Pulse-quickening startups: IU-connected medical, biotech companies to be promoted June 11 in Indy

Life sciences executives, entrepreneurs and researchers around Indiana will soon learn about startups based on IP developed at Indiana University, that have IU personnel in the C-suite or that have received investments from the Indiana Philanthropic Venture Fund.

Three executives will present their companies with IU connections at Rising Star Startups from 3-5 p.m. June 11 at the Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Pkwy. W. Dr. in Indianapolis. A 90-minute networking reception will follow. BioCrossroads, a catalyst for life sciences ideas in Indiana, is organizing the event. In addition, Jason Whitney — associate vice president at IU Ventures and manager of The Quarry — will speak about the entrepreneurial support ecosystem at the university.

“IU has a vibrant innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem to bring discoveries from the lab bench to the public. I’ll be sharing some of those resources during the June 11 event,” Whitney said. “Researchers in the IU School of Medicine have proven themselves to be entrepreneurial, founding and serving on companies to commercialize their work. IU Ventures supports them — and faculty and staff at all IU campuses and schools — with programming, funding and other services.”

The companies being introduced are as follows.

FAST BioMedical: FAST BioMedical is a clinical-stage medical technology company developing technology for quantifying volume status and kidney function in a clinically actionable time frame. The company’s technology could have a significant impact on the treatment of patients with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. FAST BioMedical has completed a Phase I human trial in Germany and a Phase II human trial in the United States.

NERx Biosciences: NERx Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of drugs targeting the DNA damage-response pathway. The first oncology drug candidate is Phase I ready. These potential therapeutics are based on the science of professor John Turchi at the IU School of Medicine. The company is advised by former Eli Lilly and Company and Endocyte executives. The IU Philanthropic Venture Fund invested $500,000 in NERx Biosciences.

Vascugen: Vascugen is a regenerative medicine company developing allogeneic cell therapy products based on technology developed by Dr. Mervin Yoder at the IU School of Medicine. Vascugen is advancing a platform of technologies for the treatment of patients with vascular injuries or degenerative conditions. The company is led by serial entrepreneur Carter Cliff.