A private stem cell company basing its operations on UW-Madison stem cell research will open early next year. The company will be headed by former WiCell Research Institute Director Beth Donley, according to a Wisconsin Technology Council statement.
Stemina Biomarker Discovery will use stem cells to create ""biomarkers"" that will be used for testing the safety and effectiveness of drugs and compounds in fighting diseases. The company also intends to conduct research with cancer cells to develop early cancer detection techniques.
Donley left the university last October just six weeks after being appointed head of WiCell, a subsidiary of Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation that distributes stem cells to companies around the world. Donley also sat on the WARF general counsel for eight years. Managing Director of WARF Carl Gulbrandsen said in an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal that many employees have expressed sentiments toward leaving to work for private companies.
