Author: Luke Timmerman

Luke is an award-winning journalist specializing in life sciences. He has served as national biotechnology editor for Xconomy and national biotechnology reporter for Bloomberg News. Luke got started covering life sciences at The Seattle Times, where he was the lead reporter on an investigation of doctors who leaked confidential information about clinical trials to investors. The story won the Scripps Howard National Journalism Award and several other national prizes. Luke holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and during the 2005-2006 academic year, he was a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT.

Open Source Biology Movement Co-Founder, Merck’s Eric Schadt, Leaves for New Job

Merck’s Eric Schadt, one of the creative forces in a fledgling effort to start an open-source computing movement for biology, is leaving that role after a couple of months for a new full-time job. Schadt, 44, the executive director of Merck’s Rosetta Inpharmatics division in Seattle, has agreed to become the chief scientific officer for … Continue reading “Open Source Biology Movement Co-Founder, Merck’s Eric Schadt, Leaves for New Job”

Bakbone Pays $7.8M of Stock for Coldspark

[[Correction: We originally reported that Bakbone raised $7.8 million in new equity, but a closer read of a footnote in the regulatory filing shows Bakbone is issuing stock worth that amount as part of its acquisition of Coldspark. We apologize for the error.]] Bakbone Software, the San Diego-based maker of data backup and recovery products, … Continue reading “Bakbone Pays $7.8M of Stock for Coldspark”

Agios Lands Genentech Cancer Drug Leader as New CEO

Agios Pharmaceuticals has landed a big fish in the world of cancer drug development. The Cambridge, MA-based company has hired David Schenkein, the senior vice president in charge of cancer drug development at Genentech, to be its first permanent CEO, starting in August. He will replace Kevin Starr, a partner with Third Rock Ventures, who … Continue reading “Agios Lands Genentech Cancer Drug Leader as New CEO”

Vertex Starts Pivotal CF Trials

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:VRTX]]), the Cambridge, MA-based biotech company which has significant operations in San Diego, said today it has started a pivotal clinical trial program for its drug candidate for cystic fibrosis, a genetic lung disease. The company is running a series of three trials of VX-770, a drug that aims to be the … Continue reading “Vertex Starts Pivotal CF Trials”

Genologics Aims to Turn Patient Records, Genome Data into Something Biologists Can Use

A little company on Vancouver Island has its sights set on one of the big challenges of the day in healthcare software. It is trying to piece together the vast puzzle of data on human health—everything from patient medical records, tissue or blood sample readings from the lab, and genomic data—and package it all in … Continue reading “Genologics Aims to Turn Patient Records, Genome Data into Something Biologists Can Use”

Icahn Wins Key Endorsement In Proxy Fight With Biogen Idec

Carl Icahn has gotten the support of a key outside voice in his proxy fight with Biogen Idec. The billionaire investor received an endorsement from RiskMetrics Group for two of the four candidates he has nominated to the 13-member board of the Cambridge,MA-based biotech company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]). Riskmetrics, formerly known as ISS, recommended shareholders vote … Continue reading “Icahn Wins Key Endorsement In Proxy Fight With Biogen Idec”

Tekmira Tackles RNAi Delivery Challenge, With Alnylam, Roche Putting It to the Test

The people at Cambridge, MA-based Alnylam Pharmaceuticals are widely recognized as leaders in the field of RNA interference, but they are quick to acknowledge they don’t do it all themselves. They lean on partners, including one important one in the Northwest, Vancouver, BC-based Tekmira (TSX: [[ticker:TKM]]). This Canadian company’s reputation as a key player in … Continue reading “Tekmira Tackles RNAi Delivery Challenge, With Alnylam, Roche Putting It to the Test”

Biomatrica Wants to Make Labs Greener by Unplugging the Freezer

Walk into any biology lab, and you’ll see freezers full of precious biological samples that researchers typically use to gain insights on cancer, heart disease or some other ailment. The freezers run around the clock for years, sucking up lots of electricity. But what if scientists could store their samples at room temperature by just … Continue reading “Biomatrica Wants to Make Labs Greener by Unplugging the Freezer”

Vulcan’s Biotech Windfall, BiPar Sciences, Sparks “Fundamental” Cancer Advance

Vulcan Capital, the investment group that controls billionaire Paul Allen’s fortune, generates lots of headlines for its big losses in Charter Communications. But few people have made much of the fact that Seattle-based Vulcan generated one of the biggest venture returns in the country this year from a cancer drug developer it founded four years … Continue reading “Vulcan’s Biotech Windfall, BiPar Sciences, Sparks “Fundamental” Cancer Advance”

The $1,000 Genome is Coming: How Will It Change the World?

