News Releases and Coverage
Allen B. Reitz, CEO of Bucks Co. drug discovery company, chosen for second annual Timothy M. Block Biotech Impact Award
Doylestown, Nov. 1, 2024 – The Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) announced today that Allen B. Reitz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Chase Therapeutics Discovery Inc., has been chosen for the second annual Timothy M. Block, PhD, Biotech Impact Award. More here.
New York officials choose team including the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute to build and launch a new research center and incubator on Long Island
Doylestown, Pa., Oct. 22, 2024 – 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 Institute manages the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) in Doylestown and B+labs at Cira Centre in Philadelphia. More here.
Pa.’s top business development official and a leading venture capitalist to speak during Nov. 14 event at PABC
Rick Siger, Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development, and Jennifer Griffin, PhD, partner with California’s Mission BioCapital, will speak at the Nov. 14 Regional Biotechnology Conference at the PABC. The conference, which annually attracts more than 100 biotech industry leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs and professionals in fields tied to the life sciences, will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the PABC’s Doylestown campus.
The Hepatitis B Foundation to hold a community event to celebrate a new book by its co-founder
Doylestown, Pa., Aug. 26, 2024 – When Timothy M. Block, PhD, an award-winning virologist and accomplished inventor, launched the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) in 2006, he didn’t expect that his brainchild would grow into a powerful scientific and economic engine with nearly 100 member companies and flourishing high-tech facilities in both Doylestown and Philadelphia.
Startup at the PABC nets SBIR grant from National Cancer Institute to continue work on a new GI drug
Doylestown Pa., July 23, 2024 - Biotech entrepreneur and Blumberg Institute professor Kunwar Shailubhai, PhD, the pioneer of therapeutic applications of guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) signaling and an inventor of the widely prescribed medicine Trulance(R), has been awarded a Phase 1 SBIR grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue to conduct GC-C related research, which could potentially lead to development of a new drug for colorectal cancer (CRC), ulcerative colitis (UC) and other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. More here.
Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) announces winner of $250,000 investment
Doylestown Pa., July 19, 2024 - A promising biotech startup from Philadelphia was chosen from among three stellar companies presenting at the 10th Annual Entrepreneur Spotlight on July 18 at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) as winner of the highly competitive event. The choice was determined by a panel of four expert judges and the audience of nearly 100 people, and the vote was quite close. More here.
PABC names its first Entrepreneur in Residence to advise startups at the incubator
The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) has appointed Nick Spring, BSc (Hons), DipM, MCIM, a former executive in the pharmaceutical industry, as its first Entrepreneur in Residence. At the outset, Nick is advising five spinout companies from the PABC’s parent organization, the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute: Cirna, Merlin, Harligene, Pentravalent and Rimmsting. He also is providing guidance to 10 other companies that received grants last year from the PABC’s Academic Innovation Zone (AIZ) program. More here.
Three highly promising biotechs chosen to compete for $250,000 investment
Doylestown, July 2, 2024 – The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) today announced the three local biotech startups chosen out of more than 40 companies that submitted applications to compete in PABC’s 10th Annual Entrepreneur Spotlight. Hatch BioFund, which is the venture capital fund affiliated with PABC, pledged to make a $250,000 investment in the company that is voted as the winner of the pitch competition. Please read more here.
The 2024 Trailblazers in Health Care (City & State Pa.)
June 29, 2024 - From the biotech startups and nationally top-ranked hospitals of Philadelphia’s University City to the osteopathic-medicine empire expanding from its Lake Erie base, Pennsylvania’s health care landscape is without a doubt among the nation’s most dynamic. More here.
Café with Soul & Bucks County family funding major enhancements at PABC Teaching Lab
March 30, 2024 - Café with Soul and a Bucks County family are donating $120,000 to support major enhancements to the teaching lab at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), which is used by high school students from the Central Bucks School District and other high schools across the region. The funds, which will pay for new advanced scientific instruments, equipment and supplies that students use for both instructional and applied research, have been donated by Café with Soul, a nonprofit restaurant with a charitable mission. Please read more here.
Taking it to a new level: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center to hold $250,000 pitch competition
Doylestown, June 10, 2024 – On July 18, more than one hundred scientists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, biotech investors and others will gather at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) for the PABC’s 10th Annual Entrepreneur Spotlight, which this year features a major financial incentive: a $250,000 investment that will be made in the biotech company that wins the event’s pitch competition. The Entrepreneur Spotlight will be held on July 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the PABC in Doylestown. Please read more here.
