Avagene Therapeutics, Inc.

Automating adherent AAV manufacturing, without the platform switch.

Avagene is developing Bodhi — a closed, compact incubator platform that preserves 2D workflows while adding AI-driven microscopy, programmable microenvironments, and electronic batch records.

Stage
SBIR Phase I applicant (NIGMS) · 6-month Phase I plan
Location
1701 Locust St, Unit 1906 · Philadelphia, PA 19103
Wet lab site
Temple University Innovation Nest (iNest) · MERB, 3500 N Broad St
UEI
U885YTE94268

Transient AAV production is sensitive, variable, and hard to scale without compromise.

Adherent HEK293 production is driven by confluence, timing, and handling — small deviations drive large differences in yield and quality. Switching platforms to gain scale (fixed-bed, suspension) forces comparability work that penalizes startups and academic groups.

Avagene's approach: standardize and close the adherent workflow while adding automation, computer vision, and immutable batch records — so the process that proves feasibility is the same process that scales.

Bodhi platform

Three capabilities, one closed system.

01

Closed incubator

HEPA-filtered enclosure, sterile quick-connects, peristaltic pumps, UV/chemical sanitation, independent roller-bottle lanes with programmable agitation.

02

AI microscopy

Embedded phase + fluorescence imaging, NIST-traceable calibration, confluence and transfection quantification with uncertainty — cross-validated across serotypes and lighting.

03

Electronic batch records

Immutable, hash-verified export of environmental logs, imaging data, and process events — built for clean tech transfer and a path to GMP.


Built with partners across academia, clinical, and industry.

Avagene's Phase I plan is executed in collaboration with Temple University (subaward to Dr. George M. Smith at the Shriners Pediatric Research Center) and draws support from established clinical, advanced-therapy, and biotech partners.

Letters of support & affiliations
Temple University Mayo Clinic Anthony Nolan UCL Biochemical Engineering B+labs Appraiseye Inc.
Compliance & governance

Research integrity is non-negotiable.

Avagene maintains policies consistent with the PHS Financial Conflict of Interest regulations (42 CFR Part 50, Subpart F). Our FCOI policy is publicly accessible and applies to all investigators on PHS-funded research.