Biotechnology – Page 3 – Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

Pluton Furthers Understanding of Bacteria Capable of Killing Mosquitoes

Louisiana Patent of the Month - August 2021

Pluton Biosciences has recently announced their participation in the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) program has generated a deeper understanding of how three novel bacteria work to kill disease-carrying mosquitoes. One of these is a larvicidal bacteria capable of killing the disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This Missouri-based company was founded in 2017 and is composed of a team of talented scientists, entrepreneurs, and technologists. They explore the diverse world of microorganisms in an effort to develop clean, eco-friendly products for carbon sequestration, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and bioremediation. They developed a proprietary platform called the Micromining ® Innovation Engine which helps their scientists discover microbes with novel activities in only a few months.

During their time in IN2’s seventh cohort, they performed R&D activities at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. With Danforth’s biochemistry expertise, Pluton’s researchers have unraveled the chemistry behind three novel bioinsecticides discovered back in 2017. Previous developments by Pluton include microbes that have the potential to save crops, kill pests, reduce diseases, and even break down plastic waste.

In addition to working in the IN2 cohort, Pluton received $250,000 in technical assistance to further research into these three novel bacteria. This also came with access to state-of-the-art expertise and resources in the Danforth Center. Between funding and technology, pluton has doubled down on their research and intends to continue working with these novel bacteria characteristics.

Are you developing new biotechnology for a new application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Sartorius AG to Open Center of Excellence in Michigan

Sartorius AG, a German laboratory and pharmaceutical equipment provider, announced their plans to expand into Michigan. This move will include the opening of a new 130,000 sqft. State-of-the-art plant in Ann Arbor in late 2023.

Theis Ann Arbor location will consolidate existing operations in Washtenaw County, creating a Center of Excellence for both the Laboratory and Bioprocess Products and Services in North America. This center of excellence will create 160 jobs from operations to product development. Product development will include the development of innovative solutions to help customers create drugs that cure, prevent, or halt the progression of diseases.

Sartorius produces their biopharmaceuticals using living cells. Their innovative methods simplify workflows and minimize human errors. Sartorius has been pioneering and setting the standards for single-use products used throughout all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. By expanding into Michigan and creating a center of excellence, they can help to expand innovation in the industry while contributing to the state’s economy.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Second Genome Collaborates with VCU to Develop Diagnostic Biomarker for NASH

Second Genome is a tech-enabled biotech company that extracts microbial genetic insights to guide their transformational precision therapies and biomarkers. They find these insights using their proprietary platform – sg-4sight. Recently, they have announced a research collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as they work to generate a non-invasive stool-based composite biomarker for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Second Genome will use their sg-4sight discovery engine’s machine learning capabilities to identify composite biomarkers that can diagnose patients with NASH who have advanced fibrosis. This will require the characterization of the GI microbial taxa and microbial transcriptome in NASH. They will also characterize these taza in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. VCU’s Dr. Arun Sanyal, a professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Molecular Pathology, will provide geographically diverse patient samples, clinical meta-data, liver biopsy images and a biorepository. Once Second Genome identifies the biomarker, the model will be clinically validated in patients enrolled in the VCU biorepository.

The present gold standard diagnosis for patients living with NASH is a highly invasive liver biopsy with critical side effects. Dr. Sanyal says there is a significant need to advance non-invasive diagnostic approaches and believes Second Genome’s machine learning capabilities and microbial expertise will be key to developing a non-invasive diagnostic marker.

Are you developing new biotechnology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

FastWave Medical Closes Series Pre-A Financing

FastWave Medical has recently closed their Series Pre-A financing round, following its recent acquisition by China Grand Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Holdings.

Minneapolis-based FastWave Medical is a biomedical company focused on developing novel intravascular devices that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective.They have announced that these funds will be directed towards advancing their research and development and to achieve key regulatory initiatives for its endovascular therapies to treat calcific artery disease.

The acquisition by China Grand Pharmaceutical was previously announced on August 2. China Grand Pharmaceutical will acquire 100% equity of FastWave Medical with up to a total of $72 million by phases and will invest up to total $8 million for supporting and jointly developing an intravascular shockwave calcification treatment system.

The acquisition, along with the funding, will be contingent on FastWave Medical’s progress and completion of key technical, clinical and regulatory milestones.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Nano RED Receives Phase 1 SBIR Award

Nano RED is a biotechnology startup which exists to bring the nanotechnology revolution to medicine. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, they began development of precision medicine platforms to aid in treatment of respiratory viral illnesses. Their platform targets key elements that are present across all variants of the virus.

Nano RED has since received a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research award from the National Science Foundation for this work.

Nano RED beat out four other finalists, two of which are also in the healthcare space. As winners of the contest, co-founders Gang Xin, Karthika Divakaran, and Dr. Jonathan Ebben have earned a spot in the upcoming meeting with Silicon Valley investors this fall. Pressure Chamber participants have gone on to collectively raise more than $500 million from investors.

