GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Intrexon Corporation, a next generation synthetic biology company, today announced the launch of its Animal Science Division and appointment of Thomas R. Kasser, Ph.D. as Division President and a Senior Vice President of the Corporation. The Division is located in Germantown, Maryland, and focused on pioneering novel approaches that protect and enhance the health of companion and production animals, improve production animal efficiency, and enable more relevant animal research models.
“Intrexon has the technology and capabilities to enable significant advancements in animal science,” states Kasser. “Much of what the company has developed in its Human Therapeutics and Protein Production Divisions can be applied with minimal rework for application in animal health – the use of Intrexon’s RheoSwitch Therapeutic System™ to control the in vivo expression of protein therapeutics and prophylactics is particularly compelling.” Kasser continues, “In addition, there is a clear opportunity to broaden and deepen the market for transgenic research models. Historical models have lacked the ability to control in concert the activation, duration, level, and location of targeted inhibition and overexpression of gene transcripts and proteins. Intrexon’s technology and know-how can overcome this limitation and deliver an exciting new level of control for researchers. As a result, many diseases and conditions will have more realistic and relevant models for predicting the downstream success of targeted therapeutics.”
Dr. Kasser brings over 25 years of business management experience in the biotechnology and life sciences industries. He was most recently President and CEO of Angionics, Inc., an early-stage biotech company focused on novel anti-angiogenic technology directed at therapies for cancer and ocular diseases. Prior to Angionics, he was a Covance Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Covance Research Products. Dr. Kasser’s career includes over 20 years of experience at Monsanto Company both in commercial as well as scientific leadership roles, including tenures as General Manager of Monsanto Choice Genetics, directing new product development for the Nutrition and Consumer products business, and managing clinical safety and efficacy trials under the jurisdiction of the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kasser was designated a Monsanto Fellow in recognition of his scientific and technical excellence. Dr. Kasser received his Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Georgia and a M.S. in Animal Nutrition from the Pennsylvania State University. He also received an MBA from Washington University - St. Louis.
“Dr. Kasser has the multi-faceted scientific and business leadership experience we have been seeking for this Division,” states Randal J. Kirk, Intrexon’s Chairman and CEO. “I am very pleased Tom has joined the Intrexon executive team and look forward to empowering his product and partnering initiatives to the fullest measure.”
About Intrexon Corporation
Intrexon Corporation is a privately held synthetic biology company that employs modular DNA control systems to enhance capabilities, improve safety and lower cost in human therapeutics, protein production, industrial products, agricultural biotechnology, and animal science. The company’s advanced transgene engineering platform enables Better DNA™ by combining breakthroughs in DNA control systems with corresponding advancements in modular transgene design, assembly and optimization. The company is currently using these advanced capabilities to undertake foremost challenges across the spectrum for biological applications. More information about the company is available at www.DNA.com.
Contact:
Intrexon Corporation Robert Beech, 301-556-9850 rbeech@intrexon.com
