Epicyte Pharmaceutical

Epicyte Pharmaceutical was a biotechnology company based in San Diego that specialized in the development of human monoclonal antibodies produced in transgenic plants, a technology known as plantibodies. By utilizing agricultural crops like corn as production hosts, the company aimed to significantly reduce the costs and complexities associated with traditional mammalian cell culture manufacturing. Epicyte's research focused on mucosal immunity and the prevention of infectious diseases, with a pipeline including candidates for respiratory syncytial virus and herpes simplex virus. Additionally, the company explored applications in reproductive health, developing plant-derived antibodies for use as topical contraceptives. In 2004, Epicyte was acquired by Biolex, which integrated its extensive patent portfolio and plant-based expression expertise.