Avak Kahvejian

Another day another piece of oligo news... This time from Tiba Biotech, who received a BARDA contract to leverage its non-LNP delivery technology for an RNAi-based treatment for swine flu. We wrote about the limitations of LNPs extensively over the years. They saved the day during the pandemic, but also stunted critical R&D on better, novel delivery technologies. LNPs are blunt instrument with lots of potential toxicity concerns. A better delivery vehicle would dramatically enhance the field of precision medicine and nucleic acid therapeutics. I suspect as the pandemic is further in the rear-view, we'll begin seeing more public work around novel delivery vehicles. What do you think about LNPs? We've called them "lamentable nano payloads" in the past. Do you agree? https://lnkd.in/g-csFF_f #oligo #RNA #drugdevelopment #pharma

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Join this webinar to learn from the Baby Bambi project in Israel, and how rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing was deployed in this unique study. A panel discussion with Daphna Marom, Hagit Baris Feldman, Amihood Singer, Samdar Eventov-Friedman Arieh Riskin, and Menachem Handler will follow the project overview, and will include valuable perspectives from different angles from the study and its benefits. Register to find out more about this nationwide pilot implemented across Israel demonstrated that rapid precision medicine on genome sequencing can benefit critically ill babies, ensuring advanced and equitable care for neonates.

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Thank you, Yulia Karra from ISRAEL21c — Good News From Israel, for taking the time to interview OCON Therapeutics’ CEO, Keren Leshem, and VP of Marketing & Medical Affairs, Daniela Schardinger, to discuss our groundbreaking intrauterine drug-delivery technology in your latest article!   At OCON, we are dedicated to developing innovative, smarter solutions that address women’s health needs. This feature recognizes the hard work and passion behind our mission to improve the lives of women globally!   Keren Leshem shares: “On our three-dimensional stent platform, we load different medicines, chemicals, hormones, and therapeutics to treat the most prevalent diseases in women’s health related to the uterus. The unique spherical design adapts seamlessly to the uterus, providing targeted treatment exactly where it’s needed.”   Daniela Schardinger underscores the urgent need for innovation in women’s health: “The women’s health technologies that are available today are 60 years old, from T-shaped IUDs to ultrasound. Historically, women were excluded from clinical trials due to outdated perceptions of risk, leaving significant gaps in understanding female anatomy and health outcomes.   It’s time to close these gaps and bring women’s health to the forefront!   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gfpFJXSS   #WomensHealth #DrugDelivery #Innovation

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BIG NEWS FOR HORMONE HEALTH! Almost 2 years in the making, so proud of the Elix team for the completion of our second independent clinical trial focused on #PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Big shoutout to our medical advisors, our passionate team and most of all - our community members for your strength, resilience and belief in more sustainable approaches to our health and longevity. The clinical study assessed two of Elix's flagship products—Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony. These herbal supplements, rooted in 5,000 years of TCM research, target inflammation and hormone imbalances associated with PCOS. Results revealed that in a group of non-birth control users: * 89.3% of participants agreed that Elix Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony have helped to regulate their cycle.
 * 85.7% of participants agreed that they had fewer premenstrual and menstrual cramps after taking Elix Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony.
 * 71.4% of participants agreed that taking Elix Cycle Balance and Daily Harmony had improved their hormonal acne/breakouts and that they experienced fewer mood swings.
 The trial, conducted over six months, involved 70 participants with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome aged 18-36, divided into two groups: those using hormonal birth control (BC) and those not using it (No BC). Each participant was also diagnosed with PCOS and experienced symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods or the absence of menstrual periods and/ or excessive facial or body hair, thinning hair, hair loss on the scalp, oily skin, and or acne. Additionally, the majority of participants in the Clinical Study experienced improvements in the following symptoms: * Cycle regulation
 * Bloating
 * Fatigue
 * Mood swings
 * Anxiety
 * Sleep quality
 * Premenstrual and menstrual cramps
 * Hormonal acne/breakouts
 * Brain fog
 * Mental clarity
 * Focus
 * Weight gain
 * Unwanted facial / body hair
 * Fluid retention
 * Overall PMS symptoms
 * Overall PCOS symptoms
 * Overall health and wellbeing https://lnkd.in/eUjV7DkZ

