Category: Boston

When Will A.I. Replace Doctors?

This story is part of an ongoing series on A.I. in healthcare. A companion piece today looks at advances from GE, IBM, and other competitors. Even as big companies race to build up their artificial intelligence capabilities, the prospect of using A.I. technologies in healthcare raises more questions than answers. Want more AI, machine learning, and drug … Continue reading “When Will A.I. Replace Doctors?”

Startup Founder’s Quest for Cure Leads to Genomics Hackathon at Google

This story is part of a series on A.I. in healthcare. Onno Faber was a member of Silicon Valley’s happy breed of tech startup founders when he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that can come with dire health damage, but few treatments. Faber responded with entrepreneurial zeal, exploring whether Silicon Valley’s mastery of algorithms … Continue reading “Startup Founder’s Quest for Cure Leads to Genomics Hackathon at Google”

Bio Roundup: Senate Trumpcare, FDA On Cancer, Alzheimer Review & More

All eyes are on the nation’s capital this week, where the Senate released its version of the American Health Care Act (now called the Better Care Reconciliation Act) and the White House worked on an executive order to address drug prices. No one knows how to pay for high-priced medicines that could bring long-term relief … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Senate Trumpcare, FDA On Cancer, Alzheimer Review & More”

Bluebird Reports Early Results From Upgraded Gene Therapy

One of the year’s most closely watched clinical studies could lead to a landmark approval of a gene therapy and throw wide open the debate over how to pay for expensive drugs. The first drips of data have emerged. Bluebird Bio (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BLUE]]) says the first three patients—of 15 total expected—have had good results from … Continue reading “Bluebird Reports Early Results From Upgraded Gene Therapy”

Energy Software Firm EnerNOC Inks $300M Sale to Enel Group

EnerNOC, a 16-year-old energy management software company, has agreed to be acquired by Enel Group, a global power utility company, in an all-cash deal valued at over $300 million. Enel Group, through its subsidiary Enel Green Power North America, plans to purchase Boston-based EnerNOC (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ENOC]]) for $7.67 per share, a 42 percent premium to … Continue reading “Energy Software Firm EnerNOC Inks $300M Sale to Enel Group”

Mary Lou Jepsen: The Full Xconomy Voices Interview

For the inaugural episode of our new podcast, Xconomy Voices, we chose to speak with Bay Area entrepreneur and executive Mary Lou Jepsen. She leads a startup called Openwater, which is developing a new kind of wearable imaging device that might one day enable communication by thoughts alone. Of course, there are nearer-term goals as … Continue reading “Mary Lou Jepsen: The Full Xconomy Voices Interview”

Introducing Xconomy Voices (Podcast), Episode 1: Mary Lou Jepsen

It’s always been Xconomy’s mission to reach audiences—both here on our website, and at our many live events around the country—with deep insights into the innovation process, divined from experts embedded in the world’s most important hubs of high-tech entrepreneurship. And now we’re doing that in one more medium: podcasting. I’m thrilled to be collaborating … Continue reading “Introducing Xconomy Voices (Podcast), Episode 1: Mary Lou Jepsen”

Repare Nabs $68M To Find Synthetic Lethal Cancer Targets Beyond PARP

The concept of synthetic lethality has been around for decades, but only recently has it been exploited for cancer therapy. The idea is to hit cancer cells in at least two places at once; the trick is to find the right combination of genetic mutations that make the cells vulnerable. The newest company aiming to … Continue reading “Repare Nabs $68M To Find Synthetic Lethal Cancer Targets Beyond PARP”

Syntimmune Snares $50M to Test Autoimmune Drug in Two Rare Diseases

Although antibodies play a key role in neutralizing invading bacteria and viruses, sometimes these protective proteins can turn against the body’s own tissues, sparking an autoimmune disorder. Syntimmune’s leaders believe their company has found a way to block the immune system’s attack on the body. And now the biotech has $50 million to advance its … Continue reading “Syntimmune Snares $50M to Test Autoimmune Drug in Two Rare Diseases”

With $23M, Flagship-Backed Sigilon Protects Protein-Producing Cells

Companies have been trying for years, if not decades, to find a way to encapsulate cells for therapeutic use in a way that protects them from the body’s reactions. Sigilon Therapeutics, a Cambridge, MA-based biotech, announced today it has raised $23.5 million from Flagship Pioneering to take its technology to clinical trials. The company has … Continue reading “With $23M, Flagship-Backed Sigilon Protects Protein-Producing Cells”

Alzheimer’s Drug Pipeline Analysis: Have We Hit Peak Amyloid?

