July 31, 2019 Comments (0) Views: 1917 Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Blog

Biotech Briefing: BioTime Changes Name and Moves to Carlsbad

Plus: Genomatica Positions to Replace Chemicals Derived from Fossil Fuel

Reports + Research

BioTime Changes Name and Moves to Carlsbad

BioTime changed its name to Lineage Cell Therapeutics (NYSE: LCTX) and is relocating its corporate headquarters to Carlsbad in mid-August. Lineage Cell Therapeutics develops cell therapies for degenerative disease, traumatic injury, or cancer immunotherapy. According to a company statement, the move to San Diego provides “proximity to world-leading academic centers, public and private cell therapy peers, and is expected to offer more centralized decision-making, cost-savings, and access to an extensive network of experienced staff.”

Genomatica Positions to Replace Chemicals Derived from Fossil Fuel

Chemical products are a $3 trillion market, and Genomatica is hoping to take an important piece with their sustainable chemical manufacturing platform and recent acquisition, collaborations, and financing. Genomatica uses plant-based sugars or biomass-based feedstocks to develop chemicals for spandex, cosmetics, tires, and nylon carpets and clothing, reports San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ). Genomatica recently acquired the life sciences division of Renewable Energy Group, so the company can now make chemicals for cleaners and detergents, including soaps and shampoos.

Kopari Raises $20 Million for Coconut-Based Beauty Products

Unilever and L Catterton Growth Fund invested $20 million in Kopari Beauty. Bryce Goldman, Kopari’s CEO told SDBJ that the natural beauty product company was founded based on coconut oil as the “hero.” The company initially started as a direct-to-consumer business but based on demand from national retailers, they launched in Sephora in 2017 and expanded to Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdales, and Anthropologie. This year they began selling on online retailers, Amazon and Revolve.

Read + Listen

POW: Podcast of the Week

SDBN BUZZ Podcast talks to Christina Waters, CEO and president of RARE Science, an organization dedicated to quickly identifying therapies for kids with rare diseases.