the Alabama Department of Public Health and other parties that have critical roles in responding to the pandemic.

Leading this project is co-director of HudsonAlpha’s Genome Sequencing Center, Jane Grimwood, PhD. “Through this initiative with the state, HudsonAlpha aims to provide actionable information to help the collective efforts of policymakers and frontline workers in the fight against the pandemic,” said Grimwood.

HudsonAlpha is currently working with Diatherix-Eurofins Laboratories (HudsonAlpha resident associate company) as provider of the COVID-19 samples. HudsonAlpha is engaging other sources to provide additional samples to extend geographic and demographic coverage throughout the state.

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Southeast Life Sciences Announces Award Winners and PitchRounds Winners for the first AdvanSE Life Sciences Conference

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 13:32:17 GMT

On the closing day of the first annual Southeast Life Sciences conference, the AdvanSE Life Sciences Conference, we want to congratulation the winners of our awards and PitchRounds.

Southeast Life Sciences awards include awards for best initial funding, best venture funding, best strategic partnership, best M&A, and best IPO. The winners of these are as follows. These awards go back more than a decade from both Southeast BIO and the Southeast Medical Device Association prior to the merger. Some of the biggest success stories from the southeast have been included in these awards and we expect the same big things with our winners this year!

For best Initial Funding (seed or angel), the winner is Acclinate Genetics, from Huntsville, Alabama.
For best Venture Funding (>$1mm from institutional investors), the winner is Embody Inc., from Norfolk, VA
For best Strategic Partnership, the winner is SiO2, of Auburn, Alabama
For best M&A, the award goes to AskBio, from RTP, NC, which was acquired by Bayer AG.
For best IPO, the award goes to Shattuck Labs, from Durham, NC and Austin, TX

SE PitchRounds this year took in more than 70 applications from across the region for only 22 slots. These 20 companies represented the most exciting technologies and some of the most experienced entrepreneurs in the region. From the initial 22, we selected four finalists that presented on the closing day of the conference. The finalists were Embody, Inc., Moterum, HeamGen, and Stuart Therapeutics.

The winners from the bipharma/diagnostic group was Stuart Therapeutics.

The winner from the medtech/digital group was Embody, Inc.

Congratulations to Everyone!

Contract for innovative delivery system for COVID-19 vaccine

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 13:57:15 GMT

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014. The person responsible for making this announcement is David Bishop, Director of Investor Relations.

Croda International Plc (“Croda” or “the Group”), the speciality chemical company that uses smart science to create high performance ingredients and technologies that improve lives, today announces that it has recently entered into an agreement with Pfizer Inc. to supply novel excipients used in the manufacture of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The contract with Pfizer runs for five years and awards Croda an initial supply contract for four component excipients used in the production of the vaccine candidate for the first three years of the contract. Demand remains subject to relevant approvals.

Croda’s recently acquired subsidiary, Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. (“Avanti”), specialises in the development and production of high-purity lipids, to produce research and clinical trial quantities of excipients in order to stabilise formulations and enable delivery into the body by parenteral mechanism (injection) for drug and vaccine applications. Croda’s existing health care business has a 20-year track record in developing IP-rich, innovative technologies for drug delivery systems for the pharmaceutical industry and has been working with Avanti, prior to and since its acquisition by Croda, to refine the complex processes involved in achieving the volumes of high-purity excipients required by its pharmaceutical customers. Croda has reprioritised investment, resources and other projects across the Group over the last few months to focus on the delivery of this project.

Commenting on the new contract, Steve Foots, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“I’m very proud of Croda’s involvement in the battle to fight the most significant pandemic that we have seen in a generation. The application of our innovative capabilities is testament to the strong progress we have made to create industry-leading drug delivery systems, focused on developing speciality excipients and adjuvants to improve the effectiveness and stability of complex drug actives and vaccines. It is another example of why our Purpose - Smart Science to Improve Lives – sits at the heart of our strategy and will continue to drive our priorities and ambitions in the years ahead.”

Spring Semester Internships with BIO Alabama

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:29:15 GMT

Nonprofit Operations & Marketing Internship

You are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience. Under the guidance and supervision of the executive director, you will support back office operations, marketing, and event planning to further the mission of BIO Alabama, the state affiliate of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy. BIO Alabama is a membership-based professional organization representing the state on a national and international stage. Your role as an intern will be to support the executive director in further connecting our bioscience ecosystem. This internship is for college credit and will follow your instructor’s internship guidelines including minimum hour requirements and deliverables.

What you will do

Prepare bi-weekly e-newsletter drafts for executive director’s review and approval.
Assist with weekly social media posts and engagement.
Coordinate all details of events (both virtual and in person) including speaker invitations, speaker planning and preparation, promotion, day of event setup, and event attendee follow-up.
Conduct market research as needed to better understand the State’s bioscience ecosystem and it’s assets.
Update and maintain data in customer management systems (CRM)
Participate in weekly planning calls with the executive director.

What you already have

Interest in learning marketing and social media for a state-wide, nonprofit, professional organization.
Interest in learning how to plan and implement small/medium scale events.
Experience conducting research and possess strong written and oral communications skills.
Ability to navigate a wide variety of business and social settings and enjoy taking the message of BIO Alabama to individuals and organizations not yet familiar with its mission.

Submit PDF file of Cover Letter & Resume to: Sonia Robinson, Executive Director sonia@bioalabama.com

DEADLINE: January 29, 2021

Kailos Genetics launches Assure Sentinel™ - COVID-19 Testing for Safe Workplaces

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:41:32 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – October 15, 2020 – Kailos Genetics announces the launch of Assure Sentinel, a first-of-its-kind workplace viral suppression program that tests organizations for COVID-19 on a frequent and recurring basis.

The Assure Sentinel program reduces the challenges of COVID-19 testing in the workplace. Samples are acquired using the easy and painless ViraWash™ saliva collection system, eliminating the need for nasopharyngeal swabs. Additionally, testing is performed with ViralPatch™, the company’s proprietary viral capture and sample pooling methodology, and next generation DNA sequencing to decrease costs and increase testing sensitivity.

“Pooling dozens of samples together has been standard in blood banking for decades. The Assure Sentinel program is helping to suppress COVID-19 and returning people to the workplace,” says Brian Pollock, Chief Executive Officer for Kailos Genetics.

Regular COVID-19 testing can mean a reduction in employee anxiety and a rise in confidence and productivity. "Safety is, and has always been, our number one priority during the pandemic, and the Assure Sentinel program is helping us continue to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees," said Julia Michaux-Watkins, Director of Human Resources at HudsonAlpha.

Kailos is offering the workplace testing program to companies, non-profit organizations and schools directly and via partnerships with healthcare organizations. The first partnerships announced include Huntingdon College (Montgomery, AL) and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (Huntsville, AL).

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Huntingdon College identified access to testing as a key element to our ability to responsibly reopen our campus to our students, faculty and staff for the fall. We have been fortunate to find an Alabama-based partner to provide a reasonably priced, efficient testing option, which has been critical in successfully mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on our campus,” says Jay Dorman, Treasurer and Senior Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Administration at Huntingdon College.

For more information on Kailos Genetics Assure Sentinel program, email media@kailosgenetics.com.

Kailos Genetics is a leader in innovative, cost-effective solutions that make genetic screening accessible to everyone. Kailos provides genetic and COVID-19 testing through partnerships with physicians, health systems and employers around the world.

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GeneCapture announces the successful demonstration of its ‘direct from sample’ multi-pathogen infection detection CAPTURE PLATFORM™

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:32:59 GMT

Huntsville, AL (October 19) – GeneCapture, a company developing products for commercial and government applications for point of care diagnostics, announced today the world’s first multi-pathogen identification using non-amplified RNA detection. Its 1 hour ‘sample to answer’ CAPTURE PLATFORM™ is on track for commercialization within two years.

“We made history today – this is the first time an automated rapid pathogen identification has been reported directly from the sample, with no modification or amplification of its genetic source, in about an hour,” said GeneCapture CEO Peggy Sammon. “We envision a future where finding out why you are sick can be solved almost anywhere, in an hour, and without being chained to a lab. Infection detection will soon be portable, fast, and inexpensive. Just as the shift from relying on central computers to desktop and handheld devices enabled entirely new markets, so will decentralized, portable multi-pathogen infection detection.”

GeneCapture’s unique disposable cartridge enables its point of care vision for rapid, inexpensive multi-pathogen identification. Whether the illness is bacterial, viral, fungal or protozoan, a single test will pinpoint the cause. The novel technology consolidates sample prep and molecular signature detection in one plastic cartridge with a ‘one button’ portable reader.

Rick Myers, PhD, President, Science Director and M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics at HudsonAlpha says, “GeneCapture’s approach, an array-based genetic fingerprint based on direct RNA hybridization, is an innovative way to simplify the process and cost of responding to infections. Their recent demonstration of Sample-to-Answer pathogen identification is a major milestone for this industry.”

The significance of a non-amplified solution is in the logistics. Without a need for enzymes, the test cost and complexity drop dramatically, allowing non-medical personnel to perform multi-pathogen tests without access to a lab. This ease of use will open up new markets for infection detection at schools, day care centers, clinics, veterinary offices, nursing homes, airports and field hospitals. The cost per test is forecasted at only $20 for each disposable hand-sized cartridge.

GeneCapture’s future products will screen a human/animal sample for up to 200 pathogens in less than an hour. Their CAPTURE PLATFORM™ (Confirming Active Pathogens Through Unamplified RNA Expression) requires neither enzymes nor refrigeration and will have an expected shelf life of over a year. The product is envisioned for point of care applications including remote rural health and military operations.

The initial molecular binding concept was conceived at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and licensed to GeneCapture, which is an associate company at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology - one of the world’s leading genomics centers. The company has since filed an additional 11 patents, built prototypes, and performed successful pre-clinical validation tests. In addition to the commercial applications, the company has been awarded multiple Department of Defense contracts to mature the technology for potential far-forward military operational use.

The closed cartridge accepts a direct sample (urine, blood, swab) and then concentrates and exposes the pathogen’s RNA fragments to the custom DNA probes on an array. Once the RNA is captured, the specific probes activate an optical sensor. The pattern across the array identifies the pathogen. Limits of detection have been validated and are currently clinically relevant for most bacterial infections, and are being optimized for viral infections.

Louise O’Keefe, PhD, Director of the Faculty and Staff Clinic at UAH, and an advisor to GeneCapture says, “Our industry needs a breakthrough in turnaround time for diagnostic results. GeneCapture’s approach could transform that challenge we deal with every day.”

The GeneCapture team has briefed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its approach and has begun the process to prepare for the clinical testing required for FDA clearance.

The company is in discussions with industry leaders for various applications in health care infection detection.

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Photo caption: GeneCapture’s disposable cartridge integrates sample prep and pathogen identification in its rapid, portable ‘sample-in answer-out’ pathogen identification platform.

About GeneCapture: GeneCapture is developing products for commercial and government applications for point of care diagnostics. The company’s patented CAPTURE PLATFORM™ performs direct RNA hybridization to rapidly identify infectious disease organisms from urine, saliva and blood. The ability to detect up to 200 pathogens from a single run at an expected price of $20 sets the CAPTURE PLATFORM™ apart. With the addition of antimicrobial susceptibility testing to their offerings, GeneCapture is in a position to bring the capabilities of a microbiology lab to point of care applications and to underserved locations in the U.S. and around the world.

About UAH: Launched from America’s quest to conquer space, The University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of America’s premier doctoral-granting, research-intensive universities. Located in the second largest research park in the United States, UAH has robust capabilities in astrophysics, cybersecurity, data analytics, logistics and supply chain management, optical systems and engineering, reliability and failure analysis, rotorcraft and unmanned systems, severe weather, space propulsion, and more. UAH prepares students for demanding positions in engineering, the sciences, business, nursing, education, the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Transomic Technologies becomes VIP Supplier on Scientist.com Marketplace

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:30:12 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., October 27, 2020 –Transomic Technologies, a leading functional genomics laboratory located on the campus of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, announced today that it has become a member of Scientist.com’s VIP Program. Only laboratories that achieve a high customer satisfaction rating and that commit to maintaining superior customer service are invited to join the program.

“Scientist.com puts our portfolio of cutting-edge functional genomic services in front of thousands of pre-qualified research customers, “said Blake Simmons, CEO of Transomic Technologies. “The platform helps us get the word out about our latest tools and technologies and helps improve our digital reputation through positive reviews for our products, services, and customer support.”

Transomic Technologies helps life science researchers move their work forward faster by offering genomic tools and services that use next generation strategies such as CRISPR Cas9 gene editing technologies. Transomic works directly with the researcher to understand their goals and to provide the best solutions to accomplish those goals.

“Transomic Technologies is a rapidly-growing genomics tools company that has built a reputation for offering innovative technologies,” said Kevin Lustig, PhD, Scientist.com’s Founder and CEO. “We are thrilled they have joined with other exceptional laboratories in our VIP Program to offer high-quality, competitively-priced services and a commitment to outstanding customer service.”

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About Transomic: Transomic Technologies offers life science researchers one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolios of lentiviral-based functional genomics tools. These tools use next generation technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 to advance discovery research. Transomic uses their genomic tools to accomplish custom service projects for several major pharmaceutical companies, ranging from knockout cell lines to CRISPR screening assays. Learn more at transomic.com.

About Scientist.com: Scientist.com is the pharmaceutical industry’s leading AI-powered marketplace for outsourced R&D. The marketplace simplifies R&D sourcing, saves time and money, reduces risk, and provides access to the latest innovative tools and technologies. Scientist.com operates private enterprise marketplaces for most of the world’s major pharmaceutical companies, over 80 biotechnology companies, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Visit scientist.com to learn more.

Follow Scientist.com on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Follow Transomic Technologies on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

Department of Defense Awards $3.7M Grant to Alabama Defense Advanced Manufacturing Community

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:23:55 GMT

The Alabama Defense Advanced Manufacturing Community (ADAMC) consortium has been awarded a $3.7 million Department of Defense (DoD) grant under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP) by the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA). The ADAMC consortium is tasked with utilizing this grant to undertake a $6.2 million project to focus on the visibility, workforce training and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies in the region, with an emphasis on the modernization of aviation, missiles and ground vehicle systems.

This award follows a competitive selection process culminating in Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment’s designation in August 2020 of six Defense Manufacturing Communities (DMC).

The ADAMC comprises 22 counties that will focus on supporting and growing the capabilities of the defense industrial base (DIB) in Alabama. The ADAMC will pull together existing programs throughout the region like Auburn University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS), and The University of Alabama’s Initiative on Manufacturing Development and Education (Alabama IMaDE). Additionally, ADAMC will establish a facility for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Integration Center (AMIIC) in Huntsville. Leveraging a best-practice model demonstrated by the U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), AMIIC is a public-private collaboration between the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), industry, and academia (K-12 through university), that will work in collaboration with other similar centers to focus on meeting Alabama’s demand for a highly trained workforce, centric to advanced manufacturing and other leading-edge technologies critical to the DIB participants and Alabama’s DoD operations.

A key objective of the ADAMC will be to support visibility, awareness, technology adoption and workforce development and education in advanced manufacturing technologies that are vital both to current needs and future requirements to enhance the readiness and modernization of U.S. Army aviation and missile weapon systems. This DMC encompasses the majority of aerospace and defense manufacturing, defense installations and associated industries in the region.

The implementation strategy to achieve these goals consists of two Enabling Activities, including:

NCDMM will establish the initial operation of the AMIIC facility.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) will lead the effort of examining needs, gaps and barriers to effective workforce development and technology adoption.

The implementation will be further supported by three Thrust Areas, each with a lead organization:

UAH will manage the effort to develop new and enhance existing education and workplace development programs.
Auburn University will conduct pilot technology adoption projects with industry.
The University of Alabama will be responsible for initiating a technology development program.

These efforts are designed to strengthen the innovation and manufacturing base in designated DMC Communities, a consortium composed of members of academia, defense industry, nonprofit organizations and State and local government organizations. This presents a revolutionary step forward for the region with regard to positioning the DoD presence within a rich environment of industry, academia and DIB Small-to-Medium Manufacturer (SMM) expertise, benefitting Army Modernization priorities through product, process, human capital and the STEM educational experience.

The combination of achieving DMC status and the subsequent enhancement of advanced manufacturing capabilities will strengthen Alabama’s DIB and further contributions to the DoD, positioning Alabama for continued growth and retention of its defense installations. The State has a strong history in manufacturing and is growing exponentially in advanced manufacturing-related jobs.

To achieve these program goals, the ADAMC will implement an execution model that drives interaction and collaboration amongst partners. The educational process will begin early in K-12, with a focus on STEM needs and manufacturing education, and carry forward through both two-year and four-year academic career paths.

Industry will have the opportunity to engage prospective students and employees at multiple levels, while demonstrating product and process advancement on key technologies. The existing, displaced and military veteran workforce, in collaboration with local and state programs, will be able to undergo retraining, skills enhancement or continuing education/certification to reenter the workforce or obtain position advancement.

By working collaboratively with government, industry and academia, existing education programs will benefit as new workforce development programs are created to supply a pipeline of qualified and capable individuals.

ADAMC Consortium members include:

Athens State University
Auburn University
Calhoun Community College
Carpenter Technology
Central Alabama Community College
City of Tuscaloosa
Dynetics, Inc.
Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining

North Alabama Works
Northrop Grumman Corp, Defense Systems
Shelton State Community College
Stillman College
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
TriVector Services, Inc.
Troy University
Tuscaloosa County Commission
University of West Alabama
West Alabama Works

This award is one of six DoD grants announced across the country totaling $25 million made by the OEA. The awards derive from Fiscal Year 2020 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $12.6 million in non-Federal funding for a total investment of $37.6 million to enhance critical skills, research and development and small business support.

The OEA works with states and communities to help them respond to changes driven by the DoD throughout the U.S. Some are home to military bases, while others manufacture the products and provide the services necessary for national defense. The Office leverages the capabilities of state and local partners through grants and technical assistance to enhance readiness of installations and ranges as well.

For more information, please contact Brian Tucker in the UAH Office for Operational Excellence at 256.824.2957 or email brian.tucker@uah.edu.

Intermountain Healthcare Contracts Kailos Genetics to Establish Network-Wide Pharmacogenetic Testing

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:21:11 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – October 6, 2020 – Kailos Genetics, a CLIA-certified genetic sequencing company, announced they have entered into a partnership with Intermountain Healthcare to establish a pharmacogenetic testing platform for the healthcare network.

Pharmacogenetics is the study of how specific genetic variations affect the way an individual metabolizes medication. Understanding which genetic variations a patient carries can help physicians better personalize healthcare. Kailos Genetics' proprietary InspexionTM pharmacogenetic testing service is the most comprehensive in the industry.

Through a decade of industry experience and innovation, Kailos Genetics has provided thousands of genetic results to physicians to implement precision medicine solutions. “We combine our expertise in both genetic panel design and Illumina sequencing technology to provide robust, up-to-date pharmacogenetics data that is securely and directly transferred to most Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS),” says Brian Pollock, Chief Executive Officer for Kailos Genetics.

“Kailos is committed to delivering the highest quality and most comprehensive pharmacogenetic information available today to help Intermountain Healthcare physicians better serve their patients,” says Brian Pollock, Chief Executive Officer for Kailos Genetics.

Founded in 2010 and located at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, Kailos Genetics is committed to providing innovative, trusted and affordable genetic sequencing solutions.

Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system serving Utah, southern Idaho and southern Nevada. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the healthcare network consists of 24 hospitals, 2,400 physicians and approximately 160 clinics.

gener8tor Announces 50 Companies Participating in Fall Pre-Accelerators Nationwide

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 22:22:06 GMT

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA- Top-ranked startup accelerator gener8tor announced today the participants selected for 10 of its Fall 2020 gBETA cohorts. The 50 startups are located across the country, and represent a wide variety of industries and verticals, including IIoT, Medtech, SaaS and beyond.

The Fall 2020 gBETA cohort is the inaugural cohort for the Bronze Valley Accelerator. The Bronze Valley Accelerator focuses on supporting female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator that works with five startups at a time for no fees and no equity.

gBETA is a program of nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor. Each cohort is kept small to ensure meaningful engagement with the gener8tor team, network and other resources. Participants receive intensive and individualized coaching and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors.

“Bronze Valley is committed to creating and maintaining an entrepreneurial environment that is more nurturing, more supportive and more inclusive,” said Bronze Valley President & CEO Neill S. Wright. “This cohort of promising startups represents a great start for the Accelerator.”

The program is designed to help startups gain early customer traction on their product or idea, and establish metrics that can make them competitive applicants for full-time, equity-based accelerators or seed investment.

“Bronze Valley serves as an important element in our efforts to enhance the vitality of Alabama’s innovation ecosystem, and the selection of the first class of startups represents a major milestone for the Accelerator,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The guidance and mentorship these entrepreneurs will receive from Bronze Valley will play a vital role in launching their companies to the next level."

The 10 Fall programs kicked off on Thursday, Oct. 1, and the startups will work with the gener8tor team over the course of seven weeks to meet mentors, gain customer traction and pitch to investors. Due to COVID-19, the Fall 2020 programs are all being held virtually.

These programs will culminate in gener8tor’s first gBETA Pitch Series, “gener8tor is Grateful For…,” which will highlight each of the fifty companies via Pitch Night events taking place each night the week before Thanksgiving. This series will be an opportunity to listen and learn more about the companies, network with the founders and other community members and celebrate everything we have to be thankful for during this time. To view information about the full Pitch Series, click here. Bronze Valley Accelerator’s cohort will be highlighted during Virtual Pitch Night on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. CT. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

“The gener8tor and Bronze Valley partnership connects local and national partners, mentors and investors to support underrepresented founders in our region,” said Haley Medved Kendrick, Bronze Valley Accelerator Director. “The inaugural cohort showcases the creativity, resiliency and bravery of our people, and offers a clear example of the innovation happening in our state."

The accelerator is supported by Bronze Valley, Alabama Power and the Alabama Department of Commerce. The Bronze Valley Accelerator is held three times per year, with five Alabama-based companies accepted per cohort to ensure a high level of individualized attention. The Bronze Valley Accelerator works with companies across all industries and business models. Those interested in learning more can reach out to Bronze Valley Accelerator Director Haley Medved Kendrick at haley@gener8tor.com or visit bronzevalleyaccelerator.com/.

Harvard Wyss Institute’s nasal swab and toehold switch technologies licensed to Agile Biodetection to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic efforts

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 22:17:00 GMT

The two technologies function at different points of the diagnostic process and could help detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the anticipated second wave of the pandemic.

(BOSTON) — The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University announced today that its nasopharyngeal swab and toehold switch technologies have been licensed to Alabama-based Agile Biodetection, which will use them to develop solutions for unmet diagnostic needs in the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in environmental or clinical settings. The licensing agreement was coordinated by Harvard’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) in accordance with the University’s commitment to the COVID-19 Technology Access Framework.

The Wyss Institute’s nasopharyngeal (nasal) swabs were developed in a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary group effort led by Wyss Institute Senior Staff Engineer Richard Novak, Ph.D., and the Wyss’ Founding Director Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., as part of the Institute’s collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivated by the serious shortage of swab devices for the collection of nasopharyngeal samples early in the pandemic, the researchers created a simple and effective devicewith advantages over other designs. The Wyss swab device is fully injection-molded from a single material, and as such, can be mass manufactured in a one-step process that is faster, less expensive, and routinely used by a broad range of experienced medical device manufacturers worldwide. Conventional nasal swabs that are commonly used in infectious disease diagnostic medicine were designed 50 years ago, and are manufactured in two parts from different materials that then need to be assembled, sterilized and packaged in a multi-step process, which requires considerable time and expense. In successful tests performed by academic collaborators and teaching hospitals, the unique nasal swab design was demonstrated to effectively collect SARS-CoV-2 genetic RNA material from the nostrils of patients and to be more comfortable than existing commercial products.