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How is a top 20 pharma company reshaping R&D? Vertex Pharmaceuticals path to becoming a top 20 pharma company with over a $100 billion market cap has been nothing short of adventurous. 🔬 Vertex's journey, from the rise and fall of Incivek to adopting a disease-first R&D strategy under Jeffrey Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Reshma Kewalramani, MD FASN, David Altshuler, and Stuart Arbuckle has resulted in: 💡 Approvals for four cystic fibrosis products 👩‍⚕️ Casgevy becoming the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy approved for patients in the U.S. in December 2023 💊 An 85% success rate in advancing to phase 3 clinical trials 🏆 Sabine Hadida, Paul Negulescu, and Fredrick Van Goor earning the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences Check out this company's journey of resilience in my most recent article in Forbes: https://lnkd.in/gReTiP8k

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Excellent way to spend 1 minute, 30 seconds. DSO shares via an embedded video in the article below how Modality.AI is making an impact with patients. It is wonderful to have NIH SEED as a partner on this journey. Relentless Venture Fund David "DSO" Suendermann-Oeft #Neurotech #AI #BIO2024 #precisionmedicine #clinicaltrials #healthtech #healthcare #digitalhealth

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Using 'representation vectors' instead of prompt engineering to modulate #LLM responses enables tuneable behavior: https://lnkd.in/eUwSUvtg

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"𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 Kevin Kipruto , 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞" Say hello to Kevin Kipruto, the backend wizard powering the robust infrastructure behind Kilele Health Bracelets's life-changing healthcare solutions! When he's not architecting our systems, you'll find him conquering hiking trails or engaging in intense chess matches – because apparently solving complex backend puzzles isn't enough of a mental workout! As our Backend Development Expert, Kevin is the architectural genius ensuring our health monitoring systems run seamlessly 24/7. His masterful work with Python, Django, and FastAPI forms the foundation of our Kilele Health Bracelets' data processing capabilities, enabling real-time health monitoring for thousands of patients. Kevin's expertise in database optimization and API development doesn't just translate to efficient code – it means faster response times for critical health data, more reliable monitoring for patients with chronic conditions, and better insights for healthcare providers. His commitment to system security ensures that sensitive health information remains protected while being instantly accessible to those who need it most. "𝑰𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒔. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒅𝒆." - Kevin Kipruto Through his innovative work with databases and server architecture, Kevin helps transform complex health data into actionable insights, making healthcare more accessible for underserved communities. His dedication to building scalable solutions means we can reach more patients while maintaining the highest standards of performance and security. Join us in celebrating the brilliant minds like Kevin who work behind the scenes to make Kilele Health's mission of democratizing healthcare a reality! #HealthTech #BackendDevelopment #Healthcare #Innovation #TechForGood #TeamSpotlight #Python #Django #DatabaseEngineering #KileleHealthBracelets Follow Kilele Health Bracelets to learn more about how we're revolutionizing healthcare accessibility through technology! 

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Get to know our #hardtech portfolio! Check out the first post in our 'portfolio spotlight' series! Aspect Biosystems, led by CEO Tamer Mohamed, is a leader in regenerative medicine and 3d bioprinting! Learn more below 👇

