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News from the life sciences and technology sectors north of Boston

January 2025

At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference yesterday, Biogen CEO Chris Viehbacher outlined three FDA decisions that could accelerate the U.S. launch of the Alzheimer's disease drug Leqembi. Later this month, the FDA will determine whether to approve a monthly intravenous maintenance regimen for the drug, following a bi-weekly initiation phase. The FDA is also reviewing a subcutaneous autoinjector of Leqembi, with an approval decision slated for August. Finally, FDA approval of at least two blood-based diagnostics could make Leqembi more accessbile. Read more from Hannah Green of Boston Business Journal.

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Highlighting Massachusetts' pivotal role in advancing clean energy technologies, Emvolon (Sixth Road, Woburn) recently hosted Secretary Yvonne Hao of Massachusetts' Executive Office of Economic Development for a tour of its leading-edge testing and development center.


Emvolon is accelerating the transition to a carbon-negative future with its innovative technology that turns emissions into valuable green chemicals and fuels like methanol and ammonia.

Yesterday, Colorado-based Pioneer Energy revealed it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a $6 million award to adapt Emvolon’s proprietary gas-to-methanol technology to eliminate flaring and emissions in the oilfield. This technology will be demonstrated at an oil and gas facility in the Eagle Ford of Texas.

Spear Bio Inc. (100 TradeCenter, Woburn), a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation ultra-sensitive immunoassays, just announced that its pTau 217 blood test has been granted Breakthrough Device designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The designation recognizes the test’s potential to address a critical unmet need for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and not yet diagnosed.


In a press release, Feng Xuan, Ph.D., co-Founder and CEO of Spear Bio, said, “Receiving FDA Breakthrough Device designation for our pTau 217 blood test marks an important milestone for Spear Bio. We are dedicated to providing clinicians and patients with an affordable, accessible, and highly sensitive diagnostic solution that enables timely and accurate decision-making.”

Myrobalan Therapeutics (200 Boston Avenue, Medford), a CNS-focused pre-clinical biotech company developing medicines to address the unmet need and societal burdens of neurodegenerative and demyelinating disorders, has appointed Jaren Landen, Ph.D. as fractional chief medical officer. Dr. Landen will lead the clinical efforts for portfolio programs, with a particular focus on the CSF1R program as it advances to the clinic. Dr. Landen is a clinical leader with 22 years of global pharmaceutical experience, dedicated to developing new medicines for patients with unmet medical needs, particularly in CNS disorders.

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Join North Shore Technology Council for a free online learning session: "Building Successful Connections at Work - The Power of Emotional Intelligence," presented by team effectiveness coach Michelle Kempskie.


Thursday, January 23, Noon - 1:00 PM. Register.

MassBio will host the 2025 Economic Outlook Forum following the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference and the release of MassBio’s 2024 Biopharma Funding Report. This double bill of panel discussions between local executives and industry experts will address headlines from the conference, macro-economic trends affecting biopharma innovation, and how the new year could be different from the last, all through a Massachusetts lens. 


Monday, January 27, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at MassBio Hub in Cambridge. Register (MassBio members only)

Join Middlesex 3 Coalition for the latest Real Estate Leadership Series event, focused on "Creating a Cleantech Community."


Speakers include Casey Hagerty, economic development manager for the city of Woburn; Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO of Emvolon; Leslie Nash, senior director of technology-to-market programs at Mass CEC; and Jeff Pelletier, senior account manager at Cummings Properties.


Thursday, February 6 at 9:30 AM. Learn more and register.

EnergyBar is Greentown Labs’ signature networking event, fostering conversation and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, students, neighbors, and other climate champions passionate about innovations in climatetech and the energy transition. Thursday, February 6, 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Register.

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Biose Industrie is a drug-GMP certified CDMO for clinical and commercial products. Founded in France in 1951, it focuses on health through microbiota and microbiome science, including product development, clinical studies, and commercial manufacturing of Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBPs). The company's Woburn lab and office focuses on tech transfer and early-stage process and analytical development activities.


Biose is seeking a highly motivated Bioprocess engineer to join its growing US team. Responsibilities range from project design and execution of upstream and downstream processes to data validation and analysis. The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, while bringing their experience, expertise, and innovative ideas. Learn more. Contact Nadine Daou at n.daou@biose.com.

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Join the Woburn Life Sciences Cluster

12 Gill Street, Woburn

Cummings is pleased to offer three corner lab and office options. Join established and emerging biotechnology companies in the Woburn life sciences cluster at 12 Gill Street, located just off I-95 near the I-93 interchange. The area features numerous dining and shopping amenities, including the nearby Woburn Village lifestyle center, and is served by MBTA bus and commuter rail and Logan Express.

Suites 3500, 3700, & 3850

21,652 SF

View Floor Plan

Suites 3000 & 3150

11,262 SF

View Floor Plan

Suite 3150

7,826 SF

View Floor Plan

To learn more about these suites and specifications, call or text John Halsey at 781-983-2214 or email jrh@cummings.com.

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We welcome your feedback on this newsletter and invite readers to share company news, personnel changes, product launches, funding updates, events, and more. Contact Sue Howland, client engagement manager, at svh@cummings.com to offer your news for upcoming newsletters. We look forward to hearing from you.

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