About Us
Conigen Bioscience, based in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a science-first life science tools company advancing translational research through structure-driven recombinant protein technologies.
We integrate immunology, virology, molecular biology, and protein engineering to create:
- Bioactive recombinant proteins that preserve native structure and function
- High-quality assay-ready reagents
- Custom services for protein expression and antibody development
These tool-molecules are designed for drug discovery, therapeutic antibody screening, and translational studies, enabling better decisions, faster progress, and more predictive outcomes.
Conigen was founded to address a persistent challenge: the limited availability of recombinant proteins that preserve native conformational epitopes. Using our proprietary CSP™ and CMP™ platforms, we engineer soluble and membrane-associated proteins that maintain quaternary structure, epitope exposure, and biological relevance — all essential for drug screening, immunogen design, and antibody generation.
Deep Expertise in Protein and Antibody Design
Our team brings over 30 years of experience in the development of functionally validated recombinant proteins, including:
- More than 100 soluble proteins and 50 membrane proteins developed as immunogens or antigens for vaccine and antibody discovery
- Specialized expression systems to retain native folding, glycosylation, and conformational epitopes
We are also innovators in genetic prime–protein boost immunization, with a proven track record in:
- Generating antibodies across diverse targets in mouse, and rabbit systems
- Developing over 20 mouse and rabbit monoclonals for oncology, infectious disease, and autoimmune research
- Supporting clinical programs with 30+ human monoclonal antibodies targeting diverse epitopes
This shared commitment drives us to redefine the landscape of engineered protein tools and immunogens, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in therapeutic discoveries, making the unseen seen and the impossible possible.
Leadership
Jean Qiu, PhD
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Dr. Qiu was the Founder & Chief Technology Officer of Nexcelom Bioscience. From the basement of her home, she started Nexcelom in 2003, with the goal of automating manual cell counting on the biologist’s lab bench using image cytometry technologies. This product portfolio was expanded to include cell counting and cell-based assay instruments, software, consumables and reagent kits, which are distributed globally. Nexcelom was acquired by PerkinElmer in 2021. Dr. Qiu has published over 50 papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and holds more than 35 patents.
Shixia Wang, PhD, DVM
Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder
Dr. Wang was a professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, focused on vaccine and antibody research and discovery since 1996. In 2021, as the senior director of immunology in a vaccine company, she successfully enhanced the team and the department’s capabilities, and built a state-of-the-art immunology lab from scratch in record time. Dr. Wang has extensive knowledge and expertise in vaccinology, immunology, infectious diseases, virology, microbiology and antibody research. Her rich experiences cover immunogen design, modern immunological and virological assays, bioanalytical and GLP assay development and management, toxicology and clinical study design, process development for DNA and protein vaccine GMP manufacturing and PreIND/IND filing. Dr. Wang has published over 160 peer-reviewed papers and holds 12 patents.