Decibel Therapeutics Just Received $52M in Funding

[Champ]

Followed them!

 

[lymebite]

A short article on Decibel Therapeutics published today.

http://www.biospace.com/news_story.aspx?StoryID=443121&full=1

 

[lymebite]

Decibel Therapeutics has a Twitter feed now. Not much there yet but it was started only recently.

http://twitter.com/decibeltx

 

[Vinnitus]

Decibel Therapeutics has a Twitter feed now. Not much there yet but it was started only recently.

http://twitter.com/decibeltx

It's funny, yet kind of annoying, that everything I open lately is about Trump's travel ban. I expected to read something new about human hearing, not politics. It's everywhere lately.

 

[Rasmus]

I know this is a little bit outside the topic here, but when they are talking about finding a cure for hearing loss/damage, does that also mean T?

 

[VRZ78]

I know this is a little bit outside the topic here, but when they are talking about finding a cure for hearing loss/damage, does that also mean T?

On their website it says: Decibel Therapeutics is translating scientific advances in inner ear biology into novel therapies for people with hearing loss and tinnitus.

 

[Ecip]

Yep, 52 mil should get them going haha

 

[Samir]

Yep, 52 mil should get them going haha

Not if Trump has something to say about it. That man thinks he's God and he can do whatever he wants.

Stem cell research is under the loupe, literally.

http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2017/02/stem-cell-research-must-remain-in-foreground

Thank you Americans who voted for this wise guy as your supreme leader to lead you all in the new... isolationist state. Good luck with making America great again and all that!

 

[Alue]

Not if Trump has something to say about it.

And what would that be?

 

[Samir]

And what would that be?

Sorry I forgot to put the link up. See the edit.

 

[Alue]

Sorry I forgot to put the link up. See the edit.

One, I have yet to see any quote indicating Trump is against stem cell research. I hope he doesn't go back to the Bush era ban.

Two, is Decibel Therapeutics research even based on embryonic stem cells?

 

[Samir]

One, I have yet to see any quote indicating Trump is against stem cell research. I hope he doesn't go back to the Bush era ban.

No, but yeah... let's wait and hope. Fingers crossed! The man leads upside down politics and it's difficult to convince him otherwise once he sets up his mind on something. He's difficult to deal with.

Here's one about the complain on the immigration ban that relates directly to Decimal Tx:

Founders and leaders from 166 biotechnology companies signed a letter detailing the damage they say President Trump's executive order on immigration will have on the industry.

"If this misguided policy is not reversed, America is at risk of losing its leadership position in one of its most important sectors, one that will shape the world in the twenty-first century," write Jeremy Levin, DPhil, CEO of Ovid Therapeutics Inc, New York City; Steven Holtzman, president and CEO of Decibel Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Bassil Dahiyat, PhD, president and CEO of Xencor in Monrovia, California, and colleagues.

He [Holtzman] said his own parents — his mother, who immigrated from Cuba and his father, whose parents were Ukrainian Jews escaping religious persecution — never finished high school, and he has now led six biotech companies "that are addressing the needs of tens of thousands of people worldwide."

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/875545

I think there are a lot of reasons for concern. It's not without reason that scientists are planning a march on Washington DC. It would not surprise me if Trump decided to ban all kinds of stem cell research. If he does, well so be it! I invite biotech companies and researchers to move to Europe! Everyone is welcome in Europe. We have a strong scientific expertise here, and excellent facilities. We can continue the work here. He can have his America for himself.

 

[Alue]

No, but yeah... let's wait and hope. Fingers crossed! The man leads upside down politics and it's difficult to convince him otherwise once he sets up his mind on something. He's difficult to deal with.

Here's one about the complain on the immigration ban that relates directly to Decimal Tx:







http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/875545

That's politics, and it's a different issue from what we're talking about. I just checked and Trump asked Francis Collins to stay on as NIH director.

 

[Samir]

That's politics, and it's a different issue from what we're talking about. I just checked and Trump asked Francis Collins to stay on as NIH director.

That's good! So he finally asked him to stay. It was uncertain if Francis would stay.

Yes, it is high politics but it affects all the people living with a disease or disability in the US and abroad in more than one way. If you had that kind of politics in the past Decibel Therapeutics would simply never had happened and we would not have had much to cheer for and a company to put our hope in.

Do you have any official info on Trump's stance on stem cell research? I think I know where this is going, but I want to hear it from the man himself.

What about abortions? Will he defund Planned Parenthood?

I can see he kept Tom Price as director of HHS. But I can also see why.

Human embryos are the most vulnerable forms of life, yet the Obama administration is creating taxpayer-funded incentives for their destruction.

Source: http://www.lifenews.com/2017/01/02/...xpayers-to-fund-embryonic-stem-cell-research/

Whatever... meanwhile in Japan, Masayo Takahashi is preparing a second in-human trial for treating macular degeneration using Yamanaka's so called iPS cells.

 

[Vinnitus]

No, but yeah... let's wait and hope. Fingers crossed! The man leads upside down politics and it's difficult to convince him otherwise once he sets up his mind on something. He's difficult to deal with.

