Tonight is the Challenge Pitch-off for the  M2D2 $200K Challenge, and Fairbanks will be there competing as one of 20 finalists.

Check out the interview with CEO Alan Schneyer published on the M2D2 site today!

The Endocrine Society held its Annual Meeting in Chicago March 17-20th, 2018.  A major focus of endocrinology involves metabolism and diabetes and Fairbanks Pharmaceuticals CEO Alan Schneyer presented the progress achieved by Fairbanks Pharmaceuticals in developing a new diabetes therapy in a poster on Monday March 19th.

In the poster he described the scientific basis for the therapeutic strategy of neutralizing FSTL3, development of antibodies that can achieve this goal, and initial testing showing promise on diabetic mouse islets.

In recognition of its strength and uniqueness, the poster was selected for a new activity where top posters are presented orally to an assembled group of scientists during the poster session.  The response to this therapeutic was positive and encouraging and we look forward to continuing the development program with in vivo studies in the near future.

As an SBIR awardee, Fairbanks Pharmaceuticals receives assistance with corporate and product development provided by National Institutes of Health. As part of this NIH-funded assistance, Foresight Science & Technology has produced an independent technology niche analysis of Fairbanks.

The service includes a market analysis. Foresight estimates  that the global market for diabetes treatment is currently over $30 billion and it is expected to exceed $50 billion in the US alone by 2025.  Their report said this could drive revenues of over $3.8 billion within five years.

To evaluate Fairbanks’ technology, Foresight contacted a number of clinical and research experts involved with both type 1 and 2 diabetes, including Dr. Alvin Powers, Dr. Thomas Blevins of Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology and Dr. Phil Zeitler of the Children’s Hospital of Colorado.

As summarized in the report, these experts thought that

• “that there is absolutely a need for a treatment for beta cell regeneration.  It would have wide spread utility.”
• “there is definitely a need for a product that will lead to beta cell regeneration and natural insulin production.”
• “it could be very important” because “the problem with current products on the market are only partially successful.  They do not really get at the pathophysiology.”

These comments from the Foresight report indicate that Fairbanks’ technology will be a novel and effective treatment and potential cure for both type 1 and 2 diabetes.  Moreover there is likely to be both patient and doctor acceptance of this new treatment that would reduce or prevent much of the long-term morbidity that consumes so many health care dollars.

Fairbanks Pharmaceuticals was selected as a finalist to compete in the RESI Boston 2017 Innovation Challenge. On September 26, Fairbanks Co-Founder and CEO Alan Schneyer presented a poster at RESI, met with potential investors and funding agencies, and networked with angel investors.

The response so far has been very encouraging and has led to a number of follow up conversations.

Fairbanks has successfully met all SBIR Phase I milestones and  has submitted a Phase II application to focus on in vivo therapeutic benefits.

Fairbanks Pharmaceuticals Inc was selected as a semi-finalist in the competition for MilliporeSigma’s Start-Up program at LabCentral in Cambridge MA. The winner will be awarded a “Golden Ticket” of 1 year of space at one of the country’s leading and highly desirable biotechnology incubators, a fantastic opportunity to move to an environment that fosters partnerships and collaborations that can accelerate our therapeutic development activities.

On August 1, Dr. Alan Schneyer, Fairbanks Co-Founder and CEO, presented Fairbanks’ plans and progress to a highly selective board of judges composed of MilliporeSigma scientists and Lab Central Senior Managers. Results of the judges decision will be announced in mid-August.