May 15, 2019 Comments (0) Views: 1412 Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Blog

Biotech Briefing: Boston Scientific Acquires Vertiflex for $465 Million Plus Milestones

Plus: Xconomy introduces “X of the Year” finalists

Reports + Research

Boston Scientific Acquires Vertiflex for $465 Million Plus Milestones

Carlsbad-based Vertiflex makes a minimally invasive vertebrae spacer for treating lumbar stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal. Affecting an estimated six million people, the degenerative condition compresses nerves, leading to lower back and leg pain and numbness and trouble walking. According to FierceBiotech, Boston Scientific will pay Vertiflex “$465 million upfront plus a commitment to additional commercial milestone payments over the next three years.”

Xconomy Introduces “X of the Year” Finalists

As part of the inaugural Xconomy Awards San Diego, five finalists were named in the “X of the Year” award, where nominees can name their own “X.” This year “X” included Precision Medicine Leader, Mentor, Stem Cell Pioneer, Inspiration, and Turnaround Story. Meet the companies and people behind the X here. Overall Xconomy named 42 finalists across eight categories. The winners will be announced and celebrated at an awards gala on May 29.

Salk Delves into the Science of Aging

Is there a way to optimally age? What is the role of age in numerous diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease? That’s what Salk scientists are hoping to discover through a collaborative, systems-wide investigation. The institute has been a leader in aging research, including delving into the role of telomeres, the protective tips at the end of chromosomes that erode as we age. For more on Salk’s aging research, click here.

Read + Listen

POW: Podcast of the Week

Don’t have a lot of time? Check out Scientific American’s 60 Second Science podcast.

It’s Happening Here

May 18-21:

Digestive Disease Week (DDW), one of the top 50 medical meetings, will be taking place at the San Diego Convention Center May 18-21. DDW is the world’s largest gathering for leaders in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery.

May 29:

The inaugural Xconomy Awards San Diego will celebrate the finalists and announce award winners at their Gala on the evening of May 29 at Estancia La Jolla.

May 30:

NRGene’s San Diego Event is happening May 30 from 4pm-7pm at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines and will host a panel discussion with Cibus, Illumina, KayaGene, and Wheelertex, about the latest in molecular breeding for food, clothes, and cannabis.

Client disclosure: NRGene