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Codagenix Inks Exclusive License Agreement

Codagenix, Inc. has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Stony Brook University, through the Research Foundation for the State of New York, to commercialize a platform technology to develop a pipeline of live attenuated vaccines against viral infections in people and animals. The technology relies on software to re-design the genomes of potentially harmful viruses to make them safe and effective vaccines. The technology stems from research in the laboratory of Eckard Wimmer, PhD, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology. The lead indication for vaccine development generated is a vaccine against Seasonal Influenza slated for Phase I human clinical trials in 2017.

Dr. Wimmer, along with Steffen Mueller, PhD, Codagenix President and Chief Science Officer, and J. Robert Coleman, PhD, Codagenix Chief Operating officer, worked as colleagues for years in Dr. Wimmer’s laboratory examining and experimenting with the genes of viruses. By collaborating with Stony Brook scientists Bruce Futcher, PhD, in the Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, and Steven Skienna, PhD, in the Department of Computer Science, they discovered a way using gene manipulation and computer algorithms to “re-code” the genes of viruses. This re-coding process makes viruses extremely weak and thus ideal candidates as ultra-low dose attenuated vaccines.

The licensing agreement enables Codgenix to develop and potentially market next generation vaccines using software-based gene design and whole viral synthesis to create low-dose, attenuated virus vaccines. The company expects to use this design to first test its vaccine against influenza; however, there are plans for human testing of their Zika and other vaccine candidates. Codagenix is also in partnership with a large agricultural company to make vaccines using the technology for companion and agricultural animals.

The technology has been shown to be effective against numerous viruses including ZIka, Dengue, and RSV all of which are in preclinical testing. The development of this pipeline of vaccines can be seen in numerous scientific papers since 2008, including a paper in Science, PNAS, National Biotechnology and most recently in 2015 in MBIo.

Read Stony Brook University’s full press release here. 

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The Center for Biotechnology is pleased to announce a request for proposals for our Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program. Awards will be in two categories: Feasibility ($50k/12mo) and Proof of Concept ($100K/12 mo.) Details on the full funding program overview and proposal guidelines can be found here.

The development of promising innovations often stalls due to limited early-stage funding to address translational uncertainties. The Center for Biotechnology's Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program bridges the translation gap between biomedical discovery and their development toward commercial goals. Program funding is intended to determine feasibility, develop proof-of-concept, and ultimately lead to follow-on funding, a strategic partnership, or company formation.

The REACH program supports faculty and postdoctoral researchers in translating bio-based, bio-convergence, and bio-medical research discoveries by providing targeted funding and strategic guidance to bridge the translation gap between discovery and development for commercialization.

Learn more about the program, get information session details and access the full request for proposals here: https://centerforbiotechnology.org/what-we-do/technology-development/reach/

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Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled plans for New York BioGenesis Park, a groundbreaking $430 million Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Innovation Hub in Nassau County, Long Island. To be developed by The Albanese Organization, Inc., this state-of-the-art facility would catalyze CGT research, development, clinical manufacturing, and commercialization across New York State. With a historic $150 million state investment—the largest nationwide for a cell and gene therapy hub—NYBGP would accelerate the delivery of new therapies from lab to patient in New York's diverse communities. This transformative hub aims to establish New York as the leading global destination for CGT innovation, driving economic growth, attracting top talent, and revolutionizing patient care statewide and beyond.

The Center for Biotechnology is thrilled to be counted as a partner in this effort, and is looking forward to working with our colleagues in the initiative to help catalyze and accelerate life-changing therapies.

New York BioGenesis Park is envisioned as a cutting-edge, full-service campus dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapies and accelerating their commercialization. At full build-out, the 700,000-square-foot park would create an end-to-end Cell and Gene Therapy innovation and supply center, featuring interconnected areas for public engagement, research, manufacturing, and collaboration.

A cornerstone of New York BioGenesis Park is its incubator, supported by a $50 million investment from ESD's Long Island Investment Fund. This facility will empower early-stage therapeutic developers by offering state-of-the-art wet lab space, shared equipment, office space, and other essential resources. This nurturing environment will provide Cell and Gene Therapy companies with access to specialized equipment, mentoring, and stage-appropriate financial guidance. As a critical component of New York BioGenesis Park, the incubator is poised to catalyze the growth of promising Cell and Gene Therapy companies by providing them with resources and support, unlocking their potential for innovation and success.

New York BioGenesis Park would foster strong ties with academic and medical institutions throughout New York, creating a robust ecosystem for Cell and Gene Therapy innovation. Collaborating with the Empire State Cellular Therapy Consortium and world-class institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes, Northwell Health, Roswell Park, Stony Brook University, Weill Cornell, Columbia University and others around the state, New York BioGenesis Park would enhance research synergies and accelerate medical breakthroughs. This ecosystem would bring together experts in advanced Cell and Gene Therapy therapies, offering specialized facilities, services, and resources to both tenants and collaborating institutions. By facilitating cutting-edge science, innovative technology development and novel approaches to clinical trials, New York BioGenesis Park would ensure New York's institutions remain globally competitive in groundbreaking Cell and Gene Therapy research and commercialization.