The big headline from the OVP Tech Summit last week came when UW computer science professor Ed Lazowska called on everyone to quit being so smug, and get serious about turning Seattle into a major league innovation cluster. But later that day, I was lucky to be the only journalist in the room, along with … Continue reading “The $1,000 Genome is Coming: How Will It Change the World?”

Dendreon’s Manufacturing Challenge, Archus Cuts Deep, Accelerator Company Launches & More Seattle-Area Life Sciences News

Seattle’s biotech companies must be trying to get a lot done before Memorial Day weekend, because we had reports on deals, layoffs, and big strategic moves. —Dendreon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:DNDN]]) has spent years trying to prove that its immune-boosting therapy for prostate cancer really works, and now it has to show it can make enough of … Continue reading “Dendreon’s Manufacturing Challenge, Archus Cuts Deep, Accelerator Company Launches & More Seattle-Area Life Sciences News”

HealthUnity Raises $2M

HealthUnity, the Bellevue, WA-based maker of software for connecting healthcare IT systems, has raised $2 million out of a $4 million equity financing, according to a regulatory filing. The company, founded in 2004, is led by CEO Prem Urali, a former group manager in the BizTalk Server division at Microsoft.

Genzyme, Isis Cholesterol Drug Reaches Goal in Pivotal Study, Paving the Way to FDA

[[Update below]] Genzyme and Isis Pharmaceuticals have bet big on a new kind of cholesterol-lowering drug, and today the companies said it worked in a pivotal clinical trial. Mipomersen, a drug designed to block production of a protein that carries LDL cholesterol in the blood, reached its goal in a study of 51 patients with … Continue reading “Genzyme, Isis Cholesterol Drug Reaches Goal in Pivotal Study, Paving the Way to FDA”

Oncothyreon Raises $11M

Oncothyreon, the Seattle-based developer of cancer drugs, said today it has received commitments from several investors to buy new shares and warrants for $11.1 million. The deal, underwritten by Boenning & Scattergood, is expected to close May 26. Oncothyreon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ONTY]]) has been diversifying its pipeline toward an emphasis on cancer drugs, and has seen … Continue reading “Oncothyreon Raises $11M”

PATH Sparks Market for “Ultra Rice” in India, Through Lunches For 60,000 Schoolchildren

[[Corrected version May 22]] One of the big ideas for tackling global malnutrition that’s been percolating for years at Seattle-based PATH is showing signs of its first real momentum in the marketplace. More than 60,000 children in India are now getting a daily serving of “Ultra Rice” fortified with iron as part of their school … Continue reading “PATH Sparks Market for “Ultra Rice” in India, Through Lunches For 60,000 Schoolchildren”

Dendreon Drug Works, But Can It Manufacture Enough to Meet Demand?

The most successful homegrown biotech company from Seattle, Immunex, ultimately stumbled when it couldn’t keep up with feverish demand for its big rheumatoid arthritis drug. Now investors want to make sure another Seattle-based biotech, Dendreon, doesn’t drop the ball on manufacturing. Dendreon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:DNDN]]) has been riding a wave of enthusiasm since last month, when … Continue reading “Dendreon Drug Works, But Can It Manufacture Enough to Meet Demand?”

