Category: New York

Check Out the Agenda for New York Biotech: Bringing Back the Expats

We’ve just posted the agenda for New York Biotech: Bringing Back the Expats, which is set for June 21 at Riverpark at the Alexandria Center in New York. We are bringing together a few biopharma leaders who are ex-New Yorkers to lead a unique, candid discussion with the local biotech community. Why did they leave … Continue reading “Check Out the Agenda for New York Biotech: Bringing Back the Expats”

CAR-T’s Launch, Payers vs. Gene Therapy & Photos From “What’s Hot”

CAR-T. Gene therapy. RNA interference. These aren’t just science experiments. They’re real, cutting-edge medicines either just on the market or soon to be. And the implications of their arrival was the focus of a few spirited discussions at Xconomy’s “What’s Hot in Boston Biotech” event last week at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA. Today, … Continue reading “CAR-T’s Launch, Payers vs. Gene Therapy & Photos From “What’s Hot””

Data Could Make Roche Drug a Hemophilia Standard, But for How Long?

It’s been a bumpy ride for emicizumab (Hemlibra) in 2018. The Roche/Genentech drug, approved by the FDA in late 2017, has a chance to become the choice treatment for people with hemophilia A, and new data today help that case. But will safety concerns and emerging competition blunt its rise? At the World Federation of … Continue reading “Data Could Make Roche Drug a Hemophilia Standard, But for How Long?”

Fixing the Clinical Trial Bottleneck by Making Patients a Priority

The world of medicine and drug development has transformed dramatically over the past 50 years. Today, we have biologic medicines, genomic sequencing technologies, and digital health tools that help patients become more engaged in their care. But one part of the equation hasn’t seen very much change at all: clinical trials. Clinical trials are a … Continue reading “Fixing the Clinical Trial Bottleneck by Making Patients a Priority”

6 Simple Steps to Avoid Becoming a Cybercrime Statistic in 2018

We can all agree that 2017 was a brutal year for cybersecurity. Verizon’s Data Breach Investigation Report identified passwords as the root cause of more than 81 percent of breaches in 2016 – an 18 percent increase from the previous year. And, it’s a safe guess that this year, the percentage will grow. At last … Continue reading “6 Simple Steps to Avoid Becoming a Cybercrime Statistic in 2018”

Bio Roundup: ASCO Abstracts, Migraine Drug Prices & “Blueprint” Fallout

There’s nothing abstract about a 20 percent jump in a company’s stock price. But yeah, that happened to Loxo Oncology when it released data previews for its American Society for Clinical Oncology presentations; the meeting starts in two weeks in Chicago. Wednesday was ASCO abstract day, and we’ll round up the headliners below, all with … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: ASCO Abstracts, Migraine Drug Prices & “Blueprint” Fallout”

Amgen Migraine Drug Gets FDA Nod, First in New Class of Medicines

[Updated 5/18/18, 8:38 a.m. See below.] An Amgen migraine drug developed to head off pain before it starts has won FDA approval, the first for a new class of preventive drug candidates for the condition. The Amgen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMGN]]) drug, erenumab (Aimovig), is a subcutaneous injection given once a month. The drug blocks the receptor … Continue reading “Amgen Migraine Drug Gets FDA Nod, First in New Class of Medicines”

Arevo Adds $12.5M to Expand 3D Printing into Manufacturing

[Updated 5/17/18, 9:45 am. See below.] Silicon Valley company Arevo, which competes with a growing number of rivals to transform 3D printing into a tool for mass manufacturing, announced today it raised $12.5 million in a Series B financing round. Arevo’s technology mix—which combines automated printing equipment with Web-based software and customized raw materials—exemplifies the … Continue reading “Arevo Adds $12.5M to Expand 3D Printing into Manufacturing”

Amgen Migraine Decision Looms, Maybe the Next Drug Price Fight, Too

For some migraine sufferers, bright lights or loud sounds are enough to touch off an attack. For others, stress sparks the onset of pain. Bright lights, loud sounds, stress: Migraine triggers vary from one patient to another. But a common element is the abundance of a pain-inducing protein in the blood. During a migraine attack, … Continue reading “Amgen Migraine Decision Looms, Maybe the Next Drug Price Fight, Too”

Verdine Picks Backers For FogPharma’s $66M Round, Keeping Firm Control

At first blush, the $66 million Series B round that startup FogPharma is announcing this morning seems standard fare, particularly this year, when private biotechs have raised gobs of cash hand over fist. But a closer look shows careful steps by an academic-turned-executive, Greg Verdine, to develop the type of company he wants. He’s amassed … Continue reading “Verdine Picks Backers For FogPharma’s $66M Round, Keeping Firm Control”

