New York State officials today announced the team that has been selected to build and launch BioGenesis, a cell and gene therapy center on Long Island, which will include a biotech incubator to be managed by the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute.

The Blumberg Institute manages the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) in Doylestown and B+labs at Cira Centre in Philadelphia.

Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of the Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation and PABC, said engagement in this new venture will boost his organizations’ efforts to strengthen biotech in Pennsylvania.

“We are thrilled to be part of this project as it will leverage and enhance our current ecosystem in Pennsylvania by allowing us to have more scientific collaborations and work with more academic institutions, which will benefit all that are associated with our two current incubators,” Kassa said. “Our commitment to Pennsylvania is stronger than ever and we believe having a national presence will help bring more attention to the Commonwealth as a home for pioneering biotech innovation.”

Pennsylvania State Senator Steve Santarsiero, whose district includes the PABC, Blumberg Institute and Hepatitis B Foundation, promotes the unique mission of the nonprofit research organization as an exceptional model for nurturing academic research into viable commercial ventures that improve health outcomes.

“It is no surprise that the prestigious Blumberg Institute is being sought out for this important work,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “This collaboration is another example of the vibrant biotech industry in our region, and I am proud to advocate for more investment to extend the reach of the incredible work of the PABC, Blumberg Institute and Hepatitis B Foundation.”

The Blumberg Institute has been engaged to manage the incubator. The Governor’s office said it is: “…a cornerstone of New York BioGenesis Park and supported by a $50 million investment from ESD’s Long Island Investment Fund. This facility will empower early-stage therapeutic developers by offering state-of-the-art wet lab space, shared equipment, office space, and other essential resources. This nurturing environment would provide Cell and Gene Therapy companies with access to specialized equipment, mentoring, and stage-appropriate financial guidance. As a critical component of BioGenesis Park, the incubator is poised to catalyze the growth of promising Cell and Gene Therapy companies by providing them with resources and support, unlocking their potential for innovation and success.”

More about BioGensis from the N.Y. Governor’s office is posted here.

About the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute: An independent, nonprofit research organization, the Blumberg Institute was launched in 2003 by the Hepatitis B Foundation to advance its research mission. Today, the Institute is a leading center for translational research in hepatitis B, liver cancer and related diseases. The Blumberg Institute operates in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), which it manages, in Doylestown, Pa. The Institute also runs a state-of-the-art incubator in Philadelphia, B+labs at Cira Centre, which is a partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and X, @BlumbergInstit1.

About the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC): The PABC uses a highly successful services-based approach to nurture and guide its member companies to success, advance biotechnology, maximize synergies among nonprofit scientists and their commercial colleagues. The PABC has nearly 100 member companies and organizations, mostly small to mid-size science, research and pharmaceutical companies. Nearly 50 of those companies operate on the Doylestown campus, which is home to the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Blumberg Institute. The PABC also manages B+labs at Cira Centre, a new incubator in Philadelphia, in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust. PABC companies have produced numerous FDA-approved drugs and medical devices, and a recent study found that the PABC’s economic impact exceeded $7.3 billion and created more than 1,100 new jobs during 2016-2021. Please visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (@BiotechnologyPa) and Facebook.

About the Hepatitis B Foundation: As the world’s leading hepatitis B advocacy and research organization, the Hepatitis B Foundation is one of the most active proponents of improving hepatitis B screening, prevention, and treatment of the disease. We are the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, Pa., with offices in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900.