Bard Bioentrepreneurship Fellows Welcomed at TTO
The Health Sciences Center TTO is excited to welcome four Fellows from the Bard Center’s new Colorado Bioentrepreneurship Program. The purpose of the program is to provide a pipeline of talent for new and existing Colorado biotech companies. The Fellows will work over the summer at TTO (kicking off with the upcoming CBSA BioBootcamp), then move in the fall to Fitzsimons BioBusiness Partners; they include:
- Magdalena Popesco, Ph.D., Post-doctoral Research Fellow at UCDHSC.
- Fred W. Peyerl, Ph.D., UCDHSC MBA Program.
- Susan C. Trapp, Ph.D., UCDHSC Center for Computational Biology.
- Darius Walker, Ph.D. candidate, UCDHSC Molecular Biology Program.
- Sibyl Munson, Ph.D., previously Post-doctoral fellow, Stanford University, currently independent consultant.
Tissue Genetics Options CU Cancer Diagnostic Technology
The CU TTO recently executed an option agreement with Tissue Genetics, Inc., a CU-based startup company developing tissue-based tests to identify hereditary and some sporadic cancers that will respond to specific drugs. The technology was developed by Dr. Jeffrey Holt, Todd Professor of Experimental Pathology at UCDHSC. Tissue Genetics has recently been approved for funding of an STTR award, and has two more pending applications.
TTO Executes Exclusive Option Agreement with ColdQuanta, Inc.
The TTO recently executed an exclusive option agreement with ColdQuanta, Inc. for technology related to ultracold devices, instruments and systems. The company is commercializing CU technology developed over the last decade by University of Colorado at Boulder faculty member Dr. Dana Z. Anderson, Co-Founder and Chief Technological Officer of ColdQuanta. Dr. Anderson’s collaborators have included Dr. Eric Cornell and Dr. Carl Wieman, recipients of a 2001 Nobel Prize for the achievement of Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC) in an atomic vapor. Ultracold states of matter, including BEC (a new form of matter formed just above absolute zero degrees), have potential applications in a wide range of research and commercial settings, ranging from improving the frequency standards, atomic clocks, and inertial sensing instruments, to magnetic field sensing, or further out, quantum computing.
TTO Executes Five Biomaterials Licenses
The CU TTO has executed five new non-exclusive biomaterials license agreements with two companies. Abcam, a company based in Cambridge, UK and a worldwide distributor of some of the best antibodies, has licensed four Drosophila polyclonal antibodies produced by a collaboration between Dr. Jessica Tyler and Dr. James Kadonaga. An additional license was signed with Massachusetts-based Cell Signaling Technology for a monoclonal antibody against high mobility group (HMGB-1), developed by Dr. Dean Edwards.
All of these licenses are the result of TTO’s aggressive marketing campaigns to a broad group of companies in the United States and Europe. TTO is currently marketing biological materials, which include monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies as well as cell lines and transgenic mice. Additional information about biomaterials at CU is available in the TTO Biomaterials Bulletin and in our current Antibody and Organism lists. If you have any questions regarding biomaterials licensing, or would like to find out how to add your biomaterials to our list, please contact Lindsay Polak at lindsay.polak@CU.edu or (303) 735-5518.
TTO Invites Applications for Licensing Associate Position
The TTO has an opening for a Licensing Associate in the Chemistry/Biochemistry field. The position will serve primarily the UCB and campus. Complete job description and instructions for applicants can be found on the TTO website here. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
Legislative Updates
HB 1060 – Bioscience Research Grants was signed by Governor Ritter May 23. The bill provides matching funding for proof-of-concept work related to biofuels research, as well as matching funds for bioscience startups who receive SBIR grants. (Read the Colorado BioScience Association’s press release here.)
SB 182 – Higher Education Competitive Federally Funded Research was signed by Gov. Ritter May 31. The bill provides nearly $1M in state matching funds to the state’s research universities to help the institutions qualify for national research grants.
CU Technology and Licensee Companies in the News
AgriHouse Inc. Wins NSF Grant to Develop CU Water Management Technology
AgriHouse Inc. has received a Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grant from the National Science Foundation for the development of its intelligent leaf sensory technology, optioned from the University of Colorado. AgriHouse, a leading edge agri-biotechnology company headquartered in Berthoud, CO, is developing an innovative method that enables reliable feedback for plant irrigation control by direct detection of impending water deficit stress in plants. (Featured on 9KUSA news on June 15; see also this story from CU-Boulder.)
