Carrigent is a vector technology CRO that specializes in better viral and non-viral payload delivery technologies.
With decades of experience in cell and gene therapy, viral vectors, process and analytical development, and molecular biology, gene therapy, and business development, we stand ready to support you and your advanced therapy with the world's most advanced vector delivery technologies.
Brian Newsom is the founding CEO of the vector technology company, Carrigent, as well as the VP of Business Development for the cell therapy CDMO, Theragent. Prior to this, Brian spent six years at KBI Biopharma and almost a decade at Thermo Fisher Scientific (and legacy companies) in business development. Brian’s technical background includes posts as Head of R&D at Opexa Therapeutics and five years at Baylor College of Medicine, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy. Brian began his career in cell therapy at Aastrom Biosciences, one of the industries pioneering companies, in 1992. Brian received his degree in Microbiology from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Robert Lou is the founder of Carrigent and has over 20 years of experience in the field of Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT). His primary focus is on developing and adapting cutting-edge methods for disease treatment. As a research scientist, Dr. Lou is particularly interested in understanding the role of RNA processing in cellular stress responses and development.
Dr. Soo-Mi Kweon holds a robust background in Cell and Molecular biology, as well as Cancer Biology with over twenty years of experience as a research scientist. Previously at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope. In March 2023, she joined Theragent as a Senior Scientist on the Viral Vector team, where she developed diverse assays for viral vector titrations and established procedures for viral vector production. Recently, she took on a new role as Principal Scientist at Carrigent, bringing her extensive experience and innovative approach to the team. Dr. Kweon earned her doctoral degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Chungnam National University, South Korea.
Cu Nguyen joined Theragent as a Senior Research Associate in July of 2023 working with the Viral Vector Team and is now Scientist for the vector technology company, Carrigent. Prior to Theragent, Cu spent four years at City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute working under Dr. Michael Kahn as a researcher/laboratory manager and twelve years at USC/Keck School of Medicine/Stem Cell Center/Norris Cancer Center. Since receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, he has worked in mostly academic settings in the field of small molecule/drug discovery with emphasis on target identification and library screening. Cu has gained and employed many techniques including but not limited to protein purification, PCR, small molecule library screening, biochemistry, and molecular biology in his 20+ years of experience.
Atousa Khalatbari, MD, MS in Medical Immunology, is a Senior Research Associate at Carrigent, where she applies her clinical expertise to drive innovations in cell and gene therapy. Her work focuses on advancing viral vector development and immune-based therapies, bridging research with clinical applications to address complex challenges in immunotherapy.
Before joining Carrigent, Atousa spent five years at Keck Medicine of USC, where she was instrumental in establishing a dedicated AD/QC team and developing critical analytical assays for immunophenotyping. Her technical proficiency and dedication to innovation continue to enhance Carrigent’s progress in gene delivery and immunotherapeutic research.
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