San Antonio — Galena Biopharma, a San Ramon, CA-based biotech that is developing a cancer vaccine created by a San Antonio researcher, has hired Canaccord Genuity to see if it can sell or merge the company, license its assets to another business, or make some other move to keep the drug research going. The news comes … Continue reading “Biotech With Drug Developed by San Antonio Researcher Explores Sale”
Category: National
As Health Insurance Debate Heats Up, Dynamis Plugs Away
The best way to create a framework that enables large numbers of Americans to have health insurance, while keeping costs under control for patients, care providers, and insurers, has been a subject of heated political debate for much of the past decade. But for all the arguments that have been put forth criticizing and defending … Continue reading “As Health Insurance Debate Heats Up, Dynamis Plugs Away”
Uber Rides Can Expose Key Company Data, Appthority Says
Businesses may want to limit their employees’ use of Uber’s ride-hailing service to protect secrets such as merger discussions and the medical conditions of key executives, a Bay Area mobile cybersecurity firm says. In a review of Uber’s privacy and security measures, Appthority found that the newer version of Uber’s app is expanding its collection … Continue reading “Uber Rides Can Expose Key Company Data, Appthority Says”
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Save on Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real
You’re already planning on attending Xconomy’s Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real, so why wait any longer to buy your tickets? We’re lining up some of the most forward-thinking entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in the robotics and artificial intelligence industry. Join us for an afternoon of spotlight talks, demos, and panel discussions on topics such … Continue reading “Don’t Miss Your Chance to Save on Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real”
Will Driverless Cars Ever Yield Profits for Uber and Lyft?
Uber has suffered a series of troubles early this year, from sexual harassment claims by a former staff engineer to an intellectual property theft lawsuit by Google unit Waymo. But Uber’s most longstanding, recurrent, and core problem stems from its relationship with its contract drivers. It’s not surprising that Uber is seeking an escape from … Continue reading “Will Driverless Cars Ever Yield Profits for Uber and Lyft?”
Larry Smarr Drives Innovation as Experimental Patient of the Future
In the years since he basically self-diagnosed his own Crohn’s Disease (before he had symptoms), Larry Smarr has served as a pioneer in the digital transformation of medicine and as an “n of 1” experimental patient in the emerging field of quantified health. Smarr came to San Diego in 2000 as founding director of the … Continue reading “Larry Smarr Drives Innovation as Experimental Patient of the Future”
Austin Innovators Form Group to Promote Ethical Use of AI Tools
Austin—A group of Austin, TX, entrepreneurs and investors have partnered with city officials as well as the University of Texas at Austin to form AI Austin, an initiative to promote ethical uses of artificial intelligence. “Our goal is to create a practical and ethical compass for today’s AI technologies, and to build a foundation for … Continue reading “Austin Innovators Form Group to Promote Ethical Use of AI Tools”
Toyota and Others Enabling Self-Driving Cars to Talk to Each Other
Drivers have plenty of ways to communicate with their fellow drivers, beyond the basic turn signal. Some methods are nice, like a friendly wave to beckon a merging car into your lane. Others, not so much. We’ve all probably cursed or honked at another driver, or been given the finger. But if driverless cars become … Continue reading “Toyota and Others Enabling Self-Driving Cars to Talk to Each Other”
Houston’s Biotech Innovation Community Reacts to Robbins Exit at TMC
Houston—The Texas Medical Center has accepted the resignation of its CEO, Robert Robbins, who has been chosen to be the next president of the University of Arizona. O. Holcombe Crosswell, chairman of the TMC board, said in a statement Wednesday that the TMC wishes Robbins well. “We thank Dr. Robbins for his contributions that have … Continue reading “Houston’s Biotech Innovation Community Reacts to Robbins Exit at TMC”
More Women, Minorities Join Angel Investor Group, Austin’s CTAN Says
Austin—The Central Texas Angel Network says it’s growing, and that the diversity of its membership is, too. The organization known as CTAN says its member base has increased to more than 160 individuals from about 120 two years ago, and that the group includes more women and minorities. Women now make up 25 percent of … Continue reading “More Women, Minorities Join Angel Investor Group, Austin’s CTAN Says”
Backed by $37M, Virta Tries Tech Approach to “Reverse” Diabetes