Myogen Drug Approved by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Letairis (ambrisentan) on June 17 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Gilead Sciences, the maker of the drug, acquired the U.S. rights to ambrisentan when it acquired CU licensee Myogen, Inc. in 2006.
BaroFold to Raise $12 Million in Private Placement
CU licensee BaroFold, Inc., a bio-therapeutics company focused on developing and commercializing improved protein therapeutics, announced May 24 that the company is raising $12 million through the private placement of Series A Preferred Stock. The financing is being co-led by institutional investors HBM BioVentures (Cayman) Ltd and Boulder Ventures Ltd., and will include additional investments from the Peierls Foundation and other seed round investors.
ARCA Discovery Completes $18 Million Equity Financing
CU licensee ARCA Discovery Inc. announced June 11 that it has closed an $18 million Series B preferred stock financing. The proceeds from the financing will be used in part to file for U.S. approval and launch its lead investigational product bucindolol, a next-generation beta-blocker, vasodilator for heart failure and other indications. The financing was led by Skyline Ventures together with InterWest Partners as new investors, with participation from existing investors Atlas Ventures, Boulder Ventures and the Peierls Foundation.
Archemix Announces Completion of Phase 1 Trial of ARC1779
Archemix Corp., a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing aptamers, announced the successful completion of a Phase 1 study of its novel aptamer therapeutic, ARC1779. Archemix, a CU licensee, plans to commence a Phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ARC1779 in acute coronary syndrome patients during the fourth quarter of 2007.
Intense Macugen Debate Rages in Britain
Britain’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently issues draft guidance recommending that Macugen not be covered by the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales (the drug is already available in Scotland). Advocacy groups are asking NICE to reconsider its cost-benefit analysis of the drug, which is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration, as well as of Lucentis, the other leading treatment for the disease. Macugen is a compound licensed from the University of Colorado.
Archemix Partners with Merck, Takeda
On June 11 CU licensee Archemix Corp. announced two new partnerships for development of the company’s aptamer-based theapeutics. Archemix will form a strategic alliance with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, to discover and develop cancer therapeutics, and will develop product candidates for three disease targets identified by the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.
CU Licensees Honored by Colorado Tech Association
At the recent Colorado Software and Internet Association (CSIA) 2007 Apex Awards, Phiar Corporation received the CSIA Fast Forward Award, presented to the company whose product, solution or research project exemplifies the future of high technology. Phiar, a CU licensee, is developing a new class of low-cost, nano-scale electronic devices. Mentor InterActive , also a CU licensee, was also nominated in the Rookie of the Year category for their work with CU’s Foundations to Literacy learning tools.
Displaytech Partners with Light Blue Optics
Light Blue Optics, the industry-leading developer of miniature holographic laser projection systems, has announced an exclusive development partnership with microdisplay manufacturers Displaytech Inc.; Displaytech, a company created from CU technology, will develop and manufacture an ultra-compact, highly efficient and low cost microdisplay device exclusively for LBO.
People
TBoulder Innovation Center Seeks New Executive Director
The Boulder Innovation Center (BIC) announced today that it is conducting a search for a new Executive Director. The Board of Directors is seeking a candidate with a proven entrepreneurial track record, strong ties to the Boulder and Colorado business community, and proven leadership experience in running and growing non-profit organizations. Interested applications should contact Bob Gill, BIC Board Chairman at rgill99@comcast.net
CU-Boulder Selects New Research Chief
Professor Stein Sture, the Huber and Helen Croft Endowed Professor in the department of civil, environmental and architectural engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has been named vice chancellor for research and dean of the Graduate School at CU-Boulder.
From Mir Space Station to Curiosity to Talking Plants
Colorado farm owners will soon have the capability of watering plants only where and how much is needed. Richard Stoner, CEO of AgriHouse, Inc. discusses the novel leaf sensory technology optioned from the TTO and the company’s new STTR grant.
CTEK Boulder Names New Exec
Entrepreneur and Boulder businessman Marc Silverman has been selected as executive director of CTEK Boulder, a business catalyst and incubator.
Do you know of a recent award, new position or transition of interest to the CU tech community? Please send information to TTOnews@cu.edu.
TTO's Learning Laboratory: The Student Connection
Summer MBA Intern Projects
Marshall Custer is a JD/MBA focusing on entrepreneurial law and finance. This summer he is assisting the TTO in the evaluation of several inventions that have the possibility to develop into environmentally friendly businesses. In particular, he is analyzing the commercial feasibility of a new structural building product made from highly renewable sources and cellulosic waste. Marshall will begin the first year of his law degree this fall and expects to complete both in May of 2010.
