March 14, 2018 Comments (0) Views: 1402 Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Blog

Biotech Briefing: ExxonMobil and Synthetic Genomics Move to Grow Algae Biofuel Outside

Plus: Are unicorns overrated, and what is the alternative?

Reports + Research

Aptose Biosciences and Ohm Oncology in $125 Million Deal for Cancer Drug

In exchange for global rights, Aptose could earn more than $125 million in milestones for APL-581 and related compounds. APL-581 is a dual BET/kinase inhibitor in preclinical development for hematologic cancers. BET inhibitors are part of a class of epigenetic cancer drugs are designed to work by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA and may also be able to resensitize tumors to other drugs.

ExxonMobil and Synthetic Genomics Move to Grow Algae Biofuel Outside

In efforts to understand how to scale the algae biofuel technology, this new phase of research includes an outdoor field study that will grow naturally occurring algae in several contained ponds in California. The goal is to obtain the technical ability to produce 10,000 barrels of algae biofuel per day by 2025.

UC San Diego Awards Junior Seau Endowed Chair to Yishi Jin, Ph.D.

Yishi Jin’s research at UC San Diego explores the nervous system and the degree to which it can regenerate after traumatic brain injuries. She was awarded the Junior Seau Foundation Endowed Chair in Traumatic Brain Injury at UC San Diego because her research is important to understanding the kind of brain damage the linebacker suffered. The chair provides a dedicated source of funds, in perpetuity, for the chair holder’s scholarly activities as well as support for faculty salaries and graduate fellowships.

Opinion: Unicorns Are Overrated, Triple Crowns Are Better

David Coates, co-founder of Correlation Ventures, says we are shooting for the wrong target. In the subset of “unicorns” (startups valued at over $1 billion) that have exited over the past decade, investors realized less than a 10x return in a majority (62%) of the financing in those companies. He defines a “triple crown” company, and why that should be our improved target.

Read + Listen

POW! Podcast of the Week

What does a podcast on automobile safety design have to do with gun control? I’ll give you a hint: data. Listen to “The Nut Behind the Wheel” on 99% Invisible for more on why we need data for good science and health policies.

Events

It’s Happening Here

March 22
Don’t miss the chance for beers with biotech on March 22. Biotech Brewery Network Event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Serpentine Cider and promises to have you connecting with other execs, promoting career opportunities, and enjoying some amazing local craft beer.

March 24
Now in its fifth year, the “What can you be with a PhD?” STEM Career Symposium is taking place Saturday, March 24, at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.

March 28
WIB-SoCal is holding a Woman Founder Spotlight & WHM Event Town Hall Meeting: Take Your Career to the Next Level at Ferring Research Institute. The speaker will be Denise Bevers, co-founder and COO of KindredBio.