MassBio

This week, we've seen numerous financing rounds announced. Each of these companies started small. The Drive program is designed for the founders and early-stage startups that are just getting started. The application is open now for the next cohort, but it closes soon. Biotechs with a high potential therapeutic pipeline or platform with an asset, or biomarker/diagnostic companies using machine learning, high-performance or quantum computing to identify or develop biomarkers, diagnostics, and tests that stratify patients, predict disease progression, or accelerate therapeutic selection, are invited to apply by January 16. Link in comments 👇 #DriveLifeSciences | SCbio

The momentum Massachusetts biopharma companies built throughout 2025 is now breaking through. This week proves it.   Our new funding report shows venture capital dropped to $6.85 billion last year, the lowest since 2019. But 60% of that capital flowed in the second half, and the deals being negotiated behind the scenes through those challenging months are now coming to fruition in spectacular fashion.   This week alone:   🔵 Early-stage innovation surging: Six Massachusetts companies closed significant venture rounds totaling $780M+ across Series A through Series F, from Poplar Therapeutics' $50M Series A for novel allergy treatments to Parabilis Medicines' massive $305M Series F advancing a breakthrough cancer therapy toward pivotal trials. Companies are betting big on breakthrough science.   🔵 Late-stage capital flowing: Beacon Therapeutics raised $75M+ ahead of pivotal gene therapy data expected later this year. Mediar Therapeutics secured $76M to generate clinical readouts across three fibrosis programs. The capital to get drugs across the finish line and into patients' hands is flowing again.   🔵 Partnerships & platforms gaining traction: Lilly struck two deals with Massachusetts companies—a $950M+ partnership with InduPro on multispecific antibodies and a $1.3B potential deal with Nimbus Therapeutics on obesity. Pharma is actively de-risking early innovation.   🔵 Public markets reopening: Aktis Oncology just launched 2026's first U.S. biotech IPO, targeting a $945M valuation with Lilly anchoring a $100M investment. The exit window we've been waiting for is cracking open.   This isn't just a strong week—it's the leading edge of what's coming. With JPM next week and dealmaking momentum accelerating, we're watching months of patient work convert into capital, partnerships, and validation. Our report shows the Commonwealth's drug pipeline surged 14% in 2025, more than double the national rate. Companies continued to advance their science even when capital was scarce.   China's pipeline grew 37% last year. Global competition isn't waiting. But Massachusetts companies are demonstrating why we remain the world's deepest bench of biotech innovation. That matters for patients everywhere. The full 2025 MassBio Biopharma Funding & Pipeline Report is linked in the comments.   The turnaround is underway. #PatientDriven #Biotech #JPM2026 #VentureCapital #FundingScience

The funding retreated. The innovation didn't.   2025 tested the Massachusetts biotech ecosystem like few years before it. Venture capital fell to its lowest level in six years. Federal actions caused disruption.   But something remarkable happened: our drug pipeline surged nearly 14%—double the national rate. Companies didn't retreat. They invested in pre-clinical research, the riskiest bets with the biggest potential payoffs.   Why? Because Massachusetts built its cluster by betting on breakthrough science. That culture doesn't evaporate when the market turns.   The second half of 2025 showed encouraging signs. M&A activity doubled from the first half. Sixty percent of venture deals happened. The questions for 2026: Will federal policy support the innovation engine? Can early-stage startups regain investor confidence?   Full report: https://lnkd.in/eAcAM3cs. #PatientDriven #Biotech #JPM2026

Whether it’s a year of extraordinary breakthroughs or deep uncertainty, the State of Possible Conference is always a moment for our local life sciences community to come together. Join us on March 26 at the Omni Seaport Boston as we look to the year ahead with thoughtful optimism. You’ll hear from leaders driven by passion and purpose—sharing the stories behind the breakthroughs that are changing patient lives. MassBio Members: Reserve your spot by January 19 to take advantage of Early-Bird pricing, and stay tuned for additional speaker and agenda announcements in the coming weeks. 🎟️ Early-Bird Promotion Code: EBSOP26 Register: https://lnkd.in/ePm2WAWb #PatientDriven #StateofPossible26

