A cutting-edge medical research company outside of York expanded its offices earlier this year and is already running out of space.
Aptagen specializes in aptamers, which are DNA- and RNA-based substances that bind with specific molecules. The company develops aptamers for research, medicine and industrial customers. They are designed for tasks like diagnosing disease and delivering drugs. “There’s really no other companies that do what we do,” says Aptagen CFO and project coordinator Andrew Sprich.
In June the company added more than 600 square feet, including labs and offices, to its 1,000-square foot office in Jacobus, York County. It employs about 15 people, including interns. Aptagen continues to expand and plans to hire two or three more scientists. As a result, the company plans to add more physical space next year, either in its current building or at a nearby location. The timing of this move will partially depend on the increasing pace of business Aptagen is receiving.
And there’s no sign that business will slow down. According to Massachusetts firm BCC Research, the worldwide market for aptamers was valued at $10 million last year and is expected to skyrocket to $1.9 billion by 2014.
Source: Andrew Sprich, Aptagen
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen