News and Events
OHSU Innovates publishes a bi-monthly e-newsletter featuring news, events and updates involving OHSU innovations and entrepreneurial programs. Sign up to receive the e-newsletter by e-mail.
BIO 2023: Showcase Your Company at the Oregon Pavilion
June 5-8
OBI/PDXWIT Virtual Lunch and Learn: Examining Digital Health Through an Equity Lens
June 13
OEN June PubTalk: The Non-Dilutive Funding Landscape
June 14
TIE Women: 2023 Global Pitch Competition Application deadline
June 15
ChatGPT Unconference
June 17
National Academy of Inventors 12th Annual Meeting
June 25-27
TAO: Party in the Pinot
July 22
2023
OHSU startup company wins Angel Oregon life and Bioscience investment
May 17
OHSU startup company Promedix, co-founded by David Sheridan, M.D., and Matt Hansen, M.D., M.C.R., took home the top prize of an angel investment of $175,000 at the Angel Oregon Life and Bioscience finale event.
PDX Pharmaceuticals selected as a semi-finalist for the AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition
May 4
OHSU startup company PDX Pharmaceuticals, founded by Wassana Yantasee, Ph.D., was selected as one of six semifinalists for the AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition, which provides funding, coaching and networking opportunities to women-led oncology start-ups to address unmet medical needs.
Internationally renowned OHSU cancer biologist elected to the National Academy of Sciences
May 2
In recognition of her scientific work and contributions to the field of cancer research, the NAS announced that Lisa Coussens, Ph.D. , was among 143 newly elected members.
Gamma Diagnostics nominated as a finalist for the 2023 Oregon Technology Awards
OHSU startup company Gamma Diagnostics, founded by David Farrell, Ph.D., FAHA, was nominated in the Emerging Award category by the Technology Association of Oregon.
Autobahn Therapeutics Advances ABX-002, its Lead Oral Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
April 18
OHSU Startup Autobahn Therapeutics, a biotechnology company leveraging its brain-targeting chemistry platform, announced that it has initiated the multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of its Phase 1 study of ABX-002 in healthy subjects.
MRI innovation for the first time reveals cells’ energy activity in organs and tissues
March 31
Scientists at OHSU's Advanced Imaging Research Center are working on an innovation that could open up new possibilities for brain imaging, detecting cancer, and monitoring treatment.
OHSU physician-scientist elected to National Academy of Engineering
Feb. 13
David Huang, M.D., Ph.D., recognized for co-creating widely used medical imaging technology.
OHSU researchers identify promising next-generation cancer treatment
Feb. 10
Chemistry discovery points to next generation inhibitors of PARP-1, a critical target in ovarian, breast and prostate cancers.
Driven by OHSU research, FDA approves new drug to prevent hearing loss in children with cancer
Jan. 17
The FDA has approved sodium thiosulfate, known clinically as PEDMARK®,
to reduce the risk of treatment-induced hearing loss among children who receive the common chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
PDX Pharma drug candidate selected into the Nanotechnology Characterization Lab's collaboration and characterization program
Jan. 5
OHSU startup company PDX Pharmaceuticals drug candidate ARAC-02 was selected into the NCL’s Assay Cascade Characterization Program, during which its physicochemical properties and in vitro and in vivo compatibility (immunology, pharmacology, and toxicology) will be characterized to support IND enabling studies.
2022
Potential drug takes aim at emerging Chikungunya virus
Dec. 9
With new $4.7 million grant, OHSU, partners seek to reduce virus-caused debilitating joint pain.
Erik Tucker, Ph.D., named National Academy of Inventors Fellow
Dec. 8
Tucker is an inventor on more than ninety U.S. and international patents, and his research has resulted in the development of four unique drug candidates.
OHSU partners with semiconductor company to develop smartwatch that detects key mental health indicator
Dec. 6
OHSU researchers, ADI engineers are developing evidence-based technology to help address rising mental health crisis in teens.
Andrew Adey: Single cell imaging, technology development and creativity
Dec. 5
Dr. Andrew Adey’s lab is creating single-cell technologies to help researchers across disciplines understand how cells evolve
Autobahn Therapeutics Announces Initiation of a Phase 1 Clinical Trial of ABX-002 for the Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
Nov. 29
OHSU startup company Autobahn Therapeutics announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for ABX-002, a compound originally discovered in the OHSU laboratory of Tom Scanlan, Ph.D.