Here's one about the complain on the immigration ban that relates directly to Decimal Tx:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/875545

I think there are a lot of reasons for concern. It's not without reason that scientists are planning a march on Washington DC. It would not surprise me if Trump decided to ban all kinds of stem cell research. If he does, well so be it! I invite biotech companies and researchers to move to Europe! Everyone is welcome in Europe. We have a strong scientific expertise here, and excellent facilities. We can continue the work here. He can have his America for himself.

Agreed. As much as I regret Trump being in office now, it's a result of their democratic process and we should respect that. I am getting a little "Trump tired" recently, as every unrelated item I open up seems to have references to Trump policy and downsides "because of Trump!". In all honesty, I believe the research will continue elsewhere if not in America. The Japanese make great strides and there's good research being done in Korea as well. Let's not forget our own Europe. Chances are good some biotech companies will move overseas if Trump policy will dictate putting embryonic stem-cell research on hold. I guess from their religious point of views, it would be embryonic stem-cells they have the most problems with.

I am not sure how relevant this exactly is for hearing research though. I believe no embryonic stem-cells are used in current approaches... In any case; the research will continue. Recent advances in hearing research has sparked great interest because it seems there finally are hopeful ways to restore hearing.

 

[RB2014]

This isn't the place for politics agreed, but we were basically offered two choices. Under the democrats our national deficit skyrocketed over the past 8 years. It would have been more of the same. It is not sustainable. We have other issues as well that weren't dealt with well under the last administration. I think people just wanted to see some type of change and Trump offers that.

I don't see why he would put any type of embryonic stem cell research on hold. It is usually the super religious folk that do things like that. I don't think he is super religious. I was worried 4 years ago when Mitt Romney ran for office. I think he would have done something like that. Trump probably wants to live as long as he can considering how wealthy he is so I would assume he would be for any and all type of research.

 

[Rob111]

RB2014, I agree and think Trump will be quite good for cutting edge medical research. He has Peter Thiel as a close advisor and Peter has a strong interest in Anti Aging and regenerative medicine.
https://www.statnews.com/2016/12/20/peter-thiel-donald-trump-science/

 

[Samir]

As much as I regret Trump being in office now, it's a result of their democratic process and we should respect that.

Respect, yes. It is what it is, and I accept that. But that doesn't mean I have to nod my head and agree about everything by default and not be concerned. Though you won't see me taking the discussion to the streets, smashing cars, burning and plundering stores. That's for the uncivilized.

In all honesty, I believe the research will continue elsewhere if not in America.

Chances are good some biotech companies will move overseas if Trump policy will dictate putting embryonic stem-cell research on hold.

Yes, and I agree. But I wouldn't want to see another 4 year delay because of politics. When it comes to hearing disorders the most promising work is being done in the US.

I guess from their religious point of views, it would be embryonic stem-cells they have the most problems with.

My guess is that even if you give your consent to have your own adult skin cells taken and turned back into pluripotent stem cells they will deem it "playing God" and oppose it.

I believe no embryonic stem-cells are used in current approaches.

I am not sure what approach specifically you refer to, but embryonic stem cells as well as iPS have been used in mouse models so far. Also, human embryonic stems cells as well as human iPS are being used in labs to turn them into hair cells. Dr. Heller has been doing it for almost a decade now. But in treatment they will likely use iPS, not embryonic. Either way, at least exploring embryonic stem cells in the lab should be allowed.

The potential of iPS as a treatment option or as an alternative source for experimental stem cells is a great addition to the scientific toolbox. I personally think iPS is one of the best hacks of the 21st century! Yamanaka completely blew the ethical issues of stem cells out of the picture! But what if the embryonic stem cells turn out to be more potent than iPS and having a higher success rate? Well... at least we have something... I hope they let us play with and use iPS in treatments. Maybe someone will come up with even a better method for hacking the religious fanatics.

This isn't the place for politics agreed, but we were basically offered two choices.

Yes, it's unfortunate that you are offered only two choices. And what two choices! I honestly don't know who I would have voted for. You are either team red or blue, nothing in-between. Just like AMD and Intel!

I think people just wanted to see some type of change and Trump offers that.

I can totally understand that! Change is sometimes needed to shake things up a bit. I just hope Trump doesn't tip the boat over!

I don't see why he would put any type of embryonic stem cell research on hold.

He's a republican?

TRUMP: As far as Planned Parenthood is concerned, I'm pro-life. I'm totally against abortion, having to do with Planned Parenthood. But millions and millions of women -- cervical cancer, breast cancer -- are helped by Planned Parenthood. So you can say whatever you want, but they have millions of women going through Planned Parenthood that are helped greatly. And I wouldn't fund it. I would defund it because of the abortion factor, which they say is 3 percent. I don't know what percentage it is. They say it's 3%. But I would defund it, because I'm pro-life. But millions of women are helped by Planned Parenthood.

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Donald_Trump_Abortion.htm

Millions of women are helped by it? Yet he wouldn't fund it? Why not? He would defund it "because of the abortion factor"? He doesn't know what percentage? Someone told him it's 3%? Yet he would defund it? What is this man saying?...

