Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the fastest-growing biotechnology hubs in the United States, contributing significantly to the state’s $17 billion life sciences industry. The city is home to over 200 biotech firms, making it a key player in biotech research, drug development, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.
Several factors make Gaithersburg an attractive location for biotech companies, including:
- Proximity to Federal Research Institutions – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are nearby, offering access to regulatory agencies and clinical research partnerships.
- Highly Skilled Workforce – Maryland has one of the highest concentrations of STEM professionals in the U.S., providing biotech companies in Maryland with a strong talent pipeline.
- Investment & Funding – The state supports biotech startups and established firms with funding programs, tax credits, and venture capital opportunities.
This blog highlights 30 innovative biotech companies headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD that are making significant contributions to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
Focus: Bacteriophage Therapy for Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest global health threats, with some bacteria becoming resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics. Adaptive Phage Therapeutics (APT) is working on a solution by developing personalized bacteriophage therapy—using viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria. APT's PhageBank® technology continuously expands its collection of bacteriophages to match evolving bacterial resistance. Their approach allows for real-time, adaptive treatment, making them a game-changer in infectious disease therapeutics. APT collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense and the NIH to develop bacteriophage therapies for military personnel and the general population.
Focus: Immunotherapies, Vaccines, and Drug Delivery
Altimmune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immune-modulating therapies for infectious diseases and metabolic disorders. Their lead candidate, Pemvidutide, is currently in clinical trials for obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). Additionally, Altimmune has been involved in vaccine development, using intranasal vaccine delivery technology to enhance immune responses. As one of the top biotech companies in Gaithersburg, MD, Altimmune continues to advance novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs.
Focus: Cell Therapy for Cancer
Arcellx is developing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies to treat multiple myeloma and other cancers. Their proprietary D-Domain technology enhances T-cell targeting and reduces treatment-related toxicity. Their lead program, CART-ddBCMA, has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. As one of the most advanced Gaithersburg biotech companies, Arcellx is shaping the future of precision cancer treatments.
Focus: Bioreagents & Molecular Biology Tools
AscentGene specializes in high-quality recombinant proteins, enzymes, and cytokines used in drug discovery, cancer research, and gene therapy. Their cell extracts and molecular biology reagents are widely utilized by pharmaceutical companies in Gaithersburg, MD to accelerate preclinical research. By supplying custom protein expression services, AscentGene supports biotech firms in developing innovative therapeutic solutions.
Focus: Biotech Consulting & Drug Development Strategy
Bionavigen provides strategic consulting services in drug discovery, translational sciences, and regulatory affairs. They assist biotechnology companies in Maryland with FDA submissions, IND applications, and preclinical development. By helping Gaithersburg companies navigate the complex regulatory landscape, Bionavigen plays a crucial role in advancing early-stage biotech innovations.
Focus: mRNA-Based Vaccines & Immunotherapies
BioNTech, known for developing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, has a facility in Gaithersburg, MD, focusing on mRNA-based cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. Their research extends beyond infectious diseases, targeting oncology, autoimmune disorders, and regenerative medicine. BioNTech’s expansion in Gaithersburg solidifies its position among the leading biotech companies in Maryland.
Focus: mRNA-Based Cell Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases
Cartesian Therapeutics is developing mRNA-engineered cell therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancers. Their lead candidate, Descartes-08, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular disorder. Unlike traditional CAR-T therapies, Cartesian’s approach offers a non-viral, transient alternative with fewer safety concerns, making them a standout in the Gaithersburg MD pharmaceutical company landscape.
Focus: Rare Disease Drug Development
Cerium Pharmaceuticals focuses on orphan drug development for rare metabolic and genetic disorders. Their collaborations with government agencies and academic institutions help accelerate clinical trials. By targeting underserved patient populations, Cerium plays a vital role among biotech companies in Gaithersburg MD working on high-impact therapeutics.
Focus: Biodefense, Vaccines, and Antibody Therapeutics
Emergent BioSolutions is known for developing biodefense products, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies for public health threats.
Key contributions:
✔ Anthrax and Smallpox Vaccines – Supplied to the U.S. government for biodefense preparedness.
✔ COVID-19 Response – Provided contract manufacturing for Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines.
✔ Opioid Overdose Treatment – Developed Narcan® (naloxone nasal spray), a lifesaving drug for opioid overdose reversal.
Emergent operates state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facilities in Gaithersburg, playing a key role in vaccine and antibody production for global health security.
Focus: Genetic Testing & Precision Medicine
GeneDx is a leading genetic diagnostics company offering whole genome and exome sequencing for rare and inherited diseases. Their AI-driven analysis tools help physicians diagnose complex genetic conditions with precision. As part of Gaithersburg biotech companies, GeneDx is advancing personalized medicine and expanding access to genetic testing solutions.
Focus: Rapid, Portable Diagnostic Testing
HeMemics Biotechnologies is developing ultra-fast diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, traumatic brain injuries, and biohazard detection. Their proprietary biomolecule stabilization technology enables blood sample preservation at room temperature, making point-of-care testing more practical and accessible. HeMemics’ handheld diagnostic devices provide instant results, reducing the need for complex lab testing in critical care settings.
