Meet the Winners of BioBuzz’s 2024 Awards in the Greater Philadelphia Region

BioBuzz is thrilled to announce the winners of our 2024 BioBuzz Awards, presented by US Pharmacopeia (USP), Avantor, MilliporeSigma, Blackbird Labs, Integral Molecular and Life Science Wealth.

Now in its second year for the Greater Philadelphia Region, BioBuzz's Awards honor the outstanding people, programs and organizations in the life sciences who go above and beyond to support the success of the community, the industry and the patients that ultimately benefit.

"The BioBuzz Annual Awards go beyond recognizing individual accomplishments; they highlight the collective strength of our life sciences community," said Chris Frew, CEO of BioBuzz Networks. "Nominated and selected by peers, these awards embody the power of collaboration and the shared dedication to advancing the industry and honoring those who are making a significant impact."

This year’s awards received over 1,500 individual votes and represent increased awareness for our finalists and a show of great enthusiasm by their supporters.

Let’s meet your 2024 BioBuzz Award Winners.

Leader of Year: Nick Siciliano, CEO of ViTToria Biotherapeutics

Nick Siciliano’s impact on Philadelphia’s biotech community is nothing short of transformative. Over the past decade, he has been a catalyst for groundbreaking innovations in cell and gene therapy, earning him the well-deserved title of BioBuzz’s Philadelphia Leader of the Year.

As the Co-founder and CEO of ViTToria Biotherapeutics, Nick has spearheaded the development of next-generation CAR-T therapies, revolutionizing the treatment of T-cell lymphoma. Under his visionary leadership, ViTToria secured a $25 million financing round and initiated its Phase 1 clinical trial for VIPER-101, a cutting-edge, gene-edited autologous cell therapy that holds great promise for patients with limited options.

However, Nick’s leadership extends far beyond the lab. His journey began with influential mentorships that guided him from Villanova University to a PhD in Immunology, eventually leading to the co-founding of Invisible Sentinel in 2006. His strategic vision and perseverance propelled Invisible Sentinel from a startup to a global leader in food safety diagnostics, culminating in a landmark $75 million acquisition by BioMérieux in 2019.

Nick’s commitment to innovation is matched only by his dedication to mentorship. As President of the Jefferson College of Life Sciences Alumni Board and through collaborations with local universities, he actively shapes the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs. His involvement in workforce development initiatives like the Wistar Biomedical Technician Training Program underscores his commitment to cultivating the talent necessary for Philadelphia’s thriving life sciences sector.

Honored as BioBuzz’s Philadelphia Leader of the Year, Nick Siciliano’s leadership, resilience, and visionary approach have not only been pivotal in shaping the city’s biotech landscape but continue to inspire and pave the way for the next wave of biotech leaders.

Community Builder of Year: Louis Kassa, CEO of Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC)

Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, has been a driving force in shaping Philadelphia’s life sciences ecosystem, earning recognition as BioBuzz’s Philadelphia Community Builder of the Year. As President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC), Hepatitis B Foundation and the Blumberg Institute, Lou’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering innovation, economic growth, and collaboration across the region.

Since joining PABC in 2014, Lou has led the center through significant growth, including a $20 million expansion that increased its capacity by 40%. PABC now supports over 80 biotech startups and has contributed more than $2 billion in regional economic impact. Lou also spearheaded the development of B+Labs, a 50,000-square-foot life sciences incubator in University City, further expanding Philadelphia’s biotech infrastructure.

Beyond infrastructure, Lou has prioritized mentorship and education. Through initiatives at the Blumberg Institute and Hepatitis B Foundation, he has provided invaluable hands-on opportunities for students and young professionals, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the life sciences sector.

Lou’s advocacy for collaboration is evident in his efforts to secure early-stage funding, such as co-founding the Hatch BioFund, which has raised over $30 million to support emerging biotech companies. His lobbying efforts in Harrisburg and initiatives like the Academic Innovation Zone (AIZ) highlight his commitment to securing resources and policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s life sciences sector.

Louis Kassa’s leadership continues to shape the region’s growth, fostering a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs. His impact is undeniable, and his dedication to building a supportive, collaborative ecosystem makes him an ideal recipient of BioBuzz’s Community Builder of the Year award.

Workforce Champion: Margaret Bryans, Professor of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Program Coordinator at Montgomery County Community College

Dr. Margaret Bryans, Ph.D., is a pioneering leader in developing the next generation of biomanufacturing professionals, with a particular focus on gene and cell therapy. As the Principal Investigator for the NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) project at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) and as Professor and Biotechnology Program Coordinator, Dr. Bryans is leading efforts to create targeted curriculum and skills training programs that address the growing need for a skilled workforce in advanced therapy sectors, including biomanufacturing.

In recognition of her significant contributions, Dr. Bryans was awarded the 2024 BioBuzz Workforce Champion of the Year for Greater Philadelphia. This honor highlights her leadership in building a more inclusive and skilled biotech workforce in the region.

Her work with the Building an Advanced Therapy and Biotech Technical Workforce in Southeastern PA project is a prime example of this dedication. By aligning local community college curricula with industry needs, Dr. Bryans ensures students gain essential technical skills in fields like gene and cell therapy manufacturing. Her apprenticeship programs provide hands-on, real-world experience in biomanufacturing and gene therapy production, preparing students for the industry's challenges.