Circle Grabs $110M, Will Launch U.S. Dollar-Backed Cryptocurrency

The founders of Circle Internet Financial have a lofty vision for the nascent world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain systems—and their startup’s role in it. Now, they have more resources to try and execute that vision. Boston-based Circle announced Tuesday it raised $110 million in a Series E equity funding round, and it plans to launch … Continue reading “Circle Grabs $110M, Will Launch U.S. Dollar-Backed Cryptocurrency”

The Revolution in Inflammation Drug Development

Chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are painful and often lifelong conditions. I know this both as a scientist and a father, as my son, Jeremy, was diagnosed 12 years ago with Crohn’s disease, one type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 80 autoimmune diseases affecting … Continue reading “The Revolution in Inflammation Drug Development”

Arch’s Bob Nelsen on Big Biotech and Why Pharma Should Be Very Afraid

Arch Venture Partners co-founder and managing director Bob Nelsen is widely regarded as one of the most astute and successful life science investors and company builders in the game. The list of his portfolio company wins (if you think of raising money, going public, or being acquired as a win, which he doesn’t necessarily, read … Continue reading “Arch’s Bob Nelsen on Big Biotech and Why Pharma Should Be Very Afraid”

“Wrong to Toast”: Broad’s Lander Sorry for Tribute to DNA Pioneer Watson

Amid backlash, renowned geneticist Eric Lander, the Broad Institute president and founding director, apologized today for his toast over the weekend to DNA structure co-discoverer James Watson (pictured) on the occasion of Watson’s 90th birthday. Watson has not been shy about expressing racist, anti-Semitic, and sexist views over the years. For example, in a 2007 … Continue reading ““Wrong to Toast”: Broad’s Lander Sorry for Tribute to DNA Pioneer Watson”

DraftKings, FanDuel Eye Sports Betting After Supreme Court Ruling

The game could be changing for daily fantasy sports companies DraftKings and FanDuel. In a landmark ruling Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law that prohibited most states from authorizing betting on college and professional sports. The court’s decision paves the way for states to legalize sports gambling, and daily fantasy … Continue reading “DraftKings, FanDuel Eye Sports Betting After Supreme Court Ruling”

With Training, Startups Like Paige.AI Could Soon Diagnose Cancer

It turns out interpreting biopsies isn’t entirely unlike mapping the rocky terrain of Mars. Thomas Fuchs, a former research technologist at NASA, is taking some of what he learned in training algorithms to navigate the Red Planet for the Mars Rover project and applying it to create cancer-detecting algorithms. Fuchs (pictured) thinks his startup, Paige.AI, … Continue reading “With Training, Startups Like Paige.AI Could Soon Diagnose Cancer”

Trump Pledges Lower Drug Prices, But Blueprint Is Short on Details

[Editor’s note: Corie Lok co-authored this report.] In a much anticipated speech at the White House this afternoon, President Trump unveiled a long-awaited plan meant to cut the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. The administration’s “American Patients First” plan, released via a speech and an accompanying 38-page “blueprint” document, laid out some relatively … Continue reading “Trump Pledges Lower Drug Prices, But Blueprint Is Short on Details”

“Unseen Is Unsold:” VR & Analytics Study What and Why Shoppers Buy

Humans are great about saying a lot of things. We’re not that good about actually following through. See: New Year’s diet resolutions or election polls. That tendency affects retailers as well. Big stores and brands spend millions in market research to figure out what shoppers want and then model production and creative teams to create those … Continue reading ““Unseen Is Unsold:” VR & Analytics Study What and Why Shoppers Buy”

Bio Roundup: Moderna’s Billions, Cytokine Bets, Shire Acquired & More

Cytokine therapies for cancer aren’t new but they are attracting renewed interest. Some pharmaceutical companies see drug combinations using cytokines as a way to broaden the reach of immunotherapy, which still doesn’t work for the majority of cancer patients. This week, Eli Lilly (NYSE: [[ticker:LLY]]) showed how much it believes in cytokines. The Indianapolis drug maker … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Moderna’s Billions, Cytokine Bets, Shire Acquired & More”

