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with Universities
Aptagen has begun work on a research contract with Georgetown University. The study, in collaboration with Robert Glazer, Ph.D. from Georgetown University, is supported by a grant from the NCI, NIH and Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The research involves aptamer-mediated intracellular targeting against a protein biomarker for cancer.
Aptagen is also working with the lab of David Antonetti, Ph.D. from the Penn State Hershey Medical Center to develop aptamers against several protein targets. |
'Quick Bits'
Aptagen Plays Dodgeball !
The Aptagen lab teams up in a dodgeball league at a local gym.
"Participating on something outside of the lab is a good break from pipeting," says Tom Caltagirone. "If you can dodge a pipettor, you can dodge a ball.' The interns love it."
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About Aptagen
Aptagen, LLC is a biotechnology company with a rapid fast-track approach to drug discovery, drug targeting, and pre-clinical development. Our platform technology (patent pending) is a short-cut approach to develop promising drug candidates that are deliverable to a variety of disease targets. Learn more about our unique process by viewing the online video. (video/animation). |
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Media Contact:
Julie L. Middleton
(877) 278-2463 ext 301
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| Greetings!
With the new year ahead of us, we would like to reflect on our accomplishments and anticipate what lies ahead for Aptagen.
As new members join our team and research collaborations expand, we continue to build and grow.
We are looking forward to an even busier and more exciting 2009!
Thank you for your continued interest in Aptagen.
For archive newsletters please visit www.aptagen.com |
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President and CEO of Aptagen Speaks
at ALS-TDI Conference
In October 2008, Tom Caltagirone, Ph.D., President and CEO of Aptagen, LLC, attended a conference in Boston on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Dr. Caltagirone participated as a guest speaker at the conference sponsored by the ALS-Therapy Development Institute to discuss developing aptabody™ ligands targeting spinal cord tissue for drug delivery. Aptagen has an ongoing research contract with the ALS-TDI to develop these aptabodies™. |
Aptagen Acquires New Lab Equipment
The company has recently acquired a few additional instruments for the research lab-- important assets for our progress and growth.
DNA Synthesizer
We now have an automated DNA synthesizer, which allows us to synthesize DNA molecules from raw monomer reagents. "This is important because it enables us to not rely on outside sources for DNA synthesis, where most other companies do," explains Dr. Caltagirone. "It provides us the freedom and flexibility to explore unqiue chemistries for our aptabody work."
Real-Time PCR Thermocycler
Having this instrument allows the company to amplify minute quantities of RNA and DNA for analysis which is commonly used in forensics labs around the world.
Fluorescence Light Microscope
The fluorescence microscope is an important addition to any lab. Aptabody molecular binding may be visualized with high sensitivity to tissues for drug targeting and delivery development.
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 Aptagen Offers Interns
Real Life Lab Experience
Two new student interns receive the opportunity to work at Aptagen.
 Derek J. Jendras - Derek is a senior at York College, majoring in Chemistry while holding a double minor in Math and Biology. Derek began his internship in July 2008 and feels that working at Aptagen has been a very unique experience. He says, "It is a rare opportunity for an undergraduate student to play an integral part in the progression of the field of Molecular Biology, to such a degree that our experiments directly affect what comes next." Derek's future plans are to achieve a Ph.D. in the field of Pharmacology.
 Andy L. Ngo - Andy is a recent graduate of York College with a degree in Biology. Soon to be attending Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, he will be pursuing a career as a primary care physician. Andy also began his internship in July 2008, and says, "The science is very unique and interesting. I enjoy working in a learning environment. And appreciate getting more experience in the area of basic research."
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As Internships Conclude...
The following interns have successfully completed the Aptagen internship program. We would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the lab. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
 Bethany N. Neill, Franklin & Marshall College. Bethany plans to attend medical school.
 Mitchell B. Crawford, Millersville University
Mitch plans to attend graduate school.
Although Bethany and Mitch completed their requirements for the internship, you may possibly find them still in the lab doing that one last experiment that never seems to end. | |
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