21st CenturyunD - Michigan Economic Development ... · and distributes products for interventional cardiology. ... Accuri products address a niche in the research market ... the United

21st century21st Century JOBS FunD

Investment Portfolio

www.MichiganAdvantage.org

The 21st Century Jobs Fund aims to reshape and diversify Michigan’s economy by sparking new investment that will create high-tech companies and jobs. This bold 10-year initiative has served to jump start Michigan’s economy and

continues to diversify and grow our economy by focusing resources in three areas:

• Development and Commercialization of Competitive-Edge Technologies

• Capital Investment Activity• Commercial Lending Activity

The medc in partnership with its industry partners, local economic development professionals, business acceleration service providers, university researchers and entrepreneurs statewide, has been seeding high-tech startups, expanding the risk capital market and nurturing company growth through creation of a multi-faceted entrepreneurial ecosystem, thereby ensuring the movement of promising technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace.

The entrepreneurial ventures profiled in these pages are tackling some of our generation’s most pressing technological challenges, in alternative energy, the life sciences, homeland security and defense and advanced automotive, manufacturing and materials. Over more than a decade, the Jobs Fund and its predecessor programs (Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, Technology Tri-Corridor) have awarded $400 million in these emerging sectors to transform breakthrough ideas into commercial products. Our commitment to their success is an investment in Michigan’s future.

For additional information regarding the 21st Century Jobs Fund and its portfolio companies, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.MichiganAdvantage.org.


CO

MPA

NIES

2000–2009: Investment by Sector

$29,778,917

8%

$278,799,09671%

$18,224,3345%

$46,266,69512%

$15,719,996

4%

Infrastructure

Life Sciences

Homeland Security and Defense

Advanced Automotive, Manufacturing, Materials

Alternative Energy


CO

MPA

NIES

AAPhArmASynLocation: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $750,000Web site: www.aapharmasyn.com

AAPharmaSyn is a global contract research organization providing medicinal chemistry research and custom synthesis services for the drug discovery needs of academic institutions, small to medium-size pharmaceutical companies and biotech companies. AAPharmaSyn was founded in 2006 and is staffed completely by ex-Pfizer employees, many of whom spun out of the Lipitor project team. Currently, AAPharmaSyn has a growing client base around the country and has expanded into larger laboratory space in Ann Arbor twice since launching.


CO

MPA

NIES

Accumed SyStemS, Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.2 millionWeb site: www.accumedsystemsinc.com

Formed in 1990, Accumed Systems, Inc. develops, manufactures, and distributes products for interventional cardiology. It produces trans-radial catheterization accessories and intra-luminal measuring devices. The company also develops technology for vulnerable plaque detection. A device, called Temperature Sensing System (tss), measures temperature differentials between arterial walls and any plaque found in the cardiovascular system. This differential is a sign of plaque inflammation that in turn can lead to plaque instability and/or rupture which significantly heightens the risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Accumed recently signed a license agreement with a major research university to advance their commercialization plan for the tss device. The second-generation product has been developed with sbir funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. It commercializes its products through regional distributors and multi-national companies, as well as licenses them to medical device companies.


CO

MPA

NIES

AccurI cytometerS, Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $2 millionWeb site: www.accuricytometers.com

Founded in 2004, Accuri Cytometers, Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of an affordable, high-performance flow cytometer, which allows for analysis of the properties of individual cells, microbes, or other particles suspended in liquid. Accuri products address a niche in the research market with technology licensed from the University of Michigan.

Accuri’s innovations in fluidics, optics, electronics and software, coupled with state-of-the-art components, resulted in a cytometer that is powerful, robust, compact, and affordable. The company also developed an intuitive user interface that can be mastered in minutes.


CO

MPA

NIES

AdAPtIve mAterIAlS, Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Alternative energy, Advanced MaterialsState investment: $6.2 millionWeb site: www.adaptivematerials.com

Adaptive Materials, Inc. creates portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell systems that convert readily available fuel directly into electrical energy. The fuel cell technology manufactured by Adaptive Materials provides lightweight, portable power to the military sector and plans future growth in the recreational and personal power markets. Recently, Adaptive Materials has won multiple business awards, including a Department of Defense Research & Engineering Prize.

Adaptive Materials recently introduced its 250-watt fuel cell to the market. The 250-watt fuel cell was developed as part of an internal project funded under irad and has demonstrated a 1,500-hour life expectancy. Adaptive Materials will deliver three 250-watt fuel-cell systems to the U.S. government in late 2009 for field testing.


CO

MPA

NIES

Admetrx, Inc.Location: KalamazooSector: Life SciencesState investment: $650,000Web site: www.admetrx.com

ADMETRx, Inc. is a contract research organization (cro) specializing in preclinical profiling to support drug discovery and improve upon High Throughput Screening activities. ADMETRx acquired SpecStar, another cro, in 2005. SpecStar specialized in the production of high-quality infrared, mass spectrometric and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data of pharmaceuticals, raw material and other organic chemicals.

ADMETRx uses a multicriteria decision-making tool to build a composite profile of a molecule producing high quality data. Their services help drug-development customers wade through the increasing volume of drug candidates to identify and advance more effective drug candidates, bringing significant cost and time savings to the r&d involved in drug discovery.


CO

MPA

NIES

AdvAnced PhotonIx, Inc. (API)Location: Ann Arbor Sector: Life Sciences, Homeland Security and Defense State investment: $2.2 millionWeb site: www.advancedphotonix.com

Advanced Photonix, Inc. is a leading vertically integrated supplier of opto-electronic solutions and terahertz sensors and instrumentation to a global oem customer base. API supports the customer from the initial concept by designing the semiconductor, hybridizing of support electronics, and processing from the prototype stage through full-scale production and validation.

API serves the sectors of telecommunications, homeland security, medical, and industrial/non destructive testing.


CO

MPA

NIES

AdvAnced SenSor technologIeS, Inc.Location: Farmington HillsSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.2 millionWeb site: www.advsensortech.com

Advanced Sensor Technolgies, Inc. has a primary focus on the development of solid-state microscopic chemical sensors, mems-based actuators, and micro-fluidic technology for biological research and clinical applications. In addition to state funding, AST has been awarded support from the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health.


CO

MPA

NIES

AFId therAPeutIcS, Inc.Location: LansingSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.7 million Web site: www.afidtherapeutics.com

AFID Therapeutics defines and delivers advanced chemical and biochemical technologies and employs them in the design, discovery, delivery and development of new drugs. Behind the company is an extensive web of synthetic chemistry patents based on the utilization of carbohydrate feedstock.

AFID’s extensive expertise spans processes and compositions that allow the preparation of very advanced small-molecule drugs and new, advanced materials for use in their delivery. Diseases targeted include bacterial and viral infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.

AFID Therapeutics was launched using technology licensed from Michigan State University. The company recently won a 10-year Department of Defense contract and expanded its facility and staff.


