Biotech Entrepreneurs Launch Agathos Biologics

Company to Pursue Innovation in Biotechnology Manufacturing and Therapeutics Through Ethical Research and Development

FARGO, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Agathos Biologics, a biotechnology company developing transformational science in biomanufacturing, biologic payload delivery, and cell and gene therapy within a strong ethical and moral framework, today announced the launch of its research and development operations. The company has established its laboratories and offices in the growing biotechnology corridor of Fargo, North Dakota.

The company was founded by biotechnology entrepreneurs James Brown, Michael Chambers and John Ballantyne to pursue innovations in biotechnology that create value by positively impacting the health and welfare of society. Advances in biotechnology are transforming medicine, agriculture, and energy. Many of these advances are being developed or manufactured using materials whose origin raises significant ethical concerns for millions of people of diverse backgrounds. Agathos’ goal is to create biotechnology products and services free of ethical or moral compromises that prevent anyone from participating in their development or using them.

“We are excited to officially launch Agathos operations and follow our vision of ethically developed biotechnology products and services,” said Brown, who will serve as the CEO of Agathos. “The rapid pace of innovation and continued growth of investment in the field provide the opportunities that will allow us to be successful. We are confident this is the right time to challenge the status quo, which often forces a choice between doing high-quality (good) science and ethical (good) science, and establish Agathos as ‘the good science company’.” Brown added that Agathos is building its workforce with leadership announcements coming soon.

Chambers, Brown, and Ballantyne are funding the company. Chambers and Ballantyne co-founded Aldevron in 1998 and are currently Executive Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, respectively, at Aldevron. Prior to leaving Aldevron to work full time at Agathos in January 2021, Brown served in roles of increasing responsibility since joining the company in 2015, most recently as President of the Research Grade Nucleic Acids Business Unit. Prior to Aldevron Brown helped launch Regenxbio in 2008, serving as Vice President of Technical Operations until 2015. Douglas VanderMeulen, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Fargo, will serve as the company’s senior ethical advisor.

“We believe it is important to communicate to all our stakeholders our goals, strategy, and perspective that drive how we are going to conduct business,” continued Brown. “’Agathos Biologics – Good Science for a Better World’ describes the company and our approach and is publicly available on our web site.”

About Agathos Biologics

Agathos Biologics is a biotechnology company pursuing transformational science in biomanufacturing, biologic payload delivery, and cell and gene therapy. Discoveries in bioprocessing and genetic characterization and control have created an abundance of scientific possibilities that can help us all lead better lives. Our mission as the good science company is to create breakthrough products and services within a strong ethical and moral framework that benefits everyone. We believe in science that serves and have a relentless focus on serving our clients, employees, and society. For more information please visit www.agathos.bio.