The North Carolina Agricultural Biotechnology Advisory Council

The North Carolina Agricultural Biotechnology Advisory Council

Agricultural Bioscience Company and Entrepreneurial Profile System

Growing North Carolina’s AgBiotech Landscape:Accelerating Entrepreneurial Enterprises

North Carolina Biotechnology Center

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The Agricultural Bioscience Company and Entrepreneurial Profile System (AgBIOCEPS) is a database representing a sampling of entrepreneurial agbiotech companies that have unique technologies in North Carolina. They are seeking various funding, technology partners or licensing opportuni-ties to grow their technologies and companies. The purpose of AgBIOCEPS is to bring these companies to your attention as a potential funder, partner, or capital acquirer. The aggre-gated value of investment opportunities presented herein is approximately $30 million.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center does not endorse, promote or make any representations regarding specific companies in the AgBIOCEPS portfolio. This portfolio is for information only.

Our mission is to promote North Carolina as an ideal place for agbiotech investments and collaborative events. Please contact the companies directly or contact us for more information.

Gwyn RiddickVice President of Agricultural Biotechnology [email protected]

Amber NiebauerAgBiotech Innovation [email protected]

Entrepreneurial Companies and Their Technologies are Key Drivers of Agricultural Biotechnology in North Carolina

Innovation in agriculture, agricultural biotechnology and other sciences are driving a new sector of opportunities for North Carolina. Over 70 agriculture related biotechnology companies call North Carolina home. They encompass technologies and products focused on waste remediation, environment, industrial compounds, medicinal compounds as well as traditional shelter, fuel and food. These companies are part of North Carolina’s diverse economic sectors of forestry, marine, agriculture, biofuels, medicines, and health. Entrepreneurial agriculture and agricultural biotechnology companies offer an important and exciting path towards a new ag-based bioeconomy.

North Carolina Biotechnology Center AgBIOCEPS survey, updated March 2011

Advanced Animal Diagnostics Advanced Animal Diagnostics (AAD) is a research and development company creating its own intellectual property as

well as commercializing proprietary technology for rapid, on-farm animal diagnostic tests.

Technology and Product(s)

AAD is developing a diagnostic test for mastitis, the most

costly disease in the dairy industry. While the initial focus is

on cows that have just calved to detect mastitis, the

technology is well-suited to a host of other applications for

testing body fluids of production animals (e.g., rapid test for

subclinical endometritis or microbiology). AAD's goal is to

improve the profitability of livestock production while

helping to ensure a safe, abundant, affordable supply of

animal protein.

Patents Filed and/or Granted

2 filed, 17 licensed

Geographical Scope of Market

North America, Oceana, Western Europe and South America

Market Size

More than $1 billion

Customers

Progressive dairies and key opinion leaders

Competitive Advantage

Earlier, more accurate and rapid diagnosis on-farm.

Mobile technology reaches a largely untapped segment

for farm animal diagnostics. Uses the animal's own early

immune response as a way to identify exposure to

infectious organisms.

Type of Partners Sought

Dairies and research collaborators to work together on

economic field trials to demonstrate the value

proposition. Distribution partners worldwide with strong

existing relationships with dairies and skilled sales and

technical staff.

Type of Investment Sought

AAD recently secured $11 M in venture capital funding

for mastitis product commercialization. The firm is still

interested in grant funding for diagnostic technology in

the pipeline.

Amount of Funding Sought

N.A.

Funding Period

N.A.

Company Contact

Joy Parr Drach

President

1912 Highway 54 East, Suite 205

Durham NC 27713

(919) 544-0089

[email protected]

www.aadiagnostics.com

Key Data

Founded: 2001

Employment Range: 0-20

County: Durham

Region: Triangle


Agile Sciences Inc. Agile Sciences has identified novel small molecules that inhibit and disperse bacterial biofilms. The company is

investigating multiple applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.


Developing a technology that interferes with bacterial and

fungal communication, including their ability to form

biofilms. This technology provides a novel, highly effective,

method of treating crop diseases. The company is also

investigating dental, medical, and industrial applications of

this technology.


2 granted (7,897,631; 7,906,544), 9 filed


U.S. and Europe

Market Size

Not estimated

Customers

Companies with existing bactericidal and fungicidal products


More effective, environmentally friendly, method for

treating crop diseases.


Large corporations


Licensing, grants


N.A.

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Keith Stoneback

Chief Executive Officer

1791 Varsity Drive, Suite 150

Raleigh NC 27606

(919) 457-3308

[email protected]

www.agilesci.com

Key Data

Founded: 2007


County: Wake

Region: Triangle


Algaen Corp. Algaen is exploring microalgae to develop, produce and market products and technologies for the nutraceutical,

pharmaceutical and bio-energy production industries.