Will Schrode is a second year MBA intern, graduating from CU in May 2008. This summer he is focusing on information technology for his TTO internship. His project includes analyzing the commercial feasibility of CU’s Natural Language Processing technology.
TTO Introduces New Marketing Intern
The TTO hired CU-Boulder student Megan Bohannon as Marketing Intern starting in May. In this role, she will research companies, create marketing materials, and conduct market research. Megan is pursuing a B.S. in History, and will graduate in spring 2008; after graduation, she plans to use her experience at the TTO to pursue a career in marketing.
Spotlight On:
CU-Boulder Technology of the Month:
CU1822B – Nanotube-Reinforced Collagen Composite for Improved Vascular Grafts
UCDHSC Technology of the Month:
CU1658H – 5'HMCT Modification miRNA Assay
Upcoming Events
Nanomaterials Symposium 2007
June 25-27, Brown Palace Hotel, Denver
Nanomaterials conference focusing on the latest end use developments and commercial applications. The program and pre-conference workshop will promote cross industry knowledge transfer and will be the ideal platform to gain industry allies throughout the nanomaterial supply chain.
Nanotechnology at NREL: Explore a Clean Energy Future
June 28, NREL Visitors Center, Golden
Leaders from NREL will provide valuable information on their worldwide energy renewable and energy efficiency related programs. Learn more about cutting-edge nanotechnology developments from their researchers, and NREL’s proactive technology transfer programs. Sponsored by the Colorado Nanotechnology Alliance; members have the opportunity for a private tour of the NREL facilities. For more information or to RSVP, contact Debbie Woodward at 303.592.4084 or dwoodward@coloradonanotechnology.org.
BioBootcamp 2007: Building Life Science Businesses
June 28-29, Holland & Hart, Denver
Attendees will learn valuable information from experienced practitioners about how to build a company designed to commercialize bioscience technologies while avoiding dangerous pitfalls that are typically encountered along the way. This program is free and open to investors, professionals and entrepreneurs in the bioscience industry.
BioBusiness Seminar: Business Development 101
July 10, Fitzsimons Bioscience Park, Aurora
This free seminar, for bioscience companies only, is sponsored by the Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority and the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA). Register online.
TTO Seminar: Patenting Early-Stage Therapeutics
July 18, Research Complex 1, Health Sciences Center, Aurora
The TTO presents this free lunch-hour seminar, which will cover the patent process for research in drug target identification and discovery. CU faculty entrepreneurs Doug Graham and Mike Bristow will talk about their experiences with the commercialization process, and attorney Laura Zeman of Snell & Wilmer will discuss unique patent considerations around these technologies. Free and open to CU faculty from all campuses. Lunch will be provided; please RSVP by email.
TiE-Rockies MentorFest
July 26, PPA Event Center, Denver
MentorFest 2007, hosted by TiE-Rockies, is an opportunity for anyone who is working on a business concept to get their plan in front of a highly experienced group of serial entrepreneurs for review and assistance. Register online.
2007 Southwest Renewable Energy Conference
July 31-Aug 2, University of Colorado, Boulder
With both policy and technical tracks, the Southwest Renewable Energy Conference will present a wide range of information to encourage thoughtful evaluation and discussion regarding the development of wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy on tribal, federal, state and private lands.
BioBreakfast and Medical Device Symposium
August 22, Timbers Hotel, Denver
Immediately after the CBSA BioBreakfast, the TTO will continue the medical device focus with a symposium on the topic. The symposium will highlight medical device technologies from CU and other Colorado universities, as well as the capacity of universities and local companies to commercialize medical device technologies. Industry panelists will discuss current trends and resources in device development.
BioEntrepreneurs Club
September 6, Holland and Hart, Denver
David Allen presents an annual update of technology transfer at CU. Special emphasis is given to biotech technology transfer.
To have your event featured here, please send an email to
TTOnews@cu.edu.
CU Resources
Energy Initiative - Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Transformation
Carl Koval, Faculty Director of the CU Renewable and Sustainable Energy Initiative is interviewed by w3w3.com, along with TTO-Boulder Director Kate Tallman.
Colorado Energy Collaboratory - Bringing Together Colorado Research Institutions
Energy Initiative Faculty Director Carl Koval and TTO-Boulder Director Kate Tallman discuss the new Colorado Energy Collaboratory. Also appearing in ColoradoBiz Magazine.
