Hopes and Cures

Yesterday, the House voted overwhelmingly (368-43), to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.  This bill will allow more biotechnology companies to compete for research funding.
This act will increase access to early-stage funding for treatments and cures for debilitating diseases.  Congress has recognized the capital-intensive needs of emerging biotechnology companies, whose development of a [...]

Filed under: BIO, Congress, SBIR, patient groups, venture capital | Tagged: Committee, House, SBIR, Science, treatments | No Comments »

CNN Money has a great piece describing the variety of projects that compete for and receive competitive SBIR funds – from sticky medical devices and anti-virus computer programs to creative recycling of (cow) waste.  The SBA office of Technology oversees this project of the federal government as a way to fund the early, innovative ideas [...]

Filed under: Congress, In the News, SBIR, venture capital | Tagged: Alzheimer's disease, CNN Money, cystic fibrosis, MS, Parkinson's, SBA, vc-owned firms | No Comments »

California Biotech Law Blog posted a summary of recent House hearings on reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR).

In the world of biotechnology, the principle at stake is the United States’s claim to be an innovation engine in the global economy. Our members and their scientists are developing disease treatments and cures at a rapid rate, but because these cutting-edge treatments are so new, it takes 10-15 years before they reach the market. In the meantime, they thrive on traditional venture capital and the government’s version of VC: the SBIR program.

If Congress wants to perpetuate the image – and reality – of the US as the center of innovation, they must adapt the criteria for SBIR grants to match the reality for these budding treatments and burgeoning companies.

Filed under: BIO, Congress, Finding Cures, SBIR, venture capital | Tagged: SBIR, biotech, MS, Parkinson's | No Comments »

Getting financing can be difficult. This news article from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette demonstrates the importance of SBIR funding.
“Not all start-up companies have been able to tap into venture capital to fund their businesses. Mr. Prescott of Crescent Innovations has secured federal Small Business Innovation Research funding, grants and money from [...]

Filed under: Finding Cures, SBIR, venture capital | Tagged: SBIR, biotechnology, venture capital, start-up, financing, angel investors | No Comments »