A 2014 report provided a stark frame of reference for the challenge of fighting Alzheimer’s disease, showing that 99.6 percent of all drugs in the field had failed in one way or another. Led by Jeffrey Cummings, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, the same authors recently published a new … Continue reading “Alzheimer’s Drug Pipeline Analysis: Have We Hit Peak Amyloid?”

Last Chance to Grab Your Ticket for Xconomy IMPACT

Tomorrow, join Xconomy at the Museum of Science for a unique multidisciplinary event—IMPACT: Innovation That Matters. There are a lot of topics we’ll cover, but the main focus will be on how innovative technologies and the people behind them can make a real difference in our society. The afternoon will be comprised of keynote speeches, … Continue reading “Last Chance to Grab Your Ticket for Xconomy IMPACT”

Cybereason Gets $100M to Fend Off Cyber Attacks—and Competitors

Lior Div just raised a $100 million funding round for his security-tech company, Cybereason. A daunting task, to be sure. “It’s very hard to raise money,” says Div, the company’s CEO and co-founder. “I see it all the time with colleagues of mine, founders. But if you really have a good, unique solution that’s proven, … Continue reading “Cybereason Gets $100M to Fend Off Cyber Attacks—and Competitors”

Rubius Adds $120M to Ready Tests of Red Blood Cells as Drug Carriers

[Updated 6/21/17, 4:05 pm. See below.] The main role of red blood cells is to carry life-sustaining oxygen throughout the body. Rubius Therapeutics believes these cells can carry something more: therapeutic payloads delivered directly to the organs and tissues of patients with severe diseases. Less than two years after launch, Cambridge, MA-based Rubius has reeled … Continue reading “Rubius Adds $120M to Ready Tests of Red Blood Cells as Drug Carriers”

Localytics Replaces Founding CEO After Becoming Cash-Flow Positive

Localytics, one of Boston’s prominent mobile analytics and marketing software companies, has replaced its founding CEO Raj Aggarwal with Jude McColgan, a veteran mobile software executive. Aggarwal (pictured at right) will remain involved with the company, but his exact role is unclear. A spokeswoman says Aggarwal’s new role will be full-time and he will remain … Continue reading “Localytics Replaces Founding CEO After Becoming Cash-Flow Positive”

Economic Study Ranks San Diego Near Top in Genomics Innovation

An economic impact study of San Diego’s emerging genomics industry counted 115 genomics-related companies operating in the region that directly employ over 10,000 people, and drive about $5.6 billion worth of annual economic benefits throughout the area. “San Diego is really end-to-end in genomics, from start to finish,” said Kirby Brady, who oversaw the study … Continue reading “Economic Study Ranks San Diego Near Top in Genomics Innovation”

Expanding Teladoc Adds Network, Tech With $440M Best Doctors Deal

Dallas—In Teladoc’s acquisition of Boston-based Best Doctors—a $440 million cash-and-stock deal that the companies announced Monday—Teladoc (NYSE: [[ticker:TDOC]]) is gaining a business that lets it offer more specialization in its telemedicine services. Best Doctors connects individuals who have tough decisions to make about treatments—or who want a second opinion about a diagnosis—with top-rated doctors worldwide. … Continue reading “Expanding Teladoc Adds Network, Tech With $440M Best Doctors Deal”

FTC Challenges DraftKings-FanDuel Merger Over Monopoly Concerns

[Updated 6/20/17, 10:20 pm. See below.] The Federal Trade Commission is attempting to block the proposed merger of DraftKings and FanDuel over concerns that it would create a near-monopoly in the U.S. market for paid daily fantasy sports contests. The FTC, along with the offices of the attorneys general in California and Washington, DC, said … Continue reading “FTC Challenges DraftKings-FanDuel Merger Over Monopoly Concerns”

New Ovarian Cancer Data Suggests Larger Role For Top Clovis Drug

Clovis Oncology received a short-cut approval from the FDA last year for its ovarian cancer drug that treats women with the common BRCA genetic mutation. Clovis (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CLVS]]) said Monday it now has evidence that the drug, rucaparib (Rubaca), can treat a wider swath of patients, and it will ask the FDA for approval this … Continue reading “New Ovarian Cancer Data Suggests Larger Role For Top Clovis Drug”