Focus: Treatments for Rare Diseases
Leadiant Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for rare and ultra-rare diseases. Their commitment to addressing unmet medical needs has positioned them as a key player among biotechnology companies in Maryland.
Focus: Cell Engineering for Gene Therapy and Drug Discovery
MaxCyte is a pioneer in cell engineering, enabling the next generation of cell and gene therapies. Their proprietary Flow Electroporation® technology allows scientists to introduce molecules into cells with high efficiency and precision.
This technology is widely used in:
✔ Gene editing (CRISPR-based therapies)
✔ Immuno-oncology (T-cell therapies for cancer)
✔ Stem cell therapy research
MaxCyte collaborates with over 70 biopharmaceutical companies, including leaders in CAR-T therapy and gene therapy development. Their innovations support some of the biggest breakthroughs in precision medicine.
Focus: Cell Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Bioprocessing Solutions
Miltenyi Biotec specializes in cell sorting, immunotherapy, and bioprocessing solutions, providing essential tools for biotech research and manufacturing. Their CliniMACS® Prodigy system is an automated cell processing platform, widely used for CAR-T cell therapy manufacturing. It enables researchers to produce cell-based treatments faster and more efficiently, making personalized medicine more accessible. Miltenyi also develops flow cytometry and single-cell sequencing technologies, essential for studying immune system responses in cancer and infectious diseases.
Focus: RNA-Based Precision Therapeutics for Cancer & Rare Diseases
miRecule is developing RNA-based therapeutics that target genetic drivers of disease. Their DREAmiR™ platform identifies optimal RNA targets to develop precision medicines with improved safety and efficacy. Their lead candidate, MC-30, is designed for head and neck cancer patients who have developed resistance to chemotherapy. By combining genomics and RNA therapy, miRecule is advancing highly personalized treatments.
Focus: Cancer Genomics and Molecular Diagnostics
NeoDiagnostix provides advanced molecular diagnostics and genetic testing to personalize cancer treatment. Their genomic sequencing identifies mutations in tumor DNA, helping oncologists select targeted therapies based on a patient’s cancer profile. Their liquid biopsy technology allows non-invasive cancer detection, reducing the need for traditional biopsies. As one of the biotech companies in Gaithersburg, MD, NeoDiagnostix is at the forefront of precision oncology.
Focus: Antigen-Specific T Cell Immunotherapy
NexImmune is developing a new class of T cell therapies that enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases. Their AIM (Artificial Immune Modulation) platform mimics how the body naturally activates T cells, leading to more precise and potent immune responses. Current clinical trials include treatments for:
✔ Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
✔ Multiple myeloma
✔ Solid tumors
By harnessing the power of antigen-specific immunity, NexImmune is advancing next-generation cell-based therapies.
Focus: Vaccine Development
Novavax is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing next-generation vaccines for infectious diseases. Their proprietary Matrix-M™ adjuvant technology enhances immune responses and has been pivotal in creating COVID-19 and influenza vaccine candidates. As one of the top pharmaceutical companies in Gaithersburg, MD, Novavax continues to expand its vaccine pipeline, addressing global health challenges.
Focus: Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases
OpGen is a precision medicine company that develops molecular diagnostic tools for rapid pathogen detection and antibiotic resistance profiling. Their technology helps hospitals and labs identify infectious diseases faster and more accurately, leading to better patient outcomes. Their Acuitas AMR Gene Panel can detect antibiotic-resistant pathogens within hours, compared to traditional culture-based methods that take days. As antibiotic resistance becomes a growing public health concern, OpGen’s solutions help guide appropriate antibiotic use and reduce hospital-acquired infections.
Focus: mRNA-Based Immunotherapies
RNAimmune is a biotech company developing mRNA vaccines and therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer. Their RLI-001 vaccine candidate stimulates the immune system to attack solid tumors, making them a promising player in mRNA drug discovery.
Focus: Biologic Drugs for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Salubris Biotherapeutics focuses on developing biologic drugs for heart disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Their antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) target hard-to-treat conditions, improving treatment outcomes. Their research pipeline includes long-acting biologics that offer sustained therapeutic benefits with fewer doses.
Focus: RNA Interference (RNAi) Therapeutics for Cancer and Fibrotic Diseases
Sirnaomics is a leader in RNA interference (RNAi) technology, a method that silences disease-causing genes at the molecular level. Their pipeline focuses on oncology and fibrotic diseases, where traditional treatments often fall short. Their leading candidate, STP705, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for liver and skin cancer. By precisely targeting TGF-β1 and COX-2 pathways, the drug reduces tumor growth and fibrosis. With a strong intellectual property portfolio and multiple clinical-stage programs, Sirnaomics is making gene-silencing therapies a clinical reality.
