IHIF members are eligible for discounts and savings on a wide variety of products and services geared towards life sciences companies and general business needs. From lab supplies and insurance to office supplies and credit cards, there is something here for most every company. Explore your options and enjoy the benefits of being an IHIF member!
COVID Updates
Exelead inks deal to manufacture lipid nanoparticles for Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
For the two leading Covid-19 vaccines, mRNA is the star of the show — and the microscopic lipids used to transport that therapy into cells have taken a much less visible backseat. But that doesn’t mean that delivery tech isn’t in high demand, and now another CDMO is chipping in to help Pfizer/BioNTech’s shot along.

Indianapolis-based Exelead will add 50 positions to handle the increased workload tied to the Pfizer/BioNTech deal, which was spun from another project the two companies discussed in 2020, before the Covid-19 vaccines were widely available, the partners said.

Read More (Source: Endpoints)
IHIF's Policy Corner
What We're Following at Home and on the Hill



IHIF Actions
  • Shared support for reimbursement of osteoarthritis screenings for Medicare patients
CALL TO ACTION - Intellectual Property Rights
This is a critical call to action to innovative biotech companies everywhere. In the past year, our industry has made impressive efforts to develop solutions to the global COVID-19 crisis, and BIO has been working closely with the U.S. Government, multilateral organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Trade Organization (WTO), and other stakeholders to expand and accelerate those efforts.
However, as you may know, the current imbalance in access to COVID-19 vaccines in high-income versus lower-income countries has led some countries to call for a waiver of all intellectual property (IP) rights associated with COVID-19 products – including not only patents, but data exclusivity, trade secrets, and other know-how. These proposals would allow governments around the world to coerce the transfer of technology to local manufacturers.
We believe these proposals would be both ineffective in addressing an urgent crisis, as well as counterproductive. Moreover, they would set a dangerous precedent for the future which could make it easier for governments to forcibly expropriate technology from innovative biotech companies.
BIO has been working actively in the U.S. and internationally to urge more effective, practical solutions to expanding global access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. But the global debate over IP rights is still very much alive. We need your help to ensure our views are recognized and heard. We believe that a strong, clear statement, signed by companies across our sector will send a clear message to global leaders about what is at stake.
We urge all CSBA Affiliates and your member CEOs to sign-on to this declaration no later than June 18, 2021. Our plan is to share the signed declaration publicly in the U.S. and abroad.
Legislative Study Committee Topics Released
The Legislative Council of the Indiana General Assembly has announced interim study committee topics for 2021. The committees will meet during the summer and fall months to study each issue ahead of the 2022 legislative session. 
Read More and See Topics (Source:Inside Indiana Business)
The CMS has postponed the compliance date for the Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology final rule from May 15 to Dec. 15. The rule establishes an expedited coverage pathway for breakthrough medical devices, but it has sparked concern from some stakeholders that some devices could gain coverage despite limited evidence of their efficacy or safety.
Full Story: MedCity News (5/17)  
The FDA expressed support for the National Institute of Standards and Technology's plans to develop software standards, and for a Software Bill of Materials. AdvaMed supports the SBOM concept as well and says uniform standards are needed for the electronically readable format.
Full Story: MedTech Dive (6/9)  
Member News
Notre Dame experiment is en route to the space station; could lead to more effective early cancer screenings
The study, led by Tengfei Luo, a professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, will be initiated by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Learn More (Source: University of Notre Dame)
Cellexus receives grant to expand product range
IHIF Member and Dundee, Scotland based firm, Cellexus, will receive a grant of up to £320,000 from Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency, for the research and development of a 100L bioreactor for stem cell applications.

The grant will fund the Research and Development of a bioreactor designed to effectively produce stem cells, making it the first airlift, single-use bioreactor on the market made for this application. As well as a new controller for the 100L Enclosure, new bioreactor bags will also be developed to offer working volumes from 1L to 100L across the full range of bioreactors.
Read more (Source: Cellexus)
Purdue Receives Grant for Discovery of New Stem Cells
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $2.3 million grant to Purdue University to develop a basic understanding of a previously unknown subset of muscle stem cells. Shihuan Kuang, a Purdue professor of animal sciences, identified the cells, which he calls "immunomyoblasts." Read More (Source: Inside Indiana Business)
OpenTrons – Laboratory Automation Solutions
Promotional Offer for IHIF Members: FREE pipette with OT-2 robot order!
Introducing the OT-2, your personal pipetting robot.
Lab-Crafters showcases our I-FLEX System, showing you all it can do. It truly allows for quick change as your lab requirements change.

This animated video will take you through all the features of an individual bench. 