CO

MPA

NIES

AI medIcAl devIceS IncLocation: WilliamstonSector: Life Sciences— Medical Devices/Instrumentation/equipmentState investment: $450,000Web site: www.aimedicaldevices.com

Founded in 2003, AI Medical Devices, Inc. is a medical device company that has developed the Airway Rigid Intubating Fiberoptic Laryngoscope (rifl), which improves the medical outcomes of the intubation procedure when compared to current state-of-the-art intubation equipment.

The technology was invented by John D. Schwartz, a professor at Michigan State University, in collaboration with Dr. Richard Schwartz, the Chair of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. AI Medical Devices currently markets the Airway rifl in the United States.


CO

MPA

NIES

APolIFe, Inc.Location: DetroitSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.6 millionWeb site: www.apolife.com

Apolife, Inc. has developed platform yeast expression technologies for accelerated development of therapeutic antibodies, antibody fragments, fusion proteins and next-generation antibodies and subunit vaccines through its proprietary Twin Cassette® yeast system. The technology is used to develop proprietary anticancer antibodies and immunotoxins for pharmaceutical companies.


CO

MPA

NIES

AquABIochIP, llc Location: LansingSector: Life SciencesState investment: $50,000 Web site: www.aquabiochip.com

AquaBioChip, llc commercializes novel instrumentation and services for rapidly and accurately conducting high-throughput diagnostics for pathogen identification in air, food, and water. The company’s technology simultaneously provides specific, highly sensitive and inexpensive identification of virulence/toxin and marker genes for multiple pathogenic microorganisms.

Michigan State University professors Syed Hashsham and James Tiedje, in collaboration with University of Michigan professor Erdogan Gulari, are developing a portable, hand-held device capable of detecting up to 50 microbial threat agents in air, water and food. The benefit is an increased ability to keep food and water safe from pathogen intrusion.

Lansing-based AquaBioChip currently has two employees and plans to eventually reach 12 employees.


CO

MPA

NIES

ArBor PhotonIcSLocation: Ann ArborSector: Advanced Manufacturing, and MaterialsState investment: $1,502,000Web site: www.arborphotonics.com

Arbor Photonics is developing high power laser solutions that increase productivity and enable new capabilities for advanced materials processing and defense applications. The company is developing highly reliable fiber lasers that feature an unmatched combination of beam quality and optical power. Its proprietary fiber platform technology expands the limits of single-mode laser performance to hundreds of watts of average pulsed power and multi-kilowatts of continuous wave optical power. These lasers can enable dramatic improvements in processing speed and material capabilities for microelectronics manufacturing, solar cell processing and industrial materials processing applications.

Arbor Photonics has just closed an a Series investment round and has secured a Phase i, sbir grant from the U.S. Navy.


CO

MPA

NIES

Armune BIoScIence, IncLocation: Kalamazoo Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $50,000 Web site: www.armune.com

Armune BioScience was formed to develop and commercialize high value, protein signature-based diagnostic tests for prostate, lung and breast cancers that will allow physicians and patients to make better treatment decisions.

In the United States, prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. There are no lung cancer diagnostic blood tests available today, so this represents a significant unmet market opportunity. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today (after lung cancer) and is the most common cancer among women.

Detection and prognosis of early stage cancer is critical not only in selecting appropriate treatment, but also in lowering mortality rates among cancer patients.

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a “phage-protein microarray method to characterize auto-antibodies signatures in cancer” (N Engl J Med 2005; 353:1224-1235; United States Patent Appl. 20060014138 (2006)). This promising method for the early detection and assessment of cancer is to look not for cancer, but for the immune response to cancer. There is no detection instrument that rivals the sensitivity and specificity of the immune system.


CO

MPA

NIES

ASterAnd PlcLocation: DetroitSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1,055,627 Web site: www.asterand.com

Asterand plc is the leading global supplier of high quality, well characterized human tissue and human tissue-based research services to drug discovery scientists. Asterand maintains human tissue supply networks, with 70 donor sites worldwide. The company provides tissue, rna, dna and biofluids, as well as services in functional pharmacology, biochemical and safety pharmacology, and gene/protein profiling in a wide range of therapeutic areas.

These tools and services are used in target validation to identify which targets are relevant to human disease and in compound validation, to aid prioritization of pre-clinical candidate compounds prior to entry into the clinic. Asterand currently has about 100 employees.


CO

MPA

NIES

Aureogen BIoScIenceS, Inc.Location: KalamazooSector: Life SciencesState investment: $ 2,194,476State Web site: www.aureogen.com

AureoGen’s mission is to develop a novel genetic-engineering technology that will propel the company into a leading position in the discovery and production of cyclic peptide-based drugs. Business is based on a platform technology with a focus on anti-infection drug development.

Since being approved for a Michigan Life Science Corridor loan in 2003, AureoGen has raised an additional $6 million in funding. The company has been particularly successful securing sbir grants. The next step is expanding its developmental reach to venture investors, in order to bring the business through the research phase into product and sales.


CO

MPA

NIES

AurSoS, Inc.Location: Kalamazoo Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $100,000 Web site: www.aursos.com

Aursos was founded in March 2007. The company has licensed technology developed at Michigan Technological University in the laboratory of Dr. Seth Donahue on the family of naturally-occurring parathyroid hormone (pth) proteins found in the American black bear (Ursus americanus). The therapeutic mission of the company is to develop black bear pth (bb-pth) 1-34 for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

The company was established under the guidance of the Apjohn Group, llc, a business accelerator established in 2001 and based in Kalamazoo.


CO

MPA

NIES

BAc technologIeS, l.l.c. /tSrl, Inc.Location: Ann Arbor Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $968,715Web site: www.tsrlinc.com

BAC Technologies/TSRL is an oral drug delivery specialty firm focused on r&d efforts to enhance the oral absorption of investigational and marketed compounds currently not suitable for this most convenient route of drug administration. The company has developed a variety of patented technologies for improving oral absorption of drug candidates.

BAC Technologies/TSRL also provides consulting and problem solving services to clients who seek to identify the mechanism of the poor oral bioavailability of a drug candidate.

In addition to its 21st Century Jobs Fund award, BAC Technologies/TSRL has received 19 Phase i sbir grants, six of which were funded through the Phase ii level, one r21 grant, and one Cooperative (u01) Grant.


CO

MPA

NIES

BeholztechLocation: FlintSector: Advanced Automotive, Manufacturing and MaterialsState investment: $50,000 Web site: www.beholztech.com

Beholztech is committed to delivering environmentally sustainable coating solutions to the plastics industry. An innovative, water-borne process developed by Beholztech permanently modifies the surface of polyolefin plastics, allowing them to be painted, laminated, glued, caulked, coated, or further modified at the molecular level.

BeholzTech is currently working to obtain customers from business development, sales, and technical support avenues. These efforts are projected to result in 2–3 customer license agreements.


CO

MPA

NIES

BIo-nAno Power, llcLocation: Grand rapids Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $50,000

Bio-Nano Power (BNP) is a biomedical nanotechnology company founded in 2008 to invent and commercialize Bio-Nano Power cell products that generate power from biological energy sources for medical and industrial applications.

Bio-Nano Power technology will impact the rapidly growing $16 billion market for biosensors for home diagnostics, point-of-care, environmental, bio-defense, and other industries. Other applications with $10 billion market potential make use of BNP’s dendritic capability for carried material delivery for drug delivery applications and its high density conversion of biological sources for energy production.

