2024 marked a transformative year for Athari Biosciences that solidified our position at the intersection of healthcare innovation and social impact. As we reflect on our milestones and growth, one thing remains constant: our unwavering belief in forging a new path towards more equitable, effective, and accessible healthcare solutions. Our CLIA-certified BSL2 diagnostic, research, and training laboratory in Sterling, VA continues to serve as a hub of innovation, where our team of scientists and experts collaborates to develop next-generation therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics. We’re not just a biotech company; we’re a community partner committed to improving health outcomes for all, advancing scientific knowledge, and cultivating a more skilled workforce in the life sciences. Our three interconnected lines of business—federal contracting, STEMM workforce development, and a fully operational CLIA, BSL2 lab—constitute a robust pipeline encompassing product commercialization, population health strategies, and clinical services.   

Transforming Cancer Therapeutics

Central to our mission is developing next-generation cancer therapeutics that address urgent and unmet medical needs, particularly in historically underserved communities. Athari Bio’s chief technical officer and nationally-renowned molecular biologist, Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, is pioneering “Cancer SMART PARTICLES”— a proprietary targeted molecular therapeutic that selectively target biomarkers commonly found in breast cancer cells. Our approach leverages nanoparticle engineering to deliver anti-cancer genes and chemotherapeutic payloads directly into tumor cells, sparing healthy tissue and thereby minimizing adverse effects. Our goal is to improve survival rates and quality of life, particularly for individuals who often face disproportionate cancer burdens.  

Reimagining Immunization with an Oral Vaccine Platform

Another critical initiative we’re undertaking is the development of an innovative oral vaccine development platform. With this platform, we’re reimagining vaccine delivery, stability, and accessibility. Our proprietary nanoparticle-based formulation is designed to survive stomach acid conditions, deliver immunogens to the small intestine, and promote both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Our oral vaccines have the potential to dramatically simplify distribution, bypass the need for cold chains, and strengthen the global fight against infectious diseases by rapidly protecting populations during outbreaks. 

Neutralizing Antibody Platforms for Rapid and High-Throughput Immune Assessment

Beyond preventing disease, Athari BioSciences focuses on strengthening our response capabilities through advanced viral immunosurveillance and neutralizing antibody platforms. Our research leverages nonreplicating hybrid alphavirus-SARS-CoV-2 to rapidly quantify neutralizing antibodies against evolving viral variants. This enables high-throughput screening and immunological insights, guiding public health agencies, pharmaceutical developers, and research institutions in their fight against emerging pathogens. Ultimately, our platform bridges critical knowledge gaps, accelerating the evaluation of vaccine efficacy for proactive global health preparedness. 

Empowering the Next Generation through Workforce Training

At the heart of Athari BioSciences’ vision is the unwavering commitment to fostering an  accessible and dynamic life sciences workforce. Through the “Future STEMM Leaders” program, we accelerate the careers of STEMM students and emerging professionals entering the life sciences industry, allowing them to gain meaningful employment, and drive impactful health innovations. Our students receive hands-on training in our CLIA lab, working on impactful research and acquiring capabilities that are highly desirable to future employers. Our partner employers benefit from access to a highly skilled, distinctive talent pool, while learners find fulfilling career pathways that ultimately contribute to better population health outcomes.  

Complementing this initiative, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists (GEMS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing genomic science through education, mentorship, and research. GEMS is transforming the future of healthcare by building the next generation of genomics leaders. Through intensive mentorship and hands-on training, GEMS empowers promising students to become pioneering scientists capable of addressing humanity’s greatest health challenges. From tackling devastating diseases to enhancing biosecurity measures, GEMS ensures that genomic advances benefit all communities equitably. This effort aligns with Athari BioSciences’ broader mission of bridging healthcare disparities and fostering innovation. 

By weaving together pioneering research platforms, targeted therapeutics, innovative vaccine technologies, and dynamic educational programs like Future STEMM Leaders and GEMS, Athari BioSciences exemplifies a holistic approach to health innovation—one that propels science forward, lifts communities, and paves the way for a more resilient global healthcare ecosystem. 

November marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a disease that affects millions and ripples through families, communities, and the healthcare system. Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that strips away memories, independence, and often, the sense of self. At Athari BioSciences, we are committed to exploring innovative solutions to the challenges of Alzheimer’s through the lens of genomics, while also amplifying the human stories behind the science. 

To deepen our understanding, we spoke with Vania, a nurse manager who works closely with Alzheimer’s patients, and Michelle, a granddaughter who has been at the heart of her family’s caregiving journey. Their insights offer a vivid picture of the emotional, physical, and societal impact of this disease, as well as the resilience it demands from everyone involved. 

Understanding Alzheimer’s 

Alzheimer’s is more than just forgetfulness—it’s a neurodegenerative disease that progressively damages the brain, leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and ultimately, an inability to perform basic bodily functions. It’s a terminal condition, and its impact is profound not only for the individuals diagnosed but also for their families and caregivers. As Vania explained, “Alzheimer’s is one of the dementias that is ultimately terminal. So, the challenge is to keep the quality and richness of life for as long as possible while addressing their health and engagement.” This delicate balance of preserving quality of life while navigating the inevitability of decline defines much of the caregiving experience. For families like Michelle’s, it’s a journey filled with tough decisions, sacrifices, and moments of bittersweet joy. 

The Challenges of Caregiving 

For Michelle, caring for her grandmother meant stepping into a role she never anticipated. The transition wasn’t easy, particularly when it came to honoring her grandmother’s wishes while prioritizing her safety. “She always told us, ‘If you want to kill me, put me in a nursing home.’ So doing this was really hard. But we knew we had to, for her own good.” Michelle and her family delayed the decision as long as they could, ultimately placing her grandmother in a nursing home only after a severe fall, which occurred four years after she had initially moved in with them.  

Placing a loved one in a care facility can bring feelings of guilt and doubt, as Michelle shared, “Now that she’s in a facility, we rely on others to care for her, but it’s hard not knowing if she’s being treated as well as we would treat her. We do random pop-in visits just to check,”. This level of vigilance reflects the emotional toll caregiving takes. Families grapple with letting go of the person they once knew while adapting to a new reality—a painful yet necessary process. Vania observed, “Families often struggle with letting go of the version of their loved one they remember. They have to adapt and accept the new reality, which is really hard.” 

But even amidst these struggles, moments of connection remain. Michelle recounted how her grandmother’s humor shines through, offering a glimpse of the person she’s always known. “Even now, she’ll still give jokes and make us laugh. She can look at me and still switch a pen in my left hand to my right because she thinks being left-handed is wrong”, Michelle shared. 

A Holistic Approach to Caregiving 

Until science offers a cure, caregiving remains the cornerstone of Alzheimer’s management. Vania emphasized the importance of a patient-centered approach: “We’ve learned that reorienting them isn’t the way to treat them. Now, we go to where they are. If they think they need to go to work, you say, ‘Today you have the day off.’ If they ask for their car keys, you say, ‘Your car’s in the shop.’ It causes much less distress.” Such strategies require empathy and creativity, but they can significantly improve patients’ well-being. Caregivers must also learn to interpret nonverbal cues, as agitation or confusion may signal unmet needs. “When they become agitated, you have to ask yourself: Are they hungry? Are they in pain? Are they tired? Sometimes it’s as simple as giving them a snack to make them content.”  

Policy and Support 

Both Vania and Michelle highlighted systemic gaps that make Alzheimer’s care even more challenging. Vania pointed out the limitations of existing insurance structures: “Many patients don’t qualify for long-term care insurance because they can still dress or feed themselves, but they still can’t be left alone. It’s a terrible gray area where families are stuck.” She also called for more resources to support caregivers. “Families need more support. It would help if Medicare provided subsidies for care, like adult daycare programs, so caregivers could get a break”, Vania explained. These insights underscore the need for advocacy and reform to ensure that families don’t face these challenges alone.  

