Origen Therapeutics

Origen Therapeutics was a biotechnology company that pioneered the development of avian transgenic technology for the production of human therapeutic proteins. Based in Burlingame, California, the company utilized proprietary avian embryonic stem cell lines to create genetically modified chickens that secreted complex proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies, into their egg whites. This 'biopharming' approach was designed to provide a scalable, high-yield, and cost-effective alternative to traditional mammalian cell culture manufacturing. The company's platform aimed to address the high costs and capacity constraints associated with biologic drug production. In 2014, Origen Therapeutics was acquired by Intrexon Corporation (now Precigen) to bolster its synthetic biology and protein production capabilities.