Stem Cell Research Commission Awards MSCRF $14 Million to Accelerate Cures By Alex KeownMay 24, 2023 The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission, a division of TEDCO, handed out more than [….]
BioHealth Capital Region 2022 Q3 News Recap – Keeping Up the Momentum A few of BioBuzz’s favorite stories from late summer/early fall Over the past several months, life sciences companies [….]
Vita Therapeutics raised the Series B financing to help move its lead cell therapy asset, VTA-100, into the clinic as a potential treatment for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2A (LGMD2A), a subtype of the disease. LGMD2A is a localized form of the disease that typically impacts the shoulders, upper arms, pelvic area and thighs. The company uses induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to engineer specific cell types designed to replace those that are defective in patients.
Vita Therapeutics Closes $31 Million Series B Financing to Develop Cell Therapies for Neuromuscular Diseases and Cancers
– Fundraising led by Cambrian BioPharma and Solve FSHD –
– Company expands pipeline with new program, VTA-120, for the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) –
October 12, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vita Therapeutics, a cell engineering company harnessing the power of genetics to develop novel cellular therapies to treat muscular dystrophies and cancers, today announced the completion of a $31 million Series B financing. The fundraise was led by Cambrian BioPharma and new investor Solve FSHD. New investors included Riptide Ventures and Cedars Sinai, which participated alongside TEDCO and other existing investors. Proceeds from the financing will be used to advance Vita’s lead pre-clinical program VTA-100 for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD2A) to the clinic. It will also fund the development of Vita’s newest program, VTA-120 for the treatment of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and to further expand Vita’s discovery pipeline. Since inception, Vita has raised a total of $66 million.
“The support from this strategic group of quality investors further validates Vita’s cell therapy platform and our mission to bring transformative therapies that target the root…
Since its inception, MSCRF has invested over $170 million in over 500 projects to accelerate stem cell research, commercialization, and cures. With a 2023 fiscal year budget of $20.5M, MSCRF offers six funding opportunities to scientists and companies in the areas of clinical trials, discovery, commercialization, validation, launch, and post-doctoral fellowships. The fund has supported the creation and growth of many stem cell companies since launching the Accelerating Cures initiative in 2017.
The University of Maryland (UM) BioPark announced today that Vita Therapeutics, a cell engineering company harnessing the power of genetics to develop cellular therapies to treat muscular dystrophies and solid tumors, has established offices and laboratory space within approximately 10,000 square feet of leased space in the BioPark. Vita Therapeutics will leverage the new space to bring together its 25+-person team under one roof for the first time with the goal of progressing its co-lead programs, VTA-100 and VTA-300. The company uses induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to engineer specific cell types designed to replace those that are defective in patients.
The Baltimore biotech ecosystem is thriving. And new, big and bold life sciences development projects are in the works, leading many to project Charm City as the next sector of the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) to boom.
Vita Therapeutics, a cell engineering company harnessing the power of genetics to develop cellular therapies to treat muscular dystrophies and solid tumors, today announced the hiring of Amy Wesa, PhD, as Senior Vice President of Preclinical and Translational Research, Alexandra (Xana) Capela, PhD, as Senior Vice President of Regulatory and IND Strategy, and Michael Kuo as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing. In addition, Brown Advisory Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer David M. Churchill is newly-appointed to the Vita Therapeutics Board of Directors.
FREDERICK, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Maryland Tech Council is proud to announce the finalists for its annual Industry Awards Celebration. The event honors individuals and companies in the life sciences, technology, and government contracting industries that have made a significant impact in their respective fields. For the first time in two years, the awards ceremony will be held in person, with the winners announced live on May 12th at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Last year over 9,000 people tuned in to the virtual Industry Awards Celebration. Click here to learn more about the event.
“We are thrilled to be returning in person for this year’s Industry Awards. It’s a terrific opportunity to recognize our colleagues for their contributions over the past year, and there is no substitute for live events,” said IAC committee Co-Chair and Business Development Leader, Atlantic Region at BDO, Tony DeFlumeri.
The BHCR has become a burgeoning center for cell therapy development and manufacturing. As a result, a host of cell therapy companies chose to locate themselves within the region to capitalize on its many advantages.
