Hope your year is off to a steady start. Here’s a thought—honey never spoils. ??
No matter how much time passes, it stays preserved, unchanged.
Science, on the other hand, doesn’t have that luxury. Progress is perhaps the only constant, but it depends on continuous research, support, and funding. Without them, discoveries slow, innovation stalls, and the ripple effects are felt across the entire industry.
If the past few weeks have felt like a rollercoaster, you're not alone. The federal funding freeze created widespread uncertainty in the life sciences community, leaving many researchers scrambling for clarity. While the memo has been rescinded, confusion persists—grants remain in limbo, and uncertainty looms over ongoing projects. Some labs have had to pause or scale back, putting critical work on hold. Perhaps by early next week, things will be clearer.?
Despite these challenges, the biotech industry continues to push forward. From major acquisitions to groundbreaking advances in gene therapy and longevity research, there’s plenty to keep an eye on—and reason to stay optimistic.?
Here’s what’s inside this month’s edition of Excedr Monthly:
?? New episodes from The Biotech Startups Podcast.
?? A biotech news roundup, including the latest on funding delays.
?? Editor’s picks from the blog.
Latest from The Biotech Startups Podcast—
Presented by Excedr, a podcast for scientist-entrepreneurs.
This month's guests included:
- Cyriac Roeding,?CEO of Earli, a pioneering company transforming cancer detection and treatment through innovative gene therapy. A seasoned entrepreneur and investor, he has a track record of building ventures that bridge the physical and digital worlds.
- Rafael Rosengarten, CEO and Co-Founder of Genialis, the RNA biomarker company. A seasoned biomedical researcher and accomplished academic, Rafael holds degrees from Dartmouth and Yale and completed his postdoctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
- Jason C. Foster, CEO and Executive Director of Ori Biotech, which is revolutionizing Cell and Gene Therapy manufacturing through the development of its proprietary platform, IRO. Jason's has spent more than 20 years working in life science leadership roles, from operations and sales to technology and more.?
Find all the latest episodes of The Biotech Startups Podcast here.
Quick Biotech News Roundup—
Biotech industry highlights this month.
- Key takeaways from the 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference: The 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference brought together industry leaders to discuss major trends, including M&A activity, drug pricing, and AI’s role in biotech. Regulatory shifts and global market dynamics were key topics, with optimism surrounding innovation and investment opportunities in the sector. Morgan Lewis.
- Moderna receives $590M from U.S. government for avian flu vaccine development: Moderna announced a $590M award from the U.S. government to advance its mRNA-based vaccine against avian influenza. This funding aims to accelerate the development of mRNA-1018, which has shown promising results in early trials. Investopedia.
- Johnson & Johnson to acquire Intra-Cellular Therapies for $14.6B: Johnson & Johnson announced a $14.6B acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, aiming to expand its neuropsychiatry drug portfolio. The deal strengthens J&J’s presence in mental health treatments, particularly with Intra-Cellular’s lead drug, Caplyta, which is approved for schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Investors.com.
- NSF suspends salaries, leaving researchers in limbo: The National Science Foundation suspended salary payments and postponed grant review panels, significantly impacting ongoing research. A federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze, but confusion and concern persist within the scientific community. STAT News.
- ?US funding freeze memo rescinded: The Trump administration's recent memo halting federal financial assistance was rescinded following legal challenges. Despite this reversal, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) continues to experience disruptions, with grant reviews canceled and researchers uncertain about funding timelines. The scientific community remains concerned about the ongoing impact on research activities. c&en.
- Biotech accelerator Curie.Bio raises $340M for new seed fund: The biotech accelerator and investment firm Curio.Bio, which was started by Alexis Borisy and Zach Weinberg, announced it has raised another $340M to invest in startups. The fund willl help the organization double down its investing over the next two years. STAT News.
- Epigenetic biotech raises $175M to fund entry into clinic: Tune Therapeutics recently raised $175M in a Series B as it takes its epigenetic silencing drug into the clinic. The drug is for chronic hepatitis B (HBV), and is built on Tune's TEMPO epigenetic editing platform, which is delievered to cells in lipid nanoparticles. Fierce Biotech.
- Biotech venture investors optimistic, but uncertainties persist Biotechnology venture capital is recovering from its slide, with investors expressing optimism about 2025. However, uncertainties such as regulatory challenges and market volatility continue to pose concerns for the sector. Investors are cautiously optimistic, balancing enthusiasm for innovation with awareness of potential risks. WSJ.
Blog Posts—
Editor's Picks from the Excedr Blog.
Ever wondered how VCs choose which startups to fund? This guide demystifies their process, from sourcing deals through networks to evaluating potential investments. Understanding these steps can help entrepreneurs align their pitches and increase their chances of securing funding. Learn how to navigate the VC landscape more effectively.
Startups often face funding gaps between major investment rounds. A bridge round provides short-term financing to help companies reach critical milestones or prepare for their next big funding phase. Understanding bridge rounds can be crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring long-term success.
Paying for big-ticket equipment upfront can strain cash flow. Financing spreads the cost, keeping your budget flexible while supporting long-term growth. This approach helps businesses stay competitive without sacrificing liquidity. Here’s how it works.
Leasing lab equipment can be a smart move for biotech startups, but it's crucial to ask the right questions first. This article outlines key considerations, such as understanding lease terms, evaluating financial impacts, and assessing equipment needs. By addressing these points, startups can make informed decisions that support both immediate operations and long-term growth.
Neglecting lab equipment maintenance can lead to unexpected downtime and costly repairs. Implementing a proactive lifecycle management strategy—including regular calibration, preventive maintenance, and timely upgrades—ensures your instruments operate efficiently and extend their usable life. This approach not only maintains accuracy but also supports compliance with industry standards. Learn practical steps to optimize your lab's equipment management.
-Tom & the team at Excedr ??????
