Reports + Research

Verge Genomics Collaborates with UC San Diego and VIB for Parkinson’s Research

The collaboration will focus on single-cell sequencing for Parkinson’s disease with the goal of generating genomics data that can lead to new Parkinson’s treatments. The Belgian life sciences research institute, VIB, will contribute the single-cell RNA sequencing technology, and the tissue samples will come from UC San Diego. Verge will use its machine learning platform to understand how gene expression changes in people with and without neurodegenerative disease.

Cidara and Rutgers Receive NIH Grant to Develop Anti-Infective Immunotherapies

The $5.5 million grant will fund continued research and development of an antibody-drug conjugate platform to identify novel immunotherapy agents targeting multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. These immunotherapies are designed to engage the patient’s immune system to fight the infections, and could provide an alternative strategy in the escalating emergence of multi-drug antibiotic resistance bacteria.

TSRI Expands Board of Directors

The Scripps Research Institute announced two additions to its board of directors: John C. Martin, Ph.D., Gilead chairman and former CEO, and Sherry Lansing, the first woman to head a major film studio. At Gilead, Dr. Martin led the development of HIV- and hepatitis therapeutics, and he oversaw the expansion of the company’s drug portfolio to 24 marketed products. During her career, Lansing led the production, marketing, and distribution of more than 200 films, including Academy Award winners Forrest Gump, Braveheart, and Titanic. Lansing also co-founded the Stand Up to Cancer initiative.

Luna DNA Wants to Trade Donated DNA for Dividends

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Luna DNA would like the public to donate their DNA information as well as the giver’s associated health records and diet and exercise history. In exchange, the company, which was founded last year by former Illumina executives, would give the donors dividends or shares that could yield financial payments. The company hopes to make money through charging researchers to access the database and possibly through future royalties from drug discoveries.

Read + Listen

POW!  Podcast of the Week

Ever wondered what life is like inside a law firm? Or more specifically, what lessons does one learn after executing many M&As, IPOs, strategic alliances, and joint ventures? Take a listen to Stanford University’s podcast with John Roos of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosat.

Events

It’s Happening Here

May 23:
Women in Bio, Southern California presents “iTalk: Women Leaders Impacting Life Sciences”.

May 30:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Drug Discovery: Moving Beyond the Hype is taking place Wednesday, May 30, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.