Recent executive-level hires and director appointments at venture capital firms and biopharma and medtech start-ups.

Start-Up's monthly comprehensive review of emerging life science companies that have received venture funding during the month, including companies within the in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, research/analytical equipment & supplies, and medical device sectors.

miRagen Therapeutics Inc. is developing microRNA-based therapeutics for treating cardiovascular and muscle disease. The company is farthest along with researching potential treatments for heart disease. It has advanced several candidates including the miR-15/195 family to improve cardiac remodeling that occurs in heart muscle following a heart attack, miR-208 and miR-499 to address heart failure, and miR-29 to treat cardiac fibrosis.

Despite a miserable economy, new company formation continues apace. In biotech, recapitalizations and structured deals featured prominently; in diagnostics, interest remains strong even if rounds in 2008 were down from last year's highs; in devices, small and regional VCs have filled the void left by brand-name investors.