Brett Janis (DesiCorp)
Overview
Brett Janis is a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology and is best known for his role as the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of DesiCorp, Inc., a company focused on revolutionizing the storage and transfusion of human blood through innovative freeze-drying technology. DesiCorp's developments aim to extend the shelf-life of red blood cells, addressing limitations and shortages in current blood supply systems. Janis has contributed significantly to advancements in the field of biostabilization and has been pivotal in bringing novel biomedical innovations from research to practical applications, especially in austere environments and battlefield scenarios.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Brett Janis, along with DesiCorp, has made several notable advancements and received recognition in the biotechnology sector. Here are some of the key developments:
- July 2023: DesiCorp was awarded nearly $300,000 from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with additional matching funds from the state of Kentucky. This funding supports the continued research and development of their freeze-drying blood technology, which is expected to have vast applications including military and emergency medical services.
- August 2024: DesiCorp completed a seed funding round, raising $1 million to further accelerate the commercialization of their technology. This funding supports efforts to work with the FDA to make the technology broadly available.
- November 2023: Brett Janis spoke at the Cellular Therapeutics in Trauma and Critical Care Conference, where he discussed the potential impact of DesiCorp's technology on battlefield medicine and space exploration.
- June 2024: Missouri University of Science and Technology licensed a glass powder technology to DesiCorp, furthering their collaboration on innovative hemostatic agents for traumatic injury treatment.
- October 2023: DesiCorp was highlighted as one of the leading startups in Louisville for its cutting-edge technology in preserving cellular materials without refrigeration.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brett Janis |
| Born | 1984, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | CEO and Co-founder, DesiCorp |
| Known For | Innovations in freeze-drying blood technology |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of Louisville |
Early Life and Education
Brett Janis grew up in the United States where he developed an early interest in the biological sciences. He pursued his undergraduate degree in Biology at Cornell College, which he describes as pivotal in shaping his research skills. His mentor, Professor Craig Tepper, played a crucial role by inspiring Janis to delve deeper into genetics, leading him to focus on cryptobiosis during his advanced studies. After completing his undergraduate degree, Janis obtained a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Louisville in 2021. His doctoral research involved studying proteins that contribute to anhydrobiosis, influencing his later work on freeze-drying technology.
Career and Notable Achievements
Brett Janis co-founded DesiCorp, Inc. in 2017, alongside Dr. Jonathan Kopechek and Dr. Michael Menze. The venture was established to commercialize a novel approach to biostabilization and extend the shelf-life of red blood cells (RBCs).
- Developed a patented technology using ultrasonic waves to infuse protectants into RBCs, facilitating their long-term storage without refrigeration.
- Successfully secured multiple rounds of funding, including grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, propelling the company's research and development capabilities.
- Co-invented a device for high-throughput loading of compounds into cells, which addresses longstanding challenges in cryobiology.
- Won recognition for his innovative applications of sonoporation, aiding the preservation of cellular materials in extreme conditions.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Brett Janis continues to lead DesiCorp in its mission to create sustainable solutions for blood storage logistics. The impact of his work has been increasingly felt in military medicine, where access to preserved blood can be lifesaving in remote areas. Janis's technology also holds potential for humanitarian applications, offering reliable transfusion solutions in regions lacking consistent refrigeration infrastructure. His leadership in DesiCorp has propelled significant strides toward reducing the world's dependency on cold chain systems.
Conclusion
Brett Janis stands at the forefront of biotechnology innovation with his work on freeze-drying red blood cells, potentially transforming medical procedures in both daily healthcare and emergency situations. His influence extends beyond business to contributing valuable knowledge to scientific research, underscoring the critical intersection of science and entrepreneurship. As DesiCorp advances, Janis's efforts are poised to make lasting impacts in fields ranging from military logistics to deep-space missions, ensuring blood availability irrespective of geographic and logistic constraints.