CBSA: 2015 was groundbreaking year for life sciences industry

Wednesday December 16, 2015 0 comments Tags: Denver, CBSA, April Giles, Medtronic, Covidien, Nivalis Therapeutics, Precision Biopsy, miRagen Therapeutics, Spectranetics, Surefire Medical, Cerapedics, dbMEDx, Clovis Oncology

DENVER -- Colorado’s life sciences sector had a robust and groundbreaking 2015, according to the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA), the state’s advocate for the industry.

CBSA reported that Colorado-based life sciences companies raised more than $337 million during the year, with Nivalis Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NVLS) among the top fundraisers with $88 million in its successful IPO.

Other companies with major fundraising successes included:

• Precision Biopsy, raising $33.6 million in new equity investments
• miRagen Therapeutics, securing $41 million in Series C financing
• Spectranetics (Nasdaq: SPNC), completing refinancing of its outstanding debt and closing on a new $110 million senior secured credit facility
• Surefire Medical, closing on $15 million in Series C funding

The year’s biggest acquisition was Medtronic acquiring Covidien for $49.9 billion.

The year also saw several companies winning FDA approval for their products, including Cerapedics, dBMEDx Inc., Surefire Medical and Clovis Oncology. 

“Colorado’s dynamic life science sector created breakthrough treatments and attracted significant new investments in 2015,” said April Giles, CBSA president and CEO.

“Because of our track record of success, more companies and organizations are choosing to put down roots and expand operations in our state.”

CBSA said the state is home to nearly 600 life science organizations, employing more than 122,000 workers.