Through the $50,000 msu-rsppa loan, BNP is able to meet its obligations to its development and distribution partners for the integrated glucose biosensor and secure BNP’s intellectual property portfolio and general operations.


CO

MPA

NIES

BIoPhotonIc SolutIonS, Inc.Location: east LansingSector: Life Sciences, Homeland Security and DefenseState investment: $50,000 Web site: www.biophotonicsolutions.com

BioPhotonic Solutions Inc. is an emerging company founded in 2003 that controls, produces and sells patented disruptive technology that revolutionizes the ultrafast (femtosecond— one quadrillionth of a second) laser industry. Its mission is to develop, license, manufacture and sell cost-effective solutions that unlock the latent power of ultrafast lasers for industrial, scientific, medical and defense applications.

Through its ongoing partnership with Michigan State University, BSI has a growing patent portfolio in the fields of highly selective non-invasive imaging, microscopy and photodynamic therapy using computer-controlled ultrafast laser pulse shaping (smart lasers). BSI’s work has applications in homeland security as well as imaging, photodynamic therapy, and proteomics for the biomedical market.


CO

MPA

NIES

BIoPolymer InnovAtIonS, llcLocation: east Lansing Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $132,000 Web site: www.biopolymerinnovations.com

Biopolymer Innovations is a life sciences company specializing in the development of biodegradable, polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems.

The primary product under development, OcularGel, is a drug delivery system for topical ocular drugs (glaucoma, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation treatments).

Founded in 2003, Biopolymer Innovations is a privately held company and has partnerships with Michigan State University. The company was a regional first place winner and third overall winner of the Great Lakes Entrepreuner Quest.


CO

MPA

NIES

BIodIScovery, llcLocation: Ann Arbor Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $2,194,675 Web site: www.biodiscovery-llc.com

Biodiscovery’s mission is to serve the microarray community worldwide with affordable microarrays.

Biodiscovery, llc specializes in manufacturing oligonucleotide microarrays and is focused on bringing oligonucleotide microarrays to new markets by developing self-contained devices and reader-free detection technologies. The company has developed a flexible synthesis technology that enables it to manufacture custom microarray slides at a competitive price with little to no upfront customization costs.


CO

MPA

NIES

ceetox Inc. Location: KalamazooSector: Life SciencesState investment: $350,000Web site: www.ceetox.com

CeeTox, Inc. provides a unique and robust in vitro toxicity screening approach designed to improve the discovery process and support the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, and biotech industries globally.

CeeTox improves the efficiency of early discovery research with data that allows teams to optimize safety by identifying liabilities associated with new chemical entities (nces) and make better decisions earlier. The result is reduced development time and selection of candidates with a higher probability of success in preclinical animal testing.

CeeTox was founded in July 2003 as a Contract Research Organization focused on in vitro toxicity screening of potential drug candidates and chemicals. CeeTox resides in 4,200 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory space in the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center (smic), a $13-million facility that serves as an incubator for new biotech companies in the Southwest Michigan area.

The scientists at CeeTox have a collective experience of more than 100 years in areas of cell culture, biochemistry, and toxicology. The team has analyzed more than 4,000 new chemical entities and has repeatedly demonstrated the value of early in vitro toxicity data in the drug discovery process.


CO

MPA

NIES

clIFFord develoPment grouP llcLocation: PortageSector: Homeland Security and DefenseState investment: $3.51 millionWeb site: www.clifforddevelopmentgroup.com

Clifford Development Group, formed in 2006, is an aviation development and management company specializing in the commercialization of competitive edge aircraft propulsion technology. The company will fund major re-engining certification programs to enhance the safety, value and performance of corporate jets.

The faa has provided Clifford with Supplemental Type Certification (stc) allowing for the marketing and sale of retrofitting the fj 44 on Cessna Citations. Ultimately this will be used as a template for future retrofitting applications with increased fuel efficiency, cruise speeds and flight range.


CO

MPA

NIES

comPendIA BIoScIence Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences, ItState investment: $2.9 millionWeb site: www.compendiabio.com

Compendia Bioscience is a rapidly growing it company dedicated to gathering the world’s “high-throughput” biology data, making that data interpretable and applicable in target identification/validation, drug development, and clinical research to ultimately improve the lives of patients. It serves mainly pharmaceutical companies and universities.

Compendia Bioscience’s flagship product, Oncomine, integrates and unifies this data so that target expression across thousands of human tumors, hundreds of cancer types and subtypes, and millions of dollars of experiments can be assessed online in seconds. Oncomine enables users to discover and prioritize potential cancer targets and biomarkers, improving efficiency, strengthening product pipelines and increasing the likelihood of success.

Within two years of its launch, Compendia rapidly established market leadership position within the oncology therapeutic area with 15 of the top 20 cancer biopharmaceutical companies as customers and more than 12,000 academic users.


CO

MPA

NIES

crItIcAl SIgnAl technologIeSLocation: Farmington HillsSector: Life SciencesState investment: $2 millionWeb site: www.criticalsignaltechnologies.com

Critical Signal Technologies (CST) is a leading provider of personal emergency response systems and simple-to-use, cost-effective TeleHealth solutions. Critical Signal provides 24-hour personal emergency response and remote medical monitoring services to elderly and disabled individuals. CST makes it safe, easy and affordable for seniors to live independently in their own homes, even when facing health issues that would have required assisted living care.

CST’s technology has the potential to save billions in healthcare costs by preventing premature institutionalization, hospital visits and admissions, and the huge cost of medication mismanagement.


CO

MPA

NIES

dAnotek motIonLocation: CantonSector: Alternative energy, Advanced AutomotiveState investment: $1.82 millionWeb site: www.danotekmotion.com

Danotek Motion Technologies Inc, founded in 2001 in Ann Arbor, develops clean, energy-efficient generators, electrical conversion systems, brushless motors and electronic controls for alternative energy and advanced transportation applications.

Danotek has developed a number of innovative, patent-pending products that include variable speed permanent magnet (pm) generators and brushless motors with integrated electronics for wind power, fuel cell, chp, auxiliary power, and electric and hybrid electric vehicles.

The company has successfully transformed itself from an engineering service firm to a manufacturer of these products by implementing state-of-the-art quality and reliability strategies, using the latest lean-manufacturing tools, and globally sourcing high-quality, low-cost components.


CO

MPA

NIES

dnA SoFtwAreLocation: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.2 millionWeb site: www.dnasoftware.com

DNA Software (dnas) was founded in December 2000 with technology developed at Wayne State University and applies state-of-the art software simulation techniques and deep scientific expertise to model the interactions of nucleic acids in genomic assays in-silico. The company offers its products through annual licensing, which allows researchers to use them without committing large amounts of capital upfront. In addition, DNAS offers custom consulting projects on a fee-for-service basis. DNA Software has been very successful in establishing strategic relationships with government, academic, and commercial organizations.

Throughout its history, DNAS has been very successful in obtaining research and funding for its cutting-edge science and technology. DNAS has successfully attained six National Institutes of Health grants and a Department of Homeland Security contract. DNAS was recognized as one of the 2009 “50 Michigan Companies to Watch” by the Edward Lowe Foundation.


