DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Colorado BioScience Association celebrated the companies and organizations developing life-saving breakthroughs at its Annual Awards Dinner, held on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency in Denver. The sixteenth annual event brought together life sciences leaders and innovators working in Colorado to save and change lives around the world.
Jennifer Jones Paton, CBSA President and CEO, says:
“Health innovations from Colorado make a global impact. Our celebration highlighted our life sciences ecosystem’s commitment to sharing opportunities and breakthroughs by our members that save and change lives. Congratulations to our honorees, finalists and award winners. They inspire all of us with their passion and dedication.”
Company of the Year: Biodesix
Based in Boulder, Biodesix is providing a more complete picture of a patient’s unique lung cancer by harnessing powerful genomic and proteomic information. The company offers three blood-based, multi-omic tests for patients with lung cancer, using both genomics and proteomics to see both sides of cancer. Finalists for the award were: Brickell Bio and Cerapedics.
Rising Star of the Year: Securisyn Medical
The Highlands Ranch-based medical device company is dedicated to creating and cultivating an approach to airway management that will enhance airway safety, prevent unplanned extubation and its associated complications. Finalists for the award were: Bolder Surgical and Edgewise Therapeutics.
Master of Ceremonies Kyle Dyer, along with Jones Paton and CBSA Chairman of the Board Scott Larson, highlighted the celebration’s theme, “Stronger Together” throughout the evening. They shared stories of ecosystem collaboration and impact on patients’ lives as they honored bold leaders and big thinkers, including:
Educator of the Year: Dr. Chelsea Magin
An Assistant Professor in Medicine and Bioengineering at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Magin is an active mentor in Colorado BioScience Institute’s Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program.
Institute Leadership Award: Agilent Technologies, AveXis and Tolmar
The companies provided leadership and financial support for Frederick High School to establish Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools, or P-TECH. Students in the program graduate in 4-6 years with both a high school diploma and associate’s degree, ready to enter the life sciences workforce.
Deal of the Year: Array Biopharma
The Boulder company grew from an idea to a record-breaking acquisition by a global pharmaceutical manufacturer. The commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted small molecule medicines to treat cancer and other diseases. Earlier this year, Pfizer acquired Array in a deal valued at $11.4 billion.
The evening also included a celebration of life honoring Adam Rubenstein (1970-2019), the former CEO of Articulus Bio and a deeply respected life sciences entrepreneur and mentor.
About Colorado BioScience Association
Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products and services that improve and save lives. The association leads Capital and Growth, Education and Networking, Policy and Advocacy, and Workforce Cultivation to make its members stronger, together. Learn more: cobioscience.com
