Research Corporation Technologies

Research Corporation Technologies, founded in 1987 and based in Tucson, Arizona, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in technology companies within the medical device, therapeutic, and biotechnology sectors. The firm aims to support innovative solutions that can enhance healthcare and improve patient outcomes. In addition to its investment activities, Research Corporation Technologies is committed to community engagement and education initiatives, particularly in underserved areas, reflecting a dedication to giving back and improving educational standards.

Rebecca E. Buescher

Director of Administration, Corporate Secretary and Board Officer

Kieran S. Fasse

Director of Information Services

Kurt R. Gehlsen

VP and Chief Scientific Officer

Shaun A. Kirkpatrick

President, Biotechnologies

Christopher P. Martin

President, Medical Devices and CFO

Brad Morie

Senior Director, Biotechnologies

Avi Roop

Managing Director

John P. Schaefer

Director

Chad W. Souvignier

Vice President

David A. Wiersma

Senior Associate

25 past transactions

Halo Labs

Series C in 2022
Halo Labs (formerly Optofluidics) is a venture backed scientific instrumentation company that commercializes high throughput biopharmaceutical quality control tools using the latest optics, image processing and microfluidics. Our investors and development partners include BioAdvance, the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. In 2012 Optofluidics was named Philadelphia Life Sciences startup of the year.

seqWell

Series C in 2022
SeqWell’s is a biotechnology company that specializes in the fields of gene sequencing and laboratory services. It features a technology platform that serves as a transformative library prep technology that allows for simple, scalable multiplexing of 100s to 1000s of samples without time- and cost-consuming normalization. The company was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Massachusetts, United States.

Pheon Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Pheon Therapeutics is an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) specialist that creates ADCs for a variety of difficult-to-treat cancers. Its lead program is a first-in-class ADC against a novel target that is highly expressed in solid tumors across a broad range of hard-to-treat cancer types. The company was founded in 2022 and is based in London, England.

Q'Apel Medical

Series C in 2021
In the simplest sense, we’re a company that creates solutions. More specifically, we design novel access device technology for vascular interventions and unmet clinical needs. Because in the precious seconds that surround a stroke emergency, clinicians need technology that delivers. That’s where we come in.

Translational Drug Development

Acquisition in 2020
Translational Drug Development, LLC provides oncology medicine development preclinical services. The company offers regulatory strategic guidance, planning and document submission services, and clinical trial design and execution for oncology-focused companies. Translational Drug Development, LLC was founded in 2003 and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Halo Labs

Series B in 2020
Halo Labs (formerly Optofluidics) is a venture backed scientific instrumentation company that commercializes high throughput biopharmaceutical quality control tools using the latest optics, image processing and microfluidics. Our investors and development partners include BioAdvance, the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. In 2012 Optofluidics was named Philadelphia Life Sciences startup of the year.

seqWell

Series B in 2020
SeqWell’s is a biotechnology company that specializes in the fields of gene sequencing and laboratory services. It features a technology platform that serves as a transformative library prep technology that allows for simple, scalable multiplexing of 100s to 1000s of samples without time- and cost-consuming normalization. The company was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Massachusetts, United States.

Halo Labs

Series B in 2018
Halo Labs (formerly Optofluidics) is a venture backed scientific instrumentation company that commercializes high throughput biopharmaceutical quality control tools using the latest optics, image processing and microfluidics. Our investors and development partners include BioAdvance, the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. In 2012 Optofluidics was named Philadelphia Life Sciences startup of the year.

Bioinformatics

Series B in 2018
Bioinformatics, Inc. is a market research firm supporting the analytical instrumentation and life science industries.Their expertise includes assessing the size and attractiveness of markets, optimizing product configurations and pricing, validating corporate acquisitions, measuring customers’ brand loyalty, and evaluating brand strength and positioning. Their multi-disciplinary team is comprised of industry veterans, market research experts, consultants and survey statisticians.

Dispersol Technologies

Venture Round in 2018
Dispersol Technologies LLC specializes in advanced plastics processing technology aimed at improving pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company is known for its proprietary KinetiSol technology, a non-solvent fusion-based process that enhances the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drug molecules. This technology facilitates the creation of amorphous solid dispersion systems using a wide range of pharmaceutical polymers. Dispersol offers a comprehensive suite of services, including KinetiSol feasibility studies, formulation development, cGMP manufacturing of amorphous intermediates, and various analytical services such as chemical characterization and stability assessment. The company's solutions cater not only to pharmaceutical manufacturers but also to chemical companies and research institutions. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, Dispersol Technologies is committed to addressing the challenges associated with oral drug delivery and enhancing the performance of challenging active pharmaceutical ingredients.

OrthAlign

Series D in 2017
OrthAlign is a privately-held medical device company providing healthier and more pain-free lifestyles to joint replacement patients. The company is developing a line of computer-assisted surgical devices that distill the critical features and benefits of large surgical navigation systems. Its goal is to create a new standard of care in total joint replacement, making consistent, and measurable results accessible to surgeons and patients. The company was founded in 2009 and based in Aliso Viejo, California.

