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- UK Companies
ASTeCC Leasing and Operations:
Tanya Floyd
859.218.6563
A152 ASTeCC Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0286
AgTeCC Leasing:
Maelor Davies
859.257.5798
ASTeCC Companies
3H Company LLC
Based on research by Liang Hu / 757.725.1213
Specializes in research and development of clean coal technologies, with emphasis on CO2 capture technologies. Current partners include Nexant Inc., Bechtel Power Corporation, Western Kentucky University and Sask Power.Adaptive Intelligent Systems
Based on reasearch by Yuming Zhang / electrical engineering
Develops cutting edge welding technology including a modified GMAW process that reduces heat input and improves throughput, and a state-of-the-art pipe welding system which allows welders with minimum skills to produce quality welds. Company founded in 2005.
Company update:receives $470,000 for two Phase I and a Phase II SBIRs plus KY SBIR Match Program funding
Coldstream Digital
Specializes in intelligent transportation systems, hazmat supply chain security, and electronic manifest and shipment tracking systems for homeland security and the transportation industry. Partners with the Kentucky Transportation Center at UK in the North American Transportation Security Center initiative.
Company update: completed a project with KY Transportation Center for Oak Ridge National Laboratory for a hazardous materials truck tracking center plan; led to a $3.5 million contract with the National Institute for Hometown Security to build a prototype of the hazmat truck tracking center (work will begin under new contract in early 2009)
CoPlex Therapeutics
Based on research by Mark Lovell and Bert Lynn / chemistry
R&D to provide neuroprotection from dementia caused by a unique protein complex that accumulates in the central nervous system and begins the cascade effect that leads to dementia including Alzheimer’s. Protein complex discovered at UK. Company founded in 2008.
Company update: closes first round of investment
Emagin Therapeutics
Based on research by Joe Holtman MD / anethesiology & pain management and
Peter Crooks / pharmaceutical sciences
Develops new and improved drug entities to treat acute, chronic and cancer-related pain and delivery systems for pain management.
Company update: two products in development
IP Pharmaceuticals
Based on research by Guangxiang Luo / microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics
Develops novel technologies and reagents for antiviral drug discovery focusing on therapeutics and vaccines to treat infectious diseases caused by viruses such as hepatitis, influenza, West Nile (WNV), Dengue, and respiratory syncytial (RSV) viruses.
Company update: two licenses with UK in Fy 08
Nano-Mite Technologies
Based on research by Patrick Sullivan / SCoBIRC and anatomy & neurobiology
R&D to control obesity using nanotechnology to alter the body’s metabolic rate and increase the cell’s ability to convert sugar to energy. Research could lead to future breakthroughs in the treatment of traumatic central nervous system damage and neurodegenerative disorders. Company founded in 2002.
Company update: continues with clinical R&D in lab animals and concludes three successful trials including toxicity assessment; management team put in place
NeoCytex Biopharma
Develops novel therapeutics to promote the repair and rejuvenation of damaged tissues. The lead drug candidate NBI-18 is being developed for speeding up recovery from neurodegenerative (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's) and cerebrovascular diseases.
Company update: has received approx. $740,000 from NIH; seeking $5 million in VC
Outrider Technologies
Based on research by John Anthony / chemistry
In the third year of research on next generation semiconductor materials in the plastic electronic industry. Provides research support to electronic companies worldwide.
Company update: Sony uses TIPS molecule to make 10” display; becomes gold standard for the plastic electronic industry
ParaTechs Corporation
Based on research by Bruce Webb / entomology
Applies advances in insect molecular biology to identify genes and proteins from insect parasites and pathogens that can be used for insect control and natural product development. Also markets novel products that enable discovery and development in biotechnology. Company formed in 2004.
Company update: licenses VE-BEVS technology to a pharma company that is developing therapy treatments for cancer; launches NSET™, a patented device that enables non-surgical embryo transfer in rodents to produce transgenic mice; receives USDA Phase II SBIR to continue R&D on agricultural pest control alternatives
Scout Diagnostics
Based on research by Mark Lovell and Bert Lynn / chemistry
Focused on developing an early diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease that identifies certain protein complexes in cerebral spinal fluid that serve as biomarkers to detect Alzheimer’s prior to clinical diagnosis. Company founded in 2006.
Company update: currently working on a term sheet with Bluegrass Angels and the Bluegrass Angels Venture Fund; diagnostic biomarker research published in Neurology; elected to Foundation for NIH Biomarkers Consortium
Synergetic Technologies
Based on research by
M.P. Menguc / mechanical engineering
Develops scientific instrumentation and software for the accurate characterization (particle shape or agglomerate structure) of nano or sub-micron sized particles. Licensed its particle characterization technology to Horiba Inc., Japan, a major manufacturer of analytical instruments in 2007.
Company update: ASTeCC lease began Jan 1, 2009; working on new particle characterization technology funded by a NSF SBIR
Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals
Produces genetically modified MutaRat™ Knockout Animal Models of human diseases for drug discovery and development. The production of animal models is a $1.2 billion/year market and is expected to grow 12 percent annually through 2010. Company founded in 2003.
Company update: relocated from Philadelphia, PA; receives $800,000 NIH SBIR Phase II and $500,000 KY SBIR Match Phase II; creates over 100 knockout rat lines, some with known disease associations including Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and a variety of cancers and cardio diseases; began collaborations with academic researchers at various universities, including two at UK, to phenotype / characterize 14 of the knockout rat lines
Tribo Flow Separations LLC
Based on research by John Stencel / Center for Applied Energy Research
Developing an innovative technique and sensors to detect in real time the metabolic activity of microbes and cells and their susceptibility to either drug treatments or viral infections.
Company update: receives NSF SBIR Phase I, “Microbe and Cell Assay Device for Monitoring Bacteria Antibiotic Susceptibility” and KY SBIR match funding
Naprogenix
Based on research by John Littleton / molecular pharmacology and plant genomics
Commercialized technology that enables bio-prospecting (screening) of Kentucky native plants and mutant plants for molecules that could lead to plant-based medicines and natural insecticides. Founded in 2002, the company’s current focus is on non-toxic insecticides, CNS-acting drugs and chemotherapeutic agents.
Company update: completes three NIH STTR Phase I breast cancer and alcoholism projects; receives $618,000 for a Phase II NIH STTR alcoholism treatment project
Oraceuticals
Based on research by
Jeff Ebersole / dentistry
Uses the latest biotechnologies to develop drugs that advance oral treatment and improve oral health. Focuses on producing novel bioactive molecules that target chronic oral infections and control inflammation.
Company update: completes STTR Phase I research project on Lo Han Kuo extracts for anti-caries properties; preparing anti-caries chewing gum for clinical evaluation
Yaupon Therapeutics
Based on research by Peter Crooks and Linda Dwoskin / pharmaceutical sciences
Privately held specialty pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for cancer and central nervous system diseases. Currently four products in development, with one compound in pivotal studies, one compound in Phase II , a compound for treatment of ADHD in Phase I, and additional compounds that will enter the clinic in 12 months.
Company update: closed $14.5 million Series C financing late 2007