Mazen Animal Health Inc. Expands R&D Team and Operations to North Carolina
AMES, Iowa, Jan. 12, 2023 – Mazen Animal Health Inc. today announced the establishment of an R&D headquarters at Alexandria LaunchLabs in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The R&D team will focus on advancing Mazen’s product portfolio of biological molecules to create novel animal health solutions derived from plants. The new R&D site will include lab, office, and greenhouse space, as well as room for the growing team to expand.
"We're excited that Mazen Animal Health will be expanding its R&D operations in the state," said Paul Ulanch, Ph.D., MBA, Senior Director of Focused Initiatives at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. "Both crop science and animal health are strengths in the state's ag tech ecosystem, and Mazen is in both. This in turn will improve the health of production animals that are important for North Carolina's agricultural economy."
Tracy Raines, Ph.D., who was recently hired as the company’s Vice President of Research and Development, has already begun to grow the team, hiring two scientists early this year. “Given the proximity to multiple wonderful universities as well as numerous agriculture biotech companies, RTP is the perfect location to build out our team,” Raines said. “The talent pool is rich with innovative scientists to propel our technology forward – like our first two hires, Jelena Zaitseva and Jun Cao. Their deep expertise will be critical in deploying innovative, cutting-edge research as we continue establishing our world-class R&D team.”
Mazen is excited to welcome Jelena Zaitseva, Ph.D., as Senior Principal Scientist, Biochemistry Lead. Jelena has more than 15 years of experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams to plan and execute R&D projects involving optimizing commercial level protein expression in plant systems at BASF, Bayer Crop Science and Athenix Corporation. Her expertise in biochemistry and structural biology will help us better understand and optimize the expression of our bioactive molecules. Jelena has a doctorate in biochemistry and structural biology, Frankfurt University and a Master of Science in biochemistry, Moscow State University.
Mazen is also pleased to welcome Jun Cao, Ph.D. as Senior Scientist, Plant Transformation. Jun has over 35 years of experience in plant tissue culture and transformation in academic and industry environments, including Athenix, Bayer and BASF. He is a pioneer of novel soybean transformation techniques resulting in one of the first soybean cyst nematode resistant traits in development. Jun holds a doctorate in plant health, Louisiana State University and a Master of Science, plant breeding & genetics, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science.
The company’s CEO, Jennifer Filbey, Ph.D., expressed excitement about the opportunity to add North Carolina based investors. “We have an incredibly supportive group of investors who believe in the promise of Mazen technology. As we build our presence in the area, we look forward to adding North Carolina investors to our group as well.”
About Mazen Animal Health Inc.
Mazen is developing and commercializing orally delivered animal vaccines that revolutionize animal disease prevention. Mazen provides elegant solutions to the challenges associated with injectable vaccines and offers customers (1) increased production system ROI — improving the economic and labor thresholds that control the vaccination decision today; (2) a safer method of vaccine administration for both animals and workers; (3) JANUARY 12, 2023 Media Contact: Jenny Filbey, CEO Mazen Animal Health, Inc. 256-417-8568 jfilbey@mazenanimalhealth.com optimized vaccine efficacy, allowing for reduced antibiotic use; and (4) vaccines with a global reach because of ambient temperature stability and ease of delivery. For more information, visit mazenanimalhealth.com.