Aptagen, LLC is a global leader in aptamer development with over 25 years of experience generating high affinity and specifically-binding aptamers for small molecules, proteins, cells, and tissues. We produce state-of-the-art target-recognition elements for diagnostics, therapeutics, and bio-industrial applications.
Aptagen has grown from a one-man operation with the ingenuity and support of interns, graduate students, and post-docs to a tight-knit developing business with a world-class team of scientists, servicing clients ranging globally from research academics at top-tier institutions to BigPharma companies. Aptagen was named as a finalist for the “Top Emerging Business of the Year” of 2011 by Central Penn Business Journal. Aptamers are an emerging technology that is poised to become the next evolution in diagnostics and drug discovery. Aptagen continues to play a leading role in developing aptamer technology that will assist in the treatment and diagnosis of various diseases. Today, Aptagen is a leader in the field of aptamers and has a strong reputation for “Taking on Challenging Projects, and Delivering Positive Results.”
Aptagen was formed in 2004, and operations began two years later in 2006. Aptagen is located in Jacobus, PA, a suburb of York, beautifully surrounded by Lake Redman and Lake Williams and conveniently situated off of Interstate 83. The facility is a forty-minute drive from Johns Hopkins University and Hershey Medical Center.
Ph.D.
President & CEO
tom@aptagen.com
ext. 500
Dr. Caltagirone, who has over 25 years of research and business experience in start-ups, is the President & CEO of Aptagen, LLC. A native of York, PA, he began his studies at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry followed by a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Drexel University. He completed his thesis on “Proton-Sensitive Ribozyme Switches with Molecular Memory” at Yale University. His training and technical skills are primarily in the area of Molecular Biology with several patents and publications under his name.
Administrative Assistant
admin@aptagen.com
ext. 301
Michelle is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She earned her Associates Degree from Consolidated School of Business. Before coming to Aptagen, she was a judicial secretary. She has over 10 years’ experience in an office setting.
Principal Scientist
Weihua began basic studies at Nankai University in China, and continued advanced training at Nankai, Harbin Medical University (China) and IPK (Germany). In US, he has focused on R&D of Aptamer and Anti-Sense strategies for more than 25 years.
Lab Director
lab@aptagen.com
Albert Liao earned his bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in the field of Biomedical Engineering. He then participated in the internship program and graduated to assume the Lab Director position. In his time at Aptagen, Albert contributed to many aspects of the lab, including Aptamer R&D and Oligonucleotide Synthesis.
Project Manager
project@aptagen.com
Cory Benson earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Arcadia University. After graduating from Aptagen’s internship program in May 2015, he assumed the position of Project Manager. His current responsibilities include carrying out SELEX experiments, improving upon Aptagen’s established protocols, and training interns.
