Co-Founder of Companion Animal Oncology Company Recognized for Efforts to Reduce Pet Cancer Deaths
FARMINGTON, Conn. (PRWEB) April 16, 2018
Torigen Pharmaceuticals, an early stage company developing novel treatments for companion animal cancers, announced today that its CEO, Ashley Kalinauskas, has been awarded the 2018 Woman of Innovation Award for Entrepreneurship by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC). The award, announced at the 14th Annual Women of Innovation Awards gala on March 28, recognizes Ashley’s vision and leadership as co-founder and CEO of the Farmington based company.
“It is a great honor for me personally and for Torigen to receive this award,” said Kalinauskis. “Sadly, cancers are killing our pets at an increasing rate. More than 50% of all U.S. dogs over the age of 10 will die from this disease. Even though some tumors are treatable with existing technologies, pet owners lack access to economical treatments and often choose euthanasia instead of pursuing existing treatment options. We’re working to give pet owners another option to prolong the lives of their beloved companions.”
Torigen’s experimental companion animal cancer treatment, currently being used by select veterinarians throughout the U.S., is an autologous cancer vaccine. Specifically, a small portion of a pet’s tumor is removed by a veterinarian and sent to Torigen’s laboratory for creation of a personalized vaccine.
The company was developed by Kalinauskas, as part of her graduate thesis project at the University of Notre Dame, working alongside advisor and co-founder, Dr. Mark Suckow.
About Torigen Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Torigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on delivering affordable companion animal immuno-oncology products. Their initial patented product line utilizes a portion of the pet-patient’s tumor to create a personalized cancer vaccine. With over 10 years of supporting pre-clinical publications, the Torigen team is focused on developing innovative veterinary cancer biologics that allow for the body to recognize foreign tumor-associated antigens and facilitate the reversal of immune senescence. For more information, please visit https://www.torigen.com