by Charlotte Schubert on March 26, 2022 at 7:00 amMarch 28, 2022 at 12:17 pm

It was another busy week in Seattle-area biotech.

Affini-T Therapeutics on Monday announced $175 million in initial financing. The company aims to move cell therapies developed at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center into the clinic to treat solid tumors.

The week ended with Icosavax posting data “below our expectations” on its COVID-19 vaccine, sending shares sinking.

Meanwhile, HDT Bio’s COVID-19 vaccine may be slowed for a different reason. The Seattle startup filed a lawsuit against its India-based vaccine partner, claiming that it stole its tech and refused to share clinical trial data. HDT Bio’s early trials in other countries continue.

Finally, the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design continues to invent new ways to make drugs. Read on for their latest study, and other news from the Pacific Northwest — including a list of digital startups in the mental health field.  

— Fred Hutch spinout Affini-T Therapeutics lands $175M for cell therapies to treat solid tumors

— Icosavax posts COVID-19 vaccine data ‘below our expectations’ as shares plummet more than 60%

— Seattle startup claims India-based drugmaker stole COVID-19 vaccine tech, seeks $950M

— Univ. of Washington researchers find new way to design potential therapeutics

— A list of mental health startups in the Pacific Northwest, as pandemic fuels growth for sector

— Startup that aims to prevent tissue adhesions after surgery wins inaugural Apis health competition

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Seattle startup claims India-based drugmaker stole COVID-19 vaccine tech, seeks $950M

Seattle startup HDT Bio raises $3M to support development of COVID-19 vaccine

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Seattle’s HDT Bio to start U.S. clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate

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