WESTCHESTER COUNTY BIOSCIENCE UPDATE
Featuring news, events and industry trends
Oligomerix Awarded $3.35M from NIH to Support Clinical Development of Tau-Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy
 
White Plains headquartered Oligomerix, Inc., a privately held company pioneering the development of small molecule therapeutics targeting tau for rare neurodegenerative and Alzheimer’s diseases, announced an award of $3.35 million from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health to support clinical development of its lead program OLX-07010, an oral tau self-association small molecule inhibitor. Oligomerix plans to begin a Phase 1a clinical trial in healthy volunteers in 2022.

The prevalence of AD is increasing worldwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.5 million Americans suffer from AD. By 2050, this number will increase drastically to 12.7 million. Furthermore, the current cost for AD is $321 billion and projected to be $1 trillion by 2050. OLX-07010 would potentially fill a significant unmet need with a disease-modifying drug that, if successful, will have a tremendous impact on patient outcomes and reduce the burden on caregivers and society.
Noted Biomedical Research Institute Joins Touro University: Affiliation with Lovelace Institute in New Mexico to Expand Touro’s Research Capacity

Lovelace Research Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has joined Touro University and New York Medical College (NYMC), Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro and NYMC announced. Founded in 1947, Lovelace is one of the oldest not-for-profit biomedical research institutes in the country. The Institute is noted for excellence in respiratory disease and neuroscience research, toxicology, drug development experience and in protecting the nation against chemical, biological and nuclear threats.
MedTech Association’s EmpireStateFocus’22 Series Shines Spotlight on Innovation in Westchester County

New York State is the place for bio/med innovation and healthcare product development. Its assets are unparalleled: the nation’s highest concentration of world-class universities and research institutions; a highly educated workforce; a location easily accessible to North America’s leading bio/med and transportation hubs; ample low-cost, sustainable power sources; and abundant, affordable manufacturing capacity.
As part of its EmpireStateFocus’22 Series, the MedTech Association recently featured innovators from Westchester/Hudson Valley. Select presentations from this virtual, half-day event are now available on YouTube and linked below.
Cognition Therapeutics Presents New Proteomic Data on Effect of CT1812 Treatment on Normalization of Disrupted Alzheimer’s Disease Processes

Purchase headquartered Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. announced Mary Hamby, Ph.D., vice president of research, presented results at the at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) of proteomic analysis of clinical biomarker data from the SPARC study of oral once-daily treatment with CT1812 in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The analytic results support the proposed synaptoprotective mechanism of action of CT1812 and role in normalizing cellular processes known to be adversely disrupted in Alzheimer's disease.

The analyses demonstrated the effect of CT1812 on multiple priority Alzheimer’s biomarkers, including YKL-40, a biomarker of inflammation, which is upregulated in Alzheimer’s disease and is subject of intense focus by the field. Participants treated with CT1812 exhibited a downward shift in YKL-40 towards levels observed in healthy, non-demented individuals, supporting a positive impact of CT1812 on disease biology.
Laronix Moves US Office to White Plains

Laronix, developer of Bionic Voice, the world’s first smart wearable electronic voice prosthesis for laryngectomy people (larynx amputees or laryngectomees), has moved to White Plains, NY.  The Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator alum is pleased to expand its operations to this vibrant and innovative environment of Westchester County.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator (WCBA) 2022-2023 Program Schedule

WCBA is the first and only competitive-entry, six-month program of personalized entrepreneurial education delivered for first time founders of bioscience ventures of any development stage focused on healthcare innovation in Westchester. WCBA focuses on unlocking the unknown by addressing individual needs and utilizing accredited entrepreneur coaches and expert mentors to craft unique, educational experiences crucial to the development of successful ventures.

The complete education and support program can be found here.

 
WCBA 2023 Info Session 

Date: August 18
Time: 5:00 PM

 
WCBA 2023 Strengthening Your Application 

Date: August 24
Time: 1:00 PM

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