Toehold switches could come into play at the other end of the COVID-19 diagnostic process. Pioneered in the groups of Wyss Core Faculty members James Collins, Ph.D., and Peng Yin, Ph.D., they are synthetic nucleic acid-based devices that function as sensors for external stimuli (“inputs”), like RNA molecules derived from pathogenic viruses. When integrated into synthetic gene circuits, Toehold Switches can be designed to turn on a gene of interest, which can be a reporter signaling the presence of the environmental stimulus. In their OFF state, these nanotechnological devices form a hairpin-like structure that specifically associates with and actively blocks the expression of a (reporter) target gene. Once an “input” RNA binds to their “toehold” region, the hairpin structure opens up and adopts an ON state to allow the protein-synthesizing machinery access to the target gene, which results in the synthesis of the actual signaling molecule.

In a series of proof-of-concept studies, the Collins and Yin teams have demonstrated toehold switches to function in living cells as computational devices that can assess and report complex combinations of environmental stimuli. They also have utilized them as key components of paper-based synthetic gene circuits that can be applied as diagnostics to sense and indicate different pathogens, including Ebola and Zika viruses. The versatile capabilities of Toehold Switches offer an opportunity for inexpensively and effectively surveilling the presence of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity in different environmental settings, including working environments during the reopening phase of the pandemic.

Paving the way to real-world diagnostic solutions

Agile Biodetection is a new, Birmingham, Alabama-based company focused on comprehensive pathogen detection. The company’s founders, Kanti Sunkavalli, M.D., M.B.A., Elizabeth Rayburn, Ph.D., Leverett Powell and Edward McLain, are committed to utilizing and developing novel technologies to generate rapid, efficient, automated and affordable testing solutions.

Agile Biodetection is approaching the COVID-19 pandemic from an alternate viewpoint to most of the conventional solutions. Instead of testing patients for the virus, they’re focusing on detecting SARS-CoV-2 in the environment, including on surfaces and touchpoints within high-traffic areas. They’re applying a high-throughput cloud-based system to disseminate the results of testing, making it faster and providing a leading indicator of the risk of infection and the prevalence of the virus in certain populations.

“We believe that 3-pronged testing… of individuals, surfaces, and the environment, will be necessary to provide students, consumers and employees confidence to start the path back to normalcy,” said Dr. Sunkavalli, the CEO of Agile Biodetection.

Harvard co-led the creation of the COVID-19 Technology Access Framework, now endorsed by 23 other research institutions, to incentivize the rapid utilization of available technologies that can facilitate the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 infection in the fight against the pandemic. Accordingly, the term-limited license agreement crafted by Harvard OTD grants Agile non-exclusive, royalty-free access to the Wyss nasal swab and Toehold Switch technologies for use in new SARS-CoV-2 detection approaches during the pandemic.

“This licensing agreement speaks to our Institute’s ability to rapidly pivot and refocus our undivided attention on important and difficult problems in real-time as they arise, as we did with COVID-19. We are fully committed to help soften the blow of the pandemic in any way we can, and to help get bring normalcy into our lives again,” said Ingber, who is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, and Professor of Bioengineering at SEAS.

PRESS CONTACTS

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University
Benjamin Boettner, benjamin.boettner@wyss.harvard.edu, +1 917-913-8051

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The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University (http://wyss.harvard.edu) uses Nature’s design principles to develop bioinspired materials and devices that will transform medicine and create a more sustainable world. Wyss researchers are developing innovative new engineering solutions for healthcare, energy, architecture, robotics, and manufacturing that are translated into commercial products and therapies through collaborations with clinical investigators, corporate alliances, and formation of new startups. The Wyss Institute creates transformative technological breakthroughs by engaging in high risk research, and crosses disciplinary and institutional barriers, working as an alliance that includes Harvard’s Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Arts & Sciences and Design, and in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston University, Tufts University, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Zurich and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Harvard University’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) (http://otd.harvard.edu) promotes the public good by fostering innovation and translating new inventions made at Harvard University into useful products that are available and beneficial to society. Our integrated approach to technology development comprises sponsored research and corporate alliances, intellectual property management, and technology commercialization through venture creation and licensing. More than 70 startups have launched to commercialize Harvard technologies in the past 5 years, collectively raising more than $2.5 billion in financing. To further bridge the academic-industry development gap, Harvard OTD manages the Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator and the Physical Sciences & Engineering Accelerator.

Know Before You Go - Virtual Annual Conference Details

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 17:08:52 GMT

Welcome to the most anticipated virtual event for the #ALBioTech community. With 28 sessions and over 50 presenters, conference attendees can curate a personalized virtual experience. We're using Zoom Webinar to broadcast our session live over 4 days. Once the conference ends, sessions will be available on-demand for all registered attendees.

Know before you go videos:

VIDEO: Registered Attendees & Your Event Invitation

Know before you go video: All event registered attendees will receive an event invitation. You can search for this invitation in your inbox by entering "swoogo" in your search bar. Swoogo is the event site vendor we are using. Or look for the subject line : BIO Alabama Virtual Annual Conference | Event Invitation

VIDEO: Registered Attendees & Your 1:1 Networking Profile

Know before you go video: We are partnering with Linq to provide a better way to network during our virtual event. Set up your Linq profile to connect 1:1 with other conference attendees. The best part... your Linq profile stays with you so you can nurture relationship beyond the week of our conference. Many thanks to our connectivity sponsors - Discovery BioMed and VWR - for making connectivity happen.

HudsonAlpha, Huntsville Bioscience Companies Headline BIO Alabama Conference

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:26:58 GMT

With the biotechnology industry leading the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BIO Alabama will host industry thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics at the organization’s first conference in five years on Oct. 5-9. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and a number of resident associate companies will be “center-stage” during the four day virtual conference.

BIO Alabama – Alabama’s affiliate of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the preeminent national association for biotechnology companies – has assembled a stellar lineup from Alabama and across the country to address the industry’s most challenging issues and how our state can play pivotal roles in solutions and advancements. Among the topics on the agenda will be: Operation Warp Speed, COVID-19 related legislation, the strategic roadmap for the state’s biotechnology ecosystem, collaborative efforts to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy, diversity, equity and inclusion in the bioscience industry, and discoveries by researchers at Alabama’s leading academic centers.

"HudsonAlpha has been a longtime partner and leader for BIO Alabama and the biotechnology ecosystem in North Alabama continues to bloom with innovative companies,” said BIO Alabama Executive Director Sonia Robinson. “Our virtual conference is a great opportunity to connect with life science thought-leaders from around our state who are strengthening our industry for the future.”

BIO Alabama has carefully curated a speaker lineup of accomplished leaders in academic research, education and business. HudsonAlpha and Huntsville contribute greatly to the state’s work in the biosciences and are well-represented in the BIO Alabama agenda. HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Jeremy Schmutz will lead a panel discussion that includes Josh Clevinger, Ph.D., also of HudsonAlpha, Brian Hardin with Alabama Farmers Federation, Kyle Bridgeforth of Bridgeforth Farms and Kira Bowen, Ph.D., from Auburn University. The group will discuss their collective efforts in developing next generation crops for diversifying and strengthening Alabama’s agricultural economy. The panel will provide an early view into the way people from across the state and across industries are leveraging HudsonAlpha’s expertise in genomics research to improve crops for Alabama farmers and ultimately benefit businesses and consumers in the state.

Carter Wells, HudsonAlpha’s Vice President for Economic Development and past Chairman of BIO Alabama, will lead a fireside chat with Andrew Burnett, Health Legislative Assistant for Senator Richard Shelby. Burnett is the point person for the state’s senior Senator for federal appropriations and policy on a variety of health-related topics, including coronavirus relief, clinical trials, diagnostic testing and the development of new medications and therapies. Also, Burnett works with biotech entrepreneurs and veterans of bioscience businesses as they grow and flourish in Alabama.

As BIO Alabama’s Vice-Chairwoman and HudsonAlpha’s Director of Recruitment, Amy Sturdivant will help deliver the BIO Alabama’s strategic plan and vision forward. The address concludes a multi-year listening tour and focus-group exercises to develop a strategic roadmap for the industry. Sturdivant will join BIO Alabama Executive Director Sonia Robinson and Chairman Blair King in delivering the report to BIO Alabama constituents.

“Growing and supporting entrepreneurial efforts in the biotech industry have translated to success stories and expanding jobs in the sector,” said Sturdivant. “Organizations across the state are contributing and collaborating; providing resources for capital, mentoring, workforce training, and more. The BIO Alabama strategic plan lays out lessons learned and opportunities we will seek together.”

Alex Cate, Business Retention and Expansion Specialist for HudsonAlpha, will join panelists from the state’s premier incubators and accelerators for a candid conversation on business growth and technology commercialization. Since 2008, HudsonAlpha has grown from five resident companies to more than 45 companies on its campus today. This remarkable progress is due in large part to HudsonAlpha’s unique model for business incubation. HudsonAlpha’s mission to grow the life science industry in North Alabama will be on full display during the conference.

Additionally, several North Alabama-based and HudsonAlpha resident companies will be featured at the conference:

- Acclinate Genetics’ Dr. Delmonize Smith and Tiffany Jordan-Whitlow will host panel discussions on diversity in clinical trials and research, as well as tactics for closing the equity gap in rural healthcare.

- Rebecca Vaught from Van Heron Labs will lead a session on entrepreneurship, the importance of supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and the key elements of developing a strong technology and innovation ecosystem.

- The Written Science’s Rachel Lane will host a “Ted Talk” conversation with Dr. Erik Schwiebert on the advantages of Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants that can be sources of early capital funding for biotechnology companies.

- In July 2020, Governor Kay Ivey established the Alabama Innovation Commission to review and develop recommendations for growing Alabama’s innovation ecosystem and tech-related industries. GeneCapture’s Peggy Sammon will join Chairman of House Ways and Means Education Committee Chair, Rep. Bill Poole (District 63, Tuscaloosa County), Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives, Rep.Anthony Daniels (District 53, Madison County) and Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Greg Reed (District 5, Walker, Fayette, Winston, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties) in outlining the commission’s objectives and discussing how smart policy can enhance Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The BIO Alabama Annual Conference will take place Oct. 5-9 virtually. Registration is open at www.bioalabama.com.

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About BIO Alabama: BIO Alabama is the lead advocate for growth in the biosciences related industries throughout Alabama. We represent the state on a regional, national and international stage, promoting the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience. BIO Alabama is the state partner of the life sciences trade organization Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). Our members consist of bioscience organizations, universities, research facilities, and service partners. Learn more at bioalabama.com. Connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram @bioalabama.

Seed, Grant, and Venture Capital Focus of Virtual Annual Conference

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 17:00:59 GMT

Leading Bioscience Venture Capital Firms as well as Bioscience Angel Investors to talk funding strategies and trends

To keep research and development moving forward, funding strategies consume founders and executive leaders of early-stage bioscience companies. It’s so important that six different sessions at the BIO Alabama Virtual Annual Conference will focus on funding. From seed to SBIR/STTR grants and venture capital to merger & acquisitions, the conference will feature topics for each stage of the funding cycle. Register today to gain access to:

Three funding focused sessions on Tuesday, October 6:

At 9:00 a.m. CST - Bioscience Investors Forum: The pandemic changed many things including capital investment. Join this session, in partnership with Southeast Life Sciences, to hear from leading bioscience venture capital firms regarding trends in bioscience investment:

Benjamin Scruggs, Ph.D., Associate, Hatteras Venture Partners
Matthew Miessau, Associate, Epidarex Capital
Ali Behbahani, MD, General Partner, New Enterprise Associates

At 10:00 a.m. CST - Merger & Acquisition Strategy: What Entrepreneurs need to know will feature M&A expert Michael White with Founders Advisors. Learn more about your end game strategy, when and how to start planning, and what you can expect as you move through strategy development, due diligence, and across the finish line.

At 11:00 a.m. CST - SBIR/STTR Grants: If grants are a part of your funding strategy, Rachel Lane, PhD, Founder of The Written Science and Erik Schwiebert, PhD, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer at Discovery BioMed, are two people to know in Alabama. Dr. Lane paired and Dr. Schwiebert will bring award winning tips and advice based on their own experience and success for you to incorporate into your next proposal.

On Wednesday, October 7, there are 3 additional funding sessions including:

At 1:00 p.m. CST - hear real stories from Founders and Funders. Miller Girvin, panel moderator and CEO of Alabama Capital Network, along with Greg Schmergel, Chairman of Yuva Biosciences; Bob Shufflebarger, CEO of TriAltus Bioscience; Neill Wright, President and CEO of Bronze Valley; and Charlie Perry, Private Investor, will deliver a candid discussion all about the road to funding.

At 2:00 p.m. CST - Bioscience Angel Investor Forum: Angel investors are investing in bioscience and providing necessary early-stage seed capital. But, understanding the role of angel investors and how to prepare for an angel investor is key. Hear directly from bioscience angel investors including:

James Childs, panel moderator, Partner, Maynard Cooper Gale
Tommy Satterfield, Private Investor
Daniel Coleman, Private Investor

At 3:00 p.m. CST - We will bring all the funding strategies together with a session focused on investor relations. Stephanie Carrington, Managing Director at Westwicke, will share her expert advice on building and maintaining relationships with investors during Securing your first institutional round: Inside investor relations.

Additional speakers, organizations, as well as sponsors, can be found on the official conference website. Up-to-date information on the agenda and thought leaders presenting can be found on the conference website. Event registration is open.

Entrepreneurship, Equity, Innovation, Collaboration, and Smart Policy to be Discussed at Annual Conference

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 19:22:02 GMT

Federal and State Leaders to Address Alabama’s Bioscience Community

BIO Alabama, the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy, today announced that Federal and State leaders will address Alabama’s bioscience community at BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference this fall, October 5-9.

On Monday, October 5 at 1:05 p.m. CST Senator Doug Jones will greet conference attendees during a fireside chat. The conversation will center around reshoring and Alabama’s biopharma manufacturers contributions to the global supply chain. Jones will also address his position on entrepreneurship and share his thoughts on how we continue to encourage and support inclusionary initiatives.

“Our bioscience companies have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. It’s an industry rooted in innovation,” said Senator Jones. “While large gatherings look very different, I’m thrilled that BIO Alabama is bringing our bioscience community together to start and continue important conversations around growing and diversifying our bioeconomy to solve some of the biggest health challenges we face.”

Senator Richard Shelby’s office will also be represented by Legislative Assistant Andrew Burnett. Burnett will be joined by Carter Wells of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology for a conversation focused on coronavirus legislation, reshoring efforts, and drug pricing. We will also learn more about specific ideas and focus areas coming out of Senator Shelby’s office. This conversation is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 at 1:00 p.m. CST.

In addition to Federal leaders, BIO Alabama virtual annual conference attendees will hear from Representative Bill Poole, Senator Greg Reed, and Representative Anthony Daniels on a session moderated by BIO Alabama immediate past chair, Peggy Sammon. This panel discussion will focus on Alabama’s newly appointed Innovation Commission. In July, Governor Kay Ivey established the Alabama Innovation Commission with the purpose to review and develop recommendations tailored for growing Alabama's innovation economy and tech-related industries. Join this panel discussion to learn more about the Alabama Innovation Commission, how our State leaders are prioritizing innovation and tech-related industries such as bioscience, and how collaboration and smart policy can enhance Alabama's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

BIO’s Dr. McMurry-Heath Says Adopting Foreign Price Controls a “Reckless Scheme” that will “Eliminate Hope for Vulnerable Seniors”

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 23:22:25 GMT

Washington, D.C. (September 13, 2020) – Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), issued the following statement after the Trump administration moved forward with its threat to impose foreign price controls on medicines covered under Medicare:

“With scientists and researchers at America’s biopharmaceutical companies working around the clock to fight a deadly pandemic, it is simply dumbfounding that the Trump administration would move forward with its threat to import foreign price controls and the inevitable delays to innovation that will follow. This reckless scheme will eliminate hope for vulnerable seniors and other patients waiting for new treatments by drastically reducing investment in cutting-edge scientific research and development. That is why we will use every tool available – including legal action if necessary – to fight this risky foreign price control scheme. America’s patients, families, scientists and researchers deserve nothing less.

“BIO has worked hard to advance systemic and bipartisan reforms that address legitimate concerns about the U.S. healthcare insurance and delivery systems, including concerns about the affordability and accessibility of medicines. And we will continue to do so, regardless of today’s announcement from the Trump administration. We remain guided by an overarching focus on putting patients’ interests first, reducing healthcare disparities, and ensuring continued investment in the next wave of biomedical breakthroughs for COVID-19 and many other life-threatening diseases.”

Conference Sessions to Focus on Core Strengths of Alabama’s Bioscience Industry

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:51:32 GMT

Presentations featuring Hess, Secretary Canfield, and Barker

This fall, BIO Alabama will host its virtual annual conference October 5-9. Three conference sessions will focus on economic development and examine the core strengths of Alabama’s bioscience industry as well as explore opportunities to catalyze continuous, inclusive growth. These sessions will include the following:

Corporate location strategy, site selection, and bioscience economic development trends presented by Made in Alabama and featuring Bob Hess. As Vice Chairman of Global Corporate Services at Newmark Knight Frank, Hess is a preeminent, sought-after service provider and respected leader in corporate location strategy and site selection. He has demonstrable and referenceable life sciences and biotechnology industry experience, inclusive of R&D, Manufacturing and Fill Finish asset types. He has conducted over 275 assignments in North America and globally, including Asia, Europe, and Mexico. Hess is scheduled to speak Wednesday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. CST with a focus on bioscience economic development.

State perspective on bioscience growth opportunities and trends fireside chat featuring Secretary Greg Canfield & Greg Barker. Two of Alabama’s economic development leader the vision for our State’s economic growth including sustainable growth and dynamic job creation for the bioscience industry. At the helm of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Greg Barker brings years of experience and expertise to one of our State’s leading economic development organizations. Together, Canfield and Barker will address the importance of the bioscience industry and how private and public initiatives will help us further expand our global impact. This conference session will be held Wednesday, October 7 at 11:45 a.m. CST.s will deliver an informative discussion on Alabama’s growth opportunities and trends in bioscience. Greg Canfield has served as the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce since July 2011. He continues to shape

BIO Alabama Strategic Economic Development Roadmap and recommendations for industry growth and sustainability featuring Blair King, BIO Alabama Board Chair, Panel Moderator, Economic Development Manager at Alabama Power Company; James Childs, BIO Alabama Startup & Tech Transfer Committee Co-Chair, Partner at Maynard Cooper Gale; Jonathan Cox, BIO Alabama Workforce Development Committee Chair, Senior Account Manager at Aerotek Scientific; Saksham Narang, BIO Alabama Startup & Tech Transfer Committee Co-Chair, Venture Advisor at UAB; Amy Sturdivant, BIO Alabama Business Attraction & Retention Committee Chair, Director of Business Recruitment at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. This panel discussion will take place Wednesday, October 7 at 9:00 a.m. CST.

Bioscience research and enterprise fuel Alabama’s economic engine. A few key facts highlight this community’s importance and impact on the state: 1) diversity of establishments and workforce as demonstrated by an evenly distributed workforce between the five industry subsectors; 2) National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding per capita with Alabama ranking third among our peer states in the Southeast; and 3) supportive and business friendly environment with access to economic development incentives designed to fuel growth, access to collaborative university and research partners, and access to incubators and accelerator programs.

Alabama Biopharma Manufactures are Making Headlines

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 14:21:34 GMT

Executive Leaders from Evonik, SiO2, TriRx, and Vitruvias to speak at BIO Alabama’s Virtual Annual Conference

BIO Alabama, the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy, today announced that Executive Leaders from our State’s biopharma manufacturers will come together for a panel discussion at BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference this fall, October 5-9.

Made in Alabama: How Alabama’s manufacturers play a major role in the global supply chain is a panel discussion that will be held on Monday, October 5 at 1:45 p.m. CST.

Alabama’s biopharma and medical device/equipment manufacturers are making headlines with growth and expansion in the wake of a pandemic. During this panel discussion, conference attendees will hear from executive leaders who are putting Alabama on the map as an ideal destination for manufacturing facilities.

The panel discussion will include the following speakers:

Arthur J. Tipton, Ph.D., panel moderator, currently serves as a principal for Vulcan Gray, a consulting company advising startups primarily in the biotech sector. Previously, he served as the president and CEO of Southern Research from 2013 - 2019. He also worked in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for 25 years, participating in the growth aspects of three start-up companies, one that went public and two acquired by public companies. Art is an inventor on 43 issued US Patents and consequently was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2013. He is also a Fellow of the Controlled Release Society and the American Institute of Biological and Medical Engineers. He is a past Chair of BIO Alabama.

John R. Daly, Site Manager Evonik Birmingham, has 25 years of experience in leadership and technical expert roles, in leading all aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing (drug product and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing) including EHS, Quality, Business Strategy, and P&L impact driving Revenue and EBITDA. John serves as the Site Manager for Evonik’s Birmingham Laboratories, focused on bioresorbable polymer supply for pharmaceuticals and medical devices and on parenteral (injectable) drug delivery services and manufacturing for other pharmaceutical companies. Earlier this year Evonik announced the expansion of its advanced biomaterials facility in Birmingham that will support global demand for the use of its RESOMER-brand bioresorbable polymers with implantable medical devices and parenteral drug products.

Lawrence Ganti, President & Chief Business Officer at SiO2 Materials Science,looks after the day to day operations of SiO2. He brings more than 25 years of building commercial organizations, leading billion-dollar P&Ls, creating award winning marketing campaigns, and driving growth initiatives in the Pharmaceutical, Consumer Products, and Data Analytics space. Mr. Ganti has worked for Pepsi, J&J, McKinsey and Merck across 5 continents. He has lived in Europe, South Asia, North Asia, North America, and South America. In June, SiO2 Materials Science received a $143 million contract from the U.S. Government to accelerate capacity scale-up of packaging for COVI-19 vaccines and therapeutics.

Roger D. Graben, Ph.D., RPh, is a founding member and current President of Vitruvias Therapeutics and a past member of the founding board of directors. His responsibilities include oversight and leadership of Product Development, Project Management, Manufacturing/Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, and Quality Assurance. Vitruvias, an Auburn-based pharmaceutical company, focuses on bringing to market generic drugs. They currently have a proposed facility to be constructed in Alabama to produce critical medicines.

Timothy Tyson is currently Chairman and CEO of TriRx Pharmaceutical Services, LLC and Chairman at Icagen-T Inc. He also currently serves on the board of Tyme Technologies Inc. Mr. Tyson recently served as Chairman and CEO of Aptuit LLC. His corporate career spans over 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry. His expertise in leadership and management is internationally recognized. TriRx recently announced the successful acquisition of MSD Animal Health manufacturing site located in Segré-en Anjou Bleu, France including long-term supply agreement.

Brown, Knight, and Wright Join BIO Alabama as Fall Interns

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 11:00:45 GMT

Semester long internship to focus on nonprofit business operations and marketing

BIO Alabama welcomes three students into it’s fall internship program, a program for college students who are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience.

Meryle Brown is a senior at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU) majoring in business administration with a concentration in MIS.

