Renowned Bioprocess Expert to Join Intrexon
Gerardo A. Zapata, Ph.D., to lead company’s Protein Production Division
San Francisco, California, October 28, 2009 – Intrexon Corporation, a privately held life sciences company focused on modular DNA control systems for biotherapeutics and other life science sectors, today announced the appointment of Gerardo A. Zapata, Ph.D., as President of its Protein Production Division and a Senior Vice President of the corporation. Dr. Zapata will be based at Intrexon’s Protein Production Division headquarters in San Francisco.
Dr. Zapata brings over 20 years of experience in Protein Biochemistry and Process Development to Intrexon Corporation, having been involved in leadership positions in the development and manufacturing of therapeutic proteins at FDA, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline and, within the last five years, at Abgenix, Amgen and Catalyst Biosciences. Dr Zapata received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and received postdoctoral training at CBER, FDA, where in addition to authoring scientific papers, he participated in the IND and BLA review process. Dr Zapata has coauthored more than 20 peer-reviewed papers and holds several manufacturing process patents. Dr. Zapata is an expert in process development activities leading to filings of Investigation of New Drugs Applications (IND), Biological License Applications (BLA) and commercial manufacturing. Dr Zapata has a strong background in upstream and downstream process development, process characterization and manufacturing with emphasis in purification processes, analytical assay development and formulation fill finish development. Dr. Zapata was involved in the development, licensing and manufacturing activities of rituximab, trastuzumab and panitumumab, and has participated in the conjugation of potent compounds to antibodies as well as in the construction of manufacturing facilities for biotechnology products.
According to Zapata, the process has proven to be the critical component in the production of therapeutic proteins. “But the process is greatly impacted by the functional behavior and output of a production cell line,” he added. “The crux of the matter is, can we attain sufficient control over the cellular machinery? If so, we can keep bioreactors healthy and maximally productive. Otherwise, and what is most often the case, lack of control leads to the persistent and very costly process challenges that are required to keep protein manufacturing on track.” Continues Zapata, “I was absolutely blown away when I saw the level of control that Intrexon has attained over cellular behavior and functions. I thought, finally, a company has tackled the foremost challenge of protein production at the source and with breakthrough DNA technology that can produce modular combinations of complex transgenes in a very short timeframe. Once I realized the downstream implications for controlling cells I had to become the leader of this industry-shaping division.”
“Dr. Zapata’s track record speaks volumes regarding his world-class bioprocessing knowledge,” stated Randal J. Kirk, Intrexon’s Chairman and CEO. “He is known inside the industry as the master navigator of protein commercialization challenges. His decision to join Intrexon underscores our perspective of the game-changing significance of our capabilities and its application to the production of high value proteins. I look forward to supporting his leadership to the fullest possible measure.”
About Intrexon Corporation
Intrexon Corporation is a privately held life sciences company that employs modular DNA control systems to enhance capabilities, improve safety and lower cost in human therapeutics, protein production, industrial enzymes and ag/bio. The company's advanced transgene engineering platform enables a new level of biotech - combining breakthroughs in DNA control systems with corresponding advancements in modular transgene design, assembly and optimization. The company is currently using these advanced capabilities to undertake foremost challenges across the life sciences spectrum. More information about the company is available at www.DNA.com.
Contact:
Robert Beech
Intrexon Corporation
Phone: 301.556.9812
E-mail: rbeech@intrexon.com
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