CoAptus Medical, With $3M in Hand, Seeks to Seal Up Heart Defects that Lead to Stroke

New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke back in 2005, because he had a hole in his heart that allowed a blood clot to pass to his brain. State-of-the-art treatment at the time was for doctors to do surgery, patching it up with an implantable metal-and-fabric device. If Redmond, WA-based CoAptus Medical is … Continue reading “CoAptus Medical, With $3M in Hand, Seeks to Seal Up Heart Defects that Lead to Stroke”

Presage, Fred Hutch Spinoff, Aims to Show Docs Which Cancer Drugs Work, and Which Won’t

Cancer drugs make almost everyone sick as a dog from toxic side effects, yet they have a hit-or-miss record when it comes to killing cancer cells. Jim Olson is a pediatric oncologist, so he’s well aware of the suffering and waste created by this approach. He prescribes these nasty toxins for young kids with only … Continue reading “Presage, Fred Hutch Spinoff, Aims to Show Docs Which Cancer Drugs Work, and Which Won’t”

Icahn Wants to Fix Amylin First, Not Sell on the Cheap, Alex Denner Says

Carl Icahn didn’t become a billionaire by buying stocks high, and selling them low. So he isn’t looking to quickly flip San Diego-based Amylin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMLN]]) if he and other dissident shareholders gain control of a few board seats. “Our plan is not to sell the company,” said Alex Denner, a portfolio manager for … Continue reading “Icahn Wants to Fix Amylin First, Not Sell on the Cheap, Alex Denner Says”

Dr. Sue Skates Where the Puck is Heading in Life Sciences–Waltham

The woman who runs the 10-year, $1 billion initiative to spur life sciences in Massachusetts has set up her office in Waltham, MA, about a 30-minute drive from one of the world’s leading and most famous clusters of biotech— Kendall Square in Cambridge. And she’s out there for a reason. This was one of the … Continue reading “Dr. Sue Skates Where the Puck is Heading in Life Sciences–Waltham”

CellCyte Settles SEC Investigation

CellCyte Genetics, the Bothell, WA-based biotech company, has tentatively agreed to a settlement of a yearlong investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company entered a consent decree in which it will neither admit nor deny any wrongdoing, according to its annual report. The company hasn’t disclosed the nature of the investigation, although its … Continue reading “CellCyte Settles SEC Investigation”

Archus Orthopedics, Spine Device Maker, Cuts Jobs Amid Financing Squeeze

Archus Orthopedics, the Redmond, WA-based company developing spinal implants to help people remain mobile after back surgery, has laid off most of its 45 employees and significantly scaled back its operations to conserve its remaining cash, Xconomy has learned. The news has surprised many in the Seattle medical device industry, because Archus has a strong … Continue reading “Archus Orthopedics, Spine Device Maker, Cuts Jobs Amid Financing Squeeze”

Amylin Dissidents Win More Support

Two more firms that advise shareholders on proxy voting—Glass, Lewis & Co. and Proxy Governance—have recommended shareholders of Amylin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMLN]]) throw their support behind dissident directors nominated by Eastbourne Capital and billionaire investor Carl Icahn. Glass Lewis is recommending shareholders vote for three of the five dissidents nominated to the 12-member board, while … Continue reading “Amylin Dissidents Win More Support”

FDA OKs Risperdal Consta for Bipolar

Alkermes, the Cambridge, MA-based developer of technology to make longer-lasting drugs, said today the FDA has approved risperidone (Risperdal Consta) as a treatment for bipolar disorder. The medicine, first approved in 2003 as a long-acting drug for schizophrenia, is marketed by Johnson & Johnson using technology from Alkermes (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ALKS]]). Before today’s approval, the medicine … Continue reading “FDA OKs Risperdal Consta for Bipolar”

Bionavitas Pursues Algae Dream in Food Additives, Toxic Cleanup—Then Maybe Biofuel

When most entrepreneurs think of algae, they think of its potential to churn out renewable biofuels. But Bionavitas wants you to think first about dietary supplements. It also has its sights set on cleaning up toxic byproducts from polluters. There are fascinating scientific and economic reasons why the Redmond, WA-based company has crafted this strategy. … Continue reading “Bionavitas Pursues Algae Dream in Food Additives, Toxic Cleanup—Then Maybe Biofuel”

Xori Gets $2.1M From Accelerator

The latest biotech startup from Seattle-based Accelerator, Xori, has received $2.1 million out of a $4.5 million financing round, according to a regulatory filing. The company (pronounced Chore-ee) is testing technology from the lab of Nancy Maizels at the University of Washington, which seeks to develop antibody drugs through a new technique in genetically modified … Continue reading “Xori Gets $2.1M From Accelerator”

