Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., today announced his decision to end his tenure as the director of the National Institutes of Health by the end of the year. Dr. Collins is the longest serving presidentially appointed NIH director, having served three U.S. presidents over more than 12 years.

“It has been an incredible privilege to lead this great agency for more than a decade,” said Dr. Collins. “I love this agency and its people so deeply that the decision to step down was a difficult one, done in close counsel with my wife, Diane Baker, and my family. I am proud of all we’ve accomplished. I fundamentally believe, however, that no single person should serve in the position too long, and that it’s time to bring in a new scientist to lead the NIH into the future. I’m most grateful and proud of the NIH staff and the scientific community, whose extraordinary commitment to lifesaving research delivers hope to the American people and the world every day.”

A physician-geneticist, Dr. Collins took office as the 16^th NIH director on August 17, 2009, after being appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In 2017, he was asked to continue in his role by President Donald Trump, and in 2021, by President Joe Biden. Prior to becoming the NIH director, Dr. Collins served as the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) from 1993-2008, where he led the international Human Genome Project, which culminated in April 2003 with the completion of a finished sequence of the human DNA instruction book.

Click here to read more via the NIH

CHATHAM, N.J., Oct. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced it has completed the acquisition of its new research and development center (RDC) located in Frederick, Md. The approximately 48,000 square foot facility will support Tonix’s expanding infectious disease pipeline, including:

• TNX-1800 – a live virus vaccine designed to protect against COVID-19
• TNX-801 – a live virus vaccine designed to protect against smallpox and monkeypox
• TNX-3500 – a small molecule antiviral under development to treat COVID-19
• TNX-2100 – a peptide based skin test to measure functional T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2

Tonix purchased the RDC from Southern Research, a collaborating partner on TNX-1800 and TNX-801 development.

The center is operational with a dedicated staff of scientists and technicians. The main building was constructed as a biosafety level (BSL) -3 facility but has been operating at BSL-2. Tonix plans to make appropriate upgrades and seek certification for BSL-3 so that research may be conducted on live SARS-CoV-2- and other pathogens.

The RDC in Frederick, Md. will complement Tonix’s Advanced Development Center (ADC) being constructed in New Bedford, Mass., and its Commercial Manufacturing Center (CMC) planned in Hamilton, Mont. The ADC will house laboratories dedicated to process analytical development and pilot manufacturing of the Company’s vaccine candidates for clinical trials. The CMC is expected to support commercial scale manufacturing of vaccine products.

“The establishment of the RDC is a significant milestone for Tonix and aligns with our strategic focus to support and grow our pipeline of vaccines and antiviral therapeutics,” stated Seth Lederman, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Tonix. “We believe that this strategy will enable Tonix to develop vaccines and therapeutics to address the current COVID-19 pandemic, and to be prepared to efficiently combat potential novel or emerging pathogens, termed ‘Disease X’, that could impact society in the future. We believe that the recombinant pox virus platform technology underlying TNX-1800 and TNX-801, coupled with our capabilities at the RDC and ADC, will be rapidly deployable for addressing Disease X, with simplified distribution and administration, relative to modified mRNA based vaccines. Our goal is to be able to design and test new recombinant pox virus vaccines against novel pathogens within the 100 days of recognition of a potential emerging pandemic threat, consistent with the criteria^1,2 recently set forth by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.”

Click herehttps://www.citybiz.co/article/152473/tonix-pharmaceuticals-announces-completion-of-acquisition-of-infectious-disease-rd-center-in-frederick-maryland/?abkw=citybizwashington to read more via citybiz.co

Winning company is developing an implantable device based on 3D printing and a synthetic material, which supports and regenerates surface cartilage damage in the knee.

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND, October 1, 2021 – Nanochon, a Washington, D.C. based company in the BioHealth Capital Region, applying novel materials to replicate bone and cartilage, and high-end 3-D printing to create an implant which can permanently repair debilitating joint injuries, was selected from five finalists as the company with the most commercial potential at the 6^th Annual Crab Trap Competition. This year’s judges included industry leaders Sally Allain, Head, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS @ Washington, DC, Andrea Alms, Co-Fund Manager, BioHealth Capital Fund, Lora Green, Of Counsel, Wilson Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, Troy LeMaile-Stovall, Chief Executive Officer, TEDCO, Conley Jones, Senior Associate, Alexandria Venture Investments, John Newby, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association, and was moderated by Rich Bendis, President & CEO, BioHealth Innovation, Inc.

