Alicia Secor

MassBio CEO & President Kendalle Burlin O'Connell, Esq. recently spoke with Adil Ali, MD and Onyx about representing the world's most consequential life sciences ecosystem, MassBio's Vision 2030 strategic roadmap, programs like #MassBioDrive and BioversityMA, and more. Onyx's in-depth report, Vital Signs: Future of Healthcare, will appear in Fortune magazine in December ahead of JPM Week. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eVkggiwv

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The health tech industry is entering 2025 with a cautiously optimistic outlook. While funding environments remain selective, the focus is shifting toward technologies and solutions that address critical healthcare needs with clear paths to impact. Investors are increasingly prioritizing scalability, clinical relevance, and robust commercialization strategies over speculative ventures. This trend underscores a maturing of the health tech sector, where the emphasis is on delivering transformative outcomes rather than following short-term market trends. This cautious yet focused funding climate presents both challenges and opportunities. Companies with differentiated platforms and a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs may find themselves well-positioned to secure support, even in a competitive environment. For the broader industry, this shift could lead to more impactful innovations reaching patients faster. Read more in this article in Endpoints News: https://lnkd.in/eTru3AcJ #HealthTech #Biotech #Innovation #FundingTrends #HealthcareSolutions

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MassBioDrive harnesses the power of MassBio’s global life sciences network to help new founders launch their biotech startups. We announced our #MassBioDrive Spring 2024 Cohort back in March, and as we near the end of the eight-week program, we are highlighting our five emerging biotech companies chosen to participate. Today, please meet Nucyrna Therapeutics! Q: Tell us about your company and what you’re developing. What are you most excited about? A: Nucyrna Therapeutics aims to redefine RNA-targeting therapeutics by co-targeting nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs. Nucyrna’s oligonucleotide platform enables a superior therapeutics index for single RNA silencing and can serve as a dual-RNA targeting platform. With our lead programs targeting ALS, we are working to address the huge unmet medical needs in CNS disorders in our rapid aging society. I’m most excited about developing disease-modifying therapies for these patients. Q: What advice do you have for other biotech companies just getting started? A: It’s never too early to talk to advisors such as serial entrepreneurs for advice. MassBioDrive is an amazing mentorship program helping entrepreneurs figure out challenges at the early stage. Q: What has been most impactful or surprising to you since joining the MassBioDrive program? A: The most impactful thing is we have decided our leading two programs based on our oligonucleotide platform technology with the guidance from MassBioDrive program mentors. Learn more about Nucyrna Therapeutics: https://www.nucyrnatx.com/ Learn more about MassBioDrive: https://lnkd.in/eAEMRZ-b Damon (Feng) Wang, PhD

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MassBioDrive harnesses the power of MassBio’s global life sciences network to help new founders launch their biotech startups. We announced our #MassBioDrive Spring 2024 Cohort back in March, and as we near the end of the eight-week program, we are highlighting our five emerging biotech companies chosen to participate. Today, please meet Anita Scheuber and Hestia Therapeutics! Q: Tell us about your company and what you’re developing. What are you most excited about? A: At Hestia, we are developing the aNKor platform of tri-specific, tri-funtional immunocytokines that engage the adaptive AND innate immune system to very effectively attack cancer cells. Our approach is a targeted delivery of potent cytokines into the tumor microenvironment that is safer for patients compared to naked cytokines. Q: What advice do you have for other biotech companies just getting started? A: Surround yourself with a diverse group of people that bring industry relevant expertise to complement your own. Q: What has been most impactful or surprising to you since joining the MassBioDrive program? A: The Biotech hub in the Boston area remains strong, innovative and daring - it is just fantastic to learn through the MassBioDrive program that the immense resources, support and entrepreneurship still exists. It is truly inspiring and humbling to receive all that encouragement. Learn more about Hestia Therapeutics: https://hestiatx.com/ Learn more about MassBioDrive: https://lnkd.in/eAEMRZ-b

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Our CEO Michael Nally spoke at MassBio's State of Possible Conference with Barry Greene of Sage Therapeutics, Sharon Cunningham of Shorla Oncology, and Daphne Zohar of Seaport Therapeutics, moderated by Douglas Banks of Boston Business Journal. The panel explored Massachusetts' success in the life science industry—a story of innovation and resilience. These leaders discussed how they have survived and thrived through significant challenges. In a blog entry for MassBio, Mike notes: "By spearheading the transition from trial-and-error to programable, precision-based drug development, Massachusetts is reshaping the future of healthcare to better serve patients, the ecosystem, and the economy." Learn more about the panel, including a replay: https://lnkd.in/eHanbnQF #GenerativeAI I #ProteinEngineering 

