Bay Area Life Science Companies Eye Futures in North Texas
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from left to right: Dr. Ammad Garrett-Price, MD, Antoine Long, Matt Carlson, and Aaron BenComo, MD
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North Texas' emergence as a life science hotbed is no longer the best kept secret in the country. State and Business climates evolving as they have, BioNTX and the BHIANT joined the City of DeSoto in the Bay Area for strategic meetings with companies and innovators at therapeutics, AI, medical device, bio-agriculture and manufacturing companies interested in relocating to the DFW metroplex.
North Texas representatives and stakeholders saw a full schedule of meetings aimed at bringing jobs to the region and showcasing our innovation ecosystem, infrastructure, vibrant communities, talent, and workforce training programs to California companies ranging from start-ups to multi-million dollar manufacturers.
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Memsel Extends Military Partnerships & Product Runway
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Memsel has successfully secured close to $11 M in funding allocated via the FY24 Appropriations bill, approved by the federal government last weekend.
The funds will allow Memsel to accelerate its wound care phage therapies combatting multi-drug resistant infection with military support from the U.S. Navy, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and Special Operations Command. Additionally, Memsel has support from the U.S. Department of Defense's Domestic Preparedness Support Initiative, which coordinates DoD efforts to deploy technology to Federal, State, and local first responders.
Congratulations Memsel! 2022 BioNTX Rising Star!
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Nanoscope Therapeutics Reports Promising Results in
Gene Therapy Phase 2b RESTORE Trial
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Nanoscope Therapeutics has announced encouraging results from its Phase 2b trial of MCO-010 for advanced retinitis pigmentosa. Both high and low doses demonstrated significant improvement in visual acuity compared to the control group at week 52, with sustained effects up to week 76. Notably, the high-dose group maintained improvement at week 76, supporting its potential for commercial use. These findings, consistent with earlier Phase 1/2a studies, mark a significant advancement in gene therapy for retinal diseases.
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North Texas Innovation Alliance Launches
Urban Resilience Fellowship Program with UTA & UTD
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The Urban Resilience Fellowship Program, a collaborative effort between the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in multidisciplinary projects alongside community partners. This initiative equips undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from both UTA and UTD with the skills and experience necessary to address pressing challenges facing the North Texas region. By focusing on areas such as mobility, cybersecurity, environmental governance, and sustainability, participants can contribute meaningfully to the resilience and development of their communities while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
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Groundbreaking Gene Therapy Offers Hope for
Rare Disease and Neurological Disorders
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In a significant advancement, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a pioneering gene therapy specifically tailored for giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), a rare disease. The therapy, detailed in a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, not only proved to be well tolerated among pediatric patients but also exhibited substantial therapeutic benefits.
This phase one clinical trial, unprecedented in its approach, utilized intrathecal injection to deliver the therapeutic gene broadly to the brain and spinal cord, marking a groundbreaking milestone in medical science. Co-author Steven Gray, Ph.D., who holds positions in Pediatrics, Molecular Biology, Neurology, and the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development at UT Southwestern.
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UT Tyler Breast Cancer Researcher Awarded by NIH
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The University of Texas at Tyler has been awarded a prestigious grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance Dr. May Abdelaziz's groundbreaking research on breast cancer, specifically focusing on HER2. Dr. Abdelaziz, an esteemed assistant professor at the Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, is spearheading efforts to develop a pioneering targeted therapy.
This grant, a highly competitive award received by only 15% of applicants, not only supports Dr. Abdelaziz's innovative work but also provides invaluable research opportunities for students. Dr. Amy Schwartz, the college's dean, underscores the grant's significance in propelling forward cutting-edge research in cancer treatment. Dr. Abdelaziz expresses gratitude for the NIH's support and emphasizes the potential impact of this research in improving outcomes for breast cancer patients.
