Vivodyne raises $40M for human tissue drug testing
Why it matters: Vivodyne says demand is "surging" from pharma clients following the FDA's announced plans to "phase out" animal testing requirements in drug development.
Follow the money: New investors include Lingotto Investment Management, Helena Capital and Fortius Ventures.
Existing investors Kairos Ventures, CS Ventures, Bison Ventures and MBX Capital also participated.
Vivodyne has raised about $78 million to date, after a $38 million seed round in 2023.
CEO Andrei Georgescu wouldn't disclose Vivodyne's valuation but said it grew significantly with the Series A.
How it works: Vivodyne is using automated robotic platforms and AI to grow thousands of lab-grown, fully functional human tissues and produce data to discover and develop drugs.
The pre-clinical technology is designed to be used in lieu of animal testing, and Vivodyne says its platform can improve the success rate in human trials.
The platform can produce human bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver and other organs, and model diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, autoimmunity and infections.
Zoom in: Top pharma companies are already testing drugs and therapies using Vivodyne's approach.
"We are a partnerships company that spans the entire breadth of preclinical development," Georgescu says.
The company, which employs about 40 people, also has some of its own drug programs but Georgescu declined to share specific disease targets.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Introduces a New Next Generation in Comic-Con Teaser
Academy chancellor Holly Hunter welcomes the first batch of new students in more than 100 years in the teaser for the upcoming Paramount+ series At long last, Paramount+ offered a first look at season one of 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' on Saturday at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). 'You're all the first academy class to return to our camps in San Francisco — after more than 120 years,' Holly Hunter as the chancellor of Starfleet Academy tells the group of new students gathered at the James T. Kirk Pavilion. More from TheWrap 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Introduces a New Next Generation in Comic-Con Teaser | Video 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Reveals Captain Pike as a Puppet in Comic-Con Season 4 Teaser Michael Smerconish Thinks Trump Could've Easily Avoided Epstein Storm: 'Here's What He Should Have Said' | Video The 7 Best Sci-Fi Shows on Hulu Right Now 'Some of you are here for your families,' she continues, 'some for yourselves. Together, you are the best and the brightest from across the galaxy.' The students will be asked 'to give more of yourselves than you know you have,' Hunter adds, 'to dream without limitations. Whatever challenges came before today led you to this moment. You're here now, you weave together the future.' 'So go out and seek, explore, boldy go where no one has gone before,' she concludes. The series was ordered in March 2023. The official logline is as follows: 'Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.' Sandro Rosta, Kerrice Brooks, Bella Shepard, George Hawkins, Karim Diané and Zoë Steiner star as Academy students. In addition to Hunter, Tig Notaro returns as Jett Reno from 'Star Trek: Discovery' and Robert Picardo returns as the holographic Doctor from 'Star Trek: Voyager'. Oded Fehr and Mary Wiseman are also reprising their 'Discovery' roles as Admiral Vance and Sylvia Tilly. The post 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Introduces a New Next Generation in Comic-Con Teaser | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Gizmodo
an hour ago
- Gizmodo
The ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Trailer Welcomes You Back to School
Star Trek faces an uncertain future at the moment, as shows that helped define its streaming renaissance end one by one, and little is known about what lies on the horizon (especially thanks to current events in our own world). So it's perhaps fitting, then, that the one new show we do know is coming is all about welcoming a new generation back to Star Trek's fundamental ideals after a similar period of uncertainty: Starfleet Academy. To close out today's packed Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Paramount released the first trailer for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Set in the 32nd century after the events of Star Trek: Discovery, the series will follow the first new class of cadets to enroll at the titular academy in San Francisco in over a century, as the Federation rebuilds and reconnects after the cataclysmic events of 'The Burn' from Discovery's third season. The new trailer, aside from being packed with references to all of Star Trek history (from Academy wing names to courses on figures like Captain Sisko), introduces us to a whole host of new and familiar faces as classes begin. The series will be led by Holly Hunter, who plays Nahla Ake, the captain of the U.S.S. Athena, a long-lived half-Lanthanite (the same humanoid species as Strange New Worlds' Commander Pelia, played by Carol Kane) who also serves as the Academy's chancellor. Among the senior staff at the academy, she'll be joined by Discovery's Tig Notaro and Voyager's Robert Picardo, reprising their roles as Jett Reno and the Emergency Medical Hologram simply known as the Doctor, respectively—they'll also be joined in a guest star capacity by Discovery's Mary Wiseman and Oded Fehr as Sylvia Tilly and Admiral Vance, respectively. One new addition to the campus staff is Gina Yashere's Lura Thok, the Athena's first officer as well as Starfleet Academy's cadet master—fascinatingly, a half-Klingon, half-Jem'Hadar, the genetically engineered footsoldiers of the Dominion from Deep Space Nine. Of course, an academy needs students, and Starfleet Academy will follow a whole host of new recruits making their way through training. Here's the rundown: Even if Starfleet Academy is a school-set series, Star Trek still needs a baddie, and the show will have one in the form of Paul Giamatti, cheekily and mysteriously introduced at the end of the trailer. Giamatti plays Nus Braka, a seedy gang leader (and himself another half-Klingon, this time a Klingon/Tellarite hybrid) who has some ominous connections to one of the new cadets at the academy. The first season of Starfleet Academy is set to begin streaming on Paramount+ in early 2026. The show has already been renewed for a second season. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Buzz Feed
