Banner Health’s Peter Fine announces retirement; new CEO named / Phoenix Business Journal
Peter Fine will retire as CEO of Banner Health in June after 24 years and will be replaced by Amy Perry, president of Banner Health who joined the Phoenix-based organization in 2021.
Four Tucson firms picked for Flinn biotech startup program / Arizona Daily Star
Four Tucson-area biotech startup companies with ties to the University of Arizona—BioBolt Medical Corp., Macula Vision Systems, Metfora Diagnostics, and Precision Epigenomics—were among six startups picked for the Flinn Foundation’s statewide bioscience entrepreneurship program.
The next frontier in New York’s war on rats: Birth control / The New York Times
The New York City Council is considering a bill to deploy salty pellets that sterilize both male and female rats in two neighborhoods as part of a pilot program using technology developed by Loretta Mayer, creator of the rat contraceptive ContraPest and co-founder and past CEO of Arizona-based SenesTech.
Is apple cider vinegar really a cure-all? / The New York Times
Carol Johnston, a professor of nutrition at Arizona State University, shares her findings from small studies that showed drinking one to two tablespoons of apple cider or other types of vinegar mixed with water just before high-carbohydrate meals resulted in less drastic blood sugar spikes.
Arizona venture capital investments show signs of strength in Q1 / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)
Arizona startups, including those in health care, are continuing to build upon positive fundraising momentum during the first quarter with 30 deals totaling $273.9 million.
Venture Madness 2024: Meet this year’s pitch competition winners / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)
Sixteen early-stage and emerging startups competed against one another in the Venture Madness live, pitch-style competition with three earning cash prizes at the sold-out event.
TSMC to build third Phoenix factory with new $6.6 billion from CHIPS Act / Arizona Republic
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. received a $6.6 billion grant by the U.S. Commerce Department under the CHIPS and Science Act and could receive up to $5 billion in federal loans to build a third factory on its north Phoenix campus.
Biotech helps drive Arizona’s economy, but this threat could ruin it all / Arizona Republic (Op-ed)
Joan Koerber-Walker, president and CEO of Arizona Bioindustry Association, writes that World Trade Organization member nations want to waive intellectual property protections for COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics, which could have devastating repercussions for the entire biotech sector including in Arizona.
Upcoming Events:
April 18: 9th Annual Arizona Cord Blood Conference
April 18: 2024 AZBio Spring Reception
April 22: Flinn Foundation Bioscience Roadmap Progress Report
April 25: A Journey Venture Study Demo Day and Venture Showcase
June 3-6: BIO International Convention (San Diego)
June 4-5: 50th Annual Arizona Rural Health Conference