Innova Memphis Inc. Makes First Investment In arGentis Pharmaceuticals

Last week, Memphis got another step closer to becoming a national center of excellence in the biosciences. Innova Memphis Inc, the early-stage investment fund created by Memphis Bioworks Foundation, made its first investment. After months of diligently going through proposals from startup companies in a variety of areas, Innova chose to invest in arGentis Pharmaceuticals LLC, a specialty pharmaceutical company based here in Memphis.

Synergy in the Biosciences

In a recent media interview, I was asked to comment about synergy in the biosciences in Memphis. It was an easy question to answer. Ever since the Battelle study on the biosciences in Memphis was released in 2003, our community has been very much in sync on these issues.

GTx: Compelling Bioscience Here in Memphis

Memphis-based biotech company GTx, Inc. (GTx) has recently received attention from around the United States for its promising research results for its drug Acapodene®. Studies showed Acapodene caused a significant reduction in side effects for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. A recent article in BusinessWeek provided an in depth look at GTx and the results of its various clinical trials. In fact, BusinessWeek gave GTx a 5 STARS (strong buy) recommendation on the shares.

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs

Each year, the federal government gives out more than two billion dollars in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These grants are available to technology companies looking to commercialize new intellectual property. SBIR/STTR grants are a valuable financial resource to entrepreneurs because they do not need to be paid back. So why is it that local entrepreneurs are not taking advantage of these grants?

Shelby Farms Park Master Plan Process Presents an Opportunity for Agricenter to Set Course for a Long-term Impact on Agriculture

Agricenter International recently named Jeff Ellis as the farm’s new research director. Jeff, a native of Greenville, Miss., who formerly worked for Bayer CropScience as a Mid-South bioscience research and development specialist, is an excellent choice to lead this organization into its next stage of research growth and development. His appointment can’t have come at a more critical time.

GTx’s Partnership With Merck Brings National Focus to Memphis’ Bioscience Industry

The announcement this month that Memphis-based GTx has entered into a global strategic collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. for the development of SARMs is big news for this local company. (GTx, Merck to collaborate on R&D program) Not only is the agreement potentially worth more than half a billion dollars, it also means GTx will be able to continue its research without facing the pressure of raising more money from investors.

New and Existing Strategies Bring Memphis Bioworks Closer to Main Goals

Memphis Bioworks Foundation has always had three clear goals for driving the bio-economy of Memphis – build the workforce, develop the infrastructure and drive entrepreneurship. Over the years, we have developed a number of strategies designed to help us reach each of those goals. Like a huge jigsaw puzzle, I am beginning to see the pieces fit together, providing a glimpse of the final picture as we work our way to a thriving bioscience industry in the region.

New Technology Accelerator Funding Announced by MemphisED

Ever since the Memphis Bioworks Foundation was formed in 2001, we have been working to grow the bioscience economy in Memphis. Great strides have been made over the last six years including the procurement of land and ongoing development of the UT-Baptist Research Park, the founding of the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering charter school, development of higher education programs among Memphis colleges and universities, and the creation of InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute , to name a few.

New Leadership at FedEx Institute of Technology to Help Institution Create Niche

University research and new discoveries are critical to a thriving economy.  They are – if you will – the fuel that feeds our economic engine.  Without research leading to new technology, we would not have new treatments for cancer, heart disease or diabetes; new and better diagnostic imaging systems; more fuel efficient automobiles or biofuels; faster computers; robotics; and a myriad of other discoveries that are bettering our lives.

Setting Our Sights on Bio-Logistics

In the June BioBiz column, I discussed the concept of bio-logistics and Memphis’ need to focus on the “bio” aspects of the equation.  With the world’s busiest cargo airport, FedEx’s World Headquarters, five Class I railroads, daily nonstop flights to Europe and Mexico, the fourth largest inland port in the United States, two major interstate systems (with two more planned), and two foreign trade zones, our city is certainly a leader in logistics.  Now is the time to build upon that strength to become a better leader in bio-logistics.