CO

MPA

NIES

electroJet IncorPorAtedLocation: BrightonSector: Advanced AutomotiveState investment: $962,000Web site: www.electrojet.org

ElectroJet engineers, designs and manufactures advanced small-engine fuel-injection systems for motorcycles, scooters and lawn mowers. The ElectroJet product is a scaled-down version of the electronic controls found in a car. It monitors engine operation to ensure clean emissions, increased power and optimum fuel efficiency. This technology is commonly referred to as Electronic Fuel Injection (efi), but the ElectroJet product has been specially designed for engines with three cylinders or less.

The ElectroJet product offers emissions reductions, regulatory compliance and greater fuel efficiency than carburetion. Small engines, such as those used in lawn mowers, are some of the largest polluters in the United States. Motorcycles and scooters are the mainstay of transportation in China and India, where there are currently more than 30 million motorcycles manufactured per year, contributing to the significant air-quality issues in the region. With the help of ElectroJet, these products will consume less energy, perform better and pollute less.


CO

MPA

NIES

emIlIem, Inc.Location: KalamazooSector: Life Sciences, PharmacueticalsState investment: $250,000Web site: www.emiliem.com

Emiliem is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing molecular targeted therapeutics for oncology and other indications. Emiliem’s clinical development strategy is focused on identifying patients most likely to respond to treatment and monitoring clinical outcome with specific biomarkers used as diagnostic assays.

Most recently, Emiliem, Inc. entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with the National Institutes of Health (nih) for the world-wide rights to develop and commercialize a series of compounds that modulate key biological pathways known to be important in the progression of cancer and other proliferative and inflammatory diseases. The company applies unique knowledge of biomarkers at the design stage of drug discovery.


CO

MPA

NIES

enlIven SoFtwAreLocation: LansingSector: Life Sciences, ItState investment: $50,000Web site: www.enlivensoftware.com

Enliven Software provides unique financial solutions to businesses (including health care providers) through its flagship e-invoicing and e-payment software. Enliven strives to be the leading provider of secure, paperless electronic invoicing and electronic payment solutions. Its product automates financial processes by seamlessly integrating with existing accounting systems.

Launched in 2000, Enliven Software strives to help small and mid-sized companies automate their financial processes. By connecting buyers and suppliers, the company helps businesses run more profitably and efficiently. By improving internal financial controls and business processes, Enliven also helps companies manage spending and ultimately assists them in making better financial decisions.


CO

MPA

NIES

evIgIA SyStemS Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Homeland Security and DefenseState investment: $1.58 millionWeb site: www.evigia.com

Evigia Systems develops and markets wireless tags for military tracking and monitoring applications to detect temperature, humidity, mechanical shock, pressure, and chemical change in weapons and artillery supplies under harsh transport and storage conditions. The secondary target market will be a food supply-chain application. Evigia works very closely with the United States Department of Defense to build products to department specifications.

These advances pioneered by Evigia have allowed significant improvement in the performance and cost of asset-management supply chains. The network’s functionality, visibility, and security control are dramatically increased, while the underlying hardware products themselves benefit from smaller size, lower power consumption, and lower costs.


CO

MPA

NIES

FISher coAchworkSLocation: Oak ParkSector: Advanced Automotive, Manufacturing and MaterialsState investment: $2.62 millionWeb site: www.fishercoachworks.com

Fisher Coachworks is working toward becoming a world-class commercial vehicle producer through the use of innovative stainless-steel, lifetime-chassis designs, vehicle-systems integration and exceptional service that provide game-changing performance in vehicle mass reduction, fuel efficiency, reliability, durability and total customer value. Environmental goals, together with reduced operating expenses, are key buying motives for their transit authority and private bus fleet customers.

Fisher Coachworks continues a 101-year history of product innovation with this year’s launch of the Advanced Technology Electric Bus. Leveraging a successful $3.5 million dollar prototype project funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy, their launch vehicle is an innovative hybrid mass-transit bus with up to a three-fold improvement in fuel economy over existing diesel buses. Fisher Coachworks is committed to providing customers and partners with world-class transportation solutions that share a unique focus on engineering innovation, fuel economy, safety and durability.


CO

MPA

NIES

ForenSIc FluIdS lABorAtorIeSLocation: KalamazooSector: Life SciencesState investment: $150,000Web site: www.forensicfluids.com

Started in 2005, Forensic Fluids Laboratories (ffl) specializes in saliva drug tests and testing. FFL provides its customers with a kit for collecting saliva, to be sent to its laboratory for analysis. FFL’s laboratory is able to test for more than 100 different compounds because of its Waters Quatro Micro lc/ms/ms, which is the most sensitive instrument available. (Other labs use a single ms.) This ms/ms gives the company the ability to identify more drugs, and at lower levels, than any other lab.


CO

MPA

NIES

Fulcrum comPoSIteS Inc.Location: MidlandSector: Alternative energyState investment: $425,000Web site: www.fulcrumcomposites.com

Fulcrum Composites Inc. is a technology and processing company dedicated to providing solutions to structural problems through the development and application of thermoplastic composites. Fulcrum Composites was formed in 2004 as a spin-off from the Dow Chemical Company to accelerate the commercialization of Fulcrum Technology.

Through a unique thermoplastic pultrusion process, Fulcrum technology offers the combination of high mechanical properties with excellent toughness and damage tolerance for structural applications. The thermoplastic matrix provides greater design freedom, allowing profiles to be post-formed and over-extruded. Fulcrum offers many environmental advantages including elimination of voc emissions and the ability to be recycled. More recently, Fulcrum has developed a solar thermal panel optimized for use in cold climates.


CO

MPA

NIES

gAntec AdvAnce llcLocation: MidlandSector: Life SciencesState investment: $50,000Web site: www.gantecinc.com

Gantec Advance is a natural-products technology company. Gantec has a team of experts that create innovative ways to utilize plant-based biomolecules to improve plant health. Instead of targeting individual stress factors, Gantec creates nutritional products to enhance a plant’s capacity to deal with a wide variety of environmental challenges, diseases and pests. Many of its unique products are offered in the form of foliar sprays, plant supplements, and dynamic soil additives.


CO

MPA

NIES

gemA dIAgnoStIcSLocation: east LansingSector: Life SciencesState investment: $850,000Web site: www.gemadiagnostics.com

Gema Diagnostics is a development-stage molecular diagnostics company that works to serve the Assisted Reproductive Technology (art) market by maximizing the probability of healthy, single, live births while reducing the overall process risks, time and expense.


CO

MPA

NIES

genego Inc.Location: St. JosephSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.86 millionWeb site: www.genego.com

GeneGo, Inc. is a leading provider of data mining and analysis solutions in systems biology. The company has built the world’s most comprehensive database of human cellular functionality. This technology has direct applications in drug discovery (target identification, proprietary pathway data, ip for biomarkers and validating novel drug targets) and drug development (providing essential information of human metabolism as well as toxicity information of novel, proprietary drug candidates).