Developing a biofuel production system using oil rich

microalgae as a feedstock. Seeks funding to commercialize

the technology for use in ground transportation and the

aviation industry.


6 filed


International

Market Size

$400 billion

Customers

Big oil companies with capacity to distribute the biofuel


Oil and fuel production at an overall lower cost, from a

renewable source.


Oil companies, power companies, or auto manufacturers


Equity investment from VC or other interested parties


$2 million dollar for a pilot scale facility and $10 million

for a small scale production facility

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Fan Lu Ph.D.


925 W. Northwest Blvd.

Winston-Salem NC 27101

(336) 577-4354

[email protected]

www.algaen.com

Key Data

Founded: 2002


County: Forsyth

Region: Piedmont Triad


Avoca Inc. Avoca provides botanical extract products, toll processing services and product development solutions.


Custom developer and cGMP manufacturer of botanical

products and extracts. Commercial focus is on the production

of sclareolide, a fragrance stabilizer extracted from clary

sage. Largest extraction facility in North America, with an

annual extraction capacity of 90,000 tons.


Granted (6,852,342; 7,588,759; 7,785,585) and other

proprietary information is protected through confidentiality

agreements


Western Europe and Israel

Market Size

$30 million

Customers

Fragrance companies, companies needing contract extraction

development


30 years of agricultural R&D experience, a group of

local growers, processing experience and expertise, and

a cutting-edge extraction facility.


N.A.


N.A.


N.A.

Funding Period

Less than 3 months

Company Contact

David Peele Ph.D.

President

P.O. Box 129

Merry Hill NC 27957

(252) 482-2133

[email protected]

www.pharmachemlabs.com

Key Data

Founded: 1962


County: Bertie

Region: East


BioResource International Inc. BioResource International discovers and develops enzymes to promote animal nutrition and environmental stewardship.


Offers cost-effective solutions to promote animal nutrition

and environmental responsibility. Animal feed enzyme

Versazyme® helps grow bigger and healthier livestock.

Valkerase®, based on a patented keratinase enzyme,

improves the efficiency and lowers the cost of poultry feather

meal production.


8 granted (7,915,024; 6,613,505; 6,613,505; 5,712,147;

5,186,961; 5,171,682; 5,063,161; 4,959,311; 4,908,220)


North and South America, Southeast Asia, and China

Market Size

$200 million

Customers

Large-scale poultry and swine production companies


Superior performance of patent-protected products,

expertise, global partnerships and better value than

competitive products.


Seeking to license in new technologies or partner with

innovative companies to develop novel products.


No equity investment sought; seeking debt financing for

working capital


Seeking up to $1 million line of credit

Funding Period

3 to 6 months

Company Contact

Giles Shih Ph.D., MBA

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

627 Davis Drive, Suite 600

Durham NC 27713

(919) 993-3389

[email protected]

www.briworldwide.com

Key Data

Founded: 1999


County: Durham

Region: Triangle


Crop Microclimate Management Inc. Crop Microclimate Management (CMM) researches and develops technologies, based on natural plant biochemistry, that

enable farmers to improve crop productivity by managing and reducing the impact of environmental stresses.


CMM's research focus is on the exploitation of crop plants’

natural biochemistry to reduce the impact of environmental

stress factors such as excess heat and light, drought, frost and

salinity. Screen Duo™, is a dual mode-of-action product for

use in horticultural crops. 'G3' Technology is a family of

naturally occurring biochemicals, currently under

development, that are active against a number of stresses, at

very low rates of use, in all crops. The research pipeline

includes 4th and 5th generation technology platforms.


2 filed


Global

Market Size

Billions (U.S. $). Abiotic stress management is a nascent, but

rapidly growing new market.

Customers

Crop protection companies (licensing), agricultural

distributors and farmers


Superior performance; low cost; ease of use; low/zero

environmental impact and low regulatory burden


Global or regional crop protection companies and

investors


Equity investment and licensing agreements


$2.5 million to $5 million

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Chuck Kupatt Ph.D.

President and R&D Director

P.O. Box 178

Apex NC 27502

(919) 624-4490

[email protected]

www.cropstress.com

Key Data

Founded: 2006


County: Wake

Region: Triangle


Galaxy Diagnostics Inc. Galaxy Diagnostics provides advanced molecular-based testing for Bartonella infection in both humans and animals

suffering from chronic diseases. The company is commercializing proprietary technologies developed at NCSU College

of Veterinary Medicine.


