Specific Biologics

What a way to kick-off #BIO2024! Yesterday, we co-hosted the #BLUEKNIGHT2024 Symposium with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The day brought together hundreds of early-stage companies, investors, non-dilutive funders, and strategic partners from all over the world. The day featured: - Nearly 100 one-on-one meetings between Blue Knight companies and funders to build new connections. - Inspirational founder stories from Jacob Glanville (Centivax) and Tiffany Whitlow (Acclinate) on their motivations for launching their companies based on their own lived experiences. - Insights from Julie Schafer (Flu Lab), Charlie Petty (Global Health Investment Corporation), Irnela Bajrovic-Jasarevic, PhD (Jurata Thin Film) and Chris Houchens (BARDA), on the importance of non-dilutive funding as a catalyst for early-stage company advancement emphasized the importance of building and maintaining relationships. - A lively conversation with great audience engagement on navigating the challenges between regulatory processes and the pace of innovation. Adora Ndu (BridgeBio) and Paul T. Kim (Kendall Square Policy Strategies, LLC) shared their perspectives from years of regulatory experience and Jason Springs (ENDPOINT HEALTH) shed light on his experience as an early-stage company. - Four Blue Knight company CEOs, Brent Stead (Specific Biologics), Chelsea Luxen, MBA (ParaNano Wound Care, LLC), Amélie Quilichini (Kolibri), and Dennis Mak (Avecris) who highlighted their companies during the company showcase and more than 30 early-stage companies showcased posters and connected with attendees during the networking break. Swaza and Think Bioscience were the awardees for audience favorite posters! - Gary Disbrow, Director of BARDA, and Melinda Richter, Global Head of JLABS, shared the progress of the Blue Knight companies over the last several years to develop next-generation technologies for patients. It's been nearly four years since #BlueKnight launched and companies have reached significant R&D milestones to advance their solutions to patients. At the end of the day, we were thrilled to be joined by Assistant Secretary Dawn O'Connell (HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response ) who had a chance to meet with Blue Knight companies before she addressed the audience, where she shared ASPR priorities and goals—and the help they need to reach them from innovators! As the Blue Knight team, it’s an incredible day for us to be together with so many of the inspiring Blue Knight companies from across #JLABS locations and those that are engaged virtually. If you missed us at the Symposium, don’t worry, the recordings will be coming soon and we’re around #BIO2024 for the week! Come say hello at booth 2721. Janelle Hunt Courtney Delatorre, PMP Devynne Kapocsi Ashim Subedee David Winter

Very proud of everyone on the Specific Biologics and David Edgell lab teams for their incredible contributions in showcasing some of the amazing things Dualase™ (TevCas9) gene editors are capable of! A preview of the work is now live demonstrating efficient, precise and specific RNA-templated DNA repair at a variety of target sites and mutations in human cells using small Dualase gene editors. Repair is facilitated by recruitment of endogenous cell repair functions. All the components needed for Dualase-mediated repair can be delivered as single gene sequences - including as a single mRNA or encoded in a single adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) which overcomes several limitations for in vivo delivery. We also show Dualase corrects a variety of mutation types including insertions, deletions and single nucleotide changes. We have developed a preclinical pipeline of Dualase gene editors in therapeutic areas with high unmet need where our mechanism of action has a differentiated advantage. Very importantly, we are pushing forward in our preclinical studies to realize the potential of Dualase gene editors for therapeutic gene editing for patients. All of this is not possible without the amazing support and biotech company building from Lumira Ventures and adMare BioInnovations. https://lnkd.in/gPHnrWnF