Focus: Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Vaccines
VLP Therapeutics is pioneering virus-like particle (VLP) technology, which mimics viruses to stimulate the immune system without using live pathogens. This method has been used in COVID-19, malaria, and flu vaccine candidates. Their VLP-01 COVID-19 vaccine is designed to generate broad immune responses, providing potential advantages over traditional vaccines. By focusing on pandemic preparedness, VLP Therapeutics strengthens Gaithersburg MD pharmaceutical company innovation in vaccine R&D.
Focus: Clinical Research and Biomarker-Driven Drug Development
Precision for Medicine is a biotech services company specializing in clinical research, biomarker-driven drug development, and personalized medicine. They support biopharmaceutical companies by integrating genomics, real-world evidence, and AI-driven analytics into clinical trials. Their precision medicine expertise enables biotech firms to accelerate drug development and improve treatment outcomes for patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rare genetic disorders. With a global network of clinical sites, labs, and data platforms, Precision for Medicine helps Gaithersburg biotech companies bring targeted therapies to market faster by leveraging advanced biomarker strategies and data-driven insights.
Focus: Dual Cytokine Therapies for Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases
Deka Biosciences is pioneering the development of dual cytokine therapies designed to improve immune system modulation in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Their Diakine™ platform enables the creation of targeted cytokine-based drugs that selectively activate or suppress immune responses, enhancing the safety and efficacy of biologic treatments. Deka’s lead candidates include DK210 (EGFR), an anti-cancer immunotherapy designed to stimulate tumor-targeting immune cells, and DK215 (TNF-R2), a therapy aimed at reducing inflammation in autoimmune disorders. By integrating precision immunotherapy with targeted biologics, Deka Biosciences is positioning itself as a leader in personalized immune-modulating therapies.
American Gene Technologies (AGT)
Focus: Gene Therapy for Infectious Diseases, Cancer, and Rare Disorders
American Gene Technologies (AGT) is a gene therapy company focused on developing curative treatments for HIV, cancer, and inherited genetic diseases. Their AGT103-T therapy, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for HIV, aims to eliminate the virus from infected individuals by reprogramming their immune cells. If successful, this approach could lead to a functional HIV cure. Beyond infectious diseases, AGT is advancing gene therapies for liver cancer and inherited metabolic disorders, leveraging its proprietary lentiviral vector platform to deliver highly specific genetic modifications. With a focus on disease eradication rather than symptom management, AGT is at the forefront of next-generation gene-based therapeutics.
Focus: Diagnostic Assays and Biological Detection
Tetracore, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing diagnostic assays and devices for the detection of infectious diseases and bioterrorism threat agents. Their product portfolio includes real-time PCR kits and immunoassays designed for rapid and accurate pathogen identification. Serving both veterinary and human health markets, Tetracore contributes significantly to public health preparedness and biodefense. By focusing on innovative diagnostic solutions, Tetracore enhances disease surveillance and response capabilities, solidifying its position among leading biotech firms in Gaithersburg, MD.
Focus: Infectious Disease Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Zalgen Labs is a leader in diagnostic test development for high-risk viral pathogens, including Ebola, Lassa fever, and hantaviruses. Their immunoassay kits and antibody-based treatments provide early detection and therapeutic options for viral outbreaks. By focusing on pandemic prevention and global health security, Zalgen Labs contributes significantly to biotech companies in Maryland working in infectious disease R&D.
Focus: Biomaterials and Nanomedicine
Zymeron specializes in biomaterials and nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery, vaccine development, and tissue engineering. Their nanoparticle-based drug delivery system enhances precision medicine, making treatments more effective and less toxic.
Focus: Autoimmune Disease Treatments
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals develops novel therapies for autoimmune diseases, including lupus nephritis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Their FDA-approved drug LUPKYNIS® is a breakthrough treatment for lupus-related kidney disease.
Conclusion: The Future of Biotech in Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg, Maryland, has established itself as a major hub for biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation, hosting some of the most advanced biotech companies in the country. Throughout this blog, we have explored 30 biotech companies headquartered in Gaithersburg, each contributing significantly to the fields of precision medicine, RNA therapeutics, vaccine development, and cell and gene therapy. Companies like GeneDx and NeoDiagnostix are making breakthroughs in genomic diagnostics, while Sirnaomics, miRecule, and RNAimmune are pushing the boundaries of RNA-based drug discovery. Others, such as Novavax and VLP Therapeutics, are playing a crucial role in vaccine development and infectious disease preparedness, and firms like Cartesian Therapeutics and XcelaBio are advancing next-generation cell and gene therapies. Meanwhile, OpGen, Zalgen Labs, and HeMemics Biotechnologies are leading efforts in early disease detection, rapid diagnostics, and pandemic response technologies.
The rapid expansion of biotech companies in Maryland, particularly in Gaithersburg, is driven by several key factors. The city's proximity to federal research institutions, such as the NIH, FDA, and BARDA, provides companies with unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, funding, and regulatory alignment. Maryland also boasts one of the highest concentrations of STEM professionals in the U.S., ensuring a skilled talent pool for the life sciences industry. The region’s strong infrastructure for biomanufacturing and regulatory compliance, combined with robust venture capital investment and biotech accelerator programs, has further cemented Gaithersburg's position as a leading biotech hub.
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