Arizona Bioscience News: TSMC gives grant to TGen; Startups prepare for international pitch competition; Roche to expand production of diagnostic tests

June 10, 2021

By Matt Ellsworth

Semiconductor giant teams with Phoenix genomics researcher to track infectious outbreaks / Arizona Republic

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which is building its new facility in north Phoenix, has provided a grant to Translational Genomics Research Institute to help fund TGen’s genomic sequencing or analysis of COVID-19, enabling the identification of specific variants. Read more: Taiwan microchip company grants TGen funds for COVID variant tracking


Three Phoenix startups tapped to pitch to global venture capitalists / Phoenix Business Journal

Vidium Animal Health, Movement Interactive Inc., and Translational Sciences were selected to pitch to global venture capitalists at the virtual BIO International Start-Up Stadium event on Friday.


Roche, supplier of cancer diagnostic systems, is expanding in Marana / Arizona Daily Star

Roche Tissue Diagnostics is expanding in Marana with the addition of a 60,000-square-foot production building that will house instrument and service production for the company, allowing Roche to expand production of diagnostic assays, or tests, at the company’s main site in Oro Valley’s Innovation Park.


A mostly unregulated stem cell industry is thriving in Arizona / Arizona Republic

An analysis of 169 stem cell businesses by Arizona State University researchers found that most of the treatments offered were not made from embryonic stem cells and instead relied on other types of stem cells without the same potential. Read more: Janelle’s journey: Arizona woman hoped to heal through stem cell treatments


FDA approves new Alzheimer’s drug giving hope to patients, families / KVOA

Banner Alzheimer’s Institute doctors talk about the FDA approval of aducanumab—the first new Alzheimer’s drug in nearly 20 years. Read more: Phoenix hospital helps get approval of historic Alzheimer’s drug  


Arizona’s mass vaccination sites will close this month / KJZZ

Arizona’s health department plans to shut down its seven remaining mass vaccination sites by June 28 as demand has dropped. Read more: Daily COVID-19 cases in Arizona drop 35% so far in June  


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