New BioNTX Member Center Portal Now Open!

BioNTX is grateful for our members! We have just unveiled our newest Member Benefit, an online Member Center where members can track events, search for grants and funding, browse other members, and post job openings which directly go on the main BioNTX website! There are many other amazing features for all our members to explore.

Wayne Roberts Steps Down as CPRIT CEO

Leaves Behind  Legacy of Growth and Progress

Wayne Roberts is a household name if you have heard of Cancer Research in Texas. For more than 30 years, Roberts has been a leader through academia, industry, and government; serving most recently as the CEO of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). After 12 years as the head of the largest state-funded cancer research initiative in the nation, Roberts is hanging up his saddle (publicly) and passing the torch to the next legacy builder in cancer prevention: Kristin Doyle. Leaders from across the state gathered in Austin to celebrate Roberts' work and legacy. 

(left to right): Tracy Davies, Wayne Roberts, Kristin Doyle, JD, Kathleen Otto-Rosenblum

Lewisville ISD’s Wonder Wagon Empowers

Young Superheroes with STEM Education

(above): Wonder Woman Lori Klimek, posing with students and the Wonder Wagon.

Lori Klimek is a real-life Wonder Woman among us. Operating the Wonder Wagon, a STEM van that brings science, technology, engineering, and math education to students across Lewisville ISD, Klimek is making significant strides in providing STEM experiences to over 4,000 students, particularly in elementary campuses that lack ongoing STEM classroom instruction.

 

The Wonder Wagon reaches kindergarteners, second graders, and third graders, offering three exciting STEM experiences each year. Visiting 24 schools this year alone, the initiative is significantly contributing to the early engineering development and enthusiasm for STEM among these young minds. BioNTX is proud to support leaders like Wonder Woman Lori Klimek, that look to develop the next generation of scientists and innovators in North Texas.

Good Days to Address Chronic Disease & Patient Care

at Pegasus Park Leadership Luncheon

The Chronic Disease Day Leadership Luncheon and Symposium in Dallas, Texas, aims to gather regional leaders from government, healthcare, biotech, and patient advocacy sectors. Chronic Disease Day serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about the impact of chronic illnesses, which account for seven of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. This significant event will take place at Pegasus Park, home to the nation’s new ARPA-H Customer Experience hub. The symposium will underscore the area's dedication to addressing chronic diseases, spotlighting the region's comprehensive expertise and resources in tackling these health challenges.

Clinical Trial Infrastructure: A Blueprint for Future Breakthroughs

Join BioNTX in a pivotal conversation aimed at elevating North Texas' already robust clinical trial ecosystem to unprecedented heights. With world-class healthcare institutions, cutting-edge research, efficient transportation systems, and a diverse population, our region stands as a beacon of innovation in life-saving medical research. But how can we further enhance this ecosystem? In this discussion, we'll delve into the collaborative efforts between clinical scale manufacturing, clinical research organizations, and patient-engaging clinicians. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can unlock new opportunities for groundbreaking cures and treatments.

BioNTX Announces 10th Annual iC³ Life Science
Summit to be held at New Arlington Venue

BioNTX, a prominent biotechnology and healthcare innovation organization in North Texas, has announced that their premier event of the year for bioscience and healthcare innovation leaders throughout the region: iC³. The 10th annual iC³ Summit is expected to have more than 1,000 industry professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, marking its largest attendance to date.

How UNTHSC is Combating Pharmacy Technician
Shortage with Prep Course

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is now offering a self-paced online Pharmacy Technician Preparation Course to address the shortage of pharmacy technicians in hospitals, health systems, and retail pharmacies.

Endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, this online course spans six to twelve weeks and is tailored to equip participants for certification, registration, licensing, and employment as pharmacy technicians or trainees. Admission to HSC is not mandatory for enrollment.