NIH Awards Nearly $21 Million to Fund Cutting-Edge Research Equipment
The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced June 12 that it will provide $20.65M to 14 academic research centers for High-End Instrumentation (HEI) grants that will fund cutting-edge equipment required to advance biomedical research. UCDHSC will receive $1.1M to buy a linear ion trap-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer for cancer studies and other research.
Solar Center Could Bring $21M to State
Colorado will become the home of the Center for Revolutionary Photoconversion if a proposal by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Colorado's three research universities is chosen by the Department of Energy. The proposal was led by NREL’s Arthur Nozik and CU’s Carl Koval.
Innovation in the News
Technology Transfer and the Patent Reform Act
The Department of Commerce (DOC), which is the Department overseeing the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), recently sent a letter to Congress voicing both concern and support for the proposed patent reform bill known as H.R. 1908, or “The Patent Reform Act of 2007” (PDF). The 2007 bill is a revised version of the bill that was debated in 2006, and is currently in debate within the Committee on the Judiciary. The bill proposes dramatic changes to the U.S. Patent Law in order to “improve quality” and “reduce patent litigation costs,” and, most importantly, to “further the goals of international harmonization of patent laws” (i.e., move the U.S. to a first-to-file system and away from the first-to-invent system that has been the core of U.S. Patent Law for over 100 years). The DOC supports the general concept of patent reform and agrees with the stated goals of Congress, but feels there are problems with the bill as proposed and has made a series of suggestions in its letter to Congress. CU TTO in general agrees with the stance taken by the DOC, and feels that any changes made to U.S. Patent Law should continue practices like the Provisional Patent Application, should give U.S. inventors a grace period after their own publications as a carve out from the strict first-to-file approach, and should limit the time period with which issued U.S. Patents can be challenged (the proposed opposition period). View the letter here (PDF). More resources for information about the Act:
- The testimony given by BIO (Biotechnology Industry Association) opposing most of the reforms is available in PDF format here.
- A letter from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) to the US Senate supporting the Act is here (PDF).
Big Pharma Incubators May Provide Attractive Option to University Start-Ups Seeking Funds
The new model is different from traditional sponsored research or corporate venture arms in that Pfizer and Biogen-Idec plan to provide not only cash, but also laboratory space, personnel, market analyses, and even administrative support to candidate companies.
Research Park Bill Introduced as Numbers Continue to Grow
As the number of research parks continues to increase, legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate, S. 1373, on May 11 by Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) and cosponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME). The “Building A Stronger America Act,” if passed in its current form, would authorize $7.5 million in federal grant funding for feasibility studies and up to $50 million in loan guarantees for science and research park construction and expansion.
Anticipating Lengthy USPTO Re-Exam Process, ACT Expands License to WARF Stem Cell Patents
The expanded commercialization agreement comes just one month after the United States Patent and Trademark Office handed down an initial ruling that WARF’s core human embryonic stem cell (hESC) patents were invalid, a decision that several licensees welcomed, but others took in stride.
WARF Says It's Ready for a Legal Challenge on Stem Cells
In the wake of recent events, attorneys predict a legal challenge to what they view as a restrictive patent, but WARF has made it clear the stem cell patent was drafted for the courtroom.
GM Patent Rejected After 13 Years
The European Patent Office (EPO) has revoked a patent owned by global agricultural giant Monsanto for the genetic modification (GM) of soybeans, saying the technique it approved 13 years ago lacked "novelty.”
New Review for Patent Disputed by Microsoft and U. of California
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will allow the Microsoft Corporation to make a case that it is not infringing a patent owned by the University of California. The case revolves around browser plug-in technology that was developed by Michael D. Doyle in 1993, while he was a researcher at the University of California at San Francisco.
Monsanto denies infringing Iowa State soybean patent
The Iowa State University Research Foundation filed a suit in late May saying it holds several patents on a healthier, low-linolenic acid content soybean being marketed by Monsanto Co., who says it reached an agreement with the school earlier this year over the patent issue.
Bristol-Myers Pleads Guilty in Plavix Case
According to the Justice Department on May 30th, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company has agreed to plead guilty to misleading the Federal Trade Commission in 2006 about a deal it struck with Apotex Inc. to settle ongoing litigation between the two over patents for the popular blood-thinning drug Plavix.
Roundup: University, Community, State, National and International Initiatives
- Stem Cell Awards Favor Academic Research
In its first year of funding, the Maryland Stem Cell Commission awarded 24 grants May 17 to researchers at Maryland universities and companies in the life sciences industry. In 2008, the state has earmarked $23 million for stem cell research funding.
External Resources
