Biotechnology is a thriving industry in the state of Illinois, boasting a diverse range of companies that offer innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. The industry’s primary focus is leveraging biology for creating advanced technologies and products. Biotech companies cover a broad spectrum, including genetic research, drug discovery, disease treatment, and food enhancement. Illinois’ biotech firms are renowned for their cutting-edge research and applications in such areas as genetics, oncology, and environmental science. The future trajectory of this industry is directed towards personalized and gene-based treatments, advanced diagnostics, and sustainable bio-products which have the potential to revolutionize the quality of human life and environmental care.


Top 23 biotechnology companies in Illinois

1. Hematogenix

Hematogenix is a global reference laboratory that specializes in propelling cancer diagnostics and treatments. They assist pharma companies in bringing novel treatments from bench to bedside by leveraging science and cutting-edge technologies. With expertise in molecular genetics, immuno-oncology, and solid tumor pathology, Hematogenix offers services like companion diagnostics, clinical trials, and assay development.


2. IIT Research Institute (IITRI)

  • Website: iitri.org
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1936
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

IITRI.org is a company that specializes in drug discovery, toxicology studies, and preclinical development. They offer a wide range of services including genetic toxicology studies, vaccine development, and immuno-oncology services.


3. Jaguar Gene Therapy

  • Website: jaguargenetherapy.com
  • Headquarters: Lake Forest, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2019
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Jaguar Gene Therapy is a company that specializes in gene therapy and aims to accelerate breakthroughs in treating severe genetic diseases. They have a team of experts who develop and manufacture gene therapies, leveraging their expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver safe and effective treatments. Their mission is to provide hope and improved quality of life for patients and their families.


4. DSR Management

  • Website: dsrminc.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

DSRM Inc. is a company specializing in integrated research platforms and systems in the fields of system immunology, bioinformatics, structural functionality, detection, and treatment. They offer comprehensive research support and cutting-edge technological solutions across these domains.


5. Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America, Inc.

  • Website: ak-bio.com
  • Headquarters: Glenview, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1931
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

AK-Bio is a company specializing in fluid management and purification services for the biotechnology industry. They offer a range of solutions for biofluid purification and biosafety testing. Asahi Kasei Bioprocess and Bionova are among their strategic partners.


6. Emalex Biosciences

Emalex Biosciences is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in developing new treatments for central nervous system disorders. They are currently conducting a late-stage clinical study on a new class of drug for patients with Tourette syndrome who have limited treatment options.


7. LifeFoundry, Inc.

LifeFoundry is a company that offers advanced biomanufacturing solutions and services. They specialize in applying engineering principles to biology to enable faster and more efficient production of biological products.


8. Genective

  • Website: genective.com
  • Headquarters: Champaign, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Genective is a technology joint venture specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of transgenic traits, with a focus on insect resistant corn.


9. GenUs BioSystems

  • Website: genusbiosystems.com
  • Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2003
  • Headcount: 51-200

GenUs BioSystems is a research organization that specializes in microarray experimentation and analysis. They provide gene expression analysis services from biological samples to usable genomic data. Their services include experiment consulting, RNA isolation, RNA amplification, microarray processing, data analysis, and quality control technology.


10. AuraSense Therapeutics

Aurasense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company offering innovative RNA modulation therapies for treatment of genetic diseases.


11. Levo Therapeutics

  • Website: levotx.com
  • Headquarters: Skokie, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Levo Therapeutics is dedicated to understanding the pathophysiology of Prader-Willi syndrome and advancing treatments to improve the lives of patients and their families.


12. DelNova

  • Website: delnova.net
  • Headquarters: Illinois City, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown

DelNova is a therapeutics company focused on solving unmet medical needs using known drugs in combination with drug delivery expertise and technologies.


13. Evozyne

  • Website: evozyne.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Evozyne is a company focused on using Nature's hidden rules to develop innovative products that address global challenges. Through their advanced technology, they aim to create a healthier and more sustainable world.


14. Flavin Ventures, LLC

Flavin Ventures is a life sciences venture creation and management company.


15. D Cube Analytics

  • Website: dcubeanalytics.com
  • Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

D Cube Analytics is a part of Trinity Life Sciences, a trusted strategic commercialization partner in the life sciences industry. With over 25 years of experience, D Cube Analytics offers evidence-based solutions, exceptional service, powerful tools, and data-driven insights for revolutionizing the commercial model. They specialize in industry-leading benchmarking solutions, providing actionable insights for clients in the life sciences sector.


16. Fresenius Kabi USA

Fresenius Kabi offers a comprehensive range of infusion therapy products and services designed to improve patient safety, reduce medication errors and simplify infusion therapy workflows.


17. Holland Applied Technologies

  • Website: hollandapt.com
  • Headquarters: Burr Ridge, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1904
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Holland Applied Technologies is a leading provider of high-purity process solutions. They offer a wide range of products and services to industries requiring precision and reliability in their manufacturing processes. With a focus on quality and innovation, Holland Applied Technologies delivers customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer.


18. McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP

  • Website: mbhb.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

MBHB is an intellectual property law firm providing comprehensive legal services to obtain and enforce clients' intellectual property rights. They handle patent and trademark applications, litigation matters, and counsel clients on the enforcement and defense of their intellectual property rights.


19. Aptinyx Inc.

  • Website: aptinyx.com
  • Headquarters: Evanston, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2015
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Grant
  • LinkedIn

Aptinyx Inc. is a neuroscience-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies for disorders of the brain and nervous system. Their approach involves modulating NMDA receptors, which are crucial for normal brain function, to restore balance and alleviate cognitive impairment and other symptoms associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia.


20. ARCH Venture Partners

Arch Venture Partners is a venture firm focused on catalyzing discoveries that prevent, detect, and cure disease. They provide advice, expertise, and network to build successful and dynamic companies, partnering with entrepreneurs to create truly transformational businesses.


21. Carl Nelson Consulting

  • Website: carl-nelson.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Headcount: 1-10

Carl Nelson Consulting helps small high-tech firms with new technology get and use federal government R&D funding for innovations from the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR). To be eligible you must be (or become) a mostly US-owned for-profit small (under 500 employees) firm doing R&D in the USA. The money is free - no repayment and no equity taken. You propose on a government specified schedule for a small award (Phase I) $100-150K to show feasibility of your idea. If that works, you can propose some serious money (Phase II) $1M or maybe more to develop some kind of prototype. Then you are on your own. For more details, see Doing SBIR . 37 years in Department of Defense, mostly R&D, who and where are the SBIR firms; Defense Department the biggest; mostly safe military mission stuff. Next round: Jul 2, 2020 two DARPA special solicitation close Apr 20 and May 26 National Institutes of Health second biggest, funds human science from cell chemistry to mending behavior. Next round: variable and frequent National Science Foundation SBIR's originator, funds a hodge-podge of science. Next round: March 5, 2020 open now Department of Energy a bit quirky. Next round: Oct 2020 Small Business Administration - policy poobah, does not fund SBIR. ""Thanks for the critique from hell. Now that you've leveled the ivory towers, let's see what we can make of the pieces left strewn about."" ""It has been one of the most intense weeks I have ever experienced. It was great to have a skeptical graybeard to keep me focused. "" ""Your comments on our lack of a business plan are absolutely right. To that end, we are in the process of finalizing an agreement to create a two-level business plan."" ""Thanks for the help and especially the coaching. I know you do it for money, but you do it well and good spirited."" ""Thank you for the advice. I will add an exciting introduction which gives the reader a better ""feel"" for the potential of this technology."" What Do You Want To Be? besides a government contractor What's So Compelling ...


22. Austin Chemical Company, Inc.

Austin Chemical is a company that offers a one-stop solution for Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) manufacturing. They provide antibody production, in-house toxin-linker CMC services, and more.


23. Cour Pharmaceuticals Development Company, Inc.

  • Website: courpharma.com
  • Headquarters: Skokie, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

COUR Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing first-in-class therapies to reprogram the immune system. Their immune-modifying nanoparticles aim to achieve antigen-specific tolerance for immune-mediated diseases, treating the root causes rather than just minimizing symptoms. Their lead product for celiac disease, partnered with Takeda, has shown successful induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance. COUR's nanoparticle platform has the potential to address a wide range of immune and inflammatory conditions.


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