USA Today Owner Gannett to Buy Digital Marketer WordStream for $130M

WordStream, one of the veterans of Boston’s digital marketing sector, is being acquired by Gannett, the publisher of USA Today and a network of local newspapers around the country. McLean, VA-based Gannett (NYSE: [[ticker:GCI]]) said it has agreed to pay $130 million in cash, net of cash acquired, plus up to $20 million in additional … Continue reading “USA Today Owner Gannett to Buy Digital Marketer WordStream for $130M”

With $1.6B Armo Buy, Eli Lilly Is the Latest to Bet Big on Cytokines

Eli Lilly is making a splash in the fast-moving, highly competitive field of cancer immunotherapy. With a $1.6 billion cash deal to acquire Armo BioSciences, the Indianapolis company has placed one of the boldest bets yet that cytokine drugs could be critical in expanding immunotherapy’s reach. This morning, Lilly (NYSE: [[ticker:LLY]]) agreed to pay $50 … Continue reading “With $1.6B Armo Buy, Eli Lilly Is the Latest to Bet Big on Cytokines”

Roche-Exelixis Study Fails as Mixed Year Continues For Cancer Drug Combos

This year is a big one for cancer drug combinations, and the results, so far, have been mixed. Some combinations have shown they may change how certain cancers are treated. Others are falling flat in clinical testing. The latest to come up short is a regimen of Roche/Genentech and Exelixis cancer drugs that failed a … Continue reading “Roche-Exelixis Study Fails as Mixed Year Continues For Cancer Drug Combos”

An Inside Look at CAR-T, Gene Therapy Launches at ‘What’s Hot’ May 16

Getting a new drugmaking technology through clinical development and to market is a major milestone, the culmination of years of scientific work. But the true test of how important that technology is comes afterwards, when the real world gets its hands on it. This type of story is playing out either right now, or soon … Continue reading “An Inside Look at CAR-T, Gene Therapy Launches at ‘What’s Hot’ May 16”

Moderna’s Billions: Will Building Big Before an IPO Pay Off?

When Merck invested $125 million and deepened its ties with Moderna Therapeutics last week, it was more than just an evolution of the relationship between the two companies. It continued a high-stakes strategy by Cambridge, MA-based Moderna and its backers, and made them a case study for a rarely used method of company-building in biotech: … Continue reading “Moderna’s Billions: Will Building Big Before an IPO Pay Off?”

Seismic Acquires Savo Group, Rival in Sales Enablement Software

[Updated 5/8/18 9:30 am. See below.] In the eight years since it was founded, Seismic has become a leader in the market for Web-based software used by corporations and other big customers to manage the online marketing materials created to support sales reps in the field. Today, the San Diego software-as-a-service company says it has agreed … Continue reading “Seismic Acquires Savo Group, Rival in Sales Enablement Software”

Activist Investor Elliott Management Eyes $7B Deal for Athenahealth

Elliott Management, the activist investor that purchased a 9 percent stake in Athenahealth last year, now wants to buy the whole company for nearly $7 billion, a deal that could bring more changes to the healthcare IT company. Elliott proposes to acquire Watertown, MA-based Athenahealth (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ATHN]]) for $160 per share in cash, the New … Continue reading “Activist Investor Elliott Management Eyes $7B Deal for Athenahealth”

Will New Study Cut Guesswork for Depression Medicine Prescriptions?

[Updated 5/7/18, 5pm ET. See below.] Genetic testing that helps guide more precise cancer treatment is making its way into standard practice in major U.S. medical centers. Could the same eventually be true for depression? One test maker thinks it has finally gathered enough evidence to convince psychiatrists to order its product and make more … Continue reading “Will New Study Cut Guesswork for Depression Medicine Prescriptions?”

Venture Firms to New York Wedding Startup Zola: ‘I Do’ to $100M

Most wedding registries are focused on the lead-up to the day of the ceremony. New York startup Zola also sees opportunity in connecting with—and making a sales pitch to—married couples years after they’ve tied the knot. Zola is an “e-commerce business disguised as a wedding company,” said Shan-lyn Ma, the startup’s founder and CEO, in … Continue reading “Venture Firms to New York Wedding Startup Zola: ‘I Do’ to $100M”

Bio Roundup: IDO Fallout, Express Scripts Dumps Amgen, Isaly Out & More

Here’s a case study of how fast things can change in biopharma. For a few years, a type of cancer drug called an IDO inhibitor was all the rage, a promising path to expanding the reach of immunotherapy. Major drug makers were dealing, too. Through acquisitions and alliances, they rolled out a spate of large-scale … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: IDO Fallout, Express Scripts Dumps Amgen, Isaly Out & More”