Diabetes treatment typically involves a combination of diet, exercise, and drugs. Patients can also choose gastric bypass surgery, which can cure diabetes in some cases. But new health IT startup Virta Health aims to bring data to the equation with an approach that it says can achieve the same outcomes as surgery, but in a … Continue reading “Backed by $37M, Virta Tries Tech Approach to “Reverse” Diabetes”
DePinho Announces His Departure from Houston’s MD Anderson
[Updated 3/8/17 4:58 pm. See below.] Houston—Ronald DePinho, CEO of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has announced he is stepping down after six years at the helm. “Chancellor William H. McRaven has asked me to stay on through the end of the Texas Legislative session, and we will be talking through the details … Continue reading “DePinho Announces His Departure from Houston’s MD Anderson”
Immigrants Are the Best of Humanity and the Strength of Our Nation
[Editor’s note: This post was adapted from Mohamad Ali’s speech at a naturalization ceremony at the JFK Library in Boston on March 8, 2017.] My fellow immigrants, buenas tardes, masa-al-khayr, and good afternoon! I am deeply moved by the opportunity to be here today, to share this momentous occasion with you, and to personally return … Continue reading “Immigrants Are the Best of Humanity and the Strength of Our Nation”
Washington Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors to Tech Careers
A few years ago while working as a crew leader for a moving company, Shawn Farrow was dreaming of a job in technology. “We moved a lot of people in the tech industry, so I was able to talk with them and see their way of life,” said Farrow, 30. “It made me decide, yeah, … Continue reading “Washington Apprenticeship Program Opens Doors to Tech Careers”
TMC CEO Robbins To Leave, Take Top University of Arizona Post
Houston—Texas Medical Center CEO Robert Robbins has been selected as the next president of the University of Arizona, and will visit the school’s Tucson, AZ, campus today. The Phoenix-based Arizona Board of Regents voted unanimously to hire Robbins as its 22nd president. “Dr. Robbins’ comprehensive experience as both a visionary leader and highly-respected physician, as well as … Continue reading “TMC CEO Robbins To Leave, Take Top University of Arizona Post”
Google’s Venture Arm Leads $51.7M Investment in Spero Therapeutics
Despite the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria, few new antibiotics have been developed in recent decades. Spero Therapeutics is trying to fill that gap by assembling a pipeline of antibiotic candidates, and it now has $51.7 million in new capital to finance clinical trials on some of them. GV, the venture arm of Google, led … Continue reading “Google’s Venture Arm Leads $51.7M Investment in Spero Therapeutics”
NVBots Spinout Digital Alloys Raises $5M for Metal 3D Printer
There’s a new 3D printing company in town, but it’ll feel familiar to those who follow the Boston-area 3D printing sector. New Valence Robotics, which goes by NVBots, has spun out the metal-making 3D printer technology it was developing into a new company called Digital Alloys. The new firm was formed in January, and today … Continue reading “NVBots Spinout Digital Alloys Raises $5M for Metal 3D Printer”
Biotech Vet Dunsire’s New Challenge: Grow Tiny Startup, XTuit
Boston biotech veteran Deborah Dunsire is back running another life sciences company—but for the first time, a fledgling startup. The former head of Millennium Pharmaceuticals is now president and CEO of a two-year-old company called XTuit Pharmaceuticals. XTuit is a very different animal from the companies Dunsire (pictured) has helped lead in the past. She … Continue reading “Biotech Vet Dunsire’s New Challenge: Grow Tiny Startup, XTuit”
Roundup: Fuyao, WSU Translational Research, Deadlines Galore & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Wayne State University has appointed Phillip Levy, a doctor and professor of emergency medicine, to head up its new Translational Science and Clinical Research Innovation program. Housed in WSU’s Integrative Biosciences Center, the Center for Translational Science and Clinical Research Innovation will become the hub of campus-wide … Continue reading “Roundup: Fuyao, WSU Translational Research, Deadlines Galore & More”
Three Ways to Bolster The Innovation Ecosystem for Women
When the topic of encouraging more female leadership in the startup economy arises, discussions usually center on what women entrepreneurs should do differently. How they should present with greater authority, or how they should “dress the part” for their next investor pitch. Put frankly, how they should adopt any manner of different behaviors. I would … Continue reading “Three Ways to Bolster The Innovation Ecosystem for Women”
With Sale to CA Technologies, Veracode Will “Cast Longer Shadow”
