Juvaris BioTherapeutics Inc.'s technology is an offshoot of gene therapy work originally conducted at Valentis. Researchers there discovered that their DNA/lipid delivery combination elicited a mild immune response at the lowest dose. Juvaris has used the technology to develop two classes of products: JuvImmune is made up of the DNA/lipid combination without an antigen and is intended to boost the immune response. Combined with vaccines, where it boosts the intensity of the immune response, the technology is called JuvaVax.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, Vision Correction, features profiles of Calhoun Vision Inc., EyeTech Pharmaceuticals Inc., Quest Vision and Visual Pathways Inc. Plus these selected Start-Ups across Health Care: Activx Biosciences Inc., Ark Therapeutics Ltd., Genteric Inc. and Vyteris Inc.

Genteric is harnessing the body's ductal system to get genes into the gastrointestinal organs and on into the circulation, without directly confronting the circulatory system. The firm believes this direct route will improve transfection rates and reduce immune reactions, regardless of the sort of vector--and has been pitching gene-therapy companies on the concept. So far, they've been hard to convince, but Genteric is confident they will come to appreciate the benefits of its delivery method.