Carbon Black Raising $152M as Tech IPOs Stage Comeback

Into the breach goes Carbon Black. The Waltham, MA-based cybersecurity company said Thursday night that it is raising $152 million in an initial public stock offering by selling 8 million shares of its common stock at $19 per share. That gives Carbon Black an implied valuation of more than $1.2 billion. Carbon Black said its … Continue reading “Carbon Black Raising $152M as Tech IPOs Stage Comeback”

Spyce, MIT-Born Robotic Kitchen Startup, Launches Restaurant: Video

The Thai chicken bowl from Spyce Food’s new restaurant in downtown Boston wasn’t life-changing, but it’s one of the better meals I’ve had from a “fast casual” restaurant—and certainly the best I’ve had that was prepared mostly by robots. OK, it’s the first meal I’ve eaten that was cooked by a robotic system, with help … Continue reading “Spyce, MIT-Born Robotic Kitchen Startup, Launches Restaurant: Video”

With $59M, Casma and Ex-Constellation CEO Take Aim at Cellular Trash

Scientists have known for decades that cells can recycle their own trash, but they’ve only recently started to figure out how. Casma Therapeutics is trying to prove that those insights could be useful in treating a wide range of diseases. Formed by Third Rock Ventures, Casma has secured a $58.5 million Series A round and … Continue reading “With $59M, Casma and Ex-Constellation CEO Take Aim at Cellular Trash”

Cord-Cutting for Kids: Video App Kanopy Adds Free Children’s Shows

If you’ve already liberated yourself from a cable subscription in favor of streaming video services over the Internet, you’re parcelling out your dollars to get the content you want most from services such as Netflix, Hulu, and N.B.A. League Pass. A lesser-known option, Kanopy, offers an unusual streaming subscription deal: Pay nothing, because your university … Continue reading “Cord-Cutting for Kids: Video App Kanopy Adds Free Children’s Shows”

California’s Top Court Sets Tougher New Rules on Hiring “Gig Workers”

California employers who classify their workers as independent contractors will be consulting their lawyers today, says A. Mark Pope, an attorney who helped persuade the state’s highest court to establish sweeping new restrictions on hiring so-called “gig workers.” The California Supreme Court on Monday set new standards that will make it harder for companies in … Continue reading “California’s Top Court Sets Tougher New Rules on Hiring “Gig Workers””

What’s For Lunch? ZeroCater Nabs $12M to Meet Corporate Catering Needs

Many employees at young startups end up with multiple roles. Arram Sabeti says “ordering lunches was by far the most painful hat I was wearing.” Finding a restaurant that everyone agreed on took more time than placing a lunch order should, he says. That experience led him to found ZeroCater, which uses software and analytics … Continue reading “What’s For Lunch? ZeroCater Nabs $12M to Meet Corporate Catering Needs”

Three Lessons Punk Rock Teaches Us About Being a Business Leader

Inspiration comes in many forms, and as an entrepreneur, I found mine early on in an unusual place: punk rock. There are strong parallels between the business of punk rock and startups. When you’re starting a new business venture, you wear many hats—leader, innovator, developer, marketer, HR rep—with very little budget or certainty. You might … Continue reading “Three Lessons Punk Rock Teaches Us About Being a Business Leader”

Express Scripts Picks Regeneron Over Amgen, Cuts Heart Drug Price

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and partner Sanofi have cut an unusual deal with Express Scripts, the nation’s largest drug-buying middleman. The two drug makers will cut the price of their $14,000-a-year cholesterol-lowering therapy alirocumab (Praluent). In return, Express Scripts will quickly approve treatment requests. The deal also sidelines Amgen, whose rival heart drug evolocumab (Repatha) will no … Continue reading “Express Scripts Picks Regeneron Over Amgen, Cuts Heart Drug Price”

Why “Micro-Learning” is the New Diploma For Today’s Jobseekers

You’d be hard-pressed to find a workplace today where using technology isn’t an integral part of the job, whether it’s an AI-powered recruiting tool, special coding software for app development, or even just Google Sheets that help workers keep track of budgets. Whether you’re applying for a position in marketing or in the field of … Continue reading “Why “Micro-Learning” is the New Diploma For Today’s Jobseekers”

City Staffers Share Innovation Insights at Smart Cities Accelerator

In cities across the United States, the benefits of bike-sharing and electric scooters that can be easily rented with a smartphone app have often been overshadowed by controversy. In Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, for example, complaints flooded into city offices earlier this year about the proliferation of “dockless” bikes cluttering sidewalks, handicap parking, … Continue reading “City Staffers Share Innovation Insights at Smart Cities Accelerator”

