PHILADELPHIA--(December 20, 2010) – BeneLein Technologies, which develops novel bioprocesses that significantly lower the manufacturing cost of existing active pharmaceutical ingredients, has initiated R&D operations at the University City Science Center’s Port business incubator in West Philadelphia. Through a contract relationship with a global, top 10 pharmaceutical company, BeneLein will test the commercial feasibility of its process for manufacturing a key antibiotic product. If successful, transforming other pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to greener, lower cost bioprocessing is likely to catch on quickly.
Through the conception and development of novel bioprocesses, BeneLein replaces costly chemical synthesis steps with more efficient biological processes. These processes also reduce environmental impact and increase the use of renewal feedstock. This means that these critical products can be produced in the US at a cost that can rival those of outsourced producers while being greener, ensuring security of product supply, and adhering to regulated quality standards.
“This was a perfect time for us to take control of our own destiny by initiating laboratory operations at the Science Center,” says Chief Executive Officer Doug Leinen. “It was critical for us to be located in a vibrant research and innovation community like University City, where an entrepreneurial infrastructure exists and where we can establish the networks we will need to grow our company.”
“BeneLein’s technologies have the potential to bolster the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector both in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond,” says Science Center President & CEO Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D. “Philadelphia has long been known as a center for pharmaceutical innovation, and we welcome BeneLein as the newest member of the Science Center’s community of entrepreneurs.”
About The Science Center The University City Science Center accelerates technology commercialization, regional economic development, and the market availability of life-enhancing scientific breakthroughs by bringing together innovations, scientists, entrepreneurs, funding, laboratory facilities, and business services. Established in 1963 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, the Science Center was the first, and remains the largest, urban research park in the United States. It provides services that range from incubator space with fully-equipped laboratories and “plug ‘n play” offices for entrepreneurs to path-breaking programs designed to demonstrate, nurture, and sustain new technology businesses and bring their benefits to the region and the world. For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org. Read More
