Arizona Bioscience News: COVID-19 in Arizona; UArizona developing new pain relief treatment; Innovation Challenge finalists named

November 18, 2021

By Matt Ellsworth

Is it another surge? COVID-19 cases are on the rise again / Arizona Republic

The recent spike of COVID-19 in Arizona appears to be an unexpected and discouraging extension of a prolonged wave that began during the summer with the very contagious delta variant, several health experts say. Read more: Arizona hospitals are seeing a surge of COVID-19 patients again


UArizona researchers closer to developing pain drug that cuts opioids’ addictiveness / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)

University of Arizona researchers say they are closer to developing a pain relief treatment— focused on a new compound that reduces the sensation of pain by regulating a biological channel linked to pain—that dramatically diminishes the danger of opioids.


Here are the 15 finalists for 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge / Phoenix Business Journal (AZ Inno)

The Arizona Commerce Authority has selected the 15 finalists for its 2021 Arizona Innovation Challenge, a program designed to help early-stage companies scale by connecting them to mentoring, resources, and the possibility of earning non-dilutive cash awards. Read more: Pandemic woes haven’t cost Valley economic development officials their optimism


NeoLight, HomeLight grow into larger spaces in SkySong / AZ Big Media

NeoLight, a bioscience company that developed a device to eradicate neonatal jaundice, is expanding into a 2,000-square-foot space at SkySong in Scottsdale as it evolves from the growth phase to scale.


Meet SenesTech, the Phoenix company making birth control for rats / Phoenix Business Journal

SenesTech, a Phoenix company with its origin in the labs of Arizona universities, has a new way of addressing rat problems with its product ContraPest, a thick, sweet liquid that causes infertility when ingested by rats.


University of Arizona research shows disparity in breast cancer treatments for Indigenous women / Arizona Public Media

A University of Arizona study found disparities between which breast cancer treatments Indigenous and white women choose, with more Indigenous women getting mastectomies versus lumpectomies.


Construction begins on new hospital campus on Navajo Nation / KTAR

Construction is underway on Sage Memorial Hospital’s new campus in Ganado on the Navajo Nation, which includes a 90,000-square-foot hospital that will be 40% larger than the current facility and provide at least 40 hospital beds and expanded services.


Flagstaff STEM City receives grant to support STEM education / Arizona Daily Sun

The STEM Talent Pipeline program, sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, announced an educational grant of $5,000 for Flagstaff STEM City to support science, technology, engineering, and math programs.


Upcoming Events

December 9: AZBio Trailblazer Awards and Legislator Appreciation Luncheon

December 21: AZBioPEERS: Health IT Cyber Security


Sign up to receive Arizona Bioscience News weekly

Search the Arizona BioMap