4 N.C. Companies to Present at Mid-Atlantic Bio

By Jeremy Summers, NCBiotech Writer

Earlier today, the Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference announced that 22 biotech companies will present business innovations and growth strategies to the audience at this year’s conference, which will take place September 27-28, 2012. 

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is the strategic partner for the conference, which will see four North Carolina firms make presentations:

• Arbovax, based in Raleigh, develops advanced technology for insect-borne virus vaccines. The company received a $250,000 a Strategic Growth Loan from NCBiotech earlier this year to help it expand testing of its dengue fever vaccine.
• Cary-based Trana Discovery is a drug discovery company focusing on treatments of bacterial, viral, and fungal infectious diseases. Earlier this year, NCBiotech awarded the company a $35,000 Small Business Research Loan for research involving the role of tRNA inhibitors in HIV and Staph aureus.
• MxBiodevices, a Greenville-based wound-care company, is developing an advanced treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. The firm was awarded a $30,000 Company Inception Loan by NCBiotech earlier this year.
• Raleigh kidney disease therapeutics company Katharos is developing technology to remove excess phosphate from blood during dialysis, improving care for patients with kidney failure. Katharos was the only North Carolina life-science company to present at the 2012 Southeast Venture Conference.

Mid-Atlantic Bio is recognized as the premier regional biotech conference for senior-level executives, policymakers, academia, financiers, media and service providers. The event attracts an audience of more than 800 national and international industry leaders and stakeholders from approximately 30 states and 10 countries.

“The Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference is a must-attend event for companies wanting to do business in this region. The life sciences community is heavily represented at the conference, with a range of companies taking on key roles in the program as well as actively participating as audience members,” said Julia Spicer, executive director of Mid-Atlantic Venture Association, a co-host of the conference.

“The innovations combined with the progress these enterprises are achieving spotlight the success and advancements the biotech industry is making across our region. These are science driven, market-based solutions to some of the most important healthcare challenges we face, both big and small,” said Bruce Robertson, managing director of H.I.G. BioVentures.