Illumigen Biosciences

Illumigen Biosciences was a Seattle-based biotechnology company specializing in the discovery of therapeutic products for the treatment of infectious diseases. The company utilized its proprietary Illumigen Discovery Engine to identify rare human genetic variations that confer natural resistance to specific pathogens, such as the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Their lead candidate, IGM-644, was a novel protein therapeutic developed to treat HCV by mimicking these natural protective mechanisms. In 2007, the company was acquired by Cubist Pharmaceuticals to expand their anti-infective research and development pipeline. Following the acquisition, the technology was integrated into Cubist's broader infectious disease portfolio.