“BIO Alabama is a mission driven organization committed to promoting our State’s bioscience community. While the bioscience industry is new to me, bioscience companies need business professionals, too.,” Brown said. “Interning with BIO Alabama will allow me to explore the industry and evaluate possible career tracks related to my undergraduate focus.”

Savannah Grace Knight is a biology student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I was always a very curious kid and as the daughter of a science teacher I began dissecting frogs and using microscopes in first grade. Once I settled on a major and career path, I found myself growing more passionate about topics such as scientific literacy and women in STEM,” Knight said. “I became involved with the American Association of University Women and participated in events such as Tech Trek and helped start UAH's own branch of AAUW. An internship with BIO Alabama falls right in line with my personal passion and my desire to work in a STEM career,” Knight adds.

Ariel Wright is a junior at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU) majoring in marketing. She is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 Scholar.

“This year has been a year of change, a time for new experiences to learn and grow. Furthering my education endeavors with an internship with BIO Alabama will not only allow me to advance my marketing skills but will also teach me more about the impact bioscience has in Alabama,” Wright said. “I hope to continue to build my professional network and grow my knowledge of marketing strategy and tactics.”

Brown, Knight, and Wright will spend their fall semester supporting BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference by assisting in the implementation of conference operations and marketing plans. Once the conference concludes in October, each intern will transition to projects associated with BIO Alabama’s strategic economic development roadmap which is focused on three areas 1) business attraction and retention; 2) workforce development; and 3) startup and tech transfer.

“We began our internship program this past summer with four students and we’re delighted to have three students on board for our fall internship program. Workforce development is a key focus area for BIO Alabama and internships are an incredible way to engage our next generation of professionals,” said Sonia Robinson, executive director of BIO Alabama. “We aim to provide students with real projects that they can own, shape, and manage from start to completion. This not only gives them tangible deliverables for their specific internship criteria, but they become immersed in the Alabama bioscience community. Our hope is that our student interns find our community inviting and promising as they navigate options for their first career right out of college,” Robinson adds. “Our University partners graduate top talent and we want them to stay, work, and play in Alabama.”

BIO Alabama provides remote internship opportunities throughout the year. Interested students may email their cover letter and resume to sonia@bioalabama.com. In addition to BIO Alabama, a number of bioscience companies across the state welcome interns. Interested students may contact BIO Alabama for more information. Bioscience companies who have available internships are encouraged to send internship opportunities to BIO Alabama for assistance in promoting those opportunities to partner colleges and universities.

Interns support the executive director in further connecting our bioscience ecosystem. Internships with BIO Alabama are for college credit and follow the college or university's internship guidelines including minimum hour requirements and deliverables.

Biotech Leaders Outline Principles to Ensure the “Public’s Trust” in New Medical Products for Eradicating Covid-19

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 19:09:31 GMT

Washington, D.C. (September 3, 2020) — As America’s researchers race to develop the scientific solutions needed to eradicate Covid-19, leaders within the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released an open letter to their biopharmaceutical colleagues that articulates key principles to ensure the “integrity, transparency, and objective assessment” of Covid-19 clinical data and secure public trust in new medical products developed in response to the pandemic. As these long-standing leaders within the biotech industry note:

“The biopharmaceutical industry is at the center of the world’s fight against Covid-19, leading the effort to develop new vaccines, therapeutic medicines and diagnostics. Over time, we expect these efforts to be successful, resulting in a range of new healthcare products for the benefit of the entire world. …

“As data begin to emerge from clinical trials of an array of vaccines and therapeutics, we believe that it is important for us in the biopharmaceutical industry to articulate the principles we see as essential for assessing these data and determining their potential value. We believe that public health, and the public’s trust in new medical products, are dependent upon the integrity, transparency and objective assessment of new data as they emerge.”

The open letter articulates the following core principles:

Clinical trials should be conducted according to best practices to assure credibility of the data, as well as the ethical participation of a diverse population of subjects.
Companies should disclose important clinical data via well-respected scientific meetings or rigorous, independent peer review journals, and companies that need to release data in advance of publication should do so thoughtfully and not through press release alone.
The FDA should maintain its historic independence as the gold-standard international regulatory body, free from external influence.
The appropriate use and distribution of any new products should be data-driven, including through data collected during longer-term studies.
Political considerations should be put aside by leaders in both parties and they should “reassure the public that politics will not influence the development and approval of new medicines.”

In conclusion, the letter urges everyone “involved in the development, review, approval, and distribution of COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines to commit themselves to these principles." To read the entire letter, click here. The letter was signed by the following individuals who are leaders within both BIO and the biopharmaceutical industry writ large:

Jeremy M. Levin, DPhil, MB BChir
Chairman of the Board and CEO Ovid Therapeutics
Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Paul J. Hastings
President and CEO Nkarta Therapeutics, Inc.
Vice Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Ted W. Love, MD
President and CEO Global Blood Therapeutics
Chair, Emerging Companies Section Governing Board
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Michelle McMurry-Heath, MD, PhD
President and CEO
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Ron Cohen, MD
President and CEO Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.
Past Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Rachel K. King
Founder and CEO GlycoMimetics, Inc.
Past Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

John Maraganore, PhD
CEO Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Past Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Richard Pops
Chairman & CEO Alkermes, Inc.
Past Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

McMurry-Heath, Hess, and Benjamin to headline BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:36:09 GMT

BIO Alabama, the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy, today announced the keynote speakers and lineup for the organization’s virtual annual conference scheduled this fall, October 5-9, 2020. While the look and feel of large gatherings is much different this year, one thing is certain - BIO Alabama is preparing a conference designed to INSPIRE, EDUCATE, and CONNECT our State’s researchers, scientists, startups, manufacturers, small, medium and large bioscience companies, investors, students, and economic developers.

During this conference, BIO Alabama will amplify the innovative work of its members, partners, and the broader Alabama bioscience community. Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from industry thought leaders who will discuss various topics including, but not limited to, responses to COVID-19, diversity, equity, and inclusion, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, precision and genomics medicine, bioagriculture, nanotechnology, funding, and economic development.

The current roster of speakers participating in BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference includes the following keynote speakers:

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath: A medical doctor and molecular immunologist by training, Dr. McMurry-Heath becomes just the third chief executive to steward the world’s largest biotechnology advocacy group, BIO - Biotechnology Innovation Organization, since its founding in 1993. The common thread in McMurry-Heath’s work across academia, government and industry has been her focus on broadening access to scientific progress so more patients from diverse backgrounds can benefit from cutting-edge innovation. Driven by her own past family experiences navigating clinical trials and funding uncertainties within the rare disease community, McMurry-Heath calls “the distribution of scientific progress the social justice issue of our age.” She is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote address on Monday, October 5 at 12:30 p.m. CST.

Bob Hess: As Vice Chairman of Global Corporate Services at Newmark Knight Frank, Hess is a preeminent, sought-after service provider and respected leader in corporate location strategy and site selection. He has demonstrable and referenceable life sciences and biotechnology industry experience, inclusive of R&D, Manufacturing and Fill Finish asset types. He has conducted over 275 assignments in North America and globally, including Asia, Europe, and Mexico. Hess is scheduled to speak Wednesday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. CST with a focus on bioscience economic development.

Dr. Regina Benjamin: A leader in preventative medicine, fighting health disparities, and developing innovative community-based health strategies and systems for low-income and rural communities, Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, is best known for her service as U.S. Surgeon General from 2009-2013. Dr. Benjamin’s notable career has spanned leadership roles in government, higher education, research, and healthcare and honors ranging from being the first African American woman on the board of the American Medical Association to the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights. Dr. Benjamin is scheduled to speak Thursday, October 8 at 12:45 p.m. CST delivering the closing keynote address.

Additional speakers, organizations, as well as sponsors, will be announced during the next several weeks. Up-to-date information on the agenda and thought leaders presenting can be found on the conference website. Event registration will open soon.

Alabama Nonprofit Partners with Huntsville Genetics Company to Cure Blinding Diseases

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:00:41 GMT

Two Alabama-based organizations are partnering to find cures for common diseases that cause blindness for millions of people worldwide

In an effort to help medical researchers develop new treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases, Advancing Sight Network and Kailos Genetics created the OcularGeneScreen, a new genetic screening panel, to be used with eye tissue from post-mortem eye donors. The screening will help determine which genes are associated with eye diseases like agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and Fuch’s Dystrophy.

“These diseases cause a huge decline in quality of life for so many people,” says Dr. Gregory Grossman, Advancing Sight Network’s Chief Scientific Officer. “By identifying the genes involved, we’re taking a huge step forward in being able to find cures.”

Advancing Sight Network is a nonprofit organization that has served Alabama for more than 50 years. In addition to providing eye tissue for corneal transplants, the organization invests in medical research in hopes of restoring eyesight to individuals impacted by eye disease.

“Our goal is to restore eyesight,” says Dr. Grossman. “For the grandparent who can no longer see their grandchild’s face or the person who’s lost their independence due to incurable vision loss, the development of a cure brings hope for a bright future.”

Kailos Genetics, a biotechnology company based in Huntsville, provides innovative genetic screenings that help people determine their risk for certain diseases like cancer. IndustryWired recently named Kailos Genetics one of the top 8 precision medicine companies in the USA.

“Our mission is to enable clinical research teams to make advances that impact the health of individuals.” says Troy Moore, Chief Scientific Officer for Kailos Genetics.“Kailos’ TargetRich™ assay development platform combines flexible design and rapid development with the unparalleled insights gained from deep sequencing.”

The research is funded by a generous grant from the Huntsville-based Alpha Foundation, whose goal is to improve the human condition through grants to educational, scientific and charitable organizations.

The bottom line, says Dr. Grossman, is finding cures and making them available as quickly as possible. “We want to help people see again. We want the person who is diagnosed with AMD to have hope. We don’t want anyone to lose their livelihood or their independence because of vision loss. Ultimately, that’s what this project is about.”

Not only will the project potentially help over 150,000 people in Alabama who are affected by irreversible vision loss, these two Alabama organizations could be part of bringing cures to more than 200 million people worldwide affected by these diseases.

BIO Alabama Welcomes Austin Rosser as Summer/Fall Intern

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:59:44 GMT

Rosser to Support the Alabama Bioscience Community

BIO Alabama welcomes Master of Biotechnology student into it’s summer/fall internship program, a program for college students who are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience.

Austin Rosser, a Master of Biotechnology student from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was recently accepted to BIO Alabama’s summer/fall internship program.

“Finishing my Master of Biotechnology degree during a global pandemic amplified the importance of my degree and my chosen field,” said Austin Rosser. “I’m fortunate to be transitioning into the paid workforce, but volunteer work is equally important to me. BIO Alabama provides an incredible opportunity to expand my skill set, build my network, and contribute to our expanding bioscience community in a meaningful way.”

Rosser will spend the rest of his summer and early fall conducting research on tactics, techniques, and strategies that will help BIO Alabama develop an economic development roadmap focused on business attraction and retention, workforce development, and startup and tech transfer within the bioscience community. He will assist in collecting, compiling, and translating data into a consumable report. The final report will be presented at BIO Alabama’s annual conference in October.

“It’s an incredible time to be involved in Alabama’s bioscience community and we’re thrilled that Austin chose to volunteer with us even though classes were coming to an end,” said Sonia Robinson, Executive Director of BIO Alabama. “BIO Alabama has a number of initiatives underway including the development of our strategic economic development roadmap and virtual annual conference. Having Austin’s energy and enthusiasm will help us deliver a robust plan as well as curate an annual conference designed to surprise and delight our attendees,” Robinson adds.

BIO Alabama provides remote internship opportunities throughout the year and is now accepting cover letters and resumes for fall internship and annual conference ambassador opportunities. Interested students may email their cover letter and resume to sonia@bioalabama.com. In addition to BIO Alabama, a number of bioscience companies across the state welcome interns. Interested students may contact BIO Alabama for more information. Bioscience companies who have available internships are encouraged to send internship opportunities to BIO Alabama for assistance in promoting those opportunities to partner colleges and universities.

Avanti Polar Lipids Agrees to be Acquired by Croda

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 02:23:01 GMT

Avanti combining with Croda to expand life sciences products, pharmaceutical services and cGMP production capabilities for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and life science research customers globally
Avanti will continue to operate under the Avanti brand and be led by the current management team

Alabaster, Alabama – Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. (“Avanti” or the “Company”) today announces it has agreed to be acquired by Croda International, Plc (“Croda”). The combination of two life science leaders brings together Avanti’s expertise in lipid-based drug delivery solutions through its research products and pharmaceutical services and Croda’s range of life science products and cGMP manufacturing capabilities to expand their respective breadth of products and services for biotechnology businesses, academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies globally.

Avanti was founded in 1967 by Dr. Walter and Rowena Shaw and is a leader in the development and manufacturing of high-purity lipids that are increasingly utilized as drug delivery solutions for complex therapeutic drugs and next generation mRNA vaccines. The Company operates from its campus in Alabama with its skilled workforce of approximately 150 employees, including over 100 scientists. Throughout Avanti’s history it has been an innovator in lipid based products and applications for the life sciences markets and currently serves thousands of leading biopharmaceutical companies and researchers around the world.

The Company has two primary revenue streams in research products and pharmaceutical services. Since the Company’s founding it has been a leader in developing lipids for life science research and currently offers over 2,000 lipid and adjuvant products serving over 3000 customers globally. The Company also offers pharmaceutical services where it leverages its lipid based expertise to develop and supply drug delivery solutions for complex therapeutics. Avanti provides a comprehensive range of services from formulation and analytical services through cGMP manufacturing of synthetic lipids and adjuvants for clinical and commercial applications.

Avanti’s know-how and technologies are highly complementary to Croda’s capabilities in drug delivery systems, vaccine adjuvants and immunotherapy. Avanti will be able to combine its leading position in pharmaceutical lipid-based applications with Croda’s access to global markets, greater manufacturing capacity and a broader set of capabilities to expand the range of products and services for the combined customer base.

Avanti will continue to operate under the Avanti brand and be led by the current management team. It will be part of Croda’s Life Sciences sector and sit within its Health Care business.

Dr. Walter Shaw, CEO of Avanti, commented: “We are delighted to join Croda, which shares a common vision of innovation to deliver products and services to solve pressing healthcare needs around the world. Avanti has been my life’s work, I am extremely proud of what the Avanti family has accomplished to date and I could not think of a better partner to continue to support our customers and talented employees in their pursuit of solving complex drug delivery challenges in the future.”

Steve Foots, CEO of Croda, commented: “We have long admired the Avanti team for their deep scientific know-how and are already working together on high-potential commercial opportunities. With their exciting drug delivery technologies, Avanti is a market leader in a high growth niche of the health care market, serving over 3,000 customers globally. Bringing Avanti’s best-in-class expertise into Croda also significantly enhances our presence across the pharma product lifecycle, including early stage R&D, clinical trials, analysis and formulation. I am confident that Avanti will prove transformative to the capabilities and performance of our Life Sciences sector.”

BlackArch Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Avanti. Maynard Cooper & Gale served as legal advisor to Avanti.

Further information:

Dr. Kacee Sims - Kacee.Sims@avantilipids.com

About Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc.:

More at: www.avantilipids.com

Avanti specializes in the development and production of high-purity polar lipids that are increasingly being used in next-generation drug delivery technology and vaccines. It has two primary revenue streams:

Research Products: sales of a wide range of high-purity lipid products for pharmaceutical research and development
Pharmaceutical Services: comprehensive liposomal drug delivery development and production solutions. In addition to its formulation and analytical capabilities, Avanti provides a production capability, to the highest quality and regulatory standards (known as Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP), to support customers’ drug development, clinical trials and commercial supply of novel drug delivery systems.

With its extensive portfolio, Avanti serves biotechnology and large pharmaceutical companies around the world.

About Croda:

More at www.croda.com

Established in 1925, Croda is the name behind sustainable, high performance ingredients and technologies in some of the world’s most successful brands: creating, making and selling speciality chemicals that are relied on by industries and consumers everywhere.

Croda is a FTSE100 company with over 4,500 passionate and innovative employees, working across manufacturing sites and offices around the world with a shared Purpose to use Smart Science to Improve Lives™. As part of this Purpose, and with around two thirds of its organic raw materials already from bio-based sources, Croda has committed to be the most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients, becoming Climate, Land and People Positive by 2030.

USDA Small Business Innovation Workshop

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 21:40:06 GMT

Interested in turning your innovative ideas into reality?

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dawnbreaker will be hosting a workshop to introduce the exciting opportunities offered by the USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. These competitive, grants provide the opportunity to conduct research and explore the development of new technologies, services, and products. The USDA SBIR program offers competitively awarded grants up to $100,000 to qualified small businesses to support the growth of research and ideas into products and services that could lead to significant public benefit in agriculture and community development. Whether you’re an established business, aspiring innovator, or even if you’ve applied for SBIR grant funding in the past, this workshop can help you get set-up for success. Come, learn, grow, and gain a better understanding of the program, the chance to meet with experts and secure a personal proposal consultant, on-site access to laptops to set-up all required registration information, including a DUNS number.

Proposals will be accepted from the following topic areas:

» Forests and Related Resources

» Plant Production and Protection - Biology

» Animal Production and Protection

» Air, Water and Soils

» Food Science and Nutrition

» Rural Development

» Aquaculture

» Biofuels and Biobased Products

» Small and Mid-Size Farms

» Plant Production and Protection - Engineering

EVERBLOOM HEALTH LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 14:55:50 GMT

June 30, 2020 (Huntsville, Ala.) – Everbloom Health, Inc., a Sulfilatec company, has launched a new program called “Burl Gives Back” to address food insecurity. Through this program, the company is donating one bag of its Burl Barley Granola® product for every four bags of granola sold at burlgranola.com. The program was launched during the midst of COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions and has been successful.

“Our product donations through the Burl Gives Back program have been much higher than we anticipated,” said Dr. Chris Cummings, CEO of Everbloom Health. “We deeply appreciate the support of our customers and love the opportunity to meet some of the needs of those facing food insecurity.”

Dr. Cummings explained that “hunger is all too common in our society due to food deserts, economic uncertainty, and other factors. It impacts all ages, from innocent kids to our cherished elderly and even entire families. Additionally, it impacts many within the kidney disease community, where we have a major part of our operations. The Burl Gives Back program is our way of doing what we can to help.”

Founded in 2018, Everbloom Health offers Burl Barley Granola as a healthy food option made with rolled barley rather than oats. Whole grain barley is used relatively infrequently in the US food supply, yet has many nutritional properties and is also a preferred grain for many renal diets. The company offers its granola as a kidney-friendly food to health-conscious markets.

Everbloom Health is a subsidiary of Sulfilatec, Inc., a biotech company working to develop new products that address the elevated mortality and morbidity burdens in dialysis populations. Everbloom Health and Sulfilatec are both located at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, AL.

To learn more about the Burl Gives Back program, visit burlgranola.com.

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Foresight Biosciences & Van Heron Labs form a strategic alliance

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 22:55:01 GMT

by Life Science Newswire | Jun 24, 2020 | Biotechnology, Corporate, Finance & Investor | 0 comments

Caption: The flagship building for the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and its associate companies, located at 601 Genome Way, Huntsville AL. Collaborative work between Foresight Biosciences and Van Heron Labs will take place in Suite 4104 at this site.

Houston, Texas, and Huntsville, Alabama have served as epicenters of innovation for decades, partnering to push boundaries, upend limitations, and put mankind on the moon. In a strategic new alignment, Van Heron Labs, a startup formed in Houston, will begin working alongside Huntsville’s Foresight Biosciences to continue the tradition.

Both company’s current founders, leadership, and support teams are dominated by Texas and Alabama natives with many current and former students of state institutions (Auburn, U.A.H., U.A.B., U.H., Rice, U.T., U.T. Health, W.T.A.M.U., T.A.M.U.). Van Heron Labs is also named in honor of the late James Van Heron, a widely admired Alabama native holding several microbiology degrees from Auburn University. Together, the two southern companies will take aim at surpassing the boundaries in a burgeoning field: biotechnology.

Foresight Biosciences are leaders in glycoscience and enzymatic assay development. Their innovative technologies advance glycobiology research and improve the production of glycoprotein therapeutics. The current production of biologics is not only complex and costly, but also plagued with common issues, e.g. high immunogenicity, poor shelf-life, which hinder protein-based drug development. Foresight’s proprietary platform revolutionizes therapeutic protein production to yield higher quality biologics by inducing protein modifications necessary to create more effective human biopharmaceutical therapies. Foresight, aptly named, has also positioned themselves to continue applying their dynamic platform and broad interests to advance our understanding in fields ranging from the metabolic basis of human disease, to microbial ecology and evolution, to human stem cell research, and even agriculture; complemented by the on-going work of Van Heron Labs.

Van Heron’s mission is to reframe our understanding of organismal and cellular performance. They have created a novel pipeline that uses genetic analysis to design a customized procedure for optimizing metabolism for a particular organism or cell, maximizing growth and product output. A completely bootstrapped company, Van Heron Labs is primed to explode on the biotechnology scene due to the versatility of its technology. Their platform has the potential for astounding flexibility, ranging from increasing the production of valuable cellular products, to directly selecting for organisms in complex nutritional environments, to even other more niche applications spanning nearly every industrial, medical, and research sector. Van Heron Labs has yet to decide what they will disrupt first. However, they feel confident that the mentorship and opportunities that will come from pairing with an experienced company such as Foresight will prove to be a priceless advantage.

The strength of this partnership’s lies not only in the two companies’ shared multi-disciplinary vision for the future, but also in the complementarity of their two technological platforms. Foresight, like many companies who utilize cellular products, relies on the fidelity of the culture media they use. While industry standards for culture media have largely stagnated of late, Van Heron Labs aims to enhance standard media with their customized formulas that robustly increase a cell’s capabilities and therefore the quality of high-value cellular products. This provides the perfect opportunity for Van Heron Labs to add substantial value for Foresight, while simultaneously demonstrating viability at industry scale. The partnership offers mutual benefits for both companies and the field of biologic production as a whole.

As of now, prospective collaborative projects will be dynamic and will aim to impact and ameliorate fields like drug and enzyme discovery, development and production as well as industrial fermentation, bioremediation, cell culture, and beyond. Both companies are currently using their platforms to develop technology to help battle COVID-19. In anticipation of continuing collaborative work with Foresight, Van Heron Labs plans to move a significant portion of their laboratory operations from the Texas Medical Center in Houston to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology located in Huntsville, Alabama this month. However, VHL also plans to maintain a strong presence and activism within the Houston entrepreneurial ecosystem, which the company cites as the catalyst for the birth and growth of the company. Van Heron Labs hopes that this will be the first of many collaborations between Huntsville and Houston the two cities spearhead the growing life-science entrepreneurship movement in the southern U.S.

For more information please visit http://foresight-bio.com/ and http://vanheronlabs.com/.

To read more about HudsonAlpha’s mission and vision, as well as the innovative work being done on the campus, please visit https://hudsonalpha.org/.

About Foresight Biosciences: Foresight Biosciences provides technology for glycobiology research with an emphasis on creating tools and in vitro technologies to advance protein-based drug development. We are focused on providing benchtop assays for glycoprotein fingerprint analysis, enzymes and convenient kits for identifying, repairing, and modifying protein glycosylation. In addition to our current product portfolio, we are working to develop recombinant expression systems that yield products with human-like surface glycosylations. The end goal is to improve treatments and ultimately prevent human diseases.

