Unitech Pharmaceuticals

Unitech Pharmaceuticals Gears up for Next Phase of Business Growth
Biotech company credits Ann Arbor resources as best in the Midwest

Unitech

Unitech Pharmaceuticals, an Ann Arbor research and development company, has emerged as an independent pharmaceutical that’s here to stay. The company has utilized its resources and talents, obtaining 15 patents since inception in 1994.

Unitech focuses on the discovery and development of novel drug candidates to treat immune mediated diseases and cancer. Currently, the company is developing promising treatments for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and colon cancer.

Unitech received some initial indirect funding to organize its internal operations through Ann Arbor SPARK’s Business Accelerator, a program that provides emerging companies with valuable resources: one-on-one coaching to construct a milestone plan; introductions to management talent, professional services firms; as well as funding and business mentors. The next step for Unitech is to conduct human trials for its topical psoriasis treatment.

“We’ve got the right people to be successful, and we’re in the right space (auto-immune disease),” said Charles Liu, Unitech co-chairman. “We want to become a potential target for the support of larger companies.”

SPARK is helping to secure matching funds for $250,000 from Unitech to fund the trials at the University of Michigan, and Liu believes success will impact the local economy significantly. “We just need a stronger, more steady purse,” he said. “Smart investors who know this industry will be eager to participate once they know our story.”

If Unitech’s human trials yield the expected results, the company will likely be funded for a large-scale human trial, creating a number of high-wage jobs in Michigan. Unitech has already achieved many measurable milestones in the acceleration of its business: hiring current President Dr. Ronald Martin, receiving four research grants and the patenting of 15 products. The first significant milestone, however, was the early formation of Unitech’s scientific advisory board. “We still have our original board, and that’s our real stabilizing force,” said Liu. “They believe in our technology and our management integrity.”

Aside from the biotech hubs in the East and West Coasts and the Research Triangle, Liu believes Ann Arbor is the best place to be for biotechnology. “I think if you want to do biotech you need to be in Ann Arbor,” said Liu. “There are lots of talented people here, and I can’t name all the people who have helped and supported our business.”

Unitech stands on the verge of a new stage of business, and Liu is upbeat about the future. “We’ve managed to survive for many years,” he said. “It’s treacherous out there, but we are getting to our next significant milestone. I think as Michiganders, we can be very proud of the business we have here.”

Aside from the biotech hubs in the East and West Coasts and the Research Triangle, Liu believes Ann Arbor is the best place to be for biotechnology. "I think if you want to do biotech you need to be in Ann Arbor," said Liu. "There are lots of talented people here, and I can’t name all the people who have helped and supported our business."

Charles Liu
Co-chairman
Unitech