Galaxy is commercializing an advanced molecular detection

methodology for the hard-to-detect bacteria Bartonella.

EnrichmentPCR™ methodology was developed at the NC

State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This novel

testing methodology combines a patented enrichment media

with PCR detection and sequencing to significantly increase

Bartonella detection sensitivity.


1 granted (7,115,385)


International

Market Size

$130 million

Customers

Vets and physicians at universities, commercial laboratories,

and independent clinics; eventually pet owners and patients


Most sensitive and reliable patent-protected detection

method supported by high quality clinical research


Large biotech firms with resources to spend on

compatible technologies including diagnostics,

antibiotics, and reagents


Angel investment to support development of commercial

infrastructure and early marketing, grants to support

clinical research and product development


$500,000 to $1 million

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Amanda Elam Ph.D.

President

P.O. Box 14346

Research Triangle Park NC 27709

(919) 313-9672

[email protected]

www.galaxydx.com

Key Data

Founded: 2007


County: Durham

Region: Triangle


GrassRoots Biotechnology Inc. GrassRoots Biotechnology is an agricultural biotechnology company employing a systems biology approach to develop

enhanced biofuel and food crops.


GrassRoots’ RootArray platform enables non-invasive

imaging of gene expression (labeled with green florescent

protein) in developing plant roots. The RootArray along with

bioinformatic analysis of gene expression data sets yields

discoveries of gene promoters to regulate gene expression in

transgenic plants, as well as genes to enhance nitrogen

utilization and other high-value agronomic traits. The Root

Architecture Imaging platform will facilitate development of

crops with enhanced root structure for better nutrient and

water acquisition. These technologies will enhance

traditional agricultural and biofuel crops.


1 granted and more than 10 filed


International

Market Size

Billions

Customers

Multinational agricultural biotechnology companies,

Monsanto is chief customer currently


Promoters and other gene expression elements that

produce better, more finely-tuned control of gene

expression and genes that enhance agronomic

productivity


Agricultural biotechnology, seed and biofuel companies


Commercial loan and financing through partnerships


$4 million

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Douglas Eisner

Chief Operating Officer

302 E. Pettigrew St.

Durham NC 27701

(919) 747-7407

[email protected]

www.grassrootsbio.com

Key Data

Founded: 2007


County: Durham

Region: Triangle


GTCAllison LLC GTCAllison researches and develops novel diagnostic tests for animal pathogens.


Developing real-time PCR and microsphere based tests for

the molecular detection of animal pathogens and microsphere

based tests for the detection of antibodies to animal

pathogens. Other projects for clients are confidential.


Proprietary information is protected through confidentiality

agreements and patents


International

Market Size

Not estimated

Customers

Production animal companies, vaccine companies, university

and state diagnostic laboratories


Lower overall cost due to less material used per test and

less time to generate test results, better specificity and

limits of detection


Production animal companies, vaccine companies,

university and state diagnostic laboratories


Capital to pay for attorney fees for filing of IP, to hire

employees, to hire an accounting firm that knows the

industry, and for licensing of technologies necessary to

commercialize aspects of GTCAllison’s own IP at a

reasonable cost


Not currently seeking funding

Funding Period

N.A.

Company Contact

Scott Callison Ph.D.

Founder and Manager

153 Junction Road

Mocksville NC 27028

(336) 753-0707 laboratory; (336) 473-5525 cell

[email protected]

www.gtcallison.com

Key Data

Founded: 2006


County: Davie



Helical Sciences Inc. Helical Sciences is developing a rapid microbiological diagnostic product.


Developing microbiological diagnostics and kits for the rapid

identification of bacterial pathogens and toxic metals in food,

water, and pharmaceuticals. Validation on the first

commercial product has been completed and beta testing was

successful. Additional IP is being developed that can rapidly

determine other organic and inorganic contaminants in water

and irrigation systems.


1 granted (7,214,492), several patents licensed, proprietary

information protected through confidentiality agreements


International

Market Size

$14 billion globally (U.S. approx. $6 billion)

Customers

Food producers/processors, municipal water suppliers,

pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers, hospitals and

healthcare providers, diagnostic laboratories


10-20 times faster than current technologies at very

competitive costs, will allow customers to drastically

reduce microbiological testing costs while greatly

improving consumer safety.


A strategic business partner already established in the

microbiological diagnostic market, regulatory review

and assistance would also be helpful


Funding from strategic partners, relevant grants


$3 million

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Greg Bowers

President and Chief Executive Officer

3903 Westmount Drive

Greensboro NC 27410

(336) 601-9945

[email protected]

www.helicalsciences.com

Key Data

Founded: 2007


County: Guilford



JABB of the Carolinas Inc. JABB develops fungal pesticides and provides biopesticide products that are safe, effective and economical alternatives to

conventional pesticides.


