Celera Genomics Corp. / CRA
About Celera Genomics Corp.
45 W. Gude Dr., Rockville, Md. 20850
www.celera.com
| 240-453-3000
| Founded: 1998
Industry: Biotechnology | Category: Top 100 Companies
In 2004, Celera completed a quiet transformation from genetic database company to drug development firm. But late last year, it switched directions again. Now, the company says it intends to focus on developing diagnostic tests for the potentially lucrative new world of targeted medicine — for instance, selling tests to determine a person's genetic predisposition to diseases, which could allow for earlier, preventive treatments.
The change in strategy marked the second substantial shift since the company was founded in 1998, then leading a high-profile effort to map the human genome. As part of the latest shift, Celera Genomics is taking over full ownership of Celera Diagnostics, a California subsidiary that specializes in developing diagnostic tests, which had been jointly owned by Celera Genomics and Applied Biosystems, both divisions of Applera. How much longer can Celera Genomics hang on with all the strategy changes? Since 2000, the firm has spent nearly $400 million of the $1 billion in its coffers. That leaves Celera with a hefty chunk of cash, much more than other biotech firms.
Chief medical officer: Sam Broder
2007 Financial Data
Total employees: 360 | Local employees: 95Company Leadership
| Kathy P. Ordonez | President |
Source: Compensation data provided by Equilar, Inc..
Did You Know
Celera is a biotechnology company that uses genetic information to develop new medical tests and treatments. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Applera Corp. of Norwalk, Conn., but it is represented by a separate tracking stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
