Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if a story is going to be wildly popular or just barely make a splash. We’ve gone back to reflect on which ones really made an impression on readers.
Here were the top 5 in the biotech and pharma category in 2014 (click the headlines to check out the whole story):
Race tight for genital herpes vaccine
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
This story was actually the most viewed story of the year.
“After decades of stagnancy in the herpes therapeutics space, a real neck-and-neck race is emerging among three biotechs in the immunotherapy space: Genocea and Agenus, both based in Massachusetts, San Diego’s Vical are speeding ahead in developing a herpes vaccine.”
Herpes vaccine maker Genocea reports positive results a year after the first dose
Clearly, herpes was a big hit for MedCity News readers this year.
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
“Cambridge pharmaceutical maker Genocea remains at the head of the herpes vaccine pack, having newly released another set of positive results for its experimental HSV2 vaccine. The company has found that its herpes vaccine is effective even a year after the initial dosage – cutting down the genital lesion and viral shedding rates substantially over a significant time period.”
DNA laser printing to make vaginas smell like peaches? Cambrian Genomics gets $10M
“It’s not just peach-scented vaginas – Bay Area startup Cambrian Genomics also purports to make manure smell like bananas, says CEO Austin Heinz. The startup says it uses the rapid-fire DNA synthesis technology that can modify the DNA of probiotics – or any microorganism, really – to do much more than just alter the aroma of excreta.”
Electrozyme’s metabolism-monitoring temp tattoos backed by Mark Cuban
“Health gadgets are stretching well beyond wrist-worn devices like the FitBit – electronic tattoos are rapidly becoming the wearable du jour. San Diego’s Electrozyme has developed a temporary tattoo that can gauge metabolic substances secreted in sweat – giving athletes a clue on their electrolyte balance, hydration level, muscle exertion and physical performance.”
An obesity treatment that looks like a pill but acts like a device takes in $12M from investors
“A young Boston company thinks it has what could be a safe, effective and noninvasive way to help overweight and obese people drop those dangerous extra pounds. Investors including PureTech Ventures and a group of prominent senior leaders from the pharmaceutical, biotech and finance sectors have just entrusted Gelesis with $12 million to continue developing its smart pill for obesity.”