The shortlist of Boston-area tech companies on deck for an initial public offering got shorter after Monday’s announcement that Veracode has agreed to be sold to CA Technologies for $614 million in cash. The 11-year-old Veracode, which helps businesses secure and test their software applications, had raised around $150 million in venture capital, according to … Continue reading “With Sale to CA Technologies, Veracode Will “Cast Longer Shadow””
Gravy Live, Promega, Okanjo, & More: This Week’s Wisconsin Watchlist
Stay current on news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these headlines from late February and early March: —A trio of serial entrepreneurs based in the Madison area has launched a new startup, Gravy Live. The company raised more than $450,000 in funding from three investors, according to a regulatory filing that was made public on … Continue reading “Gravy Live, Promega, Okanjo, & More: This Week’s Wisconsin Watchlist”
CureMatch Uses Analytics to Rank Best Options for Cancer Treatment
CureMatch, a San Diego-based healthtech startup, says today it has created a Web-based platform that uses analytic software to help doctors sort through what can be a bewildering array of cancer treatment options. Selecting the right combination of drugs to treat a particular cancer can be one of the biggest challenges that doctors face, according … Continue reading “CureMatch Uses Analytics to Rank Best Options for Cancer Treatment”
Cyber Buyout: Veracode Acquired by CA Technologies for $614M
In one of the biggest tech acquisitions of the year to date, Veracode is getting bought by CA Technologies for $614 million in cash. The deal is expected to close next month. Veracode had raised more than $100 million in venture funding from investors that include .406 Ventures, Atlas Venture (which became Accomplice), StarVest Partners, … Continue reading “Cyber Buyout: Veracode Acquired by CA Technologies for $614M”
Sports Execs Trade VR for Augmented Reality at MIT Sloan Conference
[Corrected, 3/7/17, 9:56am. See below] At the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston last Friday, the NBA’s senior vice president of digital media, Melissa Brenner, got bullish on the potential for augmented reality inside NBA arenas. She was decidedly cooler on virtual reality: the clunky equipment, the lack of content people will pay for, … Continue reading “Sports Execs Trade VR for Augmented Reality at MIT Sloan Conference”
IUPUI Researchers Developing App to Increase Empathy in Doctors
Going to the doctor is rarely fun, but the experience is infinitely more pleasant and productive when physicians and patients are communicating well and feel mutually respected. With such common goals, one might be tempted to think the doctor-patient relationship is a no-brainer, but that does not seem to be the case. According to a … Continue reading “IUPUI Researchers Developing App to Increase Empathy in Doctors”
Bluegrass Vascular Gets Funding, Signs Distribution Deal With Merit
San Antonio — Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, a San Antonio company whose system for regaining access to obstructed veins received European regulatory approval last summer, has signed a deal that gives the medical device company a new equity investor and a distributor in Europe. Merit Medical Systems (NASDAQ: [[ticker:MMSI]]) made the investment, which is the company’s … Continue reading “Bluegrass Vascular Gets Funding, Signs Distribution Deal With Merit”
Seattle Genetics to Resume Leukemia Drug Trials After FDA Lifts Hold
An experimental leukemia drug from Seattle Genetics can resume clinical testing, work that had ground to a halt three months ago following the deaths of four patients. The FDA in December placed clinical holds or partial holds on three early stage trials SeaGen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:SGEN]]) has been running to study the leukemia drug vadastuximab. The … Continue reading “Seattle Genetics to Resume Leukemia Drug Trials After FDA Lifts Hold”
Ex-Vice President Biden to Speak About Cancer Moonshot at SXSW
[Updated 3/6/17 5:37 pm. See below.] Austin—Former vice president Joseph Biden will speak at the South By Southwest festival March 12, where he is expected to outline plans for his Biden Cancer Initiative. SXSW organizers said Biden will update attendees on the progress made under his leadership of the White House Cancer Moonshot as well … Continue reading “Ex-Vice President Biden to Speak About Cancer Moonshot at SXSW”
Boston Tech Watch: Bose, LearnLaunch, Fuze, Boston Dynamics, & More
It’s time to catch up on some recent happenings in the Boston tech scene. This week, we’re tracking a lawsuit against headphone giant Bose, a new robot from Boston Dynamics, local edtech startup funding, and more. Read on for details. —Six portfolio companies of the LearnLaunch edtech startup accelerator recently raised funding rounds totaling almost … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: Bose, LearnLaunch, Fuze, Boston Dynamics, & More”
