Newton, Massachusetts-based Siamab Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing cancer immunotherapies, has appointed Dr Robert Mashal, current president and chief executive officer of NKT Therapeutics, to its board of directors. Before joining NKT Therapeutics, Dr Mashal was president of Alinea Pharmaceuticals.

The standard of care in sickle cell anemia is treatment of pain during vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) that occurs when sickled cells adhere and block the flow of blood and oxygen, but there are a handful of therapies in development that seek to transform treatment of the disease by interrupting blockages or preventing sickled cells.

Corporate venture funds are taking an increasingly high-profile role in biotech financing deals. Eva Jack and Dr Maggie Flanagan LeFlore, managing directors of MedImmune Ventures, explain to Pete Chan why their drivers are both financial and strategic.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Start-Ups Set Sights on Flu," features profiles of Alios BioPharma, Immune Targeting Systems, Marinomed Biotechnologie and Vivaldi Biosciences. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: CardiAQ Valve Technologies, NKT THerapeutics, SPOC Inc.,and Sutro Biopharma.