Gene-editing biotech Metagenomi said it is preparing to go public and is working with the investment bank J.P. Morgan on a potential listing this fall, according to people familiar with the company’s plans. If Metagenomi goes public, it would be one of only about a dozen biotech IPOs this year, though likely one of the largest. (Endpoints News)
In light of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reminded people that it is impossible to know exactly what is in floodwaters. Floodwaters can hold hazards that are invisible to the naked eye, such as human and animal feces, medical/industrial waste, pesticides and other harmful substances. (The Hill)
Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks donated $25,000 on June 22 to a super PAC that is supporting former Vice President Mike Pence’s presidential bid, according to a Federal Election Commission filing. The donation to the Committed to America PAC, one of Ricks’ largest ever, is notable in contrast to his company’s vocal stances against the very issues Pence is most passionate about. (Indy Star)
A forthcoming report estimates that about one-fourth of human pathogen research activities in the U.S. are performed by labs inside of private organizations and about one-fourth of those private organizations are “invisible.” Though invisible bio labs make up a relatively small share of the many bio labs operating in the U.S., federal oversight of them is essential. (TIME)
A biotech company said it placed dopamine-making cells into people’s brains. The experiment to treat Parkinson’s is a critical early test of stem cells’ potential to tackle serious disease. (MIT Technology Review)
