🗞️July News Round-Up 🗞️

After a slightly delayed break for the summer holidays, here’s my July Biotech News Round-Up - with a refreshed look for the second half of the year. From billion-dollar M&A deals to exciting product launches in #singlecell, #spatial, and #proteomics, there’s been no shortage of activity across the life science ecosystem.

Keep an eye out 👀 my next Company Spotlight will be published in the coming days, where I dive deeper into one of the innovators shaping this space.

Waters Corporation + BD | Waters to merge with BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business in a $17.5B Reverse Morris Trust transaction, creating a new life science & diagnostics leader.

Techcomp Instruments | Acquires Sercon Limited , expanding its analytical and life science instrumentation portfolio (joining Isotopx & SCION Instruments).

Quanterix | Closed $69M acquisition of Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (deal faced shareholder opposition; Akoya had also received an unsolicited bid in May).

Department of Health Abu Dhabi | Partners with University of California, San Francisco & Innovative Genomics Institute to establish “centers for genome surgery” in Abu Dhabi and California.

Illumina | Agrees to pay $9.8M to settle a DOJ whistleblower lawsuit alleging it sold sequencing instruments with cybersecurity vulnerabilities to US government agencies.

Exact Sciences | USPTO Patent Trial & Appeal Board invalidates ‘781 patent (stool sample collection & processing) as “obvious in light of prior art.”

🧬 Single Cell & Spatial Biology

• 10x Genomics + A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS) → To advance the TISHUMAP project (Target Inference from Spatialomics & Histology Using Multimodal AI & Phenotypes)
• Parse Biosciences + Vanderbilt University Medical Center → To build a single-cell atlas of immune response to the MMR vaccine

🔬 Omics Tools & Workflows:

• PacBio joined the 1000 Genomes Long Read Sequencing Project → to contribute Long-read transcriptome data
• n6 + SeqCenter → To deliver unmatched data quality in metagenomics
• CTIBIOTECH + GENXMAP → To accelerate preclinical innovation in oncology, immunology, dermatology & cosmetics
• Frenova® + Nephronomics + Genewiz → To advance genomic research in kidney disease
• Hamilton Company + Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH + Claret Bioscience → To develop new sample preparation workflows
• SPT Labtech + Semarion → To advance automated cell-based assay workflows

💊Drug Discovery & Research:

• Nautilus Biotechnology + Allen Institute → To investigate tau protein links to Alzheimer’s disease
• MD Anderson Cancer Center + TOPPAN Group → To develop 3D cell culture for drug screening & personalized cancer treatment
• Alamar Biosciences, Inc. + German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) → To study protein markers in neurodegenerative diseases
• HeartBeat.bio AG + biotx.ai →  To identify and validate genomic targets for heart failure
• Cardio Diagnostics Inc. + AGEPHA Pharma → To validate precision-medicine approaches in coronary heart disease
• BostonGene + SWOG Cancer Research Network → To run a clinical trial using biomarkers in small cell lung cancer

🧠 Software & AI

• Seqera + BigOmics Analytics → To integrate Omics Playground into the Seqera platform
• Scipher Medicine + Savant Bio → To build a clinico-genomic dataset in rheumatoid arthritis
• Concept Life Sciences + Fios Genomics → To enhance data analysis services
• TileDB + Databricks → To integrate healthcare and life sciences databases
• Broken String Biosciences + BioLizard → To develop SafeGuide, an AI-driven CRISPR guide RNA design tool
• Human Longevity, Inc. + Viome Life Sciences + Microsoft → To deliver AI-powered RNA diagnostics for personalized medicine

🔬 Diagnostics

• Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp. + Flatiron Health → To integrate clonoSEQ MRD Testing into OncoEMR
• Paragon Genomics + Genecast Group Inc. → To accelerate access to molecular cancer diagnostics
• Genetic Signatures + Tecan + REPADO → To develop integrated infectious disease testing systems
• Mirxes + Nagawa Pharmaceutical → To implement early cancer screening in Japan
• Personalis, Inc. + Tempus AI → To expand their commercialization agreement for colorectal cancer
• Viome Life Sciences + Scripps Research → To clinically validate an at-home RNA test for precancer detection
• VieCure + Guardant Health → To embed Guardant’s oncology tests into the Halo Intelligence platform

🌍 Distribution, Certification & Service Partnerships

• n6 + PacBio → To become a PacBio-compatible partner for 16S metagenomics workflows
• NEGEDIA + Olink Proteomics → To become the first Olink Proteomics Certified Service Provider in Italy
• ABL Diagnostics S.A + Anatech Instruments → To commercialize molecular assays in South Africa
• Paragon Genomics + Biosecure ID → To distribute CleanPlex® technology in the UK & Ireland
• Bertis Inc + Innoquest Diagnostics → To expand access to blood-based cancer testing in Southeast Asia
• Promega Corporation + Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics, LLC → To co-market viral transport and nucleic acid extraction platforms
• Spear Bio + Bio-Techne → To distribute solutions for the neurology research market
• Alida Biosciences + TOMY Digital Biology Co., Ltd. → To distribute their technology in Japan
• Takara Bio Europe + MACHEREY-NAGEL → To expand distribution across Europe
• Qlucore + Jing Qiang → To distribute Omics Explorer & Insights software in China
• HAWK Biosystems + Apical Scientific Sdn Bhd / SAMMAT GROUP / METROLAB SA / METROLAB SA / Sinapse Biotecnologia LTDA / APG Bio→ To expand functional spatial biology & QF-Pro® distribution across Asia & Europe

