Governor Kathy Hochul has announced state support for Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.’s ongoing development of the company’s LinearDNA platform for the manufacturing of the next generation of DNA-based medicines. Applied DNA Sciences is a leader in polymerase chain reaction DNA technologies, and LinearDNA is a direct alternative to plasmid DNA used in the production of DNA-based medicines, such as gene therapies and mRNA vaccines. This technology, developed by Applied DNA Sciences in the Stony Brook University High Technology Incubator, has the potential to drive new innovation in the life sciences industry.
“With its team of world-class researchers, scientific breakthroughs, and innovative medicine manufacturing, Applied DNA Sciences will now join New York’s thriving life sciences corridor on Long Island,” Governor Hochul said. “Through major initiatives like our Excelsior Jobs program and $350 million Long Island Investment Fund, New York continues to invest in high-growth industries like life sciences to stimulate the regional economy, create the jobs of tomorrow, and build the next major hub for innovation right here in our state.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s Applied DNA Sciences announcement showcases the incredible strength of Long Island’s life science ecosystem and will act as a catalyst for even more innovation and growth in the development of DNA therapies. The use of LinearDNA will allow biotech researchers and scientists to create life-changing medicine and treatments that will improve the lives of New Yorkers on Long Island and across the State”
President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences Dr. James A. Hayward said, “We are excited that our LinearDNA platform has been recognized for its potential benefit to health care and to create new jobs on Long Island. On behalf of Applied DNA, I thank Governor Hochul, ESD and our fellow New Yorkers for their support in helping us to establish LinearDNA for the manufacture of next-generation medicines. We believe the benefits of our endeavor will resonate on Long Island, New York State, and beyond.”
LinearDNA is a transformative technology that can have a profound impact on the biotechnology industry. Present-day DNA manufacturing utilizes plasmid DNA, which relies on bacterial fermentation and suffers from long lead times, high complexity and high capital and labor costs. The LinearDNA platform is a cell-free enzymatic platform for large-scale DNA manufacturing with the advantages of improved safety, effectiveness, reduced costs, and manufacturing times. DNA-based therapies under development include treatments for HIV, cancer, Lyme disease and Ebola. LinearDNA can serve as a direct replacement to plasmid DNA being used to develop treatment for these diseases. Applied DNA Sciences will establish New York State’s first cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) LinearDNA manufacturing facility to support biopharma customers from early-stage drug discovery through late-phase clinical trials.
To support these efforts, Applied DNA Sciences, which currently employs 61 full-time employees, has committed to creating at least 23 new full-time jobs over a period of ten years, supported by up to $1.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program refundable tax credits from Empire State Development.
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, “The flourishing life science corridor on Long Island is a testament to its remarkable institutions and gifted scientists. The future of healthcare is being shaped by the continued advancement in medicine and science, and Applied DNA Sciences is part of that effort. Today’s announcement will generate new employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce the life science industry’s potential and future prospects of medical advancements.”
Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. John Nader, President of Farmingdale State College, said, “The future of the life science industry on Long Island looks bright, with a strong ecosystem that supports its growth and innovation. Applied DNA Sciences will support the development of future genetic therapies, promote better health outcomes for patients, and ultimately fuel economic growth throughout the region and beyond.”
State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo said, “Long Island is home to incredible research institutions such as Brookhaven National Lab, and Stony Brook University to the east and Cold Spring Harbor Lab, Northwell and Feinstein Medical research to the west. I thank Governor Hochul for directing this state funding, which will continue efforts to develop and grow life science companies and initiatives throughout the region–creating jobs and advancing new and improved technologies, research, and medical discoveries around the world.”
Assemblymember Ed Flood said, “I applaud Gov. Hochul for contributing to Long Island’s desperate need for job creation and furthering economic development for our communities. The rise in the cost of living and the job shortage have drastically affected residents statewide. The recent state support for Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and the development of LinearDNA will surely facilitate major scientific and economic breakthroughs for the future of the state. I look forward to seeing the research conducted on DNA-based medicines to improve our health care system and provide more life-saving medical treatments.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, “Suffolk County is proud to be a leader in the life sciences industry, investing in local research centers to help mitigate the impacts of existing and future public health issues. Thanks to the support of Governor Hochul Long Island can continue to help create an ecosystem of technology and medical advancement.”
Through State investments, Governor Hochul is committed to making Long Island the premier corridor for life sciences and research innovation. Included as part of Governor Hochul’s FY 2023 Enacted Budget, the $350 million Long Island Investment Fund (LIIF) supports transformational projects in the region, including $50 million to create a pipeline of biotechnology start-up companies to enhance Long Island’s life sciences leadership. In December, Governor Hochul announced a Request for Applications for the creation of a Life Sciences Accelerator Program as part of LIIF, which is currently accepting applications through March 31, 2023. Previous LIIF announcements include $10 million to the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in support of medical and infectious disease research. The development of a life sciences accelerator on Long Island demonstrates an important step forward in delivering on Governor Hochul’s vision to strengthen the region’s future by fostering the growth of commercialization in Long Island’s life science research corridor. These targeted investments create the infrastructure to encourage the best and brightest scientists to the region and create an environment where companies like Applied DNA Sciences can flourish.
The Long Island life sciences sector is a cornerstone of the region’s dynamic innovation economy, contributing to job creation, economic development and scientific progress. Investing in life sciences is critical to identifying the next scientific or medical breakthrough that will develop new life-saving technologies. Long Island is home to life science business incubators, world-class research institutions and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who all play a critical role in driving innovation and advancing science in the region, such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Stony Brook University, Northwell Health, and the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. With the support of State investments in the industry and Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing the field, the life sciences sector on Long Island is poised to continue shaping the future of medicine and making meaningful contributions to the well-being of society.
