Dear BioNTX Community,
As we move forward in 2025, our commitment to advancing life sciences and healthcare innovation in Texas has never been stronger. This newsletter highlights critical legislative efforts, collaborative initiatives, and groundbreaking events shaping the future of patient-centered care and industry growth.
From the success of our Rare Disease Roundtable to key policy discussions on drug development and approval, we are actively working to ensure that Texas remains a leader in healthcare innovation. I invite you to engage with us, take action on patient-focused legislation, and join our upcoming events to continue driving meaningful impact.
Thank you for your support and dedication to our shared mission.
Warmest Regards,
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Take Action: Support Patient Centered Bills
Advancing Life Science & Healthcare Innovation in Texas
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At BioNTX, we are committed to supporting policies that advance life sciences and healthcare innovation across Texas. As the Texas Legislature considers key legislation, we are closely monitoring bills that could impact our industry and the health of Texans. Click here to view the bills we are following.
Stay Engaged: We encourage everyone in the life science and healthcare community to stay informed and engaged on these important issues. By understanding proposed legislation, we can help raise awareness of policies that support innovation, strengthen our healthcare ecosystem, and contribute to a healthier Texas.
With the Texas Legislature approaching the halfway point of its biennial session, BioNTX is planning an Awareness Day at the Capitol. This will be an opportunity to meet with North Texas lawmakers and their staff members to discuss key policy priorities that impact our industry.
If you are interested in being part of BioNTX Awareness Day at the Capitol, contact us to let us know. We will follow up with more details in a subsequent communication.
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We Work for Health Applauds Bipartisan
Government Collaboration Working for All of Us
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The reintroduction of the EPIC Act aims to address the detrimental "pill penalty" created by the Inflation Reduction Act, which imposes stricter price-setting timelines on small molecule drugs, such as pills, capsules, and creams. This provision threatens the development of essential treatments for a variety of serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health disorders. By correcting this imbalance, the EPIC Act seeks to foster continued innovation in the field of small molecule drug development, ensuring that patients have access to life-saving medications while supporting the ongoing leadership of the U.S. in global life sciences research.
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BioNTX’s Rare Disease Roundtable Drives
Alliance and Awareness in North Texas
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BioNTX’s Rare Disease Roundtable brought together industry leaders, advocates, and innovators to advance research, raise awareness, and develop solutions for rare disease patients and their families. We extend our sincere gratitude to the participants for their commitment and expertise. Through collaboration, we are driving meaningful change in North Texas, providing hope, and empowering those affected by rare diseases.
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Texas Rare Disease Report Card Released:
NORD’s 2024 Review Highlights Key Improvements
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The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) has published its 10th annual State Report Card, grading U.S. states on nine critical issues that impact the more than 30 million Americans living with rare diseases. The 2024 report highlights significant improvements in Texas that have the potential to enhance patient access to affordable care and treatment.
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NIH Implements Standard 15% Indirect Cost
Rate for Research Grants
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The NIH is implementing a new policy with a standard 15% indirect cost rate for all new and existing research grants, deviating from the previously negotiated rates. This change aims to allocate more funds directly to research rather than administrative costs, aligning with practices seen in private foundations like the Gates Foundation, which offer lower indirect cost reimbursements. The move ensures transparency and efficiency in grant management while maintaining necessary support for administrative functions. NIH will make its decision-making criteria for any deviations from this rate publicly available.
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BioNTX Legal Forum Sheds Light on PDUFA
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BioNTX launched its 2025 Legal Forum, with Sheppard Mullin leading a discussion on Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA VII). Experts also shared their insights on the upcoming PDUFA VIII negotiations, focusing on the potential impacts of the new administration. The session wrapped up with practical advice on how to navigate and successfully participate in PDUFA negotiations. Our speakers offered attendees valuable takeaways (including CLE credits) for their work when legal and biotech intersects.
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Annual Women Driving Innovation Gathering
Celebrates 2025 International Women's Day
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(from left to right) Jill Baker, MEd of BioNTX, Sharina Perry of Utopia Plastix and Eric Moore of BioNTX
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The Annual North Texas Women Driving Innovation program celebrated International Women’s Day honoring remarkable women shaping the future of the region’s bioscience and healthcare ecosystem. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event a success.
We are grateful for our inspiring 2025 Speakers who continue to break barriers, drive innovation, and pave the way for future generations of leaders. The dedication and passion we find celebrating International Women’s Day with our community continues progress for all. We are proud to be a part of a region that fosters such empowering change.
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Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
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The 2025 HR Forum & Career Expo
Connecting Employers & Job Seekers
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Calling all Employers in the North Texas bioscience & healthcare Innovation industry. The annual Career Expo & HR Forum is a premier event designed to bridge the gap between biotech talent and industry employers. Taking place on March 27th, this Forum provides HR professionals insights into workforce trends, talent acquisition strategies, and the evolving biotech job market. The day also provides opportunities to meet highly skilled professionals seeking employment in leading sciences companies. Whether you're seeking top talent, looking for a chance to network with colleagues in the industry or your next career move, this event is a must-attend for the North Texas biotech community.
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Discover Waco’s Thriving Life Science Industry with BioNTX
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Join BioNTX on April 17th for an exclusive tour of the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) and insightful panel discussions on the rapid growth of Waco’s life science industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the innovation driving the region forward!
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University of Texas - Tyler
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building
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Join BioNTX on May 20th in Tyler, TX, for the second annual symposium focused on Building a Life Science Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. This event will highlight groundbreaking biomedical research and address crucial topics, including intellectual property, funding strategies, and entrepreneurial success. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the growth of the region’s life science industry and its role in shaping the future of healthcare and innovation.
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Swiss American CDMO: Innovating the Future
Skincare and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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Swiss American CDMO is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in topical skincare, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and medical device formulations. With expertise in research, development, and production, the company partners with brands to create high-quality, innovative dermatological and pharmaceutical products. Swiss American CDMO is known for its commitment to advanced formulation science, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, making it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to bring safe and effective products to market.
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Colossal Biosciences Unveils the Woolly Mouse
Next Breakthrough in De-Extinction
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Colossal Biosciences has achieved a major breakthrough in de-extinction with the Colossal Woolly Mouse—mice engineered to express key mammoth-like traits for cold adaptation. By editing seven genes simultaneously, the team created mice with woolly coats, altered hair color, and metabolic changes similar to mammoths. This milestone proves the feasibility of recreating complex genetic traits and brings Colossal closer to reviving the woolly mammoth.
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GenrAb's Innovative Antibody Offers
Hope in the Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis
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GenrAb, a rapidly emerging biopharmaceutical company based at the thriving biotechnology hub of Pegasus Park in Dallas, is pioneering a potential breakthrough in the fight against multiple sclerosis. The company believes it has developed a novel antibody designed to protect cells from the damage caused by the debilitating neurological disease. By targeting the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier—an early hallmark of multiple sclerosis—GenrAb’s approach aims to prevent immune cells from mistakenly attacking the nervous system, potentially offering a transformative new treatment for the nearly one million people in the U.S. affected by the condition.
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Lantern Pharma Unveils AI Solution for
Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability
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Lantern Pharma has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-powered solution for predicting blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, marking a significant advancement in the development of targeted treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and brain cancers.
By leveraging its cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, the company has demonstrated exceptional accuracy in predicting how well compounds can cross the BBB, a critical hurdle in developing effective therapies for neurological conditions. This breakthrough not only accelerates the drug development process by identifying promising drug candidates but also positions Lantern Pharma at the forefront of AI-driven innovations in oncology and CNS therapeutics.
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Nanoscope Therapeutics Partners to Accelerate
Rare Condition Retinitis Pigmentosa Research
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Nanoscope Therapeutics has partnered with Verana Health® to accelerate research on retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare inherited retinal disease affecting about 100,000 people in the U.S. Through this collaboration, Nanoscope will use Verana’s Qdata® Retinitis Pigmentosa dataset, which tracks clinical outcomes from electronic health records, to refine its gene therapy, MCO-010, aimed at restoring vision and slowing neurodegeneration.
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Spark Biomedical Expands Sparrow Ascent
Access Teams up for Opioid Withdrawal
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Spark Biomedical has partnered with electroCore to distribute Sparrow Ascent™, an FDA-cleared, non-invasive device for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms, within select Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. This collaboration expands access to a clinically validated, drug-free therapy for veterans, providing a wearable, non-addictive solution to aid in their recovery from opioid withdrawal.
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Morgan Stanley Equity Solutions
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Wealth creation for executives is bound to their company’s stock price—and for good reason: making share price returns a critical driver of employee compensation is a way for corporate boards and shareholders to align management’s focus with company performance.
Effective talent acquisition and retention may be one of the many tools that a company views as carving out a competitive advantage and driving their future growth. One strategy, among others, that companies can consider leveraging is granting equity compensation — a tool that can help to reward employees and promote a culture of ownership. Workers who participate in equity plans have the opportunity to build wealth and feel more engaged at work.
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UTARI Researcher and UTA Professor Secure Air Force
Contract for Aerospace Composite Research
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UTA Professor and UTARI researcher Endel Iarve has received an Air Force Research Laboratory contract to advance virtual testing of aerospace composite materials. His team, including researchers from top institutions and Lockheed Martin, will develop computer models to simulate material performance, reducing the need for costly physical tests.
Their work will focus on high-temperature composites and provide a computational platform for future Air Force applications and manufacturing processes.
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UTA Solidifies Prestigious R1 Research Status
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The University of Texas at Arlington has once again achieved the prestigious R1 designation from the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, solidifying its position as one of the nation’s top research institutions. This recognition highlights UTA’s continued commitment to producing cutting-edge research and fostering academic excellence across a variety of disciplines. With a significant increase in research expenditures and ongoing partnerships, UTA is advancing critical research that addresses both state and national challenges, further cementing its reputation as a leader in innovation and discovery.
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Baylor Researcher Joins Texas Medical Center's
2025 Cancer Accelerator Cohort
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Baylor University researcher Daniel Romo, Ph.D., has been named to the fifth cohort of the Texas Medical Center Innovation's 2025 Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT).
Romo is developing new treatments for pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), using a derivative of pateamine A, a natural product from marine sponges. The ACT program, funded by CPRIT, has already helped 77 researchers secure over $202 million to advance cancer therapies.
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TWU Joins the Elite: Officially a Tier 2 Research Institution
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Texas Woman’s University has earned the prestigious designation of a Tier 2 Research Institution from the American Council on Education, formally classified as “Research 2: High Spending and Doctoral Production” for the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This recognition places TWU among an elite group of approximately 139 universities nationwide, including only 16 in Texas. The designation not only elevates the university’s reputation but also enhances its ability to attract top-tier faculty, ambitious students, and increased funding opportunities from donors and federal research grants.
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UTSW Discovery Uncovers Metabolic Expertise
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Ralph DeBerardinis, MD, PhD
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New research from Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) reveals that a tumor’s ability to utilize glucose-derived carbon for the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle can predict cancer spread in localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) long before metastases become clinically apparent. Published in Cancer Discovery, the study shows that patients with tumors exhibiting this metabolic activity face earlier recurrence, rapid disease progression, and reduced survival. Led by Dr. Ralph J. DeBerardinis and his team, the research highlights the potential to target these metabolic pathways to slow metastatic spread and improve patient outcomes.
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Exclusive Deal on Cell & Gene Therapy
Courses for BioNTX Members
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Biotech Primer is offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal on their Cell & Gene Therapy Primer classes exclusively for BioNTX members!
- Cell Therapy Primer: Gain a comprehensive introduction to cell therapy development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Explore the scientific benefits and challenges of autologous and allogeneic cell therapies.
- Gene Therapy Primer: Dive into the scientific principles and regulatory intricacies of DNA manipulation to treat rare diseases. Learn about viral vectors, and discover how to select the perfect vector for each unique application.
The deal ends on April 1, 2025
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Shaping the Future: Mentorship and Innovation
in Biotech Education
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In this episode of Acuity + Acumen, the discussion focuses on building the biotech leaders of tomorrow. Dr. Bridgette Kirkpatrick, Biotechnology Professor at Collin College, shares insights on the vital role of education in shaping future biotech professionals, the rapid growth of life sciences in North Texas, and the impact of mentorship.
The conversation explores Collin College’s biotechnology program, emerging industry trends, and the collaboration between academia and industry to address real-world challenges.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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The Prototype Fund | The Innovation Hub
Application Due March 12, 2025
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The Prototype Fund empowers entrepreneurs to create a prototype based on customer discovery insights. We're looking for established startups with innovative solutions that are ready to develop their minimum viable product (MVP) within the next year!
To apply, you must be 18-years or older with an established startup company. Want to be more competitive? Participate in other Innovation Hub programs to make your application more competitive.
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Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures
Application Due March 14, 2025
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Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures (MSISV) includes two in-house accelerator programs—a Lab designed for startup founders and a Collaborative to support emerging nonprofits.
Morgan Stanley will provide participating Lab companies with an equity investment, a five-month curated program, mentorship, networking, office space for the duration of the program and access to certain external advisors.
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The Langer Prize for Innovation
and Entrepreneurial Excellence
Application Due March 17, 2025
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In honor of Bob Langer’s pioneering spirit, each recipient of a Langer Prize will be awarded an unrestricted grant up to $100,000 as seed funding, which will enable them to pursue “blue-sky” ideas that may lead to significant innovations. Recipients will become part of a network of Langer Fellows, with access to, and support from, some of the industry’s foremost experts in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The purpose of this grant is to encourage creative individuals to follow an entrepreneurial path, creating a cadre of young researchers skilled in tackling high-risk, high-impact challenges within a wide-range of industries. The Prize aims to support individuals in the early stages of their independent careers, provides an unrestricted grant to enable creative researchers and engineering entrepreneurs to tackle high-risk, high-impact challenges with the potential of achieving game-changing innovations.
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Texas Healthcare Challenge
Application Due March 23, 2025
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The Texas Healthcare Challenge (TXHCC) is a groundbreaking series of healthcare hackathons that brings together individuals from various backgrounds and professions. In just two days, our innovative approach empowers teams to develop and assess actionable business models.
Spearheading this initiative is Health Wildcatters, a trailblazer in introducing this scale of healthcare innovation to the region. The event draws the largest and most accomplished crowd, featuring participants from DFW area universities, notable employers, and individuals traveling from across the nation.
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Golden Ticket | North Texas 2025
Application Due March 31, 2025
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Ignite’s Golden Ticket Programs seek to discover visionary female founders developing novel solutions that transform healthcare in regions across the country. Their North Texas program focuses on dual objectives of discovering and advancing healthcare innovators and identifying partners who will provide resources, in cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, El Paso, Austin, and neighboring states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas. The top three finalists, selected by a panel of distinguished judges, will be awarded the Golden Ticket—securing direct entry into Ignite’s Annual Accelerator Program.
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Startup Prize: Focus on Health
Application Due April 18, 2025
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Based in Shreveport, LA, Startup Prize: Focus on Health is a national entrepreneurial competition for early-stage health, medical and life sciences startups and provides an incredible opportunity for those companies to battle test and advance their concepts with subject matter experts, payers, providers and system leaders. We thought this might be a great fit for any medical, health & wellness and healthtech startups in your program.
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NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
Program ends May 8, 2027
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The purpose of this Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions is to support small scale research grants at institutions that do not receive substantial funding from the NIH, with an emphasis on providing biomedical research experiences primarily for undergraduate students, and enhancing the research environment at applicant institutions.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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BIO BREAK: Fort Worth's Life Sciences Happy Hour
Join BioNTX, RSM, Haynes Boone and UTA for a special happy hour dedicated to the life science community—where ideas flourish, partnerships grow, and collaboration thrives. Reconnect with colleagues, spark new relationships, and toast to the shared passion that drives us forward.
March 11th | Fort Worth, TX
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Health Wildcatters Alumni Reunion Community Happy Hour
Join the Health Wildcatters for a fun-filled evening at our Alumni Reunion Community Happy Hour! Connect with the Dallas Community and Health Wildcatters alumni companies from the past 12 years and enjoy the newest art installation by tech founder and artist, Melissa Amoros Sol.
March 20th | Dallas, TX
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2025 Career Expo & HR Forum
Join BioNTX for our Career Expo to connect with industry professionals and recruiters who can help advance your career in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Our HR Forum will be a series of targeted sessions designed to help biotech employers navigate the complexities of workforce management.
March 27th | Dallas, TX
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BIO BREAK: Dallas' Life Sciences
Happy Hour
Join us in celebrating the thriving Life Sciences community of Dallas with McDermott, Deloitte, and BioNTX at BIO BREAK, a monthly happy hour designed for networking and collaboration. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to engage with fellow industry professionals, exchange ideas, and foster new connections at the innovative setting of Pegasus Park.
April 3rd | Dallas, TX
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20th Annual BioHouston Chili Cookoff
Join BioHouston for one of Houston’s largest and most popular life science networking events, where we come together to honor the legacy of Ann Tanabe, celebrate her contributions to the bio community, and enjoy LOTS OF CHILI while making valuable connections!
April 4th | Houston, TX
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Texas Healthcare Challenge 2025
The Texas Healthcare Challenge utilizes design thinking and innovation to drive meaningful change in healthcare. This hackathon brings together creative problem-solvers to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges
April 4th-5th | Dallas, TX
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Thank you for your Membership & Support!
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