October 22, 2014 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) — Four startup companies solving problems in today’s most pressing therapeutic areas, oncology, the central nervous system (CNS) and infectious diseases, have been chosen for a new cycle of the MassCONNECT mentoring program, sponsored by Nixon Peabody LLP and Eli Lilly and Company, MassBio announced today.
MassCONNECT, the only entrepreneur mentorship program in Massachusetts that dives deep into the life sciences industry, kicked off its third cycle of 2014 with a Technology Showcase at LabCentral this morning. At the Showcase, the chosen entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a room of industry executives and potential mentors for early feedback. The entrepreneurs will now be matched with mentor teams that possess expertise specific to the entrepreneurs’ objectives and business needs. Lilly is sponsoring this cycle by providing mentors. The entrepreneurs will receive coaching from these mentors over a 10-week period before presenting in a final session in front of venture capitalists and other potential partners.
“We are honored to have been chosen for the opportunity to partner with MassBio on this unique mentorship program, which serves as a platform for entrepreneurs as they advance in the biotechnology industry,” said Elaine Sullivan, vice president of global external research and development at Lilly. “Through MassCONNECT, we will work with the teams to shape their science and progress innovative concepts, which could ultimately lead to the development of new medicines and meet the needs of patients worldwide.”
Past MassCONNECT graduates have leveraged the skills learned and advice provided through the program to secure industry collaborations, investment and grants, recruit company executives, and win other industry and business plan competitions.
“The continued success and growth of the life sciences industry in Massachusetts depends on the ability of talented researchers to build companies that will deliver new treatments to the patients that need them,” said John Hallinan, Chief Business Officer at MassBio. “The track record of MassCONNECT graduates speaks for itself, and we are excited to help build the next generation of life sciences companies in Massachusetts.”
The applicants chosen for the latest round of mentorship are:
Harvard NewCo
H. Rock Liao
This new company is building a therapeutic and drug discovery platform focused on increasing brain cell connectivity by enhancing synaptic connections.
Oncolinx
Sourav Sinha
Oncolinx (http://oncolinx.com) is redefining the paradigm of cancer therapy by developing the next generation of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)—powerful, targeted cancer therapies that are more effective and have dramatically fewer side effects than current methods of cancer treatment.
P10 Biosciences, Inc.
Alexei Finski
P10 Biosciences, Inc. aims to become the leader in tissue microenvironment research by developing tools and services for the molecular analysis of single cells in biological tissues.
Pharogen, Inc.
Stephen Hanley
Pharogen, Inc. (http://labcentral.org/resident-companies/pharogen/) is developing technology to provide physicians rapid insight into clinical infections, enabling highly targeted therapies and removing dangerous trial and error guess work that often results in the wrong therapy.
Nixon Peabody is a proud supporter of MassCONNECT and the firm’s life sciences attorneys will provide mentoring to these teams. “MassCONNECT is a vital component of maintaining a thriving life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts,” said Chris Allen, a member of the firm’s life sciences team and partner in Nixon Peabody’s Product Liability & Class Action group. “We are thrilled to participate in this program again, and we are excited to partner with this impressive group of entrepreneurs.”
MassCONNECT is open to opportunities that involve the development of a new technologies, products, services, applications, or processes in the life sciences area. Typically, these will include new diagnostic tests, pre-clinical therapeutic molecules, platform technologies, and/or instrumentation.
For more information, or to apply to be a mentor, mentee, or MBA intern, visit http://www.massbio.org/innovation/massconnect.
About MassBio
www.massbio.org
MassBio, a not-for-profit organization that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts biotechnology industry, is the nation’s oldest biotechnology trade association. Founded in 1985, MassBio is committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide. Representing 650 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and health care, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.
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