PDX Pharma wins two Corporate Philanthropy Awards
Nov. 2
OHSU startup company PDX Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with OHSU, was among the four teams in Oregon that were awarded the 2022 Innovation in Philanthropy Award. The award recognizes PDX Pharma’s commitment (through donation and volunteer work at the BME of OHSU) in education and training in cancer research and nanotechnology.
Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc. announces second closing of $20 million investment
from Petrichor
Sept. 26
OHSU startup Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that it has completed the second closing of $20 million of senior secured promissory notes with Petrichor Healthcare Capital Management.
Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc. announces FDA approval of PEDMARK®
September 21
OHSU startup Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc., announces FDA approval of PEDMARK® (sodium thiosulfate injection) to reduce the risk of ototoxicity associated with cisplatin in pediatric patients one month of age and older with localized, non-metastatic solid tumors.
Luiz Bertassoni: Recreating in three dimensions the complexity of the human body
September 12
Luiz Bertassoni uses biomanufacturing techniques to recreate, in 3D, the complexity of the human body to create tissue models and advance our understanding of cancer. Read more about Bertassoni's research in the OHSU Research News blog post.
OHSU researchers and Analog Devices collaborate on a wearable device for seizure detection
Sept. 9
This spring, OHSU neurologists formed a joint research agreement with semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. to conduct a year-long study to determine whether ADI’s vital signs monitoring, or VSM, watch can measure key indicators that can be used to detect and predict seizures.
PDX Pharmaceuticals and OHSU awarded the Innovation in Corporate Philanthropy award from Portland Business Journal
Sept.
OHSU startup company PDX Pharmaceuticals and OHSU were recognized by the Portland Business Journal for joint innovation on cancer research. PDX Pharmaceuticals was also recognized as one of the top ten philanthropic companies in the small business category.
Autobahn therapeutics announces successful financing to support strategic advancement of ABX-002 for treatment resistant depression
Sept. 8
OHSU startup Autobahn Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on restoring hope for people affected by CNS disorders, today announced the closing of a $32.7 million financing to support the company’s continued commitment to transforming the treatment of CNS disorders, led by a strategic prioritization on addressing treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
NeuraMedica Inc. receives FDA 510(k) clearance for DuraFuse dural clips for fast & secure dural closure
Aug. 30
OHSU startup company NeuraMedica received 510(k) clearance for their medical device that allows for faster suture of the dura mater, which covers and protects the brain and spinal cord, during surgery.
Nabil Alkayed appointed a Vinney Scholar at the Harrington Discovery Institute
Aug. 26
The Linda and Les Vinney Scholar Program in Alzheimer’s disease ("Vinney Scholar Program") is part of the Center for Brain Health Medicines at Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. The program provides funding and drug development support to researchers whose work aims to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
PDX pharmaceuticals publishes new data in Nature Communications
Aug. 8
OHSU startup company PDX Pharmaceuticals publishes new data on the Antigen Release Agent and Checkpoint Inhibitor (ARAC) technology in Nature Communications
Read the op-ed version of one of the stand-out sessions from OHSU Innovation Day 2022
July 29
Targeting the topic of Diversity and Equity in Innovation, this op-ed piece appearing in the Oregon Business magazine, and cowritten by Graciela Gomez Cowger and OHSU Innovates’ own Aditi Martin, highlights ways to promote inclusion and new efforts by the OHSU Innovates network to elevate women and BIPOC inventors.
Taking on a rare childhood disease and triple-negative breast cancer
July 7
A rare childhood disease and triple-negative breast cancer are the targets of the two projects funded by the drug discovery track of the 2022 OCTRI Biomedical Innovation Program awards.
Four OHSU-affiliated startups receive matching grants from Business Oregon
July 5
Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) have announced the twelve recipients of state grants, which will help these innovative small businesses leverage their federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant awards. Congratulations to all the awardees, including four OHSU-affiliated startup companies: Inherent Targeting, Nzumbe, OmnEcoil and PDX Pharma.
The Oregon Bioscience Association releases Oregon's Bio Boom: 2022 Economic Impact Report
June 15
This year’s economic impact report from the Oregon Bioscience Association provides details on Oregon’s thriving bioscience ecosystem. Life science research at Oregon universities and hospitals, including OHSU, directly generated $882.3 million in economic activity, including $522.8 million in wages and 5,870 jobs.
Autobahn Therapeutics Announces Emerging Preclinical Data Demonstrating Ability of CNS-Delivered Thyromimetics to Promote Remyelination
May 18
OHSU startup company Autobahn Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on restoring hope for people affected by CNS disorders, announced new preclinical data supporting the potential of its novel CNS-directed thyromimetic program to induce remyelination in models where loss of myelin is a key driver of disease.
OHSU's Travis Cook talks shop
May 17
Travis G. Cook, senior director of Technology Transfer, OHSU, recently met with Oregon Bio to discuss OHSU’s tech transfer work, where he champions research and development by promoting an innovative and entrepreneurial culture.
2022 Research and Innovation Awards announced
April 25
OHSU Innovates has published a program that details the innovations of these recipients, as well as OHSU innovators who have been successful in building new partnerships and innovations over the past year.
Promedix receives investment from Baxter as part of the mHUB MedTech Accelerator
April 12
OHSU startup company Promedix was one of four MedTech startup companies to be selected for an initial investment from Baxter as part of the mHUB Accelerator program.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Acquires Anesthesia Toolbox from Oregon Health & Science University
Feb. 16
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the acquisition of Anesthesia Toolbox, a collaborative education platform and learning community for anesthesiology residency programs, from OHSU.
Yali Jia Ph.D. elected National Academy of Inventors Senior Member
February 11
Yali Jia, Ph.D., developed an algorithm that greatly improved the sensitivity of a highly efficient, non-invasive eye imaging technology called optical coherence tomographic angiography, or OCTA. For that and other significant contributions, the National Academy of Inventors elected Jia, Jennie P. Weeks Professor of Ophthalmology and associate professor of biomedical engineering in the OHSU School of Medicine and Casey Eye Institute, an NAI Senior Member.
OHSU, GE Healthcare extend multi-year collaboration to advance innovation, outcomes
Feb. 1
OHSU and GE Healthcare have renewed their Comprehensive Research Agreement for an additional five years, which means the organizations will continue to combine their expertise to advance research, accelerate delivery of quality care, and improve patient outcomes.
New study suggests two paths toward ‘super immunity’ to COVID-19
Jan. 25
New laboratory research from Oregon Health & Science University reveals more than one path toward robust immunity from COVID-19.
With new microscope, scientists will explore how tiny molecules make cells work
Jan. 25
Catherine Galbraith, Ph.D., and Jim Galbraith, Ph.D., to develop new technology to quantify molecular aggregates, track their involvement in cellular functions, disease.
OHSU investigators awarded $3 million for innovative, promising research
January 24
Four OHSU researchers: Andrew C. Adey, Ph.D., Kathleen Carlson, Ph.D., Fikadu Tafesse, Ph.D., and Brandon Wilder, Ph.D. have been recognized for exceptionally innovative research that promises to make significant contributions to their fields.
Winners of Biomedical Innovation Program awards address significant clinical problems
Jan. 4
Three projects have been named recipients of 2022 Biomedical Innovation Program funding in the Device, Diagnostic, and Software track. The projects are led by Yali Jia, Ph.D., FAIMBE, Gregory Landry, M.D., and Martin Pike, Ph.D.
2021
OHSU startup ProMedix selected to participate in mHUB Accelerator program for medical devices
November 10
mHUB announced that OHSU startup company ProMedix Inc. was recently selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of mHUB’s six-month, hands-on accelerator for high-potential medical device businesses.
AstraZeneca accepts six new research projects from KCI
October 29
AstraZeneca has accepted six research proposals submitted by Knight Cancer Institute investigators as part of the Partner of Choice program.
OHSU startup announces collaboration
October 6
Luciole Pharmaceuticals, an OHSU startup developing novel therapeutics to repair damaged mitochondrial DNA has entered into a research collaboration with Cyclica, which specializes in data-driven drug discovery.