GeneGo’s customer list for biology product offerings includes the largest life science companies and leading universities and research institutions in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The company partners with a broad group of investigators in academia and industry with matching data analysis technologies, content databases and data analysis projects.


CO

MPA

NIES

genetIcS SquAred Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.56 millionWeb site: www.genetics2.com

Genetics Squared has developed a technology based on the idea that integrating therapeutic diagnostics with drug development maximizes the chances of clinical success. Genetics Squared has used its patented computational system to develop concise rules for predicting sensitive and tolerant patient populations and, by using this, has created therapeutic diagnostics to increase the chances of marketing approval for the compounds under development.

Genetics Squared was founded in 2001. The company has partnered with clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research and development institutes, and academic centers to advance the reality of personalized medicine.


CO

MPA

NIES

genevIvo llcLocation: DexterSector: Life SciencesState investment: $200,000

GeneVivo specializes in the creation of strains of mice and other mammalian species previously unavailable as transgenic models. The GeneVivo™ Method of transgenesis is a novel approach that obviates many of the high-attrition points in other methods of transgenesis. This enables the creation of a broad range of transgenic mouse strains and other species, opening an entirely new chest of tools for biomedical research.


CO

MPA

NIES

hAndylAB Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $352,412Web site: www.handylab.com

HandyLab, Inc., formed in 2000, focuses on the development and manufacturing of novel, clinical diagnostic testing products. HandyLab’s proprietary system will reduce the time, cost, and complexity of performing infectious disease testing while simultaneously improving the quality of the test results.

Over the past nine years, HandyLab has expanded and refined its technology and developed applications to meet the needs of the medical, industrial and bio-defense markets. In the process, HandyLab has established strong partnerships with companies such as DuPont and the U.S. Department of Defense and currently has 22 issued patents and more than 40 patent applications broadly protecting its core technology.


CO

MPA

NIES

IA Inc./threeFold SenSorSLocation: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $3 millionWeb site: www.threefoldsensors.com

ThreeFold Sensors (tfs) is developing point-of-care diagnostic biosensor systems employing a revolutionary patented platform technology. The poc-et Lab™ system will allow non-laboratory personnel to measure, with clinical laboratory accuracy, disease markers present in blood and urine in 6 minutes. In addition, TFS’s technology allows diagnostic tests to be designed which provide a lower limit of detection than conventional lab-based tests.

Leveraging $8.5 million in grant funding, ThreeFold Sensors has developed and patented a platform technology for in vitro medical diagnostic testing. Engineering prototypes of test instrumentation have demonstrated proof-of-concept for quantitative, high-sensitivity, rapid test assays for a wide variety of clinically significant analytes. ThreeFold Sensors is currently establishing manufacturing methods for test disposables in preparation for clinical testing, fda clearance for marketing, and initial product launch.


CO

MPA

NIES

IncePt BIoSyStemS Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $1.3 millionWeb site: www.inceptbio.com

Incept BioSystems develops innovative microscale technologies that provide fertility specialists breakthrough capabilities to treat infertility. Incept’s technologies improve the in vitro manipulation, performance, and viability of high-value cells. Its mission is to set the standard for next-generation clinical devices for the Assisted Reproductive Technology (art) laboratory. Like many specialized cells, human embryos typically behave much differently while in vitro than they would in the body, and this performance gap can limit their developmental growth and potentially their viability. Incept’s System of Microfluidically-Assisted Reproductive Technologies (smart) platform is the first to deliver unique control of in vitro cell culture environments so that fertility specialists can offer patients new hope in starting a family.


CO

MPA

NIES

IntegrAted nonclInIcAl develoPment SolutIonS Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $50,000Web site: www.inds-inc.com

Integrated Nonclinical Development Solutions, Inc. (inda) provides support on nonclinical aspects of drug development such as a broad-based toxicology expertise, hands-on drug development experience, efficient processes, and systems to generate and report nonclinical data on a time-sensitive, efficient, and affordable scale. INDS has experience advancing over 120 compounds in all major therapeutic areas to clinical trials.

The company consists of board certified toxicologists, veterinarians, and information technology and business operations experts with more than 100 years of combined experience in the pharmaceutical industry.


CO

MPA

NIES

IntegrAted SenSIng SyStemS Inc. Location: ypsilantiSector: Life Sciences—Medical Devices State investment: $5,159,316 Web site: www.mems-issys.com

ISSYS specializes in microelectromechanical systems (mems) for medical and scientific sensing applications. It has designed and developed products that provide extremely high measurement accuracies, in the smallest sizes available on the market, with high levels of biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. The company, founded in 1995, operates a multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art mems fabrication plant near Ann Arbor. It is running out of clean room space and looking to acquire a larger facility.

ISSYS has recently closed two significant partnership investments. The first is with Clarence, N.Y.-based GreatBatch Corp. (nyse: gb), designer and manufacturer of custom products for various implantable medical and commercial markets. GB invested $4 million in the Preferred Series C round with an option to invest an additional $1 million this year.

The second is a $20-million deal with Switzerland-based Endress+Hausser, worldwide supplier of industrial measurement and automation equipment, which will enable ISSYS to distribute its technology worldwide. The Endress+Hausser Group, with more than 8,000 employees and annual sales of over $1.4 billion, plans to bring several engineers to Michigan. ISSYS currently has about 32 employees and plans to add staff in engineering and electronic assembly.


CO

MPA

NIES

InternAtIonAl dIScovery SourcIng conSultAntS llc Location: ChelseaSector: Life Sciences, Drug Discovery and Development State investment: $100,000 Web site: www.idscbiotechnetwork.com

IDSC was founded in March 2007 by an unemployed Pfizer scientist who stayed in Michigan to start his own consulting business. Today the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development service company he founded has grown to 18 employees, many of them former Pfizer workers, with an average of 25 years of pharmaceutical experience. IDSC services include drug discovery consulting, interim leadership and project management in addition to outsourcing project management, outsourcing consulting, raw material sourcing and harmonized tariff code assignment. The biotech’s current client list numbers more than 30, and includes virtual, small, medium and large biotech companies as well as large pharma companies and academic institutions.

In 2008, Velcura Therapeutics, an Ann Arbor-based clinical-phase biotechnology company developing therapies for bone disease, entered a partnership with IDSC, which will help design molecules to enhance Velcura’s drug pipeline.


CO

MPA

NIES

Inventure enterPrISeS Inc. Location: HaslettSector: Homeland Security and Defense State investment: $50,000 Web site: www.inventureenterprises.com

Inventure Enterprises has developed an it system called IdView for streamlining the process of screening potential employees. IdView gathers and accesses information from multiple systems and databases from different homeland security agencies and offices, enabling organizations to run real time background checks. It also helps them comply with state and federal mandates. The online checks can take as little as 45 minutes, compared to up to three months if done manually.

The IdView concept had its start during a seven-state pilot program at Michigan State University in which ie developed an automated background checking process for long-term care. Over 18 months, the system denied approximately 6,000 of 150,000 people screened. Company officials estimate the pilot saved the state of Michigan $37 million, derived from reduced staff time needed to run checks, the cost of fingerprinting checks and criminal costs. The start-up expects to hire about 20 people over the next two years.