Talla Gets $8.3M, Led by Glasswing, to Build Chatbots for Enterprises

In a deal that signals where some artificial intelligence companies are heading, Boston-based Talla said today it has raised an $8.3 million Series A round led by Glasswing Ventures. PJC (formerly Point Judith Capital) also participated in the round, along with Talla’s previous investors Avalon Ventures, Pillar, and Jason Calacanis’s Launch fund. The new cash … Continue reading “Talla Gets $8.3M, Led by Glasswing, to Build Chatbots for Enterprises”

Startups: Make Your Predictions for a Free Ticket to IMPACT on 6/22

In a few days Xconomy will put on a new type of event called IMPACT: Innovation that Matters. The conference will focus on how technology leaders can make a real difference in society. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we’re excited to announce we have a new block of 25 complimentary tickets to give entrepreneurs in … Continue reading “Startups: Make Your Predictions for a Free Ticket to IMPACT on 6/22”

Startup Pioneers EV-to-Grid Technology in Pilot at UC San Diego

Nuvve, a San Diego cleantech startup, has begun a pilot project with UC San Diego that is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of using electric vehicles as a kind of collective energy storage reservoir for the power grid. After securing a $4.2 million grant from the California Energy Commission this week, Nuvve and UC San … Continue reading “Startup Pioneers EV-to-Grid Technology in Pilot at UC San Diego”

Axcella Names Tony Tramontin Chief Scientific Officer

Tony Tramontin is joining Axcella to become the Cambridge, MA, biotech’s chief scienfitic officer and senior vice president of research and development. Tramontin comes to Axcella from the McKinsey & Company, where he was a partner in the consulting companys global healthcare practice. Before McKinsey, he was an experimental neuroscientists at The Rockefeller University and … Continue reading “Axcella Names Tony Tramontin Chief Scientific Officer”

Bill Gates Backs Fourth Metamaterials Spinout, Pivotal Commware

Pivotal Commware, a year-old metamaterials startup built inside patent licensing and invention business Intellectual Ventures, has raised $17 million from investors including Bill Gates. If that sounds familiar, it should. Pivotal is the fourth Gates-backed company to spin out of Intellectual Ventures armed with software-driven radio-wave bending metamaterials technology. Like its sister companies in satellite … Continue reading “Bill Gates Backs Fourth Metamaterials Spinout, Pivotal Commware”

Xconomy Impact Tackles Big Questions in Tech and Society Next Thursday

Paul English, Katie Rae, Steve Papa, Sophie Vandebroek, Sandy Pentland, and Jodi Goldstein. Those are just a few of the technology leaders headlining our signature June event next Thursday. Collectively they represent some of the biggest names in innovation: MIT, Harvard, Kayak, Endeca, Xerox, IBM, and newer entrants like The Engine, Lola, and Parallel Wireless. … Continue reading “Xconomy Impact Tackles Big Questions in Tech and Society Next Thursday”

Uber’s Week: Kalanick Takes Leave As Board Tackles Ailing Workplace Culture

The chain of events set off in February when a former Uber engineer’s blog post about sexual harassment went viral reached a dramatic juncture this week as CEO Travis Kalanick agreed to take an indefinite leave of absence, and his board accepted sweeping recommendations to change the company’s frat house-style workplace culture. The company Kalanick … Continue reading “Uber’s Week: Kalanick Takes Leave As Board Tackles Ailing Workplace Culture”

Bio Roundup: Trumpcare Is Mean, SCOTUS Says Go, Merck’s Myeloma No

What exactly does the American Health Care Act, the Republican proposal to replace Obamacare, currently look like? Few people know, because the Senate version is being negotiated behind closed doors in Washington D.C. without any public hearings. We do know President Trump now thinks the version of the AHCA that squeaked through the House is … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Trumpcare Is Mean, SCOTUS Says Go, Merck’s Myeloma No”

Boston Tech Watch: GE, Optimus Ride, Tufin, Zaius, Dispatch & More

This week in Boston tech, we’re tracking the latest moves by General Electric (in addition to its big CEO transition), Boston’s efforts to become a hub for driverless car development, the latest Boston-Israel business connection, and more. Read on for details. —It was a busy week for GE (NYSE: [[ticker:GE]]). The giant Boston-based corporation named … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: GE, Optimus Ride, Tufin, Zaius, Dispatch & More”

