Techcenter@UMBC Incubator Program Continues Expansion with New Tenant Lentigen Corp

Strategic Insights -

The Techcenter@UMBC Incubator Program has welcomed a new biotechnology start-up, Lentigen Corp, which aims to revolutionize gene therapy by delivering genetic material into cells to cure genetic disorders. Lentigen's chief executive officer, Boro Dropulic, explained that gene therapy allows doctors and scientists to target the causes of diseases rather than just treating the symptoms. The company, which was founded in late 2004, uses lentiviral vectors to transport genetic material into cells, with the goal of curing diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lentigen Corp is a gene delivery and expression company that uses lentiviral vectors to transport genetic material into cells to cure genetic disorders.
  • The company aims to target the causes of diseases rather than just treating the symptoms, as stated by CEO Boro Dropulic.
  • Gene therapy has the potential to cure diseases such as sickle cell anemia by correcting the genetic material in red blood cells.
  • The lentiviral vectors used by Lentigen Corp have proven to be efficient and stable transport methods for genetic material.
  • The company has already grown to the point where it needs three laboratories, in addition to its office space, and expects to stay in the incubator for one to two years.
  • The Techcenter@UMBC Incubator Program offers excellent access to colleagues with similar start-up experiences, as well as physical resources such as centrifuges and other necessary equipment.
  • The incubator's support and resources, including free desks and chairs, can make a significant difference for new business endeavors.

Statistics:

  • Lentigen Corp was founded in late 2004.
  • The company has four employees and one intern.
  • Lentigen expects to stay in the incubator for one to two years.
  • There are currently over 10 lifescience companies in the incubator, including Profectus Biosciences Inc., Fluorometrix, and Amulet Pharmaceuticals.
  • The incubator offers access to a range of physical resources, including centrifuges, and other necessary equipment.

Sources:

  • Techcenter@UMBC Incubator Program Newsletter, no date.
  • Boro Dropulic, CEO of Lentigen Corp, interviewed in the Techcenter@UMBC Incubator Program Newsletter, no date.
  • David Fink, entrepreneur in residence at the incubator, in a statement, no date.