Lee-Cheng Liu

Avontec is a Phase 2 biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutic treatments for inflammatory disease. Its clinical development programs include product candidates for multiple potential inflammatory indications. The two most advanced, AVT-01 in asthma and AVT-02 in psoriasis, have successfully advanced into Phase 2a clinical trials that the firm expects to be completed until the first half of 2008. In addition, there are several candidates in the pipeline based on Avontec's core decoy technology. Avontec operates based on a lean business model with a seasoned management team experienced in clinical development.

GenVec, Inc. operated as a clinical-stage gene delivery company, which engaged in the development of therapeutics and vaccines. The firm designs, tests, and manufactured adenoviral-based product candidates using its proprietary AdenoVerse platform. Its products included CGF166-Hearing Loss; GV2311-RSV Vaccine; and GV2207-HSV-2 Immunotherapeutic. The company was founded in December 1992 and was headquartered in Rockville, MD.

W.R. Grace & Co. engages in the production and sale of chemicals and materials. It operates through the Grace Catalysts Technologies and Grace Materials Technologies segments. The Grace Catalysts Technologies segment includes catalysts and related products and technologies used in refining, petrochemical and other chemical manufacturing applications. The Grace Materials Technologies segment consists of specialty materials, including silica-based and silica-alumina-based materials, used in coatings, consumer, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. The firm specializes in chemical processing, coatings and inks, food and beverage, general industrial, nutraceutical, personal care, pharma, and plastics industries. The company was founded by William Russell Grace in 1854 and is headquartered in Columbia, MD.

Genetic Therapy, Inc. develops human gene therapy products for the treatment of genetic and acquired diseases. The company also conducts research on human gene development. Genetic Therapy was founded by M. James Barrett in May 1986 and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD.