Today we focus the spotlight on the life sciences sector which typically accounts for one third of all venture capital investment activity each year.  Below are some fast facts and two companies that are improving the lives of millions of citizens.

Venture Facts:  Investments in Life Sciences

• 1901. The number of life science companies that received VC funding in the last 5 years.
• $41.2 billion. The amount of venture dollars invested in life science companies in the last 5 years.
• 665:  Number of venture-backed life science companies that have gone public (IPO) in the last 20 years (1990 – 3Q2010).
• CA, MA, PA.  The states with the greatest number of venture-backed life science companies in the past five years.
• Most active VCs investing in life science companies (by number of deals) in the last five years:  Domain Associates, LLC, Versant Ventures, and New Enterprise Associates.

Innovators in Life Sciences

LigoCyteis a private biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative virus like particle (VLP) vaccine products currently targeting norovirus, the second most common virus after the common cold. Based in Bozeman, MT, the company is also developing a VLP vaccine for respiratory syncycial virus, a common problem in children and older adults.  Venture investors include:  Novartis Ventures, MedImmune Ventures, Forward Ventures, Fidelity Biosciences, JAFCO, MC Life Sciences Ventures, and Athenian Venture Partners.

VeraLight, based in Albuquerque, NM, is applying its proprietary detection technology to develop the SCOUT DS system. SCOUT DS is intended to be the first non-invasive diabetes screening and diagnosis system, eliminating barriers to effective screening, such as blood draws, overnight fasting and waiting for results. It should provide healthcare professionals with a more accurate and convenient method for detecting type-2 diabetes and pre-diabetes based on the presence of advanced glycation endproduct biomarkers found in skin. Several clinical studies have shown that with early detection and intervention much of diabetes can be prevented or delayed.  VeraLight’s technology facilitates opportunistic screening and early detection, thereby saving money on medical expenses and improving patients’ quality of life.  Venture investors include:  CMEA Capital, Psilos Group Managers, vSpring Capital, EPIC Ventures, Dow Venture Capital, and GE Growth Fund.