Amylin Dissidents Ought to Win Proxy Fight, Influential Advisory Firm Says

The investors who want to shake up the boardroom of San Diego-based Amylin Pharmaceuticals have made a convincing argument, and three of the five directors they have nominated ought to win election against the company’s slate of directors, according to RiskMetrics, an influential firm that advises institutional investors on proxy votes. The recommendation from RiskMetrics, … Continue reading “Amylin Dissidents Ought to Win Proxy Fight, Influential Advisory Firm Says”

Icahn’s Plan to Split Up Biogen Idec Would “Destroy Shareholder Value,” Company Says

Biogen Idec delivered a second counterpunch today against Carl Icahn—this time against the billionaire investor’s proposal to split the company into two parts. The company said Icahn’s idea would add administrative costs, make Biogen less attractive to a potential buyer, and “destroy shareholder value.” The Cambridge, MA-based biotech company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) offered its latest salvo … Continue reading “Icahn’s Plan to Split Up Biogen Idec Would “Destroy Shareholder Value,” Company Says”

Ramgen Power Nabs $20M From Federal Stimulus to Make Coal Cleaner

Bellevue, WA-based Ramgen Power Systems has secured $20 million from the federal stimulus package to develop technology that captures and stores excess carbon emitted by power plants, according to a statement from U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee. Ramgen’s technology seeks to capture and store excess carbon based on compression principles learned from studying supersonic jet engines, … Continue reading “Ramgen Power Nabs $20M From Federal Stimulus to Make Coal Cleaner”

ASCO Sneak Peek: ImmunoGen, Biogen Idec, Infinity Show Glimpses of Cancer Drug Data

Cancer is the one of the most intense fields of R&D in the pharmaceutical business, and if you need convincing, take a look at the enormous heaps of data that started appearing online last night. The annual cancer drug data frenzy known as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) got its official kickoff of … Continue reading “ASCO Sneak Peek: ImmunoGen, Biogen Idec, Infinity Show Glimpses of Cancer Drug Data”

ASCO Preview: Seattle Genetics, ZymoGenetics, Trubion & Other Seattle Biotechs Offer Peeks at Cancer Drug Results

The market for cancer drugs is booming, on pace to grow from $66 billion in worldwide sales in 2008 to more than $84 billion by 2012, according to data from Cowen & Company. So if you are a member of the leading association of cancer physicians in the world, then chances are your annual meeting … Continue reading “ASCO Preview: Seattle Genetics, ZymoGenetics, Trubion & Other Seattle Biotechs Offer Peeks at Cancer Drug Results”

Biogen Idec Pipeline Strong, Tysabri Coming Back; Icahn Would “Weaken” Board, Company Says

Biogen Idec shot back at Carl Icahn today in a regulatory filing. The company disputed the ways in which the billionaire challenged virtually every aspect of its business, and disagreed with Icahn’s fundamental conclusion that it is suffering from “failed leadership.” Cambridge, MA-based Biogen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) says its R&D pipeline is strong, physicians are regaining … Continue reading “Biogen Idec Pipeline Strong, Tysabri Coming Back; Icahn Would “Weaken” Board, Company Says”

Regulus Hits GSK Milestone

Regulus Therapeutics, the Carlsbad, CA-based developer of drugs that block microRNA targets, said today it has reached the first milestone as part of its partnership with GlaxoSmithKline. Regulus has delivered specific microRNA blockers, known as anti-MIRs, in mice, and shown how they change the expression of genes in immune cells. Regulus didn’t disclose any financial … Continue reading “Regulus Hits GSK Milestone”

Targeted Genetics Faces Extinction, Cell Therapeutics Unloads Debt, Dendreon Raises $221M, & More Seattle-Area Life Sciences News

One consequence of the downturn is that it appears to be widening the gaps between the winners and losers in Seattle biotech. Here’s a rundown of who was up and who was down: —One of the emerging winners, Dendreon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:DNDN]]), raised a fresh $221 million through a public offering underwritten by Deutsche Bank. The … Continue reading “Targeted Genetics Faces Extinction, Cell Therapeutics Unloads Debt, Dendreon Raises $221M, & More Seattle-Area Life Sciences News”

