Conceivable Life Sciences has raised $18 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-powered automated IVF technology. Led by ARTIS Ventures, with participation from Atlantic Health Venture Studio, Muse Capital, and Scrub Capital, the investment brings Conceivable's total funding to $39 million13. The company's groundbreaking technology automates over 200 intricate steps in embryo creation for IVF, including the world's first fully automated intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)1. Funds will support Conceivable's ongoing commercial pilot in Mexico City and preparations for a U.S. launch in early 20261. This innovation aims to democratize IVF access and improve clinical outcomes globally (Link)
Advocate Health, CommonSpirit Health, Henry Ford Health, Northwell Health, Providence, and Trinity Health have announced the Truveta Genome Project, a groundbreaking initiative to create the world's largest and most diverse genomic database. The project aims to sequence the exomes of tens of millions of consented volunteers, partnering with Regeneron Genetics Center for sequencing and Microsoft Azure for cloud services. With a $320 million investment, including $119.5 million from Regeneron, the project seeks to accelerate drug discovery, optimize clinical trials, and transform disease prevention and treatment. The initiative promises to unlock profound insights into genetic impacts on health, potentially revolutionizing personalized medicine and healthcare delivery. (Link)
Ouro Medicines has raised $120 million in a significant funding round on January 10, 2025. The investment was co-led by TPG Life Sciences Innovations, New Enterprise Associates, and NVP Associates. Several new investors participated, including Monograph Capital, GSK, UPMC Enterprises, Boyu Capital, Long River Investments, and Keymed Biosciences. As part of the transaction, representatives from TPG Capital, NEA, NVP Associates, Monograph Capital, and Keymed Biosciences have joined Ouro Medicines' board of directors. This substantial investment is expected to bolster Ouro Medicines' research and development efforts in the life sciences sector (Link)
Normunity, a biotechnology company based in Boston and New Haven, has raised $75 million in Series B funding to advance its innovative anti-cancer therapies. The round was led by Samsara BioCapital and Enavate Sciences, with participation from new and existing investors. The funds will support the development of NRM-823, a first-in-class T cell engager targeting solid tumors. Normunity's approach focuses on untapped biology at the immune system-tumor interface. The company's lead program is expected to enter clinical trials in 2025. The funding round also brings new additions to Normunity's Board of Directors from Samsara, Enavate, and Pfizer Ventures. (Link)
Umoja Biopharma, a Seattle-based clinical-stage CAR-T therapy developer, has closed a $100 million Series C financing round. The funding was co-led by Double Point Ventures and DCVC Bio, with participation from notable investors including ARK Invest, Cormorant Asset Management, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. This latest round brings Umoja's total funding to $363 million since its 2019 launch. The proceeds will support the advancement of Umoja's in vivo CAR T cell therapy pipeline, particularly its lead CD22 UB-VV400 program for oncology and autoimmune clinical studies. The company's innovative approach to CAR-T therapy development continues to attract significant investor interest in the competitive biotech landscape. (Link)
Eli Lilly, a major US pharmaceuticals company, has partnered with venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz to launch a $500 million health tech fund. The Biotech Ecosystem Venture Fund will invest in startups focusing on drug development and scalable health technology, including AI and bioengineering. Managed by a16z Bio + Health, the fund will provide portfolio companies access to Lilly's Catalyze360 support structure. This move aligns with Lilly's active corporate venturing strategy, as evidenced by recent investments in Orbis Medicines, Verdiva Bio, and Timberlyne. The fund aims to drive innovation in areas like GLP-1 drugs, where Lilly leads but faces fierce competition. (Link)
Teal Health, a San Francisco-based women's health company, has raised $10 million in seed funding, bringing its total funding to $23 million. The round was led by Emerson Collective and Forerunner, with participation from existing investors including Serena Ventures, Metrodora, and Labcorp. Teal Health, led by CEO Kara Egan, is developing an at-home cervical cancer screening device and telehealth platform to increase screening engagement in the U.S. The company plans to use the funds to accelerate product development and prepare for commercialization. Teal Health is also a member of the Cervical Cancer Roundtable, a coalition aiming to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern in the U.S. (Link)
BioNJ's upcoming Annual Innovation Celebration, set for February 15, 2025, will honor Jayne Gershkowitz of Amicus Therapeutics with the Dr. Sol J. Barer Award. The event, a cornerstone of New Jersey's life sciences industry, will recognize 21 novel FDA approvals from 2024, showcasing the state's leadership in medical innovation. Honorees include major pharmaceutical companies like Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer. The celebration will feature networking opportunities, patient advocate awards, and a fireside chat with industry leaders. BioNJ CEO Debbie Hart emphasized the event's focus on transformative work that improves patients' lives, highlighting New Jersey's role in global healthcare innovation. (Link)
Owlstone Medical, a leader in Breath Biopsy® technology, has raised $27 million in its Series E financing round. The funding, led by Ventura Capital with participation from Aviva Ventures and Horizons Ventures, will support the development of Owlstone's Breath Biopsy® platform and the commercialization of novel diagnostic tests. The company is focusing on early-stage lung cancer detection, chronic liver disease diagnosis, and a hand-held device for digestive disease monitoring. Owlstone's progress has been validated through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense, Gates Foundation, and FDA. The investment will advance clinical trials and support the launch of unique breath tests. (Link)
Alleviant Medical, a private medical device company, has raised $90 million to fund a pivotal trial for its innovative no-implant atrial shunt treatment for heart failure. Led by Gilde Healthcare, the financing will support the ALLAY-HFrEF trial, focusing on patients with reduced ejection fraction. This makes Alleviant the only company with ongoing trials for both major forms of heart failure. The Alleviant System, designed to relieve pressure within the heart, has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation. The company aims to address a significant healthcare challenge, with heart failure costing the U.S. system an estimated $70 billion annually. (Link)
FIZE Medical, a leader in fluid management optimization, has successfully closed a $30 million Series A funding round, including a $14 million Series A-4 round led by Rapha Capital Management. The company's innovative technology provides real-time monitoring of kidney output in critically ill patients, aiming to reduce mortality rates in intensive care units. FIZE Medical plans to expand its platform with AI-driven patient condition predictions and additional features. The funding will accelerate the company's expansion into U.S. and EU healthcare markets. With support from new investors like Valitas Venture Capital and eHealth Ventures, FIZE Medical is poised to revolutionize fluid management in healthcare globally. (Link)
Caidya, a leading mid-sized global Clinical Research Organization (CRO), has received a $165 million strategic growth investment from Rubicon Founders, a U.S.-based healthcare investment firm. This substantial funding will support Caidya's organic expansion and potential strategic acquisitions. Rubicon Founders joins Caidya's existing investors, with partner David M. Glaccum joining the board of directors. Caidya, formed through the merger of dMed and Clinipace in 2021, operates in 23 countries and specializes in oncology, hematology, and rare diseases. The investment aims to accelerate Caidya's growth as a leading mid-sized CRO serving biopharma innovation across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. (Link)
Global venture capital firm Riceberg Ventures has introduced a $20 million fund to support early-stage deeptech startups worldwide. The fund targets sectors including AI, spacetech, cybersecurity, semiconductors, novel energy, and quantum computing. Aiming to invest in 25-30 startups with an average of $500,000 each, Riceberg Ventures will also provide hands-on support through its expert network. Founded in 2023, the firm has already invested in several startups and launched KickSky, a SpaceTech accelerator. Operating in India, Europe, and the U.S., Riceberg Ventures has partnered with the Hungarian government to promote cross-border innovation in the deeptech space. (Link)