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Douglas Paul, VP of Commercial Strategy & Founder of Cypress BioPharma, and our President & CEO, Chris Smith, led a workshop recently at the 4th Annual Rare & Genetic Kidney Disease Drug & Development Summit in Boston titled, “Commercialization & Communication Through the Clinical Experience in the Rare & Genetic Kidney Disease Space.”   Doug and Chris outlined steps for understanding the needs of patient communities, communicating the value of promising treatments, and discussing drug prices in the context of today’s healthcare system. They explored reimbursement trends and surfaced ways to align payers, policy makers, physicians, and industry in a common goal of improving health.  #raredisease #genetherapy #kidneydisease

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#AvalereExpert Mark Gooding moderated a panel at #BIO2024 on access and affordability considerations for patients and manufacturers in a post-#IRA world. Read highlights from his conversation with Anna Hyde, Valerie Reynolds, and Eric Gascho: https://lnkd.in/e_F3NZqM #patients #patientsupport #healthpolicy #healthcare #InflationReductionAct

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In 2024, Philadelphia's biopharma sector experienced significant milestones and faced notable challenges - reflect on the year in the The Philadelphia Inquirer's article (below). Notable highlights include accomplishments from PACT Members like Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc. and The Wistar Institute. Read more at https://lnkd.in/e6iEd8G3

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We are honored to partner with Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC), a national leader in lung cancer screening and the first American College of Radiology-designated lung cancer screening center in the United States, to improve screening in the Boston communities they serve. Lahey will incorporate DELFI's blood-based lung cancer screening test in the primary care setting for patients eligible for lung cancer screening.

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Totus Medicines — yet another DCVC-family company using AI & next gen lab automation to deliver *actual in-clinic breakthrough candidates*, starting with the first covalent PI3Ka selective therapy for solid tumors

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Great summary and insight! Starting early is key to developing the critical partnerships needed for a successful launch.

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🚨 New insights on rare disease innovation! Tufts CSDD Executive Director Ken Getz and Senior Fellow Marc Blaustein, present a groundbreaking framework in Pharmaceutical Executive: "ROI and Rare Disease: Retooling the ‘Gene’ Value Machine." Their strategies aim to overcome the economic and operational hurdles of personalized and genetic therapies, paving the way for more curative solutions.  📖 Dive into the full article here: https://lnkd.in/en2v7Uai 🔬 Explore more from Tufts CSDD: https://lnkd.in/evgdAAG9 #Biotech #RareDiseases #GeneticTherapies #HealthcareInnovation 

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PTC was excited to learn, share and collaborate with other leading RNA experts at the recent 7th Annual RNA-Targeted Drug Discovery & Development Summit in Boston, MA, and the RNA at the Bench and Bedside IV conference in La Jolla, CA. Anu Bhattacharyya, Kerstin Effenberger, and Marla Weetall from our research team presented on ways PTC is leveraging its leading splicing platform to identify promising therapies for rare diseases with high unmet need. Learn more about our splicing platform here: https://bit.ly/4fi4w6L

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Join us at the Drug Discovery Biology Strategy Meeting this November 12th in Boston to hear from Anitha Krishnan, Ph.D, Executive Director of Research at Aviceda Therapeutics. Anitha brings over a decade of innovative scientific expertise in biochemical, immunological, and molecular biology techniques. Her work is pivotal in gene therapy and cell transplantation studies, targeting ocular diseases such as Glaucoma and Age-related Macular Degeneration. She has made significant strides in understanding immune responses in neurodegeneration and autoimmune diseases, particularly through her research on microglial and macrophages and the Fas-FasL system. Anitha will be delving into the "Opportunities and Risks in the Preclinical Development of Molecules that Do Not Cross React with Rodents," offering invaluable insights from her extensive experience in advancing therapeutic approaches from discovery through to clinical trials. Don't miss the opportunity to gain from her comprehensive expertise and her knack for leading innovative preclinical research. #DrugDiscovery #BiomedicalResearch #OcularDiseases #PreclinicalDevelopment #BostonEvents #LifeSciences #StrategyMeetings

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We look forward to hearing Christine Rothe, CDO of iOmx, speak at the 6th Annual Macrophage-Directed Therapies Summit in Boston on October 2nd. Christine will provide key insights into IOMX-0675, our highly differentiated, fully human, cross-specific antibody targeting LILRB1 and LILRB2. In the presentation, Christine will discuss how IOMX-0675 effectively repolarizes the tumor microenvironment, resulting in potent tumor cell killing both 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 and 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘰. Also, Christine will highlight IOMX-0675's unique binding profile, which selectively antagonizes the immunosuppressive receptors LILRB1 and LILRB2 while sparing the immuno-activating family members. This differentiation results in superior macrophage repolarization and immune cell activation compared to other antibodies. 🔬   📢 Stay tuned for further updates!   Hanson Wade Group #CancerResearch #Macrophages #immunotherapy #ImmunoOncology

