John Nelson
Chicago, IL (USA)
Role(s):
VP/SVP/Dept Head
ArborVita Associates
Find More Startups
Startup
Location:
Santa Barbara
Industry:
Bio-Technology
Year Founded:
2002
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Business Stage:
Creation/Idea
Entity Type:
Limited Liability Company
Description:
AVA is a biotech start-up founded in 2002 whose technology has been in development for over a decade. Since its inception, AVA has developed an innovative gene modification technique that is backed by three patents. AVA is now offering investors the opportunity to invest in its technology can be commercialized into several highly profitable sectors.
Gene modification is a valuable and commonplace tool in all types of medical research, whether it is performed in academic or commercial labs. Much of the research conducted in these labs, including the vast majority of cancer research, requires test mice that exhibit certain genetic traits. These mice must be created using gene modification. One key problem with this process is that producing one new genetically modified mouse often requires 8-10 breeding cycles, taking up to 2 years and costing up to $20,000. AVA’s patented technology is able to reduce the breeding cycle down to just one generation. This lessens the time to arrive at the final product down to two months (10 times quicker) and reduces the cost by as much as 70%. Labs will not only be able to produce mice faster and cheaper, but also increase their annual capacity without having to invest in more lab space or hire more technicians.
AVA will continue to invest in considerable R&D in order to develop new revenue streams related to the creation of larger, more expensive genetically modified research models such as rats and pigs. AVA tech will also be positioned for human applications in lab-based (cellular) research and clinical applications such as:
1. The treatment of human genetic diseases; primarily inborn errors of metabolism (this category of disease is currently being treated by enzyme replacement pharmaceuticals and represents a multi-billion dollar market),
2. The use of organs from genetically modified animals for xenotransplantation.
The above human applications offer long term cures to people who currently only have short-term treatment options, which would have a profound effect on their quality of life. Additionally, they offer investors very significant upside from the future revenue streams generated by these applications.
AVA has completed its POC in 3 animal species and is ready to commercialize. A summary of all research done to-date along with a comprehensive business summary is readily available upon request.