Checkmate Pharma Clinches $27M for More Studies in Skin Cancer

Checkmate Pharmaceuticals believes its approach to cancer treatment can make a certain type of immunotherapy work better, and it now has $27 million in additional funding to help build that case. F-Prime Capital Partners, a new investor, led the Series B round of investment announced Thursday. Sofinnova Partners and venBio, who had invested in Cambridge, … Continue reading “Checkmate Pharma Clinches $27M for More Studies in Skin Cancer”

Boston Event Showcases Entrepreneurs of Color: Photo Slideshow

When Ed Gaskin visited a high school class in Boston where students—many of them people of color—were writing code to create video games, he asked them if they had ever considered becoming an entrepreneur. Each student said no, he says. Gaskin is the executive director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets, a nonprofit economic development … Continue reading “Boston Event Showcases Entrepreneurs of Color: Photo Slideshow”

Boston’s PillPack Launches Software to Automate Prescription Process

It’s undeniable that managing medications can be a burden, especially if you’re prescribed to take multiple drugs every day. PillPack, a three-year-old startup based in the Boston area that mails prescription medications to patients across the country, has built software that it says makes the process of filling prescriptions, monitoring insurance claims, and eases communications … Continue reading “Boston’s PillPack Launches Software to Automate Prescription Process”

Patient Network Group Says Majority of Members Want To Keep Obamacare

A U.S. patient networking group called PatientsLikeMe has dipped its toe in the waters of public opinion, asking its members what they think of the healthcare policy fight. There are many caveats, but the numbers trend in the same direction that other national polls have found—a shift towards more acceptance of the Affordable Care Act, … Continue reading “Patient Network Group Says Majority of Members Want To Keep Obamacare”

Sqrrl Sniffs Out $12.3M to Push “Threat Hunting” Software

[Updated 6/14/17, 3:58 pm. See below.] Sqrrl has grabbed $12.3 million from investors to help drive more sales of its software that aims to detect cyber attackers. The Series C funding round was led by Spring Lake Equity Partners, whose partner Jeff Williams will join Sqrrl’s board. Other investors in the round include previous Sqrrl … Continue reading “Sqrrl Sniffs Out $12.3M to Push “Threat Hunting” Software”

Bowery Picks Up $20M to Expand Indoor Farming in the U.S. and Beyond

Indoor farming is catching on in more urban areas, giving city dwellers more choices for locally grown produce. Agtech startup Bowery aims to make its leafy greens part of that retail mix, and it has raised $20 million in new funding to support its expansion. General Catalyst and GGV Capital co-led the Series A round, … Continue reading “Bowery Picks Up $20M to Expand Indoor Farming in the U.S. and Beyond”

Data Collective, Other Top AI VCs, Pour $102M Into Element AI Series A

[Updated 6/14/17, 1:45 pm. See below.] Canada’s Element AI, publicly launched in October, announced today it has raised US$102 million in an outsized Series A financing round seen by experts as a sign that artificial intelligence is ready to solve real-world business problems. The young Montreal-based company, whose staff of AI engineers collaborates with academic … Continue reading “Data Collective, Other Top AI VCs, Pour $102M Into Element AI Series A”

Pulse@MassChallenge Spurs Deals in Digital Health Lab’s 1st Session

The refrain among digital health startups is it can be difficult and time-consuming to convince hospitals and other healthcare organizations to try out their products, let alone buy them. Pulse@MassChallenge, a new Boston “lab” dedicated to supporting digital health ventures, matches startups with partner organizations—think hospitals, insurers, larger tech companies, nonprofits, and government entities—to collaborate … Continue reading “Pulse@MassChallenge Spurs Deals in Digital Health Lab’s 1st Session”

Biogen CFO Paul Clancy to Take Executive Post at Alexion Pharma

Paul Clancy, CFO of Biogen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) for the last 10 years, is moving to Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ALXN]]) to become the top financial executive of the New Haven, CT, drug developer. Before joining Cambridge, MA-based Biogen, Clancy held various executive positions at PepsiCo (NYSE: [[ticker:PEP]]). Alexion says Clancy will start at the company on … Continue reading “Biogen CFO Paul Clancy to Take Executive Post at Alexion Pharma”

AquaBounty Lines Up First U.S. Fish Farm With Deal for Indiana Site

[Corrected, 6/16/17, 12:03 pm. See below.] When salmon from AquaBounty Technologies reach grocery stores and restaurants, some of them will come from America’s heartland. AquaBounty (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AQB]]) has agreed to pay $14 million in cash to acquire some of the assets of Bell Fish Company, including that company’s fish farm in Albany, IN. The deal … Continue reading “AquaBounty Lines Up First U.S. Fish Farm With Deal for Indiana Site”

