Finalists Named for VA Bioscience Company of the Year
The Virginia Biotechnology Association (VABIO) announced that four bioscience companies have been selected as finalists for the 2011 Virginia Bioscience Company of the Year Award. The award, to be presented at a special reception in Richmond on Thursday, May 26, recognizes the biotech or medical device company that has distinguished itself from its peers with strong overall performance and best exemplifies the innovative spirit of the Virginia life sciences community.
The finalists are:
- ADial Pharmaceuticals, based in Charlottesville, develops novel prescription medications for addictions and addictive-related disorders.
- Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. located in Richmond, is a national clinical reference laboratory and is emerging as a leader in disease state management.
- Intelliject, a medical device company, headquartered in Richmond, is developing a novel epinephrine auto injector for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
- Tau Therapeutics, is a Charlottesville-based drug development company with a first-in-class, non-toxic oncology drug for treating all solid tumors.
The judges, all former chairs of the VABIO board of directors, selected the finalists from a field of nominees based on their outstanding achievements in the following categories:
- Achieved significant, measurable success (e.g., technological breakthroughs, increased revenues, employee growth)
- Contributed to the advancement of biosciences through cutting-edge research and development or commercialization
- A reasonable plan for growth or a successfully executed growth strategy (e.g., merger, acquisition or brought a new product to market)
- Helped foster a vibrant bioscience community within Virginia
“Due to the remarkable quality of the nominees, selecting the finalists was extremely difficult, “ said Dr. David Ayares, immediate past chairman of the Virginia Biotechnology Association and the president of a Blacksburg biotech company called Revivicor. “The four finalists are all exemplary companies who are making amazing advancements in improving the standard of care for patients in numerous areas of need.”
“Intelliject is delighted to be included in such an impressive group of Virginia life science companies,” said Spencer Williamson, CEO of Intelliject. “The finalists are another indication of the exciting healthcare innovation that is happening in the Commonwealth.”
“Tau Therapeutics is thrilled to be included as a finalist for 2011 Virginia Bioscience Company of the Year Award,” said Andrew Krouse, president and CEO of Tau Therapeutics. “This award showcases the exciting innovations, and hopefully life-saving products, coming out of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia is a great place to start and build a company.”
“Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. is honored to be a part of Virginia’s vibrant life sciences community. It’s a privilege to be selected as a finalist for the Virginia Bioscience Company of the Year Award and most importantly — to work alongside so many impressive leaders in the biotech sector throughout the Commonwealth,” said Tonya Mallory, CEO and Co-founder of HDL, Inc.
“ADial Pharmaceuticals is preparing to commence Phase III trials of its drug, AD04, which is expected to revolutionize the way alcohol addiction and other addictions are treated,” noted William Stilley, CEO of ADial Pharmaceuticals. “We are honored and excited that VA BIO has chosen to recognize our work by selecting us as a finalist for its prestigious Virginia Bioscience Company of the Year Award.”
The Virginia Bioscience Company of the Year Award, presented by the Virginia Biotechnology Association and sponsored by the law firm Cooley LLP and Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America, will be presented on Thursday, May 26 at a special reception honoring Virginia’s biopharmaceutical industry from 4:00-6:30 pm at the Pfizer research facility in Richmond. The event is free but RSVP is required. Please RSVP to Katie@alliancegroupltd.com for details.
About VABIO:
The Virginia Biotechnology Association (VABIO), is the statewide trade group that promotes the considerable scientific and economic impact of the life sciences industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VABIO is the official state affiliate of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). For more information, visit www.vabio.org.
