The current MRSA tests using PCR assays from BD, Roche, and Cepheid that have been FDA approved also work quickly (< 4 hr) with very good positive predictor values (PPV > 90%). The 3M Baclite test that measures AK activity via bioluminescence does not work as well (PPV ~ 70%). Not sure if this is why it is no longer being developed, but quick results with the ability to determine a positive infection must also be Microphage's goal.

This technology doesn't just compare to the traditional culturing method, it also confirms a positive result.
Other competing technologies from industry giants as 3M also have 5 hour tests that don't require macroscopic culturing, but only determine if negative, and then confirms positive after 24 hrs. So this is an advancement albeit small to the current technologies in this diagnostic market. Good for MicroPhage to keep pushing, I'm sure the results will drive their product eventually to commercialization.

Classic case of a professor licensing a technology to CU and then optioning it back to the professor's own private company. Now the company can go forward with commercialization without the bureaucratic wrangling of CU.

Is this the most efficient way for technology developed at universities to get to market?

This rehashing of a current treatment for pulmonary hypertension to treat long term smokers lung damage is certainly interesting. Although this may be seen as a preventative measure against lung cancer, this clinical trial did not provide the basis of this claim. Rather scientific studies in mice exposed to cigarette smoke were shown to not develop lung cancer and actually had tumors reduced upon iloprost therapy. One difference of the animal study versus the clinical trial that reflects upon by Dr. Keith's statement is that the mice were given about 10 times the amount of iloprost (per dosage based on BSA conversion) than is even available clinically. Dosage information of these specific clinical trials was not available. This difference does not take anything away from the positive preclinical data, but does suggest that the cancer preventive effects of taking iloprost therapy may be overstated. Also, chronic usage of this prostacyclin analogue has been studied with respect to heart disease and patients must have dosages lowered over time. So for people who have managed to stop smoking this is promising therapy to reverse existing lung damage, and for those who continued to smoke no added benefit of taking iloprost was observed.

This rehashing of a current treatment for pulmonary hypertension to treat long term smokers lung damage is certainly interesting. Although this may be seen as a preventative measure against lung cancer, this clinical trial did not provide the basis of this claim. Rather scientific studies in mice exposed to cigarette smoke were shown to not develop lung cancer and actually had tumors reduced upon iloprost therapy. One difference of the animal study versus the clinical trial that reflects upon by Dr. Keith's statement is that the mice were given about 10 times the amount of iloprost (per dosage based on BSA conversion) than is even available clinically. Dosage information of these specific clinical trials was not available. This difference does not take anything away from the positive preclinical data, but does suggest that the cancer preventive effects of taking iloprost therapy may be overstated. Also, chronic usage of this prostacyclin analogue has been studied with respect to heart disease and patients must have dosages lowered over time. So for people who have managed to stop smoking this is promising therapy to reverse existing lung damage, and for those who continued to smoke no added benefit of taking iloprost was observed.

Since the advent of SELEX to isolate RNA aptamers was developed by Larry Gold, CU professor in Boulder, almost twenty years ago now, it good to see so many formidable uses of these aptamers coming about. The great thing about this collaboration is that each company is getting exactly what they need. miRagen needs to be able to deliver its miRNA therapies in vivo effectively to start clinical trials, and Archemix sees a potential way of harnessing its technology for gene regulation purposes and applying it to many diseases. I think this is great for miRagen and I'm glad to see that they will have the exclusive option of retaining the rights.

With many companies now either in Boulder, in btwn Boulder/Denver, at DTC and the new development in Aurora, it doesn't make sense to have a city name used. And the use of Silicon is definitely unoriginal.

Mile High Tech Region
Front Range Tech Corridor
RidgeTech Region

or not tech related:
Peakview Valley
Mountain West Valley

Props to Dr. Eric Olson and miRagen. Many hurdles still lie ahead for miRNA delivery in treating cardiovascular disease, but the prospect of utilizing anti-sense miRNA seems to be bright. Clinical trials starting soon?