Education Flourishes in North Texas as Texas Tech University Health Science Center Expands Dallas Medical District Campus

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) celebrates the inauguration of its Dallas campus, housing the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy and the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health. The expansion highlights TTUHSC's commitment to healthcare education in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with President Lori Rice-Spearman emphasizing the institution's dedication to excellence and community engagement.

(center) Lori Rice-Spearman, PhD, TTUHSC President

Discoveries to Impact 'Startup Week' at Texas Tech

Highlights Blossoming Ecosystem in Lubbock

Discoveries to Impact (DTI) Month at Texas Tech University unites the finest minds in Texas, from groundbreaking researchers and distinguished scholars to visionary innovators and bold entrepreneurs. Startup Week featured an accelerator competition, expo, and key note luncheon by Paul Singh during which the iconic venture capitalist and entrepreneur provided valuable insights into the dynamic landscape where technology, entrepreneurship, and economic development converge. Over $350,000 has already been awarded to innovators during the first week of the event. 

The DTI program is the result of a partnership between the Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE), the Innovation Hub at Research Park, the Center for Integration of STEM Education and Research (CISER), and Outreach and Engagement. 

Kellogg Business School Comes to Pegasus Park 

with Future of Healthcare Summit

Join BioNTX, the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, and the North Texas Life Science Community in forging new economic strategies in healthcare innovation at the intersection of health tech, science, and equity. 

Gwen Lily and ARPA-H: Reimagining Healthcare

Equity & Access in the Age of AI 

BioNTX joined leaders from ARPA-H, Microsoft, Healthcare Women’s Association and BWISE at the inaugural Gwen Lily Research Foundation Healthcare & Life Science Conference at Pegasus Park. The theme, Reimagined: AI, Equity, and Access addressed the current state of ARPA-H initiatives and the importance of breaking down barriers.  Speakers engaged with audience attendees from across North Texas and highlighted the importance of the work being done by organizations like the Gwen Lily Research Foundation. “As North Texas continues to expand and grow life science, let us ensure that equity and access are also expanded.” Thank you to all who participated in this meaningful conversation.

Texas Life Sciences Leaders Converge on Capitol City to Discuss Growth & Strategies

Life science executives, industry professionals, academics, legislators, and public officials from across Texas converged on Austin for the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) Life Sciences Summit. Attendees enjoyed a full day of industry panels, educational, and collaborative workshops exploring various aspects of the rapidly-growing life science industry in the Lone Star State. The conference featured some of the most prominent figures in Texas Life Sciences, and examined the latest industry trends, workforce development, investment, and market forecasts. 

Driving Equity & Progress: Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Discusses Leadership and Impact Strategies

Lyda Hill and Nicole Small discussed the importance of collaborative leadership, innovation, and community engagement in the North Texas biotechnology ecosystem. These inspiring leaders highlighted specific initiatives and projects emphasizing the impact of advancing research and healthcare accessibility in the region. 

 

Leadership Dallas (LD), established in 1975 by the Dallas Regional Chamber, is the region’s premier leadership development program, and an incubator for change makers and innovators in the metroplex.

MEMBER NEWS

Leaders in Employee Engagement: JPS Health

Recognized with Gallup Workplace Award 

JPS Health Network has received the 2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) for its commitment to fostering an engaged workforce culture. Among just 60 organizations globally to be honored, JPS prioritizes employee engagement through events and recognition programs, promoting communication and collaboration and driving positive patient outcomes.

The JPS Quality Symposium: Recognizing

Powerful Research with Awards 

Abstract submission closes April 15

The JPS Health Network, as a pillar institution in Fort Worth for over a century, has announced the 2024 Research & Quality Symposium hybrid event taking place May 21-22, 2024. May 21 will be in-person, while May 22 will be virtual. 

 

The 2024 Research & Quality Symposium will consist of breakout rooms/discussions, live and virtual poster presentations, networking, and keynote address. All abstract topics are welcome. 

McKesson Launches Health Equity Project

to Increase Access in Underserved Communities

McKesson Corporation has introduced Project Oasis, a new initiative focused on promoting health equity in underserved communities by addressing pharmacy deserts, particularly in urban areas. The first site selected for this initiative is Avondale, OH, led by Dr. Emmanuel "Manny" Ayanjoke at Altev Community Pharmacy with support from McKesson. Through this program, McKesson aims to bridge healthcare disparities and improve access to essential pharmacy services, reaffirming its commitment to advancing health outcomes for all.

McKesson CEO Honored for Work in Cancer Advocacy

Brian Tyler, CEO of McKesson Corporation, has been honored with the prestigious St. George National Award from the American Cancer Society for his relentless dedication to fighting cancer. As chair of the ACS CEOs Against Cancer North Texas Chapter, Tyler has led impactful initiatives like the North Texas Get Screened program, raising nearly $900,000 for cancer screening efforts in the region. His leadership exemplifies his commitment to advancing the ACS's mission of ending cancer for all.

(from left to right) Jeff Fehlis, EVP, American Cancer Society; Brian Tyler, CEO, McKesson; Meagan Johnson, Sr. Director of Corp. Relations, American Cancer Society

Re:wild & Colossal Biosciences Join Forces

to Innovate Global Conservation Efforts

Re:wild and Colossal Biosciences have joined forces to revolutionize global conservation efforts. Their partnership aims to rescue endangered species, rediscover lost ones, and restore vital habitats. Using Colossal's cutting-edge de-extinction technology, such as reviving the dodo and woolly mammoth, they plan to accelerate species recovery.