Biological insecticide balEnce™ from the naturally

occurring fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Through the

application of novel, proprietary, production technologies

Jabb can produce commercial quantities of the fungus at

economical costs and which meet all regulatory

requirements. Custom development and manufacture of

fungal products is also available.


Proprietary information is protected by restrictive access to

areas of production


The Americas, Africa, and Asia

Market Size

$4 million

Customers

Livestock producers and consumers


Can build a very specific product to target a narrow

range of pests, allowing other beneficial insects to

survive, with no toxicity outside of the target species.


N.A.


N.A.


N.A.

Funding Period

N.A.

Company Contact

James Arends Ph.D.

President

P.O. Box 310

Pine Level NC 27568-0310

(919) 965-9007

[email protected]

www.jabb.bz

Key Data

Founded: 1994


County: Johnston

Region: Triangle


Medicago USA Inc. Medicago uses tobacco leaves to produce influenza vaccines.


Technologies related to the use of virus-like-particles (VLPs)

for vaccine development and production. Using whole living

plants as hosts for transient protein expression, the Proficia™

technology is a rapid, flexible, high yielding and robust

production system for vaccines, antibodies and recombinant

proteins. Initial focus is on influenza strain vaccines.


4 granted (6,420,548; 7,125,978; 5,990,385; 6,492,134) and

more than 300 patents and patent applications filed


North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe

Market Size

Billions

Customers

U.S. government (DARPA), large biopharma


Vaccine production at lower costs and with shorter

turnaround times than competitive methods. Technology

is capable of developing almost any vaccine candidate.


Large biopharmaceutical companies, government

collaborators, process scale-up research contractors


Equity investments and grants


Open

Funding Period

N.A.

Company Contact

Michael Wanner

Vice President, U.S. Operations

P.O. Box 14545

Durham NC 27709

(919) 805-3501

[email protected]

www.medicago.com

Key Data

Founded: 1999


County: Durham

Region: Triangle


Piedmont Pharmaceuticals Piedmont Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on human and animal health therapeutics with

expertise in parasitology and drug delivery systems.


Actively developing products and novel drug delivery

systems for human and animal health. Products include a

companion animal soft chew medicine delivery platform

recently purchased by Bayer, a fly control product for horses

licensed by Pfizer, and a head lice product commercialized

internationally.


Multiple patents filed


International

Market Size

$5 billion globally

Customers

Major to mid-sized pharmaceutical companies


Novel delivery mechanisms for both generics and new

actives, as well as development of new products to target

the largest companion and food animal disease areas.


R&D, manufacturing and distribution partners


N.A.


N.A.

Funding Period

N.A.

Company Contact

Eric Barnett M.D.

Executive VP, Business Development and Marketing

204 Muirs Chapel Road, Suite 200

Greensboro NC 27410-6173

(336) 544-0320

[email protected]

www.piedmontpharma.com

Key Data

Founded: 2001


County: Guilford



SoyMeds Inc. Soymeds is a biotechnology company focused on the development and validation of soybean seed-derived, protein-based

therapeutics to diagnose, treat and prevent disease.


Developing soybean seed-based therapeutics

(immunomodulators such as vaccines and toleragens,

antigens and diagnostic) to prevent, treat, cure and diagnose

disease. Products are stable for >5 years, and can be

administered orally (as formulated soymilk) or purified.

Toleragens can be targeted to specific mucosal cell types and

have the potential to limit immune responses associated with

food allergies and autoimmune disease. Purified diagnostics

can be used as cost-effective "bio-betters" in analytical

assays and as reagents for novel medical devices.


1 granted (7,723,570), 2 filed


U.S. initially, hope to expand into International markets

Market Size

$10 million to $100 million

Customers

Pharmaceutical companies


Lower costs, bioequivalency, simplified purification and

storage requirements, and elimination of cold-chain will

allow the development of new products to address unmet

needs.


Industrial and pharmaceutical for production of specific

products; BSL-2 greenhouse space, manufacturing and

implementation, regulatory; and longer term, marketing

and distribution.


Grants and awards


$500,000 to $1 million per year, $3 million to $5 million

to move lead products forward

Funding Period

1 to 5 years

Company Contact

Kenneth Piller Ph.D.

President and Co-Founder

18616 Dembridge Drive

Davidson NC 28036

(704) 728-9753

[email protected]

www.soymeds.com

Key Data

Founded: 2005


County: Mecklenburg

Region: Greater Charlotte


Trana Discovery Inc. Trana Discovery is an anti-infective drug discovery technology company that helps its partners find new classes of

compounds for the treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal infectious diseases.


