Kanjorski Announces $1 Million for Biotechnology Agent Research

Project Includes Chaperone Technologies, Lackawanna College and The University of Scranton

Scranton, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that he secured $1 million in the defense appropriations bill for Chaperone Technologies to conduct biotechnology research for the United States Army in conjunction with Lackawanna College and The University of Scranton.

The target of this project is to create a means to destroy drug-resistant bacteria in a way that is both well-tolerated and non-toxic to humans.

"I am pleased to have been able to secure funding for this important research that has the potential to help millions of people. This is a great example of government, small business, and institutions of higher learning collaborating for a common goal. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved," Congressman Kanjorski said. "When a small business like Chaperone Technologies obtains a substantial grant such as this one, it could attract more start-up companies to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, the unique partnerships that Chaperone will have with Lackawanna College and the University of Scranton will provide potentially groundbreaking opportunities in research for students and faculty."

Chaperone Technologies President and CEO Ken Kovan was thankful to Congressman Kanjorski. "Congressman Kanjorski was able to very quickly recognize the unique aspects of our antimicrobials research and the potential for significant clinical benefit for

our armed forces - and possibly the citizenry as a whole," Mr. Kovan said. "As an early- stage company, Chaperone has been very fortunate in being able to take advantage of a significant range of life-science resources in the Scranton area, including Lackawanna College, the University of Scranton's Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine, and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the college to continue its partnership with industry and highlight the capability of all our educational institutions in the region. Our molecular labs were created for this reason," Lackawanna College President Ray Angeli said. "To have Chaperone with us will provide our students with valuable experience in the field and hopefully with future job opportunities. We look forward to Chaperone's success and are happy that we could be of assistance in their development." 

 "The University is grateful to Congressman Kanjorski for his efforts to secure the necessary resources to make this research partnership possible," said Joseph H. Dreisbach, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Scranton.  "We are pleased that this collaborative project will take advantage of our Institute for Molecular Biology and Medicine's unique physical resources and professional expertise."