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  • 2 Nov 2020 3:30 PM | Deleted user

    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.”


      ###


    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: LinkedInTwitterYouTubeFacebook, and Instagram

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


  • 7 Oct 2020 1:23 PM | Deleted user

    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.

  • 7 Oct 2020 1:21 PM | Deleted user

    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.

  • 5 Oct 2020 5:22 PM | Deleted user

    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/.

  • 5 Oct 2020 5:17 PM | Deleted user

    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

    ###


    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.

  • 4 Oct 2020 12:08 PM | Deleted user

    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. 

  • 1 Oct 2020 1:26 PM | Deleted user

    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.

    ###

     

    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.

    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.
     


  • 23 Sep 2020 12:00 PM | Deleted user

    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:

    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

  • 17 Sep 2020 2:22 PM | Deleted user

    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. 

    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 now open



  • 14 Sep 2020 6:22 PM | Deleted user

    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.”

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