Technology for discovering new agents to treat bacterial,

viral and fungal infectious diseases. Proprietary high-

throughput screening assays identify compounds that can

inhibit the target pathogen’s ability to use transfer RNA

essential for propagation. Initial focus human pathogens,

interested in vet/ag applications of technology. Licensing

opportunities are available for exclusive rights to new drug

classes.


Several patents granted (7,598,040), licensed (6,461,815;

6,962,785) and filed


International

Market Size

$3 billion to $5 billion (HIV), $1 billion to $3 billion (Staph)

Customers

Pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and other

organizations for use in compound libraries


A novel class of antibiotics and antivirals for the

treatment of pathogens including pathogens resistant to

currently available agents, identifying new compounds

with the ability to block protein synthesis in pathogens.


Pharma companies willing to invest in discovered

compounds and discovery assay


Licensing


N.A.

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Steve Peterson


659-193 Cary Towne Blvd.

Cary NC 27511

(919) 342-6192 or (866) 390-3452

[email protected]

www.tranadiscovery.com

Key Data

Founded: 2001


County: Wake

Region: Triangle


Venganza Inc. Venganza uses proprietary RNA interference technology to control plant pests (fungi, insects, nematodes, etc.) and reduce

the application of fungicides and other pesticides.


Proprietary RNA interference or “gene silencing” technology

to control plant pests, reducing the need for pesticide

application. Transgenic plants contain proprietary genes that

effectively control crop pests, while being safe for humans

and the environment. Proof of concept has been

demonstrated with four fungal diseases in tobacco, soybeans

and corn.


2 filed


International

Market Size

$100 million

Customers

Individual farmers through major plant biotechnology

companies


Unique approach to plant disease resistance, reducing

crop losses, pesticide usage and mycotoxin poisoning of

consumers.


N.A.


N.A.


$350,000 per year as we complete the R&D phase = ca.

4 years

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Chuck Niblett Ph.D.

President

840 Main Campus Drive, Suite 3560

Raleigh NC 27606

(919) 995-1643

[email protected]

www.venganzainc.com

Key Data

Founded: 2004


County: Wake

Region: Triangle


Xanofi Inc. Xanofi is an advanced nanofiber manufacturing firm, commercializing a technology for producing low-cost,

functionalized nanofibers for applications in energy, medicine and filtration.


Patented technology was developed at NC State University

for creating nanofibers through the use of shear force in

liquids. Process is currently in commercial scale-up

development, researching various products in the pipeline

during this time, with a focus on lighting, energy and

filtration applications.


1 filed


U.S. initially, hope to expand into International markets

Market Size

$100 million

Customers

Manufacturers of products containing nanofiber materials


Development of customized nanofibers at reduced cost

and increased efficiency, that can be incorporated into

textiles and other products without the use of expensive

equipment.


Co-development partnerships with future customers, end

product manufacturers


Grants, equity investment


N.A.

Funding Period

1 to 3 years

Company Contact

Pete Geisen

Vice President, Product Development

543 Pylon Drive

Raleigh NC 27606

(919) 699-0260

[email protected]

xanofi.com

Key Data

Founded: 2010


County: Wake

Region: Triangle

Notes

Notes

Statewide Effort

North Carolina is home to a broad range of natural resources and scientific knowledge that, when combined, can create biotechnology-related jobs across our state. Agricultural biotechnolgy companies stretch from the mountains to the coast. In addition to the Center’s headquarters in Research Triangle Park, the Center operates five regional offices: Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, Winston-Salem, and Wilmington. The region is indicated on each company profile. Below is contact information for each regional office:

Western Office (Asheville)www.ncbiotech.org/west828-670-3394

Greater Charlotte Office www.ncbiotech.org/charlotte704-687-8563

Eastern Regional Office (Greenville)www.ncbiotech.org/east 252-328-9981

Piedmont Triad Office (Winston-Salem)www.ncbiotech.org/triad 336-725-6672

Southeastern Office (Wilmington)www.ncbiotech.org/southeast 910-763-5747

15 T.W. Alexander Drive · Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3547 · ncbiotech.org/agbioAsheville · Charlotte · Greenville · Research Triangle Park · Wilmington · Winston-Salem

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is a private, non-profit corporation supported by the N.C. General Assembly. Its mission is to provide long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina by supporting biotechnology research, business, education and strategic policy statewide.

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Documents

The North Carolina Agricultural Biotechnology Advisory Council