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The Ben Franklin Innovation Center
at The Jefferson Center for Biomedical Research
Thomas Jefferson University on the Campus of Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, PA
Introduction and Background
The Jefferson Center for Biomedical Research is a unique collaboration
between complementing non-profit organizations, including The Thomas Jefferson University,
The Hepatitis B Foundation and The Ben Franklin Technology Center of South East Pennsylvania.
As an innovations center, one of the defining features of The Jefferson Center is its commitment
to academic entrepreneurship and the promotion of academic-commercial partnerships. It is in
this endeavor that the Ben Franklin Center and The Thomas Jefferson University have come together
in a powerful partnership to create The Ben Franklin Innovation Center (BFIC).
The goal of the Innovation Center is to nurture agri- and bio-technology development in the
region. In particular The Center’s excellent faculty, scientists and staff and the extensive
research facilities are encouraged to be available to commercial enterprises, where such
partnerships may be mutually beneficial. The availability of these resources, together with
opportunities in workforce training has resulted in several successful collaborations, helping
to raise the profile of bio-technological development in the southeast PA region. This includes
productive visits from key leaders in economic development at the local, county and state
levels. |
| Notable Accomplishments arising out of interactions with Jefferson Center Scientists and Resultant Economic Benefits: |
| Discovery |
Scientific Implication |
Benefit to Region |
| Imino sugar compounds that inhibit
key biological events in hepatitis virus secretion |
SP104, Synergy's lead imino
sugar compound inhibits key
enzymes involved in glycoprotein
processing needed for viral replication. |
Synergy Pharmaceuticals' scientific center is now
housed at The Jefferson Center, and key research continues.
Center Staff: Drs Mehta and Jordan |
| RNA/DNA chimeras target DNA |
New gene therapy methodology |
Kimeragen, a new company in Newtown,
PA was created. Kimeragen and ValiGene
have now entered into a joint venture; the new
company is called ValiGen. |
| Proteomic analysis and development |
Use of immuno-affinity beads for albumin depletion of serum. |
CA in place with Polysciences Inc, for collaborative development
Center Staff: Dr Laura Steel |
| Method to infect lab cells with HBV |
Drug discovery tool created |
Research agreements with Trimeris, Inc. and
Oxford Glycosciences to perform work at the Center. |
| New methods for tumor diagnosis and monitoring |
Detection of tumor-specific mutations
/epigenetic changes in DNA appearing
in patient urine (HCC, Colonic Cancer as
primary targets) |
Research agreement with Xenomics.
Center Staff: Dr. Ying-Hsiu Su |
| Novel gene silencing systems and
gene delivery methods |
Gene vaccines and therapy |
Development of a new company, Nucleonics Inc,
from translational research development
Center Staff: Drs. Satshchandran and Pachuk |
| An exclusive license from TJU for its core technology invented by OraGen's CEO Dr Frank Michaels and The Center's Director Dr Tim Block |
Proprietary-based pharmaceuticals for the prevention of tissue and organ damage resulting from chronic viral, bacterial and parasitic infection. |
The development of OraGen Inc: antiviral development. |
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| Promotion of interactions between Center Scientists and Industry |
| Resources/interaction |
Specifics |
Company |
| Workshops and "in-house" training: |
Company-specific molecular biology training |
Neose Technologies
Center Staff: Dr Laura Steel |
| Regional Biotech Council in Central Bucks, consultation and beta-site instrumentation testing at The Jefferson Center: |
High throughput gel staining for proteomics analysis. Currently under evaluation by Proteome Systems Inc., a leader in reagent and instrumentation provision for the proteomics field |
BID Automation
Center Staff: Dr Taj Mattu |
| Seminar attendance, introductions to the area, scientific guidance, interactions through the Regional Biotech Council in Central Bucks |
Ongoing Jefferson Center/Hepatitis B seminar series, RBCCB quarterlies and special events, consultation with Center staff |
BID Automation, Therasolutions, ScreenArray, Rockland Immunochemical, Inceptions Marketing, Stat-Trade, Panagenics International Inc, RHeoGene LLC etc. |
| Provision of quality scientific staff to regional biotech. |
Master's and Ph.D. programs, internships |
Michael Saboe to Lampire Biologicals
Brad Nolt to Merck
Stacy Richenderfer to Roche Diagnostics
Jason Rowand to Galxo Smith-Kline |
| Attraction of high quality scientists from Industry to the Center: |
Technology incubation and facilitation of transition into the commercial arena. |
Dr. Pat Romano: Assistant Professor
Drs Satishchandran, Pachuk: Associate Professors, Co-Founders of Nucleonics Inc. |
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| Plant Technology Commercialization:
The University of Pennsylvania, via Dr Phil Heifeitz, is currently
exploring the use of The Center’s facilities to develop and commercialize a plant technology
to greatly improve the quality of various fruits and vegetables.
Workforce Training:
As an academic facility with scholarly resources, workforce training is
a major strength of the Center and has emerged as a significant attraction to regional commercial
enterprises. This is important in enhancing the region’s value as a location for businesses with
a high demand for a skilled workforce, and in sustaining the existing commercial activities.
Several ongoing programs are providing opportunities in workforce training:
The Experimental Therapeutics track of The Master of Science Program in Pharmacology: this track is being offered to students for the first time, Spring 2000. Students will receive solid training in the theory and practice of classical and molecular pharmacology, together with specialized training in emerging technologies and novel therapeutics.
Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology: a credit-bearing course at The College of Graduate Studies at The Thomas Jefferson University, providing hands-on training in the basic techniques of molecular biology, including genetic engineering. Historically, this course has attracted students who are either working in academic labs and planning to seek employment in biotechnology/ pharmaceutical companies or are already working in those industries and hoping to advance their careers.
The Theory and Practice of Protein Expression using Recombinant DNA Techniques: BFIC in conjunction with scientists at Neose Technologies Inc have implemented a course designed to help staff strengthen molecular biology backgrounds in recombinant DNA technology. The course has provided an increase in company-wide understanding of the special role molecular biology plays in furthering the goals for Neose Technologies, as well as maximizing interdepartmental interaction and communication on scientific issues.
Seminar Series: An ongoing series of seminars, presented by research scientists, both academic and industrial, from all over the nation in their areas of specialization, is an important method of communication and interaction in the scientific community. Although funds for the program come in the main from The Hepatitis B Foundation and the Thomas Jefferson University, BFCI has sponsored two seminars focused on technological developments of joint commercial-academic interest: - Dr Gordon Holt of Oxford Glycosciences Inc: Proteomics and Genomics as Tools for Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis". Oxford Glycosciences Inc is a leader in the area of proteome analysis, a new technology that is an important part of the revolution in biomedical science, disease prediction and drug development.
- Dr Howard Field, The CDC presented on: new methods of hepatitis virus detection and the creating of "mosaic" antigens.
- Dr Daniel Pevear from ViroPharma, Inc: "The Antipicornaviral compound Pleconaril: past, present and future."
Regional Biotechnology Council: The Regional Biotechnology Council - Central Bucks is an open forum for members of the biotechnology community to discuss regional issues of corporate concern. The Council is sponsored by The Ben Franklin Innovation Center and hosted at The Jefferson Center For Biomedical Research in Doylestown, PA
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For information, please contact:
Carolyn d'Arville, Ph.D.
Associate Director
The Jefferson Center of TJU
Coordinator Ben Franklin Innovation Center
on the campus of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Ave.
Doylestown, PA 18901
Tel: 215.489.4944
Fax: 215.489.4920
Email: carolyn.darville@jefferson.edu. |
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