Originally Published MX January/February 2006

BUSINESS NEWS

Venture investment in Midwestern healthcare start-ups grew 21% in the third quarter of 2005, compared with a national rise of 4% during the period, according to data from BioEnterprise (Cleveland). The group's quarterly venture investment report indicates companies in the Midwest saw investments of $144 million, up from $119 million in the second quarter.

Shah

"The numbers continue to demonstrate strong deal flow in the Midwest region," says Baiju Shah, president of BioEnterprise, an organization that supports the growth of the region's bioscience companies. "Of particular interest this quarter was the number of biotechnology financings in the region, where medical device deals are viewed as the primary strength. These included Cerenis Therapeutics in Michigan, and two Missouri deals—Kereos and Isto Technologies."