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MassBioDrive harnesses the power of MassBio’s global life sciences network to help new founders launch their biotech startups. We announced our #MassBioDrive Spring 2024 Cohort back in March, and as we near the end of the eight-week program, we are highlighting our five emerging biotech companies chosen to participate. Today, please meet DoriNano! Q: Tell us about your company and what you’re developing. What are you most excited about? A: DoriNano, a Harvard spinoff, pioneers the use of DNA origami nanoparticles as a transformative delivery platform for combination immunotherapies, offering precise cellular targeting and minimal effective doses of cargo for treating serious diseases. Our mission is to develop safe, effective, and affordable combination nanomedicines that overcome past limitations in nanoparticle-based therapeutics. We are particularly excited about the multifaceted potential of DNA origami nanoparticles, which have the potential to revolutionize the nanotechnology delivery landscape. Q: What advice do you have for other biotech companies just getting started? A: Starting a biotech company requires resilience, a willingness to learn, and openness to suggestions. Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. Embrace the journey, endure sacrifice, minimize complaints, learn from setbacks, and move forward. Building the right team is the key and most challenging sector. Surround yourself with dedicated individuals who share your vision.  Q: What has been most impactful or surprising to you since joining the MassBioDrive program? A: The MassBioDrive program's structured approach, coupled with the dedication of organizers and mentors, has been very impactful. The informative working sessions cover vital aspects of company launch, regulatory compliance, legal considerations, CMC considerations, investment strategies and pharma partnering. As a scientist-turned-entrepreneur, these resources have been invaluable, providing comprehensive guidance tailored to our needs. The interactive Q&A sessions during both mentor sessions and working sessions have deepened our comprehension and helped address questions regarding the company’s development. Learn more about DoriNano: https://lnkd.in/eXJ7PQ_X Learn more about MassBioDrive: https://lnkd.in/eAEMRZ-b Yang (Claire) Zeng

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NImmune Biopharma, Inc’s Founder, Executive Chairman & CEO Josep B. was recently honored as a Virginia Success Story at THRiVE, Virginia Bio’s largest conference of the year. Dr. Bassaganya-Riera described his role in building a thriving biotech innovation ecosystem from the ground up, encompassing NImmune Biopharma, The NIMML Institute, and BioTherapeutics Inc., alongside Landos Biopharma, Inc., which was recently acquired by AbbVie. He underscored the groundbreaking potential of NImmune’s therapeutics in addressing the unmet clinical needs of millions of patients suffering from autoimmune diseases worldwide. NImmune’s lead drug, omilancor, is a first-in-class, best-in-class, oral, once-daily therapeutic in Phase 3 clinical development with a planned NDA filing for Ulcerative Colitis by 2026 and in Phase 2 clinical development for Crohn’s disease. Additionally, NIM-1324, a first-in-class, oral, once-daily, systemically distributed LANCL2 agonist, is in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other undisclosed indications. Watch Dr. Bassaganya-Riera’s full remarks below.   #VirginiaBio #THRiVE #PrecisionMedicine #LANCL2

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Editas Medicine Medicine Announces $50+ Million Monetization Financing with DRI Healthcare Trust Strengthens balance sheet with non-dilutive capital to enable further pipeline development and related strategic priorities CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Editas Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq: EDIT), a clinical-stage gene editing company, today announced the sale of certain future license fees and other payments owed to Editas Medicine under its Cas9 license agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRI Healthcare Trust (DRI) for an upfront cash payment of $57 million. The upfront cash payment brings non-dilutive capital to Editas Medicine, helping enable further pipeline development and related strategic priorities. “We are pleased to partner with DRI to monetize a portion of the licensing payments from the Vertex Cas9 license deal we announced last December, providing us with considerable non-dilutive capital that we can put to work immediately as we develop our pipeline of future medicines,” said Gilmore O’Neill, M.B., M.M.Sc., President and Chief Executive Officer, Editas Medicine. “We look forward to an ongoing relationship with DRI as we continue to execute our strategy.” Under the terms of the agreement, Editas Medicine will receive an upfront cash payment of $57 million in exchange for up to 100% of certain future annual license fees payable to Editas Medicine, ranging from $5 million to $40 million per year (inclusive of certain sales-based annual license fees that may become due) and a mid-double-digit percentage of Editas Medicine’s portion of a $50 million contingent upfront payment for which Editas Medicine is eligible under the Vertex license agreement. In addition to a portion of any such contingent upfront payment, Editas Medicine retains rights to fixed annual license fees for 2024 and a mid-single-digit million-dollar payment due to Editas Medicine in the event of Vertex’s achievement of certain annual sales milestones. https://lnkd.in/ecQYjKEH

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