Bruce Sachs

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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Fabulous to be on the investor panel for Mintz’s Life Sciences Pitch Event today, on yet another glorious fall day in Boston. ☀️🍁 Key feedback shared by our panel: 🔹 Ensure your target market is clear - especially when the population for your relevant indication is highly heterogenous 🔹 Share your current assumptions about how your product may be used (e.g., chronically vs. episodically) and open questions 🔹 If you're exploring a range of commercial use cases, share how you anticipate prioritizing across them over time 🔹 If your GTM strategy requires you to displace heavily entrenched solutions and/or processes, share how you will enable these transitions 🔹 Note the specific set of milestones to be achieved with investment 🔹 Always include target timelines and potential paths to exit Thank you to the incredible lineup of entrepreneurs who pitched today, and please stay in touch! Thank you to Dean Farmer and Charlie C. for facilitating today's event. Thank you to panelists David Fogel, CPA, Ben Littauer (he/him), Molly Hoult, and Richard Wagner for your contributions. Great to meet you, and thank you for all of your help, Emily (Krasowski) Yanachkov and Diana Malkin. #lifesciences #pitchevent #investor #panel #boston

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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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MassBioDrive harnesses the power of MassBio’s global life sciences network to help new founders launch their biotech startups. We announced our #MassBioDrive Fall 2024 Cohort last month, and are highlighting our five emerging biotech companies chosen to participate. Today, please meet RedPoint Oncology, Inc! Q: Tell us about your company and what you’re developing. What are you most excited about? A: At RedPoint, we are committed to overcoming therapy-resistant cancers by developing next-generation payloads for targeted therapies. Therapy resistance is responsible for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths, and our payloads are specifically designed to induce a form of cell death that these difficult-to-treat cancer cells are particularly vulnerable to. We are particularly excited about our potential to overcome therapy resistance, which remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer care. In addition, we are very excited about the modular nature of our payloads, which allows them to be compatible with various targeted delivery methods, enabling the generation of numerous new medicines. Q: What advice do you have for other biotech companies just getting started? A: My advice is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Building a biotech startup involves navigating so many complex challenges, especially for first-time founders, and it can feel overwhelming. When I first started, I wasn’t sure where to begin or if my idea was even feasible. But by reaching out for help, even through cold outreach, I met incredible mentors who shared their knowledge and opened doors to great opportunities. Their support has been instrumental in getting RedPoint off the ground. I think we often hesitate to ask for help because we fear rejection, but I’ve found there are so many people willing to help, even if you’ve never met them before—you just have to ask. Q: What has been most impactful or surprising to you since joining the MassBioDrive program? A: The most impactful part would be the tremendous support system and mentorship I received from the MassBioDrive (MBD) program. I think MBD is different from many other accelerator programs as it is tailored to each of our specific needs. From building the mentor team to covering biotech-specific topics, the program offers personalized guidance. Our mentors are incredibly knowledgeable and have been so supportive throughout the process. Each week, we engage in open discussions and receive constructive feedback on our progress. I’m truly grateful for the experience! Learn more about RedPoint Oncology: https://lnkd.in/eeQTDCh6 Learn more about MassBioDrive: https://lnkd.in/eAztxEdd Mengdie Wang, PhD

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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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Wonderful article about Emily Knight and the whole The Engine Accelerator team on the amazing work their doing changing the world with #ToughTech!

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Our partner Eddie Eltoukhy has identified these opportunities in Biotech. Eddie has a PhD in bioengineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and over a decade experience as an operator. Reach out to him if you are working on these areas of biotech. Pear VC - Technology-Driven Therapeutic Platforms Companies developing therapeutic assets with a core product engine Proprietary tool, workflow, or samples leading to novel biological data sets Preference for omics platforms or high throughput screening / engineering workflows First-in-class or best-in-class drugs - Next-Generation Therapeutic Modalities Technologies to improve the efficacy, safety, access, or reach of next-gen modalities including the following: Genomic medicines (gene tx & gene editing) Cell therapies Targeted protein degraders Antibody-drug conjugates Radiopharma - Precision Medicine New technologies supporting the discovery of novel biomarkers and the generation of proprietary data sets for applications in: Disease screening Therapy selection Recurrence monitoring - Life Sciences + AI Software Platforms Software & AI-driven platforms to improve all aspects of life sciences R&D, including: Target discovery and validation Drug design and optimization Manufacturing Regulatory Clinical development

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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 Sphinxion Therapeutics! Q: Tell us about your company and what you’re developing. What are you most excited about? A: We are developing adeno-associated virus mediated SGPL1 gene therapy as a lifesaving cure for sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome, a rare but devastating inborn error of lipid metabolism that leads to fibrotic kidney disease, kidney failure and other serious consequences. We believe our gene therapy will additionally have broad utility in the treatment of other fibrotic conditions. Q: What advice do you have for other biotech companies just getting started? A: Picking the right team to start your journey is as important as the science fueling the company. Have the end game in mind with your team to avoid irrevocable mistakes at the outset. Build a team with complementary, but different skill sets and lean on industry mentors to pressure test your work and make it better. Everything is amplified in a startup environment, so choosing the right people to learn and grow from is as important as progressing your company. Q: What has been most impactful or surprising to you since joining the MassBioDrive program? A: We expected a diversity of talent within our mentor group since the MassBioDrive program is staffed with seasoned experts across functions. We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly our group clicked and supported each other as well as our ambition for our company. Interacting with our mentors gave us tremendous insight about how our scientific knowledge, preclinical findings and key assumptions inform the strategy and tactics to propel our company forward. Learn more about Sphinxion Therapeutics: https://sphinxion.com/ Learn more about MassBioDrive: https://lnkd.in/eJrjF72Y

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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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Exciting News to share! The Cube Biotech Team is growing through the acquisition of IBA Lifesciences. Joining forces and technologies, the team will redefine protein purification for researchers worldwide. With Cube's NativeMP® platform and IBA's proven Strep-tag® technology, no protein target will be out of reach anymore.

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How do you ensure your projects align with your organization's strategic vision? 🌐 Learn from Danette Astolfi, Senior Director of Project Management at Elevar Therapeutics, at our Boston conference. She'll discuss aligning projects and programs with business goals, sharing strategies from a leading pharmaceutical company. What challenges are you facing in strategic alignment? Let's find solutions together—reserve your seat today! https://lnkd.in/dmKigmrk #PPM #Boston #PharmaConference #StrategicAlignment

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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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This will be a fascinating SynBioBeta talk - on how the combined tools of synthetic biology allowed Creyon Bio to build a successful drug in a few months 😳

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Imvax is bringing long-needed innovation to Glioblastoma - a terrible disease without improvement in decades. With a platform technology that promises to transform care across many cancers.

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