These Fitness Items Can Help Improve Your Bone Density
You're probably familiar with many of the benefits of regular exercise, when done properly. From building muscle to boosting your energy and even helping your brain function better, there's no shortage of reasons to work up a sweat. But there's another great benefit you might not think about as much: You could be improving your bone density through exercise, according to experts. 'Bone density refers to how strong and solid your bones are,' Dr. Raphael Longobardi, New Jersey-based orthopedic surgeon told us. He serves with the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and specializes in sports medicine, frequently identifying ways to strengthen the body. 'The amount of mineral content in our bones helps them maintain their strength and resistance to fractures. Maintaining bone density is an incredibly important preventative for reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis or fractures. This is especially true as we age.'There are also risk factors for certain groups, according to Kai-Yu Ho, a physical therapist and professor of physical therapy at University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Ho said bone density is important to look after 'especially in postmenopausal women, as estrogen loss speeds up bone weakening.' So, if you're concerned about your bone density, how can exercise help? If you haven't been looking after your bone health, now's the time: Based on the experts' advice, we rounded up some small and easy fitness items you can use to help improve your bone density and reduce your risk of fractures. A set of resistance bands with different resistance levels All three experts we spoke to recommended resistance bands as one of the most effective pieces of exercise equipment that can help increase bone density through resistance training. Ho said bands are "useful for beginners and those with limited mobility," while Longobardi explained, "They apply resistance that stimulates bone growth through stress."We like this five-pack because all five bands are the same length, but each one has a different resistance level, from extra-light to extra-heavy. "It's important to begin with lighter resistance, gradually increasing in intensity to prevent injuries," Longobardi said, advice that Ho bands are made with a durable, elastic fabric that comes in a bunch of colors. You can use the bands for squats, lunges and other review: "These are high quality resistance bands. They have a slight texture to them which holds them in place while using them. Purchased after recommended by my physical therapist. Variety of resistance bands in the pack which makes it easy to make exercises easier or harder!" —Austin NicholsGet them from Amazon for $19.97. A weighted vest to increase bone density while walking According to Ho, "Weighted vests increase bone-loading stimulus, especially during walking or bodyweight exercises." To properly use a weighted vest for walking to help with bone density or osteoporosis, Medical News Today suggests trying out a vest without weights first, then adding the lowest possible amount and slowly increasing that amount over time. (It's generally recommended that you start with no more than 10% of your body weight, but always check with your physician first.)To do this, you may be best off with an adjustable vest like this one by Zelus, so you can change the weight. The vest comes in three sizes and two colors, with six removable weights on each vest. The vest is designed to evenly distribute the load, and the neoprene material is strong and comfortable. The vest is also equipped with reflective strips for visibility and a pocket to hold your keys, phone and other essentials. Promising review: "My workout program includes a daily walk/run. I have osteoporosis in my spine and I'd been looking for a weight vest to wear during my walks to possibly help rebuild bone density. I really like this vest because the straps are adjustable; there're pockets in the front to hold keys, tissue, etc.; it doesn't ride up or rub when I'm running; and the weights are easy to add and remove. The vest had a noticeable chemical smell when I first took it out the box, but the smell quickly dissipated after the vest sat out a couple days. All in all, it's great value for the money!" —E. R. RogersGet it from Amazon for $39.99+. A mini stair stepper to help you get in some weight-bearing exercise Improving your bone density can be as simple as getting your steps in. Who knew? "Other weight-bearing exercises such as walking, stair climbing, and aerobics also contribute to bone health," Longobardi said. "Activities such as these cause your bones to bear your body weight against gravity, and this contributes to increasing bone mass and preventing osteoporosis in the future." Sellmeyer also suggested stair climbing as part of her recommended 30 minutes of impact exercise a day. If