Michelle and her family had to rely on a loan due to the expenses required. “My mom was retired and took the days, I handled evenings, and my sister helped at night. We worked in shifts, but it was mentally, physically, and financially taxing. We converted part of our house to make accommodations so that she would have all her needs in one room”, she explained. 

A Message of Gratitude and Hope 

Despite the heartbreak, both women found meaning in their experiences. Vania expressed deep admiration for those working with Alzheimer’s patients: “Shout out to all the caregivers and those working with this population. It can be exhausting and heartbreaking, but it can also be very rewarding.” Michelle urged others to treasure the moments they still have. “Just be grateful you still have them here. Take it one day at a time and focus on the memories.” 

As we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, let’s honor the caregivers, families, and patients who face this journey with courage and compassion. At Athari BioSciences, we are committed to driving innovation in Alzheimer’s research, offering hope for a future where this disease no longer defines so many lives. While the disease is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, genetics also plays a critical role. We are leveraging our expertise to explore how genomic insights can inform precision medicine. Our goal is to develop therapies that address the root causes of Alzheimer’s rather than just its symptoms, offering hope for earlier interventions and better outcomes. Together, through science and humanity, we can make that vision a reality. 

Breast cancer is a complex and deeply personal battle, one that’s more than just a diagnosis. For many, it becomes an unexpected shift in their identity, a challenge that compels them to face fears, navigate medical ambiguity, and find strength in the face of uncertainty. Stephanie Alexander and Katrece Nolen, both resilient women from Northern Virginia, shared their individual stories, providing us with a unique insight into the emotional landscape of this journey—marked by struggle yet uplifted by resilience, determination, and the essential support of those around them.

Seeking Answers and Medical Uncertainty

When Stephanie Alexander first received her recommendation for a biopsy, her radiologist’s choice of words struck her. “He never actually said the words ‘breast cancer’… he’s very clinical,” she remembered. This vague language left her in a fog of worry as her mind filled with questions about what might come next. Before she received her diagnosis, Stephanie entered a phase of waiting—spending 24 days between first noticing something was wrong and finally consulting with a medical professional to discuss the next steps. Living in Northern Virginia, she was grateful to have access to a robust network of healthcare providers, a medical necessity not accessible to all women. She’d heard from others who had to drive hours just to see a doctor, adding a physical and emotional toll to an already overwhelming situation.

Despite her proximity to quality care, Stephanie was frustrated with the disheartening lack of guidance from her doctors. “No doctor will actually tell you what to do; they are basically like, here are your options, and it’s what you think you should do,” she shared. As a patient facing an unfamiliar world of medical jargon and choices, Stephanie found herself frustrated by the medical professionals she was counting on to have the answers. The vague replies—”it depends”—were meant to acknowledge every patient’s unique reaction to treatment, but they left her alone navigating unexpected symptoms on her own. Even more challenging was Stephanie’s responsibility to balance transparency with leadership in her professional life. “You have to lead with humanity and compassion… People put folks on a pedestal, but we’re all human,” she said, emphasizing the delicate balance of showing vulnerability while reassuring those she leads. 

Katrece Nolen’s story reflects similar difficulties that many face in navigating the medical system for diagnosis and treatment. After first noticing breast swelling, she underwent a mammogram, which detected only thickening of the skin. Still, her doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat what was assumed to be an infection. But within two weeks, the swelling had worsened significantly, prompting further concern. When her doctor referred her to a breast surgeon, she was told there were no available appointments for months—a delay that felt impossible to accept as her symptoms intensified. Determined to find answers, Katrece sought an appointment with a different doctor, only to run into another barrier: the office required a physical mammogram film rather than the CD she had brought. “I explained all they gave me was the CD, not the film… so they said, ‘well if we don’t have the film, we’ll have to reschedule you,’” she recalls. Rescheduling meant waiting weeks or months, which wasn’t a feasible option with her worsening symptoms. Finally, after persisting, she met with the doctor, who, upon reviewing her records, delivered the news: Katrece likely had inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form that begins at Stage 3.

