The biotechnology sector is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, contributing significantly to advancements in medicine, therapeutics, and diagnostics. In the United States, biotechnology plays a crucial role in economic development and healthcare innovation. Wilmington, Delaware, has become an emerging biotech hub, home to biotech companies in Delaware that are leveraging research and venture capital to develop new medical solutions.
Delaware’s biotech ecosystem benefits from its proximity to major research institutions in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York, providing access to skilled professionals and venture capital investments. According to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the U.S. biotech sector is projected to exceed $1.3 trillion in market value by 2030, with key areas of growth in gene therapy, biologics, personalized medicine, and AI-driven drug discovery.
Wilmington’s thriving biotech community includes startups and established firms, forming a list of biotech companies in Delaware that contribute to medical advancements in oncology, rare diseases, and immunological disorders. This blog highlights 15 venture-backed biotech companies headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, that are shaping the future of life sciences.
Incyte is a biotechnology company specializing in cancer and immune-related therapies. Headquartered in Wilmington, DE, Incyte has significantly contributed to the biotech sector with its innovative treatments. Its flagship product, Jakafi (ruxolitinib), is an FDA-approved therapy for myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. The company continues expanding its clinical research with ongoing trials targeting various cancer types, immune disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Incyte collaborates with leading pharmaceutical companies, including Merck and Eli Lilly, to expand its research pipeline and explore new treatment avenues.
Prelude Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on precision oncology. The company specializes in small-molecule inhibitors targeting specific cancer pathways to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects. With strong backing from venture capital firms, Prelude has expanded its pipeline to include treatments for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company’s lead drug candidates are currently in clinical trials, showing promising early results.
NiKang Therapeutics focuses on small-molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer-driving proteins. The company employs a structure-based drug discovery approach to develop highly selective compounds for oncology treatment. Backed by venture investors, NiKang continues advancing its preclinical and early-stage clinical programs. Its lead compounds address aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers by targeting oncogenic pathways.
ACROBiosystems is a global provider of recombinant proteins, antibodies, and assay kits used in drug discovery and biopharmaceutical research. The company plays a crucial role in accelerating drug development by supplying essential reagents for preclinical and clinical studies. Headquartered in Newark, DE, ACROBiosystems collaborates with major pharmaceutical and biotech companies in Delaware to improve biologic drug formulations, enhance vaccine development, and support cell therapy research.
ANP Technologies develops advanced nanotechnology-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The company’s proprietary immunoassay platforms improve sensitivity in detecting infectious diseases, monitoring immune responses, and evaluating drug efficacy. ANP Technologies has received multiple grants and venture funding to advance its research, particularly in developing rapid detection systems for viral pathogens and biothreat agents.
Altamira Therapeutics specializes in RNA-based drug discovery and targeted drug delivery. The company develops novel treatments for respiratory diseases, hearing loss, and inflammatory conditions. Using proprietary delivery platforms, Altamira aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of RNA-based therapies. Several candidates in its research pipeline are undergoing preclinical and early clinical evaluations.
CorriXR Therapeutics applies CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop new cancer treatments. The company focuses on therapies that precisely modify genes linked to cancer progression, with the potential for long-term remission. With strong investment support, CorriXR collaborates with research institutions to accelerate its therapeutic programs.
Foresee Pharmaceuticals develops extended-release drug formulations and innovative delivery systems to improve patient adherence to treatments. The company’s research focuses on chronic disease management, pain relief, and hormone therapy. Several Foresee formulations have successfully completed clinical trials, and the company is working with regulatory agencies to bring them to market.
Dermaliq Therapeutics develops transdermal drug delivery technologies to improve dermatological treatments. The company specializes in lipid-based formulations that enhance the penetration and efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients. With an emphasis on patient-friendly therapies, Dermaliq is advancing treatments for eczema, psoriasis, acne, and androgenic alopecia. The company has secured venture funding to support clinical trials and expand its research pipeline.
Bora CDMO is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), recognized as one of the top biotech companies in Delaware, offering end-to-end services for pharmaceutical and biotech firms. The company provides formulation development, process optimization, and large-scale commercial manufacturing. Bora CDMO supports biotech startups by delivering scalable solutions that help streamline the drug development process.
Noramco is a leading supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pain management, neuroscience, and addiction treatment. The company specializes in manufacturing controlled substances, including opioids and cannabinoids, ensuring a reliable supply chain for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Noramco operates a Wilmington-based facility with advanced manufacturing technologies, contributing to Delaware biotech companies and ensuring compliance with stringent quality and regulatory requirements. The company continues investing in research to develop next-generation APIs for safer and more effective therapeutics.
Analytical Biological Services
Analytical Biological Services specializes in providing high-quality reagents, cell lines, and assay kits for research and drug discovery applications. The company supports academic institutions, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies with customized solutions for genomics, proteomics, and molecular biology research. Its focus on reproducibility and precision has positioned Analytical Biological Services as a trusted partner for scientific innovation.
Seven Star Pharmaceutical applies solid-state chemistry to optimize drug formulations. The company specializes in crystal engineering and polymorphism to enhance drug stability, bioavailability, and solubility. Its research is particularly valuable for developing controlled-release formulations and improving the effectiveness of poorly soluble drugs.
Smooth Drug Development offers clinical trial management and regulatory consulting services for biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The company provides end-to-end support for clinical studies, including trial design, patient recruitment, data analysis, and regulatory submissions. With experience across multiple therapeutic areas, Smooth Drug Development helps biotech firms efficiently navigate clinical development and regulatory compliance.
Marinus Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurological disorders. Headquartered in Wilmington, DE, Marinus is advancing treatments for rare seizure disorders such as CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) and status epilepticus. The company’s lead product, Ganaxolone, is a neuroactive steroid that has shown promise in clinical trials for treating epilepsy and other central nervous system disorders. With strong venture capital backing, Marinus Pharmaceuticals is at the forefront of developing precision treatments for difficult-to-treat neurological conditions. The company collaborates with research institutions and regulatory agencies to bring groundbreaking therapies to patients in need.
Conclusion
Wilmington, Delaware, continues to establish itself as a center for biotech innovation. With strong venture capital support, a skilled workforce, and access to major research institutions, the city fosters a thriving life sciences ecosystem.
These 15 venture-backed firms form a robust list of biotech companies in Delaware, advancing drug discovery, precision medicine, and therapeutic development while making significant contributions to global healthcare. As the biotech industry evolves, Wilmington’s biotech sector is well-positioned for sustained growth and scientific breakthroughs.
Biotech firms seeking to enhance their research capabilities can benefit from digital tools that streamline operations, improve collaboration, and optimize data management. Scispot provides a specialized TechBio platform that helps biotech firms accelerate innovation through automation and data-driven decision-making.