Vertex Bags Concert’s Rival CF Drug For $160M, Plans Combo Studies
Concert Pharmaceuticals has been plugging away with an experimental cystic fibrosis drug that, if successful, might someday pose a threat to Vertex Pharmaceuticals. So rather than wait to find out, Vertex today paid $160 million in cash, up front, to bring the drug in house. Boston-based Vertex (NASDAQ: [[tickerVRTX]]) has acquired CTP-656, a CF drug … Continue reading “Vertex Bags Concert’s Rival CF Drug For $160M, Plans Combo Studies”
How Boragen Banked $10M to Develop New Boron-Based Fungicides
No matter what pharmaceutical companies throw at bacteria and fungi, the microorganisms find ways to get ahead. Their ability to mutate and reproduce quickly gives rise to new generations resistant to anti-infective drugs. Fungal resistance also troubles farmers, but they’ve had few new crop treatments to choose from, in part because agricultural technology investment has … Continue reading “How Boragen Banked $10M to Develop New Boron-Based Fungicides”
Ingeneron Gets $20M From Sanford Health For Stem Cell Treatment
Houston—Ingeneron, a Houston-based developer of a stem cell-based technology, announced Monday that it has raised $20 million from strategic partner Sanford Health. Ingeneron is developing a stem cell-based system meant to help patients recover from wounds and orthopedic ailments like a torn shoulder rotator cuff. In total, the company has raised $38 million from unspecified … Continue reading “Ingeneron Gets $20M From Sanford Health For Stem Cell Treatment”
Seattle Week in Review: Healing Music Echoes Over ‘Voice City’
It’s still winter, and March, as the saying goes, is coming in like a lion—or a juvenile bald eagle—with snow in the forecast for the weekend. Again. We’re wrapping the week with a look at funding for 2nd Watch, Amazon Web Services’ outage, a spate of Alexa news, a look at ways game controllers are … Continue reading “Seattle Week in Review: Healing Music Echoes Over ‘Voice City’”
VenBio-Backed Directors Wrest Control of Immunomedics Board
Activist investors challenging the management of Immunomedics have reportedly won control of a majority of the seats on the drug developer’s board of directors, putting another hurdle in front of a deal to license the company’s lead drug to Seattle Genetics. Biotech investment fund venBio—Immunomedics’ (NASDAQ: [[ticker:IMMU]]) largest shareholder, with a 9.9 percent stake in … Continue reading “VenBio-Backed Directors Wrest Control of Immunomedics Board”
Five Questions For … AT&T Connected Health Foundry Chief Nadia Morris
Houston—For Nadia Morris, the key is balance. An artist by temperament, she has successfully pursued a more technical career as a software engineer. (One measure? Morris has more than 20 patents in network security and mobile app development.) As the head of innovation at AT&T’s Connected Health Foundry at the Texas Medical Center, Morris is … Continue reading “Five Questions For … AT&T Connected Health Foundry Chief Nadia Morris”
Here’s the Agenda for Robo Madness 2017 at Google on March 28
Heard enough about A.I. lately? Yeah, me too. Now it’s time to sort the facts from the hype. On March 28, we’re gathering technology and business leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and robotics. It’s all happening at Robo Madness 2017: A.I. Gets Real on March 28 at Google in Kendall Square, Cambridge, … Continue reading “Here’s the Agenda for Robo Madness 2017 at Google on March 28”
Bio Roundup: Healthcare Is Hard, “Slow” FDA, Drugging RNA & More
In an address to Congress this week, President Donald Trump outlined many of his near-term goals, including an overhaul of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, even as public opinion has begun to shift in favor of the law. Trump toned down his typical blunderbuss rhetoric, but he had choice words for the … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Healthcare Is Hard, “Slow” FDA, Drugging RNA & More”
TechPoint’s Mira Awards to Honor Indiana’s Top Tech Companies
TechPoint, the industry-led non-profit organization supporting Indiana’s tech ecosystem, has announced the nominees for the 18th annual Mira Awards, which celebrate the state’s most promising technology companies. This year, 50 independent judges combed through 180 applications to choose the nominees for awards honoring the sector’s best people, products, and companies. Later this month, all nominees … Continue reading “TechPoint’s Mira Awards to Honor Indiana’s Top Tech Companies”
Capital Stockpile Grows as Venture Fund-Raising Hits Recent High
In the venture capital business, a rising tide lifts all boats. That’s the idea, at least. A new report released today by Seattle-based PitchBook shows that U.S. venture firms have plenty of capital to invest in new companies, after 328 venture funds raised a total of $51.6 billion in 2016. That’s a high-water mark for … Continue reading “Capital Stockpile Grows as Venture Fund-Raising Hits Recent High”
