Varda Space, a company known for developing spacecraft capable of manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients in space, announced a successful $90 million series B round of funding, bringing its total investments to $145 million. The company leverages the chemistry of microgravity to create ingredients with finer control over the crystallization process, resulting in improved drug activity and delivery. The next mission for Varda Space is scheduled for the summer, where further advancements in drug manufacturing in space are expected to take place.
The 30 Under 30 Europe list for Science & Healthcare features innovative individuals working towards improving healthcare and expanding our understanding of various scientific fields. From companies focused on women’s health to new technologies for prosthetics and artificial intelligence, the list showcases the next generation of leaders in the industry. These individuals are dedicated to making a difference through their groundbreaking work and research.
In the healthcare industry, various pipeline and deal updates are making waves. UMass Chan Medical School received funding to establish a health AI assurance lab in partnership with MITRE. California’s Obamacare insurance marketplace, Covered California, will implement Google Cloud AI solutions to automate verification processes starting in June. Johnson & Johnson is set to acquire Shockwave Medical, a company specializing in catheter-based treatments for artery build-up, in a deal valued at $13.1 billion. Several other companies have also announced new developments in areas such as orthopedics, lung cancer diagnostics, robotic surgery, and genetic medicine.
In other healthcare news, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals announced plans to remove the ALS drug Relyvrio from the market due to disappointing results from a phase III trial. Arizona’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of enforcing a 1864 law that makes it a felony to perform abortions with limited exceptions, although the issue will be put to voters on the November ballot. Popular diabetes and weight loss drugs, known as GLP-1 medications, were found not to substantially increase thyroid cancer risk in a recent study. Pfizer’s late-stage trial of an RSV vaccine showed promising results in adults under 60 years old, while One Medical, under Amazon ownership, plans to expand into new markets by the end of 2024.
Beyond healthcare, Forbes highlights stories such as Les Wexner’s post-Epstein transformation, the sale of super-polluting greenhouse gases on Facebook Marketplace, and a billionaire who has acquired over a thousand small businesses without losing any money. Other noteworthy articles cover a company justifying a significant price hike for its drug, the uncertain future of Covid-era telehealth policies in Congress, and Health Secretary Becerra’s potential exit from the Biden administration to pursue a California gubernatorial bid. The healthcare landscape continues to evolve with new advancements, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry’s future.