Bristol-Myers Latest to Drop IDO Studies in Wake of Incyte Failure

[Updated 5/1/18, 12:34 p.m. See below.] Drug giant Bristol-Myers Squibb is the latest to feel the shockwave caused by the failure of a widely watched cancer immunotherapy nearly a month ago. Xconomy has learned that Bristol (NYSE: [[ticker:BMY]]) is curtailing work on three late-stage studies testing an experimental cancer drug that it bought for $800 … Continue reading “Bristol-Myers Latest to Drop IDO Studies in Wake of Incyte Failure”

VCs Back Jeremy Hitchcock’s New Security Startup, Minim, With $2.5M

Here’s what Jeremy Hitchcock is doing for an encore: trying to secure all your home and office devices and networks. Sounds like a nightmare. But if there’s anyone who should try, it’s Hitchcock (pictured). He is the co-founder and former CEO of Dyn, the longstanding New Hampshire-based Web infrastructure firm that was sold to Oracle … Continue reading “VCs Back Jeremy Hitchcock’s New Security Startup, Minim, With $2.5M”

Diagnostics Developer Nanopore Wins Agtech and Food Startup Showcase

In both humans and farm animals, time is crucial when diagnosing illness. An early diagnosis means treatment can be given before the disease worsens. In some forms of aquaculture, the diagnostic time line stretches out a little longer. Fish farmers need to take a boat to the offshore cages where salmon are raised. Samples are … Continue reading “Diagnostics Developer Nanopore Wins Agtech and Food Startup Showcase”

Bill Gates on Saving Babies, Educating Kids, and Picking a Major

On a sunny spring afternoon, William Henry Gates III strolled into the Harvard University science center. Several hundred students and invited guests were waiting for him in the auditorium. Security was tight, but not overly so (he’s used to it). Gates was there Thursday for a conversation with Frank Doyle, Harvard’s dean of engineering and … Continue reading “Bill Gates on Saving Babies, Educating Kids, and Picking a Major”

Bio Roundup: CRISPR Tests, Parkinson’s Questions, Opioid Bills & More

Politics is more partisan than ever these days, but the opioid crisis might be one of the few issues where elected officials find common ground. This week, members of Congress exercised a bipartisan effort in both chambers to advance dozens of measures proposing various approaches to fighting the opioid epidemic. A Senate committee voted unanimously … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: CRISPR Tests, Parkinson’s Questions, Opioid Bills & More”

Boston Deal News: Digg, Bose, TripAdvisor, Vets First Choice, Examity

[Updated 4/26/18, 3:30 pm. See below.] Boston-area technology companies have played dealmaker lately, with notable mergers and acquisitions in augmented reality, online news curation, tourism tech, education, and veterinary software. Read on for details. —Boston-based advertising technology firm BuySellAds has acquired online news aggregator Digg for an undisclosed price, according to a report by Fast … Continue reading “Boston Deal News: Digg, Bose, TripAdvisor, Vets First Choice, Examity”

DARPA Enlists Insects in R&D Effort to Protect the Food Supply

Farmers spend a lot of time and money trying to keep insects from damaging their crops. But the U.S. military sees some of these bugs as potential friends, not foes. A government-funded research project is studying how to use insects to deliver a targeted therapy to a crop following an outbreak of disease, a disaster, … Continue reading “DARPA Enlists Insects in R&D Effort to Protect the Food Supply”

What President Trump Gets Wrong About Amazon’s Effect on the Economy

For the past week or so, President Trump has been deriding Amazon as a destroyer of jobs and the main reason many retail companies are failing. Unfortunately, this is a very one-sided and uninformed view of how Amazon is changing our economy. I run a retail operation that sells almost exclusively on Amazon. Since its … Continue reading “What President Trump Gets Wrong About Amazon’s Effect on the Economy”

Aspect Venture’s Jennifer Fonstad on Hot Areas of Tech, Diversity, & More

Jennifer Fonstad and Theresia Gouw launched Aspect Ventures with their own money in February 2014—and have hardly looked back. “We closed our first investment that first week,” Fonstad says. The pair went on to make a number of investments that first year before deciding to raise funds more formally from outsiders, like a conventional venture … Continue reading “Aspect Venture’s Jennifer Fonstad on Hot Areas of Tech, Diversity, & More”