About Van Heron Labs: VHL is a platform technology service that uses a proprietary pipeline to determine the nutrient substrates needed for optimal biosynthesis and growth across organisms and cell types. The one-of-a-kind technology can be deployed for virtually any application which involves or harnesses living cells or bio-matter. VHL is currently focused on addressing speed and scale challenges, particularly for the production of key bio-products. VHL’s platform can be leveraged as a competitive advantage for microbial or cell culture, the production of biologic drugs, enzymes, and other high-value natural or recombinant products.

HudsonAlpha, Muscogee (Creek) Nation collaborate on genomic health program

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:23:10 GMT

June 24, 2020 (Huntsville, Ala.) – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN), the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and HudsonAlpha Health Alliance, have begun a collaboration to bring health and education programs with a focus on genetics and genomics to the tribe. The integration of genomic information in precision medicine is rapidly advancing health care, as an individual’s genome carries important information about disease risks, potential responses to therapy, and appropriate medications. By building programs that integrate genomics into the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH), its citizens and patients will gain access to these advances.

In keeping with tribal leadership’s commitment to improving access to quality and advanced education programs, the collaboration will also provide MCN students and educators access to the latest in genomic science educational tools and classroom support, as well as opportunities to explore careers in biotechnology and genomic medicine through a variety of workforce programs.

The MCN genomic health program, through a collaboration with the Health Alliance, will involve the implementation of comprehensive clinical genetic testing to citizens receiving care at MCNDH. This will include clinical decision support for MCNDH physicians, access to the Health Alliance’s Genome Gateway portal for electronic delivery of genetic test results, and test-specific education for patients and physicians. The program will be managed with strict adherence to the tribe’s privacy standards, quality protocols and supervision for the purpose of improving health outcomes for MCN citizens.

“This exciting program creates a critical bridge between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the advanced genomic science and education programs at the HudsonAlpha Institute. We think this program will serve as a new collaborative model that will give MCN a leadership position in Native American health initiatives, empowering their citizens to participate in the biotechnology revolution, while maintaining tribal autonomy,” said Devin Absher, PhD, Director of Genomic Health at HudsonAlpha.

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health takes pride in its history of innovation, from being the first tribe in the country to own and operate community hospitals to collaborating with an internationally recognized research institution to improve healthcare delivery for our citizens. This partnership with HudsonAlpha provides a real-world solution to address the significant health disparities our citizens face and will enable us to improve health outcomes for generations to come,” said Shawn Terry, Secretary of Health for the Muscogee Creek Nation.

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About Muscogee (Creek) Nation: The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, headquartered in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. MCN has more than 89,000 citizens.

BIO Alabama Welcomes Second Master of Biotechnology Student Intern

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:28:31 GMT

Livia Jojo to Spend Summer & Fall Supporting the Alabama Bioscience Community

BIO Alabama welcomes it’s third student intern and second Master of Biotechnology student into it’s summer internship program, a program for college students who are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience.

Livia Jojo, a Master of Biotechnology student at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, was recently accepted to BIO Alabama’s summer internship program. She will continue her internship into the fall to assist with BIO Alabama’s annual conference.

“Expanding my experience and learning more about business operations, marketing, and public relations is why I chose BIO Alabama for a summer and fall internship,” said Livia Jojo. “Since March, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a laboratory fine tuning my knowledge, skills, and abilities. Now I’m ready to expand and broaden the scope of my KSAs.”

Jojo will spend her summer and fall researching, planning, and implementing the communications and outreach for BIO Alabama’s annual conference including the management of project timelines and the creation of communication and creative assets. The conference theme is a continuation of BIO Alabama’s mission - to connect the Alabama bioscience community. Jojo will liaise with sponsors, presenters, and registered attendees to ensure they have an incredible experience while connecting with bioscience peers around the state and regionally.

“While the look and feel of large gatherings is still uncertain - one thing is certain, Alabama’s bioscience community has responded in jaw-dropping ways to a global pandemic,” said Sonia Robinson, Executive Director of BIO Alabama. “Our annual conference will provide an opportunity to share the stories of innovation, breakthrough, and success more broadly and we’re thrilled to have Livia on board to help us spread the word and create an exceptional show that will ultimately connect, educate, and inspire our conference attendees.”

BIO Alabama provides remote internship opportunities throughout the year and is currently accepting resumes for it’s fall internship program. In addition to BIO Alabama, a number of bioscience companies across the state welcome interns. Interested students may contact BIO Alabama for more information. Bioscience companies who have available internships are encouraged to send internship opportunities to BIO Alabama for assistance in promoting those opportunities to partner colleges and universities.

BIO Alabama Annual Conference Call for Sessions is Open

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:16:45 GMT

Share Your Expertise and Insight with the Alabama Bioscience Community; Deadline July 17

This fall, from October 5-9, the Alabama bioscience community will come together for the annual BIO Alabama conference. While the look and feel of large gatherings is still uncertain, one thing is certain - BIO Alabama is looking for the best speakers to INSPIRE, EDUCATE, and CONNECT our researchers, scientists, startups, manufacturers, and medium and large bioscience companies.

During this conference, BIO Alabama will amplify the innovative work of our members, partners, and the broader Alabama bioscience community. This call for sessions is open to all researchers, scientists, and business leaders working to change the way we feed, fuel, and heal our world. Whether you are directly or indirectly involved in translating science for the greater good, we invite you to submit a session proposal.

The conference theme is a continuation of BIO Alabama’s mission: CONNECTING THE ALABAMA BIOSCIENCE ECOSYSTEM

Hybrid approach to planning: As you prepare your proposal, keep in mind that BIO Alabama’s annual conference may have virtual and in-person components. Conference dates may expand beyond Oct. 7-8 and include more opportunities during the entire week of Oct. 5-9. More details will be shared as we get closer to the date and with guidance from evolving pandemic public health guidelines.

DEADLINE: July 17, 2020

All Session Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. CST on July 17, 2020.

Policies Governing Submission of Company Presentation Proposals:

Proposals will be evaluated on their novel and topical content.
All speakers listed on the proposal must be aware that they are being considered, eligible, and willing to participate as a speaker if the program is selected.
Presentations may have a visual component that may be projected for all session attendees to view (ex. PowerPoint presentation, graphs, charts, video, etc.). However, this is not required.
BIO Alabama reserves the right to edit any submitted materials for promotional purposes.
Sessions may be scheduled at any time during the conference. Speakers must be available to present.
Submissions promoting specific product brands and/or companies will not be considered.
Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
You do not have to be a BIO Alabama member to submit a session proposal.
BIO Alabama does not provide a speaker honoraria. We will consider reimbursement for travel or housing expenses.
BIO Alabama reserves the right to schedule presentations as virtual on-demand, virtual interactive, or in-person.
BIO Alabama reserves the right to cancel a session at any time.

Tips for preparing your proposal:

Share your company story, an innovative approach to solving a specific scientific or business problem, details about your pipeline and work, your business objectives or inspirational stories of success. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

Infectious Diseases and Vaccines
Innovative Companies and Researchers
Next Generation Biotherapeutics
Personalized/Precision Medicine
Regulatory Innovation
Digital Health/ MedTech
Genomics/Genetics
Access to Capital
Ag/Food/Industrial Bio
Economic Development
International Trade
Corporate Best Practices

Calling all entrepreneurs and problem-solvers: we want you to Reignite Alabama!

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:09:55 GMT

COVID-19 has caused a serious dip in Main Street economies all over the country, but we're seeing some signs of recovery. We want Alabama to not just recover itself, but help the country recover and build better systems for the future. And, we want you to be a part of it!

With the help of our partners around the state, we are pivoting Alabama Launchpad's Cycle 3 2020, and applications are open. You can get all the details here.

We're focusing on FOUR sectors:

SECTOR I: COMMERCIAL, RETAIL, LIVE EVENTS: How do we use innovation to enjoy our lifestyles again?
SECTOR II: HEALTHCARE: How do we make our healthcare centers in both rural/urban centers and workforce more resilient and adaptable?
SECTOR III: EDUCATION: How do we use this opportunity to reinvent education?
SECTOR IV: INDUSTRIAL/MANUFACTURING: How do we optimize Alabama's industrial sectors for efficiency - and safety?

This is a response to crisis and a call to action. We want to see your ideas for new companies, new products, and innovations for this new normal. Applications are open until July 16, and we hope to see yours!

Apply here.

Thank you to our partners in Reignite Alabama:

iXpressGenes develops new high performing DNA polymerase for COVID-19 and other pathogen testing

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 15:58:10 GMT

Fast Track™ offers alternative option to current COVID-19 reagents

Scientists at iXpressGenes, on the campus of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, have engineered a new reagent, critical to pathogen detection testing. It’s a DNA polymerase, derived from a deep-sea organism (hyperthermophillic marine archaeon), well-suited to couple with RT-PCR reactions. The enzyme, named Fast Track™ has a longer half-life, higher fidelity, and greater extension and binding efficiency than the commonly used Taq DNA polymerase and others. Fast Track makes the amplification activity of pathogenic DNA more stable and specific.

A DNA polymerase is important to molecular diagnostics because the process depends on a rapid amplification of genetic material, and the polymerase catalyzes that step, starting the process.

DNA polymerase is one of the reagents that has been difficult to source during the COVID-19 pandemic and has limited the number of tests performed. Members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force working group contacted Dr. Joseph Ng, President of iXpressGenes to discuss the urgency of reagent availability. iXpressGenes optimized its recipe and manufacturing process to help diagnostic companies meet the demand.

“The critical component comes from a hydrothermal vent (a sea floor fissure) at the bottom of the ocean floor that Dr. Owen Garriott harvested from a deep sea trip we took several years ago. We were looking for a microorganism that could help solve industrial challenges,” said Dr. Ng, a close friend and colleague of the late Dr. Garriott. “This particular enzyme has evolved over millions of years to replicate DNA at very high temperatures. We have further modified it and we’ve ramped up production to help support the COVID-19 crisis.”

The product is offered on the company’s website, ixpressgenes.com.

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Photo caption: Dr. Joseph Ng, President, iXpressGenes, Inc.

HudsonAlpha receives $1.5M gift to name first endowed faculty chair

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:00:29 GMT

A $1.5 million gift to the HudsonAlpha Foundation by Miguel “Mike” Loya, a Texas businessman and HudsonAlpha supporter, has established the first endowed faculty chair at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Richard M. Myers, PhD, Institute president and science director, has been appointed as the M.A. Loya Endowed Faculty Chair in Genomics.

“Over the years, I have seen HudsonAlpha take enormous strides in Alzheimer disease research, and I want to continue the momentum by supporting the Institute’s neurological research projects,” Loya said. “My family has a personal connection to these devastating diseases and I want to make sure HudsonAlpha can continue their work to find answers.”

As the eldest of seven siblings, Loya came from modest means in El Paso, Texas, on the border with Mexico. He went on to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He received his MBA from Harvard and started his career in the oil industry.

Recently retired, he served as the president of Vitol, Inc., one of the world’s largest oil trading companies for nearly two decades. Both Loya’s mother and grandmother had Alzheimer disease, which led to his interest in neurological disease research.

“Mike has once again demonstrated his commitment to HudsonAlpha and neurological disease research by providing this generous gift to the Institute,” said Myers. “His positive impact will continue for generations to come, and we are grateful for his generosity.”

Loya previously supported the HudsonAlpha Foundation Memory and Mobility Program to study neurological diseases with a $1M gift. As recognition of that gift, the Institute’s cafe was named the Anita Loya Cafe in his mother’s honor.

“This is the first endowed faculty chair position for HudsonAlpha,” said Elizabeth Herrin, HudsonAlpha Foundation Director of External Relations. “Endowed faculty chairs provide the necessary funding to advance research and discovery and are critical for retaining and attracting top talent. We are very grateful to Mike for this gift.”

The HudsonAlpha Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Institute, has created the opportunity to name endowed faculty chairs, such as the M.A. Loya Chair, as a way for donors to make an investment in the Institute to ensure its sustainability. In addition, endowed faculty chairs help increase faculty retention and recruit new talent. For more information, please click here.

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HudsonAlpha to host virtual summer programs

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:49:18 GMT

As most summer camps and educational opportunities have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is helping students, educators and the public continue learning with online opportunities.

“Once we made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person summer activities, our Educational Outreach team quickly went to work developing an exciting schedule of virtual programs and experiences,” said Dr. Neil Lamb, vice president of Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha. “Activities are available, and registration is underway, for a diverse offering of enriching, engaging and fun programs.”

Middle school students

Starting June 8, HudsonAlpha is offering Science Shorts: Summer Adventures, free online activities and experiments to try at home. Science Shorts is a series of fun, independent adventures geared towards middle school-aged kids, but available to all ages. There will be a new topic posted each week, from curdling milk to exploring outside as a backyard biologist. Visit www.flipgrid.com/scienceshortssa for access.

Young professionals

HudsonAlpha will offer a new, free online professional development seminar series beginning on June 8. The BioTrain Professional Development Seminar Series will cover topics including professional etiquette, career advice (resumes and interview skills), ethics and more. The sessions hosted by HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach team are designed for college students, but open to anyone interested in a science career or looking for professional advice. Visit www.hudsonalpha.org/biotrain to register and learn more.

In addition, HudsonAlpha Spark, a program for busy professionals, has moved online. Join the Spark community at www.hudsonalpha.org/spark to receive updates and information on upcoming sessions of Genomics and Java and Science After Hours.

Educators

Teachers have a unique opportunity to continue professional learning with HudsonAlpha this summer. HudsonAlpha Beacon is a program to help educators find life science content from a distance.

These virtual opportunities provide ways to explore and interact with genetics, biotechnology, and the wider world of science. Experiences will include multi-day online workshops that combine synchronous and asynchronous learning, opportunities to tune in to researcher talks, and webinar-style training on newly-developed resources. More information and registration at www.hudsonalpha.org/beacon.

Public outreach

Life-long learners also have a unique place at HudsonAlpha this summer. Dr. Neil Lamb, PhD, Vice President for Educational Outreach, continues to break down difficult science topics for the public through his popular blog and video series. View all of the new and past content at www.shareablescience.org.

Summer is a great time to continue learning, and HudsonAlpha continues to offer opportunities and engaging activities to bring life science content to all learners. For more great summer resources and activities, like and follow HudsonAlpha on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Vimeo and Youtube.

DR. KESHAV K. SINGH JOINS ALLERGAN AESTHETICS SCIENCE OF AGING(SM) FACULTY

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 18:24:51 GMT

Singh is Scientific Founder of Yuva Biosciences

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Yuva Biosciences, an anti-aging startup based on technology developed by one of the world leaders in mitochondrial sciences, Dr. Keshav K. Singh, is pleased to announce that Dr. Singh joined the Science of AgingSM faculty, a platform owned and run by Allergan Aesthetics Medicine R&D.

Allergan Aesthetics selected an elite group of globally-known thought leaders in the field. The Science of AgingSM was born out of a desire to bring the latest developments from the field of aging to the aesthetics arena and explore how these discoveries could potentially translate to aesthetic medicine.

Dr. Singh commented, "I am honored to join Allergan Aesthetics' efforts to assemble pioneers in the 'healthy aging' field to find new insights to help accelerate research and product development and bring exciting new products to market."

Yuva Biosciences plans to develop products based on Singh's breakthrough research on mitochondria and their role in reversing skin aging and loss of hair, as he has successfully demonstrated already in mice which has garnered national and international recognition because of its potentially broad application. Yuva Biosciences was selected as the most recent UAB Faculty Startup of the Year, as Dr. Singh is the Joy and Bill Harbert Endowed Chair and Director of Cancer Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

About Allergan
At Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company (NYSE: ABBV), we develop, manufacture, and market a portfolio of leading aesthetics brands and products. Our aesthetics portfolio includes facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. With our own research and development function focused on driving innovation in aesthetics, we're committed to providing the most comprehensive science-based product offering available. For more information, visit www.AllerganAesthetics.com

About Yuva Biosciences (www.yuvabio.com)
Yuva Biosciences is an anti-aging company harnessing the cutting edge of mitochondrial science to develop cosmeceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals targeted at aging-related hair loss, wrinkled skin, and reduced energy. The Company's Scientific Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor, Keshav K. Singh, Ph.D., is a world leader in the field of mitochondrial biology and genetics and its role in health, disease, and aging. Dr. Singh is the Joy and Bill Harbert Endowed Chair and Director of Cancer Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the founding editor-in-chief of the Mitochondrion journal published by Elsevier. Yuva Biosciences is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-keshav-k-singh-joins-allergan-aesthetics-science-of-agingsm-faculty-301070567.html

SOURCE Yuva Biosciences, Inc.

Discovery BioMed announces a new unit of its CRO services business called Sentirix

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 18:20:18 GMT

DiscoveryBioMed, Inc. (DBM, www.discoverybiomed.com) announces a new unit of its contract research organization (CRO) services business called Sentirix formed based upon our continuing 5-year collaboration with world-renowned, Philadelphia-based Monell Chemical Senses Center.

"The name, Sentirix, is derived from the Latin word sentire ‘to feel in a sensory way,’" explained Dr. Erik Schwiebert, Ph.D., CEO of DBM. "Our logo showcases the name and illustrates a taste bud with a tastant molecule binding to the pore of the taste bud." A trademark application has been filed.

Sentirix aims to provide the most relevant model of human taste sensory pathways for the purpose of understanding taste sensation, characterizing taste profiles of pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, and identifying naturally-derived taste modulators. Specifically, Sentirix uses human taste bud epithelial cell (hTBEC) platform technologies developed by DBM from the prior patented work of Drs. Hakan Ozdener and Nancy Rawson at Monell. DBM has licensed the technology from Monell, while continuing to collaborate scientifically on the development of these niche human cell platform technologies.

Over time, DBM has optimized hTBEC technologies by multiple and different genetic methods, and has established specific cultures that are useful for investigating bitter, sweet, or salty taste pathways. DBM’s expertise in extracellular ATP signaling and in epithelial ion, solute and water transport physiology has also been of significant value to the development of specialty bioassays of and growth formats for hTBECs. "These primary and immortal hTBEC culture platforms are remarkably easy to grow, expand into larger numbers for medium-throughput screening, and respond functionally to many different types of taste stimuli," explained Dr. Grace Salzer, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Business Development Specialist at DBM. "We believe we have developed a technology that both the food, beverage, and flavor industry sectors and BioPharmaceutical drug developers will have significant interest in utilizing for multiple applications pertaining to taste."

DBM has already established proof-of-concept that bitter-responsive hTBEC platforms can be used to discover, validate and profile bitter blockers, small molecules that mask the bitter taste of BioPharmaceutical medicines. Bitter taste blockers discovered in DBM hTBEC screens also blocked the taste of bitter medicines in a subset of human subjects. "This example demonstrates that what we are doing on the benchtop also works in the human mouth," said Dr. John Streiff, Ph.D., DBM’s Chief Chemistry Officer.

DBM has developed the tools to create customizable cell lines and assays tuned to meet varying client needs. Cell lines can be derived from single donors or pooled donors. Assays are tuned to different taste modalities, and cell response can be measured by multiple indicators. Sentirix will operate as a unit within DBM in Birmingham, AL; and, future labs for human sensory studies and for formulation chemistry are envisioned. "This unit fits within our unique niche human CRO services offerings, and it has been a fruitful commercial-academic collaboration with Monell from the start," declared Dr. Schwiebert.

About DiscoveryBioMed, Inc. is in its 13th year of operation as a life sciences and biotechnology company focused on leveraging normal and diseased human cell platform technologies for its CRO services business and for its R&D programs. DBM is located in Birmingham, AL where it is leading an effort to build a critical mass of biotechnology companies in a new hub of the Deep South.

The Monell Chemical Senses Center is an independent nonprofit basic research institute based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1968, Monell‘s mission is to improve health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding of taste, smell, and related senses, where discoveries aid improving nutritional health, diagnosing and treating disease, addressing smell and taste loss, and digitizing chemosensory data.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200602005040/en/

Contact:

Dr. Erik M. Schwiebert, Ph.D.
Company: DiscoveryBioMed, Inc.
Phone: (205) 918-8138
E-mail: erik@discoverybiomed.com

BIO Alabama Welcomes USM Master of Economic Development Student Intern

Thu, 28 May 2020 20:55:23 GMT

Haley Hop to Spend Summer Supporting the Alabama Bioscience Community

BIO Alabama welcomes a second student into it’s summer internship program, a program for college students who are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience.

Haley Hop, a Master of Science in Economic Development student at The University of Southern Mississippi, was recently accepted to BIO Alabama’s summer internship program.

“My coursework focuses on the elements that push data-driven economic development,” said Haley Hop. “Paired with my undergraduate degree in civil engineering and my passion for science, an internship with BIO Alabama provides an incredible opportunity to put my education and passion to work.”

Hop will spend her summer conducting research on tactics, techniques, and strategies that will help BIO Alabama develop an economic development roadmap focused on business attraction and retention, workforce development, and startup and tech transfer within the bioscience community. Part of that research includes an industry survey that is currently open to all bioscience stakeholders around the state. The survey will be followed by a series of focus group sessions that are scheduled for June. Hop will assist in collecting, compiling, and translating data into a consumable report. The final report will be presented at BIO Alabama’s annual conference in October.

“There are a number of career pathways that allow students to work in bioscience including economic development,” said Sonia Robinson, Executive Director of BIO Alabama. “Bioscience can be intimidating. An internship with BIO Alabama provides an opportunity for students to learn more about Alabama’s bioscience industry and the diverse career tracks that are available,” Robinson adds. “Growing and supporting our researchers, scientists, and business leaders requires diversity in thought, knowledge, skills, and abilities.”

BIO Alabama provides remote internship opportunities throughout the year. In addition to BIO Alabama, a number of bioscience companies across the state welcome interns. Interested students may contact BIO Alabama for more information. Bioscience companies who have available internships are encouraged to send internship opportunities to BIO Alabama for assistance in promoting those opportunities to partner colleges and universities.

iCUBATE® Launches COVID-19 Diagnostic Test

Fri, 15 May 2020 18:45:21 GMT

The iC-COVID19 Assay™ expands coronavirus testing

May 14, 2020 (Huntsville, Ala.) – iCubate® , provider of accurate and affordable syndromic diagnostic testing, announces the launch of the iC-COVID19 Assay™. As the demand for testing increases, iCubate now offers the iC-COVID19 Assay to expand needed coronavirus testing.

Diagnostic testing continues to be a key part of efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease. In the United States, there have been over 1.3 million COVID-19 cases, resulting in 80,000 deaths.

“Many regions of the country are facing barriers to COVID-19 testing. iCubate was eager to join the fight and developed the COVID-19 test for hospitals, clinical laboratories and temporary collection sites in major cities and small towns," said Carter Wells, CEO of iCubate.

Targeting the S gene and the ORF1ab gene of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, iCubate’s COVID-19 assay was designed to test people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus disease. By using the iC-COVID-19 Assay, a result can be generated in less than 6 hours from the time of sample collection.

“Testing is key to controlling the coronavirus pandemic and the availability of precise and automated tests has been a limitation in many areas,” said Fran White, Founder and President of Regulatory Affairs of MDC Associates. “iCubate’s easy-to-use assay offers another option for laboratories to consider in the fight against COVID-19. The iCubate system is highly reliable and easy to install and implement in any laboratory setting.” Ms. White and the MDC team work with in vitro diagnostic and medical device companies in the US and around the world as they move innovative products through regulatory processes to positively impact patient health.

With a goal of reducing exposure for front line healthcare workers, each iC-COVID19 Assay is performed in a single-use, closed, disposable cassette that is pre-loaded with the reagents necessary to provide a qualitative answer from a single patient sample.

