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MICHBIO: BioLink – 1.27.26

January 27, 2026

Michigan Business Network

Peptino Biopharma Receives Approval to Advance Targeted Cancer Drug Platform into Clinical Trials

PeptiNovo Biopharma has received regulatory approval to advance its targeted cancer drug platform into clinical trials, marking a major milestone in the company’s development pipeline. The platform is designed to precisely target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, an approach that could improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects. This approval positions PeptiNovo to generate critical clinical data as it moves closer to delivering next-generation oncology therapies.

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MTRAC Program Opens New Opportunities for Translational Research and Commercialization

The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Program (MTRAC) supports the advancement of high-potential academic research toward real-world impact by providing funding, mentorship, and commercialization support. Through targeted programs across key technology and life sciences sectors, MTRAC helps researchers bridge the gap between discovery and market readiness—accelerating innovations that can improve health, drive economic growth, and attract industry investment.

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MSU Scientists Develop First Human Heart Organoid to Model Atrial Fibrilation

Researchers at Michigan State University have created the first human heart organoid capable of replicating atrial fibrillation (A-fib), a breakthrough that could significantly advance the study of heart rhythm disorders. The lab-grown, three-dimensional heart tissue closely mimics the electrical and structural behavior of the human heart, offering researchers a powerful new platform to study disease progression and test potential therapies. This innovation represents a major step forward in cardiovascular research with promising implications for precision medicine and drug development.

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AMDI Highlights Medical Device Development and Mechanical Testing Capabilities

AMDI highlights its medical device development and mechanical testing capabilities, underscoring the importance of rigorous engineering and validation in bringing devices safely to market.

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Wayne State University Rises in NSF Research & Development Rankings

Wayne State University has climbed in the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research & Development (HERD) rankings, reflecting increased research expenditures and sustained momentum across key innovation areas. The rise underscores Wayne State’s growing impact in federally funded research and its role in advancing discovery, commercialization, and economic growth in Michigan. Continued investment in research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration is helping strengthen the state’s position in the national R&D landscape.

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CSL-Led Program Offers Non-Dilutive Funding to Advance Early-Stage Biotherapies

CSL, is supporting a program designed to help early-stage biotech companies and research organizations fast-track the discovery of novel biotherapies. The program provides selected applicants with up to $400,000 in non-dilutive funding over two years, along with industry insight to advance innovative therapeutic programs. The initiative aims to accelerate promising research toward development while strengthening pathways from early discovery to real-world impact.

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2026: Michigan’s Moment to Rebuild Bioscience Leadership

MichBio outlines why 2026 is a critical moment for Michigan to reassert its leadership in the biosciences. The piece calls for coordinated action to strengthen innovation, workforce development, and biomanufacturing, supported by a predictable, pro-growth policy environment.

As the unified voice of Michigan’s bioscience industry, MichBio makes the case for aligning public policy, industry investment, and research capacity to accelerate commercialization, improve patient outcomes, and drive long-term economic growth statewide.

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Government Funding Package Moves to Senate: What the Health Provisions Mean for the Bio-Industry

The latest government funding package has advanced to the U.S. Senate, with several health-related provisions that could impact the biosciences industry. This update breaks down what’s included and why it matters for research funding, regulatory priorities, and patient access—areas critical to Michigan’s life sciences ecosystem.

As federal budget negotiations continue, the piece highlights key considerations for industry stakeholders and the importance of sustained, predictable investment in biomedical innovation and healthcare infrastructure.

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MFN Pricing and the Quiet Surrender of U.S. Biotech Leadership

Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing proposals are gaining renewed attention in federal policy discussions, with significant implications for the U.S. biotech and life sciences sector. This advocacy update examines how MFN pricing could affect innovation, investment, and the global competitiveness of American biotech—particularly for companies developing breakthrough therapies.

The piece outlines why pricing policies that fail to account for the realities of biomedical R&D risk undermining long-term leadership and slowing patient access to new treatments.

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Rare Disease Investment Rebounds After IRA Orphan-Drug Change

Investment in rare disease drug development is showing signs of recovery following recent changes to the Inflation Reduction Act’s orphan drug provisions. This advocacy update explores how the policy adjustment is influencing investor confidence, development pipelines, and long-term innovation in rare diseases—while also reigniting debate over drug pricing and access.

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Federal Fly-in Season Begins – Two Opportunities to Engage

MichBio invites Michigan’s bioscience community to engage directly with federal policymakers during two upcoming Washington, DC fly-ins. The Medical Technology Fly-In will take place February 23–24 in partnership with AdvaMed, followed by a biotechnology and life sciences fly-in on April 14–15, organized with BIO and the Council of State Bioscience Associations.

As part of the April fly-in, MichBio will host a Michigan Legislative Breakfast Reception on April 15.

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Events Update | Legislative Briefing and Legislative Reception

Due to the Michigan House canceling attendance, voting, and committee activity on Tuesday, January 27, the Legislative Briefing and MichBio Legislative Reception will be rescheduled to Tuesday, March 3.

Registered attendees planning to attend on March 3 do not need to take any action. If you can no longer attend, please contact MichBio at events@michbio.org to let us know.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility and look forward to convening with industry leaders and policymakers in March as we continue advancing Michigan’s biosciences ecosystem.

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Join MichBio & Save This February—Exclusive Membership Discounts Through February 28

Join (or rejoin) MichBio in February and save:

20% off new memberships
10% off rejoining memberships

Members receive preferred pricing for MichBio signature events—along with year-round marketing opportunities and B2B engagement across Michigan’s life sciences community. Contact Emily Brockman, Director, Member Relations at emily@michbio.org to learn more.

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ARPA-H Awards $135.7M to Launch LIGHT Program Advancing Lymphatic Diagnostics

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has announced the research teams selected for its Lymphatic Imaging, Genomics, and pHenotyping Technologies (LIGHT) program, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming how lymphatic dysfunction is detected and treated. The agency will award up to $135.7 million to multidisciplinary teams developing the first comprehensive, routine diagnostic tools for evaluating lymphatic health as part of standard medical care.

LIGHT addresses a long-standing gap in medicine, as millions of patients with lymphatic disorders—including lymphedema—are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to outdated or unavailable diagnostics. By advancing new imaging, genomic, AI-driven, and biomarker-based technologies, the program seeks to enable earlier detection, personalized treatment, and improved outcomes across a wide range of chronic and complex diseases. The initiative also uniquely integrates patient and caregiver perspectives into the research process to accelerate real-world translation.

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G2G’s Annual MHSRS Webinar

G2G Consulting will host its annual webinar focused on the Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS), offering insights into upcoming priorities, funding opportunities, and engagement strategies tied to the Department of Defense’s health and medical research enterprise. The webinar is designed to help companies, universities, and research organizations better understand how to position technologies and capabilities for success within the MHSRS ecosystem.

The session will provide an overview of what to expect at MHSRS, how stakeholders can effectively engage with DoD program leaders, and key considerations for advancing medical technologies relevant to military and civilian health needs.

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Below are upcoming industry events. Click here to view all events.

MichBio members receive an additional discount on Partner Events. Deadline dates do apply and are listed on the discount page. Log in to your membership account to access discount codes/directions.

INDUSTRY EVENT

LSWC Best Workforce Strategies Roundtable

Jan. 30, 2026

Virtual

PARTNER EVENT

A2 BioSocial

Feb. 3, 2026

Ann Arbor, MI

INDUSTRY EVENT

G2G’s Annual MHSRS Webinar

Feb. 5, 2026

Virtual