Please reach out to Betsy Fouts with any questions, suggestions, or comments. 
IHIF Strategic Partner, cancer startup Grail, has launched its multi-cancer early detection blood test Galleri, which detected 29 cancers in an interim analysis, including those that affect the breast, head and neck and colon or rectum. Grail is to be acquired by Illumina in a deal worth $7.1 billion.
Full Story: Seeking Alpha (free registration) (6/4)  (Sourcel BioSmartBrief)
Industry News
Input Needed: Diversity & Inclusion in Cancer Research and Workforce  

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Equity and Inclusion Program seeks actionable recommendations to enhance cancer health disparities research and diversity and inclusion in the cancer research workforce through the following two Requests for Information (RFIs):
 
Enhancing Cancer Health Disparities
Request for Information (RFI): Seeking Stakeholder Input on Enhancing Cancer Health Disparities Research (NOT-CA-21-066) seeks input on any of the following topics by June 25, 2021. This RFI is open to researchers, clinicians, academic institutions, healthcare and community organizations, and the public.
  • Address scientific gaps, innovative designs, or approaches to enhance cancer health disparities research
  • Identify strategies to harness big data, advance methods and measurements to improve research, and technology development on cancer health disparities
  • Identify strategies to better prioritize and fund high-impact cancer health disparities research
  • Identify strategies to connect cancer health disparities research initiatives domestically and globally
 
How to Submit Your Feedback Please follow the submission instructions in the RFI and submit your response by June 25, 2021.
  • Email responses to [email protected]
  • Include the subject line: NCI Cancer Health Disparities Research RFI and the Notice Number (NOT-CA-21-066)
  • Questions about the RFI can be sent to: [email protected]
 
Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in the Cancer Research Workforce
Request for Information (RFI): Seeking Stakeholder Input on Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion in the Cancer Research Workforce (NOT-CA-21-067) seeks input on any of the following topics by July 15, 2021. This RFI is open to extramural grantees, staff, and researchers in academic institutions and industry, federal employees, and the public.
  • Lack of diversity in the extramural scientific workforce
  • Disparities in NCI research funding
  • Challenges faced by underrepresented minorities (URM) in the research workforce
 
How to Submit Your Feedback Please follow the submission instructions in the RFI and submit your response by July 15, 2021.
  • Email responses to [email protected]
  • Include the subject line: NCI Diversity and Inclusion RFI and the Notice Number (NOT-CA-21-067)
  • Questions about the RFI can be sent to: [email protected]
 
You are encouraged to respond to these RFIs even if you responded to an RFI(s) on similar topics. In addition, the program welcomes comments and recommendations on any additional issues relevant to cancer health disparities research and diversity and inclusion in the cancer research workforce that are not specifically listed in the RFIs.
 
To learn more about NCI SBIR’s commitment to diversity, visit sbir.cancer.gov/diversity.
Greenlight Guru Lands $120M Strategic Investment
Indianapolis-based Greenlight Guru has secured a more than $120 million strategic growth investment. The company, which has developed a software platform to help medical device companies navigate the global regulatory landscape, says it will use the funding to accelerate product development and support "significant global growth." The investment comes from Maryland-based growth equity firm JMI Equity, which focuses on investing in software companies.
Read More (Source: Inside Indiana Business)
En'Urga Receives NASA Grant
En'Urga Inc., headquartered at the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, has received a six-month, SBIR Phase I grant from NASA. Purdue University says En'Urga will use the $125,000 grant to design and evaluate a hyperspectral imager, a diagnostic tool to be used at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Read More (Source: Inside Indiana Business)
Ankle Brace Maker Raises $1M in Seed Funding
A South Bend-based medical device startup has raised more than $1 million in seed round funding to further its development of orthotics devices, including an ankle brace that is gaining popularity among teams in the NFL. TayCo Brace says the brace is designed to be stable enough to support a 300-pound lineman, but functional enough to allow athletes to resume normal daily activities after sustaining an injury. Read More (source; Inside Indiana Business)
New Startup Investment Fund Launches in Northern Indiana
South Bend-based nonprofit The Judd Leighton Foundation says it has created a new capital investment fund, which is aimed at helping early-stage startups in northern Indiana. The organization says the Leighton Elevate Angel Development Fund is in partnership with Indianapolis-based Elevate Ventures. Read More (Source:Inside Indiana Business)
Partnership Increases Access to Capital in Southeast Indiana
A new partnership between Indianapolis-based Elevate Ventures and Render Capital in Louisville will ensure entrepreneurs in southern Indiana continue receiving early-stage investments and advice. Elevate Southeast Indiana replaces 1804 Inc., which operated from 2017 to 2020. Read More
Welcome New IHIF Members!
Follow IHIF on Twitter to keep up with all of the latest news, events, and exclusive member benefits!