The iC-System has previously earned two 510k FDA clearances for the iC-GPC Assay™ and the iC-GN Assay™ . These assays rapidly detect and identify potentially pathogenic gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria, respectively, which are associated with blood stream infections and subsequent sepsis. Additionally, the FDA has designated iCubate’s iC-Myco Assay™ a “Breakthrough Device” for the detection and identification of potentially pathogenic non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium, a major cause of pulmonary infections.

iCubate has submitted the iC-COVID19 Assay to the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization for the detection of the virus that causes COVID-19. iCubate’s submission is currently pending with the FDA.

Video: iC-COVID19 Assay™ - For the Front Line

Video: iC-COVID19 Assay™ - For Everyone

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About iCubate®
iCubate is a molecular diagnostic company providing diagnostic solutions to clinical laboratories. Founded by Jian Han, MD, PhD, iCubate’s core technology, Amplicon-Rescued Multiplex PCR (ARM-PCR), detects multiple pathogens concurrently with high sensitivity and specificity within each assay. The portfolio of “sample in-answer out” assays operate on an integrated, intuitive and user-friendly closed system. The end result is improved turn-around time for pathogenic organism identification and detection of important antimicrobial resistance markers. Offering a scalable, cost-effective platform, iCubate offers accurate testing for labs of any size. See iCubate.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this press release may be “forward-looking statements”. iCubate cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. iCubate undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

New Medicine Pipeline Tracker Illustrates Unprecedented Effort to Eradicate COVID-19

Wed, 13 May 2020 16:32:09 GMT

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today unveiled a first-of-its-kind, interactive tracker of the new treatments and vaccines in the COVID-19 pipeline. This online resource illustrates the unprecedented campaign being undertaken by biopharmaceutical innovators to combat – and ultimately eradicate – the novel coronavirus.

Unlike other tracking tools, BIO’s Industry Analysis Team has identified funding sources from the onset of each project; de-duplicated multiple programs and trials for the same drug; and pinpointed the locations of companies discovering these important innovations. The tracker also organizes and categorizes projects in ways that will help public and private sector funders more strategically and holistically assess and prioritize programs to speed their advancement.

Here are some key takeaways:

In the fight against COVID-19, more than 400 unique drug programs were launched in just 16 weeks, including 101 experimental vaccines and 138 programs aimed directly at the SARS-CoV-2 virus;
Private-sector innovators are responsible for more than 90% of vaccines and therapeutics in development to protect individuals and communities from COVID-19;
More than 70% of COVID-19 R&D is being undertaken by small companies; and
More than 50% of this important work originated on American soil.

Among other features, the tracker breaks down the programs by types of approaches, or modalities, being tested to combat COVID-19, and includes information about type of organizations and companies involved in developing the molecules, funding the research, and sponsoring trials. Sourcing of drug names and phase of development comes from BioCentury, Biomedtracker, and international BIO affiliate organizations.

As scientists and researchers work around the clock to develop therapeutics and vaccines to fight against COVID-19, this tracker will be updated weekly on Mondays to ensure you have the most recent information available.

To learn more, click here.

To learn more about how the biopharmaceutical industry is responding to the coronavirus pandemic, click here.

BIO Alabama Welcomes UAB Master of Biotechnology Student Intern

Mon, 11 May 2020 16:57:39 GMT

Sarah Everett to Spend Summer Supporting Alabama’s Bioscience Community

BIO Alabama’s summer intern program serves college students who are intrinsically curious about Alabama’s bioscience industry and are motivated to promote the intellectual and innovative capital that make our state a premier place to invest, start, and grow in bioscience.

Sarah Everett, a Master of Biotechnology student at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, was recently accepted into BIO Alabama’s summer internship program.

“BIO Alabama has been an incredible resource for our Master of Biotechnology program. My peers and I have had the opportunity to work with the organization on various research projects,” said Sarah Everett. “I love science but have an interest in learning more about business operations, especially marketing, and gaining knowledge, skills, and abilities beyond the laboratory.”

Everett will spend her summer supporting back office operations, marketing, and event planning to further the mission of BIO Alabama, the state affiliate of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy.

“Internships present an incredible opportunity for students to translate their knowledge, gain experience, and build their network,” said Sonia Robinson, Executive Director of BIO Alabama. “We are thrilled to be able to offer an internship program designed to introduce our participating students to our bioscience community more broadly. Sarah will have the opportunity to plan and implement projects, support key initiatives, and play an active role in amplifying the work of our bioscience researchers, scientists, and business leaders.”

BIO Alabama is a membership-based professional organization representing the state on a national and international stage. Interns support the executive director in further connecting our bioscience ecosystem. Internships with BIO Alabama are for college credit and follow the college or university's internship guidelines including minimum hour requirements and deliverables.

Participate in BIO Alabama's Annual Conference Interest Survey

Mon, 04 May 2020 16:51:19 GMT

To further our mission to keep the Alabama bioscience community connected, we are moving forward with our plans to host an annual conference in October. While the future look and feel of large gatherings remains uncertain, we are taking COVID-19 safety guidelines into consideration as we plan our conference.

One thing is certain, in order to deliver an exceptional event (whether in-person, digital, or a blended approach) we need your help in shaping the content and conference programming. We're looking for your feedback and suggestions regarding topics and speakers that will inspire, educate, and connect our researchers, scientists, startups, manufacturers, medium and large bioscience companies at our annual conference scheduled for October 7-8, 2020.

Take the survey here.

DiscoveryBioMed and Monell Chemical Senses Center Awarded $1.68 Million Small Business Grant to Profile Bitter Taste Blockers

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:32:13 GMT

Collaboration Will Screen Human Taste Bud Cells with Small Molecule Libraries to Develop Easier Ways for Children and Adults to Take Bitter-Tasting Medications

(Birmingham, AL) - DiscoveryBioMed, Inc. (DBM) has been awarded nearly $1.7 million over the next two years by the National Institutes of Health’s Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) program to find bitter taste blockers to improve medication compliance. This STTR award is administered by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) within the National Institutes of Health. Philadelphia-based Monell Chemical Senses Center is a long-time DBM collaborator. The new funds continue their five-year relationship to advance Monell’s proprietary human taste-cell technology to discover taste modulators.

Building on their successful creation of bitter-responsive human taste bud epithelial cell (hTBECs) lines with earlier funding, this industry-academic partnership’s Phase 2 STTR is aimed at discovering bitter blockers, small molecules combined with bitter medicines and bitter-tasting foods to improve their taste.

“We are humbled and honored to receive this continued funding from NIDCD,” said Dr. Erik Schwiebert, CEO and CSO of DBM. “With the prior Phase 1 funding, and additional, separate support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Monell and DBM, we showed that human taste bud cells in culture are a robust platform to study bitter taste and to identify bitter blockers.”

“Most biopharmaceutical medicines have a bitter taste, and this is problematic for medication compliance, particularly in pediatric and geriatric populations,” said Dr. Nancy Rawson, Monell’s Vice President and Associate Director. “Also, many healthy foods, such as leafy vegetables and plant proteins, have a bitter taste that presents a challenge to widespread dietary changes needed for sustainably improving human nutritional health.”

In previous work, Dr. Danielle Reed, Monell Associate Director, and DBM established hTBEC cultures from individual donor taste papillae tissues. “Our laboratory is interested in taste genetics and the ‘bitterome,’ the genome of the 25 or more bitter taste receptors in human taste buds. Linking genetics and taste behavior of human subjects to the biology of individuals’ taste cells is quite powerful.”

Bitter taste antagonists discovered in initial hTBEC screens also blocked the taste of bitter medicines in a subset of human subjects. “This example demonstrates that a drug discovery approach using human cells to identify bitter blockers discovered antagonists that work in taste sensory studies of human participants,” said Dr. John Streiff, DBM’s Chief Chemistry Officer.

DBM and Monell believe that the bitter-responsive cell cultures and bitter blockers they are developing will be valuable to the biopharmaceutical and food-and-flavor industry sectors,” “We are establishing a bitter blocker research consortium, where independent testing of these compounds by interested third parties can occur.” said Dr. Maureen O’Leary, Monell Director of Technology Transfer.

The combined efforts to date, additional parallel efforts, and anticipated new industry-academia collaborations have also enabled DBM to form a new specialty unit focused on taste. Principal Investigators for Small Business: DiscoveryBioMed, Inc. (DBM)

About:

DiscoveryBioMed, Inc. is in its 13th year of operation as a life sciences and biotechnology company focused on leveraging normal and diseased human cell platform technologies for its CRO services business and for its R&D programs. DBM is located in Birmingham, AL where it is leading an effort to build a critical mass of biotechnology companies in a new hub of the Deep South.

The Monell Chemical Senses Center is an independent nonprofit basic research institute based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1968, Monell‘s mission is to improve health and well-being by advancing the scientific understanding of taste, smell, and related senses, where our discoveries aid improving nutritional health, diagnosing and treating disease, addressing smell and taste loss, and digitizing chemosensory data.

BIO Alabama Summer Internship Program

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:57:17 GMT

Nonprofit Operations & Marketing Internship

What you will do:

Prepare bi-weekly e-newsletter drafts for executive director’s review and approval.
Assist with weekly social media posts and engagement.
Coordinate all details of events (both virtual and in person) including speaker invitations, speaker planning and preparation, promotion, day of event setup, and event attendee follow-up.
Conduct market research as needed to better understand the State’s bioscience ecosystem and it’s assets.
Update and maintain data in customer management system (CRM).
Assist in researching and planning BIO Alabama’s annual conference scheduled for October 7-8, 2020.
Participate in weekly planning & coaching sessions with the executive director.
Engage with state, regional, and national bioscience leaders.

What you already have:

Interest in learning marketing and social media for a state-wide, nonprofit, professional organization.
Interest in learning how to plan and implement small/medium scale events.
Experience conducting research and possess strong written and oral communications skills.
Ability to navigate a wide variety of business and social settings and enjoy taking the message of BIO Alabama to individuals and organizations not yet familiar with its mission.

Submit PDF file of Cover Letter & Resume to: Sonia Robinson, Executive Director sonia@bioalabama.com

DEADLINE: May 4, 2020

New Conversations Around an Old Problem: Health Disparities Among Minorities

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:49:24 GMT

Alabama Minority-Owned Company Tackles Healthcare
Disparities with Trust & Data Science

Conversations around health disparities and the call for minority data amidst COVID-19 are gaining local, national, and social media attention. Over the last few days, it has been disclosed that the African American community is being hit harder by Covid-19 than others. There are many potential reasons for this disparity. More data is needed. One Alabama based minority-owned company, Acclinate Genetics, can help provide data to: the minority community, politicians, federal agencies and pharmaceutical industry. The data can be provided to the medical community at large, which often leaves out black and brown people in testing and yes, even in genomic research and clinical trials. Nearly 40% of Americans belong to a racial or ethnic minority, but the patients who participate in clinical trials for new drugs skew heavily white, in some cases, 90 percent. Acclinate is taking a step back and is calling for engagement and education, first, as it relates to health equity in drug development and vaccine development. Even in their business model, their focus isn’t the software as a solution data platform, it’s people first, then technology.

According to Acclinate Genetics Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Del Smith, PhD, health disparities is a much larger problem where economics, education, and healthcare must be evaluated. He cautions that if we’re not careful, once COVID-19 is no longer the headline, these conversations will end and no real solutions will be in place to impact long term, systemic change.

“These are new conversations around a real old problem, health disparities among minorities. COVID-19 is simply shining the spotlight on it now,” said Smith. “Yes, we need data, but first we need trust. We [Acclinate Genetics] cannot solve the entire problem, but we are hyper focused on solving the equity in drug and vaccine development problem by diversifying genomic research and clinical trials,” Smith adds.

Acclinate Genetics is gleaning lessons learned right from its own state, Alabama….the state where clinical trials came under fire after the misguided Tuskegee syphilis trial that spanned four decades from 1932-1972. A state where 95.64% of the land area has a rural status and many people have limited access to healthcare. A state where Acclinate Genetics was recently recognized as a winner of Alabama Launchpad’s business pitch competition. Interestingly, they feel that the state with a deep history of challenges related to race and clinical trials can be the state to provide a sustainable solution.

“Trust begins with a relationship. The key to diversity is inclusion, at Acclinate we strive to include minorities in conversations, not as a statistic, as a human being. After living a life of adversity I understand many of the struggles minorities face first hand,” said Tiffany Jordan, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer at Acclinate Genetics.

Acclinate Genetics' approach to closing the health disparities gap starts with what they call activation points.

College Ambassadors: Acclinate Genetics is partnering with Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU), starting with the fifteen HBCU’s who call Alabama home and with support from state leaders. The goal is to engage college age students who are looking to increase knowledge about health issues and make a difference in personalized healthcare for all. Furthermore, they hope to position college students as ambassadors to ensure they are educating their families, communities and campuses, for the generations before and after them.

“Minority college age students are sandwiched between generations who need them. Their parents and grandparents need help navigating the health system. Their siblings, cousins and younger friends need help with making health a priority in an effort to break the cycle of common often preventable health issues among minorities, especially black, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity,” Jordan adds.

They plan to expand their ambassador program to Latino, Tribal, and Asian American associations, too.

Speech & Debate: Just weeks before the nation began social distancing, Acclinate Genetics partnered with the National HBCU Speech and Debate Association. The serious topic of health disparities among minorities was the issue debated at the National HBCU Speech and Debate Championship held February 28-March 1, 2020 at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.

Why speech and debate? To include minorities in the conversation and to expand the historic tradition of HBCU exceptionalism and societal equity through speech and debate excellence, free speech, and civic engagement.

“To be included in the conversation around the efficacy of medications, the process to engage in a clinical trial, and the future health of our country and world is a trust problem, “ adds Jordan. “To be invited to the table and heard is so important. As a minority-owned small business founded in Alabama, a state with a difficult past in regards to clinical trials, we are ready to change the narrative.”

Once educated & engaged, minorities are invited to join Acclinate’s enhanced Diversity In Clinical Trials (e-DICT) Program which uses data science to create personalized and actionable steps to impact change. The ultimate mission is to achieve health equity and personalized

healthcare for all by diversifying genomic research and clinical trials. The platform exists to provide meaningful information about how medicines work for people of color and minority populations. The e-DICT Program will engage and employ strategies to encourage greater participation among diverse subgroups that have consistently had low participation rates in clinical trials.

###

About Acclincate Genetics: Acclinate Genetics is a healthcare solutions provider integrating culture and technology to give commercial and government clients analytical healthcare insights. Our experts research, design, and implement solutions in the areas of healthcare analytics and participant engagement for genomic research and clinical trials. Located in HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Acclinate is a Veteran and Minority Owned Small Business located in an Opportunity Zone. Learn more at acclinategenetics.com. Connect on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Tiffany Jordan

tiffany@acclinategenetics.com

(256) 322-2387 cell

(256) 435-2800 Office

CARES Act Summary - Key Provisions for Small Biotech Companies

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 19:03:35 GMT

CARES Act Summary - Key Provisions for Small Biotech Companies

You may have resources, manufacturing capacity, and technology ready for tech transfer

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 21:49:27 GMT

Earlier this week we tuned into the BIO Coronavirus Collaboration Initiative Summit. Here, we translated our notes into a quick read.

For starters, Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, made it clear that her expectations were high for our industry… “because you have delivered for us in the past.”

Key take-a-ways and resources for #ALBioTech:

Dr. Richard Whitley, Co-Division Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAB, represented Alabama among a national roster of presenters. He spoke about the biology of the virus, symptoms, and the incubation period. Dr. Whitley stressed that the shortness of breath experienced is a key differentiator of COVID19 between the flu, common cold, and allergies.
Domestic manufacturing capacity: Dr. Rick Bright, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), stressed the importance of mobilizing the industry to be able to scale up, scale out, fill-finish, and create redundancies with raw material supply chains by “leveraging existing partnerships and forging new partnerships.” Please help share the word among #ALBioTech manufacturers that we need them. They can register online at hub.bio.org to communicate what resources they have available and how they can contribute to the fight.
Request a meeting with a federal agency: The U.S. Government has provided a portal for the submission of market research packages and meeting requests strictly related to COVID-19. They are particularly interested in products and technologies that have progressed into or beyond non-clinical trials, have established large-scale cGMP manufacturing capability, or utilize an approved platform. Information regarding diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and other products or technologies relevant to addressing this outbreak are sought. Please visit: https://medicalcountermeasures.gov/ to learn more. Due to the volume of requests, they ask that all submissions go through the portal. Please do not email individual agencies.

BIO Coronavirus Hub: BIO has created a Coronavirus Hub to coordinate the connection of companies with resources needed. hub.bio.org is a new platform for companies to post what information and supplies they need and what they can share, from RNA kits to pipette tips to general information and guidance. The goal is to maximize the efficiency of all of our companies to make sure we have the tools, the resources, and the capacities we need to win this war against the coronavirus. We encourage you to register on the site to have access to real-time updates.

SBA Disaster Loans: In addition to “all hands on deck” regarding research, supplies, and resources. Further resources are available from the Alabama SBDC Network including assistance with SBA Disaster Loan application process. The SBDC Capital Access team, and all of our SBDC locations statewide are prepared to help businesses with the application process and any other Covid-19 related issues. Due to extremely high call volume, they are asking companies to register online at ASBDC.org/register, to help ensure that you are directed to the next available SBDC Business Advisor.

Let's share joy and encouragement: There are positive and meaningful stories to share amidst this public health crisis. We encourage you to send us your stories to share and offer encouragement to our peers and colleagues around the state and beyond. Send your story to sonia@bioalabama.com.

SEC Regulatory Changes Provide Small Biotech Companies Relief from Burdensome Requirements

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:49:25 GMT

Washington, DC (March 12, 2020) – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted regulatory changes to provide small public companies with a temporary exemption from Sarbanes-Oxley 404(b) compliance. 404(b) requires public companies to report on the internal controls they have in place over their financial reporting. While well-intended, this regulatory requirement has proven to reduce market capitalizations, increase audit fees, force companies to exit public markets, and reduce R&D investments in pre-revenue startups that result in fewer inventions.

“Biotech companies across the country conduct their research without the certainty of a return on their investment, so they highly value resource efficiency,” said Jim Greenwood, BIO’s President and CEO. “Cost burdens like 404(b) can slow a company’s progress in the lab and lengthen the amount of time it takes to deliver treatments for patients in need. I applaud the SEC for adopting a commonsense approach to ensuring less capital is going into unnecessary compliance and instead into lifesaving science.”

Under the amendment, small public companies with public float of less than $700 million that have annual revenues of less than $100 million would be exempt from the 404(b) requirements. This regulatory obligation has been a longstanding burden for small biotechnology companies because of its extraordinary expense, their pre-revenue status, and the fact that it is of little use to their investors.

A similar proposal to the one adopted today was championed by Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Thom Tillis and Representatives Trey Hollingsworth and Ben McAdams. Together, they have sponsored the Fostering Innovation Act (S. 452, H.R. 3886), a bipartisan bill that would provide for a 5-year extension of 404(b) exemption for qualifying public companies included in the 2012 JOBS Act.

Background

BIO, along with other industry voices, has long advocated for providing small biotech startups relief from costly 404(b) compliance regulations.

In 2012, BIO supported the passage of the JOBS Act. BIO has also long supported the Fostering Innovation Act, which has been introduced in every Congress since 2012.
The SEC Government Business Forum on Small Business Capital Formation has recommended for expanded exemptions from 404(b) every year since 2008, and several comments on past SEC actions, including SEC’s SRC proposed rules in 2017 also recommended expanding the Section 404(b) exemption.
In 2018, a broad coalition of organizations included expanding the section 404(b) exemption for low-revenue companies as part of its recommendations to help companies go and stay public.
In 2019, economists Craig Lewis and Joshua White released a study, Science or Compliance: Will Section 404(b) Compliance Impede Innovation by Emerging Growth Companies in the Biotech Industry?, which pointed to mounting evidence that 404(b) compliance was overly burdensome and costly.
In 2019, BIO submitted comments to the SEC in strong support of the proposed amendments. BIO was joined by a chorus of other comments in support of the proposal, including more than 20 individual biotech companies, and more than a dozen other trade associations and interest groups who all supported the proposal.

###

Yuva Biosciences, Inc. is seeking an exceptional drug discovery scientist

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 01:19:31 GMT

Yuva Biosciences, Inc. is seeking an exceptional drug discovery scientist to drive the development and incorporation of new approaches to test candidate agents to enhance mitochondrial function. Research scientist will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing in vivo assays in mice to support progression, optimization, and mechanism of action of mitochondrial therapeutics. This is a Yuva Bio sponsored position in the laboratory of Keshav K. Singh, Ph.D., (Company's Scientific Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor) at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Yuva Biosciences is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

Prior experience in the mitochondrial biology and genetics field is a plus. The candidate must work well in a growing organization, make clear decisions in a fast-paced drug discovery environment and be highly proficient in both verbal and written communication. Independently performs scientific experiments with a predefined goal, including developing new strategies.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related field with minimum 2 to 3 years post-doctoral experience or industry experience

Experience and demonstrated excellence in early phase drug discovery, target identification, and validation and project team leadership.

Strong strategic scientific and technical leadership in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of a broad range of mitochondrial assays to drive identification of compounds leading to progression and elucidation of the mechanism of action.

Experience in preparing clear technical reports, publications, and oral presentations: independently communicating results; presenting clearly and effectively and defending own work at internal & external meetings; delivering updates to management in the context of overall project goals. Keeps abreast of relevant literature relevant to research projects and competitive landscape.

Understanding of classical pharmacological principles and drug discovery process, in order to support an assessment of potency, efficacy and contribute to predictions of human efficacy

Ability to critically analyze and interpret data and effectively document and communicate results
Has a demonstrated ability to apply a variety of state-of-the-art biochemical and genetic methods related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and molecular pathways related to therapeutic agents.

Has solid hands-on experience in handling mice and basic cell culture / genetic manipulation techniques as well as molecular and cell biology approaches.

Strong working knowledge of computer software including Excel and PowerPoint and additional scientific analysis software including Prizm GraphPad, SpotFire, XL-Fit or comparable scientific data applications.

Additional/Preferred Qualifications

Experience in mitochondrial assays including biochemical and cell-based assays
Experience in development of innovative translational in vitro and/or in vivo models that predict human efficacy

About Yuva Biosciences

Yuva Biosciences is an anti-aging company harnessing the cutting edge of mitochondrial science to develop cosmeceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals targeted at aging-related hair loss, wrinkled skin, and reduced energy. The Company's Scientific Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor, Keshav K. Singh, Ph.D., is a world leader in the field of mitochondrial biology and genetics and its role in health, disease, and aging. Dr. Singh is the Joy and Bill Harbert Endowed Chair and Director of Cancer Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the founding editor-in-chief of the Mitochondrion journal published by Elsevier. Yuva Biosciences is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

Apply online at http://yuvabio.com/careers.php

Using Speech & Debate to Propel an Idea Forward

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:04:29 GMT

Alabama-based Acclinate Genetics Partners with the National HBCU Speech & Debate Association to Tackle Health Disparity Among Minorities

Speech and debate is a skill, one studies and practices much like that of a sports athlete. The mental and emotional endurance required for students participating in a national speech & debate championship rivals that of athletes on the field. Their competitive advantage - words. Pair that with a meaningful problem worth solving and a movement begins.

A movement, that is what Acclinate Genetics is creating through their efforts to include, engage, and educate minorities on the serious topic of health disparities. An issue debated at the National HBCU Speech and Debate Championship held February 28-March 1, 2020 at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.

“Partnering with the National HBCU Speech & Debate Association amplifies our voice,” said Tiffany Jordan, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Acclinate Genetics. “It empowers minority students who are passionate about impacting change to vocalize the importance of having conversations regarding difficult topics but to also present solutions to problems worth solving.”