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Gwen Lily Foundation Convenes Industry and Government
for Health Equity & Access Conference
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Join the North Texas community for an unforgettable experience at the forefront of AI, Equity and Access at the intersection of health and life sciences. Don't miss this chance to connect with industry leaders, dive into groundbreaking discussions, and explore the future of healthcare.
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AMPEL BIO Launches LuGENE Blood Test for Lupus
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AMPEL BioSolutions has announced a breakthrough in personalized precision medicine that is set to revolutionize medical management of the autoimmune disease Lupus. Revealed in Genome Medicine and being made available to patients through a US follow-on study, the LuGENE® blood test forecasts patient flares and drug targets from gene expression utilizing predictive AI.
From RNA gene expression in cells circulating in the blood, LuGENE® identifies real-time abnormalities leading to inflammation and immune system dysfunction that are targetable by medication. Diversity across ancestries is a hallmark of Lupus and the AMPEL R&D team included patients from all ethnicities to ensure that LuGENE® is predictive for all patients in the United States living with Lupus. This is especially important as Lupus emerges earlier and with greater severity in African-American, Asian, Native-American and Hispanic/Latinx communities; shortening life-span.
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FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies & Argenx
Expand Manufacturing Partnership
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FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and Argenx are extending their partnership to cover drug product and finished goods services for efgartigimod, a monoclonal antibody fragment targeting severe autoimmune diseases. This builds on their existing agreement for drug substance manufacturing, showing a deeper commitment to advancing therapeutic solutions. Efgartigimod, already approved for treating generalized Myasthenia Gravis, is now being evaluated for other severe autoimmune conditions.
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Deloitte Introduces 2024 Life Sciences Accounting Guide
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Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of accounting in the life sciences sector, Deloitte's newly released 2024 Life Sciences Industry Accounting Guide serves as a comprehensive resource to assist accounting teams in tackling the array of challenges and shifting business priorities they encounter daily.
This latest edition of Deloitte's guide not only provides clarity on established accounting and reporting issues but also equips professionals with insights to navigate emerging trends such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, as well as potential financial reporting implications stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
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DFW Airport: Back-to-Back Best in North America
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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) secures its second consecutive title as Best Large Airport in North America for customer service, recognized by the Airports Council International (ACI) World. The award, based on third-party surveys via the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program, underscores DFW's steadfast commitment to providing an exceptional airport experience.
Ken Buchanan, DFW’s Executive Vice President for Revenue Management and Customer Experience, credits the achievement to the airport's dedication to safety, efficiency, and Texas hospitality. DFW's ongoing investments in technology, facilities, and employee engagement have contributed to this recognition, marking its sixth win of this esteemed honor.
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EY Releases Insights in New Health Equity Outlook Report
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Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has released its second Health Equity Outlook Report, based on a survey of 500 health equity leaders. The report highlights a strong commitment across the health value chain to prioritize investments in health equity. Key findings include 98% of executives expecting continued or increased prioritization in 2024, with 92% planning to increase financial investment in related activities. According to Susan Garfield, EY Americas Chief Public Health Officer, while progress has been made, there's still significant work ahead to address the comprehensive needs of underserved populations.
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Baylor Wildfire Research Earns Professor
NASA Earth Science Award
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Yang Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of environmental science at Baylor University, has been awarded a highly competitive NASA Investigator award that supports outstanding scientific research and career development of scientists and engineers at the early stage of their professional careers.
Li is the first faculty member in environmental science to receive the award. Her innovative research focuses on understanding the evolving Chemistry in wildfire smoke and leveraging remote sensing observations in multi-scale modeling.
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UNTHSC Professor Recognized for Excellence in Physiology
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Steven Romero, an associate professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, has been named the 2024 Henry Pickering Bowditch Award Lecturer by the American Physiological Society for his significant contributions to physiology.
Acknowledging his lab team's collaboration, Romero's research in the Human Vascular Physiology laboratory investigates the vascular system's responses to exercise and environmental stress, supported by NIH and AHA grants.