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What a thrill for us to be recognized as a finalist in the Transformational Therapy Category at the Biotech Week Boston Awards gala last night!   Our team at Indaptus Therapeutics, Inc. is passionate about re-thinking cancer treatment by developing innovative therapies that challenge conventional precision and targeted approaches. We're pushing boundaries, and it’s exciting to see our efforts acknowledged alongside some of the industry’s top innovators. Chaunte Lowe, OLY, a 4-time Olympian and cancer survivor, set an inspiring tone as host. Her resilience and story of overcoming adversity resonated with everyone in the room, and served as a powerful reminder of the perseverance it takes to innovate and save lives. It was also great to reconnect with a legend in the field of immunotherapy, Arthur Krieg from Zola Therapeutics, and talk about his latest work.  It’s fascinating to listen to someone who has been at the forefront of innovation for so many years, and I always learn something new every time we speak. And a special shoutout to Adam Thomas (he/him) from MOMA Therapeutics. Besides being a fantastic presenter, he surely should have won a "best dressed" award for his sharp kilt! Though we didn’t bring home the award this time, it was a privilege to be a finalist and celebrate the accomplishments of everyone attending.  Congratulations to all the winners, and here’s to continuing our shared mission to drive forward life-saving innovation.   #BWBAWARDS #IndaptusTherapeutics #Biotech #LifeSciences #CancerResearch #NeverGiveUp

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Fast-forward 10 years when every bio company has access to highly performant models for in silico molecular design... Assuming this translates into many more high quality candidate molecules, there will be insatiable demand for already-scarce clinical development talent. Clinical development skillsets will become multiples more valuable. An optimist might argue we need to start preparing our clinical development regulatory and operational infrastructure for materially higher throughput.

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This will be a fascinating SynBioBeta talk - on how the combined tools of synthetic biology allowed Creyon Bio to build a successful drug in a few months 😳

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🏆 Well-deserved congratulations to these 10 brilliant companies for their outstanding fundraising success! 1. Arda Therapeutics - $43.3M - Arda Therapeutics specializes in developing innovative gene therapies for rare and chronic diseases. Their focus on precision medicine aims to provide effective treatments that target the root causes of genetic disorders. 2. Polarium - $49M - Polarium designs and manufactures advanced energy storage solutions, focusing on lithium-ion battery technology that enhances the efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy systems in various sectors. 3. AfterSchool HQ - $1.1M - AfterSchool HQ is a platform connecting parents with local after-school programs, offering a comprehensive directory of activities and resources that support children’s development and education outside the classroom. 4. Nym - $47M - Nym provides innovative solutions to enhance healthcare data management, focusing on improving patient outcomes through streamlined communication between healthcare providers, insurers, and patients. 5. VieCure - $45M - VieCure delivers a cloud-based platform for precision oncology, enabling healthcare providers to personalize cancer treatment plans using comprehensive patient data and the latest research insights. 6. Rippl - $23M - Rippl Care offers a holistic approach to mental health, providing teletherapy and wellness resources that connect individuals with licensed therapists to improve overall mental well-being and resilience. 7. Aspect Build - $3M - Aspect Build is a construction tech startup that provides software solutions for project management and collaboration in the construction industry, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and communication across teams. 8. ColdVest - $860K - ColdVest develops innovative cooling technology for healthcare and wellness, providing portable cooling solutions that enhance recovery for athletes and patients alike through targeted thermal therapy. 9. ThoroughCare - $5M - ThoroughCare offers a care management platform designed for healthcare providers to streamline patient interactions, enhance communication, and improve health outcomes through comprehensive care coordination tools. 10. Lissun - $2.4M - Lissun is a mental health and wellness app that connects users with therapists and mental health resources, providing personalized support and community engagement to promote emotional well-being. 👉 Follow Growth List for more startup funding news and sign up to get full data access and contact details

