Reports + Research
Roswell Biotechnologies Raises $32 Million for Molecular Electronics in DNA Sequencing
By leveraging molecular electronics integrated into semiconductor chips, Roswell hopes to miniaturize and accelerate DNA sequencing. Their goal is to sequence a human genome at 30x coverage (clinical grade) within an hour at a user cost of $100. Roswell’s $32 million Series A financing came from undisclosed private investors. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the proceeds “will fund the company’s research and development in sensor technology, chips, instruments and applications.” GEN provides an in-depth look at technology from Roswell and other companies in the space.
UCSD’s 3D Printed Implant Promotes Nerve Cell Growth in Preclinical Studies
UC San Diego Researchers have published results showing that implanting a 3D printed scaffold loaded with neural stem cells could promote nerve growth in sites of severe spinal cord injury in rats. In the Nature Medicine paper, researchers showed that, “the scaffolds supported tissue regrowth, stem cell survival and expansion of neural stem cell axons out of the scaffolding and into the host spinal cord.” This could lead the way to a novel treatment that restores nerve connections and lost function in human spinal cord injuries.
After JPMorgan 2019, Predictions, Notes, and a Polite Reminder
Many in the biotech and pharma industry are recovering this week after “JP Morgan,” one of the largest events for the biotech and pharma industry. As the government shutdown has stalled IPOs, that isn’t stopping companies like Cirius from lining up for when it reopens. FierceBiotech asks industry leaders for their 2019 predictions and Xconomy tries to summarize the big takeaways from last week. And while there are numerous complaints about the invite, one anonymous CEO of a public biotech company wrote a polite reminder of why the industry should continue to value this meeting as well as the location.
Read + Listen
POW! Podcast of the Week
Formerly of Scripps Research, Lynda Groocock discusses on PresSCIRPPSion Sound her transition to joining a local start-up.
It’s Happening Here
January 14-18:
PepTalk 2019: The Protein Science Week is taking place January 14-18 in downtown San Diego.
January 16:
San Diego Venture Group is hosting 2019 Venture Outlook with Bobby Franklin, President & CEO of National Venture Capital Association and David Coats of Correlation Ventures on January 16th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at The Illumina Theatre, The Alexandria.
January 22:
WIB-Southern California is hosting a discussion on, “The Growing Importance of Patient Advocacy in BioPharma.” The event is taking place Tuesday, January 22, 2019, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Retrophin.
Tags: Biotech, Biotech Briefing, DNA, investing, IPO, Medical Research, Stem
