Pfizer bankrolls a stem cell start-up

John Carroll — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:43:01 -0400

Pfizer is bankrolling a biotech start-up that will concentrate on developing new stem cell therapies for eye disease. Scripps Research Institute's Martin Friedlander has undertaken animal studies that identified bone and blood-marrow stem cells that could repair damaged blood vessels in the eye. And the new company, EyeCyte, will be responsible for advancing that research into the clinic. Pfizer is investing $3 million in the company and has an option to buy it if continues to look promising.

"Pfizer has put its flag in the ground that there is a future in regenerative medicine," said Pfizer's Corey Goodman.

- here's Pfizer's release
- read the report from Forbes

SPOTLIGHT: Scientist and investor form string of start-ups

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:59:53 -0400

The nexus between academic researchers and investors is a prime breeding ground for biotech start-ups. The Wall Street Journal profiles one prime example: MIT scientist Robert Langer and Polaris Venture Partners' Terry McGuire, who have teamed up on 13 new companies in 15 years. Report