Daily Business Report-April 4, 2018
Photo courtesy of Scripps Research Institute.
Scripps Research Discovery Paves Way
for Better Flu Prevention and Treatment
This year’s flu vaccine has been less effective in protecting people from the most common strain of the virus, compared with recent years. And once people become infected with the flu, there are few good ways to treat it.
Now scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a new aspect of the flu virus and how it interacts with antibodies in the lungs. This research could lead to a new approach for developing vaccines to prevent the flu, as well as novel treatments for people who are already infected. The study is being published today in the journal Cell Reports.
“This was a completely unexpected and unforeseen finding,” says Lars Hangartner, an associate professor of immunology in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research and the study’s senior author. “We found that antibodies called IgAs, which are commonly found on mucosal surfaces, can actually protect us from infections in two different ways.”
Flu vaccines work by presenting viral molecules, called antigens, to the immune system. These antigens act as mugshots, teaching the immune system to recognize and produce antibodies against the virus, should it see them again.
Flu vaccines today stimulate mostly other antibodies than IgA, but based on the new findings, the investigators say this may not be the best approach. The scientists studied different kinds of antibodies in cell cultures to find out which ones were most potent against the flu virus. They found that a subtype called IgA1 was the most effective. Further research revealed that one part of the IgA1 in particular made it so effective—a certain kind of tail on the end of the molecule that can directly inhibit the flu and other viruses.
Working with collaborators at the University of Zurich, the researchers found this tail blocks the part of the virus that allows it to attach to the cells it wants to infect. This suggests that the IgA antibody works through two different types of immune activity: acquired immunity, which is traditionally associated with antibodies that specifically recognize pathogens, and innate immunity, which is more of a nonspecific, broad-ranging attack.
IgAs are notoriously hard to work with, so Hangartner says future research will focus on developing antibodies that are easier to produce and can be tested in mice.
Hangartner says these findings could be translated into effective treatments for people who have already been infected or who are in close contact with potentially lethal flu strains. He adds that because these antibodies are so potent, only a small amount of material would be needed to provide protection. This means that a future treatment could be offered to more people, and potentially at a lower cost.
“We think if we could graft this tail onto a more manageable antibody molecule, it would be much easier to handle,” adds Hangartner. “It would combine the best of both worlds and give us a molecule that’s more effective and hardy, and that ultimately may be useful in the clinic.”
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The Extreme Geographic Inequality
of High-Tech Venture Capital
The rest aren’t rising and spatial inequality is getting worse
By Richard Florida, CityLab
The Bay Area — that is, San Francisco and Silicon Valley — currently accounts for nearly 45 percent of total venture capital investment in the entire United States, according to a CityLab report. And the Acela Corridor, spanning Boston, New York, and Washington, comprises another third. Together, these two geographic regions attract nearly three-quarters of America’s venture capital investment. And, just the five leading metros account for more than 80 percent of total venture capital investment and 85 percent of its growth over the past decade. That’s spatial inequality on steroids.
San Diego is not mentioned.
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Metro VC Investment-in millions-2017 Share of U.S. Total San Francisco $25,215 33.20% New York $12,344 16.25% Boston $8,737 11.50% San Jose $8,345 10.99% Los Angeles $6,545 8.62% Chicago $1,839 2.42% Seattle $1,734 2.28% Washington $1,551 2.04% Austin $1,174 1.55% Atlanta $1,157 1.52% Miami $1,043 1.37% |
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Australian Biotech Company Imagion
Biosystems Limited to Relocate to San Diego
Imagion Biosystems Limited, an Australian company with cancer detection technology, will relocate its U.S. business operations to San Diego, the company announced Tuesday. San Diego is one of the leading biotechnology hubs in the U.S. and is home to more than 1,200 life science, biopharma and medical device companies.
The move comes as the Melbourne company’s plans for clinical testing of its MagSense cancer detection technology begins to solidify. Combined with the recent addition of Dr. Farideh Bischoff, who joined in February as vice president of clinical research, the company said the move to San Diego will help further accelerate the company’s development of the MagSense technology. “Relocating to an active biotech community like San Diego will facilitate clinical development and open new opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic collaborations,” said Bischoff.