Featured New Member
JCIDC was formed in 1984 to promote industrial and economic development in Seymour-Jackson County, Indiana through the attraction and expansion of industry as well as focusing on workforce programs through the JCIDC Workforce Partnership.

Upcoming Events
IHIF is pleased to support the Catherine Peachey Fund, part of the Heroes Foundation family, as a sponsor of this year's Peachey Porch Party. 100% of the proceeds go to supporting breast cancer research in Indiana! To donate or register, click here
The MidWest Drug Development Conference
Oct 4-5, 2021, Omaha, Nebraska

The MidWest Drug Development Conference is a highly focused event condensing the best therapeutic research from a vast region into a singular event.

More than a dozen major institutions will present some of their best therapeutic programs and assets. About 50 technologies, delivered in 10-minute presentations, will span a broad range of indications including: inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

The MidWest Drug Development Conference is ideal for pharmaceutical companies and investor groups looking to identify new therapeutic assets and partnering opportunities.

Introducing the Advancing Joint Replacement Surgery QuickFire Challenge - Up to $50,000 Grant Funding

While great strides have been made in robotic surgery, the future of intra-operative surgical solutions for patients undergoing orthopaedic joint replacement surgery has the potential to continue to reduce cost, increase efficiency and improve usability, and simplify procedures.

To that end, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, together with the R&D organization of DePuy Synthes, announces the Advancing Joint Replacement Surgery QuickFire Challenge. Innovators are invited to submit concepts, prototypes and developed technologies that could potentially address current technology limitations in orthopaedic joint replacement surgery.

Learn More (Source: JLABS)
Call for Top Innovators

Whether you’re a Lifesciences/Healthcare startup seeking capital and exposure, or an investor seeking new deals, Venture Summit \ Virtual Connect [Global] presented by youngStartup Ventures – is the event of the year you won’t want to miss. Featuring dedicated Lifesciences/Healthcare and MedTech Tracks.



Special Offer:
Indiana Health Industry Forum has made arrangements for our network to receive a special registration discount. This conference will be attended by the best people in the industry. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

Register Today & Save Click here https://bit.ly/3wyOP5h. (Use promo code “IHIFVIP”)

BIO Business Solutions - Special Discounts for IHIF Members
BIO Business Solutions provides cost-savings offers to eligible IHIF Members. To learn more about the programs and services available, please click here. Not an IHIF member? Join today! See the latest deals and offers from our BIO Business Solutions partners here
Featured Program
About ALT
ALT is a full-service provider of premium refurbished lab equipment and surplus strategy services for the life sciences. With more than 12,000 instruments in stock ranging from small benchtop accessories to robust triple quad mass spectrometers – all items are carefully refurbished and delivered with a one-year warranty. ALT also purchases, consigns, trades, or auctions your surplus equipment to monetize your assets and maximize your ROI.
IHIF Member Benefits

Equipment Purchase:
  • Free one-year equipment warranty
  • 15% no-hassle discount on list price*
  • 10% additional discount on sale items*
  • 5% discount on all Agilent Certified Pre-Owned products up to $1,500
  • *Agilent factory-refurbished equipment excluded
Surplus Strategy Services:
  • 20% discount on surplus services
  • 10% bonus on standard consignment split
Accelerate Discovery with the New Nikon AX/AX R Confocal Microscopes
BIO Business Solutions is excited to announce that its preferred partner, Nikon, has released their 10th generation of confocal microscope: the AX and AX R.
The AX and AX R are the first confocal systems to combine a large 25 mm field of view with 8192 x 8192-pixel resolution imaging for high throughput imaging – more detailed data can be captured in every image.

Exclusive Nikon Benefits for IHIF Members
Enjoy up to 38% off and Limited Extended Warranties for the new Nikon AX Systems. Click here to learn more!

If your company has not already signed up for the BIO-Nikon program, please email [email protected] or click here to learn more about BIO Business Solutions for IHIF members.

About IHIF Membership

Now is a great time to become a member of the Indiana Health Industry Forum! Join your voice to over 150 current member companies to impact the strategic direction of Indiana's health science sector.

Membership in IHIF offers a number of solutions:
  • Promote your business, locally, nationally, and globally.
  • Support the industry in the state and contribute directly to its growth and direction.
  • Find others who share your interests and build your business network.
  • Lend your voice to public policies that support innovation.
  • Directly impact your bottom line with significant savings and discount programs exclusively for IHIF members.

To complete a membership application, click here. 
Time to renew? Try it on-line! It's quick and easy! IHIF members can renew their memberships on-line at any time and update information in the Member Directory. Not an IHIF Member? Apply on-line or download an application packet now!