Essent Biologics is a nonprofit biotechnology company setting a new standard in human-derived biomaterials and comprehensive data for research. Starting with the donor, Essent Biologics acts as the catalyst to advance regenerative medicine, biopharmaceutical and cell therapy research from benchtop to bedside. The company supplies products in small or large volumes and serves as a manufacturing partner by creating master cell banks and an inventory of custom products within a tailored specification.
our vision
researchers breaking the boundaries of regenerative medicine
our mission
empower the work of pioneering researchers with transformative biomaterials
our values
We are building a business for the long term. That means doing it right at every step along the way because quality and reliability are crucial to the groundbreaking work our research partners are doing. We’ll stay true to our principles of product integrity no matter what.
We are driven to be the preeminent provider of human biomaterials that will help researchers get to human clinical trials faster. We work relentlessly to this end and to be the first-choice provider.
We work with researchers to push the boundaries of regenerative medicine. From the material they need to how we collaborate; we listen and adapt to meet their needs in all that we do.
Director of Business Development focused on commercial growth and strategic partnerships.
As a Cell Research Technician, Amelia is responsible for handling the technical aspects of tissue and cellular product development and manufacturing. She also oversees warehouse material inventory, laboratory setup and purchasing, as well as partners with internal teams to manage budget.
Prior to Essent
As Quality Control Analyst for Essent Biologics, Sapana Mahat is responsible for performing various scientific analysis to evaluate in-process and finished goods, ultimately ensuring product compliance with the established standards and specifications. In this role, Sapana conducts and validates various biological and chemical quality control (QC) assays, including, but limited to; flow cytometry, mycoplasma testing, immunomodulation testing, trilineage differentiation testing, microbiological identification and analysis of cell surface markers.
Prior to Essent
As Biotechnology Manufacturing Technician 1, John holds responsibility for processing and ensuring proper development and manufacturing of cellular and tissue products derived from the gift of donations. John additionally assists with guaranteeing donations and associated products are held to the highest quality standard with sterilized laboratories and equipment.
Dr. George Christ is a Professor in the Depts. of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Virginia, and Director of the Center for Advanced Biomanufacturing.
Prior to Essent
Prior to Essent
Sharon Collins Presnell joined the Amnion Foundation as President and Director of Client Services in January of 2019. Previously, she served as the Chief Scientific Officer of Organovo, Inc and was involved in the development of a bioprinting platform, and the generation of multiple human cellular products marketed for in vitro pharmaceutical testing. In 2015, she established a subsidiary company, Samsara Sciences, focused solely on generating human liver cells to support 3D bioprinting and pharmaceutical discovery & development, including isolation and provision of cells and related products from tissues of NAFLD/NASH origin. Samsara Sciences assets were sold by the parent company to LifeNet Health in 2019.
Jeff has held a wide range of executive leadership roles across many sectors within the life sciences industry. Most recently, Jeff was President and CEO of Cellero, a private equity-backed cell and gene therapy company. Cellero was comprised of two founder-led entities Key Biologics and Astarte Biologics, which Jeff successfully integrated and grew, doubling revenue in less than two years before selling to Charles River in 2020.
Barbara Binzak Blumenfeld, Ph.D., M.A., Esq. is a Shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in Washington, D.C. She focuses her practice on federal FDA laws and regulations, helping clients make and execute on strategic decisions about their FDA-regulated products. She has assisted companies with the federal legal requirements for many types of products, including drugs, biologics, regenerative medicine/cell and gene therapies, medical devices and combination products. Barbara leverages her unique background, integrating science and biomedical ethics into her legal practice to create true value for her clients.
As a Scientist, Will is responsible for developing new products, establishing processes to make these products and constructing test methods to ensure product quality. He also contributes in the design and execution of scientific studies, as well as early-stage opportunity investigation.
As Engineering Manager, Thuy is responsible for implementing the risk management program to ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality, efficacy and safety. She oversees department initiatives to support Operations and makes continuous improvements to increase efficiency.
As the Business Systems Architect, Shawn is responsible for maximizing operational productivity for all enterprise applications including the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) process management software, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool and the Essent Biologics website. Shawn leads the planning and execution of information systems projects and tasks, supporting the Essent Biologics team.
As VP Compliance & Operations, Jennifer’s primary goal is to define and promote a quality mindset across the organization and deliver high-quality product on schedule. She also manages Essent’s robust Design Control infrastructure and the Engineering resources needed to compress development cycles, accelerating new product introductions.
As VP Research & Development, Jeff serves as the scientific and managerial lead for business development efforts, as well as oversees the research and development team. He also designs, plans, evaluates and manages the execution of early phase product development studies.
As Director, Business Development, Derek is responsible for commercializing Essent Biologics’ portfolio of primary cells, scaffold materials and research tissue by building relationships with global technology partners, hospital systems and research universities. Derek is passionate about accelerating adoption of impactful medical technologies that improve the human condition.
As VP Business Operations, Courtney has P&L responsibility as well as accountability for business operations, business development and commercialization of primary cells, scaffold materials and research tissue. Her passion for the mission allows her to bring thoughtfulness and positive energy to the organization.
As President, Corey is responsible for creating, communicating and implementing the vision, mission and overall direction. He leads the development and execution of the company’s strategy, building a strong team to execute on goals and objectives.
As Sr. Manager Supply Chain & Facilities, Cody is responsible for all production areas, Central Services, supply chain and facility management. He ensures each of these departments are following safety practices and procedures, complying with requirements and operating efficiently.
As Operations Manager, Andrelle manages daily production activities relating to the manufacture of primary cells, scaffold materials and research tissue. Andrelle ensures completion of production plans and helps manufacturing staff create quality products in accordance with organizational standards.