This revelation left Katrece grappling with a daunting reality. “Learning about how it’s rare, aggressive, and that I had little chances of survival was shocking and very disheartening.” But despite her fear, Katrece resolved to fight. With three young children at home, she felt a profound need to persevere not only for herself but for her family. “I had to fight. I had to figure it out and get the best resources possible,” she recalled, a mindset that got her through the rigorous treatments of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. She became her own advocate, an “information junkie,” diving deep into research and reaching out to others who had faced similar diagnoses.

Creating a Network of Strength Through Transparency

For both Stephanie and Katrece, openness played a critical role in managing their diagnoses. Stephanie, who chose to share her experience publicly, found that talking about her journey on LinkedIn became an unexpected source of strength. Her transparency brought support and sparked conversations with others who had walked similar paths, creating a network of shared experiences and insight. “There is some subsection of the population dealing with cancer at any given time that you don’t even know about. It’s very silent… spouses, moms, sisters. There are so many people impacted by it, and people don’t talk about it,” she explained. By opening up, Stephanie saw firsthand the importance of breaking this silence, creating space for genuine connection and understanding.

Katrece’s experience echoed this. She also made the decision to be open, which introduced her to resources that proved essential as she moved through treatment. “It was a chain reaction,” she recalled. “Doors opened, and the information accessible to me from people who had the disease or are experts in it made a huge difference.” Alongside these new connections, Katrece had the steadfast support of family members who rallied together, some even traveling from out of state to help her through the hardest moments. Their presence allowed her to take on each step of treatment knowing she was not facing it alone.

Being transparent about their experiences allowed both women to build strong support networks—communities of friends, family, and others who became vital to their journeys. In each conversation, they found understanding and solidarity. Both emphasized that while every breast cancer journey is unique, having people to lean on can make a real difference in facing the many challenges along the way. Their advice for others: reach out, share your story, and build a network you can rely on. In doing so, you open the door to a community ready to support and guide you, building strength together.

Lingering Impact of Breast Cancer’s Emotional Toll

One of the most difficult aspects of breast cancer is its lasting emotional toll.  Stephanie found that after treatment ended, she was constantly bracing herself for the “other shoe to drop.” It took some time before she could fully move forward, held back by the lingering fear of recurrence. This worry is something Katrece knows all too well. She explains that breast cancer doesn’t end with remission—it requires lifelong vigilance. Every follow-up scan and check-up comes with the haunting possibility of a return, and each appointment carries its own set of anxieties. “You have to be monitored for the rest of your life. It’s not just your physical health, it’s also a mental game,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of having a compassionate and consistent care team for support.

Athari BioSciences: Together in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Katrece and Stephanie’s stories remind us that breast cancer is not an isolated battle but one fought with the collective support of family, friends, experts, and communities. At Athari BioSciences, we believe that every patient deserves better answers, clearer options, and treatments that truly support their lives. This commitment drives our work toward patient-centered innovations in breast cancer treatment.

As part of our ongoing efforts, we’re developing groundbreaking nanoparticle immunotherapy technologies, targeting cancer cells with remarkable precision. These virus-like particles are engineered with tumor-targeting peptides, delivering therapeutic compounds directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue—a design that aims to reduce the often-debilitating side effects of conventional treatments. With these advancements, we’re working toward a future where patients like Stephanie and Katrece face fewer unknowns and can feel empowered in their treatment journey.

In time, we hope that stories of resilience will be matched by stories of breakthrough and recovery—proof of what can be achieved when science and humanity unite in the fight against breast cancer. Every survivor’s journey is unique, each one defined by its own challenges and triumphs. Together, these voices form a powerful reminder that no one should face cancer alone. Through compassion, transparency, and relentless dedication to innovation, we strive to create a world where fewer people will have to.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that a healthy, equitable society brimming with hope and opportunity for everyone required two key components.

The first is scientific and technological progress. Speaking in 1964 in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance lecture, Dr. King marveled at innovation in computing, infrastructure, and air and space travel. He called the pace of technological advancement “an awe-inspiring threshold of the future…a dazzling picture of modern man’s scientific and technological progress.”

Dr. King, however, also understood that not all problems can be solved in a lab.

