Dr. James Wilson, a pioneer in gene therapy, has launched Franklin Biolabs, a new company in King of Prussia at the Discovery Labs complex, reports John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Wilson started Franklin Biolabs after more than three decades at the University of Pennsylvania. The new venture hired over 130 employees, many of whom also came from Penn. The university has licensed its gene therapy technology to the new venture and Wilson’s second venture, Gemma Bio.
Franklin Biolabs is a contract research organization focused on genetic medicines, offering services such as immunology, vector production, and bioinformatics. Wilson aims to accelerate the process of bringing transformative gene therapies to patients with severe diseases. The company received backing from Savanne Life Sciences, the investment arm of Bioculture Group. Mehul Bhatt of Savanne will serve on its board.
In a related venture, Gemma Bio has entered a $134 million agreement with Passage Bio to develop treatments for rare genetic disorders like GM1 gangliosidosis and Krabbe disease. Gemma Bio shares the same goal as Franklin Biolabs to advance scientific research into clinical trials and commercialize life-saving therapies. Gemma Bio employs 110 people.
Wilson’s new venture will focus on moving gene therapy discoveries from the lab to patients more quickly. Franklin Biolabs will support research on multiple continents, inspired by the scientific legacy of Ben Franklin. Both Franklin Biolabs and Gemma Bio are positioned to make significant strides in genetic medicine, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.
“I’ve never been more excited about my career,” Wilson said.
Read more about Dr. James Wilson and his new ventures at the Philadelphia Business Journal.
