Private biotechs raised just $1.76 billion through May 2011 – putting this year on pace to come in below the $4.48 billion raised last year and even the $4.13 billion raised in 2008. But Seed and Series A funding – at 27.5 percent – accounted for more of the pie than usual . . . if you count a couple of hefty non-VC rounds.

Want to know more? Don't miss BioWorld's panel at BIO 2011:

Starting Up Biotechs in the New Normal World

10 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011, Room 149AB

Speakers include Art Pappas of Pappas Ventures, Susan Molineaux of Calithera Biosciences Inc., Walter Ogier of Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Ted Tenthoff of Piper Jaffray & Co.

The panel will be moderated by BioWorld Managing Editor Lynn Yoffee. For more information, visit BioWorld's Blog: http://bioworld.blogs.bioworld.com/

Also: stop by the BioWorld booth (#4729) to meet the BioWorld staff!

Get discounts on new subscriptions! Pick up your limited edition BioWorld hat! And as always, count on the BioWorld team to keep you updated on what matters at BIO 2011 with comprehensive coverage in BioWorld Today, BioWorld Insight, BioWorld Perspectives (our blog) and on Twitter.