Life sciences startup tackles cancer

TAMPA — Ascension Bio LLC, a life sciences startup, has joined the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator, part of the University of South Florida.

Ascension manufactures and distributes DNA transfection kits that allow researchers to deliver genetic materials into cancer cells using nucleic acids.

The first Ascension Bio transfection kit, named EZplex, is being beta tested and expected to be released later this year. It is based upon patented amino acid based polymer technology that interacts with and compacts genetic material for efficient delivery into cancer cells.

Ascension Bio, founded in May, is a subsidiary of TBTI alumni, Intezyne Technologies Inc.

Cofounders Habib Skaff and Kevin Sill moved Intezyne from Massachusetts to the Tampa Bay area in 2004 to develop and commercialize their patented IVECT method technology, a platform for increasing the efficiency of drug delivery and improving patient outcomes.

“The lab space and facilities provided by TBTI provide us with an ideal environment for starting this new venture,” Janni Mirosevich, manager of Ascension Bio, says in a news release.

TBTI supports technology research as a catalyst for economic development. It has incubated more than 40 companies.