The Crab Trap, presented virtually for the second year in the row due to the pandemic, was held on September 29^th in association with the 7^th Annual BioHealth Capital Region and 4^th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference. Nanochon CEO, Benjamin Holmes, presented on his company’s implant, which acts as both cartilage replacement and tissue growth scaffold, and is designed to be custom 3-D printed for each patient. Nanochon joins previous Crab Trap winners, BrainScope (2020), Floreo (2019), Galen Robotics (2018), LifeSprout (2017) and Sonavex (2016).

“It is a true honor to win the BioHealth Capital Region Crab Trap this year. Being an entrepreneur, especially in life sciences, is a difficult journey. Being recognized by this panel of judges is an achievement we are proud of.” said Benjamin Holmes, Nanchon CEO. “When we first created Nanochon, we were not sure we would stay in the region long term. However, the area continues to grow and provide the support and ecosystem we need to succeed and grow too.”

In addition to Nanochone, the judges and virtual audience viewed four other finalists’ presentations: Hubly Surgical, Linshom, Revalo, and VNTC.

“The companies who present as part of the Crab Trap every year continue to be remarkable with their visions for the future of BioHealth.” said Richard Bendis, BHI President & CEO. “Not only do we applaud Nanochon and all the finalists this year, but also all the competitors over the past six years of this event. They truly are the future of this industry.”

Click here for a replay of the 6^th Annual Crab Trap Competition is available online by

Founded in 2016, the Crab Trap Competition focuses on companies in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, healthcare services, e-health, mobile health, electronic medical records, health informatics, and biohealth cyber security.

About BioHealth Innovation, Inc.

BioHealth Innovation, Inc. (BHI) is a public-private nonprofit organization focused on accelerating biohealth (therapeutic, diagnostic, medtech, and health IT) commercialization in the BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, DC, and Virginia). BHI’s team of expert Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, in-house venture analysts, and other professional staff work in the region to:

• Facilitate technology commercialization,
• Raise the profile of the industry cluster and individual organizations,
• Increase access to capital for early-stage and growing companies, and
• Expand the pool of talent with commercially relevant experience.

BHI’s early-stage company support includes market research and commercialization plan development, non-dilutive funding application assistance; a jobs board; event calendar; and introductions to investors, strategic partners, business advisors, and potential clients. BHI also manages wet lab space and provides referrals to other spaces for early-stage companies, offers soft-landing support for international companies, and works with partners to co-host the annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum and an annual BioHealth Capital Region investor partnering conference. For more information: www.BioHealthInnovation.org

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Media contacts:
Richard Bendis
Phone: 301-637-6439, e-mail: rbendis@biohealthinnovation.org

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio toured the new Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus (CNRIC). This one-of-a-kind research and innovation hub creates an ecosystem of top-tier partners and will produce nearly 1,000 new jobs. Mayor Bowser also welcomed JLABs @ Washington, DC, a 32,000-square-foot incubator housed at CNRIC, to the District. The premier life science incubator is one of 13 around the world and a direct result of the Mayor’s delegation to Canada in September 2017 with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, where she toured a JLABS incubator and advocated for one in Washington, DC.

“When we visited JLABS in Toronto, I knew then that they had to come to Washington, DC – the capital of inclusive innovation and home to the greatest talent, ideas and passion in the world,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, we can celebrate that the community’s vision for this campus – a vision of jobs, innovation, housing, and community resources – is coming to life.”

The Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus marks the first time the nation’s capital will create a unique ecosystem that can help accelerate scientific discoveries into new treatments and technologies for children in the District. The CNRIC is being developed in phases, gradually generating employment and access to health resources. Phase 1 of the campus, will have approximately 300 employees from Children’s National and another 150 from Virginia Tech and JLABS. After Phase II opens, employment will reach 1,000 people.

“All this movement of innovation and discovery in the healthcare industry will not only strengthen DC’s tech scene and biotech sector, but will provide new opportunities to entrepreneurs and employees in these industries” said Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio. “DC is open and we welcome all innovative early-stage companies to the District so they can participate in our dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and contribute to important health solutions for our residents.”

In May, the Bowser Administration partnered with Johnson and Johnson JLABS@ Washington, DC on the Washington, DC Health Innovation QuickFire Challenge. Through QuickFire Challenge, innovators from around the world were invited to submit potential science and technology solutions aimed towards addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities that impact health outcomes in communities of color. Last week, Mayor Bowser announced the awardees of the Quickfire Challenge, which provides awardees $50,000 in grant funding to transform health outcomes in the District’s communities of color, and an invitation to reside at JLABS @ Washington, DC on the CNRIC campus. JLABS @ Washington, DC, will host up to 50 startups spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer and health tech companies. The campus is an enormous addition to the BioHealth Capital Region, the fourth largest research and biotech cluster in the US, with the goal of becoming a top 3 hub by 2023. The CNRIC represents the District’s commitment to building the partnerships necessary to drive discoveries, create jobs, promote economic growth, treat underserved populations, and improve health outcomes. JLabs @ Washington, DC and the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus are adjacent to the District’s Parks at Walter Reed redevelopment of 66 acres of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-tours-new-childrens-national-research-innovation-campus-and-welcomes-jlabs

A senior official for American biotech company Novavax said the company is committed to equitable COVID-19 vaccine allocation and has made a “great effort” to manufacture its vaccine in different sites across the globe. However, whether its vaccine will be used as booster shots or prioritized in countries struggling with supply will be up to policymakers, he said.

Speaking at a Devex event held on the sidelines of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, John Trizzino, executive vice president at Novavax, said policymakers are responsible for determining how the COVID-19 doses will be used.

“We’ve taken our responsibility seriously in making [COVID-19 vaccine] doses available across the globe. Now, it’s up to a variety of policymakers to decide where and how those are prioritized,” he said.

Click here to read more via dexex

Remember the frenzy in 2017 when over 200 cities and towns across the U.S. bid to house the second headquarters for Amazon? Northern Virginia in the D.C. region won that bid ultimately.

But cities, states and regions might want to dust off those bids to enter a new $1 billion competition by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) that promises more winners across the country in applied science areas to help make the U.S. more technologically competitive and inclusive. Thankfully, this competition will look more like the Olympics with many gold, silver and bronze winners compared with the winner-take-all approach of Amazon HQ2.

EDA will grant $500,000 in technical assistance to 50 to 60 regional coalitions to develop and support three to eight projects to support a regional growth cluster this fall. Next year, EDA will award 20 to 30 regional coalitions $25 million to $100 million to implement those projects from among those that were successful in Phase One.

Universities, states, counties, cities, economic development districts and other nonprofit organizations are eligible to compete. The EDA is expecting regional coalitions, including industry and community partners, to build and scale strategic industry clusters. Accordingly, the old Amazon HQ2 regional alliances might be useful in going after these new funding sources. States are receiving separate allocations of up to $1 million directly from EDA to also create roadmaps for this competition and related purposes.

What might some of these clusters and projects be? Perhaps precision agriculture in Nebraska, space tech in Alabama, computer chip manufacturing in New York, immersive media in Southern California and quantum computing in Maryland, with advanced manufacturing incorporated in each hub and strategies to involve underrepresented populations in the cluster. It will be up to each region, however, to understand its strengths, weaknesses and comparative advantages in new technology clusters.

Importantly, the EDA funding is just the first of many new programs that will build other regional tech hubs. Billions more dollars in new regional hubs are in the offing through the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, the new Science Directorate at NSF, the proposed ARPA-H biotech agency, proposed at $6 billion alone, among other programs expected to pass Congress and signed into law later this year or next.

The problem? It can take many years to plan, build and open new research and technology facilities since obtaining zoning, environmental review, community acceptance and funding for projects is complicated and time consuming. Existing research and tech spaces can take some of the load. But it is not as if there are large swaths of unused research and innovation space in regions. This is where research parks, innovation districts, incubators and accelerators offer ready-made solutions. These community-based entities have existing infrastructure, zoning, research space and partnerships with developers skilled in quickly constructing new facilities adjacent to universities, federal labs, hospitals and other anchor institutions.

But Congress needs to help create these hubs and make the U.S. more competitive by taking three additional steps:

• Reform IRS rules on corporate research taking place in university research facilities financed with tax-exempt bonds. Complicated IRS rules on patent ownership when corporations sponsor research in these types of university facilities inhibit public-private partnerships and sometimes move corporate research overseas. Now that more university research hubs are expected to be built with the EDA and other funding, Congress should fix that.
• Give all federal labs the tools to engage with the local community. Billions of dollars of research sponsored by Nobel Prize-winning scientists takes place in federal labs across the region. But all federal labs don’t have the same tools to use their land for public-private partnerships, engage technology intermediaries to spin out technologies or have consistent pathways for federal researchers to be engaged with entrepreneurial activities. We should support ideas like the FASTER Fed Labs Act.
• Create more U.S. patents through existing federal research funding. Patents are critical factors in building a strong tech-based economy. But other countries are investing in more patents than the United States. In 2020, China knocked the U.S. from being No. 1 in the global patent race. The current Office of Management and Budget policy should be changed to allow — but not require — universities to charge the cost of patent filings directly on federal grants and contracts.

The clock is ticking on the Oct. 19 planning grants EDA deadline. Real estate developers should be working with local universities and economic development groups to plan strategies now. And Congress should do its part to help create more regional tech hubs in the U.S. by tweaking some existing policies and laws.

Brian Darmody is CEO of the Association of University Research Parks, whose D.C.-area office is based in College Park.

Want to learn more about new federal funding to build tech hubs and communities of innovation?

Join us in Salt Lake at the AURP International Conference, Oct 19-21, 2021 to hear from the US Economic Development Administration and a leading government relations expert on latest updates from Washington D.C.

https://international.aurp.net/

INNOVATION INFRASTRUCTURE: HOW CONGRESS AND THE WHITE HOUSE ARE SUPPORTING INNOVATION

Congress and the Biden Administration are proposing unprecedented funding opportunities for technology-based research clusters across the United States. New initiatives at the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), NIH (National Institutes for Health) and EDA (Economic Development Administration) offer incredible opportunities that research parks, innovation districts, universities, cities, and regions need to prepare for. Hear the latest developments (on Wed., Oct. 20, 8:15am-9:00am MT) from Washington DC-based representatives on actionable ideas on how to leverage these opportunities.

• Leslee Gilbert, Esq., Partner, Van Scoyoc & Associates
• Angela Belden Martinez, Director, Denver Regional Office, US Economic Development Administration

With the Delta variant driving over 100,000 new infections per day across the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. While COVID continues to rage, infectious disease experts are not only battling the ongoing pandemic but are on the lookout for the next
virulent threat.

Since 1900, there have been eight different pandemics that concerned public health across the globe, such as Zika, MERS, Ebola, Swine Flu, and others, which have led to the loss of millions of people and billions of dollars in economic losses. That’s one reason for the establishment of the Global Pandemic Prevention and Biodefense Center in Montgomery County, Maryland. When COVID broke last year, a task force urged for the formation of an organization that could peer past the current crisis and put on its prognostication hat to prepare for future threats. With its long history of thought leadership in infectious diseases and vaccines development, as well as its proximity to federal health and regulatory agencies, the BioHealth Capital Region was the perfect fit for the biodefense center.

The $2.5 billion Center will work to accelerate the development of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat the world’s top 100 pathogens across 25 pathogen families most likely to result in disease outbreaks. Not only will the Center develop the mAbs, but it will also implement distribution and delivery protocols across the global public health and pandemic prevention ecosystem.

James Crowe Jr., an immunologist, and pediatrician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who took part in a roundtable discussion on infectious diseases during the seventh annual BioHealth Innovation Forum said the COVID pandemic is something people do not want to go through again. By establishing the Center and mAbs stockpile, Crowe said the public health community can be one step ahead of future outbreaks, particularly those viral threats that are already known to science.

“We want to make antibodies for pathogens that are likely to create future threats,” Crowe said.

Andy Weber, Senior Fellow of the Council of Strategic Risks, called stockpiling the mAbs a “pandemic assuredness policy.” He pointed to the government’s efforts to create a national stockpile of vaccines for smallpox In case it was used as a biological weapon in the wake of the War on Terror. By proactively thinking about that possibility, Weber said the government has taken that threat off the table. Through a stockpile of antibodies for those 100 threats, Weber said they can remove the threat of biological outbreaks.

Click here to read more via BioBuzz.

As a life sciences cluster, the BioHealth Capital Region is poised to become a top-three cluster in the Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) Top 10 Biopharma Clusters ranking on the strengths of early-stage companies becoming commercial successes and the construction of millions of square feet of new wet lab space.

For 2021, the BHCR held onto the fourth-place position behind New York/ New Jersey, San Francisco Bay Area, and the greater Boston area. The latest ranking was revealed at the seventh annual BioHealth Innovation Forum. The region held onto the coveted spot for multiple reasons, including significant funding from the National Institutes of Health, available wet lab space, and patent strength protecting intellectual property.

Pete Brisbane, Executive Managing Director JLL, Mid-Atlantic Life Sciences Practice, said that as a cluster, the BHCR is doing “fantastically well” and will only improve over the next two years. In fact, Brisbane predicted that by 2023, the BHCR could overtake the New Jersey/ New York biopharma cluster in the number three spot based on increased venture capital funding, new wet lab space, and the fact that “the region will thrive as early-stage companies become commercial companies.”

Click here to read more via BioBuzz