IdView has applications in government, defense, long-term care, health professional licensing, education, international students, child and day-care licensing, adoption and foster care, mentor and volunteer programs, and firearms licensing. Businesses specializing in background checks comprise a potential market of $170 million.


CO

MPA

NIES

JASPer clInIc reSeArch & develoPment Inc. Location: KalamazooSector: Life Sciences State investment: $175,000 Web site: www.jasperclinic.com

Jasper Clinic is an independent clinical research organization that performs research studies for all the major pharmaceutical organizations. A Phase i clinical pharmacology service provider, it specializes in innovative early clinical research studies. Jasper Clinic has a 50-bed unit that excels in cardiac safety, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, drug interaction and methodology studies, and has proven expertise incorporating biomarkers and pharmacogenetics into exploratory and proof concept studies.

JCRD started as a joint effort of the Upjohn Company and Bronson Hospital in the 1960s and has been independent since 2003. With a workforce of nearly 100, Jasper Clinic conducts 15 to 20 studies annually. Nursing, medical and scientific staff average more than 15 years of industry experience. A partnership formed in 2008 with Bronson Vicksburg Hospital gives Jasper Clinic the ability to increase the number and variety of human research studies for testing potential new medicines, devices and diagnostic tests. Leasing space at the downtown Kalamazoo campus of Bronson Methodist Hospital allows JCRD to host research projects that cannot be accommodated at its main unit in downtown Kalamazoo


CO

MPA

NIES

JIvA PhArmA, Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life SciencesState investment: $250,000 Web site: www.jivapharma.com

Jiva Pharma’s mission is to develop promising new therapies for patients suffering from moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease and related neurological disorders.

Jiva’s lead compound is jp-001, a best-in-class small molecule, which will help restore and maintain daily functioning of patient life, as well as, arrest further decline in brain function by inhibiting disease causing biopathways.


CO

MPA

NIES

kAlexSyn Inc.Location: KalamazooSector: Life Sciences State investment: $192,200 Web site: www.kalexsyn.com

Kalamazoo Experts in Synthesis, or Kalexsyn, was co-founded in 2003 by two medicinal chemists left stranded after drugs giant Pharmacia shut down local discovery research operations. They started a chemistry contract research organization (cro), specializing in designing and creating molecules, in the incubator run by the Southwest Michigan First economic development agency.

CROs are a fast-growing niche, with the large pharmaceutical firms farming out early research and development work on new medications. Riding the wave of outsourcing in the industry, Kalexsyn has grown steadily, from $1 million in revenues the first year to about $4.8 million in 2008 and a projected $5.6 million in 2009. That strong performance secured it a place on the Edward Lowe Foundation’s list of “50 Michigan Companies to Watch.” Kalexsyn’s customer base is comprised of small to mid-sized pharma companies with almost all of the firm’s sales from out-of-state contracts. Overseas customers in Europe and Japan account for about 25 percent of revenues, and nearly 60 percent of its business comes from companies on the West Coast.

Kalexyn currently has 31 employees, 23 of them scientists. In November 2007, the startup graduated from the incubator into its own $5.5 million, 22,000-square-foot facility in the Western Michigan University Business Technology and Research Park, and already plans an addition in 2010 to double its space and expand capacity to accommodate 56 scientists.


CO

MPA

NIES

ktm InduStrIeS Inc.Location: LansingSector: Advanced Automotive, Manufacturing and MaterialsState investment: $2,011,185 Web site: www.ktmindustries.comwww.magicnuudles.com

KTM Industries has pioneered the development of materials derived from corn, wheat, rice, potatoes and soy that can be put to a wide variety of uses. Its Magic Nuudles line of starch-based packing peanuts widely used in toys and crafts was the company’s major source of revenue until quite recently. That is changing. With the rising cost of oil, bio-based packing materials are becoming a cost-effective alternative to polyethylene packaging. The company’s Green Cell starch-based foam shipping material is gaining acceptance with business customers. Sales in packaging have doubled over the last year.

The company, founded in 1997 by four Michigan State University professors, has commercialized a portfolio of new starch foam products for protective packing applications. Its foam shipping containers are being marketed as a safe and environmentally friendly option for use in shipping meats, desserts, pastries, pharmaceuticals and nutriceuticals.

The nontoxic foams, biodegradable and environmentally safe, are manufactured under license from National Starch and Chemical Company, the world leader in starch technology.


CO

MPA

NIES

lImo-reId Inc.Location: Deerfield Sector: Advanced Automotive, Manufacturing and Materials State investment: $3,352,704 Web site: www.hybra-drive.com

Limo-Reid, formerly known as Hybra-Drive Systems, is developing a new kind of hybrid transmission that increases fuel economy and could be cheaper to produce. The company may be in line for a $2 million Department of Defense contract to adapt the technology for use in military vehicles. Its technology differs from a traditional hybrid transmission in that energy is stored using hydraulic systems instead of an electric battery.

Employment at the small high-tech company based in Lenawee County has doubled, from 10 employees at the beginning of 2009 to about 20. In addition to winning the largest award in the 2008 21st Century Jobs Fund competition, Limo-Reid has attracted matching funding from Ridgewood Capital and Khosla Ventures. The company has hired a former Dana Corp. ceo to run daily operations.

Limo-Reid comes from Celtic words that translate to “fluid driver.” The company name was changed earlier this year to avoid confusion with several electric hybrid companies using names similar to Hybra-Drive.


CO

MPA

NIES

lycerA corPLocation: PlymouthSector: Life SciencesState investment: $400,000 Web site: www.lycera.com

Lycera is an early-stage pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs to treat immune disorders. Lycera’s technology platforms include proprietary small molecules that modulate a target, which is central to cellular bioenergetics along with molecules that target the Th17 pathway. Drugs that emerge from the Lycera pipeline will represent first-in-class agents that have the potential for first-in-class oral efficacy without the adverse effects of current standard-of-care antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agents.

Lycera closed a $36 million Series a financing round in April 2009.


CO

MPA

NIES

medItrInA PhArmAceutIcAlS Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $4,029,733 Web site: www.meditrina.com

Founded in 2006 with an intellectual property license from Wayne State University and $3.8 million from the 21st Century Jobs Fund, Meditrina’s drug development strategy focuses on clinical stage, innovative therapies to improve treatment of women’s health. Current clinical research targets the development of more effective treatments, as well as therapeutics, that treat unmet serious needs in patients with gynecologic and estrogen-dependent conditions. In its first few years of business, the company has already licensed an AstraZeneca product targeting endometrial thinning prior to uterine surgery, which is currently in its second phase of investigational new drug testing.

The Ann Arbor-based firm is looking for Series A financing (venture capital) that would allow it to conduct a second clinical trial and expand its workforce. After the second clinical trial is finished, Meditrina plans to raise more money so it can apply for fda approval in 2011.

Meditrina has developed an aromatase inhibitor in combination with estrogen and progestin for the treatment of endometriosis. Repurposing the drug would allow it to lower estrogen levels in younger women so it can be used to help treat conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.