“The solution of [racial injustice, poverty, and war] is…dependent upon man squaring his moral progress with his scientific progress, and learning the practical art of living in harmony,” observed Dr. King.

The second key component—our ability to respect and empathize with others—lies within each of us, in what Dr. King referred to as “the internal realm.” He argued that our internal emotional and spiritual needs must be nourished and balanced with the enrichments and pursuits of the “external realm,” even when the pursuit is as noble and important as curing disease.

When we allow “the internal to become lost in the external,” he wrote, “we [allow] the means by which we live to outdistance the ends for which we live.”

Athari was founded on the idea that organizations driving scientific innovation through products and services (the “means by which we live”) should also support their communities (the “ends for which we live”) with education, career opportunities, mentoring, and other kinds of personal investment.

It is important for us all to remember that, though we are each one small part of a much larger community, we all have a responsibility to take an active role in nurturing each other and ourselves.

Dr. King’s lessons are especially poignant to us as a Black-founded company. One way we honor Dr. King’s legacy, and do our part to strive for equity, is by investing in Black communities and other communities of color that have been historically underrepresented and underserved. We provide educational, career, and mentoring opportunities through both our own initiatives and through partnerships with for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations.

In 2023, we will keep that progress going, with several planned mentoring and support initiatives to be announced in the coming months.

Stay connected through socials (@atharibio), and sign up on our website to receive occasional email updates about our work

At Athari Bio, we lead by example and we actively employ empathy in every stage of our growth. This testimonial speaks to the leadership qualities of our CEO Susan Mitchell. Beyond being a good boss, it’s about being a good human, and the good work follows naturally.

Several years ago, I needed some guidance and support as our organization began developing new programming for our community. Today, my organization continued to step into new work and efforts. In all those varied and exploratory steps, Susan Mitchell and her team have supported our efforts as thought-leaders and change-makers.

Susan Mitchell is a steadfast source of ideas, support, and forward thinking.

It has been rewarding to be part of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and see her commitment to its programs and programming. From the Gov Com Committee, to the Chamber’s growing and emerging work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and its various subcommittees dedicated to generating action-oriented products that advance our community and the Loudoun Chamber.

I am honored to support and applaud the work of this local leader.

Sincerely,
Amy E. Owen, President & CEO
Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties

At Athari Bio, part of the practice of being a human-first biotech company is the conscious act of not just studying what’s beneath the surface and at the genomic level, but also what is the sum of our parts, and those that may be especially untapped or intangible. An integral ingredient to our team’s ethos and of cultivating a culture of whole-person wellness is the act of being grateful here and now. Yes, there are challenges and we’re living in complicated times, but we’re also full of gratitude, and that in itself, the feeling of gratitude, can brighten even the darkest of November days. Yes, we’re a lean start-up that’s stepping up to tackle massive social and health inequities. We’re driven to create life-saving innovations through life sciences and being faced with obstacles and systemic barriers is just a matter of course. Through challenges, we vibrantly shine and feel immense gratitude for the diverse team that propels us and the increasing number of allies who are showing up to support our mission to strengthen communities, develop future leaders, and build generational wealth, health, and well-being through bioscience.

So, this Thanksgiving holiday, we reached out to our team to draw on their inspiration and co-author a little mini-Journal of Gratitude to pause and reflect upon. Here’s what they had to share:

“Gratitude is a sentiment that can be expressed at any time, for experiences large and small. Today and every day, I begin with a thankful heart because rain or shine, the day is mine—to make the most of. It brings me joy to know that I am blessed to be a blessing. I am so grateful for opportunities to help, heal, and honor.” – Susan Mitchell, CEO

“The old adage of feeling fortunate to ‘wake up each morning’ is true; I am grateful to be awestruck by my two small children as their eyes open to the world every single day. Simultaneously, I’m at a pivotal moment in my life and career where health and wellness are top of mind and close to my heart. It is causing a groundswell of creative energy to flow from me and I feel empowered to effect change.” – Jen Williams, Communications Director

What are you grateful for? Drop us a line or share on social. We’d love to hear.