The National HBCU Speech and Debate Association is primarily funded by the Charles Koch Foundation. The 2020 national competition attracted over 150 students, with over 350 entries.

“Speech and debate challenges students to analyze issues from various perspectives, create solutions, passionately advocate their positions, and leverage their skills of persuasion to influence others,” said Executive Director, Christopher Medina. “ Our students are presented with difficult topics and the topic of health disparities is extremely relevant and poignant, given the global rise of precision medicine.”

Recently the FDA and NIH have focused their attention on the importance of diversifying clinical trials and genomic research. Acclinate Genetics is prepared to deliver educated,

minority clinical trial participants who have historically been left out. Yet, the solution to this problem goes beyond technology and policy that demands diverse representation.

The partnership between Acclinate and the National HBCU Speech & Debate Association is planned to grow and expand and include other minority-serving institutions including Latino, Tribal, and Asian American associations. Together they will expand the historic tradition of HBCU exceptionalism and societal equity through speech and debate excellence, free speech, and civic engagement.

###

Contact Information:

Tiffany Jordan, Director of Strategic Partnerships

tiffany@acclinategenetics.com

256-322-2387

About Acclincate Genetics: Acclinate Genetics helps biopharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations achieve the most representative research sample by expanding their genomic studies and clinical trials to include diverse ethnic groups. Their Enhanced Diversity in Clinical Trials (e-DICT) is a HIPPA compliant platform that utilizes artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics to automate the identification, education, engagement, and retention of willing & diverse clinical trial participants. The result is a ready supply of willing, educated, and diverse participants for genomic research and clinical trials. Their unique system helps decrease the overall cost of drug development and increase the speed of FDA approval. Learn more at acclinategenetics.com. Connect on LinkedIn.

About National HBCU Speech & Debate Association: The National HBCU Speech and Debate Association is committed to providing students and educators, at Historically Black Colleges and Universities the skills and training necessary for leadership development in traditional and emerging career fields; positioning them for personal and professional excellence. The Association prepares students for professional/graduate level education through enhancement of research, analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills; increasing appreciation for the arts, global awareness; and the communication of current events, literature, and creative thought, through performance and free speech.

Two companies win Alabama Launchpad Montgomery pitch contest

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 12:26:05 GMT

By William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

Two companies took home a combined $150,000 Thursday in the finale pitch competition for Alabama Launchpad in Montgomery.

Huntsville-based Acclinate Genetics won $50,000 in the concept stage, while Birmingham’s CerFlux took the $100,000 seed stage prize. Both companies gave their pitch before a four-judge panel.

Acclinate Genetics is working to increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials. Company founder Del Smith created Acclinate to address the lack of minority participation, which results in problems in drug efficacy for minority populations. The company also looks to capitalize on the FDA’s current national focus on the issue.

CerFlux offers personalized medicine solutions to identify the most effective cancer therapeutics for patients. CerFlux had previously won the concept stage prize during Alabama Launchpad in 2019. CEO Karim Budhwani is a visiting scientist at UAB.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, is the state’s most active early seed funding source. To date, it has funded 92 startups, invested $5.5 million with a post money valuation of more than $325 million.

“It’s wonderful to see two life sciences companies win Alabama Launchpad,” EDPA President Steve Spencer. “It’s a strong indicator of the strength of this growing industry in the state, and all of the finalists competing exemplify Alabama’s diverse vertical sectors.”

Originally published by AL.com.

Diversifying Clinical Trials, Blazing a Trail for Minority-Owned Small Businesses

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:37:02 GMT

Their mission is clear, diversify clinical trials and genetic research by engaging the very population that needs to be represented - people of color. Yet, Acclinate Genetics has found itself in a business world where diversity among entrepreneurs, diversity among ventured backed entrepreneurs, is limited, too.

Previous reports from the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that minority entrepreneurs represented just 20% of entrepreneurs funded by venture capital. Not to mention that loan denial rates have been reported to be higher for minority entrepreneurs.

As an Alabama Launchpad finalist, Acclinate Genetics mission is amplified.

“These are new conversations around a real problem, health disparities among minorities. We have presented our ‘how’ and it’s very different from the way things have traditionally been done,” said Del Smith,PhD, CEO of Acclinate Genetics. “We have a big vision and it involves impacting a lot of communities and a lot of lives.”

When it comes to impacting lives, Smith takes it a step further. He serves as a role model for minority students, too. His tenure as the Dean of the Business School at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, a historical black college and university (HBCU), takes his story to another level.

“There’s an overwhelming sense of responsibility to my students to show them that they can be successful entrepreneurs,” Smith said. “Part of that involved role modeling what that looks like. It takes drive, grit, and determination. I want my students to know that there are many paths to success and sometimes you will take two paths during the same season of your life. Having dual careers may allow you to have an even greater impact on the world,” Smith adds.

Smith and his team will present their final Alabama Launchpad pitch February 27, 2020 at The Warehouse at Alley Station located at 130 commerce street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. Event details can be found online here.

“Regardless of the outcome, being an Alabama Launchpad finalist provides an opportunity to share our vision more broadly,” said Smith. “This is an opportunity for an Alabama-based company to tackle a tough subject regarding health disparity among minorities. We take that responsibility very seriously.”

Download full release here.

2020 National Life Sciences Hiring & Compensation Survey is now open for participation

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:56:26 GMT

BIO Alabama among twenty-three states participating in national survey

BIO Alabama is seeking participation from life sciences human resource leaders & hiring managers in the 2020 National Life Sciences Hiring & Compensation Survey, which we are producing in collaboration with the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes and Gallagher Surveys.

With hundreds of positions broken out by research specialty, region, size and other factors, the survey will be a premier source of detailed compensation, hiring and HR policy data for life science organizations across the country.

The survey consists of two distinct parts:

A short online workforce development survey that seeks to identify the most pressing talent needs of the life sciences industry. The workforce trends report is used by legislators, academic institutions, and HR representatives seeking to develop the industry’s workforce, and will be released at the BIO International Convention in San Diego in June. All participants will receive a complimentary report.
An optional compensation survey for the life sciences industry, which will be made available to participants at very low cost (between $400-800 based on company size) later this year. The survey is designed to make participation simple with flexible data submission options. The compensation report will be made available to survey participants only.

Please click here to complete the survey by no later than March 13, 2020.

Thank you for providing this important information for Alabama’s life science industry.

Alabama Launchpad finale set for Feb. 27

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 21:42:16 GMT

A program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), the Launchpad final will take place at the Warehouse at Alley Station in Montgomery. For more information, click here.

Alabama Launchpad has finalists in two stages of its competition: concept stage, for companies usually pre-revenue, and early seed stage, for companies looking to accelerate growth.

The companies competing in the concept stage for $50,000 are:

Acclinate Genetics, a company addressing the lack of diversity in clinical drug trials.
Pure Game Sports Network, a sports media and marketing company created for high school athletic departments and fans.
Smart Solutions, assistive technology allowing more living independence for persons with disabilities.

The companies in the early seed stage, which will be competing for $100,000, are:

Buolo Solutions, a company connecting professional women to talent-seeking companies with flexible jobs.
CerFlux, a cancer-fighting company creating personalized medicine solutions to identify the best and most effective cancer therapeutics.
MOXIE, producing custom-designed Internet of Things solutions for clients within 30 days.

Alabama Launchpad is the state’s most active early seed funding source and, to date, has funded 90 startups, investing $5.3 million in companies with a post money valuation of more than $325 million.

“Alabama Launchpad is here to serve early stage companies all over Alabama, and we look forward to seeing these finalists compete onstage in our state’s capital," EDPA President Steve Spencer said.

Original article from AL.com

BIO Alabama to Host Life Sciences Startup Bootcamp in Mobile

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:15:15 GMT

Alabama is recognized as a growing hub for biotechnology, drug discovery, medical devices, agriculture and chemicals, and other life sciences. To demystify the biotech startup process, BIO Alabama has organized a morning of informational presentations with highly experienced speakers who offer insight to facilitate successful startup ventures.

Events Details:

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Time: 8:30 a.m. - Noon

Location: The Fuse Factory 200 Government St 4th Floor, Mobile, AL 36602

Cost: $10 / FREE for students

Speaker Line-Up:

"Federal funding is available — how to win it"

Andrew Byrd, MBA, PhD
Director, University of South Alabama Office of Commercialization and Industry Collaboration (OCIC)

Dr. Byrd joined the OCIC after receiving his PhD in Basic Medical Sciences from USA College of Medicine. A native of Mobile, AL, Dr. Byrd has been affiliated with USA for almost two decades. Dr. Byrd’s involvement in USA technology transfer is pervasive, from technology scouting, invention disclosure and due diligence assessment, through patent strategy and licensing negotiations, including those for the USA Foundation for Research and Commercialization. Dr. Byrd is also an inventor on two patent pending technologies.

"Your ideas have value - how to protect them"

Nick Landau PhD, Partner & Registered Patent Attorney, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings

Nick Landau works with individuals, universities, startups, growing businesses, and publicly traded companies to procure, protect and litigate all forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. He combines his research background in microbiology with his training in law to strategically serve life science companies.

“Startup accounting & finance - why the numbers matter”

Phillip Rivers, CPA, Warren Averett

Phillip leads the Warren Averett Mobile office and has more than 18 years of accounting experience in a wide range of industries including real estate, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and transportation. He is a Member of the Firm, and Joined Warren Averett in July 2012 after previously spending over 11 years with a Big 4 firm. Phillip specializes in handling complex accounting and auditing matters for his clients. Services he provides include internal control reviews, due diligence, debt issuances as well as assistance with mergers and acquisitions and spinoffs. Phillip resides in Spanish Fort with his wife and three children.

"Investors are out there - how to find the right ones"

Kenneth Dale Speetjens , Co-Founder & CEO of Shipshape Urban Farms

Dale began his career by serving in the United States Armed Forces. After leaving the military he began his studies at Auburn University. After graduation, Dale joined Mobile's Bloomberg Innovation Team. Now, Dale is the Co-Founder and CEO of Shipshape Urban Farms, an agritech company focused on the design, manufacturing, and operation of hydroponic farms built inside up-cycled shipping containers.

“Tapping into local resources for startups, trade, and contracting”

Melvin Washington, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Alabama

Mel Washington provides one on one confidential counseling to entrepreneurs and small businesses in six counties in South Alabama. He is the former Executive Director & CEO of Project Enterprise, a micro-lending organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities in New York City. Mel has held executive level positions in Finance, Operations, and Strategy and Planning in the financial services and telecommunications sectors. His career includes successful stints at top tier firms including AT&T, Salomon Brothers, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, and Citibank.

Momentum Rising for State’s Bioscience Industry

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 15:12:48 GMT

BIO Alabama Board Approves New Chair and Eight New Board Members

Just weeks after announcing the hire of their first executive director, BIO Alabama announces it’s new board chair and eight new board members. The BIO Alabama board voted and approved Blair King, Manager of Economic Development and Existing Industry for Alabama Power, as its Board Chair. In addition to King, eight industry leaders from around the state joined the organization’s board of directors.

Blair King, BIO Alabama Board Chair

Peggy Sammon, BIO Alabama Immediate Past Chair

“2019 has been an impactful year for the Alabama bioscience industry,” said Blair King. “Our board, led by Peggy Sammon, CEO of GeneCapture, successfully advocated and supported our members, sponsors, and state in a number of ways,” King adds.

BIO Alabama supported several initiatives including the passage of SB78, the Alabama Innovation Act, which provides an R&D grant program for qualified research expenses in Alabama. They also supported the introduction of BACE (Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam) to prepare lab certification to high school and college students seeking biotech lab employment and the statewide introduction of MGMWERX, an innovation and acceleration center in Montgomery to support innovation in Air Force applications.

“It was a privilege to serve and represent our industry as the board chair,” said Peggy Sammon. “Blair is an excellent choice as chair. His background in economic development coupled with his passion for growth within the bioscience industry will serve BIO Alabama well.”

This past year, members of BIO Alabama participated in the State’s International Trade Delegation for Life Sciences to Ireland and the UK. They co-hosted the National Security Innovation Summit that brought Department of Defense tech scouts to meet Alabama technology innovation companies. In September, they participated in Senator Doug Jones’ Health Conversations and International Trade discussions to continue to develop a climate for growth and trade import/export for Life Sciences. They also hosted a Life Sciences Boot Camp for startup companies addressing corporate structure, IP, investment and available Small Business services. Lastly, they supported several State and National bills to protect life sciences IP and pricing structure in the medical device legislation.

BIO Alabama’s board is made up of industry representatives, service organizations, and industry thought leaders. Collectively, the mission of the organization is to promote bioscience innovation by creating a favorable scientific, business, and legislative environment that will facilitate the growth of emerging and existing companies, attract new bioscience opportunities to Alabama, and to increase public awareness regarding the potential impact on quality-of-life and the state’s economy.

“BIO Alabama is positioned to provide direction and support to grow the bioscience industry in Alabama,” King said. “With our collective expertise represented on our board and within our membership, we plan to do that by creating a statewide economic development roadmap to grow our industries throughout Alabama and by promoting collaboration through our initiatives.”

More about the new BIO Alabama board chair and industry leaders who recently joined the board:

Blair King, Manager of Economic Development and Existing Industry, Alabama Power

Mr. King joined Alabama Power Company in 2009 as a project manager and economic development representative. In this role, he helped bring some of the biggest companies to the state including Shipt, Yorozu, Gerhardi and Golden State Foods. He currently leads Alabama Power’s economic development Existing Industry and Expansion team, which is dedicated to helping current industrial customers expand their business in the state. He is also responsible for working with new prospective companies considering Alabama for a new location. Prior to joining Alabama Power, King served as a Financial Incentives Specialist for Operation New Birmingham (now REV Birmingham), a downtown redevelopment organization focused on the revitalization and growth of downtown Birmingham. A Birmingham native, Blair grew up in Vestavia, AL and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management.

Molly LaBorde, COO & Interim CEO, Innovation Depot

Mrs. LaBorde is currently the Chief Operating Officer and the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Innovation Depot. Prior to joining the Innovation Depot in September 2013, she managed the data analytics, operational reporting, and annual budget for HealthSpring of Alabama. She serves on the Birmingham Southern College Entrepreneurship Program's Advisory Board and is a PARCA Roundtable member. She completed the Leadership UAB program in 2015 and won Birmingham Business Journal's Top 40 under 40 in 2016. She has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa.

Dennis Leonard, Innovation Consultant, EDPA

Mr. Leonard consults with the EDPA to envision and build a technology based economy in Alabama and advantage the vertical assets we have in; AG-Tech, Automotive, Aerospace, Advanced (3-D) Manufacturing, Chemical Production, Life Sciences, and Logistics. Additionally, he supports the growth of EDPA's Alabama Launchpad and imerge2019.

Russell Mumper, Ph.D., Vice President for Research & Economic Development, The University of Alabama

After spending nearly a decade working in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Dr. Russell Mumper began his academic career in 1999 at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. In 2007 he joined the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the John A. McNeill Distinguished Professor and Founding Director of the Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery. Dr. Mumper has received nearly $30million in research grants, has published more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and abstracts, and is an inventor on 60 patents or patent families, many of which have been licensed to companies. He has led or founded four different interdisciplinary centers/institutes on two campuses, and has also founded five startup companies. He now serves as the Vice President for Research & Economic Development at The University of Alabama.

Erik Schwiebert, Ph.D. , CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, Discovery BioMed

As Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of Discovery BioMed, Dr. Schwiebert focuses on overall leadership and management of the company’s research and development. He brings several years of experience as a researcher in cell physiology and pathophysiology. He currently focuses his scientific efforts as an applied discovery scientist, applying his cell physiology and pathophysiology training to DBM programs. He was previously an Associate Professor with tenure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Prior to that, Dr. Schwiebert was a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His education includes a Ph.D. in Physiology from Dartmouth College and a B.A. in Biology from Grinnell College. He is originally from Princeton, NJ.

Jared Sharp, CPA, Warren Averett

Mr. Sharp is a Member of the Warren Averett Firm and serves as the Service Area Leader of the Tax Division in the Huntsville, AL Office. He has been practicing public accounting since 2005. Shapr has experience serving clients in industries such as technology, biotechnology, healthcare, government contracting, manufacturing and distribution. He focuses his practice on large multi-state corporations. Sharp also has experience with the research and development tax credit, accounting for income taxes under ASC Topic 740, FIN 48 and state and local tax issues. He resides in Madison, AL with his wife, son and three daughters.

Kacee Sims, Ph.D., Director of Marketing & Technical Support, Avanti Polar Lipids

Dr. Sims is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of Avanti’s brand strategy to new and existing products and services, and she drives the development and delivery of high-quality scientific publications (abstracts, company presentations, website/digital content, and marketing materials) in support of Avanti’s products and services with a primary focus on creating brand familiarity. She completed her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2011. Dr. Sims now resides in Birmingham with her husband and their two dogs, Chase and TJ.

Del Smith, Ph.D., Dean, College of Business & Public Affairs, Alabama A&M University and Founder & CEO, Acclinate Genetics

Dr. Smith has extensive management and leadership experience in healthcare, IT, higher education, and government. Since 2015, he has served as dean of the College of Business & Public Affairs at Alabama A&M University. In 2018, his role at the university expanded to include executive director for economic development. Dr. Smith launched and sold his first tech start-up at the age of 25. His newest venture, Acclinate Genetics, located on the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, was founded with a mission of helping clinical research organizations achieve the most representative research sample by expanding their genomic studies and clinical trials to include diverse ethnic groups. Dr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Faulkner University, Master of Science in Management from Troy University, and Ph.D. in Management from the University of Alabama.

Carolyn Turner, Assistant Director, Research and Training; International Trade Specialist, The Alabama International Trade Center

Mrs. Turner assists small and medium sized companies in Alabama with international trade, expanding company’s sales via international opportunities, problem solve wide ranging international topics such as ITAR and EAR, classification, regulations, contracts, finance options, risk mitigation, and more. She also conducts country/market analyses for international market research, provides international business training and educational industry seminars. She has training on these topics: Incoterms, International Distributor Agreements, How to Prepare for an Import & Export Audit, ITAR and EAR, NAFTA, and other FTA’s, Developing an Import/Export Compliance Program, Import and Export Documentation, Customs Brokers License Training Course with Logistics Training Systems, Hazardous Materials, SBA and EXIM Trade Financing, Trade Promotion Coordination Committee (TPCC) Training, SBIR Grants, International Intellectual Property Rights, and global e-commerce.

Southeast BIO Announces Corporate Venture Capital Panel

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:32:03 GMT

The Southeast BIO Investor & Partnering Forum is honored to be able to present a panel of distinguished corporate venture capitalists on its opening day, Wednesday, November 6, in Coral Gables, Florida at the Biltmore Hotel. These panelists will provide insight into how to work with corporations, the largest source of capital for biopharma companies. Our panelists will be John Gustofson of AbbVie Ventures, who will double as moderator, Gladys Nunez of Amgen, Diana Bernstein of MRL Ventures Fund and Akhil Saklecha of Cleveland Clinic Ventures. Read more.

Growth in Bioscience Industry leads BIO Alabama to hire Executive Director

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 00:56:34 GMT

Sonia Robinson to lead the state-wide organization

BIO Alabama, the statewide bioscience association has announced its first full-time executive director, Sonia Robinson. Robinson will lead the organization to assist its members and the state in growing jobs, increasing research investment, and expanding international trade.

The Biosciences industry in Alabama contributes $7.3 Billion in economic impact.

“The entire life sciences ecosystem is active in Alabama from research to institutional tech transfer; from startups and corporate innovation to global manufacturing,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of Commerce, Alabama Department of Commerce. “With this milestone, BIO Alabama is positioned to foster continued growth and development within the bioscience industry.”

The industry segments represented in Alabama include medical devices and materials, pharmaceuticals, research and development, information technology, genetics, genomics and personalized medicine. BIO Alabama is the state partner of the international life sciences trade organization Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

BIO Alabama’s mission is to cultivate a thriving bioscience ecosystem in Alabama through collaboration and investment, both in industry and research. Board Chair Peggy Sammon said, “Alabama is home to cutting edge research and innovation; we want to be recognized as such and to help our bioscience industry grow. It’s time to devote full time resources to this goal and we’re confident that Sonia Robinson will bring the leadership and strategic thinking to this effort.”

Robinson’s career in healthcare marketing and public relations and her experience with startups are very relevant to the issues BIO Alabama will be addressing. Robinson has held positions in marketing, business development, customer service, human resources, and back-office operations. In 2017, Robinson was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her personal investigation into treatment options gave her deep respect for the efforts of researchers and especially the role of personalized medicine. Robinson is now active as a survivor and advocate.

“As an Alabama native, I am so proud of our rich history in agriculture, automobiles, tech, rockets, and aviation. Bioscience joined the state narrative years ago, but it is time to share that news of those successes and impact more broadly,” said Sonia Robinson. “Communities and companies in Alabama are already experiencing how bioscience is an economic force for our future,” Robinson adds.

BIO Alabama members join an exceptional network of innovative companies and industry thought leaders. Members gain access to opportunities for collaboration, trade, exposure, professional development, networking, and growth within the bioscience industry.

“We have an active board ready to support our new executive director with strategic initiatives designed to cultivate relationships and expand networks for the many bioscience companies in our state,” said Blair King, Board Chair-Elect. “BIO Alabama enhances state-wide economic development initiatives by supporting new, emerging, and existing bioscience organizations through collaboration, advocacy, and support.”

BIO Alabama is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Satellite offices are located throughout the state.

HUNTSVILLE COMPANY ON A MISSION TO TRANSFORM THE STATUS QUO OF CLINICAL RESEARCH

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 20:51:08 GMT

Acclinate Genetics wants to ensure clinical research is truly as diverse as the world we live in

Huntsville, Ala. – Did you know? A person’s genetic ethnicity impacts their propensity for certain diseases. For example, hypertension, and kidney disease are more common among African Americans. The effectiveness and potential side effects of medicines can also vary depending on someone’s genetic ethnicity. However, there is significant underrepresentation of ethnically diverse people in genomic research and clinical trials, leading to greater health disparity and inequality.

Acclinate Genetics is working to change that.

"As our country becomes more diverse, the time is now to address the underrepresentation of minorities and people of color in genomic research and clinical trials,” said Acclinate founder and president, Delmonize “Del” Smith, PhD.

Located on the campus of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Acclinate was founded with a mission of helping clinical research organizations achieve the most representative research sample by expanding their genomic research and clinical trials to include diverse ethnic groups.

Disparities have dire implications for precision medicine as we approach 2060 when non-Caucasians outnumber Caucasians in the U.S. Racial and ethnic minorities make up 40% of U.S. population but are only 2%-16% of clinical studies. As a result, actionable insights for people of color and minority populations are not readily available. This has a direct impact on ethical, scientific, and financial measures of success.

“When it comes to genomic research and clinical trials, we represent the underrepresented,” said Smith. “Our mission is to achieve health equity and personalized healthcare for all.”

Smith is a serial entrepreneur with extensive management and leadership experience in healthcare, IT, education and government. In addition to being founder and CEO of Acclinate, Smith serves as dean of the business school at Alabama A&M University. His involvement in Huntsville’s business community connected him to HudsonAlpha and the opportunities for startups on the biotech campus.

“HudsonAlpha provides opportunities for not only research and education institutions, but also entrepreneurs,” said Smith. “It’s great to know that there’s a place in our own backyard setup to attract companies and help them grow.”

Acclinate understands the barriers that lie ahead on its journey to diversifying genomic research and clinical trials – such as overcoming the historical context resulting from events such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiment – and is taking steps toward increasing patient awareness about the value of participating in such programs.

In doing so, the company established the Enhanced Diversity & Inclusion in Clinical Trials, or e-DICT Program, which combines a unique participant management system to identify barriers to diverse subgroup participation, specifically racial and ethnic minorities, in U.S.-based clinical trials and employ strategies to achieve greater participation and retention.

To learn more about how Acclinate’s services can benefit your company, visit acclinategenetics.com.

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About Acclinate Genetics: Acclinate Genetics was founded with a mission of helping clinical research organizations achieve the most representative research sample by expanding their genomic studies and clinical trials to include diverse ethnic groups. We believe diversifying genomic research and clinical trials to include more people of color increases knowledge about health issues and makes a difference in personalized healthcare for all.

Demystifying the biotech startup process

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 18:01:58 GMT

Alabama is recognized as a growing hub for biotechnology, drug discovery, medical devices, and other life sciences. To demystify the biotech startup process, Bradley and BIO Alabama have organized a morning of informational meetings with highly experienced speakers who offer insight to facilitate successful startup ventures.

Events Details:

Date: Monday, August 19, 2019

Time: 8:30 a.m. - Noon

Location: Bradley 1819 5th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203

Cost: $10 / FREE for students

Speaker Line-Up:

"How you form your company really matters - how to do it right"

James Childs JD, Maynard Cooper and Gale

8:30 - 9:05 AM

James is a member of Maynard Cooper’s Corporate, Securities and Tax practice group and serves as chair of the firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth practices. His clients range from high-tech starts-ups to large, mature manufacturing businesses. Voted “2018 Lawyer of the Year” for Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, James draws on his vast experience to offer insightful tips on life science company formation.

"Federal funding is available — how to win it"

Erik Schwiebert PhD, Discovery BioMed

9:05 - 9:40 AM

Erik is founder and director of DiscoveryBioMed, Inc., where he focuses on overall leadership matters, serves as the principal science consultant in client work, and manages the company’s research and development efforts.

"Your ideas have value - how to protect them"

Nick Landau PhD, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings

9:40 - 10:15 AM

"Investors are out there - how to find the right ones"

Mike Mullen, CirculoGene

10:15 - 10:50 AM

Mike offers insight from 25 years of experience in executive and financial leadership positions. Currently the chairman and CEO of Circulogene, he previously served as president and CEO of Atherotech, Inc. and received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst and Young in 2014.

"Capital networks offer guidance and funding - how to use them"

Miller Girvin, Alabama Capital Network

10:50 - 11:25 AM

Miller is CEO of the Alabama Capital Network, which was founded to facilitate the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Alabama. She connects Alabama-based companies with the resources they need to grow, including mentorship and access to capital.

“Tapping into no-cost local resources for startups, trade, and contracting”

Carolyn Turner, Alabama International Trade Center

11:25 - 12:00 PM

Carolyn is a Licensed Customs Broker and Nasbite Certified Global Business professional. She began working with the Trade Center in 2008, where she uses her import/export experience to counsel Alabama companies.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 (including service fee) through Eventbrite and FREE for students.

(If the link above does not work, please copy and paste http://bit.ly/2S37Qtx into your brower to access the Eventbrite page.)

Alabama team launches bioscience-focused trade mission to Ireland, UK

Thu, 09 May 2019 16:05:28 GMT

Business leaders and trade specialists from across Alabama are getting an up-close look at the bioscience sector in Ireland and the United Kingdom during a trade mission that seeks to spark new opportunities for nearly a dozen Alabama firms... Read Full Article Here.

A New Universe of Medical Research

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 13:29:51 GMT

"Alabama is well represented in this newest field of medical research. Perhaps more promising than the genome is the new frontier of the microbiome — your gut microbes and “all of the bugs that are living in symbiotic relationship with us.” Read Full Article Here.

Alabama’s Robust Bioscience Industry is Primed for Growth

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:18:10 GMT

"In a little more than a generation, Alabama has emerged as a powerhouse in automotive manufacturing. The state is home to assembly plants operated by Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai, as well as a Toyota engine plant..." Read Full Article Here

Research growth boosts UAB School of Medicine

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 13:31:09 GMT

"By any measure, it is remarkable growth. In the past five years, the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine has climbed 10 places on the National Institutes of Healthresearch funding rankings, from 31 in the nation to 21. Total NIH funding during that period rose from $133,264,288 in 2013 to $234,390,799 in 2018. The story of how Alabama’s flagship medical school came to be standing on the doorstep of the 20 top-funded schools in the nation is one of commitment, vision and hard work"

Read Full Article Here

NCATS SBIR & STTR Funding Opportunities Are Available

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 17:11:24 GMT

The NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is seeking applicants for its small business funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. NCATS offers annual funding for the development of innovative tools, technologies and intervention (drug, device, diagnostic) platforms that would support the creation of novel therapeutics.

NCATS has released a new SBIR contract solicitation to support small businesses interested in developing innovative health technologies. The standard deadlines to submit an application for open NCATS SBIR and STTR Omnibus Solicitation are April 5, 2019; September 5, 2019; and January 5, 2020.

For more information about NCATS, its SBIR and STTR programs, and upcoming funding opportunities, visit the Small Business Opportunities page. If you have general questions about the NCATS SBIR and STTR program or want to discuss potential project ideas and related questions, email NCATS-SBIRSTTR@mail.nih.gov.

How Alabama’s biotech industry made headlines in 2018

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 19:30:00 GMT

This year saw a renewed focus on the bioscience sector in Alabama – an industry that stretches to nearly every corner of the state. It was identified by local and state economic development groups as an area where the state is poised to grow.

At the Economic Development Association of Alabama Winter Conference in February, Peggy Sammon, Chairman for BioAlabama, said the industry organization was ready to take the lead role in making that growth happen. To kick off their efforts, the group issued an impact study.

Read Full Article Here

New video aims to highlight Alabama’s $7.2 billion biotech industry

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:04:19 GMT

The word “biotech” might evoke images of lab coats and petri dishes and, while that is certainly part of the story, BIO Alabama wants to make sure it isn’t the entire story.

A new video with amped-up music and images that cut across a wide swath of the important industry aims to frame biotech differently in the state.

Read Full Article Here

Comprehensive Cancer Center forms partnership with the Lung Cancer Alliance

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 21:00:00 GMT

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center has formed a partnership with the Lung Cancer Alliance to reach underserved people who are most at-risk for lung cancer.

A three-year, $1.6 million grant from the Bristol-Meyers Squibb Foundation will establish the Alabama Lung Cancer Awareness, Screening and Education program, which aims to address the racial and socioeconomic disparities in lung cancer, which are predominant in Alabama and the South.

The ALCASE program will combine the Lung Cancer Alliance’s expertise in lung cancer screening and will expand the cancer center's Deep South Network Community Health Advisor model to decrease lung cancer diagnoses. The purpose of the overall program will be to increase participation and increase screenings by providing community-based support to local health care facilities

Read Full Article Here

Alabama’s bioscience industry buoyed by research universities like UAH

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:15:36 GMT

https://www.uah.edu/news/research/alabamas-bioscience-industry-buoyed-by-research-universities-like-uah

Southeast BIO - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:35:02 GMT

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Southeast BIO is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2018 SEBIO Awards. These annual awards honor healthcare and life sciences organizations in the Southeast US whose achievements are bringing the region into focus as a hub of medical and technological innovation.

This year we will recognize companies from five categories, each representing a corporate or financial milestone. We will also recognize an individual with our customary Lifetime Achievement Award, reserved for passionate leaders who have made significant contributions to the life sciences industry in the Southeast.

The catergories are:

INITIAL FUNDING: Initial equity financing of less than $1 million
VENTURE FUNDING: Equity financing of greater than $1 million
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT: Strategic investment in award company by a peer
STRATEGIC ACQUISITION: Material acquisition of an award company or by an award company
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING: Initial securities offering to the public

Recipients will be invited to accept their awards and briefly discuss their successes on the main stage at the Southeast Bio Investor & Partnering Forum on November 13 & 14 in Atlanta, GA. Winners will also be featured in the conference materials and website.

Join us in celebrating those who have created lasting value for our region by nominating them - or yourself! - for this special recognition. Eligible companies are those who have achieved the category milestone since November 1, 2017 and who have headquarters or substantial operations in the Southeast US.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, September 17 at noon ET. Please submit nominations to Evan McClure MD or by clicking here. For additional information, contact David L. Day, Executive Director of SEBIO here.

About SEBIO
Southeast BIO (SEBIO) is a regional non-profit organization that fosters the growth of the life sciences industry in the Southeastern United States through efforts that promote entrepreneurship and bring together the key players active in the development of the industry. SEBIO's geographic footprint includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. We focus on key industries within the life sciences, including: bio/pharma, medical devices and technology, agricultural biotechnology, animal health, bioinformatics, and biomaterials.

Continue to the original article

BIO Brouhaha is back!

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:32:39 GMT

The Bio Brouhaha is back, and better than ever. Again we will meet other members of Birmingham's life sciences community over refreshments in an informal setting. On August 23, from 5:30-7:30 PM, as part of the Brouhaha "THESE ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD" series, we will convene at Innovation Depot, home to numerous highly dynamic life science startups.

They include companies offering medical diagnostics, fermented foods, cell lines, medical devices, regenerative medicine, and proteomics (just to name a few). Many thanks to Innovation Depot, Bradley Arant, and BIO Alabama for their support! We look forward to seeing you there.

SEBIO Investor & Partnering Forum application - Deadline has been extended to August 28, 2018

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:16:05 GMT

DEADLINE EXTENDED - LAST OPPORTUNITY!

Introduce your company to targeted investors, VCs, and potential partners at the 2018 Southeast BIO Investor & Partnering Forum.

The Forum provides opportunities for both early and mid- to late-stage companies that are looking for investment and business partners. Learn more about applying.

The deadline for completed applications is
Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

As a presenter you'll gain:

Visibility among potential investors and industry partners
A private advisory session with experienced business professional for early-stage companies
The opportunity to present to an audience of 350+ attendees
Complimentary registration for company representatives
Access to SEBIO Connect for scheduling one-on-one meetings
Inclusion in conference materials before, during, and after the event
Inclusion in the conference mobile app and website
Media exposure

Start your application today! Don't have time to complete it now? Log in anytime
up until the deadline to finish it.

The application deadline has been extended through Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

Venture funds that regularly attend SEBIO include:

GRA Venture Fund | Harbert Venture Partners | Hatteras Venture Partners | HealthQuest Ventures | H.I.G. Capital | J&J Development Corporation | Lilly Ventures | Lumira Capital | Merck | MPM Capital | New Enterprise Associates | Osage University Partners | Pappas Capital | Pappas Ventures | Southeast Investor Group | SR One | and many more!

Bookmark the conference webpage to stay up-to-date on the Forum including announcements on the program, details on exclusive networking, and to ensure
your spot by registering now.

Read The Original Article Here

Alabama’s Biotech industry’s steady growth creating jobs for the future

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:33:08 GMT

Over the final two decades of the 20th century and into the 21st, Alabama’s biotechnology sector developed steadily. It rose from the foundation established by the emergence of Birmingham — particularly the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the nonprofit Southern Research — as a leading national center for medical and scientific research.

By the mid-1980s, UAB and local business leaders were moving to facilitate the commercialization of research and actively support the business climate for startups in biotech and other technology-related fields. That led to the creation in 1986 of the Office for the Advancement of Developing Industries (OADI).

As an “incubator” for tech-based industries, OADI was successful from the beginning. In 2006, it was merged with small-business incubator The Entrepreneurial Center, and the following year — renamed Innovation Depot — moved into a renovated former Sears flagship in downtown Birmingham, where it has become one of the nation’s leading startup programs. Since 2010 alone, Innovation Depot has housed well over 100 companies, accounting for a combined economic impact of nearly $1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, other biotech ventures across Alabama were finding success in their own right. Among the highlights:

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1986, BioCryst began as a tenant at OADI, developing antiviral drugs. The company went public in 1994, and by 2008 was recognized as one of the fastest-growing tech-based companies in America.

Brookwood Pharmaceuticals. A spinoff of Southern Research — co-founder Art Tipton would become CEO of Southern Research in 2013 — Brookwood built its business on supplying biodegradable polymers. The company was acquired by Minnesota-based SurModics in 2007.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Opened in Huntsville in 2008, the nonprofit HudsonAlpha engages scientists, educators, clinicians and entrepreneurs in collaborating to apply genomic sciences to improving human health and well-being around the world.

Evonik. In 2014, the German-based Evonik — one of the world’s leading specialty chemical companies — chose Birmingham as the site of its first global “Innovation Center.” In an interesting twist on Alabama’s biotech history, the company in 2011 had acquired SurModics, the firm that bought Birmingham’s Brookwood Pharmaceuticals four years earlier. In March 2018, Evonik capped off $50 million in investments over its four years in Birmingham by making its Birmingham facility the site of its global Competence Center for Medical Devices.

Baxter. A Fortune 500 healthcare company based in Illinois, Baxter acquired Swedish-based medical equipment maker Gambro in 2012. Two years later, Baxter announced a $300 million investment in expansion of the existing Gambro facility in Opelika, adding 200 jobs to the southeast Alabama community.

Oxford Pharmaceuticals. In 2016, British-based Oxford opened a new $29 million, 200-employee manufacturing and distribution facility in Jefferson County.

In part, the ongoing — and, of late, accelerating — evolution of Alabama’s biotech sector is an outgrowth of the change in the state’s economic development strategy that also began in the mid-1980s. Especially as it related to biotech and life sciences, a more collaborative and forward-looking approach took hold. Today, the results of that are becoming apparent.

“By working together across the state,” says Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha, “Alabama continues to grow as the biotech hub of the Southeast. Our company is proud to play a significant role in the state’s success.”

Even so, obstacles remain for Alabama to achieve its full potential in biotech. One is access to capital, not only to fuel the startup culture, but also to encourage companies founded in Alabama to remain in the state. Another is being intentional about workforce development, ensuring the availability of education, training, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities necessary to develop a true “ecosystem” for the kind of growth that gave rise to tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

Part of that comes from the presence of an entity like HudsonAlpha. As Wells notes, the institute’s “unique model” enables it not only to attract biosciences companies, but also to “train the next generation of scientists and grow Alabama’s biotech workforce.”

Another part of that effort is Bronze Valley. Launched in 2018, the Birmingham-based nonprofit is focused on workforce development and access to capital, as well as commercialization of science- and technology-based discoveries made at established research centers around Alabama. Most particularly, the organization is working to create an education-to-opportunity pipeline for ethnic minorities and women, who currently are underrepresented in technology careers, as entrepreneurs and in other fields where innovators will lead the way in creating the jobs of the future.

“It’s about creating and perpetuating a culture of innovation,” says John O. Hudson III, chairman of the board for Bronze Valley and senior vice president for marketing and business development for Alabama Power. “We have the momentum and the ingredients, and now we’re putting the collaborative infrastructure in place to support transformational growth.”

This is the last in a series of three articles on the history of biotech in Alabama. Mark Kelly is a Birmingham writer who is a senior market specialist for Alabama Power.

Read The Original Article Here

Analysis: Alabama bioscience industry’s impact tops $7.3 billion a year

Tue, 08 May 2018 21:11:19 GMT

Alabama’s multifaceted biosciences industry generates $7.3 billion in economic activity annually while supporting 780 companies and nearly 48,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state, according to a new analysis by researchers at the University of Alabama.

The comprehensive study underscores the contributions and growth potential of the statewide life sciences sector, a robust combination of research institutions, medical labs, innovative startups, international pharmaceutical manufacturers, and more.

“We have exceptional strengths in biosciences, including world-class research organizations and a roster of cutting-edge companies, so it’s a natural growth area for the state,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

“We’re committed to helping accelerate the development of the life sciences sector, and we want the state to become home to more of these high-paying jobs and the talented individuals to fill them,” he added.

Evonik operates a Global Competence Center for medical devices in Birmingham, where it produces biomaterials. (Image: Evonik)

Noted Parkinson's researcher Andrew West (Associate Professor, Neurology) working in Neurology laboratory at UAB.

HudsonAlpha's work focuses on genomics to discover more effective medical treatments and early diagnoses. (Image: HudsonAlpha)

Researchers work in a Southern Research drug development lab. (Image: Southern Research)

MASSIVE IMPACT

The analysis, conducted for the BioAlabama industry trade group, shows that Alabama’s 780 life sciences companies directly employ 17,871 workers, each earning an average annual salary of $67,664. Total expenditures of those companies exceed $3.8 billion a year.

Other key findings in the University of Alabama (UA) report:

The bioscience industry’s 47,980 direct and indirect jobs in Alabama support a total yearly payroll of $2.3 billion.

The industry contributes $3.9 billion annually to Alabama’s gross domestic product (GDP), nearly 2 percent of the state’s total economic output.

The industry’s earnings impact generates $161.4 million in tax revenue annually, including $74.7 million in state income taxes and $86.7 million in state and local sales taxes.

In addition, the UA researchers examined the economic contributions of bio-industries such as agricultural feedstock and chemicals, and bioscience-related distribution.

They found that these activities magnified the impact of the core life sciences sector in Alabama, elevating overall economic output to $11 billion a year with more than 70,000 jobs and annual tax revenue topping $233 million.

“This analysis confirms the far-reaching impact of Alabama’s bioscience industries throughout the state, and demonstrates why we continue to pursue strategies that allow the sector to continue to grow and create even more high-caliber jobs across the state,” said Blair King, president-elect of BioAlabama and manager of economic development and existing industry at Alabama Power Co.

DIVERSE ACTIVITIES

The foundations of Alabama’s bioscience research rest on the work conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Southern Research, the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell Cancer Institute.

Their specialties of these organizations include drug discovery and development, genomics, and personalized medicine. They also frequently engage in collaborations such as the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance, a partnership between UAB and Southern Research that has developed a pipeline of potential therapeutics for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Alabama is also home to multinational companies involved in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. In March, Germany’s Evonik, for example, announced plans to expand production of biomaterials and launch a Global Competence Center for Medical Devices at its Birmingham facility.

“Evonik’s investments in the Birmingham site reflect its commitment to the medical device and drug delivery business as well as the city of Birmingham and its history of world-class medical research and technology,” said Kel Boisvert, Birmingham site manager for Evonik.

Other manufacturers operating in the state include Kowa Pharmaceuticals (Montgomery), Nektar Therapeutics (Huntsville), Baxter and Pharmavite (both Opelika), and Oxford Pharmaceuticals, Avanti Polar Lipids and Biohorizons (all Birmingham).

At the same time, a number of innovative startup companies have sprung up in Alabama, with many of them based at HudsonAlpha and Birmingham’s Innovation Depot, the Southeast’s largest technology business incubator.

Promising startups include Birmingham’s Blondin Bioscience, Huntsville’s GeneCapture, Mobile’s Swift Biotech and Auburn’s Vitruvias Therapeutics.

“We are fortunate to have started our business in Alabama because we have benefitted from the highly collaborative entrepreneurial spirit throughout the state, including Alabama Launchpad and the various Small Business Development Centers, and especially our connection with HudsonAlpha and the University of Alabama in Huntsville,” said BioAlabama President Peggy Sammon, CEO and co-founder of GeneCapture.

“We have been able to find highly skilled molecular biologists, chemical engineers, optical engineers and lab specialists,” she added. “Our membership in BioAlabama has connected us with other scientists and business professionals who have significantly helped us advance our business plan.”

Alabama’s research universities are key players in the bioscience ecosystem and contribute to the industry’s economic impact. The network includes Auburn University, USA, Tuskegee University, Alabama State University Alabama A&M University, and the three University of Alabama System campuses.

GROWTH POTENTIAL

The analysis is the first to comprehensively examine the economic impact of the state’s bioscience sector. It was prepared by Senior Research Economist Sam Addy, Ph.D., and his team at the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business, with assistance from BioAlabama.

Addy noted in the report that investing in life sciences should remain a pillar of the state’s overall economic development strategy.

“Alabama should continue to keep biosciences as a focus in its economic development strategy since these industries provide high-wage jobs and are highly productive,” he writes.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

“Since launching its cancer program in 1946, Southern Research has discovered seven FDA-approved oncology drugs and made many significant discoveries that have helped patients with cancer and other diseases,” said Art Tipton, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Birmingham non-profit. “This highlights the vital importance of the groundbreaking bioscience work that continues to be done in labs in Alabama.”

“I see UAB as not only the hub for healthcare innovation in Birmingham, but definitely throughout the state and the region,” said Kathy Nugent, Ph.D., executive director of UAB’s Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “That means producing as many companies as possible. It’s harder to produce biotech companies, because it takes time to develop new drug therapies. What we’re trying to do is think about it strategically and give our faculty the resources they need to be entrepreneurial to turn their research into new life sciences ventures.”

“HudsonAlpha has gone from just a handful of startups and faculty to more than 35 life sciences companies and 15 faculty investigators in just 10 years,” said Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha. “It goes to show that Jim Hudson and Lonnie McMillian’s model works, and we’re proud to be a part of the biotech hub in North Alabama.”

Read the original article here.

BIO Alabama looking to give new life to economic development with state network

Mon, 07 May 2018 23:48:55 GMT

BIO Alabama is looking to formalize a life sciences network throughout the state to enhance economic development in an important industry that stretches to nearly every corner of Alabama.

The state’s industry organization is aligned with the national Biotechnology Innovation Organization, or BIO, the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotech centers and related organizations.

Peggy Sammon, CEO of GeneCapture Inc. in Huntsville’s HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, is on the BioAlabama board of directors. She outlined plans for BioAlabama to take the lead in helping grow biotech in the state at the Economic Development Association of Alabama Winter Conference earlier this week.

A key element of that plan is to formalize a relationship between the state’s nine major bioscience assets in the state – UAB, HudsonAlpha, Southern Research, Tuskegee University, Auburn University, Alabama A&M, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of South Alabama.

“In every one of those locations, there is some groundbreaking research happening – whether it’s in human health or genetics or plant science,” Sammon said. “There is also a surprising amount of collaboration between these organizations and institutions, so it’s a good time in Alabama to see the bio-focus happening.”

BioAlabama fosters economic development in Alabama’s life sciences from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

In addition to the nearly $1 billion in research dollars coming into these institutions each year, Sammon said investors are putting money behind a number of entrepreneurs starting bioscience companies in the state, and programs like Alabama Launchpad are putting dollars into the industry.

“The research dollars that pour into the state are a very big part of what’s happening here,” she said. “They are the catalyst that gets a lot of new products to come out of the state.”

Sammon said Alabama can do more to support the industry and help it grow. She said states like Georgia and Massachusetts have programs and private sector support that Alabama could learn from.

But, Sammon said, Alabama is already focusing on one important area for the industry to grow.

“The companies that are coming to Alabama or growing in Alabama are looking for a highly skilled workforce,” she said. “If we look across the state, there are good science and biology programs in a lot of the major universities, of course, but also in a lot of the community colleges, so there is a good drive to bring a workforce into this part of the ecosystem.”

Local and state economic development groups have identified bioscience as an area where the state is poised to grow.

“Alabama’s bioscience industry is a vital economic engine for our state, creating high-paying jobs and generating important innovations that improve the quality of life for people here at home and all around the world,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We’re focused on fostering growth in the bioscience sector and collaborating with the state’s research leaders to make that happen.”

Sammon said BioAlabama is ready to take a lead role in making that growth happen.