What’s the Secret Sauce to Creating an Incubator Space That Helps Convert Academic Ideas into Valued Offerings? (pharmexec.com)
April 11, 2024 - Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, is CEO of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), Hepatitis B Foundation and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. He recently was named to the Philadelphia Business Joural. With locations in Doylestown and University City, Philadelphia, the PABC has grown dramatically in recent years and now has more than 100 member companies, about 70 of which have operations in our two incubators, filling both to capacity. Kassa received his master’s in Public Administration from Villanova University and bachelor’s from Penn State. Please read more here.
Harnessing humans’ inquisitive nature for humanitarian Life Sciences (TechWire Asia)
April 6, 2024 - The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) is a collaborative space that encourages cross-pollination between research teams and nascent companies in the life sciences. The ethos of advancing the discipline at the cutting edge is a deal more pervasive than the expectation of monetary return for the Center. In that way, the Center is unlike most incubators we’ve covered in the past.
Please read more here.
Former Gov. Mark Schweiker honored at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center
March 15, 2024 – Former Gov. Mark Schweiker, a Bucks County native and resident, was honored March 14 at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) in Doylestown. In 2001, Gov. Schweiker approved the $8 million state grant to the Hepatitis B Foundation that funded construction of Bucks County’s first and only biotech incubator, which today is home to 52 early stage and developing companies.
Please read more here.
17 Incubators for US-Based Biotech Startups in 2024 - Excedr
Below is an up-to-date list of 17 US-based biotech incubators currently supporting the next generation of scientists and researchers. Before we get to it, let’s quickly review what an incubator is and what resources and services are typically provided.
Please read more here.
Louis P. Kassa III, CEO of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center named to Philadelphia’s Power 100
Feb. 28, 2024 – For the second consecutive year, Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, chief executive officer of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), has been chosen by the Philadelphia Business Journal for its Power 100 list, which is being released this week. Kassa became named CEO of the organizations on July 1, 2022, succeeding co-founder Timothy M. Block, PhD. In 2019, Dr. Block was named by the Philadelphia Business Journal to its Power 100 list.
Please read more here.
Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center to support promising life sciences startup through its new Academic Innovation Zone program
Jan. 26, 2024 - Through a pilot program aimed at accelerating and supporting life sciences startups in our state, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) will provide financial support and free lab space to more than a dozen startups at the PABC in Doylestown, its B+labs incubator in Philadelphia and elsewhere in Pennsylvania. The PABC’s new initiative, the Academic Innovation Zone, is managing $5 million through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from the federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds. More here.
The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), with the help of Member Companies, hosts successful food drive
Jan. 1, 2024 - The 16th Annual Food drive at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) once again was a major success. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 11, staff with the Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, PABC and the nearly 50 PABC-member companies at the Doylestown Township campus donated non-perishable food items or cash to help Bucks County residents in need. More here.
Hatch BioFund Announces New Partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust
Dec. 20, 2023 – Hatch BioFund Management LLC (“Hatch BioFund”), an early- stage life sciences venture capital firm headquartered in the Philadelphia region, and Brandywine Realty Trust (“Brandywine”), one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States, announced today a new partnership to support the advancement of life sciences companies in Greater Philadelphia. More here.
Louis Kassa, CEO of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Blumberg Institute and PABC, congratulates John Crowley of Amicus on being named BIO president and CEO
Dec. 5, 2023 - Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, CEO of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), today called the choice of John F. Crowley, JD, MBA, executive chairman, Amicus Therapeutics, to be president and CEO of BIO “a brilliant decision that will produce tangible benefits to the biotech industry.” Please read more here.
Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero honored at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC)
Nov. 17, 2023 - The Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) yesterday presented Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero, who represents residents of Bucks County, with the organizations’ first annual Timothy M. Block, PhD, Biotech Impact Award. The Senator was honored at the 23rd Annual Regional Biotechnology Conference at the PABC, which was attended by about 100 professionals in the life sciences, finance and related sectors. Along with the award, Sen. Santarsiero was presented with a personalized lab coat from the Blumberg Institute. Please read more here.
Jim Greenwood, former Congressman, ex-CEO of the world’s top biotech industry association, honored at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center
Oct. 19, 2023 - The Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) honored Jim Greenwood, former Congressman and ex-CEO of BIO, at the organizations’ first Fireside Chat, held Oct. 17, by adding his portrait to their Public Service Wall of Fame. Please read more here.
Industry experts discuss the advancing the regional life sciences industry at Philly Builds Bio+: Second Annual Symposium
Sept. 13, 2023 – The CEO of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, moderated a panel discussion about “Philly Life Science Continuum: Fueling the Advancement of Science” at the Philly Builds Bio+: Second Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development yesterday in Philadelphia’s Union League Club. Please read more here.
The Wistar Institute, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute Forge Strategic Collaboration to Support Regional Biotech Startups
May 9, 2023 - The Wistar Institute has formed a new strategic collaboration with the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) and the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute to accelerate the advancement of “bench to bedside” biomedical research discoveries in the tri-state region by collectively supporting the seeding, launching and maturation of life science startups. Please read more here.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Acting DCED Secretary Siger Highlight the Governor’s Plans to Support Pennsylvania’s Growing Biotechnology Industry in Visit to Bucks County
April 27, 2023 - Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Acting Secretary Rick Siger visited the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Doylestown to speak with leaders in Pennsylvania’s growing innovation economy and discuss the Shapiro Administration’s plan to support their continued success. The Shapiro Administration is focused on making Pennsylvania a national and global leader in innovation industries – like biotechnology – and in his first budget, Governor Shapiro proposed a significant downpayment in economic development, increasing funding for key incentive programs and initiatives that fund innovation, STEM education, and workforce development. Please read more here.
Louis P. Kassa III, CEO of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center named to Philadelphia’s Power 101
March 1, 2023 – Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, chief executive officer of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) was chosen by the Philadelphia Business Journal for its Power 101 list, which is being released this week. Kassa became named CEO of the organizations on July 1, succeeding co-founder Timothy M. Block, PhD. In 2019, Dr. Block was named by the Philadelphia Business Journal to its Power 100 list. Please read more here.
Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Doylestown is epicenter of startups, investment - The Intelligencer
Jan. 9, 2023 - Timely state investment and cutting-edge laboratories and support has positioned the Doylestown-based Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center as crucial cog in Bucks County's burgeoning scientific industry. The center looks to maintain its pace by maximizing the investments it receives and improving upon its academic offerings. It recently received a $5 million investment from the state for the center's Academic Innovation Zone program.
State to invest $5 million in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) to support early stage companies at its two incubators
Nov. 17, 2022 - State legislators joined the CEOs of the nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) and Brandywine Realty Trust to announce today that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is making a $5 million investment in the PABC’s new Academic Innovation Zone program. Ranked as one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators, the PABC operates two facilities. The headquarters and original location is in Doylestown, and B+labs at Cira Center is in Philadelphia. B+labs is run by the PABC in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust. Please read more here.
Louis P. Kassa III becomes president of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC)
Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, became president of the nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) on July 1, 2022. He also is now interim chief executive officer of the PABC, Hepatitis B Foundation and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. Please read more here.
Doylestown-Based Biotech Center Receives Backing From a Major Healthcare Equipment Company – Bucks County Today
Sept. 27, 2022 - The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) recently received assistance from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a maker of scientific and healthcare equipment. Through the backing, the Doylestown biotech center, plus its new B+labs in the Cira Centre, Philadelphia, will be able to use important equipment to improve the quality of healthcare in the Philadelphia region. More here.
Local leaders help celebrate a $20 million expansion project at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), a unique facility in Bucks County
A $20 million expansion project at the nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators, officially opened today (May 20), when local elected officials and the nonprofit’s management cut a ceremonial ribbon on the new building’s front steps. The PABC, which is next to the Doylestown Airport in Buckingham Township (3805 Old Easton Road), has nearly 90 member companies, 50 of which have operations in the facility. Please read more here.
New report: PABC generates $7.3 billion in economic activity, 2016-2021
May 13, 2022 - The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) generated $7.3 billion in economic activity in the region during 2016 to 2021, according to a new study commissioned by the PABC’s management. Please read more here.
B+labs at Cira Centre Fully Occupied and Open
May 9, 2022 - Today, Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) announce B+labs at Cira Centre is not only open but fully leased. The list of life science leaders occupying the B+labs community includes 3D Systems, Asklepios Biopharmaceutical (AskBio), BriaCell Therapeutics Corp., Carisma Therapeutics, Ceptur Therapeutics, Quanta Therapeutics, Synapticure, Tmunity Therapeutics, Vetigenics, and Vitara Biomedical, among others. Please read more here.
Sen. Santarsiero Secures Nearly $2 Million for Local Investments in Science & Technology
April 22, 2022 - State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced nearly $2 million in state funds he has secured from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for two investments in science and medical technology to improve lives and grow our regional economy. The awards are to Thrombolex, Inc., $1,200,000, and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), $722,500. Please read more here.
California-based biotech expands R&D footprint at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC)
Jan. 27, 2022 - The nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators, is proud to announce that IGM Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: IGMS) of Mountain View, Calif., is one of the center’s newest member companies and will be expanding its R&D footprint at the PABC’s Doylestown campus. Please read more here.
Life Sciences Leaders to Lease Space at B.Labs, Powered by the PABC
Nov. 16, 2021 — Today, Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) announced that B.Labs at Cira Centre has been 50% leased to notable life science companies. These companies are both new to the Philadelphia region and growing local companies and include BriaCell, Ceptur Therapeutics, Leal Therapeutics, and Vitara Biomedical, among others. Please read more here.
Biotech industry expert joins Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) as director of Philadelphia’s B.Labs at Cira Centre
The nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators, has recruited Matthew F. Burkhardt, a biotech industry expert and scientist, to be the first director of B.Labs at Cira Centre, a new life sciences incubator in University City, Philadelphia. Please read more here.
New president announced for the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC)
Louis P. Kassa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), will become the center’s president in July 2022. He will succeed Timothy M. Block, PhD, who made the announcement Sept. 27. Please read more here.
Tim Block to step down as president of Hepatitis B Foundation, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center
The long-time president of the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County is stepping down from both posts — but not until next summer. Timothy M. Block will continue to lead both Doylestown-based organizations until July 2022. Please read more here.
Sneak peek: Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center nears debut of $20M expansion in Bucks County
The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County's long-awaited $20 million expansion is set to make its debut next month. The project will house 15,000 square feet of new laboratory space and a "more welcoming" main entrance for the center, plus additional offices, conference rooms, and a 200-seat event space. Please read more here.
PABC Entrepreneur Spotlight to highlight three PABC-member companies for potential investors
On July 22, several hundred scientists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, biotech investors and others are expected to join online for the Seventh Annual “Entrepreneur Spotlight,” sponsored by the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC). Please read more here.
Blumberg Institute and the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University to promote MBA program
The Blumberg Institute and Saint Joseph’s University are announcing a new partnership between the Erivan K. Haub School of Business and Blumberg Institute to promote the University’s Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing MBA to industry professionals. The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing MBA is an on-campus and online, industry-focused program. Please read more here.
PABC announces new collaboration and $10 million investment pledge from Daiichi Sankyo Inc.
March 31, 2021 – The nonprofit Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators, today announced a new collaboration that includes a pledge by Daiichi Sankyo to become an investor in the fund managed by Hatch Biofund Management LLC. Please read more here.
PABC chosen by Brandwine Real Estate Trust to develop, launch and manage new B.Labs in Philadelphia
March 24, 2021 - Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), today announced B.Labs—a Life Science incubator at Cira Centre directly adjacent to Brandywine’s 14 acre $3.5 billion Schuylkill Yards neighborhood in University City, Philadelphia. Please read more here.
CBS3 TV ad featuring the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center with Lou Kassa
Dec. 2020 - Watch the ad here.
Bucks County biotechnology center fosters innovations aimed at the pandemic
Dec. 18, 2020 - In the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic, local scientists working in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, know even the smallest contributions make a real difference. Timothy Block, co-founder, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, said that..Please read more.
Bucks business activity remains high even during pandemic
Dec. 17, 2020 - From scaling an idea to manufacturing and engineering it, accessing space for bio science research and development or launching a new business Bucks County’s resources are home growing the next frontier. Please read more.
PABC's Lou Kassa named one of The 10 Best COOs of 2020
Doylestown, Nov. 19, 2020 – Louis P. Kassa, MPA, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, has been named one of “The 10 Best COOs of 2020” by Industry Era, a global technology media outlet. The list includes COOs from a wide variety of organizations worldwide. Please read more.
Pharmaceutical, financial industry experts lined up for free, online Annual Biotechnology Conference
Oct. 6, 2020 – The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) and the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute today announced the list of pharmaceutical and financial industry experts who will speak at their Annual Biotechnology Conference, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 3-5:30 p.m. Please read more.
Community celebrates $19 million expansion of Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Doylestown
Sept 18, 2020 - Kicking a football through a ceremonial goalpost, Lou Kassa joined with founders and county officials to celebrate the launch of a $19 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, a long-awaited project that is expected to bring more than 100 new jobs to the facility after its planned fall 2021 opening. Read more.
$19M Expansion At Biotechnology Center In Buckingham Underway
Sept 18, 2020 - Construction began this week on a $19 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in Buckingham Township. The PABC, which is on Old Easton Road next to the Doylestown Airport, has received $4.4 million in state grants from Pennsylvania for the project. Read more.
Philadelphia-area companies, researchers battling Covid-19 among recipients of $10 million in grants
August 28, 2020 - Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf yesterday (Aug. 27) announced the award of 23 grants totaling $10 million for R&D associated with COVID-19 to Pennsylvania universities and other organizations, and four are coming to the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), a nonprofit that is one of the nation’s most successful life sciences incubators. Read more.
PABC Entrepreneur Spotlight draws largest audience in its six-year history
July 30, 2020 – More than 150 professionals in the life sciences, investment and related fields participated in the Sixth Annual “Entrepreneur Spotlight” on July 23, which was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC). Read more.