Reports + Research
Building a Better Brain-in-a-Dish to Accelerate Cognitive Function Studies
UC San Diego researchers have developed a new, faster, more cost effective method to generate simplified miniature 3D versions of the brain from stem cells. This “brain-in-a-dish” model helps scientists study diseases and treatments for impaired cognitive function. The researchers have used this approach to show that Zika virus can cause severe birth defects and to identify that HIV drugs could treat a neurological autoimmune condition called Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS). Researchers hope that this systematic, automatic process to generate large numbers of the mini brains could help them understand the variability in human cognition as well as accelerate cognitive research.
San Diego Regional EDC Wants to Double Annual Production of Skilled Workers by 2030
Projections show that San Diego’s current talent supply will not meet tomorrow’s skilled labor demands. The EDC has released a set of recommendations to develop a stronger local talent pipeline that includes transparency, engagement, and investment. Leading San Diego companies have endorsed the initiative, and the hope is that by 2023, the region will produce 20,000 skilled workers each year, inclusive of the region’s different demographics.
The Story Behind Amazon’s San Diego Office and Plans to Employ 500 San Diegans
The story behind Amazon’s first San Diego office started with UC San Diego grad Nate Wiger, his passion for the city, and a six-page proposal. Starting with four employees in Solana Beach, Amazon now has 200 employees in UTC and has promised to hire an additional 300 at its new 85,000-square-foot space built by Alexandria Real Estate. All of this may be part of Amazon’s search for a place outside of Seattle to set up its second headquarters.
Gary and Mary West Foundation Joins National Effort to Address Drug Prices and Shortages
Three national foundations have committed $30 million to establish Civica Rx, a not-for-profit generic drug company headquartered in Utah. Its mission is to provide “affordable, essential generic drugs to ensure a predictable supply and competitive marketplace.” In addition to the three foundations, major American hospital systems including Mayo Clinic and Intermountain Healthcare are among the initial governing members. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will also consult with CivicaRx.
Epic Sciences Raises $52 Million to Advance Predictive Cancer Tests
The series E financing was led by Blue Ox Healthcare Partners, a private equity investment firm investing in solutions to deliver improved personalized and value-based care. Epic’s platform technology applies big data techniques to match patients’ cancer cells to individualized drug therapies. The company’s first test in metastatic prostate cancer has shown that it can extend life. Reducing the use of ineffective, expensive targeted therapies also lowers treatment costs and ensures that patients are receiving the treatment that matches their cancer biology.
Read + Listen
POW! Podcast of the Week
The Stem Cell Podcast discussed possible cures, therapies, and breakthroughs, and interviewed leading scientists in the field.
Events
It’s Happening Here
September 13
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati will hold a two-hour seminar on IP for Entrepreneurs: Basics of Patent Law September 13 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Biocom.
September 14
Life Science Career Exploration for Veterans will take place September 14 at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines.
October 4
San Diego’s sixth annual MFG Day is Thursday, October 4, capping off a number of events across the county from the 2nd to the 4th.
Client disclosure: Epic Sciences
Tags: Amazon, Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Blogs, Innovation, Medical Research, San Diego EDC, UCSD
