The Roundup – November 2, 2023

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November 2, 2023
Member News

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Welcome Cure Rare DiseaseCure Rare Disease’s mission is to enable and finance the development of life-saving genetic medicines for rare and ultra-rare patient populations previously deemed too rare to treat. To realize this, their unique ecosystem facilitates collaboration between world-renowned researchers and clinicians, policy experts and generous donors. Learn more
It has been a prosperous week for Boehringer Ingelheim. BI won the prestigious Prix Galien, the ‘Nobel Prize’ of product development, USA Award for Best Product for Rare/Orphan Diseases for their work in Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP). This achievement is a testament to the innovative research and development that is performed by their team. It is also proof of what can be achieved by putting patients first. Congratulations to their Connecticut team, where the producet was developed.In addition, Monday they announced new corporate branding that is designed to inspire deeper connection with the company’s diverse customers, partners, and employees. See their new logo above and learn more here.
Lab and office space available now at Biolabs New Haven Biolabs New Haven offers a Class-A facility with equipped shared and private lab and office space options for growing biotech companies. Space is available now at Biolabs’ interim location at 520 West Campus Drive on the Yale West Campus. In February 2024, Biolabs will expand its footprint to 41,000 sq ft of space at 101 College in the heart of New Haven’s bioscience ecosystem. A variety of shared and private lab and office space is available. Focus on your science and grow your company one bench at a time with ultra-flexible terms. More information can be found in their brochure and on the Biolabs New Haven website.Interested in space at Biolabs? Contact Mary Ann Melnick at today.
BioCT Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Nomination Deadline: November 10The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was established by BioCT and Shipman and Goodwin in 2013 to acknowledge the importance of showcasing the unique accomplishments of entrepreneurs in our community. The award recognizes individuals who are imaginative, passionate and game-changers in Connecticut bioscience and whose accomplishments are recognized outside of the state.

Learn more about the award here and if you know an outstanding innovator in Connecticut submit your nomination now. Selection Factors Considered

  • Demonstrated leadership in advancing the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs applied to real-world problems;
  • Built and funded a successful/disruptive business model for a company based in information technology, life, medical devices or healthcare sciences;
  • Made exceptional contributions to the growth of Connecticut’s bioscience cluster;
  • Demonstrated collegiality, openness to mentoring and sharing of experiences

Nominees will be reviewed by a panel of judges who convene to review all submissions. We consider academic as well as industry entrepreneurs.
Three new members welcomed to The CommonsVirtus Therapeutics, Curatix, CoolAmps Corp. have all taken space at The Commons in the past month. Learn the exciting things they are working on below: Virtus Therapeutics (C-corp) is focused on the development of the first treatment for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) using small molecule activators. Learn moreCuratix, LLC is focused on the development of new antimicrobial therapies and therapeutic strategies with a specific focus on antifungal and anti-parasitic drugs and diagnostic tests. Learn more

CoolAmps Corp. is focused on developing a distributed model for recycling lithium ion battery materials. Founded in 2021, veteran-owned CoolAmps has over 30 collective years in the battery industry amongst its 3 founders. Find out more at www.coolamps.tech
Join Michael A. Invernale, PhD, an entrepreneur and SBIR/STTR expert, this November as he hosts VIRTUAL office hours to advise small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking SBIR/STTR resources, training, and assistance.This complimentary service is sponsored by CTNext, an organization that develops programs and funding to help businesses grow in Connecticut.

Book a virtual 20-minute appointment via the links below:

Thursday, November 2, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Yale UniversityThursday, November 2, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Fairfield UniversityWednesday, November 8, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. – University of Connecticut (Storrs)Wednesday, November 8, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Albertus Magnus CollegeWednesday, November 8, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Quinnipiac UniversityThursday, November 16, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. – University of Connecticut (Stamford)Thursday, November 16, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – University of Bridgeport
What a week. I had long awaited visits to our largest members Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) and Pfizer. I actually worked for Pfizer for a decade and had the opportunity to visit BI previously while supporting Spiriva, so it was nice to come “home.”  BI is the only large pharma with US headquarters in CT, and my day overlapped with their new campaign “Life Forward.” I feel invigorated coming to Ridgefield – driving up to campus you see roads called Patient Way. The town itself was named the safest in the US and I love coming on a weekend for the restaurants.I also had the chance to visit our incubator space in Groton (The Commons). I met with our tenants at a “lunch and learn” set up by Kim Kelly, who is an incubator maven. It was wonderful to sit down with many of our startups, share our plans, and hear what’s on their mind. It’s also such a gift to see my entire team in person.

BioCT sent a letter out on Monday about adjusting dues and a few companies reached out expressing they will make every effort to contribute. I am grateful for the response as we add a tremendous amount of programming. We have our Annual Holiday Party 12/11 and the Legislative Breakfast 1/22, both at Alexion, a Rare Disease Day event 2/27 at Jackson Laboratory. We are also about to launch a price controls event in December. We can not do all this without the support of our community.

— Jodie GillonPresident and CEO
Stepping Into Your Lab of the Future – Hosted by WIB-CT Monday, November 6, 5:00 – 7:30 pmGrowing your business? Need to move into a new space? How will your organization prepare for its own future? Starting from the ground up, what’s important in designing…Creating a Compelling Pitch and Presentation – Hosted by Biolabs Wednesday, November 8, 1:00 – 2:00 pmAn impactful pitch and presentation are vital to secure funding, forge partnerships, and foster collaborations within the life science industry. In this interactive session, seasoned…Scientifically Speaking: “Cancer, Aging and the Future of Oncology” – Hosted by Jackson Laboratory Wednesday, November 8, 2:00 – 3:00 pmJoin us for our newest virtual event which highlights JAX’s distinctive combination of research, education and resources and our role in empowering the biomedical…Business After Hours – Siena Ristorante, New Haven at The Blake Hotel – Hosted by GNHCC Thursday, November 9, 4:30 – 6:30 pmJoin us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Siena Ristorante, New Haven, located in The Blake Hotel, starting at 4 P.M. Afterward, indulge in the renowned Italian cuisine and…Boost Your Business: Prepare for Year-End Success – Hosted by CLA Saturday, November 11, 12:00 – 1:00 pmJoin us for an informative, complimentary webinar that can help you set up your organization for a successful year end. We’ll cover important matters like tax planning…From Ask to Audit – A Conversation Around Company Best Practices & Stages of Funding – Hosted by WIB Tuesday, November 14, 3:00 – 4:00 pmIt’s WIB Entrepreneur Month! Join us for a conversation about best practices and funding cycles from the ask to the audit. The panel will discuss from the beginning how early-…GNHCC 2023 Big Connect Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 am – 4:00 pmThe Big Connect is Connecticut’s premier business expo. Even if you are well connected on LinkedIn and have tons of Facebook likes and followers, nothing beats the face-to-…The Right Fit: How to Identify and Approach the Right Investors – Hosted by Biolabs Thursday, November 16, 1:00 – 2:00 pmIt’s crucial to approach fundraising strategically and carefully consider funding sources in the context of milestones for your program. What type of funding and how much is best…
Full Events Calendar
Please email Caitlin Truesdale to share any news and events: ctruesdale@bioct.org