Archives for September 2022

20/20 GeneSystems is a clinical laboratory testing company in Rockville, Maryland known for their innovative bio-testing, COVID, and cancer diagnostic tools. IDenta Corporation of Jerusalem manufactures and markets on the spot field kits for the identification of illegal drugs, explosives, and other forensics. The two companies recently announced a collaboration after realizing they both share a similar customer base.

Role of the MIDC

After learning about Israeli company IDenta, Barry Bogage, MIDC’s recently retired Executive Director, learned that IDenta manufactures testing kits for illegal drugs and explosive and thought that perhaps an introduction to Maryland Company 20/20 GeneSystems could lead to something. Barry made the introductions and MIDC’s new Executive Director David Speer, will continue to work with these companies as well as encourage other Maryland/Israel companies to create partnerships.

What each company manufactures

One of 20/20 GeneSystems products is the BioCheck Power Screeding Test Kit that tests for suspicious powders like anthrax or other bioterror agents. The kits are used extensively by police and fire departments and agencies including Homeland Security. IDenta Corp. has a wide range of products for identifying a variety of drugs and explosives by using a simple color reaction. IDenta’s products are also used by defense, law enforcement, airports, customs, prisons, border control and more. Both companies recognized an opportunity to collaborate with an overlapping customer base.

20/20 GeneSystems and IDenta Collaboration

After a few months of conversation both companies agreed that the MIDC introduction would prove to be invaluable. Two months ago, the companies signed an exclusive North America distribution agreement for U.S. and Canada. Jonathan Cohen, CEO & President of 20/20 GeneSystems said, “this is the right product at the right time as the pandemic witnessed a skyrocketing of drug related and substance abuse incidents.”

IDenta produces “COLORIMETRIC” detection kits to identify on spot, potentially illegal powder or substances (heroin, crack, opiates, fentanyl, etc).  The color kit will provide immediate results if in fact any of these substances prove to be illegal. 20/20 GeneSystems will distribute and market the kits. The collaboration also plans to target direct consumers like parents and schools. Amichai Glattstein, CEO, IDenta, stated, “working jointly with 20/20 GeneSystems will significantly expand the customer base as well as our R&D potential. We feel that the expansion will allow both companies to broaden their customer base and break into more markets using IDenta’s revolutionary technological innovation.” Both Cohen and Glattstein lauded the MIDC for doing exactly its mission: promoting bi-lateral trade and economic development.

Learn more about both these companies on Tuesday, October 25^th at 11:00 am EST; 18:00 Israel and hear from other new Maryland/Israel collaborations in biotech, pharma and AI.  

David Kuntz became the 6th Chair of the Board of the Maryland/Israel Development Center (MIDC) succeeding Alvin Katz. In a recent interview David shared his excitement working with MIDC’s newly appointed Executive Director David Speer and continuing to grow the 30-year-old organization.

David Kuntz is a native Baltimorean who grew up in a family that placed serving the community a top priority. David graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and earned a JD from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Until the recent sale, David was the President of American Office, a family-owned regional office furniture business that opened in Baltimore in 1932. David also serves as a Board member with Baltimore Business Volunteers, a Trustee for the Institute of Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies, and an Emeritus Board member of Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

David spoke candidly about his goals for the MIDC. “I think my business and community experiences, as well as the MIDC’s mission to promote business and economy in both Maryland and Israel, will serve the organization well. The MIDC has a solid reputation of building business bridges these past 30 years and it is my hope that we can connect with more Israeli businesses, create new collaborations, and promote a supportive and energized environment to be in Maryland. Maryland and Israel are natural partners in innovation in many sectors including defense, medical devise, biotech, pharma, homeland security, hi-tech and more.”

David said he will be vested in growing and expanding MIDC’s volunteer and membership base to encourage business leaders in Maryland to mentor Israeli companies, especially newer startup companies so their coming to Maryland will ensure a “soft landing”. David explained that when an Israeli company brings its technology to Maryland, sets up offices in Maryland, hires Marylanders, all this benefits both Maryland and Israel economically and technologically. Furthermore, he hopes to expand on the successes of MarketReach America, a comprehensive training program for young Israeli companies that takes place in both Israel and in Baltimore. “I am excited revive the program with “hands on” training for startup Israeli companies giving them the tools and resources to increase their chances of success in the U.S. That’s where the MIDC shines.”

David recognized the past Chairs of the MIDC for their continued support and leadership. He congratulated Alvin Katz on his outstanding tenure as Chair whose vision helped the MIDC redirect its energies and pivot to online zoom business and technology webinars during the pandemic. David also looks forward to working with MIDC founders: The Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Commerce and Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry.

David Kuntz and David Speer, MIDC’s new leadership team, care deeply about Israel as well as helping the Maryland economy grow through jobs created by Israeli companies.

 Governor Larry Hogan and Oded Forer, Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Minister for the Development of the Periphery, the Negev, and the Galilee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Maryland and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the State of Israel. The agreement promotes further cooperation in the areas of marine aquaculture and biotechnology. Read more>>>.

RADA USA, a subsidiary of Israel-based RADA Electronic Industries Ltd, in Germantown,
Maryland since 2018, cut the ribbon for its 2nd expansion in 4 years. The expansion features a
state-of-the-art research and development and manufacturing operation producing advanced electronics for the defense and aerospace industry. The new facility has full manufacturing capabilities for RADA USA’s active electronically scanned array tactical radars. RADA’s expansion project supports their plan to add full-time employees by the end of 2023. Read more>>>http://www.mymcmedia.org/blog-rada-usas-state-of-the-art-expansion-ceremony/

Wavelength is a customer-focused developer and manufacturer of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). On Demand Pharmaceuticals is a manufacturing technology company that will allow medicines to be made in small machines anywhere.  The US-Israel Binational .Industrial Research & Development (BIRD) Foundation is investing $1M to advance the development and pilot of an on-demand medicine manufacturing system.  Wavelength Pharmaceuticals and On Demand Pharmaceuticals will leverage their complementary manufacturing capabilities to strengthen a reliable supply of essential medicines and the ingredients required to make them.

Read the recent press release on the collaboration.

About On Demand Pharmaceuticals

On Demand Pharmaceuticals™ is an innovative technology company transforming how medicines are made so they can be produced on demand—whenever and wherever medicines are needed. On Demand’s breakthrough manufacturing technology platform, the Pharmacy on Demand (PoD)™, can be quickly customized to produce anything from key starting materials to active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), and final formulated drugs. With this technology, the company is on a mission to provide an adequate, safe, and reliable supply of medicines to every community across the world. For additional information, visit https://ondemandpharma.com.

About Wavelength Pharmaceuticals

Wavelength Pharmaceuticals is a customer-focused, world-class developer and manufacturer of Active Pharmaceuticals Ingredients with more than 35 years of exceptional regulatory track record. Its recent merger with SEQENS has created a scaled leader of global industrial footprint and one of the world’s leading providers of pharmaceutical solutions with annual revenues of $1.3 billion, 24 manufacturing sites, 10 R&D centres and 3,200 employees worldwide. The combined company has a broad portfolio of products with more than 200 active pharmaceutical ingredients, 500 drug intermediates, as well as pharmaceutical grade solvents and specialty ingredients. The company offers a wide range of API custom development and manufacturing services across a wide range of advanced technology platforms including enzymatic chemistry, particle design, spray drying, custom polymers, lipids, highly potent and controlled substances. From pre-clinical grams to multi-ton commercial scale with uncompromising consistent quality, regulatory compliance and exceptional customer service. For additional information, visit https://wavelengthpharma.com.