We are thrilled to announce KSA's new partnership with MassBio. Like everything we do, this collaboration aims to connect the people of Kendall Square. We look forward to expanding access to resources for members of both organizations, and to boosting visibility for all the exciting things happening here every day. Read MassBio's announcement here: https://lnkd.in/epjq9jbr

Every January, San Francisco becomes the center of gravity for an industry built on audacious ideas and patient hope. This year, there's thoughtful optimism that 2026 could bring the stability and capital flow our sector needs to translate Massachusetts's unmatched R&D into the therapies patients are waiting for. The MassBio team will be at JPM ready to support our members as they chart that path forward.   Chief Operating & Innovation Officer Jason Cordeiro | Chief Business Officer Laura Hamilton | Head of External Affairs Benjamin Bradford | Sr. Dir. of Innovation Caroline Pepek | Membership Engagement Specialist Emilie Goncalves, MA Reach out to our team: https://lnkd.in/eiW_c26G   If you're a CEO & Founder Link member, our first events of the year are next week! Check your inbox for your invite. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/epDGxus9 Termeer Institute | #JPM2026

Although the last year has been marked by uncertainty and challenges, there are signs that the long-awaited biotech comeback could be on the horizon for 2026. Of course, we’ve been here before.   We invite our members to the Economic Outlook Forum on Monday, January 26, featuring industry insiders and company executives who will make sense of the latest headlines, emerging trends, and cautious optimism. From public markets and private financing to FDA policies and federal action, what will the next 12 months bring? Our speakers will provide insights on that question that you won't hear anywhere else.   Featured Speakers Katie Bodner Spielberg | 5AM Ventures Jim MacKrell | Lilly Ventures Joe Zaccaria | KPMG US   Register: https://lnkd.in/e3UaAvKu #EconomicOutlook26

As we say farewell to 2025, our team wishes you a joyous and successful new year ahead. Thank you for being a part of the MassBio community. Your dedication and passion drive the progress and innovation that define our industry. Happy New Year!✨

As we close out another year, I want to thank you for being #MassBioMembers, but more importantly, for being a part of patients' lives in the most meaningful way possible: delivering the therapies that change their lives. From survival mode to laying the groundwork for a comeback, this was a year of ups and downs, though our passion and commitment never wavered. I now look to 2026 with much enthusiasm. For MassBio, in March, the State of Possible Conference returns with the theme Behind the Breakthrough, revealing the people and purpose that fuel innovation long before the headlines arrive. We’re also launching new initiatives, including training for future leaders with The Termeer Institute and providing platforms to support early-stage founders with critical business needs. For Massachusetts, our responsibility is clear: maintain and strengthen the advantages that made us the global leader through continued investment in research infrastructure, local programs that support risk-taking and company formation, talent development and retention, and advocacy at the federal level for innovation-friendly regulations and consistent funding. For the industry, our responsibility is equally clear: execute. Biotechs must continue pushing the limits of what’s possible in the lab for the benefit of patients. Pharma must put its dry powder to work by getting great science from the clinic to a pharmacy counter. And all of us must do what we can to get founders and early-stage startups the support they need. From all of us at MassBio: Happy New Year! We look forward to working alongside all of you in the year to come. https://lnkd.in/e5p6W2Yz | #PatientDriven

The challenges facing our industry over the last few years were real, as I shared with The Wall Street Journal for this piece, and the human impact has been deeply felt by talented scientists, researchers, and startup teams across our ecosystem. But even in difficult times, Massachusetts remains the global epicenter for biotech innovation, and we're seeing early signs of recovery as we head into 2026. Our ecosystem's depth of talent, research infrastructure, collaboration across industry stakeholders, and patient-centered mission continue to attract investment and drive breakthroughs that matter. The competition is fierce, but that's exactly why we must double down on the policies and partnerships that keep Massachusetts and America leading the way. Unlocked link here: https://lnkd.in/eTbgZjWd #PatientDriven #Biotech Jared G. Mitovich