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⏰ With 66 days to TechCon SoCal ⏰ We are excited to announce that Osman Kibar, Executive Chairman & Founder of Biosplice Therapeutics, will be joining us to share his expertise in biotech innovation. Osman is a pioneer in regenerative medicine, leading the charge in developing therapies that leverage the body’s own capabilities to heal and renew itself. As the driving force behind Biosplice, he has positioned the company as a leader in the industry, committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in therapeutic development. Osman's journey is rooted in a deep passion for solving complex health challenges, drawing from his background in biophysics and entrepreneurial ventures. Today, Biosplice is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, focusing on cellular rejuvenation to combat degenerative diseases. At TechCon SoCal, Osman will provide insights into the future of biotech, shedding light on the transformative potential of these technologies to reshape healthcare as we know it. Secure your spot now at www.techconsocal.com Watch our teaser video to see what’s in store at TechCon SoCal 2025! https://lnkd.in/diacNCYS Tariq Ahmed Serhat Pala Neal Bloom Sufyan Subzwari Jonah Peake 🐺 NuFund Venture Group Startup Steroid - Deal Flow | SPVs | Demo Day Platform Interlock Capital OPEN Silicon Valley Orange County OC Startup Council SDSU College of Sciences Cross Ocean Ventures Spark Growth Ventures #TechConSoCal2025 #TechConSoCal #IndustryExperts #TechConference  #InnovationSummit #TechTalks #Innovation #Technology #Networking #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalHealth #Robotics #startups #vc #SandDiegoStartup #Founders #ConsumerTech

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What if you were able to get support in deeply analyzing your company's revenue/growth plans as well as your own beliefs, actions, and strategies that directly impact those plans? What might you uncover? I got this chance with Rache Brand, the Founder and CEO of Superstruct, an advisory group focused on helping companies grow. She is a superstar (professional awe unlocked!) who knows her stuff but is also open, honest, and judgement-free! I want to shoutout her efforts and company because the guided work with her was just amazing. We saw that as a founder/CEO, I was a bit locked into one perspective of my company and our market. My immersion in the work every minute, my passion about the mission, but also the stress and action-focused pace impact so many parts of my planning. Having someone walk me through a different way to view go-to-market strategies, customer outreach, revenue generation, is worth its weight in gold! Now I gotta go and do the work! Highly Recommend! 5* https://lnkd.in/e_rPQj9V

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On this episode of Biotalk, Locust Walk's Geoff Meyerson welcomes David H., Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of CytoReason. David shares his journey from private equity to co-founding CytoReason—an idea sparked on a beach in Israel. They explore why molecular data hadn't been used this way before, how CytoReason’s models accelerate drug development, and the evolving role of AI in transforming the industry.    Listen to the episode: https://lnkd.in/ezcAD2_X    #LifeSciences #Biopharma #Biotech #Innovation #Leadership #DrugDevelopment #AIinHealthcare #Pharma #Entrepreneurship #HealthcareInnovation

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Join us as Constantinos Loizou and Martin Zarian dive into the world of Embio Diagnostics. In this episode, Constantinos shares heartfelt stories, busts the myths around "innovation," and explains their strategic shift from biotech to deep tech. From improving indoor air quality for his family to leveraging cutting-edge technology and machine learning, discover how Embio Diagnostics Ltd is making real impact across multiple sectors. Don't miss this insightful discussion on YouTube! #factory39 #madeincyprus #cypruspodcast

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Holidays and gratitude... With the holidays finally here, I have a moment to look back on an intense and rewarding year in the Biodesign course. It’s been a truly hands-on experience, from coming up with ideas to developing a full business concept. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of my team Sam Cogan Dana Farah, our mentors, and the course leaders. I want to give special thanks to Dr. Anat Stern, who opened our eyes to the significant issue of penicillin allergy mislabeling. Her dedication to patient safety inspired us to work on a solution that could make a real difference. In fact, we dedicated the reflection section of our final report to her, as a recognition of her guidance and the impact she had on our project. While we won’t be pursuing this specific project further, the lessons we’ve learned along the way were invaluable. We’re now exploring new opportunities in a completely different field, far from infections, but still in the rapidly growing and exciting space of healthcare innovation. To be continued... #Biodesign Israel, Yona Vaisbuch, Sagit Eshel, Oded Kraft, @Dr. Anat Shtern, @Eyal Zohar, @Dr. Ivan Gur, Fabian Schvartzman, @Charlie Chaim Haber, and @Adi Fechter #Biodesign #MedTech #PatientSafety #Innovation #Biotech #Entrepreneurship #Gratitude #HealthcareInnovation

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