CO

MPA

NIES

metABAlog llcLocation: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $50,000

Metabalog, founded by a former Pfizer scientist, uses proprietary catalytic processes that produce metabolite analogs, which are potential new drug candidates discovered in a novel and efficient manner. The company will initially offer services to clients to identify metabolites as well as augment client clinical pipeline opportunities. Simultaneously, it will establish a proprietary clinical candidate pipeline.


CO

MPA

NIES

metABolIc SolutIonS develoPment co. Location: KalamazooSector: Life Sciences State investment: $2,450,000 Web site: www.msdrx.com

This has been a momentous year for Metabolic Solutions, a new company founded in 2006 which is developing innovative therapeutics using a different pharmacological path to treat Type 2 diabetes and related symptoms of metabolic syndrome. This new approach seeks to free patients from the adverse side effects of current treatments for the condition, including edema and weight gain.

In August, it was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Three months earlier, the startup, co-founded by two retired Upjohn Co. scientists who helped develop the current leading treatment for Type 2 diabetes, announced data from preliminary findings derived from the company’s Phase iia clinical trial. These point to success of its lead compound, msdc-0160, in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose levels in humans without the side effects of current therapies when taken over a 28-day period. Additional safety and expanded efficacy data will be gathered in a 90-day, multinational Phase iib study planned for late 2009.

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 1 in every 10 health-care dollars is attributed to diabetes. An estimated 17.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease, with an additional 6.3 million unaware they have the condition.

MSDC is resident at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, an incubator for new life sciences companies at the Western Michigan University Business Technology and Research Park.


CO

MPA

NIES

mIchIgAn technology And reSeArch InStItute llcLocation: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $150,000 Web site: www.mtrinstitute.com

Michigan Technology and Research Institute is partnering with Wayne State University to start a drug-development company focused on a key molecule that could help treat depression and possibly other maladies. The effort is based on research developed by Dr. Aloke Dutta, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the wsu College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. It may take six to eight years of research and clinical trials to commercialize the molecule and secure fda approval.

The mitri-wsu collaboration is expected to serve as a model for expediting and maturing early university technologies into commercially viable ventures, doing so at a faster pace of development. The research is currently funded by the Michigan Universities Commercialization Initiative. Successful completion of the depression project will lead to an investigational new drug application for evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration

MITRI is an integrated pharmaceutical expediting organization providing expert consulting in drug development and biomarket laboratory services. It is organized to improve decision-making and optimize pharmaceutical development strategies. The Ann Arbor-based institute provides tools, ideas and laboratory support to assist clients in selecting the most promising new drug candidates and focus on their potential as new patient therapies.


CO

MPA

NIES

mIcromyx llcLocation: KalamazooSector: Life Sciences State investment: $100,000 Web site: www.micromyx.com

Micromyx is a microbiology services company specializing in anti-infective discovery and development for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and animal health industries. The company was founded in 2003 by four former Pharmacia scientists and one left unemployed by Pfizer but five months after launch, the fledgling company stumbled over serious financial problems. It took help from Southwest Michigan First, the medc and the Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center (brcc) plus incubator space in the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center to get the venture up and running.

Initially the company found new customers via its contacts and word of mouth. Today, however, the Micromyx Web site and international scientific association meetings generate leads to new business from around the world. Adding staff as it adds clients, it has grown from the four founders in 2003 to 12 researchers in seven labs today. The bio firm has repaid its medc loan and started paying back to brcc. Success in the form of recognition has come from the Edward Lowe Foundation’s inclusion of the company on the list of “50 Michigan Companies to Watch.”

Micromyx services include: microbial identification, compound library screening, spectrum/potency assessments, minimal inhibitory concentration assay, minimal bactericidal concentration assay, time-kill kinetic assays, microbial quantitation, resistance development/mutant selection, detection of resistant genes and assessment of serum protein effect on antimicrobial activity.


CO

MPA

NIES

moleculAr ImAgIng reSeArch Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $1,533,374 Web site: www.molecularimaging.com

Molecular Imaging Research, Inc., incorporated in 2003, provides discovery services supported by extensive in vivo imaging capabilities to pharmaceutical and biotech clients.

The company specializes in commercialization of novel preclinical imaging technologies, such as molecular imaging and bioluminescence, for cancer and other diseases used in preclinical animal models. With the ability to retain animals throughout the course of the studies, molecular imaging is the next generation in drug discovery and development which will improve the data generated, increasing their effectiveness and significance. Pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing preclinical trials to companies with advanced testing and imaging capabilities. Not only is the fda becoming more receptive to biomarkers and non-traditional endpoints, it is considering requiring imaging studies for preclinical trials.

In September 2008, MIR was acquired by Charles River Laboratories International (nyse: crl) of Wilmington, Mass., a premier provider of non-glp (Good Laboratory Practice) pharmacology services to evaluate the efficacy of compounds.


CO

MPA

NIES

moleculAr therAPeutIcSLocation: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $2,913,779 Web site: www.moleculartherapeutics.com

Molecular Therapeutics (MRx) is a privately held biotechnology holding company that focuses on in-licensing promising pharmaceutical and medical device technologies in the late preclinical development phase and conducts proof-of-principle clinical (Phase ii) studies on a virtual basis for eventual corporate partnership and commercialization.


CO

MPA

NIES

mucImed, Inc.Location: Kalamazoo Sector: Life SciencesState investment: $50,000

MuciMed’s business and research efforts are focused on developing and commercializing mucin proteins for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease. MuciMed’s objectives are to develop novel protein therapeutics for the important treatment of Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, and other colitides collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (ibd).

MuciMed’s mucin recombinant proteins seek to restore the first line intestinal mucosal defense, the epithelial cell layer separating luminal bacteria and toxins from the immune system. This represents a novel mechanism to interrupt the vicious cycle of ulceration and inflammation in the intestine by restoring the protective epithelial cell layer. This targeted approach may be useful by itself or in combination with other current therapies to treat this difficult disease.


CO

MPA

NIES

nAmeSForlIFe llcLocation: OkemosSector: Life Sciences—Bio It State investment: $50,000 Web site: www.names4life.com

NamesForLife (N4L) has a proprietary database containing the current names of all bacteria and all of their prior names, along with a software system that integrates this database content with published journal articles, inventories of live bacteria and bacterial detection systems. N4L is fundamentally a Web-based information service providing a name lookup and resolution service, currently for bacteria, but eventually for any biological name or dynamic terminology. Academics, physicians, lawyers, policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, shipping companies and many others are users of this information. N4L generates revenue by charging a fee to users for access to this data and by charging a fee to those who make their value-added content accessible via the N4L service.


CO

MPA

NIES

nAnoBIo corP.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $3,277,533 Web site: www.nanobio.com

NanoBio Corp. is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, based on its patented NanoStat technology platform.

In September 2009, the company announced compelling preclinical data for nb-201, a nanoemulsion-based topical lotion for the treatment of burns. In preclinical studies, it dramatically reduced the severity of burn wound infections in addition to inflammation following thermal injuries. The research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Michigan Medical School.