Their platform can shield the immunocompromised and most vulnerable, be deployed rapidly, and can be iterated to prevent and treat emerging respiratory viruses. They are also developing a second, complementary cancer immunotherapy platform to help physicians to release therapies directly into tumors and the tumor microenvironment.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Astellas Pharma Inc. to Fund LabCentrals Future Innovator Prize

Mississippi Patent of the Month - August 2021

Astellas Pharma Inc. has partnered with LabCentral – a launchpad for early stage life science startups – to fund and encourage innovation in the industry. Through their subsidiary, Astellas Venture Management LLC, they will collaborate on the “Future Innovator Prize” which goes towards entrepreneurial scientists. The prize goes beyond funding, offering one-year usage of LabCentral’s state-of-the-art facility in Cambridge and access to Astellas’ R&D capabilities and business leaders.

Collaborations like this provide the chance for startups to fund and engage in R&D to advance the industry. Companies can submit their proposals until September 13, at which point they will be reviewed by a selection committee. 5 finalists will be selected to pitch in front of Astellas senior leadership on October 28th. Of these, the prize will be awarded to two pioneering scientists with innovative research that complements Astellas’ areas of interests, including oncology, immunology, and neuroscience.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

MS INBRE Imaging Facility Upgrades Equipment for Research

cryo-TEM at MSU Lets Scientists Explore Molecules

Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) intends to enhance the already cutting edge technology used in their Imaging Facility.

The INBRE Imaging Core has upgraded its Leica SP8 confocal microscope to the STELLARIS STED super resolution platform to achieve one of the most complete imaging systems in the region. This imaging facility offers both imaging and microscopy expertise to researchers throughout the entire state and offers both access and training to the biomedical research equipment.

Adding the STELLARIS STED super resolution microscope into the mix will enhance quality and scope of biomedical research throughout the state. These super-resolution microscopes open up the breadth of objects that can be imaged. Classic microscopes are limited by the physics of light itself. The super-resolution tech can image dynamic objects within cells, and even nanoparticles created in the lab.

The Leica STELLARIS STED is an upgrade to the previous confocal microscope, offering a 3D STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) super resolution module. The STED technology enables fluorescence microscopy approaches for visualizing objects smaller than the diffraction limit of light and can increase resolution up to 10x more than a traditional microscope.

“Microscopes are essential tools for the investigation of biological and molecular systems,” Dr. Lindner, the director of the Imaging Facility, said. “Access to cutting-edge instruments is vital for cell biology, embryology, biochemistry, and imaging advanced materials. Further, the addition of the advanced microscope will provide important training opportunities for students, also enhancing Mississippi STEM education.”

Mississippi INBRE, directed by USM Professor Dr. Mohamed Elasri, is a statewide program supported by an award from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences. Its mission is to enhance the biomedical foundation in Mississippi and engage talented researchers and students in biomedical research projects that will increase the state’s research competitiveness, as well as positively impact the health of the state’s citizens.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Alaska SBDC Announces Opening of SBIR Phase 0 Applications

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has announced the opening of their 2021 Phase 0 program applications. The Alaska SBDC is home to the TREND program -Technology Research and Development Center of Alaska – which aims to help innovators and entrepreneurs through grants and funding to commercialize scalable technology.

The Phase 0 program is operated by TREND with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). They provide funding for four companies whose ideas could have the potential to succeed.

TREND will provide technical assistance and proposal writing instructions to help create a businesses commercialization plans. The Phase 0 grant of $10,000 will be awarded to the top four applicants. These top four applicants are then welcome to continue on to applying for SBIR Phase 1 and 2 grants to further their products lifeline.

Barati Medical, LLC was one of the four winners in 2020. Their product plan involved the development of the first wireless near infrared spectroscopy device for use in preclinical monitoring of cerebral oxygenation. After receiving the Phase 0 grant and assistance from Trend, they have advanced to Phase 1 SBIR funding.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

AbSci Secures $125M in Financing

AbSci, Corp. has recently announced a successful crossover financing, achieving $125 million. Two months before this, they acquired an AI engine to speed up drug development. The company was founded in Oregon and has since grown into a leading synthetic biology company that translates ideas into drugs.

AbSci has been training the Denovium AI engine to speed up their R&D process by accounting for and optimizing manufacturability, functionality and expression of new compounds. They haven’t released a decision on their next steps but are considering another financing round or an IPO. They are hoping to automate the drug development process by expanding Denovium’s self learning significantly. The more you teach it, the more it can teach itself. AbSci hopes it will be able to essentially discover a drug and its cell line at the push of a button.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

XyloCor Therapeutics Secures $23M to Fund Clinical Trial

Human Clinical Trials for Bimagrumab Lowered Body Fat Percentage in Patients

XyloCor Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, secures $22.6 million in funding to expand their research into heart disease gene therapy. This is the latest sum in a series A funding round, bringing the company to a $41.9 million total.

Xylocor intends to use this funding to continue their research into gene therapy which promotes revascularization in heart tissue. They will engage in a clinical trial to assess the use of their VEGF growth factor gene therapy, XC001 and determine its effectiveness in alleviating heart disease, specifically refractory angina. In theory, their XC001 could complement CABG, a coronary heart disease surgical procedure, by improving blood flow.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.