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UT Arlington Brings Psychedelic Therapy Research to North Texas
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Recent medical research highlights the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and psilocin, challenging previous federal restrictions. With growing acceptance of psychedelic therapy, these compounds show promise for conditions like treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. At the University of Texas at Arlington, researchers have developed a method to measure the potency of psilocybin and psilocin in mushrooms accurately, improving dosing precision for safer and more effective treatment. With several breakthrough designations already granted in 2024, UT Arlington is helping keep North Texas at the forefront of innovative therapies.
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Psilocybin molecule and representative mushrooms
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UTD Honors Rebecca J. Landa with the 2024 Thomas F. Campbell Callier Prize for her Groundbreaking Autism Research
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Rebecca J. Landa, a renowned autism researcher, has received the 2024 Thomas F. Campbell Callier Prize in Communication Disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. This prestigious award recognizes her significant contributions to understanding and treating communication disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Landa's work, conducted at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of autism's heritability.
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UT Southwestern Nanoparticle Therapy
Uses Our Own Immune System to Cure Cancer
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UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists, under the leadership of Professor Jinming Gao, Ph.D., have developed a nanoparticle-based therapy featured in Science Immunology, effectively eliminating tumors in various cancer types in mouse models by triggering an immune pathway. This research presents a promising avenue for harnessing the body’s immune system to combat cancer.
The collaborative efforts of researchers from diverse disciplines underscore the significance of teamwork in achieving this breakthrough, as they build upon previous findings to embed cGAMP within PC7A nanoparticles, enhancing STING pathway activation and highlighting its potential as a robust cancer immunotherapy.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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The Golden Ticket: Galvanizing Women-Led
Healthcare Startups in Texas and Beyond
Application closes on April 4, 2024
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Ignite is thrilled to unveil its Golden Ticket Competition, tailored for women-led digital healthcare and medical device startups situated in Texas and surrounding areas. This exclusive opportunity, integrated into Ignite's renowned Accelerator Program, offers a springboard for local companies and neighboring startups to join the program's cohort.
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I2SL Seeks Sustainable Lab Innovators:
Apply Now for Awards Program
Applications due April 5, 2024
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I2SL promotes sustainability within laboratory environments, emphasizing resource efficiency and environmental consciousness. Through their Sustainable Laboratories Awards Program, the organization seeks to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding individuals, projects, and initiatives that demonstrate innovative and exemplary practices in sustainable lab planning, design, engineering, operation, and use.
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Health Wildcatters Recognized as
Nationally Ranked Accelerator for Startups
Application closes on April 15, 2024
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In a concentrated three-month period, Health Wildcatters immerses participants in a dynamic ecosystem, facilitating connections with a vast network of seasoned mentors and investors.
The program offers a meticulously curated curriculum, designed to accelerate growth and foster success.
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Techstars Accelerator: Investing in Entrepreneurs for Success
Application closes on May 22, 2024
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Techstars accelerators are designed to support entrepreneurs in achieving success. Our three month programs offer access to top mentors, a robust network of partners, investors, and alumni, funding opportunities, workshops, and peer learning experiences.
With a track record of building thousands of successful companies globally, they invest $120K in over 500 early stage companies annually, providing hands-on mentorship and lifelong access to the Techstars network.
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Health Accelerator Startup Prize Means Opportunity for Innovators
Application closes on July 1, 2024
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Startup Prize: Focus on Health plays a pivotal role in catapulting health-related companies to success by offering a comprehensive support network. Through mentorship, entrepreneurs gain invaluable insights from seasoned professionals who provide guidance on navigating challenges and optimizing strategies for growth. Additionally, access to potential investors enables startups to secure the vital capital needed to expand operations, develop innovative products or services, and scale their businesses. By facilitating these connections and providing essential resources, Startup Prize empowers companies to realize their vision, accelerate their trajectory, and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
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The Hill Prizes
Recognizing Life Science Innovators & High-Impact Research
Applications open May 1, 2024
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The Hill Prizes, generously funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, aim to accelerate groundbreaking research ideas with high potential for real-world impact. These prizes celebrate the achievements of top innovators and researchers in Texas, spanning six categories: Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology. Each recipient of the prize will be awarded $500,000 in funding to further their work and drive innovation.
