Three emerging life sciences companies are getting a $30,000 boost to help get their businesses up and running.
Raleigh-based Zoion Pharma, Chapel Hill-based Qualiber and RTP-based CertiRx each received a $30,000 low interest loans from the
North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
The “company inception loans” are intended to help new businesses meet funding requirements for non-scientific related expenses. The loans were for the maximum amount available through the Biotech Center program.
CertiRx is developing authentication technology to detect counterfeit products, such as phony drugs. Its founder is Dr. Thomas Mercolino, an entrepreneur in residence at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Last year, CertiRx received a $40,000 grant from NC IDEA, an economic development organization.
Qualiber is utilizing nanoparticle technology as a means of delivering drugs. Its co-founders are Dr. Leaf Huang, chairman of the Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics at UNC-CH’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Anil Goyal, an entrepreneur. Huang designed the nanoparticle delivery system.
Greg Mossinghoff, a former president of Inspire Pharmaceuticals, is the founder of Zoion. The company is development a treatment for dry-eye disease in dogs along with other veterinary medicines.
CertiRx and Qualiber are members of the Biotech Center’s Business Acceleration and Technology Out-licensing Network, which provides support for startups.
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