The Quaestio

Novo Nordisk Foundation has launched a new initiative, BRIGHT, at the DTU - Technical University of Denmark to accelerate the development of bio-based solutions for a green transition. This initiative, supported by €134 million, aims to create sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials and processes. BRIGHT will focus on three key areas: sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for agriculture, using synthetic biology and advanced bioproduction technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster a bio-based economy.

NTxBio (Nature's Toolbox) has secured $15 million in venture debt from J.P. Morgan to advance its next-generation biomanufacturing solutions. The funding will support the deployment of NTx’s distributed biomanufacturing platforms, which leverage synthetic biology to produce sustainable and scalable biomaterials. These platforms are designed to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and protein therapeutics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional manufacturing methods and helping to create a domestic supply chain for critical biomaterials.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals and #SaudiArabia's Ministry of Industry Saudi and Mineral Resources have signed a memorandum to localize the production of gene therapies. This collaboration, aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia's biotechnology sector, focuses on advancing cell and gene therapies by setting up manufacturing facilities and fostering research and innovation.

Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. Bioworks has received a $9.4 million award in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to develop implantable, cell-based bioelectronic devices for treating hormone disorders. This project, part of Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)'s REACT program, will use synthetic biology to engineer mammalian cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the production and monitoring of therapeutic molecules like hormones. These devices aim to treat conditions such as thyroid disorders by providing real-time monitoring and personalized therapeutic delivery, leveraging bioelectronics and cell engineering for more effective management of chronic diseases.

Abilita Therapeutics, Inc. and Orion Corporation have entered a collaboration to advance next-generation antibody therapeutics targeting oncology and pain. This partnership integrates Abilita's innovative platform, leveraging synthetic biology to develop selective antibody-based therapies. By using engineered antibodies, the companies aim to improve treatment precision and efficacy, addressing complex conditions like cancer and chronic pain.

Nona Biosciences has entered a research collaboration and license agreement with Candid Therapeutics to develop next-generation T-cell engagers (TCEs) for autoimmune diseases. Utilizing Nona's proprietary HBICE® technology platform, the partnership aims to create TCEs with precision targeting, flexible formats, enhanced efficacy, and optimized safety profiles. Nona Biosciences is eligible to receive up to $320 million, including an upfront payment and potential milestone payments, while Candid Therapeutics will oversee further product development.

Promise Bio, an Israeli startup specializing in precision medicine for immune-mediated diseases, has emerged from stealth with an $8.3 million seed investment led by Awz Ventures, alongside strategic investments from AstraZeneca and Pfizer. The company is developing a cloud-based AI platform that analyzes post-translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins from blood samples, enabling large-scale profiling without the need for customized chemical enrichment. This technology aims to enhance personalized treatment strategies and support drug development by providing a high-resolution view of protein modifications associated with immune responses. The funding will be used to expand the team and build a comprehensive PTM database to facilitate future research and development.

Samsung Electronics, through its Life Science Fund (Samsung Ventures), has invested in Generate:Biomedicines, a U.S.-based clinical-stage company specializing in AI-driven protein therapeutics discovery and development. Generate utilizes generative biology to design novel protein therapeutics, boasting a pipeline of approximately 20 programs across oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases.

New Wave Biotech, a London-based AI bioprocess simulation software company, has secured €1.2 million in funding from EIT Food and Innovate UK to enhance its team and expand market reach. Their Bioprocess Foresight platform utilizes AI to simulate bioprocesses, predicting outputs, costs, and sustainability impacts, thereby accelerating R&D in synthetic biology and alternative protein production. This technology aims to reduce the typical 3–10-year lab-to-market timeline and the high costs associated with biomanufacturing R&D, facilitating the sustainable transformation of global supply chains.

Sterling Biotech, a joint venture between Perfect Day and Zydus Group, has begun constructing the world's first precision fermentation-based dairy protein manufacturing facility in Bharuch, Gujarat. Spanning 27 acres, the facility is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026. It aims to produce sustainable dairy proteins to meet the growing global demand for eco-friendly food ingredients.