This time of year the temperatures rise, future leaders put aside their academic books for novels, and many of us take time off to enjoy family vacations. For some, July and August provide the time and opportunity to reflect on corporate strategies as well as the work they perform for the volunteer boards that they serve. Today marks the launch of my first quarterly newsletter to NMBio’s members.
New Mexico’s bioscience industry recently displayed some of its own heat when two of NMBio’s standout members, SAVSU Technologies and AVISA Pharma, made headlines.
SAVSU announced a successful exit through its evolving partnership with BioLife Solutions — https://www.biolifesolutions.com. By fully incorporating SAVSU’s products, BioLife intends to expand its portfolio in the collection, manufacture, storage, and distribution of cell and gene therapies. BioLife was an initial investor of SAVSU, indicating this partnership was fruitful from the beginning. Congrats to Dana Barnard, Bruce McCormick, and the SAVSU family as their many years of hard work, vision, and ambition resulted in the Albuquerque-based firm becoming the latest New Mexico biotech success story.
AVISA Pharma, a member of NMBio for more than five years, revealed more about their company’s achievements in developing a proprietary biomarker breath test. Successfully licensed through STC.UNM, AVISA is prepping for a Series B round to further their clinical and commercial development towards the diagnosis of pulmonary infections. Headquartered in Santa Fe, this company is attempting to decrease the time associated with diagnosis, which can have a dramatic effect in antibiotic prescription procedures. Congrats to David Joseph, Dr. Graham Timmins, and the AVISA Pharma team for its current success and best of luck as your future continues to evolve.
As I and my NMBio board colleagues — https://www.nmbio.org/about-nmbio/board-of-directors/– reflect on these significant achievements, we want you to know that these two companies are a microcosm of New Mexico’s accelerating bioscience community. Bruce observed an industry-wide problem, partnered with some amazing individuals, such as Dana, and employed many talented New Mexico engineers and developers. Dr. Timmins has been researching metabolism and bacteria for decades while David Joseph has led and founded several medical device companies. SAVSU and AVISA achieved success because they had strong leadership, focused vision, and passionate scientists. Many of NMBio’s members are now following and implementing these criteria. Our intent is to continue assisting our members and successfully contributing to the growth of New Mexico’s bioscience industry.
As the catalyst for the bioscience community, NMBio has committed to the following upcoming events in an effort to increase collaboration and strategic connections, shine a spotlight on successes and raise the temperature on New Mexico’s bioscience industry:
- Third Annual Knowledge Fair – October 10, 2019 at CNM Workforce Training Center, Albuquerque
- More than 130 attendees are anticipated
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard Price, CEO of Now BioPharma and the soon to be launched Socorro Therapeutics
- 2020 BIO International Convention – San Diego, Jun 8-11, 2020
- NMBio will organize an NM Pavilion to showcase several of the state’s most promising startups and secure a speaking opportunity for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
- The convention will attract 17,000 attendees from over 70 countries
- Access to BIO’s Partnering Event
- Participants will receive passes to the exhibition hall, promotional benefits and many discounts!
- Annual Holiday Celebration in December – details to be released post-Labor Day
- Upcoming luncheon seminars
- August 26: Lobo Rainforest Building, Albuquerque
Continue to watch for and read our executive director’s monthly newsletter, In The Know. Visit our website for local and national events, check out our Resource Center and Strategic Partners — https://www.nmbio.org/strategic-partners/. Also, take the opportunity to reach out to an NMBio board member — to learn more about volunteer opportunities as well as future events.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, we look forward to seeing you at these events. Let us know how we can continue to assist you and advance New Mexico’s life science industry.
Warm Regards,
Rick VanNess, MS
NMBio Chair