FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edgewise Therapeutics Named Company of the Year, AOA Dx Honored as Rising Star of the Year, Steve VanNurden of Fitzsimons Innovation Community Recognized for Lifetime Achievement

Denver, Colorado – November 14, 2024 – Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) celebrated the state’s health innovators and their dedication to developing breakthrough technologies for patients during the 21st Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics. The event, held on November 13, 2024 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, honored extraordinary innovators and partners who make Colorado a global leader in health innovation. 

The 2024 Company of the Year is Edgewise Therapeutics, a Boulder-based leader in muscle disease research. The company is developing therapies for muscular dystrophies and serious cardiac conditions. Recognized for its patient-centered approach and recent $240 million funding round, Edgewise Therapeutics exemplifies the groundbreaking potential of Colorado’s life sciences sector.  

The Rising Star of the Year award went to AOA Dx, a female-founded company that relocated to Denver in 2024. AOA Dx is transforming early cancer detection with its AI-driven diagnostic platform, achieving over 90% sensitivity and specificity for ovarian cancer. The company’s recent $17 million seed round highlights its trajectory in tackling one of the most challenging diseases affecting women worldwide.  

CBSA also honored Steve VanNurden, Associate Vice Chancellor of Biotechnology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and President & CEO of Fitzsimons Innovation Community, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering contributions to Colorado’s life sciences landscape. VanNurden’s career has been marked by his leadership in transforming academic discoveries into life-saving products and his impact in expanding innovation infrastructure for Colorado’s life sciences companies. 

CBSA also congratulates Company of the Year finalist Paragon 28 and Rising Star of the Year finalists Ambrosia Biosciences and PhotonPharma. 

Additional honorees include: 

• Building Momentum Award Presented by BioMed Realty: The leaders who support Colorado Hub for Health Impact, including Afshin Safavi of Colorado Health and Tech Centers, Steve VanNurden of Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Raymond Gonzalez and Daniel Ryley of Metro Denver EDC, Jill Mendoza of the Town of Superior representing the U.S. 36 Collaborative, and April Giles, of the End Drug Shortages Alliance and the CBSA Board of Directors Development Committee. They led more than 20 partners supporting Colorado Hub for Health Impact, the national economic development campaign attracting new companies, talent, and investment to Colorado. 

• Business Partner of the Year: Primavera Group, honored for the team’s instrumental role in advancing Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem. As a long-term partner to CBSA and the marketing communications leader for the Colorado Hub for Health Impact national economic development campaign, Primavera Group has elevated Colorado’s national profile through strategic brand leadership, storytelling, and positioning, drawing new companies, top-tier talent, and investors to the state.  

• Educator of the Year Presented by Fisher Scientific: Lacee Sherman, Infinity Middle School, recognized for nurturing students’ love of science at a critical age. After participating in Colorado BioScience Institute’s Classroom program called Research Experience for Teachers, she integrated what she learned at STAQ Pharma into classroom experiences. 

• Institute Leadership Award: Zaragoza Briseno, Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager at TriSalus Life Sciences, for serving as a corporate champion who actively supports Colorado BioScience Institute’s classroom, campus, and career programs. He seamlessly integrates The Institute’s programs into his company’s culture and workforce planning. 

• Legislators of the Year: Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, for supporting policies that increase access to healthcare, patient care, and opportunities for life sciences growth. 

• Volunteers of the Year: CBSA’s Membership Committee, for building an inclusive community with networking events for life sciences professionals. 

Reflecting the ecosystem’s commitment to saving and changing lives around the world with health innovations from Colorado, keynote speaker Brooke Eby, a 35-year-old woman diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), shared the story of her diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy.   

In her lighthearted fireside chat with CBSA President & CEO Elyse Blazevich, she urged Colorado’s health innovators to work “at the speed of ALS.” She sheds light on the realities of living with ALS on platforms including TikTok and Instagram, emphasizing the urgent need for research and support. Her story is featured in the new BioScience Colorado Magazine.  

Sponsor Support  
 

CBSA extends a special thank you to all the sponsors who made this year’s event possible: Presenting Sponsor AGC Biologics, Award Presentation Sponsors BioMed Realty and Fisher Scientific, and event sponsors AdvaMed, BNBuilders, CAI, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Cooley, Edgewise Therapeutics, Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Holland and Hart, KBI Biopharma, PhRMA, and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. 

About Colorado BioScience Association 
Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products, and services that improve and save lives. The association leads Capital and Growth, Education and Networking, Policy and Advocacy, and Workforce Cultivation to make its members stronger, together. Learn more at cobioscience.com. 

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Contact:
Sheliah Reynolds
Primavera Group for Colorado BioScience Association
720.289.4739
sheliah@theprimaveragroup.com