NEW YORK (October 17, 2011) – The New York Biotechnology Association (NYBA) today announced the inaugural class of the NYBA Fellows Program for Early Stage Life Science Entrepreneurs, an innovative plan that offers New York’s emerging life science companies a membership scholarship of up to two years and full access to NYBA’s broad list of discounts and services.

“New York’s entrepreneurs are the future of the life science industry and we at NYBA feel a responsibility to help nurture their growth,” said Peter Robinson, Chairman of NYBA and COO, University of Rochester Medical Center.  “The six companies joining the Fellows Program today are indicative of the broad range of therapies, tools and technologies being developed across New York State and represent the next wave of life science innovation. I am pleased to welcome our inaugural class to the NYBA Fellows Program and look forward to their success.”

Launched in September of this year, the NYBA Fellows Program is designed to help nurture and grow new and incubator companies in New York. The NYBA Fellows Program offers a two-year scholarship providing early-stage companies of seven employees or fewer with full access to the complete NYBA portfolio of benefits, including the NYBA purchasing consortium, and discounted access to seminars, conferences, and networking events. Early stage life science companies of seven or fewer employees that have received less than $5 million in funding are eligible to apply.

 

The following companies have been accepted to the NYBA Fellows Program:

ADispell research has revealed a novel mechanism that explains the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and has discovered lead compounds that interact with the mechanism in a way that potentially could halt Alzheimer’s advancement.

 

DNANO (=DNA + nanotechnology), a platform technology company with product applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, protein expression and proprietary therapeutics in immune-stimulation and immuno-suppression.

 

Endocrine is a small molecule biotech company taking advantage of breakthrough advances in the fundamentals of immunology.

 

Enumeral Biomedical develops therapeutics and diagnostics through functional assaying of single cells. It uses its proprietary microengraving technology to address opportunities in immunology including therapeutic discovery, immune profiling, and personalized medicine.

 

Ezra is a Weill Cornell start-up commercializing a novel therapy for diabetic retinopathy based on the repurposing of a FDA approved anti-allergy drug and using a novel bioresorbable polymer for local extended release intraocularly.

 

Ultradian Diagnostics is an early stage medical device company focused on developing a next generation minimally invasive Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system, called Biologue, to address the significant inaccuracy issues experienced by first generation users of CGM products.   "Ultradian Diagnostics is pleased to be part of the NYBA network and we look forward to expanding our reach through NYBA's excellent programs,” said John Willis, Chairman and CEO, Ultradian Diagnostics.

 

Life science entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming Fellows will need to identify a sponsor from NYBA Board of Directors and complete a simple addendum to the current Membership Application that asks for the applicants company profile, year founded, source of funding, number of employees, and the sponsor’s contact information and signature, which will be reviewed internally for approval. Fellows will be notified upon acceptance and will immediately gain access to the full array of NYBA member benefits and programs. Upon acceptance, Fellows will receive one free year membership, renewable for a second year. At that time, Fellows may apply for regular NYBA membership.

 

 

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NYBA is the leading advocate for advancing the success of the biotechnology industry in New York State and is its main representative to state policy makers, the media and communities. NYBA’s mission is to support the development and growth of New York’s biotechnology industry, and serve our members and the biotechnology community by providing a network for information exchange, shared services and collective action.  NYBA’s membership comprises bioscience companies, world-class research institutions and related professional services. Under the banner of The Cures Start Here®, the Association’s goal is to amplify the success New York has had and continues to have in discovering major life science advances and growing a vibrant bioscience industry.