Trump undecided on embryonic stem cell research:

"I would say that I'd like to get back to you because I'm studying it very closely," Trump said. "It's an issue, don't forget, that as a businessman I've never been involved in."

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Donald_Trump_Abortion.htm

Well he's no longer a businessman. He's the president! He better make up his mind now. He had more than 4 years to do so. The quote is from 2011.

I don't think he is super religious.

He may not be, but those who voted on him may be?... I don't think you have to be very religious to have an opinion about abortion (and by extension embryonic stem cell research). People can have all kinds of opinions and make uninformed decisions. That doesn't matter, everyone has the right to vote.

I was worried 4 years ago when Mitt Romney ran for office. I think he would have done something like that.

Why would he have done it? Was he super religious?

Trump probably wants to live as long as he can considering how wealthy he is so I would assume he would be for any and all type of research.

Well he said he is pro-life. I don't know if he was thinking of others or of himself and his own life.

From republican platform:

We oppose embryonic stem cell research. We oppose federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

Source: https://www.gop.com/platform/we-the-people/

Since they don't want tax dollars to go to stem cell research, maybe Trump will be willing to donate or invest some of his wealth into stem cell research companies? Have him invest in Decimal Therapeutics. That would be great! Let's make America great again!..

We support adult stem cell research and urge the restoration of the national placental stem cell bank created by President George H.W. Bush but abolished by his Democrat successor, President Bill Clinton. We oppose federal funding for harvesting embryos and call for a ban on human cloning.

Human cloning?... who is cloning humans? Where? I want to know more.

So they support adult stem cell research, which is good. They even want to restore the placental stem cell bank created by Bush senior. Interesting though how they bash the other party instead of presenting their own program and leaving the judgment call to the voter. They don't mention what Bush junior did. Nor do they say what Clinton had replaced the placental stem cell bank with.

On August 9, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush introduced a ban on federal funding for research on newly created human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. The policy was intended as a compromise and specified that research on lines created prior to that date would still be eligible for funding. Seventy-one lines from 14 laboratories across the globe met Bush's eligibility criteria, and scientists who wished to investigate these lines could still receive grants through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In practice, however, only 21 lines proved to be of any use to investigators.

Now facing restrictions on the type of research conducted using federal funds, some scientists were forced to create a dichotomous research environment based on federal vs. private funding of staff, equipment, and lab space. Collaboration and the sharing of knowledge between scientists also was hindered, and American researchers who previously spearheaded ES cell initiatives were no longer able to offer much of a contribution, stifling relationships with their international counterparts.

Further aggravating the situation was the fact that the 21 existing lines were not genetically or ethnically diverse, meaning specific disease processes (such as Parkinson's) could no longer be studied in ES cells. Similarly, any information gleaned from the existing lines was limited to certain ethnicities, leaving uncertainty with regard to cellular processes in minority groups. In terms of therapeutic application, all 21 lines were of decidedly poor utility as they were cultured under inferior conditions by today's standards.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744932/

During this time, however, there were several advances in the realm of stem cell research. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, whereby adult somatic cells are induced to display properties consistent with ES cells, were first generated in mice by researchers in Japan.

Thank you Shinya Yamanaka!

On March 9, 2009, President Barack Obama signed an Executive order revoking the previous orders initiated under his predecessor and giving the NIH 120 days to review the appropriate guidelines and issue new criteria for stem cell research. The new policy allows federally funded researchers to experiment on hundreds of viable ES cell lines restricted under Bush. The reception in the scientific community was largely positive and echoed around the world, with claims of "absolute excitement, enthusiasm, real hope for the future" from some proponents. Clearly, the issue was a popular one, with one Washington Post-ABC News poll showing that almost 60 percent of Americans supported loosening restrictions on federal funding for ES cell research.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744932/

Republicans go on to say:

To continue our headway against breast and prostate cancer, diabetes, and other killers, research must consider the needs of formerly neglected demographic groups. We call for expanded support for the stem cell research that now offers the greatest hope for many afflictions — through adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and cells reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells — without the destruction of embryonic human life.

Source: https://www.gop.com/platform/renewing-american-values/

I don't know... but it seems to me like they want to eat the cake and still have the cake...

RB2014, I agree and think Trump will be quite good for cutting edge medical research. He has Peter Thiel as a close advisor and Peter has a strong interest in Anti Aging and regenerative medicine.

I am not familiar with Peter Thiel. Who is he? Some kind of miracle worker? We don't ask for elixir of immortality. We simply ask that science and scientists be given the funding and be allowed to do what they do best, so that they may one day find cures and devise treatments for diseases and disabilities to ease human suffering. This should be the interest of everyone, regardless of their political affiliation.

Obama said it best: "Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research … and from a government willing to support that work."

Let's wait, hope and see what happens. Knowing that Trump is a businessman first and president second, the dollar argument of this industry might outweigh the ethical and religious arguments. He would be a fool not to seize the opportunity, now that he's the boss and can have it his way. He wouldn't want Europe, Japan or Cheyna to ruin his plan of making America great again. Not to mention Mexico... (no disrespect Mexicanos!)