OTHER MEMBER NEWS

Ahold Delhaize Aligns with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

on Democratizing Healthcare 

Ahold Delhaize USA has forged a strategic partnership with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, PBC (Cost Plus Drugs), aimed at enhancing convenience and affordability for customers seeking healthcare solutions. With the new agreement in place, customers can now utilize the Team Cuban Card at all Ahold Delhaize USA's local brand pharmacies. Cost Plus Drugs prioritizes safe and cost-effective medication options by eliminating intermediaries and associated markups- which aligns with Ahold Delhaize USA's mission to foster healthy communities underscores the significance of accessible healthcare.

Unlocking Global Opportunities: Biopharma's Expansion

Amid Regulatory Complexities

Biopharma companies are increasingly targeting global markets, driven by the "patent cliff" and the need for broader patient access. Yet, diverse regulations, reimbursement, and tax structures pose hurdles. Success hinges on prioritizing markets, tailoring entry strategies, and developing cross-functional capabilities. Large firms may establish subsidiaries or joint ventures, while smaller ones opt for distributors. Ernst & Young and similar advisors help navigate regulations and mitigate risks. Thorough due diligence and understanding local processes are vital for timely launches.

Polsinelli’s IP Department Recognized in IAM Patent 1000

Polsinelli’s Intellectual Property Department has once again garnered well-deserved acclaim in the IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2024. This prestigious guide, renowned for highlighting top patent professionals globally, recognizes Polsinelli's excellence in patent prosecution and litigation. Notably, eighteen attorneys from Polsinelli have been singled out as leading figures in the field, showcasing the firm's remarkable talent and expertise. The IAM Patent 1000's exhaustive research process, involving over 1,800 interviews with patent specialists worldwide, ensures a rigorous evaluation of each attorney's capabilities. This recognition reaffirms Polsinelli's unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service in patent law and further solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the realm of intellectual property.

Baylor University Launches STEM+ Camp for Rising Fifth Graders

The Baylor University School of Education's STEM+ Camp Launch, co-founded by Dr. Suzanne Nesmith and Dr. Sandi Cooper and generously funded by Waco's Cooper Foundation, offers rising fifth graders from three Transformation Waco schools an immersive week-long experience at Baylor's Mayborn Museum, where they explore scientific principles trough hands-on projects like building and racing model cars, culminating in the thrilling opportunity for each student to launch their own rocket.

 

USDA Grant to Bolster Tarleton State University Research

into Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure

Tarleton State University has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service as part of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. Facilitated by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), this initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Texas's food supply chain, particularly focusing on the post-harvest, pre-market stage. The RFSI program seeks to expand local and regional market options for food produced in Texas, contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the food system. 

UTA Awards Research Enhancement Grants for Innovative Projects

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has awarded 10 Research Enhancement Program (REP) grants to support new research initiatives. These grants serve as seed funding, enabling recipients to launch innovative research projects and lay the groundwork for future external funding opportunities.

Kate C. Miller, UTA’s Vice President for Research and Innovation, emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and scholarly impact. The goal is for these grants to empower professors to transform their ideas into impactful scholarly works that address societal challenges and attract further support from other organizations and investigators.

Kate Miller, PhD, MS, Vice President for Research and Innovation

UTD Students Receive Prestigious NSF Fellowship

Madigan Blake and Isaac Rangel-Landeros, Earth sciences students at the University of Texas at Dallas, have been awarded the prestigious 2024 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This competitive fellowship provides stipends and tuition support for STEM graduate students, reflecting the high caliber of UT Dallas’ sustainable Earth systems sciences (SESS) department.

From left: Isaac Rangel-Landeros BS’23, Dr. Zachary Sickmann, Dr. Kristina Butler and Madigan Blake BS’23 are shown at El Solitario in Big Bend State Park, Texas.

AccessHope Partners with UTSW Simmons Cancer Center

to Enhance Cancer Expertise

AccessHope announces it has partnered with UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, incorporating it into a network of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centers. Simmons Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated comprehensive center in North Texas, is renowned for its commitment to cancer research and treatment. It boasts top cancer specialists and conducts cutting-edge research with 265 clinical and research members across 36 departments. The center's Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in kidney and lung cancer drive advancements in care. Through this collaboration, Simmons Cancer Center will provide expert clinical insights for AccessHope’s employer plan members in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

SigmaPro Engineering & Manufacturing

Since 1999, SigmaPro has been a leader in precision injection molding contract manufacturer creating complex parts. Sigma specializes in crafting precision-engineered parts through cutting-edge technologies like micro injection molding, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping. David Underwood, a licensed professional engineer, founded the company. He boasted that Sigma was niche and could create small plastic parts/components that had strict dimensional requirements with tight tolerances. Vivian Allen, his daughter and new CEO has kept her father's promise of creating precision parts for the medical, telecommunications, automotive, and aerospace industries. Since she joined, the company has grown immensely and will be expanding this year.

