The 15 Maryland Life Sciences Companies Heading to BIO International Convention as a Delegation

By Alex Keown | May 24, 2024

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A delegation of Maryland life sciences companies showcasing innovative approaches to treating various disease indications in humans, plants, and animals is heading to the annual BIO International Convention in San Diego.

In all, there are more than 100 companies from Maryland attending BIO. Included among those are 15 companies sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce. These 15 companies range from startups to clinical-stage to commercial. Some will make presentations during panels, while others will network with potential partners and investors.

“This year’s delegation demonstrates the breadth of innovative technologies being developed and commercialized in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Commerce is proud to support these companies to attend the BIO International Convention to advance their missions of tackling critical biomedical, environmental, and defense problems facing the world,” said Stefanie Trop, Director of the Office of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce.

The 15 companies sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce are:

Aptabridge Therapeutics

Based in Baltimore, Aptabridge Therapeutics is leveraging the capabilities of DNA nanoparticles for immunotherapy. The company is developing highly stable “bi and multi-specific molecules” aimed at multifaceted, complex diseases. By employing DNA nanoparticles instead of antibodies for immunotherapy, Aptabridge believes its approach will overcome challenges faced by bispecific antibodies and will also allow it to engage two disease targets with one molecule.

Auxergen

Auxergen is a Baltimore-based agricultural biotechnology company that manufactures agricultural chemicals and biopesticides. Using novel biocontrol solutions, the company aims to reduce the chemical loading of our environment while improving crop yields. Auxergen is developing phage-based cures for Xylella Fastidiosa disease in olive, grapes, oleander, etc., and Xanthamonas disease in citrus, rice, bananas, and cruciferous vegetables.

Fzata Inc.

Located in Arbutus, Maryland, Fzata is developing an innovative “Live Biologics In A Pill” platform to provide a new route for the oral delivery of live biologics. The company’s lead asset FZ002, a first-in-class live biotherapeutic product (LBP) yeast for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection, has advanced to IND-enabling studies. At BIO Fzata is a Start-up Stadium finalist.

IGC Pharma Inc.

Potomac, Maryland-based IGC Pharma is developing innovative approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease. IGC Pharma has five promising drug candidates aimed at Alzheimer’s. Its lead asset IGC-AD1 targets the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, including neuroinflammation, Aβ plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles. In March, the company announced interim data that showed its Phase II candidate IGC-AD1 demonstrated a clinical and statistically significant reduction in agitation in Alzheimer’s patients experiencing disease-related agitation.

Kubanda Cryotherapy

Kubanda Cryotherapy, based in Baltimore, is disrupting pet care with cryotherapy, a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for mass removal. The company offers a cryotherapy-based procedure that is simpler and less costly than surgery.

Melatech

Baltimore-based MelaTech is an early-stage biotechnology company developing melanin-based biomaterials for radiation shielding and energy capture applications. The company specializes in the sustainable production of natural melanins using fungi and microorganisms to support a cost-effective alternative that allows the company to grow and produce melanin at scale.

Neuroene Therapeutics

Gaithersburg-based Neuroene Therapeutics, the 2022 winner of the seventh annual Crab Trap Award, is developing mitochondrial protective small molecules for epilepsy, Parkinson’s and mitochondrial diseases. The company, a JLABS @ Washington, DC resident, has a library of over 200 molecules that cover multiple CNS and metabolic diseases. Its lead candidate NT102 was awarded Orphan Drug designation by the FDA.

Neuros Biotechnology

Neuros Bio is a startup regenerative biotech focused on developing a therapeutic treatment to slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease by improving neuroplasticity with their biologic, Neu-PD.

Optosurgical

Optosurgical, an early-stage startup based in Columbia, Maryland, is spearheading medical imaging innovation in hepatobiliary, colorectal, and head and neck surgeries. The company specializes in the research and development of intraoperative imaging devices to aid clinicians and improve quality of life for patients. The company’s lead asset uses fluorescence imaging technology to guide surgeons in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. This enables surgeons to “visualize parathyroid glands and assess perfusion dye-free, which leads to operational efficiencies and improved patient outcomes.”

Previse

Baltimore-based Previse is the maker of Esopredict, a clinically available test that analyzes the methylation of biomarkers to assess the risk of esophageal cancer developing in patients with Barrett’s Esophagus. Previse’s mission is to improve patient care by preventing, detecting, and guiding treatment for upper GI diseases, including cancer.

Silvec Biologics

Gaithersburg-based Silvec Biologics developed a universal method for immunizing trees, vines, and bushes against diseases. Its method stabilizes hairpin inserts into plant and mammal RNA viruses to create long-lasting vectors capable of expressing peptides as well as RNAi targeting pathogens and traits. Silvec’s first commercial application is aimed at defeating the previously incurable citrus greening bacteria that destroyed over 80% of Florida orchards. That same bacteria is spreading to California and threatens the bulk of the world’s citrus trees.

Solaxa

Solaxa is developing treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases and acute nerve injuries caused by physical trauma and chemotherapy. The Bethesda, Maryland-based company focuses on aminopyridines, small molecules that restore nerve function by targeting ion channels. Its lead program SLX-100 focuses on a treatment for hereditary ataxias.

Sonogen Medical

Sonogen Medical is developing a revolutionary approach to ultrasound-based bone fracture healing. Its multi-modal ultrasonic bone fracture stimulation technology has been shown to be extremely effective for bone growth stimulation. Sonogen is based in Baltimore in City Garage Science and Technology Center.

Veralox Therapeutics

Frederick, Maryland-based Veralox Therapeutics is developing 12-LOX inhibitors for IgG-mediated diseases. The company’s lead product, VLX-1005, is a first-in-class small molecule 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) inhibitor that has secured Fast Track and Orphan Drug designation for treatment of confirmed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. VLX-1005 is in Phase II development. Another asset, VLX-2000, is in preclinical development for immune-mediated diseases including lupus nephritis and T1D.

WearableDose

WearableDose uses an innovative electronic polymer detector to improve radiotherapy. The company’s wearable patch, coupled with its Dynamic Treatment Planning system is designed to detect, direct and measure radiation to tumors accurately. Wearabledose’s innovative product includes a disposable, skin-adhesive dosimeter patch and a sophisticated software platform that utilizes AI and machine learning for real-time, adaptive radiation dose management.