BARDA seeks nonprofit partner for BARDA Ventures

BARDA has announced a new type of public-private partnership, BARDA Ventures , that will realize authorities granted in the 21st Century Cures Act to utilize venture capital (VC) methods and practices. This will be the first time HHS has utilized VC practices to make investments. As part of the new program, BARDA is soliciting proposals for an existing nonprofit partner to manage an investment fund that will support breakthrough technologies and create entirely new approaches to enhance U.S. preparedness and response to 21st century health security threats, including COVID-19 and future pandemics.

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Activation Capital Names Michael Steele as President and CEO

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority (doing business as Activation Capital) announced today that it has appointed Michael Steele as president and chief executive officer. Steele succeeds Robert Ward, who has served as interim CEO since July 2024 during a period of rapid growth for the life sciences ecosystem development organization. Steele comes to Activation …

08/25/2025

Danforth Advisors Acquires PharmaDirections

Danforth Advisors LLC, today announced the acquisition of PharmaDirections, Inc., a full-spectrum development partner to life science companies, expanding its integrated capabilities from discovery through commercialization. Founded in 2003, PharmaDirections was a pioneer of the virtual drug development model. The company brings veteran program leaders and more than 150 specialists to support strategic planning and …

08/22/2025

ivWatch Technology Linked to Major Reduction in Severe IV Injuries in Newborns Over Four-Year Study

A study published this month in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) analyzed the use of optical sensor technology from ivWatch, the U.S.-based IV safety company, in the early detection of peripheral intravenous infiltration or extravasation (PIVIE) events in neonates. Presenting a comparative evaluation between conventional observational methods and continuous sensor-based monitoring, the study offers insights …

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