you don't live in a building with stairs or near a set of stairs you can use, a mini stair stepper like this one can provide an easy and convenient way to do these exercises without having to leave the house or make room for large equipment. This stepper has a loading capacity of 300 pounds and weighs just 16 pounds itself, so you can move it around the house as shown in the pictures here. The silent cushioning pad will keep the machine from making too much noise, and the height of the steps can be adjusted depending on your workout needs. You can even use it sitting down, as one reviewer can attest it from Amazon for $47.49+ (available in three colors). Or a walking pad to get even more steps in throughout the day Again, Longobardi and Sellmeyer both recommended walking for impact exercise. One other exercise you can try, according to Sellmeyer, is "tandem walking," where you walk "in a straight line with one foot directly in front of the other" to train your balance and reduce falls (and therefore, your risk of fracturing bones). Like the stair stepper, a walking pad can come in handy if you have less time to go outside for a walk or less space for something like a treadmill that can't be easily stowed away when not in pick is this one by Akluer. You can adjust the incline up to 5%, and the LED display lets you see important stats like distance and speed. The running belt is anti-slip with shock absorbers for a comfortable walk. And when you're done, tuck away the pad under a bed or sofa with ease using the built-in transport it from Amazon for $99.99+ (available in seven styles). A pair of comfortable, supportive shoes Whether or not you buy fancy equipment for your workouts, what you'll always want is a good pair of shoes. "Supportive footwear [is] essential for impact activities like jumping and jogging to prevent joint stress," Ho said, adding that proper footwear can help you avoid it comes to supportive and comfy shoes, we're Hoka fans here, and the Bondi 9s are podiastrist-recommended, to boot. Their plush cushioning and supportive construction have made them a cult favorite for the brand. You can get them in a bunch of colorways and men's sizes 7–16, as well as women's sizes 4– them from Nordstrom for $170 in men's or for $175 in women's. A foam balance pad for balance training Sellmeyer recommended some simple balance exercises, including "standing on each leg for 30 seconds two to three times each day, [and] doing the same standing on a foam balance pad which is more difficult." Foam balance pads have an unstable surface, so using them can help your balance and like this one made by ProsourceFit, which comes in two sizes and has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating with more than 14,000 reviews. The lightweight pad weighs just 12 ounces so you can carry it wherever, and use it for Sellmeyer's recommended balance exercises as well as lunges, squats, planks and more. That's in addition to other uses around the house, like as a knee pad for gardening, a foot pad for underneath your desk and more. Talk about versatility. The pad is available in five colors and two review: "Functions exactly as advertised. great for balance and core work. this pad has the perfect amount of "give" to work those areas. also the small waves on the surface help to prevent sliding on hard wood floors." —Mary it from Amazon for $21.06+. A pair of adjustable dumbbells for weight training Both Ho and Longobardi named adjustable dumbbells as a beneficial equipment option for resistance training. Why adjustable? "While free weights and resistance bands can help stimulate bone growth, it's important to begin with lighter resistance, gradually increasing in intensity to prevent injuries," Longobardi added that adjustable equipment is more suitable for long-term use as you slowly up the intensity of your workouts. In other words, adjustable dumbbells involve taking on a higher cost upfront, but you'll save money later by not having to purchase new dumbbells so pick is this set from Lifepro, which comes in four weight ranges. You just use the sliders to increase or decrease the weight. The dumbbells have a non-slip handle and safety locking mechanism, as well as a storage rack that comes included so you can keep these secure and out of the way. Get them from Amazon for $111.97+. Or this single adjustable dumbbell If you'd rather start off with one instead of a pair, Target sells a single adjustable dumbbell from their All In Motion brand. This plastic and steel dumbbell goes up to 25 pounds and comes with a similar storage tray. Promising review: "These are really nice (I bought 2)! I am a beginner with strength training, so I like that these are compact and easy to adjust the weight. Took me a minute to figure out how to use it (didn't realize the explanation was printed on the actually dumbbells lol) and when I first picked them up one of the plates fell out but luckily I was sitting on the floor. All in all an excellent product and makes me feel confident using weights!" —TeeinteeGet it from Target for $100. A pickleball paddle set for beginners Pickleball has become "America's fastest-growing sport" over the past couple of years, and it can also help improve your bone density, according to Sellmeyer, who suggested the activity as one type of impact exercise. This is also a great way to work out with family or friends for something a little more exciting than a typical walk or weightlifting starter set from Recess Pickleball includes two durable fiberglass paddles with sweat-proof handles and three balls. The brand offers tons of color and pattern options, including the fun "Dog Day" doodles shown here, as well as sets with paddle cases, a gym bag and up to eight it from Amazon for $88.
