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 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

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. 

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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

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. 

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.
   

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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

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.

“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.”

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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: 

1. 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.  

2. 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.