Read the press release of Governor Hochul's announcement here:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-next-phase-long-islands-nation-leading-cell-and-gene-therapy

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NYSTAR reviews and coordinates requests for New York State matching grants and support letters to strengthen applicants' proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other grant-making organizations. The purpose of this program is to attract more federal R&D funding to support technology development and commercialization efforts in New York State.

While funding is available, NYSTAR will accept applications monthly with a submission deadline of the 20th. The first Round will have a deadline for application submission of January 20, 2022.

Learn more and apply here: https://esd.ny.gov/matching-grants-leverage-program

[post_title] => NYS Matching Grants Leverage Program [post_excerpt] => NYSTAR reviews and coordinates requests for New York State matching grants and support letters to strengthen applicants' proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other grant-making organizations. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => nys-matching-grants-leverage-program [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-12-06 15:25:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-12-06 15:25:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=3856 [menu_order] => 30 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3016 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2018-08-06 13:25:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-06 13:25:37 [post_content] => LifeSci NYC has announced the launch of the seventh year of its life sciences entrepreneur training and networking program - Entrepreneurship Lab NYC (ELabNYC). Applications for the 2019 program are now being accepted. ELabNYC is a six-month entrepreneurship training and networking program for scientists and engineers who are ready to launch their exciting ventures from New York City–based research institutions. Applications are due Monday, October 22, 2018. Apply Here [post_title] => Entrepreneurship Lab NYC (ELabNYC) - 2019 Program Application Open [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => entrepreneurship-lab-nyc-elabnyc-2019-program-application-open [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-08-06 13:25:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-08-06 13:25:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=3016 [menu_order] => 117 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2486 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2016-11-22 16:36:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-11-22 16:36:20 [post_content] => The application period for the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Class of 2017 is now open. The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) provides investments to support the advancement of SUNY innovations from the lab to the marketplace. TAF investments are made on a highly competitive basis in projects that target critical research and development milestones, such as feasibility studies, prototyping and testing, which demonstrate that an idea or innovation has commercial potential. Faculty, staff, and students from all disciplines and campuses are encouraged to submit proposals for the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Class of 2017 funding. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 20, 2017. See TAF Class of 2017 Application and Administrative Guidelines. Please be advised that all proposals require the review and participation of your campus administration prior to submission. To be certain that you adhere to any local proposal submission deadlines, you are urged to immediately contact your technology transfer office and/or office of sponsored programs if you are interested in applying for TAF Class of 2017 funding. Jointly funded by the State University of New York and the Research Foundation, the Technology Accelerator Fund has invested over $2 million since its launch in April 2011, and brought to life 36 of SUNY’s most promising technologies by catalyzing the investment of an additional $4.1 million from external partners, including federal agencies, industry licensees and angel investors. To learn about the technologies in which TAF has invested and the people who made it happen, see Technology Accelerator Funded Projects. Questions? Please send any questions to TAF@rfsuny.org. All questions and answers will be posted to www.rfsuny.org/taf. [post_title] => Funding Opportunity: SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund Accepting Proposals [post_excerpt] => The SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) provides investments to support the advancement of SUNY innovations from the lab to the marketplace. The application period for the SUNY TAF Class of 2017 is now open. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => funding-opportunity-suny-technology-accelerator-fund-accepting-proposals [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-11-30 15:19:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-11-30 15:19:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://centerforbiotechnology.org/?p=2486 [menu_order] => 159 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 5 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4804 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2025-03-20 12:10:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-03-20 16:10:54 [post_content] =>

The Center for Biotechnology is pleased to announce a request for proposals for our Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program. Awards will be in two categories: Feasibility ($50k/12mo) and Proof of Concept ($100K/12 mo.) Details on the full funding program overview and proposal guidelines can be found here.

The development of promising innovations often stalls due to limited early-stage funding to address translational uncertainties. The Center for Biotechnology's Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) award program bridges the translation gap between biomedical discovery and their development toward commercial goals. Program funding is intended to determine feasibility, develop proof-of-concept, and ultimately lead to follow-on funding, a strategic partnership, or company formation.

The REACH program supports faculty and postdoctoral researchers in translating bio-based, bio-convergence, and bio-medical research discoveries by providing targeted funding and strategic guidance to bridge the translation gap between discovery and development for commercialization.

Learn more about the program, get information session details and access the full request for proposals here: https://centerforbiotechnology.org/what-we-do/technology-development/reach/

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Funding Opportunity: Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH)Awards

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