“In the last couple of years, because there has been so much growth in Alabama – in all of the research centers and in commercial development – this is a time where we’re starting to see the ecosystem is actually having a bigger component in BioAlabama,” she said.

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A look at the biosciences industry in Alabama

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 23:04:31 GMT

The bioscience sector is gaining critical mass and attracting top researchers and new industry to the state.

BIO Alabama is the trade association that represents the biosciences industry across the state. This includes life sciences and biotech from the institutional and industrial sectors. In March, several representatives of BIO Alabama met with state representatives, state senators and the governor’s office in Montgomery to report on the state of the industry.

The biosciences support jobs in research, manufacturing, distribution and clinical services. Companies and institutions are making advances in genetic engineering, clinical genome analyses, medical device design and manufacture and bio-materials. Clinical applications include pharmaceutical and supplement manufacture and distribution, and many health-related disease solutions and research. We reported to the Legislature that the industry was growing, greater amounts of research funding were entering the state, and a strong level of collaboration was occurring throughout the research institutions.

Research labs are tackling high impact areas, such as cancer drug therapies, protein engineering, neurodegenerative diseases, implant bio-materials and big data solutions. Applied research is active in health analytics, a growing field that promises to reduce health costs by analyzing rates of disease, behaviors towards therapies and trends developing in urban and rural areas.

Commercial companies in Alabama are manufacturing drugs and supplements, producing drug delivery products, and designing new medical devices and diagnostic tools. The services sector includes clinical design studies, precision medicine, custom therapies, personalized medicines, health IT, drug design, diagnostics, genome lab services and the state’s first genome clinic.

Today it is possible to enter the start-up field in biosciences without a huge investment. Many applications are available using DNA tools, wearables, apps and databases that are easy to procure. The field is ripe for innovation from products to physician services. Start-up funding is available from multiple angel investment groups, Alabama Launchpad, university innovation grants, venture capital and SBIR and STTR funding. BIO Alabama is connecting the bioscience ecosystem to smooth the access to capital and mentors.

Legislators were eager to hear about new discoveries and growing exports from the bioscience field.

Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida have very established bioscience trade associations and the benefit of industry consolidation around large cities. Alabama has more of a challenge in that the bioscience industry is spread throughout the state with several growing centers. This is an indication of the health of the industry but it makes it more difficult to gain collaborations and build cluster traction. That’s where BIO Alabama comes in — developing and encouraging networks to accelerate new business ventures.

There are six primary bioscience centers in the state:

1. Birmingham is the most mature with top research centers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (precision medicine, oncology, drug discovery and genetic studies) and Southern Research (infectious disease, drug development, neuro-degenerative disease). A vibrant start-up culture exists with funding available from several capital networks and established venture groups. Start-ups are launched at the Commercialization Accelerator at UAB’s Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Innovation Depot and others. Commercial firms in Birmingham include Evonik, Avanti Polar Lipids, Biohorizons Implant Systems and Oxford Pharmaceuticals.

2. Huntsville is home to HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, a public-private partnership that brings research (genetics, genomics, bio-informatics) and over 35 for-profit companies (precision medicine, diagnostics, drug discovery, biotech services) together. Additionally Nektar operates a facility supporting drug development with new chemistry approaches. The University of Alabama in Huntsville is exploring plant and protein sciences and Alabama A&M is active in plant research. NASA’s operation at the Marshall Space Flight Center has funded biotech experiments and research on the International Space Station — one of the U.S. National Labs.

3. The Auburn-Opelika area is a hot bed of research from Auburn University, specializing in genetics, biomaterials and drug discovery, along with corporate and manufacturing facilities for SiO2 (medical products), Baxter (dialyzer production), Vitruvias Therapeutics (injectables) and Pharmavite (high quality vitamins).

4. The Montgomery area is represented by two universities, Tuskegee and Alabama State, as well as commercial endeavors Steris (medical equipment manufacturer) and Kowa Pharmaceuticals (pharma products).

5. In Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama is active in drug discovery and protein engineering, as well as new activity in health IT.

6. Mobile is represented by the University of South Alabama where fusion protein therapeutics and personalized medicine are being researched and spin offs are encouraged through the USA Coastal Innovation Hub, a high-tech business incubator. Mobile is also a landing spot for new businesses at the Innovation PortAL, a public-private entity for early seed and start-up opportunities. Swift Biotechnology, located at USA’s Mitchell Cancer Institute, is developing early detection techniques for cancer diagnosis.

BIO Alabama supports Southeast BIO (SEBIO) and Southeast Medical Device Association (SEMDA), organizations that help build bridges to industry and research in our region.

The biosciences are thriving in Alabama. We are in the top 20 percent of the country for bioscience share of total R&D expenditures. Start-ups are popping up across the state. New intellectual property is coming from the institutions and industry is growing and hiring graduates from our state institutions. The bioscience sector is gaining critical mass and attracting top researchers and new industry to the state. State legislators see this industry as a high value and growing contributor to the state economy.

To read the original story, click here.

Promising research could lead to new treatment for deadly brain cancer

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 23:23:00 GMT

Southern Research oncology researcher Dr. Bo Xu, M.D., Ph.D., says new research suggests combining an experimental enzyme blocker and a standard chemotherapy drug could improve treatments for patients with glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.

The pairing of the enzyme inhibitor known as SLC-0111 and the chemo drug temozolomide is the focus of a research project led by Anita Hjelmeland, Ph.D., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Southern Research collaborated on the project.

A key finding is that adding SLC-0111 significantly improved the effectiveness of the chemo drug in experiments involving glioblastoma. In both cell culture and animal tests, the pairing delivered better results, as measured by regression of the tumor, than either the enzyme blocker or the chemo drug did on its own.

Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer tends to recur months later.Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer, and its cause is unknown. The median survival rate for patients being treated for glioblastoma is 14.6 months, with a low rate of survival beyond five years, according to the American Brain Tumor Association.

“There are limited options today for glioblastoma patients,” said Xu, Distinguished Fellow and Chair of the Oncology Department at Southern Research. “There is an urgent need for new drugs for treating this disease.”

TARGET: CA9

The UAB research project is targeting a carbonic anhydrase enzyme known as CA9, which GBM cells overexpress it to maintain balance in their microenvironment in the brain. Blocking the enzyme using SLC-0111 could disrupt that balance and allow the chemo drug to better do its work.

“Our experiments strongly suggest that a strategy to target a carbonic anhydrase that is increased in glioblastoma, CA9, will improve temozolomide efficacy,” Hjelmeland said in a UAB News story. “We believe the drug combination could improve patient outcomes in glioblastomas sensitive to chemotherapy.”

Southern Research’s role in the project was to help the UAB researchers better understand the possible reason the combination worked better against glioblastoma than they did individually, according to Joshua Fried, a UAB postgraduate student in cancer biology and a researcher in Xu’s lab.

The evidence pointed to the DNA damage response, a network of cellular pathways that takes action against constant threat posed by of damage to DNA in the body. Because breakdowns in this response can trigger cancer formation, hijacking the pathway has become the foundation of oncology therapies.

“We saw that there was an increase in the DNA damage response when the SLC-0111 and temozolomide were combined, and that the damage persisted longer than with either treatment alone,” Fried said. “It’s sort of a surprise because you wouldn’t think that something that regulates pH-balance like SC-0111 would contribute to the DNA damage response.”

Xu said the project illustrates the long-standing collaboration that exists between UAB and Southern Research on these types of projects. The two organizations are partners in the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance, which has developed a pipeline of potential therapies for several debilitating diseases.

The study by Hjelmeland’s team was published in JCI Insight. Xu and Fried are listed as co-authors on the paper.

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HudsonAlpha launches National Educator Academy

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 23:15:00 GMT

Huntsville, Ala. — HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s Educational Outreach team is bringing its popular genomics teacher training to a national audience. For the first time, the professional development workshop, Genetic Technologies for All Classrooms (GTAC) will be offered to teachers across the country.

GTAC is a five-day academy for educators that is in its eighth year of training Alabama Life Science educators.

“Our GTAC workshops provide a hands-on approach to teaching genetics, genomics and biotech concepts,” said Madelene Loftin, educator development lead at HudsonAlpha. “Teachers attending GTAC National will walk away with not only a number of HudsonAlpha resources, but also new and innovative ways to address those subjects in their classrooms.”

Thanks to the generous support of corporate and individual donors, tuition is reduced to $1,100. Tuition includes 40 hours of professional learning credit, housing, meals and $800 worth of HudsonAlpha kits, materials and classroom resources including Disorder Detectives, Collecting Cancer-Causing Changes (C4) Kit and Genes & ConSEQUENCES.

“I was totally blown away by my week at GTAC,” said Lori Roberts, an AP Biology teacher at Muscle Shoals High School. “The labs are engaging and current, and I was so excited to hear what the scientists at HudsonAlpha are doing. Their research is breaking new ground in terms of human health and agriculture. I left GTAC with a renewed zeal and love for genetics.” Roberts attended a GTAC workshop last summer.

Loftin and members of the Educational Outreach team will share information about GTAC: National and other innovative programs for educators at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference March 15-18 in Atlanta, Ga., at booth 1104.

In addition, Neil Lamb, PhD, vice president for Educational Outreach, will do a presentation for teachers at the conference Saturday, March 17 at 8 am. Lamb will discuss the top biotech discoveries of 2017 and share ways to bring the ‘’too new for textbooks’’ discoveries to the classroom using student-friendly language. Session attendees will receive a free copy of HudsonAlpha’s 2017 Biotechnology Guidebook.

“The field of biotechnology is continuously changing so my presentation at NSTA will give educators a preview of what to expect at GTAC: National,” said Lamb.

GTAC: National will take place July 23-27 at HudsonAlpha. To learn more and register, visit hudsonalpha.org/GTACnational.

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Breast cancer research foundation of Alabama presents its largest donation to UAB

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 23:12:11 GMT

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama presented $950,000 — its largest donation to date — to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center on Feb. 2. BCRFA has donated more than $7.7 million to UAB since its inception in 1996.

BCRFA makes an annual donation to the Cancer Center with proceeds from its fundraising efforts during the previous year, including BCRFA events, corporate and individual donations, and sales of the breast cancer specialty license plate tags.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has been central to providing the critical monies for the development and maintenance of the breast cancer research program, making our program one of the most prominent breast cancer programs in the country,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., the new director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “BCRFA is a perfect example of motivating the community to support new and evolving research.”

BCRFA’s pilot funding has provided the seed money for many projects to get off the ground. For example, one research project evaluated a new compound, UAB-30, for its ability to prevent breast cancer. The project has evolved now into a clinical trial and, furthermore, secured additional national funding based on data provided by BCRFA seed money.

Other projects range from examining biomarkers for immunotherapy response to focusing on inhibitors and their impact on chemo drug effectiveness, to a study on the spread of metastatic breast cancer to the brain.

“Patients come to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center because they can be seen by clinical breast cancer experts and receive ‘cutting-edge’ therapies based upon the ongoing research program,” Birrer said.

All BCRFA donations remain in Alabama to support research at the UAB Cancer Center and its collaborative partners, providing a lifesaving impact both locally and globally. Community partners for this year’s gift include Tameron Automotive, Belk, The Thompson Family Foundation, Sirote & Permutt, The Alabama Power Foundation, Renasant Bank, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Protective Life Foundation, Thrivent Financial, Spectrum Reach, and iHeart Media, among many others.

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HudsonAlpha researchers to present at international genomics conference

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:37:42 GMT

HudsonAlpha researchers will join leading genomics experts at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) meeting in Orlando, Fla. February 12-15.

AGBT is a genome science and technology conference where top researchers, leaders and innovators collaborate and discuss new discoveries in genomics, advances in DNA sequencing technologies and more.

The meeting format includes daytime plenary sessions featuring invited speakers and abstract-selected talks that highlight cutting-edge research across the broad landscape of genomics.

Richard M. Myers, PhD, HudsonAlpha president, science director and faculty investigator will present Tuesday, February 13 at 9 am during the Technology I plenary session. Myers will discuss, “Human gene regulation: A journey from basic research to biomedical applications.”

AGBT also will feature evening concurrent sessions about experimental and computational approaches for effectively utilizing the latest DNA sequencing technologies.

Shawn Levy, PhD, faculty investigator and director HudsonAlpha’s Genomic Services Laboratory (GSL) and Clinical Services Laboratory (CSL), will present Wednesday, February 14 at 7:30 pm during the Translational Genomics Session concurrent session. Levy will discuss, “Single cell transcriptomics of human pancreatic islets reveals novel cell populations.”

To learn more about AGBT, visit http://www.agbt.org/.

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UAB research funding continues to increase

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:34:00 GMT

The University of Alabama at Birmingham had $538 million in research expenditures in 2016, and ranked No. 15 nationally among public universities and No. 31 overall in federally funded research in 2016, according to data released by the National Science Foundation.

“Competition has never been more fierce for research funding, so our increases in funding truly underscore the importance of work being done here,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “UAB will continue to aggressively recruit and support the students, faculty and staff who conduct the transformational work that ensures we stay at the forefront of discovery, making a difference in lives around the world.”

UAB now ranks sixth among Southeastern universities in federal research expenditures, behind only North Carolina (8), Duke (10), Georgia Tech (11), Vanderbilt (24) and Emory (27). As a state, Alabama received $281.5 million in NIH funding in fiscal year 2016, which makes UAB responsible for more than 85 percent of the state’s NIH-funding dollars.

UAB researchers have contributed breakthrough scientific research throughout its 49-year history, and this recent year is no different.

From advancements on the cutting edge of precision medicine research to showing how plants sense the world and securing data sent via voice over internet, to new research showing how a component of neurons may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, UAB continues to produce game-changing scientific breakthroughs throughout its diverse research portfolio.

The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research also reports that UAB’s National Institutes of Health funding reached $238 million in fiscal year 2016, including $186 million to the School of Medicine. That number is expected to top $195 million in School of Medicine funding in 2017, as the school also exceeded 300 principal investigators for the first time in two decades.

“UAB is Alabama’s largest single employer, with more than 23,000 employees and an economic impact exceeding $7.15 billion a year; but we have no greater impact than when our innovations improve and save lives,” said Christopher S. Brown, Ph.D., vice president for Research. “We have the right people and priorities to maintain the momentum we have built to ensure we are among the world’s leading comprehensive research universities, and these new data further affirms our efforts.”

Read more UAB Research news at www.uab.edu/news/research.

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BIO Alabama looking to give new life to economic development with state network

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 18:50:55 GMT

BIO Alabama is looking to formalize a life sciences network throughout the state to enhance economic development in an important industry that stretches to nearly every corner of Alabama.

BIO Alabama fosters economic development in Alabama’s life sciences from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

“The research dollars that pour into the state are a very big part of what’s happening here,” she said. “They are the catalyst that gets a lot of new products to come out of the state.”

Sammon said Alabama can do more to support the industry and help it grow. She said states like Georgia and Massachusetts have programs and private sector support that Alabama could learn from.

But, Sammon said, Alabama is already focusing on one important area for the industry to grow.

Local and state economic development groups have identified bioscience as an area where the state is poised to grow.

Sammon said BioAlabama is ready to take a lead role in making that growth happen.

See original article…

HudsonAlpha to host genomic medicine conference in March

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 18:47:21 GMT

Huntsville, Ala. – HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, a nonprofit research institute in Huntsville, Ala., will host the second Genomic Medicine Conference March 26-28, 2018.

The Genomic Medicine Conference is an interdisciplinary and international program where physicians, researchers and other medical professionals will convene at the HudsonAlpha campus to discuss new findings, best practices, and challenges in the full implementation of genomics into clinical care.

Keynote speakers include Neil Lamb, PhD, HudsonAlpha vice president for Educational Outreach; Nancy Cox, PhD, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and Vandana Shashi, MD, MBBS, from Duke University School of Medicine.

“The conference is going to discuss a variety of genomics topics including new discoveries in rare and common disease, sequencing technologies, ethical considerations and more,” said Lamb, “This is intended to empower clinicians with the information they need to integrate genomics into medical practice.”

The conference also will feature speakers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, and more.

In addition, practitioners will have the opportunity receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

For more information and to register, visit hudsonalpha.org/genomicmedicineconference/.

A blueprint for future blood-nerve barrier and peripheral nerve disease research

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 18:44:38 GMT

Human peripheral nerves — all the nerves outside of the central nervous system — are protected by the blood-nerve barrier. This is a tight covering of endothelial cells that maintains the microenvironment within the nerves by restricting the amounts or types of water, ions, solutes and nutrients that can reach the axons, or electric cables within the nerves, from the blood circulation system.

This allows the nerves to function.

Little is known about the components that make up this door, and without that knowledge, neurologists like Ubogu are hard-pressed to develop specific treatments for the 20 million to 30 million U.S. patients, and hundreds of millions worldwide, with peripheral nerve disease. “If we don’t understand what makes up this door that allows materials to go in or out, and how the door really works, how can we come up with specific treatments when nerves do not work?” Ubogu said.

In research published in Scientific Reports, Ubogu and UAB colleagues — for the first time — describe the transcriptome of these specialized cells called endoneurial endothelial cells, finding 12,881 RNA transcripts that define the normal human blood-nerve barrier. These messenger RNAs are the templates for a cell’s building blocks, the proteins that provide structure and function to the living cell.

Previous research on the blood-nerve barrier tended to look at just one or a few cell components at a time. The transcriptome reveals every component active in normal endoneurial endothelial cells that form the human blood-nerve barrier.

“It is as if previously we worked before with a little flashlight,” said Ubogu, who has studied the blood-nerve barrier since 2007. “This is a huge, revealing floodlight. For example, I probably knew no more than six components of the tight junctions present at the blood-nerve barrier. With this paper, we came up with 133 components involved in tight and adherens junctions. This is like a dream come true.”

Knowledge of normal RNA and protein expression in the endoneurial endothelial cells provides an essential blueprint or reference guide. This guide will help physicians and researchers understand how peripheral nerves are kept healthy and help clinicians and medical chemists figure out which transporters are active in endoneurial endothelial cells, so they can design drug treatments that can actually reach the nerves or are prevented from causing toxic damage to nerves. The guide can also direct translational research in peripheral neuropathies by observing how components may be disrupted or altered during disease or injury, and help develop better treatments for chronic pain.

Ubogu’s study started from normal frozen human sural nerves preserved in the Shin J. Oh Muscle and Nerve Histopathology Laboratory at UAB. The sural nerve, found in the outer calf region of the leg, is commonly biopsied as part of certain peripheral neuropathy workups.

“I describe these endothelial cells as a gate or door that controls what goes into and out of the nerve; it is the gateway between the systemic blood circulation and the peripheral nerves,” said Ubogu.The UAB team isolated RNA transcripts from the blood-nerve barrier forming microvessels directly from the frozen sural nerve tissue using a specialized technique called laser-capture microdissection. At least 200 microvessels were collected from two female and two male adults who had normal nerve biopsies. The team also isolated RNA from purified endoneurial endothelial cells previously isolated from an adult woman and grown in tissue culture. They isolated RNA from three passages, or early, and eight passages, or late, for this study. The early and late comparison was to make sure the RNA did not change in these cells because of tissue culture.

RNA from the endoneurial microvessels and endothelial cells was sequenced. For the microvessels from the biopsies, called the in situ blood-nerve barrier, transcripts had to agree for at least three of the four sources. For the endoneurial endothelial cells from tissue culture, called in vitro blood-nerve barrier, transcripts had to agree at both passages. The researchers found 12,881 RNA transcripts that were common to the in situ and in vitro blood-nerve barrier. The tissue-cultured endoneurial endothelial cells acted as a control to correct for possible contamination of the in situ blood-nerve barrier by cells like pericytes and leukocytes present with microvessels during laser-capture microdissection.

The transcriptome was validated two ways. First, the transcriptome was found to include previously identified vascular endothelial markers, enzymes, scavenger receptors, mitogen receptors, nutrient transporters, cellular adhesion molecules, chemokines, adherens and tight junction, and junction associated molecules. Second, the researchers showed expression, as detected by indirect fluorescent immunohistochemistry, of specific proteins that were identified by this study in the sural nerve endoneurial microvessels of another adult woman with a normal biopsy. This included markers that had and had not been previously identified in these endothelial cells — 31 selected cell membrane, chemokine receptor, cytoskeletal, junctional complex and secreted proteins.

Ubogu expects a host of translational work to build upon this research.

Knowing the molecules relevant for growth of blood vessels and formation of intercellular junction complexes could guide therapeutic strategies to repair peripheral nerves after traumatic injury. This knowledge could also help restore and preserve peripheral nerve function in patients with peripheral neuropathies from other reasons, such as diabetes and cancer.Knowledge of the components and regulators of small molecule and macromolecular transport unique to the human blood-nerve barrier can aid development of drugs that can use the array of influx transporters, channels and receptor-mediated transcytosis components to reach the nerves. This is important in developing effective drugs for peripheral neuropathies and treating chronic neuropathic pain, a condition that affects 1 percent to 10 percent of people worldwide. This is crucially important as the world deals with the opioid crisis and seeks better treatments, with fewer side effects, for chronic pain.

Ubogu says the study provides essential information on the possible determinants of leukocyte trafficking during normal immunosurveillance and the biological networks that may be involved in peripheral nerve innate and adaptive immune responses. This could improve our understanding of how the human blood-nerve barrier responds to injury, viral infections or microbial entry from the bloodstream into peripheral nerves.

The work could also help us better understand the pathogenesis and targeted treatment of peripheral nerve-restricted autoimmune disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, two conditions that can lead to loss of productivity and economic independence, chronic pain or disability.

“The unique resources within the UAB neuromuscular division and the collaboration with the UAB Heflin Center for Genomic Science were essential to this project to figure out the human blood-nerve barrier transcriptome as quickly and comprehensively as we did,” Ubogu said.

Co-authors with Ubogu of the paper “The human blood-nerve barrier transcriptome” are Steven P. Palladino, E. Scott Helton and Chaoling Dong, Neuromuscular Immunopathology Research Laboratory, Division of Neuromuscular Disease, UAB Department of Neurology; and Preti Jain, Michael R. Crowley, Ph.D., and David K. Crossman, Ph.D., Heflin Center for Genomic Science, UAB Department of Genetics.

Support came from National Institutes of Health grant NS075212 and UAB institutional funds.

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AU president announces new graduate fellowships

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 18:21:36 GMT

Auburn University President Steven Leath is establishing a new graduate fellowship program to support research and innovation by Auburn doctoral students, while enhancing their careers as academic and societal leaders.

The Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship program will provide $3 million over three years, consisting of $1 million from the university and $2 million from the respective colleges, schools and departments in which the fellows are enrolled.

“The fellowships are a significant part of the university’s strategic plan to conduct and bring impactful research to the national forefront,” Leath said. “We expect the program to attract top students already at Auburn as well as those from across the world. Fellowship recipients will work with renowned faculty in established and emerging areas of excellence.”

A minimum of 33 new fellowships will be available each fall beginning in fall 2018. Each award will be for three years and will consist of a $10,000 Presidential Fellowship, a minimum $5,000 Dean’s Fellowship and a minimum $15,000 graduate research assistantship, along with tuition and fees. Additional financial support may be provided in subsequent years by the fellow’s department and college or school.

“These fellowship will be used as a tool to recruit outstanding students from across the country to study in any doctoral degree program on campus,” said George Flowers, dean of the Graduate School. “We expect that these students will have a major positive impact on our research and scholarship.”

Leath and Flowers developed the program with Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and John Mason, Auburn University vice president for research and economic development.

Proposal criteria and other program information are available at www.graduate.auburn.edu/presidential. The deadline for nominations is March 1.

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