Proof of Concept Grants Help Bridge Funding Gap to Spur Commercialization of Research and Create New N.C. Companies
Research Triangle Park, N.C.– NC IDEA is seeking grant applications from North Carolina entrepreneurs and early-stage companies focused on information technology, medical devices or material sciences. (more…)

DURHAM, NC - Parion Sciences, Inc. and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that they have entered into an exclusive licensing and co-development agreement focused on P-680, an epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibitor discovered by Parion, a privately-held, development-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating serious diseases resulting from the failure of the body’s mucosal defenses. (more…)

Research Trangle Park, N.C. — Icagen, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICGN) today announced that it has entered into a worldwide collaboration and licensing agreement with Pfizer for the discovery, development and commercialization of compounds which modulate three specific sodium ion channels as new potential treatments for pain and related disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, Icagen and Pfizer will combine resources to identify compounds that target these three ion channels in a global research and development collaboration. (more…)

Pittsboro, NC—Biolex Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to $70 million in an initial public offering of stock. (more…)

Durham, N.C.–Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) announced today the U.S. launch and commercial availability of AzaSite(TM)(azithromycin ophthalmic solution) 1% for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. (more…)

Atlanta, GA—Biofisica Inc., a company focused on wound care therapy, has obtained $2 million in venture debt financing from Leader Ventures. (more…)

Research Triangle Park, NC– BioMarck Pharmaceuticals, a Research Triangle Park drug development company, raised $4 million through private placement financing. (more…)

By Daniel Barchi

Despite the Duell’s prediction, entrepreneurs in the Southeast continue to invent healthcare technology. Unfortunately, invention is often the easiest part - the subsequent challenge is to develop, test, produce, and market the technology. Inventors are often pointed towards a university patent office or business incubator for assistance. While both are helpful, they tend to limit their focus to IP protection or space and administrative services. (more…)