New Biotech Startup Takes Aim At Aging Process
Unity Biotechnology Inc. will initially focus on "local" diseases such as glaucoma. In other news, Peninsula Biotech targets peanut allergies, and Johnson & Johnson joins forces with California's ViaCyte to work on a diabetes cure.
The San Francisco Business Times:
Look Out, Calico -- This Startup Is Taking A Killer Approach To Aging
A young biotech company focused on aging emerged from stealth mode Wednesday, aiming to nip at the heels of secretive Google Inc.-backed Calico Life Sciences LLC. Unity Biotechnology Inc., incubated over the past year at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, pulls together the work of three researchers with the idea of ridding the body of a buildup of dead cells to treat — and maybe even reverse — a wide range of aging-related diseases. (Leuty, 2/3)
The San Francisco Business Times:
Peninsula Biotech Forges New Path To Combat Peanut Allergies
The company is backed by crowdfunding from rich family foundations and a key collaboration with a Georgia peanut processor. (Leuty, 2/3)
The Associated Press:
Johnson & Johnson, ViaCyte Testing Possible Diabetes Cure
Johnson & Johnson, continuing its long quest for a Type 1 diabetes cure, is joining forces with biotech company ViaCyte to speed development of the first stem cell treatment that could fix the life-threatening hormonal disorder. They’ve already begun testing it in a small number of diabetic patients. If it works as well in patients as it has in animals, it would amount to a cure, ending the need for frequent insulin injections and blood sugar testing. (Johnson, 2/4)
Meanwhile, Sutter Health is looking for partners in the Silicon Valley —
The San Francisco Business Times:
New Sutter Health CEO Aims For Silicon Valley Partnerships
Sutter Health, one of Northern California's largest hospital and health care systems, has changed its organizational structure in recent years, in large part to make it easier to partner with. Research and technology partnerships with Silicon Valley companies, large and small, are a key part of the new approach, according to new CEO Sarah Krevans, who took on the role in early January after three years as chief operating officer. (Rauber, 2/3)