Snap Raises $3.4B in IPO, Soaring Trades Set Value Past $20B
Snap, which rose to unicorn status based on a social media app that creates quickly vanishing photos, attracted solid investor interest in an IPO that raised $3.4 billion and sent shares up more than 50 percent above the initial offering price during the first day of trading today. Snap (NYSE: [[ticker:SNAP]]) priced its IPO shares … Continue reading “Snap Raises $3.4B in IPO, Soaring Trades Set Value Past $20B”
Trump and Kalanick: Twin Chief Executives Face Similar Problems
In the rinse-repeat rhythm of Uber’s PR crises, it’s easy to miss that this particular cycle has been a long one. Uber’s latest wave of negative press began in January with a backlash against CEO Travis Kalanick’s role on President Donald Trump’s White House business advisory panel. There’s some irony here, because Trump and Kalanick … Continue reading “Trump and Kalanick: Twin Chief Executives Face Similar Problems”
The Right Tune: Marketing Startup Music Audience Exchange Raises $6M
Dallas—If you think about it, executing a successful marketing campaign is similar to a match-making exercise done well. But to try to ensure that a mutually beneficial relationship is formed, entrepreneur Nathan Hanks has added some data analytics to the match-making mix with his music-focused startup. “The brands we are working with are in need … Continue reading “The Right Tune: Marketing Startup Music Audience Exchange Raises $6M”
No Details Yet, But Genentech Drug Combo Wins in Big Breast Cancer Study
There may be a new standard of care coming for a large portion of women with breast cancer who have had surgery to remove their tumors. A drug from Roche’s South San Francisco, CA, Genentech unit, known as pertuzumab (Perjeta), has helped reduce the risk of death for such women when given in combination with … Continue reading “No Details Yet, But Genentech Drug Combo Wins in Big Breast Cancer Study”
Examity Grabs $21M for Online Test Proctoring Services
Examity, which offers remote proctoring services for tests that students take online, has received a $21 million investment. The money comes from two New York-based investment firms, University Ventures and Inherent Group, according to a press release e-mailed to Xconomy. The news was first reported by the Boston Business Journal. Based in Natick, MA, Examity … Continue reading “Examity Grabs $21M for Online Test Proctoring Services”
Amazon’s Alexa Opens New Path for Earplay’s Interactive Audio Stories
The woman has been anxious since the moment she sat down at my table in the restaurant. I’ve never seen her before in my life, but she just handed me a small vial of some unknown, green liquid. It’s slightly warm to the touch. “She begins to move away, and you figure you’ve only got … Continue reading “Amazon’s Alexa Opens New Path for Earplay’s Interactive Audio Stories”
Human Impact of Innovation Super Saver Special Ends Today!
Time is running out to secure the $99 super saver discount for The Xconomy Forum on Human Impact of Innovation on April 19 in San Diego. The forum will take place at The Illumina Theater at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines. There has been a lot of talk around the importance of studying and understanding … Continue reading “Human Impact of Innovation Super Saver Special Ends Today!”
Detroit, Silicon Valley Collaborate on Path to Self-Driving Cars
As the race to get autonomous vehicles on the road revs up, there has been much discussion in the auto industry about who will lead the charge. Because of the new technologies involved in the development of self-driving cars, many initially assumed that Silicon Valley would take the driver’s seat instead of Detroit. But it’s … Continue reading “Detroit, Silicon Valley Collaborate on Path to Self-Driving Cars”
Evestra Signs Deal with Glemark for Generic Version of NuvaRing
San Antonio — Evestra, an early stage drug developer focused on women’s health, has made a deal with the U.S. division of Mumbai-based Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to try to bring its generic version of the NuvaRing birth control product to market. San Antonio-based Evestra’s product is still in development, and the companies say they are hoping … Continue reading “Evestra Signs Deal with Glemark for Generic Version of NuvaRing”
Nearpod, A Pioneer of VR in Edtech, Raises $21M
Nearpod, an educational technology company that added low-cost virtual reality headsets to its offerings early last year, raised $21 million in a Series B round announced today. The new round, led by New York-based Insight Venture Partners, brings total fundraising to $30.2 million for Nearpod, which made a bet that K-12 students would be captivated … Continue reading “Nearpod, A Pioneer of VR in Edtech, Raises $21M”