Rubicon Genomics

Venture Round in 2015
Rubicon Genomics was founded in 2000 by two University of Michigan faculty members, Dr. John Langmore and Dr. Vladimir Makarov, who wanted to advance the translation of human genetics “laboratory knowledge” into practical medicine applications. The founders also decided to maintain the company’s roots in Michigan with a commitment to supporting the Michigan economy. Today, Rubicon Genomics is a privately held company located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and employs 20 administrative and technical staff. Our innovative products combined with our strategic partnerships have established the company as a leader in pre-analytical amplification technologies that "break the sample barriers" for our customers. Rubicon sells its products into the research and commercial markets directly and through distributors

CyMedica

Series A in 2015
CyMedica develops and commercializes innovative products that target joint injuries and the resulting muscle atrophy. Its mission is to address this problem with proprietary neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The company's platform technology utilizes the first closed-loop power control systems to provide patients with comfortable yet aggressive treatment. It was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dispersol Technologies

Venture Round in 2015
Dispersol Technologies LLC specializes in advanced plastics processing technology aimed at improving pharmaceutical manufacturing. The company is known for its proprietary KinetiSol technology, a non-solvent fusion-based process that enhances the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drug molecules. This technology facilitates the creation of amorphous solid dispersion systems using a wide range of pharmaceutical polymers. Dispersol offers a comprehensive suite of services, including KinetiSol feasibility studies, formulation development, cGMP manufacturing of amorphous intermediates, and various analytical services such as chemical characterization and stability assessment. The company's solutions cater not only to pharmaceutical manufacturers but also to chemical companies and research institutions. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, Dispersol Technologies is committed to addressing the challenges associated with oral drug delivery and enhancing the performance of challenging active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Providence Medical Technology is a privately-held medical device company focused on innovative solutions for cervical spinal conditions. The company has pioneered a proprietary approach to cervical fusion and has developed surgical instrumentation and implants that offer unique benefits to the $2 billion worldwide cervical spine market. The Providence family of products includes the DTRAX® Spinal Instrumentation System, CAVUX® intervertebral implants, and the ALLY® line of bone and facet screws. All products are shipped-sterile and single-use to maximize perioperative efficiency and ensure consistent quality and performance.

ClearFlow

Series C in 2012
ClearFlow, Inc., a medical device company, develops and manufactures active blood and fluid evacuation systems to medical tube obstructions. It offers PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology, a system that clears chest tubes and prevents the retention of blood and fluids in the chest cavity, as well as treats pediatric cardiothoracic surgery patients. The company’s product pipeline is based on its proprietary Active Clearance Technology to resolve catheter clogging in multiple medical market segments, including urinary catheters, gastrointestinal catheters, and wound drainage. ClearFlow, Inc. was formerly known as Clear Catheter Systems, Inc. and changed its name to ClearFlow, Inc. in March 2014. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Anaheim, California. It has a service center in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

OrthAlign

Series A in 2010
OrthAlign is a privately-held medical device company providing healthier and more pain-free lifestyles to joint replacement patients. The company is developing a line of computer-assisted surgical devices that distill the critical features and benefits of large surgical navigation systems. Its goal is to create a new standard of care in total joint replacement, making consistent, and measurable results accessible to surgeons and patients. The company was founded in 2009 and based in Aliso Viejo, California.

OrthAlign

Series A in 2009
OrthAlign is a privately-held medical device company providing healthier and more pain-free lifestyles to joint replacement patients. The company is developing a line of computer-assisted surgical devices that distill the critical features and benefits of large surgical navigation systems. Its goal is to create a new standard of care in total joint replacement, making consistent, and measurable results accessible to surgeons and patients. The company was founded in 2009 and based in Aliso Viejo, California.

Esperance Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2008
Esperance Pharmaceuticals Inc. develops targeted anticancer drugs to treat women with ovarian and breast cancer. Its products include EP-100, an oncolytic peptide that seeks and destroys cancer cells that express receptors for luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), and selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal cells. The company has strategic alliance with MD Anderson Cancer Center to accelerate clinical development of EP-100 for the treatment of women with ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Esperance Pharmaceuticals Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Cylene Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2007
Cylene Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotech pharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule drugs that target nucleolus and kill cancer cells. It offers nucleolus targeting agents, which are small-molecule targeted cancer therapeutic agents for carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors and pediatric brain tumors; and serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitors. The company also provides pre-clinical stage oral drug candidates. Cylene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1997 as Cyternex, Inc. and changed its name to Cylene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in October 2003. The company is based in San Diego, California.

Esperance Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2006
Esperance Pharmaceuticals Inc. develops targeted anticancer drugs to treat women with ovarian and breast cancer. Its products include EP-100, an oncolytic peptide that seeks and destroys cancer cells that express receptors for luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), and selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal cells. The company has strategic alliance with MD Anderson Cancer Center to accelerate clinical development of EP-100 for the treatment of women with ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Esperance Pharmaceuticals Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Cantex Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2006
Cantex Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company engaged in harnessing known therapies to develop novel and safer cancer treatments. Cantex is currently conducting two unique development programs with modified versions of two separate known chemical entities each of which addresses major unmet medical needs representing high-value market opportunities:

Cantex Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2002
Cantex Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company engaged in harnessing known therapies to develop novel and safer cancer treatments. Cantex is currently conducting two unique development programs with modified versions of two separate known chemical entities each of which addresses major unmet medical needs representing high-value market opportunities:

NP Photonics

Venture Round in 2002
NP Photonics, Inc. designs and produces optical light sources for sensing, medical, and research and development markets. It offers fiber and single-frequency lasers, amplified spontaneous emission sources, fiber amplifiers, and light sources. It offers its products through distributors in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, the People's Republic of China, and the United Kingdom. NP Photonics, Inc. was formerly known as NP Photonic Technologies, LLC and it changed its name in August 2000. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Tucson, Arizona.