Founded in 2000 as a spinout from the Center for Biologic Nanotechnology at the University of Michigan, NanoBio’s lead product candidates target treatments for herpes labialis (cold sores), onychomycosis (nail fungus), acne, cystic fibrosis and mucosal vaccines for influenza, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus (rsv).

To date, over $90 million has been invested in the company’s NanoStat technology platform through research grants and equity investments, including $45 million in private equity financing from Perseus llc. These investments have enabled extensive studies supporting the expansion of the company’s dermatology, anti-infective and mucosal vaccine programs.


CO

MPA

NIES

nAnoceroxLocation: Ann ArborSector: Homeland Security and Defense State investment: $1,050,000Web site: www.nanocerox.com

In the past six years, Nanocerox has grown from a University of Michigan spinoff into an effective business team of scientists, managers and entrepreneurs. The company holds an exclusive license to u-m’s patented process for producing highly pure, chemically precise, uniformly sized nanoparticles. This core technology has been augmented by Nanocerox’ own patented technical advances and the work of strategic development partners in the Department of Defense (dod) and the corporate defense industry. These efforts are yielding methodologies for processing nanopowders into transparent polycrystalline ceramics which can meet the performance requirements for a variey of dod applications.

Nanocerox has increased employment from four to 20 highly paid, knowledge-based personnel and at the same time multiplying r&d revenue 20 times to nearly $2.8 million projected this year. By 2011, the company expects to add 25 new high-paying jobs as it expands capacity and transitions from r&d to production.


CO

MPA

NIES

nAnomed PhArmAceutIcAlS, Inc. Location: KalamazooSector: Life SciencesState investment: $250,000 Web site: www.nanomedpharm.com

NanoMed Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing improved therapeutic products to treat cancer and other serious diseases. The company’s core technology is Nanotemplate Engineering™, a proprietary nanoparticle manufacturing technology used to formulate small molecules, peptides, proteins, plasmid dna, and diagnostic agents.

NanoMed’s strategy is focused on addressing significant unmet medical needs in high value oncology market segments. The company is applying its Nanotemplate Engineering technology to reformulate fda-approved drugs to impart unique pharmaceutical and/or pharmacological competitive advantages. NanoMed intends to self-fund early clinical development and out-license products at Phase ii or later. The company’s lead oncology product, nmp-139, is targeted for an ind submission in 2011.


CO

MPA

NIES

nePhrIon Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $2,000,000 Web site: www.nephrion.com

Nephrion, formed in 2007, is a dynamic venture-backed life science company that specializes in the development and commercialization of proprietary medical devices designed to treat several unmet medical needs such as end stage renal disease, acute renal failure, cardio-pulmonary bypass surgery, sepsis and potentially other inflammatory kidney conditions.

The company has completed its preclinical study of 15 patients for end stage renal disease at the Henry Ford Museum with favorable results.


CO

MPA

NIES

nePhrx corP.Location: KalamazooSector: Life Sciences State investment: $3,293,591 Web site: www.nephrx.com

NephRx, located in the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center incubator, is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of therapeutic products for the treatment of acute kidney failure/disease and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including mucositis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The company’s portfolio of kidney and gastric growth factors is well covered by patents and patent disclosures in the United States and key countries throughout the world. The University of Chicago owns these patents and NephRx has negotiated an exclusive license agreement with the University for rights to these factors.

NephRx is in preclinical development with both of its lead peptides, the kidney growth factor and the gastric growth factor. The company will consider development partnerships for one or both peptides.


CO

MPA

NIES

neuronexuS technologIeS Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $997,709 Web site: www.neuronexustech.com

NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc. is a dynamic neurotechnology company providing advanced brain-interface devices for neurological and scientific applications. The company’s proprietary technology enables placement of miniaturized brain probes that can be used to “map” brain function, to record or transmit information, to stimulate or modulate functions in specific regions where the brain’s natural abilities to do so are compromised, or even to deliver drugs to precisely where they are needed. NeuroNexus is a leader in transforming ideas to technologies and technologies to innovative products by working at the leading-edge of science, technology, and clinical applications. NeuroNexus is based in Ann Arbor.


CO

MPA

NIES

PhArmoPtImALocation: PortageSector: Life Sciences State investment: $400,000 Web site: www.pharmoptima.com

PharmOptima is a technology advanced company focused on expediting drug discovery through research, analysis and consulting for third-party organizations. The company focuses on the mid-to-late phases of drug discovery between target identification and selection of lead compounds, helping clients select the best candidates to accelerate drug development and increase chances for clinical success.

The founding scientists at PharmOptima have an average of more than 20 years of experience and a successful r&d track record in cardiovascular, central nervous system, oncology, dermatology and infectious diseases.


CO

MPA

NIES

PhrIxuS PhArmAceutIcAlS Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences State investment: $350,000 Web site: www.phrixuspharmaceuticals.com

Phrixus Pharmaceuticals is a new company created to identify and develop novel treatments for the treatment of heart failure. PPI is developing a first-in-class biological membrane sealant, Poloxamer-188. the company is in a unique position to leverage recent intellectual property around the treatment of heart failure with P-188 with a safety profile demonstrated in Phase iii clinical trials for un-related indications. FDA approval for Phase ii clinical trials for treatment of acute decompensation episodes in chronic heart failure is expected with product approved in 2012.

Over the long term, PPI will seek a corporate partner to develop p-188 for chronic heart failure. PPI is also developing second-generation products tailored to its long-term objective of producing novel, safe and effective drugs for the treatment of heart failure of multiple etiologies. As its pipeline grows, PPI expects to go public based on strong clinical results.


CO

MPA

NIES

PIxel velocIty Inc.Location: Ann ArborSector: Life Sciences—Medical Devices, Homeland Security and DefenseState investment: $3,349,297 Web site: www.pixel-velocity.com

Pixel Velocity, founded in 2001, is strategically located in Ann Arbor, a center for image processing research and the development of advanced sensor technology. With more than 30 years of experience working with the most demanding imaging applications in the defense industry, the management team brings a unique perspective to cutting edge technology and product development, as well as customer relationships and interactions. They believe that the most important developments can be made only by working closely with customers to determine and learn from their unique challenges. They place high importance on not only working with proven contractors and installers but understanding the needs of the end-user.

The company’s technology grew out of work conducted at the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (erim), successor to the University of Michigan’s Willow Run Labs (1947) where synthetic aperture radar and the airborne 3-d laser scanner were invented. ERIM’s advanced image processing hardware and software evolved from those legacies, resulting in solutions for the Department of Defense’s complex imaging problems, including uav navigation, automatic target recognition, reconnaissance, and surveillance.

Pixel has spun out a company called Ultrasound Medical Devices. It has created the world’s first ultrasound system specifically optimized for real-time, multi-dimension strain rate cardiac imaging. A prototype system is currently undergoing beta testing at the u-m Hospital for high performance two-dimensional strain rate imaging (sri) of the heart, giving doctors the ability to provide noninvasive regional quantification of diastolic function which enables cardiologists to improve diagnosis, treatment and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease.

Documents

21st CenturyunD - Michigan Economic Development ... · and distributes products for interventional cardiology. ... Accuri products address a niche in the research market ... the United