Start-Up
Start-Up
Monday, February 6, 2006; Page D05
Name: Imagilin Technology LLC
Location: Frederick Innovative Technology Center.
  Imagilin Technology chief executive J.J. Lin, center, with Michael J. Dailey, left, of the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, and Peter W. Hudson of Maryland Industrial Partnerships. (By Ricky Carioti -- The Washington Post) |
Funding: The company has received $95,000 in funding from the Maryland Technology Development Corp. and $5,000 from the Booth Foundation. Maryland Industrial Partnerships at the University of Maryland has contributed $147,000 to scientists working with the company.
Big idea: Imagilin has developed probiotics for animal consumption. Probiotics are micro-organisms that naturally exist in the bodies of both humans and animals and are thought to help improve digestion and stimulate the immune system. J.J. Lin, chief executive and chief scientist, said his company's probiotics would be used as a complement and alternative to antibiotics, which kill both good and bad bacteria and, if overused, create strains of antibiotic-resistant "super bugs." Unlike antibiotics, probiotics build up "good" micro-organisms in the gastrointestinal tract, Lin said, creating an inhospitable environment for pathogens and stimulating immune response.
How it Works: Imagilin's products are based on a bacterial strain called pediococcus, which Lin said is resistant to high temperatures and oxygen and capable of maintaining its viability longer than other probiotics. The product is freeze-dried into a highly concentrated powder that is delivered in capsule form. When taken internally, the probiotic multiplies along the surface of the gastrointestinal tract, Lin said, fortifying it against pathogens and stimulating a good immune response.
Where the idea was hatched: While working for a Rockville biotechnology company Lin noticed many requests from Brazil for antibiotics that were being used as supplements to promote growth in farm animals. He wanted to create a product that would replace the antibiotics as growth promoters and also prevent super bugs.
Example of use: The company makes products for both pets and farm animals, including cattle, pigs, horses, poultry, ostriches, fish and shrimp. Lin said that in the next five years, he would like to deliver a product for human consumption that would be used as an alternative medicine.
Customers: Private practice veterinarians, pet shops and health food stores.
Price: About $14 to $35 per bottle, depending on the product and the number of pills.
Founded: 2003
Who's in charge: Lin
Employees: Two full-time and four part-time.
Web site: http://www.imagilin.com
Partners: U.S. Agriculture Department, the University of Maryland, and international distributors Health Vision Inc. of Japan and Lindata of Taiwan
What the name means: "We want to have a good imagination to keep improving the technology," Lin said. "We tried all kinds of combinations and pretty much every one was taken. We figured it was a good idea to combine the word imagination with my last name. It became unique."
Where will you be in five years?: "We want to be a leader in probiotics and eventually become a leader of alternative medicine in animals and humans," Lin said.
-- Andrea Caumont
