Four medical device startups from a University of Massachusetts incubation program have drummed up $5.1 million from investors.
The companies, MoMelan, TheraTorr, MedicaMetrix and Aura Medsystems, were all supported by the Mass. Medical Device Development Center, also known as M2D2, which operates out of UMass Lowell and UMass Worcester.
The companies were also recipients of $500,000 "FastLane" awards, an M2D2 program that helps startups bridge the duration between their founding and when they can start pitching venture capitalists. The FastLane program is funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s John Adams Innovation Institute.
"The FastLane funding along with the other support and business expertise that M2D2 provides are vital components for these early-stage companies and entrepreneurs," M2D2 associate director and UMass Lowell College of Management professor Steven Tello said in a statement.
The investors and individual amounts invested per company was not disclosed. Emails to each company were not returned.
Here’s a roundup of the latest dealflow and investment news:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Prices Offering of Senior Notes
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) priced its previously announced offering of: $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2.050% senior notes due 2014 at an issue price of 99.971% of the principal amount; $900 million aggregate principal amount of 3.200% senior notes due 2016 at an issue price of 99.939% of the principal amount; and $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior notes due 2021 at an issue price of 99.353% of the principal amount. The issuance of the notes is expected to close on February 22, 2011. The notes will pay interest on a semi-annual basis. The company plans to use the proceeds of the offering to fund its acquisition of Dionex Corporation, as well as for general corporate purposes. The aggregate purchase price of the Dionex acquisition, which was announced separately by the company, is estimated to be approximately $2.1 billion.
Read more - Wright Medical Commences Tender Offer for Its 2.625% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2014 and Announces $350 Million Amended and Restated Credit Facility
Wright Medical Group Inc. (NSDQ:WMGI), a global orthopaedic medical device company and a leading provider of surgical solutions for the foot and ankle market, announced that it has commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding 2.625 percent Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the “Notes”). The aggregate principal amount outstanding on the Notes is $200 million.
Read more - Rosetta to Raise $6.0 Million in Concurrent Private Placement and Registered Direct Offerings
Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NSDQ:ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announced it has entered into definitive agreements with investors to purchase an aggregate of $6.0 million in securities in concurrent private placement and registered direct offerings. The closings of the offerings are expected to occur on or about February 23, 2011 and are subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the private placement, Rosetta will sell an aggregate of 4,541,668 ordinary shares at a price of $0.60 per share. The purchasers in the private placement will also receive warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,406,251 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $0.80 per share.
Read more - Thoratec Authorizes $100 Million Share Repurchase Program
Thoratec Corp. (NSDQ:THOR), a world leader in device-based mechanical circulatory support therapies to save, support and restore failing hearts, announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of the company’s shares of common stock over the next year.
Read more - Ivivi Health Sciences Secures Series A Financing to Accelerate Commercialization of FDA-Cleared Electrotherapeutic Device, the Ivivi Torino II
Ivivi Health Sciences LLC, a leading innovator in the development and commercialization of portable electrotherapy devices for post-operative indications, has secured $9.5 million in the initial close of its Series A Preferred financing. The initial closing of the financing provides Ivivi with $4.0 million of new investment and converts a $5.5 million bridge loan to equity. A second tranche of $4.0 million is expected within the next 90 days. Proceeds from the Series A financing will be used by Ivivi Health Sciences and its newly formed subsidiary Ivivi Orthopedic Health, Inc. to accelerate commercialization of Ivivi’s non-invasive and proprietary FDA-cleared electrotherapy devices for reduction of post-surgical pain and edema in orthopedic specialties. Proceeds will also be used to expand clinical development in additional musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoarthritis of the knee.
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