Accelerator’s New Startup, Xori, Aims to Use Chicken Cells to Make Better Antibody Drugs

Accelerator’s latest company has a vision of turning the world of antibody drug development upside down. The tenth company to roll out of the Seattle-based biotech startup machine, Xori, aims to turn lab dishes of chicken cells into factories for making better, faster, cheaper antibody drugs. Xori also represents the fulfillment of a sort of … Continue reading “Accelerator’s New Startup, Xori, Aims to Use Chicken Cells to Make Better Antibody Drugs”

Seattle is “Minor League” Innovation Town, So We Shouldn’t Be So Smug, Tech Leaders Say

Seattle can be a very politically correct place, and one very un-PC thing to say is that we’re a second-rate burg when it comes to spawning innovative industries of the future. But Ed Lazowska, one of Seattle’s gutsiest public intellectuals, let it rip yesterday in front of a small gathering of about 100 technology elites … Continue reading “Seattle is “Minor League” Innovation Town, So We Shouldn’t Be So Smug, Tech Leaders Say”

Taligen Raises $26M For Inflammation Drugs

Taligen Therapeutics, the Cambridge, MA-based developer of drugs for inflammatory diseases, has raised $26 million out of a $65 million financing round, according to a regulatory filing. The investors in the company weren’t named in the document, although Nick Galakatos of Clarus Ventures, Ed Hurwitz of Alta Partners, and Timothy Mills of Sanderling Ventures are … Continue reading “Taligen Raises $26M For Inflammation Drugs”

Epix Seeks Strategic Alternatives

Epix Pharmaceuticals, the Lexington, MA-based developer of an Alzheimer’s drug, said it is seeking strategic alternatives, including a sale or merger, to fund its operations. The company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:EPIX]]) has hired JP Morgan and Canaccord Adams to assist the board in evaluating its options, according to this AP report. The company needs a cash infusion … Continue reading “Epix Seeks Strategic Alternatives”

Google, Microsoft May Help Usher in Personalized Medicine Wave, Says George Church

The genomic era hasn’t yet produced a revolution in personalized medicine, but it’s coming, says Harvard University geneticist George Church. Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft are making it their business to help people keep track of their health data—side-by-side with their genome sequence data (if they’ve got it). The adoption of these technologies … Continue reading “Google, Microsoft May Help Usher in Personalized Medicine Wave, Says George Church”

Icahn Throws Down the Gauntlet, Attacks Biogen Idec’s “Failed Leadership”

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn made a relatively softball argument a year ago about why shareholders should throw out the management slate for the Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) board and vote for his nominees instead. It didn’t work. This time, he’s launching a blistering attack that accuses the company of botching its 2003 merger with Idec … Continue reading “Icahn Throws Down the Gauntlet, Attacks Biogen Idec’s “Failed Leadership””

Cell Therapeutics Raises $20M from Single Investor, Hopes to Unload $89.2M in Debt

[[Update with corrected Zevalin sale price]] Cell Therapeutics is trying to get rid of a major load of debt. The Seattle biotech company said today it has sold $20 million worth of common stock and warrants to buy stock to a single unnamed institutional investor. It hopes to swap some of that money, along with … Continue reading “Cell Therapeutics Raises $20M from Single Investor, Hopes to Unload $89.2M in Debt”

Tekmira Nabs $50M RNAi Deal

Tekmira Pharmaceuticals, the Vancouver, BC developer of RNA interference drug delivery technology, said it it will receive $18.4 million in upfront cash under a partnership with Swiss healthcare giant Roche. Tekmira’s lipid-nanoparticle technology to keep RNAi drugs stable in the blood, which is also licensed to Cambridge, MA-based Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, will be used on Roche’s … Continue reading “Tekmira Nabs $50M RNAi Deal”

ProteoTech Raises $519K

ProteoTech, a Kirkland, WA-based developer of neurology drugs, said it has raised $519,000 in a debt offering, according to a regulatory filing. The company, founded in 1996, is testing an oral pill called Exebryl-1 in clinical trials for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and has another drug in animal testing for Parkinson’s disease, according to … Continue reading “ProteoTech Raises $519K”