Monday, December 7, 2009Zogenix Ups Series B To $71MSan Diego-based Zogenix, a pharmaceuticals firm developing neuroscience disorders and pain treatments, said Monday that it has closed on $35M in a second tranche of Series B funding, bringing the firm's Series B to a total of $71M. The firm said the additional $20M came from Chicago Growth Partners. Other investors in the round, which had its first close in September, include Clarus Ventures, Domain Associates, Scale Venture Partners, Thomas, McNerney & Partners, and Abingworth Management. Dr. A (More info...)
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Pricegrabber Releases iPhone AppLos Angeles-based comparison shopping site PriceGrabber has released its own, iPhone application on Apple's App store. The new, free application allows users to search for price comparisons and product reviews from Pricegrabber, including search by UPC code, MPN, or product names. The application debuted on the App store Monday.
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Qualcomm Invests In Networking Semiconductor FirmSan Diego-based Qualcomm is the lead investor in a Silicon Valley firm, Arteris, which develops networking semiconductors. Arteris said Monday that it has received $9.7M in a strategic investment round from Qualcomm and ARM, along with its existing investors, which include Synopsys, DoCoMo Capital, Crescendo Ventures, TVM Capital and Ventech. Arteris develops interconnect technology used for systems-on-a-chip.
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Virgin Galactic Unveiling SpaceshipSir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan's spacecraft firm, Virgin Galactic, said today that it is unveiling its first manned, commercial spacecraft today in Mojave, the SpaceShipTwo (SS2). The firm--the offspring of SpaceshipOne, the first private spacecraft to reach space--said it will unveil the SpaceShipTwo after dark today at the Mojave Air and Spaceport. Virgin Galactic is a joint venture of the Virgin Group and Mojave-based Scaled Composites, the design firm run by aerospace designer Burt Rutan (More info...)
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Webalo Wins CPG Firm In South AmericaLos Angeles-based Webalo, a developer of smart phone application software, says that it has signed on a provider of consumer product goods serving the South American market. According to Webalo, Groupo Familia, a manufacturer of such products as tissue paper, feminine hygiene products, and disposable diapers, is using the firm's Webalo Mobile Dashboard software. Webalo did not disclose financial impact of the deal. The company said Groupo Familia is giving its executives access to its enterprise (More info...)
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Citysearch Connects Into TwitterWest Hollywood-based online restaurant and business reviews and listings site Citysearch announced this morning that it has created a new way for its customers to connect with Twitter, with a new API which allows local businesses on the site to connect their existing Twitter account, or create a new one, with their business profile. Citysearch said the new Twitter integration will allow consumers to view tweets tied to a business on local business listing pages, and tweet directly with businesse (More info...)
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Nexus Biosystems Acquires Aurora BiotechnologiesPoway-based NEXUS Biosystems, a developer of automated sample management systems for the biotech industry, announced this morning that it has acquired Carlsbad-based Aurora Biotechnologies, a developer of microplate products used for sample storage and high throughput screening. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. NEXUS is venture backed by Telegraph Hill Partners.
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DFJ Frontier, Anthem Venture Into Portland FirmTwo Los Angeles-based venture firms, DFJ Frontier and Anthem Venture Partners, have invested in a Portland software firm developing online identification and single-sign in software. According to Portland's JanRain, it raised $3.25M in a Series A round led by DFJ Frontier's David Cremin. Anthem Ventures and RPM Ventures also participated, with Cremin, Anthem's Samit Varma, and RPM's Tony Grover all joining the company's board along with the funding. JanRain's software allows for single sign onto (More info...)
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RealD Links With NAMCO On 3D GamesLos Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D technology for the movie theater industry, announced today that it has linked with video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games. According to RealD, NAMCO BANDAI is using a proprietary, Steroscopic Gaming API in their development environment, as part of an effort to develop 3D, console games. RealD said its API will be implemented in upcoming, and not-yet announced NAMCO BANDAI games. The firm said it is applying its technology--currently used (More info...)
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enXco In Wind Turbine DealEscondido-based enXco, a developer of renewable energy projects in the U.S., reported this morning that it has signed a deal with German wind turbine manufacturer REpower for up to 143.5 megawatts of turbines. enXco, which is owned by EDF Energies Nouvelles, said the turbines will be used to generate power in sites in California and in the pacific Northwest. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. enXco is a major operator of wind farms in North America.
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Somaxon Gets Rejection From FDA San Diego-based Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, a developer of a drug for the treatment of insomnia, reported this morning that it has received a response from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on its NAD for Silenor, the firm's treatment of insomnia. The firm said that the Complete Response Letter from the FDA said that based on its review, the FDA has determined that Somaxon's NDA cannot be approved in its present form. The rejection is the second for Somaxon on its NDA, which also saw a similar (More info...)
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Xencor Names ChairmanMonrovia-based Xencor, a developer of biotherapeutics, said today that it has named Bruce Carter, Ph.D., most recently the Chief Executive Officer of ZymoGenetics, as Chairman of the firm's board of directors. Carter has also served as Corporate Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer for Novo Nordisk A/S, where Xencor said he led the efforts to establish ZymoGenetics as an independent company. Carter also serves as Chairman of ZymoGenetics, and also sits on the boards of Dr. Reddy (More info...)
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