5dcd1c66-5fc9-4d80-b443-11bc1b3a39ee image

News from the life sciences and technology communities north of Boston

June 2024

Yesterday, Flagship Pioneering and ProFound Therapeutics announced an agreement to develop new obesity drugs as part of a strategic partnership with Pfizer. Fierce Biotech reports the companies each committed $50 million to develop 10 programs, and each successful drug from the partnership could be worth as much as $700 million in milestones and payments.

new-expanding-clients image

Unravel Biosciences will move this July from an incubator lab at UMASS Boston to 3,200 square feet of dedicated space in Medford. The company's new headquarters, situated within Cummings Properties' Boston Avenue innovation campus, will house its administrative and research and development functions.


Founded in 2021, Unravel is using AI to advance new therapies for complex diseases and central nervous system disorders. Its technology, developed at Harvard University’s Wyss Institute, has already led to four clinical trials and an FDA orphan drug designation in 2024. Richard Novak, Ph.D. is CEO and co-founder of the company.

items-of-interest-lsu image

Congratulations to Vaxess Technologies (GMP facility at Cummings Park, Woburn) for the publication of its first phase 1 clinical trial results for the MIMIX skin patch for vaccines and therapeutics. The full paper details the clinical trial’s success, finding “the MIMIX MAP platform is safe, well tolerated and elicits robust antibody responses.”


Backed by venture capital and Gates Foundation, this life science company develops novel vaccine formulations and delivery technologies based on its proprietary silk platform. The company is committed to improving access to vaccines by enabling better, more stable vaccine products that can be easily delivered all over the world.

According to a new report from MassBioEd, a Cummings Foundation Grant recipient, long-term projections for job growth in the life sciences industry remain strong. The industry is expected to grow by 32 percent, or nearly 38,000 jobs, by 2033, while the current annual supply of graduates only satisfies about 61 percent of the demand. Worth noting, only one in five life sciences and chemistry degree graduates in Massachusetts end up in biopharma or medical labs. Download the report.

networking-events image

Four early-stage VCs will share their profiles, investment soft spots, processes, and the type of startup they view to be a good fit at Massachusetts Innovation Network's "Know Your Investor - Reverse Pitch with VCs" virtual event. Tuesday, June 25, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Register.

MassBioEd will host an in-person Life Sciences Career and Resource Fair, as an opportunity for representatives to showcase their companies, meet with job candidates, and network. Job seekers are encouraged to learn more about career opportunities and meet industry professionals. Tuesday, June 25, 1:00 - 4:30 PM, at Southline Boston. Register.


If your company is hiring, reach out to MassBioEd to inquire about participating.

MDC Associates, Inc., a leading consulting firm specializing in providing comprehensive CRO, regulatory affairs, and quality systems consulting services to medical device and in-vitro diagnostic manufacturers, will host an open house at its new headquarters. Meet MDC's team of experts and learn more about how the firm leads biotechnology projects, manages clinical studies, and drives advancements in healthcare.

Thursday, July 11, 3:00 - 7:00 PM, 48 Dunham Ridge, Beverly. RSVP by Friday, June 21.

Save the date for the North Shore Technology Council summer mixer featuring local wine, cider, and sangria from Mill River Winery. Network with others involved in the life sciences, technology, and sustainability industries, and meet representatives from Envisioning Access, a nonprofit dedicated to finding technological solutions for people with spinal injuries/physical disabilities, will join to share their mission and innovative technologies. Thursday, July 25, 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Mill River Winery, Route 1, Rowley.

campus-updates image

Move-in Ready Woburn Lab Space

A turn-key lab and office is available within Cummings' robust life sciences and cleantech community in Woburn. The space features attractive, contemporary office space, including a large boardroom. Suites may be leased individually or together for 7,000 to 25,400 SF.

2 Cummings Park

Suites 42, 45, 66, and 67

View Floor Plan

Lab Features Include:


• Seven fume hoods

• Ample benchwork

• Two private loading docks

• 2,600 amps at 120/208V

• Back-up generator


Office Features Include:


• Many private offices

• Collaboration area

• Large board room

• Full kitchen

• Open floor area

• Copy room

Interested? Call or text John Halsey at 781-983-2214 or email sales@cummings.com.

share-news image

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.

Keep up with news from the Cummings community by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram