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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Virginia Tech researchers find promise in a new peptide drug to combat a deadly brain cancer

A lab-designed molecule developed and extensively studied by scientists with Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC could represent a breakthrough in slowing tumor recurrence in glioblastoma, an aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. In a study published May 16 in Cell Death and Disease, researchers identified a previously unknown trait of cancer cells that …

05/28/2025

Brandy Salmon named Virginia Tech’s first vice president for innovation and partnerships

Brandy Salmon, who since 2017 has led Virginia Tech teams focused on connecting the university with corporations, foundations, and alumni worldwide has been named the university’s first vice president for innovation and partnerships. “True collaboration between higher education, government, and industry is essential for success in today’s evolving landscape,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. …

05/28/2025

Avera Joins Civica to Help Minimize Risk of Drug Shortages

Civica, a nonprofit pharmaceutical company created to prevent and mitigate drug shortages, announced today that Avera, a leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Upper Midwest United States, has joined the company in helping protect patients from the impact of drug shortages of essential generic sterile injectable medicines. Drug shortages are a persistent challenge to the …

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