Plano City Council Greenlights Texas Research Quarter Campus

The Plano City Council has approved a development agreement for the Texas Research Quarter (TRQ), setting the stage for a major life science innovation hub in Plano, Texas. The agreement supports redevelopment of the former EDS headquarters site and includes incentives through a new tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ).

CPRIT Approves New Grants for Cancer Research and Treatment

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has approved a new round of grants to advance cancer research and expand clinical trial opportunities across the State. The grants will support a range of initiatives, from establishing cutting-edge core facilities to funding innovative research projects and enhancing clinical trial access.

Perryman Group Report Showcases North Texas Impacts 

The Perryman Group, an economic and financial analysis firm, has completed an 46-page economic and fiscal impact report that highlights the 26-acre Pegasus Park campus as a pivotal asset in the emergence of Dallas, North Central Texas, and the state to the forefront of essential advancements in life science innovation. Analysts anticipate that operations of entities at Pegasus Park will generate $1.9 billion in annual gross product and 15,182 jobs

Pegasus Park Welcomes DeSoto Civic Leaders for BIO Day 

DeSoto city counsel members, the superintendent, and the Mayor's office met at Pegasus Park to tour the space and received important updates from DeSoto Economic Development group last week. The group discussed the city's upcoming plans for a new life science hub and why the 80 acre campus will be in the heart of DeSoto. This building marks the first major research endeavor in the southwest region of DFW.

The Future of DFW Life Sciences at the Texas Research Quarter

Left to right: Rachel Bagley, Director, Marketing & Innovation, Mansfield Economic Development. Gabby Everett, Director, Business Operations & Strategy, Site Head, Biolabs Pegasus Park. Craig Gravitz, Director Project Accelerator Transition, Innovation Office, ARPA-H. Walter Akers, Associate Professor and Research Director, UTSW Medical Center. Eric Danielson, Managing Director, NexPoint

Leaders from across North Texas gathered at the Texas Research Quarter for breakfast and networking. Panelists discussed exciting collaborations across the board between academia, industry, and government agencies. The event as a whole showcased the amazing spirit of collaboration and described the importance of working together to drive the North Texas Biotechnology Ecosystem towards success.

BioNTX Talent Meet & Greet: Connecting Job Seekers 

Last week, BioNTX's annual Talent Network Meet & Greet brought together top post-docs, job seekers, and industry recruiters in Dallas and Fort Worth.

 

The event buzzed with energy as participants forged connections, exchanged insights, and tapped into vital resources to accelerate their careers in life science and healthcare innovation. This was more than just networking—it was a launchpad for the next wave of industry leaders.

The  BioNTX Career Expo will return in 2025!

The BioNTX Facilities Advisory Committee

End-of-Summer Happy Hour

Last week, the BioNTX Facilities Advisory Committee hosted their End-of-Summer Happy Hour at McMillan James Equipment Company. Guests had the opportunity to meet the Facilities Committee and connect with the life science community for networking and refreshments.

MEMBER NEWS

Colossal Biosciences Aims to Transform

American Bison Using Woolly Mammoth Science

Colossal Biosciences, known for its groundbreaking work on de-extincting the dodo and Tasmanian tiger, is now applying its cutting-edge technology to enhance the American bison. The company plans to leverage the science developed for woolly mammoth restoration to improve bison genetics on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.

FDA Approves Johnson & Johnson's RYBREVANT® and LAZCLUZE™ for EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer

Johnson & Johnson's RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) and LAZCLUZE™ (lazertinib) have been FDA-approved as the first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations.  The Phase 3 MARIPOSA study showed a 30% reduction in disease progression risk with this combination, providing a significant new option for patients.

McKesson Surges on DFW's Largest Companies List

Following Exxon Mobil's headquarters move to Houston, Irving-based McKesson has risen to the number one position on the Dallas-Fort Worth area's largest publicly traded companies list. With $276.7 billion in revenue for 2023, McKesson, which saw a 5% increase in sales from the previous year, leads the D-FW Top 150 Companies.

BioLabs Achieves Gold Level My Green Labs Certification

BioLabs Pegasus Park is pleased to announce that it has attained Gold Level My Green Labs Certification. This prestigious certification is globally recognized as the gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices. While BioLabs has completed this certification, the commitment to sustainability continues, with ongoing efforts to further enhance their green initiatives.

 Mastering Complex Relocations: Expertise in

Moving Critical Lab and Hospital Equipment  

Relocating expensive or hazardous lab and hospital equipment is a complex challenge. Grant Carter, president of Carter Inc., highlights the importance of specialized expertise: “You can’t afford to pause critical operations because of a move.”

 

For over thirty years, Carter Inc. has been the expert in managing these intricate relocations, leveraging a nationwide network to ensure smooth transitions and mitigate risks. Their specialized approach ensures that critical equipment is up and running without disrupting essential operations.

  CBRE Launches Capital AI to Revolutionize

Real Estate Investment

CBRE's new Capital AI analyzes vast data sets, improving investors' access to capital and expanding bidder pools by up to 20%. Initially launched in retail, the technology will soon extend to other sectors. Kevin Aussef highlights Capital AI’s potential to uncover opportunities and enhance bidding strategies. The platform leverages CBRE’s extensive market data to provide exclusive insights into capital trends.

Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions Transforms Cleanroom Management with Big Data Analytics

Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions is revolutionizing cleanroom performance in the pharmaceutical industry with big data analytics. By integrating and analyzing extensive environmental and equipment data, they enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and process optimization. This innovative use of big data is setting new standards for cleanroom management. 

Dallas College and Tarrant County College Partner to Boost Economic Development and Workforce Training

Dallas College and Tarrant County College (TCC) have teamed up to tackle North Texas’s job growth and economic development. Their agreement focuses on creating centers for emerging technologies and addressing healthcare workforce needs. This includes potential reciprocal tuition for degree programs and exploring joint initiatives with Texas A&M University System institutions.

 

The partnership aims to enhance opportunities for students, with smoother transfer pathways and shared resources to meet regional demands in fields like biotechnology, cybersecurity, and healthcare training.

Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon &

Tarrant County College Chancellor Elva LeBlanc

UTD Research Reveals Structured Patterns in Infant Vocalizations

Dr. Pumpki Lei Su

Dr. Pumpki Lei Su from The University of Texas at Dallas has conducted groundbreaking research revealing that infant vocalizations are not random but follow distinct patterns. Her studies show that babies produce sounds in three structured categories, indicating a more deliberate process in their speech development.

 

This research underscores the active role infants play in shaping their vocal abilities, whether or not they are interacting with adults.

UNTHSC Dean Recognized with 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

(Left to right) Dr. Glenn Forister, Ms. Nina Partin-Godsey, & Dr. Robert Philpot

Glenn Forister, PhD, PA-C, dean of The University of North Texas Health Science Center’s School of Health Professions, has been honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

 

This prestigious accolade celebrates his remarkable contributions to the medical field through outstanding patient care, research, education, and leadership.

UTA Research Grants Drive Significant

Economic and Innovation Impact

In 2023, The University of Texas at Arlington saw a dramatic 43% increase in research grant funding, totaling $77 million. This funding, which includes support from federal, state, and private sources, resulted in $40.7 million being spent directly within Texas. Highlighting impacts, UTA and its 270,000 alumni contribute $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

Baylor Researchers Uncover Mechanisms Linking

Binge Drinking to Cardiovascular Risks

Baylor University researchers are exploring the underlying mechanisms linking alcohol consumption to cardiovascular disease, in a study published in the American Heart Association’s Hypertension journal. Led by Jason R. Carter, Ph.D., and Jeremy Bigalke, Ph.D., the research employs advanced physiological measurement techniques to reveal how alcohol negatively affects sympathetic nervous system control of blood pressure the morning after binge drinking.

UT Southwestern Researchers Shed Light on Metastatic Cancers 

New research from UT Southwestern's Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, published in Nature, reveals that metastatic kidney cancers depend heavily on mitochondrial metabolism. The study found that the mitochondrial electron transport chain is more active in metastatic tumors compared to those still in the kidney. This discovery could lead to better treatments and preventive strategies for cancer metastasis.

(Left to right) Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D. and Divya Bezwada, Ph.D.