“The medical need for earlier cancer detection is immediate,” said Bob Proulx, executive chairman of Imagion Biosystems. “As our MagSense technology progresses to first-in-human testing and towards commercialisation, it is important that we have ready access to the kind of skilled resources and supportive business environment that San Diego offers.”
The company expects to be fully operational in San Diego in the second quarter of this year. Management expects that the relocation and change in operational costs related to the move are not material and that the overall effect on the company’s spending will be neutral.
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USD To Award Medal Of Peace To
Actor And Humanitarian Forest Whitaker
Actor Forest Whitaker will be presented the USD Medal of Peace on Thursday in recognition of his international work as a humanitarian, peace builder and UNESCO special envoy for peace and reconciliation.
USD President James T. Harris and Kroc School Dean Patricia Marquez will present the award at 6 p.m. in the Institute for Peace and Justice Theatre.
In 2012, Whitaker founded the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative ( http://wpdi.org), a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization whose mission is to develop peace-building programs, initiatives, and campaigns that foster peace and reconciliation in disadvantaged and fragile communities throughout the world.
“This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary since the founding of the Kroc School at the University of San Diego, we wanted to recognize someone who has had a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of men, women, and children globally,” said Marquez. “While Mr. Whitaker is well known for his award-winning work in front of the camera, far fewer people know about the phenomenal work he has done through the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative.”
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UC San Diego Partners with SmartMoney Startups
to Support Military Veteran Entrepreneurs
University of California San Diego and SmartMoney Startups on April 9 will host community leaders, active-duty military and veterans to celebrate the inaugural launch of Startup Battlefield 101 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The eight-week certificate program will teach transitioning military members, veterans and military spouses about today’s private sector landscape and how to adapt military strategic planning skills to the startup environment.
The new program builds on the success of UC San Diego’s Veteran Ventures program, which has helped local veterans develop innovations into commercial products or launch new companies. UC San Diego was the first university in the nation to make available its campus-based entrepreneurial programs to all veterans in the community. Approximately 250,000 military veterans live in San Diego County — one of the highest populations of veterans in the country.
The program starts by selecting veterans who exhibit entrepreneurial qualities and whose life situation is supportive of being an entrepreneur. In-residence classes will be conducted in the evening hours and on local military bases in order to facilitate attendance. Classes will also be made available via live webinar and be recorded for students who are unable to attend in-person.
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J. Edward Harrison Quinlan Named CEO
of Community Health Improvement Partners
J. Edward Harrison Quinlan has been named CEO of the nonprofit Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP). Quinlan, a former member of the CHIP board of directors, has served as interim CEO since March 2017.
Quinlan most recently served as president of Corporate Alliance San Diego, a business-networking organization, and as principal of Level 10 Systems, a technology consulting group. Prior to that, Quinlan served for four years as an executive at Humana, developing employee-wellness programs. He served on the CHIP Board of Directors from 2014 to 2017.
Barbara Mandel, former CEO of Champions for Health, is incoming board chair for CHIP. Other board officers for 2018-2019 include restaurant entrepreneur Alex Carballo, as vice chair, and Patty Meyer, a CPA at Moss Adams, as treasurer/secretary. Former chair Jolyn Parker will remain on the board.
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International Tea Masters Association
Acquired by one of its Course Trainers
International Tea Masters Association, founded in San Diego to educate, train and certify tea sommeliers, tea blenders and tea masters, has been acquired by Claudia Zárate, one of its course trainers
Zárate is both an ITMA-Certified Tea Master and ITMA-Certified Tea Blender. She is also a professional wine sommelier, an considered an expert on sake, tequila, and vodka, and a gourmand of fine cuisine.
She graduated from the Universidad Anahuac in Mexico City and then attended the University of California, Davis, where she studied wine and winemaking. To further her education, she traveled extensively to vineyards in France, Germany, Spain, and Calfornia. Zárate is also a member of the Dallas Sommelier Society and Mexican Sommelier Association.