 

With Re:wild's conservation expertise and Colossal's advancements in genomics and reproductive technologies, they've devised a 10-year strategy to harness technology for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

UNTHSC Professor Honored with

Ernst H. Bárány Prize for Ocular Pharmacology

Dr. Abbot Clark, a regents professor of pharmacology and neuroscience at The University of North Texas Health Science Center, has been awarded the esteemed 2024 Ernst H. Bárány Prize by the International Society for Eye Research.

 

Recognized for his exceptional contributions to ocular pharmacology, Dr. Clark humbly expressed gratitude for the honor and attributed his success to the collaborative efforts of his laboratory team, past and present students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators. His research, primarily focused on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying ocular diseases such as glaucoma, has significantly advanced our understanding of these conditions, impacting millions worldwide

Abbot Clark, PhD, FARVO, FAAO

UTA Study Shows Need for Continued

Vaccination Focus for Pregnant Women

University of Texas at Arlington's Hui Huang emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pregnant women amid the fourth anniversary of COVID-19. Their research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, highlights disparities in vaccination rates, especially among African American mothers. Despite no correlation found between vaccination status and birth outcomes, interventions are needed to address hesitancy and ensure equitable access to vaccines.

UTD Researchers Secure CPRIT Grants

for Oral Cancer Imaging & Detection

The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has made a significant investment, awarding grants exceeding $2 million to two University of Texas at Dallas engineers associated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.

 

These grants, part of a broader $98.6 million CPRIT grant allocation announced on February 21, signify a powerful commitment to advancing cancer research. Dr. Baowei Fei, a distinguished professor of bioengineering, secured a substantial $1 million grant to pioneer a handheld imaging tool aimed at early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. 

UT Southwestern Study Reveals Cancer Cells

Create Acid Wall to Deter Immune Response

(from left to right) Zachary Bennett, Ph.D., Jinming Gao, Ph.D., Anthony Grichuk, B.S., Baran Sumer, M.D.,

and Qiang Feng, Ph.D., are studying the mechanisms involved with the polarized acidity of cancer cells.

UT Southwestern researchers have discovered that cancer cells release a highly concentrated level of acid, forming an "acid wall" around tumors. This acidic environment could hinder immune cell attacks on cancer. Led by Dr. Jinming Gao, the study suggests new approaches to cancer treatment by targeting the acidic tumor environment. Their findings, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, also highlight the effectiveness of nanoparticles like pegsitacianine in detecting acidic conditions within tumors, aiding in cancer surgery. Pegsitacianine's success has led to FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation, accelerating its development.

FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Health Wildcatters Recognized as

Nationally Ranked Accelerator for Startups

Application closes on April 15, 2024

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.

Startup Prize Focus on Health Competition

Means Opportunity for Innovators

Application closes on April 19, 2024

Startup Prize: Focus on Health is a national entrepreneurial competition for early stage health-focused startups. We connect entrepreneurs with mentors, resources and investors at zero cost and zero equity to the founder for a chance to battle test their concepts and walk away with $10,000 in non-dilutive funding and other potential investment.

The Hill Prizes

Recognizing Life Science Innovators & High-Impact Research

Applications open May 1, 2024

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.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Exclusive Tour of Retractable Technologies

with BioNTX Facilities Advisory Committee

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.

Unlocking Biotech: For the Non-Scientist

What role do the FDA and NIH play in drug discovery?

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

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

The DEC Network @ Redbird Grand Opening

 

Join The DEC Network to celebrate their new and improved Redbird location and hear a few words from the leaders and sponsors who made this move a reality. 

 

April 11, 2024 | Dallas, TX

Pulse Lunch: Incorporating Your Startup

 

Join Health Wildcatters to learn on the essential dos and don'ts for incorporating your startup.

 

April 16, 2024 | Dallas, TX

2024 Biofest Invest

 

Join BioMedSA to connect with potential investors from across the nation and Texas bioscience companies seeking investment funding and hear best practices and valuable advice from experts.


April 17, 2024 | San Antonio, TX

Where IS Healthcare Going? Conference

 

Join Healthcare Think Tank to learn where healthcare is going in two panel discussions – from entrepreneurs growing business both nationally and globally, to hearing about humanitarian efforts that are serving needs around the world. 

 

April 18, 2024 | San Antonio, TX

Navigating Investments in Emerging Biotech/Pharma: Insights from Investors' Viewpoint

 

Join HBA to learn how investors evaluate potential investments, what they look for in promising startups, and how to position your company for success in fundraising endeavors.

 

April 18, 2024 | Dallas, TX

Future of Healthcare Summit

 

Join DFW Kellogg Alumni Network to discover the intersection of health tech, science, and equity, forging new economic strategies in healthcare innovation.


April 19, 2024 | Dallas, TX

The iC³ Life Science Summit:  10 Years of Innovation

October 3, 2024 - October 4, 2024

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.

The Next Total Eclipse is in 2044

Do not wait on the next Celestial event to renew your membership!

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. As a valued member of BioNTX, you gain exclusive  benefits tailored to enhance your experience and engagement in the life sciences community year-round.

April 9, 2024

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