Lantern Pharma Among Best Stocks for Becoming a Millionaire

According to Yahoo Finance, Lantern Pharma: LTRN Overall ranks 10th on their list of "Penny Stocks that will Make You a Millionaire". Lantern Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRN) is a promising penny stock in the biotech sector, driven by its focus on AI in drug development. The company has three drugs in clinical trials—LP-184, LP-284, and LP-300—and has formed strategic partnerships with Oregon Therapeutics and Starlight Therapeutics. 

 

In 2023, Lantern's AI platform, RADR®, expanded to over 60 billion data points. Their new goal of reaching 100 billion in 2024 will enhance its drug efficacy predictions and clinical trial optimization. These advancements position Lantern Pharma as a potentially lucrative investment within the biotech industry, especially for those interested in the intersection of AI and healthcare.

DFW Airport Enters New Reconstruction Era

The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) recently began another significant transformation, signaling the start of what airport leadership referred to as the "beginning of a new era" for the travel hub. One of only two airports in the nation certified in excellence for our industry, cold chain shipping, storage and last mile delivery for temperature sensitive biopharmaceutical supplies and medicines. DFW Airport is prepared for the future.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Swiss American: Effortless Collaboration Empowering Brands

Swiss American specializes in skincare, sun care, and topical wound care formulations. Collaborating with global brands, their scientists ignite industry-leading product innovations that create new demand and loyal followers.

 

Swiss American operates top-tier quality systems, covering OTC Drug, Medical Device and Cosmetic topical products. Quality & Regulatory teams empower clients with data to make informed decisions, while unparalleled client support and dedicated Client Engagement Teams assist day-to-day project management. 

FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

3rd Annual EOSERA Texas Pitch Competition Returns

Applications due September 6, 2024

The EOSERA Foundation will be hosting it's third annual EOSERA® Pitch Competition for women entrepreneurs. To win seed money for their company, applicants and their business must be physically located in the state of Texas. Applicants must be a female founder with the highest percent ownership in the business, which must be a for-profit entity and have a maximum of 3 years in business. 

The Harrington Prize: Celebrating Innovation in Medicine

Applications due September 16, 2024

The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, presented by the American Society for Clinical Investigation and Harrington Discovery Institute, honors a physician-scientist who has moved science forward with achievements notable for innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application. Each year one Harrington Prize recipient is chosen.

The Pegasus Prize: Recognizing Non-profit Organizations

Applications due September 20, 2024

The Dallas Foundation's Pegasus Prize is a $50,000 social innovation grant awarded to nonprofit organizations applying innovative approaches to addressing community needs. The Prize rewards organizations applying new ways to solve ongoing problems that are faster, cost-effective, data-driven and lead to better results for the residents of Dallas County. 

Texas Tech Prototype Hub

Applications due September 27, 2024

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.

Texas Legislator Awareness

Keeping Texas on Top with Biomanufacturing Investment

The Texas Regional Industrial Biomanufacturing Certification (TRIBEC) is  dedicated to creating a talent pool of Texans, without an advanced degree, with the skills necessary to attract new biomanufacturing investments. Led by the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM) at Texas A&M University, TRIBEC includes community colleges, training centers, and industry partners.

Together, they are using the existing infrastructure of Texas’ community college system to standardize the training process and create a centralized talent pipeline for biomanufacturing jobs in Texas. 

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Pharma.Aero Pharma Logistics Masterclass

 

Join Pharma.Aero and global leaders for an international collaborative masterclass

dedicated to advancing logistics in the Life Science and MedTech industries. 

 

September 30, 2024 | Dallas, TX

Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation: 2024 iC³ Life Science Summit

October 3, 2024 - October 4, 2024

BioNTX is thrilled to announce our 10th Annual iC³ Life Science and Healthcare Innovation Summit, taking place on October 3rd and October 4th at the Arlington Convention Center at the Loews Hotel.

 

Join us for a two-day event where the most innovative minds from North Texas, the broader Southwest region and across the United States converge. Our Summit offers a vibrant platform for the bioscience and healthcare innovation to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share groundbreaking research, and delve into emerging technologies shaping the future of healthcare and biomedicine.

Thank You for Your Membership & Support!

September 3, 2024

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