🧬 Multi-omics, Spatial & Single Cell

• CS Genetics launched the 96-sample SimpleCell 3' Gene Expression Kit for scalable, cost-efficient single-cell RNA sequencing
• Cellecta, Inc. launched DriverMap Single-Cell AIR assay kits for full-length TCR/BCR chain-pair profiling and immunophenotyping
• Vector Laboratories, Inc. launched the Glysite Explorer Kit with Navinci’s isPLA tech for spatial glycan detection in FFPE tissues and fixed cells
• Stratica Biosciences Announced commercialization of an AI-powered tool for automated cell-type and cell-state identification in multiomics datasets.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific launched two new electron microscopes (Scios 3 and Talos 12) for advanced cell biology & pathology imaging

🔬 Proteomics & Cell Biology

• Nanomics Biotech launched the G1 Basic Suite, an automated proteomics prep system (enabling 6,000+ protein IDs per run, 1,000+ samples weekly). It supports advanced proteomics techniques, including: Deep Plasma Proteomics, Spatial Proteomics & SP3.
• Spear Bio launched SPEAR UltraDetect™ immunoassay for high-sensitivity biomarker measurement
• Interherence launched the AiroBox Stage-Top Incubator for temperature-controlled live-cell microscopy
• Quanterix launched phospho-tau assays (p-Tau 205 & p-Tau 212) for Alzheimer’s research
• MilliporeSigma launched the AAW™ Automated Assay Workstation (powered by Opentrons) for automating manual lab experiments
• Nikon launched the ECLIPSE Ti2-I Motorized Inverted Microscope for IVF applications (ICSI/IMSI)
• OraSure Technologies, Inc. (DNA Genotek) launched HemaCollect Protein BCT for preservation & stabilization of plasma proteins in whole blood

🧬 Genomics, Transcriptomics & Epigenomics

• New England Biolabs launched the NEBNext Low-bias Small RNA Library Prep Kit to reduce sequencing bias
• Yourgene Health launched LightBench Discover, a benchtop platform for long-read sequencing sample analysis
• Zymo Research Corp launched Endura Tn5 Transposase for NGS library prep
• Molecular Instruments (MI) enhanced HCR™ Gold & Pro lines with next-gen chemistry for small RNA detection and automation
• Prima Mente announced Pleiades, foundation models to map the epigenomic & molecular landscape of disease, with initial Alzheimer’s focus
• QIAGEN launched QIAseq xHYB Long Read Panels for target enrichment of genomically complex regions
• Xpedite Diagnostics GmbH launched SwiftX DNA Water, a rapid microbial DNA isolation kit compatible with qPCR, dPCR & long-read sequencing
• Seegene Inc. unveiled CURECA™, the first fully unattended PCR automation system

🧠 Software & AI

• Lantern Pharma Inc. (Nasdaq: LTRN) launched an AI-powered RADR® module to predict efficacy of cancer combination regimens
• Seegene Inc. unveiled STAgora™, a real-time global data analytics platform 

 🔬 Diagnostics

• ProteomEdge introduced the ThromboEdge absolute quantification panel for venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnostics
• Pillar Biosciences Incorporated introduced the oncoReveal® Heme Fusion Panel, expanding its precision oncology NGS portfolio
• Devyser launched the Genomic Blood Typing assay (RUO NGS test) with Advyser Blood Suite integration
• Illumina updated the TruSight Oncology 500 assay to include HRD status (via Myriad’s algorithm) and launched eco-friendly kit configurations
• Athena Diagnostics, Inc. launched a genetic testing service for ataxia
• C2N Diagnostics launched two RUO plasma assays for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
• Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the Oncomine™ Comprehensive Assay Plus on the Ion Torrent™ Genexus™ System to accelerate precision oncology research
• Thermo Fisher Scientific launched LabLink360™ and MAS™ Max QC controls for clinical laboratory workflow assurance

🏆 Accreditations & Regulatory Updates

• Panome Bio | Multiomics lab receives CLIA certification
• Biolog, Inc. | Anaerobic media and chambers receive CE marking for international use
• SAGA Diagnostics | Medicare coverage granted for Pathlight™ MRD test in breast cancer
• Exact Sciences | Oncodetect™ MRD test gains Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer
• Roche | CE Mark for minimally invasive blood test to help rule out Alzheimer’s disease
• BD | Submits self-collected HPV molecular test to FDA
• Geneoscopy | FDA approves updated stool collection method for ColoSense screening test
• Fulgent Genetics | Germline NGS testing service obtains CE-IVDR mark
• ClearNote Health | Gains UKCA marking for early-stage pancreatic cancer test
• Diasorin | Submits point-of-care test instrument for FDA 510(k) clearance and CLIA waiver
• Labcorp | Solid tumor profiling test receives CE-IVDR marking
• Thermo Fisher Scientific | NGS assay receives FDA approval as CDx for Zegfrovy and for solid tumor profiling

Seed Funding

• Juniper Genomics (USA) raises $4.6M seed to launch genomic testing for IVF.
• Argon AI (USA) raises $5.5M to develop AI-driven drug discovery tools.
• Renasant Bio (USA) raises $54.5M seed to pioneer next-generation small-molecule treatments for ADPKD.
• VelaVigo (China) closes over $60M Pre-A+ financing to accelerate its oncology drug pipeline.

 Series A Funding

• PRCXI Biotechnology (China) completes CNY 100M ($13–14M) to scale its intelligent lab automation systems.
• A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. (Japan) closes ¥2.38B (~$15M) for regenerative medicines R&D.
• One Biosciences (France) raises €15M to accelerate clinical deployment of its AI-driven single-cell platform.
• Portal Biotech (England) raises $35M to advance protein sequencing technology.
• Centivax (USA) raises $45M to advance a universal flu vaccine into the clinic and expand its “universal immunity” pipeline.
• Dispatch Bio (USA) launches with $216M (total funding) to advance engineered cell therapies.

Series B Funding

• Imagene AI (Israel) raises $23M to expand AI-powered cancer pathology solutions.
• Aqtual, Inc. (USA) raises $31M to support development of therapy-selection assays.

 Series D Funding

• Scopio Labs (Israel) adds $10M Series D extension, bringing total Series D to $52M, to expand its AI-powered digital cell morphology platform.
• Avalyn Pharma (USA) secures $100M Series D to progress inhaled therapies for fibrotic lung disease.
• MapLight Therapeutics, Inc. (USA) raises $372.5M Series D to advance muscarinic agonist ML-007C-MA in schizophrenia & Alzheimer’s psychosis, and grow its pipeline.

Private Funding & Series Rounds

• cryoWrite (Switzerland) secures CHF 1.55M (~$1.7M) in non-dilutive funding to advance lab automation with generative AI.
• Navinci (Sweden): €5.3M (~$5.7M) from existing owners and a strategic investment (Jonathan Milner, Meltwind).
• Dash Bio (USA): $11M private funding for bioanalysis CRO expansion.

 Equity & Convertible Notes

• Quantum-Si (USA) prices a $50M registered direct offering of common stock.
• Absci (USA) raises $50M public offering (with ~$14M more via ATM in August) to expand its generative AI antibody discovery platform.
• Prime Medicine, Inc. (USA) completes a $144.2M underwritten public offering to advance prime editing programs.
• Myriad Genetics (USA) secures a $200M credit facility with an initial $125M draw to support genetic testing expansion.
• Tempus AI (USA) upsized its convertible senior notes offering to $650M.
• Hologic, Inc. (USA):  $1.17B Term Loan + $1.25B Revolving Credit Facility in amended refinancing agreements.

  Government & Research Grants

• Circular Genomics (USA) receives $250K ADDF grant for circular RNA Alzheimer’s diagnostics.
• Genetic Alliance (USA) receives $500K to expand iHope rare disease testing program.
• Encapsulate (USA) wins $1.25M NSF SBIR Phase II grant for its tumor-on-a-chip personalized medicine platform.
• Cache DNA & Velocity Bio (USA) awarded $1.25M NSF SBIR Phase II grant with MIT for materials science & microfluidics innovation.
• Wellcome Sanger Institute & partners (UK) receive $2M for quantum computing in genomics.
• Quiver Bioscience (USA): $2.15M NIH SBIR Phase II grant for AI/ML-based CNS drug safety prediction platform
• SurgiVance Inc (USA) obtains $2.25M NCI SBIR Direct-to-Phase II grant to advance digital pathology imaging.
• Medical University of Vienna (Austria) awarded €2.5M  grant for multiomic biomarker research.
• University of Oklahoma (USA) awarded $2.8M DoD grant to study Friedreich’s ataxia genetics.
• LenioBio (Germany) awarded €3.7M EU4Health grant to scale its cell-free protein synthesis technology.
• Proteomics International Laboratories Limited (Australia) secures A$6M (~$3.9M) from the Australian government & University of Western Australia for biomarker analysis platform development.
• Aptitude Medical Systems (USA) receives $8.3M BARDA contract modification for avian influenza and $9M BARDA funding for rapid filovirus tests.
• European Commission → Africa CDC provides €9.4M (~$10M) to support Mpox testing.
• Powerful Medical (Slovakia) awarded over €40M IPCEI Tech4Cure grant to accelerate AI cardiovascular diagnostics.