Biomodels was founded in 1997 when Dr. Edward Fey, then employed by Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Office of Technology Transfer, Dr. Stephen T. Sonis, and Harry Barnett recognized that in many instances pharmaceutical companies made the transition from the laboratory to the clinic based largely on faith, rather than on results obtained in sound, predictive models of the intended clinical application.

Dr. Fey, himself a founder of a successful cancer diagnostic company, realized that many of the models used by Brigham investigators could be adapted for drug development and modified to focus on clinical endpoints. With the Brigham’s support (the Brigham remains an equity holder in Biomodels), and using models developed by Dr. Stephen Sonis for the study of cancer therapy-induced mucositis, the company was started.

In the past 10 years, Biomodels has expanded in personnel, space, and scope of studies. Dr. Brynmor Watkins, a cell biologist with extensive industry experience, was hired in 2000 as Director of Research, and was later joined by Dr. Gregory Lyng and Dr. Kimberly Pouliot. Together with an experienced staff of laboratory associates and technicians, studies are performed efficiently, expertly, and with exquisite attention to detail.

Throughout its existence, expert clinician collaborators have been integral to every study. In 2005, Biomodels moved to its current location in Watertown, MA. The current 6,000 square foot facility contains facilities and conventional and innovative instrumentation to fully support a wide range of models in oncology, cancer supportive care, mucosal and inflammatory diseases, connective tissue diseases, and bone pathology.