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BIO 'SPRING' BREAK Collaboration Happy Hour
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Raise your glasses and join us in celebrating the arrival of Spring at BIO BREAK, Dallas' Monthly Life Sciences Happy Hour! Toast to the blossoming opportunities that the season brings, seize the day, and connect with fellow professionals in the Dallas Life Sciences community. With drinks, food, and stimulating conversation; BIO BREAK is the perfect opportunity to forge new connections, share news and insights, and collaborate with peers.
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Life with a VISA: Navigating Challenges & Succeeding
in Industry as an Foreign National
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Join BioNTX for an empowering session designed for international students aspiring to enter the life science industry. Gain insights into overcoming challenges like visa requirements, cultural differences, and language barriers. Our session offers practical strategies and personalized advice to help you succeed. Hear firsthand experiences from a speaker who has navigated similar obstacles and learn how to leverage your international student status to your advantage in the life science job market.
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Exclusive Tour of Retractable Technologies
with BioNTX Facilities Advisory Committee
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Join the BioNTX Facilities Advisory Committee on April 18th for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Retractable Technologies, a leading innovator in medical device technology focused on safety products.
Following the tour, unwind and connect with fellow industry professionals at Little Elm’s newest hospitality venue. Enjoy refreshments, engaging conversations, and the opportunity to forge valuable connections.
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Unlocking Biotech: For the Non-Scientist
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What role do the FDA and NIH play in drug discovery?
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Join Biotech Primer and BioNTX for the BioBasics 101 class, which explores the basic principles and scope of Life Sciences. This course is designed for the NonScientist and delves into genetic engineering, biomanufacturing, and applying the fundamental biology principles used everyday in our industry
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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2024 Texas Life Sciences Summit
Join THBI to listen to workforce issues and commercialization efforts and hear the plans for future growth of the life science industry.
April 2, 2024 | Austin, TX
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1 Million Cups
Join TTU Innovation Hub to hear Paul Singh, entrepreneur and active angel investor in 3,200+ startups, for an open session on what it really takes to grow your startup in 2024.
April 3, 2024 | Lubbock, TX
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Annual Leadership Luncheon
Join Dallas Regional Chamber to hear Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist Lyda Hill and President and CEO of LH Capital/Lyda Hill Philanthropies Nicole Small share insights on leadership, innovation, and community impact.
April 3, 2024 | Dallas, TX
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2024 HLS Conference
Join Gwen Lily Foundation for a groundbreaking event where artificial intelligence meets healthcare innovation, inclusivity, and diversity.
April 5, 2024 | Dallas, TX
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The 19th Annual BioHouston Chili Cook-off
Join BioHouston to gather with the Houston community for a good time and...LOTS OF CHILI!
April 5, 2024 | Houston, TX
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Together We Go
Join TEDxPlano to hear Shalini Prasad, at UTD delve into the intricate complexities surrounding the topic of fentanyl.
April 6, 2024 | Plano, TX
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Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation: 2024 iC³ Life Science Summit
October 3, 2024 - October 4, 2024
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This year's 10th annual BioNTX iC³ Life Science Summit will provide dynamic platform and a gorgeous setting for the North Texas bioscience community to share insightful discussion, cutting-edge research, and emerging technologies set to revolutionize the future of healthcare and biomedicine. With a new, international focus; the 2024 iC³ Life Science Summit is proud to welcome the global life science community to North Texas.
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Please Renew Your Membership in 2024
Our members are the Foundation of our work and the driving force behind industry growth in North Texas. BioNTX provides members with opportunities to connect and collaborate to gain business insights, thought leadership, access vital resources, share innovations, and increase market visibility
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