Frederick, Maryland, is a growing center for biotech in Frederick MD. Home to numerous venture-backed companies, this region supports research, product development, and commercialization efforts in biotechnology. These companies focus on areas such as cell and gene therapy, biomanufacturing, and precision medicine.
In this blog, we explore the top 20 venture-backed biotech companies in Frederick MD that are making important contributions to the industry.
Akonni Biosystems develops high-throughput molecular diagnostic platforms that streamline genetic testing. Their proprietary microarray-based assays enable rapid detection of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic disorders. The company collaborates with academic research centers and biotech firms to expand the applications of its integrated sample preparation technology for clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine.
BioFactura specializes in biosimilar drug development and biodefense therapeutics. Their BioFactura Biomanufacturing Platform (BPM) ensures scalable and cost-effective production of biologics and monoclonal antibodies. The company has secured FDA approvals for biosimilar candidates and is advancing an antiviral therapy for smallpox through federal contracts.
Biological Mimetics focuses on rational vaccine design using computational biology and protein engineering. Their proprietary technology enhances vaccine efficacy while minimizing side effects. The company’s vaccine candidates target viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, and they have received government funding to advance their pipeline in emerging infectious diseases.
Cartesian Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering mRNA-based cell therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Headquartered in Frederick, MD, Cartesian is developing a pipeline of innovative therapies aimed at providing long-lasting solutions for patients with severe autoimmune conditions. Their lead product candidates are currently undergoing clinical trials, reflecting their commitment to advancing novel treatments in the biotech sector.
Charles River Laboratories supports preclinical and clinical research with a focus on high-containment biologics testing and vaccine development. Their Frederick facility specializes in viral clearance studies, pharmacokinetics, and safety assessments, working with biopharmaceutical companies and government agencies.
Eminent Services provides drug discovery, toxicology, and formulation development services for small-molecule therapeutics and biologics. They assist biotech companies with analytical support for clinical trials, ensuring compliance with FDA regulatory guidelines and optimizing drug development pipelines.
Forecyte Bio is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) focused on cell therapy, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. Their GMP-compliant manufacturing facility in Frederick supports clinical-scale production, analytical testing, and regulatory submission services. They work with biotech firms to accelerate the commercialization of cell-based therapies.
ImQuest BioSciences is a contract research organization (CRO) specializing in infectious disease therapeutics, oncology treatments, and antiviral drug development. Their ImQuestSUCCESS platform evaluates drug efficacy, toxicity, and resistance, helping biotech firms optimize their clinical candidates before FDA submission.
Kemp Proteins provides protein expression, purification, and structural characterization services for biopharmaceutical companies developing monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and diagnostic assays. Their high-throughput recombinant protein production technologies help researchers accelerate biologics development and therapeutic screening.
Leidos Biomedical Research manages the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, conducting studies in oncology, virology, and molecular diagnostics. They work with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop targeted cancer therapies, biomarker discovery programs, and advanced imaging technologies.
VaLogic provides biopharmaceutical manufacturing support, quality control services, and GMP compliance consulting. Their Frederick-based validation and compliance facility helps biotech companies scale up production, ensure regulatory readiness, and optimize cleanroom environments for biologics manufacturing. VaLogic also offers environmental monitoring solutions to maintain sterility in pharmaceutical production.
Poochon Proteomics Solutions specializes in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, supporting biomedical research, biomarker discovery, and drug development. Their bioinformatics and analytical platforms allow biotech firms to study complex protein interactions and advance precision medicine. The company collaborates with academic institutions, pharmaceutical firms, and biotech startups to enhance proteomics-driven drug development.
Precision for Medicine integrates biomarker analytics with clinical research to support personalized medicine and targeted therapies. Their real-world data solutions enhance patient recruitment, regulatory approvals, and clinical trial success rates, helping biotech firms accelerate time-to-market for novel therapies. They offer companion diagnostics development and immune monitoring services to optimize clinical research outcomes.
RoosterBio is a supplier of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) and bioprocess solutions for cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Their standardized cell culture products help biotech firms scale up cell-based therapies more efficiently and reduce production costs. RoosterBio works with biomanufacturers and research institutions to improve scalability and cost efficiency in stem cell manufacturing.
SriSai Biopharmaceutical Solutions
SriSai Biopharmaceutical Solutions operates a biorepository for specimen storage, clinical trial sample management, and cryopreservation. Their custom biobanking solutions support precision medicine, immunotherapy research, and FDA-regulated drug development programs. The company provides long-term storage of biological samples for biotech firms conducting genomics and cellular therapy research.
Texcell provides viral clearance testing, immunogenicity analysis, and biosafety assessments for biotech firms. Their high-throughput screening and customized analytical solutions support vaccine development, gene therapy trials, and regulatory compliance. Texcell partners with biopharmaceutical companies to validate the safety and efficacy of biologics and vaccines before they enter human trials.
Theradaptive engineers recombinant proteins for orthopedic and regenerative medicine applications. Their targeted protein delivery platform is used in spinal fusion, bone regeneration, and soft tissue repair, enabling biotech firms to develop novel regenerative therapies. Theradaptive’s proprietary technology enhances tissue regeneration and healing with improved protein retention and localized effects.
Tonix Pharmaceuticals develops central nervous system (CNS) disorder treatments, infectious disease therapeutics, and biodefense solutions. Their Frederick facility supports preclinical drug development, small-molecule antivirals, and monoclonal antibody research. Tonix is actively involved in COVID-19 and long COVID research, as well as developing vaccines for smallpox and monkeypox.
Veralox Therapeutics is a small-molecule drug discovery company developing selective 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) inhibitors for thrombotic and inflammatory diseases. Their lead candidate is in clinical trials for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). The company is working on additional novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs.
ABL, Inc. is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in viral vector manufacturing, immuno-oncology, and gene therapy production. Their Frederick-based GMP facilities support preclinical and clinical-scale manufacturing of vaccines and biologics. ABL partners with biopharmaceutical companies and government agencies to develop immunotherapies, oncolytic viruses, and monoclonal antibodies. The company also provides biosafety testing and quality control services for biologic products.
Conclusion
Frederick, MD, has established itself as a thriving biotech hub, housing a diverse range of venture-backed companies that are pioneering new therapies, advanced biomanufacturing techniques, and precision medicine innovations.
The biotech sector in Frederick continues to grow, supported by investments in research infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and a skilled workforce. With companies focusing on cell therapy, biologics, and advanced diagnostics, the region is well-positioned to play a significant role in the future of life sciences and healthcare.
With the support of enabling technologies like Scispot, biotech firms in Frederick are better equipped to navigate regulatory landscapes, optimize research processes, and scale their operations efficiently. As demand for personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and high-throughput research increases, Frederick’s biotech ecosystem is set to expand, driving scientific progress and medical breakthroughs on a global scale.
