When we think of Florida, we think beautiful sandy beaches, dream trips to Walt Disney World and scrumptious seafood dinners. However, there is an industry we are overlooking. Looking at the vast array of biotech companies emerging throughout the state, we may need to add “Biotech Leader” to describe this boom.
Florida has an active and growing biotechnology trade association, BioFlorida. BioFlorida’s member driven initiatives provide a strong business climate for the advancement of innovative products and technology that improve lives and promote economic benefits to the state. (Bioflorida.com).
Thanks to thebiopharmguy.com, I counted 260 small biotech companies that call the Sunshine State home. I have chosen the top companies to watch in 2021.
Cyclo Therapeutics in Gainesville, FL has developed Trappsol® Cyclo™, an orphan drug designated product in the United States and Europe, in ongoing formal clinical trials for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, and an expected IND filing in H2 2021 for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Scion BioMedical in Miami, FLhas developed cost-effective solutions designed to support advanced healing and wound care using a proprietary bioactive compound. This naturally occurring product base is proven to effectively adhere and absorb, while also acting as a natural hemostatic agent.
Jupiter Orphan Therapeutics in Jupiter, FL has developed a unique platform product, JOTROL™, a patented reformulation of the well-known “wonder” medication resveratrol. JOTROL™ is the first and only product that delivers resveratrol in a highly bioavailable form which can effectively cross the blood brain barrier allowing for the treatment of the central nervous system.
REGENTYS™ in Miami Lakes, FLis a development stage, regenerative medicine company focused on developing treatments for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Their ExtraCellular Matrix Hydrogel (ECMH), is a first-in-class, non-pharmacologic, non-surgical treatment option for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.
Allodynic Therapeutics in North Miami, FL is a clinical-stage specialty biopharma company developing a naltrexone and acetaminophen combination for migraine and neuropathic pain treatment. Their product is potentially a non-addictive alternative to opioid medications, helping to end the opioid crisis.
INHIBITOR Therapeutics in Tampa, FL, developed SUBA-Itraconazole, the company’s lead product candidate, which is a patented, oral formulation of the currently FDA approved and marketed, well-understood, anti-fungal drug, itraconazole, which, when studied to treat patients with cancer, has demonstrated activity against multiple tumor types. INHIBITOR is developing SUBA-Itraconazole for late-stage, metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and late-stage non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Do you have any additions? What is your top biotech to watch?