Springboard: Life Science 2014 — Call for Applications

Springboard Enterprises is recruiting for Springboard: Life Science 2014 – a community-driven accelerator designed to promote and support women-led, life-science companies seeking equity investments or strategic partnerships.

Companies that apply will undergo a rigorous screening process before being selected to participate in the program which includes a targeted, hands-on coaching process with industry experts and a two-day intensive Bootcamp workshop in Boston in May. Participants gain unique exposure to Springboard’s nationwide network of VCs, angels, corporate investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and strategic partners through a variety of virtual and in-person events, and presentation assessment opportunities.

Application Deadline: March 12, 2014

Cost: $100 application fee; if accepted: $2,000 program fee, 1-2% warrants (contribution of warrants to Springboard is optional but encouraged in recognition of the value of the Springboard network)

Location: Virtual + in-person events

Event Website: http://sb.co/programs/lifescience-2014/

Advancing Ideas into Reality

Xiaflex, a drug developed, in part, with support by the Center for Biotechnology, has received a second approval for the treatment of men with Peyronie’s disease, a painful curvature of the penis due to the buildup of plaque. The drug is already approved for the treatment of Depuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes contraction of the fingers. Additional applications under development include frozen shoulder and cellulite. The drug is marketed by Auxilium. Read more here.

Fostering Growth

A licensing agreement has been reached between the Research Foundation for SUNY and Biodex Medical Systems for Mobility Assist, a device that was invented and patented Dr. Anurag Purwar at Stony Brook University that will help people who have trouble standing up or sitting down become more independently mobile. The Center for Biotechnology was instrumental in bringing together Dr. Purwar with Biodex Medical System as a potential commercialization partners at the 2012 Long Island Innovation Boot Camp/Pre-Seed Workshop. The Center for Biotechnology also facilitated a Technology Accelerator Fund application for Dr. Anurag Purwar for the project entitled: ?A Mobility Assist Sit to Stand Device to Improve Quality of Life and Independence for Persons with Functional Limitations.? Biodex Medical System and the Center for Biotechnology provided matching funds to aid in the commercialization of this technology.

Mobility Assist, which will be manufactured at the Biodex plant in Shirley, New York and be available to patients in 2014, will be marketed to physical and occupational therapists as well as assisted living facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes to increase mobility among patients and residents.

Center for Biotechnology Names Two New BioEntrepreneurs-in-Residence

The Center for Biotechnology at Stony Brook University has appointed Reinhard Warnking and Joseph Scaduto as the Center?s BioEntrepreneurs-In-Residence (B-EIR). The role of the B-EIRs will be to launch new bioscience ventures in the Long Island region based upon commercially promising biomedical technologies developed by Stony Brook University with the goal to spur economic development in the region. Read the full press release here.