OHSU startup awarded $4.3M in grants for cancer research
September 21
PDX Pharmaceuticals was awarded two grants totaling $4.3 million from the National Cancer Institute for development of immuno-nanotherapeutics for advanced cancers. Wassana Yantasee, Ph.D. , president and CEO of PDX Pharmaceuticals and a professor of biomedical engineering in the OHSU School of Medicine, founded the company in 2010.
OHSU awarded $3.8 million NIH grant to launch oral health research training program
September 2
The OHSU School of Dentistry has received a $3.8 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health in order to recruit, train and mentor the next generation of scientists in oral health.
Discovery raises possibility of new medication for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
August 9
OHSU study reveals that synthetic compound regulates gene implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
Humanized mice power OHSU startup Yecuris
August 6
OHSU startup Yecuris specializes in mouse "models" for research into liver function and therapies.
OHSU startup Autobahn receives orphan drug designation for therapeutic compound
August 2
OHSU startup Autobahn announces orphan drug designation granted to ABX-002 for the treatment of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
OHSU startup Aronora reports positive topline data from phase 2 study
July 19
OHSU startup Aronora, a translational biotechnology company focused on developing safe biologic therapeutics in hematology, presented positive topline data from their phase 2 clinical trial.
FDA accepts NDA resubmission for PEDMARK™
June 22
OHSU startup Fennec Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has resubmitted its New Drug Application for approval of PEDMARK™ (a unique formulation of sodium thiosulfate) for the prevention of ototoxicity induced by cisplatin chemotherapy in patients one month to < 18 years of age with localized, non-metastatic, solid tumors.
OHSU startup Inherent Targeting receives funding
June 1, 2021
OHSU startup Inherent Targeting has been named to the first cohort of the Sci-Founder fellowship program. The program provides a cash investment of $400,000, along with mentorship and a peer-network of other scientists starting companies. Additionally, Inherent Targeting was recently awarded a fast-track Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Cancer Institute.
OHSU startup Vir Biotechnology receives EUA for Covid antibody
May 26, 2021
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave an emergency use authorization to the antibody treatment developed by Vir Biotechnology and GlaxoSmithKline for treating mild-to-moderate Covid-19 in people aged 12 years and older.
A big win for a Portland biotech startup
May 18, 2021
Portland biotech startup Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, founded by OHSU entrepreneur-in-residence David Katz, secured $50 million Series A Financing.
Capsigen, Inc, enters strategic research collaboration with Biogen, Inc.
May 10, 2021
OHSU startup Capsigen, Inc., announced that it has entered into a strategic research collaboration with Biogen, Inc., to discover and develop novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids that may facilitate the development of new gene therapies for CNS and neuromuscular disorders.
OHSU scientists earn $1.5 million to accelerate innovation, collaboration
March 18, 2021
OHSU has named two visionary researchers, with expertise in tissue engineering and mechanotransduction, to receive $750K each in research funding through the university’s Faculty Excellence and Innovation Awards program.
OHSU spinout NeuraMedica raises $1M
March 2, 2021
Founded in 2014, NeuroMedica's first grant was from OHSU's Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI). Read more.
OHSU Startup ServerDome could be the future of small data centers
February 17, 2021
Shape matters: Why this dome could be the future of small data centers.
Business Oregon announced the release of Oregon’s 10-Year Innovation Plan
February 16, 2021
Futures Commission Releases 10-Year Innovation Plan to Support Oregon's Economy by Investing in Innovation.
OHSU, Ionis Pharmaceuticals to develop drugs for ‘undruggable’ cancer targets
January 27, 2021
OHSU announced the formation of a collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals designed to discover and develop novel therapeutics in the area of hematologic malignancies, or cancers of the blood.
Study suggests compound protects myelin, nerve fibers
January 13, 2021
Recent research on a compound developed at OHSU and licensed into OHSU startup company Autobahn Therapeutics, shows protection of the myelin and nerve fibers, demonstrating great promise in treating and preventing the progression of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Vir Biotechnology initiates phase I clinical trial
January 6, 2021
OHSU startup, Vir Biotechnology, initiates phase I clinical trial of a vaccine vector platform originally conceived and developed at OHSU. Read more.