Procrastinator’s Special Ending—Grab Your Ticket to IMPACT, June 22

Next week Xconomy will host its newest event, “IMPACT: Innovation That Matters”—and we’re offering you a chance to save $130 if you register by tomorrow. The afternoon conference features spotlight talks, fireside chats, and panel discussions that will address how top names in technology and innovation are trying to make a real impact on society. … Continue reading “Procrastinator’s Special Ending—Grab Your Ticket to IMPACT, June 22”

Boston Leaders Expect New GE CEO Flannery to Stay on Immelt’s Path

Jeff Immelt has struggled to please Wall Street during his nearly 16 years as General Electric’s chief executive. The question now is whether his successor, John Flannery, can deliver on Immelt’s vision while also blazing new trails and reinvigorating the company’s stock performance. Flannery, named the next CEO of GE on Monday, will spend the … Continue reading “Boston Leaders Expect New GE CEO Flannery to Stay on Immelt’s Path”

In a Myeloma Setback, Merck Halts Studies Due to Patient Deaths

[Corrected, 11:10 a.m. ET, see below] Immunotherapy drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors have started to change how a variety of cancers are treated, but they have yet to break through in multiple myeloma, a progressive cancer of the bone marrow. There was a setback on that front today. Merck (NYSE: [[ticker:MRK]]) Monday afternoon paused enrollment … Continue reading “In a Myeloma Setback, Merck Halts Studies Due to Patient Deaths”

Medical Robotics Firm Myomo Begins Trading on NYSE After Unusual IPO

Medical device maker Myomo began trading Monday on the New York Stock Exchange’s small-cap exchange, after taking an unusual path to the public stock markets. Cambridge, MA-based Myomo said Friday it raised $5 million by selling 665,498 shares of its common stock to the public at $7.50 per share. Myomo was selling up to 2 … Continue reading “Medical Robotics Firm Myomo Begins Trading on NYSE After Unusual IPO”

As Businesses Get More Social, Wistia Moves Into Video Editing

Quickly creating and sharing short, personal videos has become a popular method of communication between friends and family, thanks to the rise of Snapchat and other social media apps. Wistia, a Cambridge, MA-based video-hosting company for businesses, sees that same desire growing among business professionals. “They’re trying to create more of that human connection that … Continue reading “As Businesses Get More Social, Wistia Moves Into Video Editing”

GE CEO Immelt to Step Down, GE Healthcare Leader Taking Over

General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt will step down Aug. 1 and be replaced by John Flannery, the head of GE’s healthcare business, the company announced today. The move comes as GE goes through some major changes, including relocating its global headquarters from Fairfield, CT, to Boston, and attempting to transform its business (and its reputation) … Continue reading “GE CEO Immelt to Step Down, GE Healthcare Leader Taking Over”

Last Chance for “What’s Hot in Cancer Immunotherapy 2017” Tickets

Registration is closing soon for Xconomy’s “What’s Hot in Cancer Immunotherapy 2017.” It’s all happening on Wednesday, June 14, at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. We have lined up some of the most forward-thinking entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in cancer immunotherapy. Join us for an afternoon of spotlight talks, chats, and panel … Continue reading “Last Chance for “What’s Hot in Cancer Immunotherapy 2017” Tickets”

Regulus Dumps Two Drugs, AstraZeneca Sends Back Another, Shares Fall

It’s been a tough run for Regulus Therapeutics, and things haven’t gotten any better this morning. Regulus is scrapping two programs, and AstraZeneca has kicked back a third drug to boot, sending Regulus shares down to their lowest levels ever. San Diego, CA-based Regulus (NASDAQ: [[ticker:RGLS]]) said this morning that it will stop development of … Continue reading “Regulus Dumps Two Drugs, AstraZeneca Sends Back Another, Shares Fall”

Dragonfly, Tyler Jacks’s Disney-Backed Startup, Gets $33M in Celgene Deal

Dragonfly Therapeutics, a stealthy startup formed by well-known cancer researchers on both coasts and backed by a high-powered group of family offices, has inked its first partnership. Celgene, of Summit, NJ, is paying Dragonfly $33 million up front for the chance to co-develop up to four blood cancer drugs. The deal is a modest bet … Continue reading “Dragonfly, Tyler Jacks’s Disney-Backed Startup, Gets $33M in Celgene Deal”