Biotech company at Innovation Center receives $200,000 from SC Launch

Local biotech company Immunologix has received $200,000 from SC Launch, the S.C. Research Authority affiliate that supports startup companies and entrepreneurs.

Immunologix uses technology developed at the Medical University of South Carolina to produce human antibodies from discarded immune tissue through an in vitro system.

Immunologix, SC Launch and SCRA officials conduct an official check-passing ceremony. The company, which recently moved into the new SCRA MUSC Innovation Center, plans to use the investment to fully equip its laboratory and to hire an additional lab technician, said Ryan Fiorini, the company’s chief operating officer.

“Recently, we have had interest from all parts of the world, including a call last week from two major pharma companies based in Europe,” Fiorini said. “We are really excited to now have the ability to work with these potential partners, and it is in part because of SC Launch that we can do that.”

Immunologix was founded by Fiorini and CEO Douglas Carnes. It was named a top 10 finalist at the 2008 Southeast Bio/Plan Competition.

“We are proud to have worked with Immunologix since its inception in 2008,” said Dave McNamara, SC Launch’s executive director. “The company complements South Carolina’s emerging biotech market — these young companies help keep the talent coming out of MUSC here in the state.”