Echelon Biosciences is a company that received a SBIR Phase I grant for a project entitled: Near Infrared Substrates for Imaging Autotaxin Activity In Vivo. Their project aims to synthesize ATXRed, an in vivo imaging agent that is specifically activated by the enzymatic activity of autotaxin. Autotaxin is an extracellular enzyme that generates the phospholipid growth factor lysophophatidic acid (LPA). LPA is involved in a variety of biological functions, such as angiogenesis, wound healing, brain development, immunological competence and the regulation of blood pressure. Both LPA and autotaxin have also been implicated in numerous diseases, especially metastatic cancer. Autotaxin was identified as one of the 40 most induced genes in aggressive breast cancer. The broader impacts of this research are the discovery and commercialization of tools that easily highlight specific biological pathways in living organisms. ATXRed will be welcomed by basic researchers in many fields associated with autotaxin and LPA. However, the utility extends beyond the basic research sphere. ATXRed smart probes could also aid pharmaceutical researchers searching for pharmacological inhibitors of autotaxin and LPA receptor agonists and antagonists. ATXRed would be a powerful tool in many rodent models of human cancer. In vivo autotaxin imaging probes could also aid in the clinic by helping to identify and monitor disease progression and treatment. Ultimately, ATXRed could help guide surgical resection of tumorstumors previously identified by the smart probe to have elevated autotaxin activity. In total, ATXRed probes have the potential to impact basic research, drug discovery and the clinic as a prime example of molecular medicine applied from bench to bedside.

AureoGen is a research-based biotech company with a focus on discovery and production of commercially and clinically important cyclic peptide-based drugs, through genetic engineering of cyclic peptide producing organisms (as an alternative to complex and expensive synthetic chemistry methods). AureoGen's business is centered on generating intellectual property, both through discovery of genes, molecules and organisms and through development of technology and engineered organisms.

EpigenDx is a genomic and epigenomic research company engaged in disease biomarker discovery and molecular diagnosis. The company aims to provide products related to DNA methylation analysis research. Currently available products include DNA methylation controls and validated DNA methylation assays for human, mouse, and rat. The company also aims to provide products and laboratory services for scientific researchers from academic, government and industrial communities. The company's commitment to quality comes from the company's desire and dedication to provide products and services to the company's customers. As a Biotage AB Certified Laboratory Service provider, EpigenDx has knowledge and expertise in Pyrosequencing and its many applications. CpG methylation and allele quantification analysis are conducted using Biotage's PSQ MD system, while short-read sequence analysis is carried out using Biotage's PSQ ID system.

The scientists at Genomic Solutions have a wealth of genomic, protein analysis and nano-liter dispensing application-based expertise that they would like to share with users. First select their area of research, followed by interest and then application, and finally, to the company's instrumentation which can help facilitate their research. Whether users are involved in the life science or biotechnology research community, the company's products will enable users to perform complex, high volume experiments at a lower cost and in less time than traditional techniques. You achieve rapid and less expensive drug discovery.

Sword Bio develops a medical data research platform designed to determine and monitor the value of biological markers. The platform uses a technology involving resonance Raman to aid in the performance of the assays offering medical research, drug discovery, and the provision of healthcare products and services. It was formerly known as Sword Diagnostics. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Promega is engaged in applying biochemistry and molecular biology to the development of high-value biological reagents and systems for the life sciences industry.