PHILADELPHIA - Dec. 12, 2019 - ExpressCells, Inc. (ExpressCells), a private genetic engineering company that creates advanced cell lines for drug discovery, today announced the appointment of Sajad S. Bilgrami, D.O., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Bilgrami is a seasoned physician with deep scientific and biological expertise.
"We are pleased to welcome Sajad to ExpressCells' Board of Directors," said Matt Handel, Chief Officer of ExpressCells. "He has deep scientific knowledge and provides an independent voice in the company's decision-making. I look forward to working with him as we build ExpressCells and commercialize our custom and catalog cell lines."
"I am honored to be joining ExpressCells at this exciting time as the company ramps up both its laboratory operations and commercial activity" said Dr. Bilgrami "I look forward to working with the Board and management team as they build a vibrant research tools company."
Having more than 21 years of diverse experience, Dr. Bilgrami is an Anesthesiology Specialist at West Jersey Anesthesia Associates. Dr. Bilgrami is an alumnus of the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1998 and completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to Rowan, he earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. Currently he is affiliated with Virtua West Jersey Hospitals.
Originally from Hyderabad, India, Dr. Bilgrami came to America with his parents when he was five years old. He has a passion for education, specifically in the areas of medicine, engineering, physics and technical training. An entrepreneur at heart, Dr. Bilgrami prides himself on converting complex subject matter into practical understanding and application.
Dr. Bilgrami is associated with the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund, one of the co-lead investors for ExpressCells' recently completed Series A funding round.
About ExpressCells
ExpressCells is a private biotechnology company based in Philadelphia, PA. Its propriety genome editing technology, in combination with CRISPR/Cas9, allows the company to create advanced, knock-in cell lines to enhance drug discovery and other biological research, and shorten the time for delivery of knock-in cell lines by up to 75% relative to current technologies. The speed of the process allows ExpressCells to insert one to three genes into the same cell line.
ExpressCells' first products are cells with "reporter" genes that code for bioluminescent and fluorescent proteins. These allow scientists to more see the results of their experiments in real time. ExpressCells sells both custom cell lines—each designed to meet the specific requirements of an individual scientist—and catalog cell lines.
ExpressCells' genetic engineering technology was invented at the Temple University School of Pharmacy by Oscar Perez-Leal, MD. ExpressCells holds a global, exclusive license on this technology. For more information, visit www.xpresscells.com.
Media Contact
Matt Handel
mhandel@xpresscells.com