She is also passionate about increasing access to biomanufacturing careers for underrepresented communities, including students of color and first-generation college students. Through industry partnerships and mentorship, she creates pathways for sustainable careers in biotech. As a professor, she oversees MCCC's biotechnology programs, equipping students with the skills to drive innovation in the region’s growing biomanufacturing sector. Dr. Bryans' leadership is helping shape the future workforce for Southeastern Pennsylvania’s biotech industry.

Start of the Year: Radiant Biotherapeutics

Under the leadership of President and CEO Art Fratamico, Radiant Biotherapeutics is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new biotech companies in the region—and this year, that momentum earned them the title of BioBuzz Startup of the Year for Greater Philadelphia.

After operating in stealth mode, Radiant burst onto the scene with the close of a $35 million Series A funding round, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, signaling major confidence in the company’s potential to reshape treatment for cancer, HIV, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

At the core of Radiant’s innovation is its proprietary Multabody™ platform, a clinically validated approach to antibody engineering that creates multi-valent, multi-specific antibodies. These next-gen therapeutics offer more binding power and dramatically enhanced potency—addressing diseases that have long evaded current antibody technologies.

While Radiant is headquartered in Toronto, the company made a bold move by expanding to Philadelphia—a decision Fratamico calls strategic and forward-looking. Drawn to the region’s growing biotech ecosystem, access to world-class academic institutions, and deep scientific talent pool, Radiant is doubling down on its Philly presence and will continue growing its team here in 2025.

Fratamico, a biotech veteran with more than three decades of experience across big pharma and startups, sees Radiant as a once-in-a-career opportunity to lead a company with broad, transformative potential. But more than the science, he’s energized by the team he’s building—and the city they’re building it in.

Radiant’s Startup of the Year win reflects not only its innovative science and strong leadership but also its commitment to helping grow Philadelphia’s life sciences sector. With a bold vision, powerhouse backing, and a technology platform built to change lives, Radiant Biotherapeutics is just getting started.

Breakthrough Company: Adaptimmune Therapeutics

Adaptimmune Therapeutics has been named BioBuzz’s Breakthrough Company of the Year — and for good reason. In August 2024, the Philadelphia- and Oxford-based biotech made history with the FDA’s accelerated approval of TECELRA® (afamitresgene autoleucel), the first engineered T-cell therapy approved for a solid tumor. This marks not only a major milestone for the company, but for the entire field of cell therapy.

Built on more than a decade of pioneering science, Adaptimmune is redefining what’s possible in oncology. By targeting cancers with engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs), they’re offering a completely new treatment paradigm — one that holds promise for patients with very limited options. TECELRA, approved for advanced synovial sarcoma expressing the MAGE-A4 antigen in patients with specific HLA types, is the company’s first commercial product and a testament to its innovative SPEAR T-cell platform.

But Adaptimmune isn’t stopping there. With a robust pipeline that includes additional sarcoma programs and potential applications in other solid tumors, the company continues to expand its impact and demonstrate its commitment to changing the standard of care for cancer patients.

CEO Adrian Rawcliffe and the Adaptimmune team have not only brought a first-in-class therapy to market — they’ve inspired an entire industry by showing that cell therapy can work beyond hematologic cancers.

For their bold science, patient-centered mission, and historic achievements, Adaptimmune is our 2024 Breakthrough Company of the Year.

Employer of the Year: Rockland Immunochemicals

Rockland Immunochemicals has been named the 2025 BioBuzz Employer of the Year in Greater Philadelphia, recognizing the company’s exceptional workplace culture, commitment to employee development, and invaluable contributions to the region’s life sciences ecosystem.

Based in Limerick, PA, Rockland has built a strong reputation not only as a leader in antibody development and diagnostic solutions but also as a company that prioritizes its people. For over 60 years, Rockland has fostered an environment where scientific excellence, community impact, and employee wellbeing are central to its mission. The company’s commitment to building a supportive and collaborative workplace has earned it deep loyalty from its team.

Rockland blends the stability of a legacy organization with the innovative spirit of a modern biotech. The company invests heavily in training, cross-functional growth, and creating an environment where employees are empowered to excel. From the lab to the boardroom, Rockland’s culture is grounded in trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to high-quality science.

As the Greater Philadelphia life sciences community continues to grow, Rockland stands out as a company that proves great science and a great workplace are interconnected. This recognition as Employer of the Year highlights the company’s ongoing role as a driving force in the region’s biotech success.

About the BioBuzz Awards

The BioBuzz Awards were created to celebrate the people, companies, and organizations that make a lasting impact on the life sciences industry and community. By highlighting leadership, innovation, workforce development, and collaboration, the awards reflect BioBuzz’s mission to connect, amplify, and grow the life sciences ecosystem—region by region, story by story.

BioBuzz will be celebrating the 2024 Award Winners with a brief ceremony during our upcoming BioInnovation Series event on June 25th at Advanced Therapies Week. Stay tuned for more information about the award presentation and how you can join us in recognizing this year’s honorees.

To learn more about the BioBuzz Awards or to get involved in future events, visit biobuzz.io or follow us on LinkedIn.