NeoStem Raises Funds Totaling $15M

NeoStem, based in NYC, has raised an additional $4M bringing total recent financing to $15M. The funds will support expansion activities in the US and China as well as further development of NeoStem's VSEL (very small embryonic-like stem cells) and other licensed technologies.

IAVI Discovery - Two New Powerful Antibodies Stop HIV

A collaboration of researchers led by NYC-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Scripps Research Institute have discovered two new potent broadly neutralizing antibodies that neutralize a high percentage of the many strains of HIV circulating worldwide. The work, supported by IAVI and IAVI’s Innovation Fund, will facilitate design of a vaccine capable of teaching the body to produce these powerful antibodies before exposure to the HIV virus and accelerate global efforts in AIDS vaccine development.

World-First Allogeneic Stem Cell Trial for Heart Failure

Angioblast Systems, based in NYC, has initiated a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate its proprietary adult stem cell product in patients with end-stage form of heart failure. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will evaluate whether proprietary cells can improve heart muscle function without the need for a heart transplant or a mechanical device. Angioblast Systems focuses on the development of novel treatments for cardiac, vascular, and eye conditions.

Approval for Phase II Clinical Study in Contact Dermatitis

NYC-based Morria Biopharmaceuticals has received approval to conduct a Phase II clinical trial on its multifunction inflammatory drug, MRX6, to treat dermatitis. A pilot clinical study of MRX6 demonstrated a 69% improvement in patients. Morria Biopharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company targeting three major inflammatory disease areas: Dermatology, Respiratory, and Gastro-intestinal inflammation.

Clinilabs Ranked Among Fastest Growing Private Companies

Clinilabs, based in NYC, for the second consecutive year is ranked in the 2009 list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in America by Inc. Magazine. Clinilabs posted a 3-year sales growth of 92.5%. Clinilabs is a contract research organization that provides early phase and specialty clinical drug development services to industry. Clinilabs has conducted over 170 clinical trials and contributed to 9 successful new drug applications (NDAs).

NYCEDC 2009 Annual Review

From job creation, investing in the bioscience industry, developing parks and esplanades, improving infrastructure, to assisting businesses and communities, the report is a comprehensive look at our accomplishments during fiscal year 2009 and how they have benefited and will continue to benefit the City and its people.

Requests for Applications

The New York State Department of Health and the Empire State Stem Cell Board is requesting applications for the Fellow-to-Faculty Awards in Stem Cell Research and the Shared Facilities for Stem Cell Research. More information on NYSTEM can be found at: stemcell.ny.gov