She participated in the celebration of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
ITMA Certified Tea Master Chas Kroll, founder of the International Tea Masters Association, sold the organization to Zárate. Prior to launching the association, he owned and operated an online specialty tea company for 10 years, which he sold in June 2006.
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Molly Terbovich-Ridenhour Named President
and CEO of San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
(Photo credit: Marshall Williams)
The Board of Directors of San Diego Civic Youth Ballet has promoted Molly Terbovich-Ridenhour to president & CEO of the organization. Terbovich-Ridenhour previously served as executive director of SDCYB for more than six years. Her promotion takes place in preparation of celebrating the Balboa Park nonprofit’s 75th anniversary in 2020.
“As SDCYB looks to shape our future, it seemed only natural that we appoint a president & CEO to assist in developing and executing our strategic vision of accessible, affordable, family-oriented ballet,” said Michael King, chair of the board of directors.
“Due to her passion for dance education including outreach to under-served residents in the San Diego area, and long history with San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Molly was a natural fit for the position. The board is confident that SDCYB’s students, their families, and our community constituents will benefit from Molly’s long-term vision for the growth of the ballet,” King said.
SDCYB was founded in 1945 and has been the resident ballet school in Balboa Park ever since. In addition to offering high-quality, affordable, year-round training in the Casa del Prado studios, the nonprofit also brings ballet education to public schools and offers ballet classes for over 600 students through a thriving Outreach Program.
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Humane Society Trust Given 684-Acre
Conservation Easement in Warner Springs
The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust announces receiving the donation of a conservation easement on 684 acres of vital habitat in Warner Springs, California, from Ann Peckham Keenan. The newly established Peckham Keenan Wildlife Sanctuary is in one of the nation’s top areas of biodiversity and supports several imperiled species.
The Trust’s permanent protection of this prime habitat is particularly beneficial for mountain lions – a species crucial to maintaining ecological balance. As a Trust sanctuary, the land also provides a place of respite from the pressures many wildlife species face from commercial and recreational hunting and trapping. The Trust is the only national land conservation organization that always makes this humane stewardship commitment on lands it protects. The sanctuary is set on the slopes of the Volcan Mountains of San Diego County.
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Recommended Reading:
F-35: Still No Finish Line in Sight
Strauss Military Reform Project
Click here for the story
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City of Oceanside Approves Use
of ‘Drone Killer’ by its Police
Aero-News Network
The city of Oceanside has approved the use of a “drone killer” by its police department. The device acquired by the city comes from IXI Technology. It was developed by the company using similar technology used by the U.S. military. It disrupts the radio signal controlling the drone, and either forces it to land immediately or return to its operator. According to local authorities, drones have been a problem particularly for firefighters in the area. Oceanside Police Department spokesperson Tom Bussey said that during the Lilac Fire in December, “We had a drone up and we couldn’t make water drops with firefighting aircraft because that drone was in the air.”
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Personnel Announcements
Robert Milder Joins Hecht Solberg
Robinson Goldberg & Bagley LLP
Former Navy Judge Advocate Robert Milder has joined Hecht Solberg Robinson Goldberg & Bagley LLP as an associate. He will be involved in all of the firm’s practice areas: real estate, business, finance and risk management.
Milder has practiced law for the Navy for five years, most recently as the command judge advocate at Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Earlier he was counsel for the respondent and legal assistance attorney for the Navy in Pensacola, Fla.
Milder graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and philosophy. He was awarded a Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude and Order of the Coif from the University of New Mexico School of Law. During law school, he received the Judge Oliver Seth Award for Ethics.
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Mark Butcher Promoted to Director
of Asset Services for CBRE in San Diego
Mark Butcher has been promoted to managing director of asset services for CBRE in San Diego, where he is responsible for office, industrial, and retail properties totaling more than 13 million square feet under management and 75 employees.
Butcher previously served as market leader and director of asset services in Albuquerque, N.M., before relocating to San Diego in January 2016. Prior to joining CBRE in 2009, Butcher held various senior-level management positions of all asset types including a regional mall and Class A office space on behalf of local and national investors.
Butcher is licensed as a Certified Property Manager and is a current IREM member. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.