Vivian Allen, CEO of SigmaPro

FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

2024 iC³ Tech Transfer Showcase Application Portal is now OPEN

Applications due on August 12, 2024

The Tech Transfer Showcase at the iC³ Life Science Summit provides a prime opportunity to present your most promising intellectual property to a select audience of industry leaders and investors, opening doors to potential collaborations and funding opportunities.

 

Submission Guidelines

    -  Application deadline August 12, 2024 at 11:59 pm

    -  Open to all university technology transfer offices in Texas

    -  Two submissions per university campus

    -  Applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts

    -  The top six applicants will advance to podium pitch at the annual iCSummit

    -  Winning applicants will be paired with an industry mentor to help craft and polish your presentation

“The Tech Transfer Showcase is an excellent example of how BioNTX is serving Texas universities and creating a strong life science ecosystem across the State of Texas,” said Jennifer Souter, Senior Licensing Associate, Texas Tech Office of Research Commercialization.

 Ignite Health's Accelerator Program 
Applications due on July 22, 2024

Ignite Health's Accelerator Program offers an unparalleled, immersive experience for startups. Through our Mentoring Program, entrepreneurs are paired with potential customers and investors for personalized advice and guidance. With a nationwide network of Advisors, Ignite Health brings extensive expertise and connections to support healthcare startups. Participants will engage in interactive virtual learning sessions led by industry leaders, connecting with personal advisors, investors, and healthcare experts. This program ensures startups establish long-lasting relationships within Ignite's expansive national network.

 Texas Tech Presidents' Innovative Startup Award 

Applications due on July 31, 2024

Through these funding programs and opportunities, CPRIT grows the cancer-fighting ecosystem across Texas, providing life-extending results, and tangible economic benefits throughout the State.

Chiesi Rare Disease Golden Ticket Competition

Applications due June 30, 2024

The Chiesi Golden Ticket Competition awards startups and companies 2 (two) Golden Tickets to a US BioLabs site. Each Golden Ticket provides one year of fully paid individual bench space and membership at a fully equipped laboratory designed to accelerate early-stage startup working on research and development in the gene editing and/or relevant viral and non-viral delivery technologies, for treating rare hematology, immunology, ophthalmology, dermatology, inborn errors of metabolism or metabolic diseases. 

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

AIM Health R&D Summit

 

Join Velocity TX to see the cutting-edge research, identify emerging trends and technologies, and network to foster economic development and growth.

 

June 24, 2024 | San Antonio, TX

Industry Spotlight Series

 

Join Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management as they introduce a new virtual series, featuring seasoned Morgan Stanley Investment Bankers that provides unique insights into different industries.

 

June 26, 2024 | Virtual

Chronic Disease Day Leadership Summit

 

Join Good Days and Bio North Texas for a luncheon symposium with leaders in patient-centric care at the home of the new ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub.

 

July 8, 2024 | Dallas, TX

Building a Robust Life Science Ecosystem: The Bridge Between Research, Clinical Trials, & Manufacturing

 

 Join BioNTX for a discussion around how clinical scale manufacturing, clinical research organizations, and patient-engaging clinicians are working together to create more opportunities for life saving cures. 

 

July 17, 2024 | Plano, TX

Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Excellence in North Texas

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!

June 24, 2024

This email was sent on behalf of {{TCDisplayName}} located at {{TCADDRAddress1}}{{TCADDRAddress2}}{{TCADDRCity}}{{TCADDRStateProvince}} {{TCADDRPostalCode}}To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact {{TCDisplayName}} at {{TCEmailAddress}}.