Pacagen

About Pacagen

Pacagen is a biotechnology company that develops and markets products to manage environmental allergens in homes. It was founded in 2023 by scientists Dr. Evan Zhao and Dr. Siyang Han and is based in Cambridge, United States. The company's creation was personally motivated after the founders' cat, Miaomiao, triggered severe allergies in Dr. Han, leading them to seek a solution beyond traditional, symptom-masking medications. Dr. Zhao, who holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Princeton, applied his research experience in protein technology to develop the company's core products.

Pacagen's scientific approach is distinct from pharmaceutical allergy treatments. Instead of suppressing the body's immune response after it has been triggered, the company's products proactively neutralize allergens at the source within the environment. The technology, inspired by the unique single-domain antibodies found in alpacas, uses proprietary engineered proteins to bind to and alter the structure of specific allergen proteins. The company has invested over $2 million in research to develop its core technologies, named WhiskerBlock™ for pet allergens and EnviroBlock™ for dust mite allergens. These ingredients target major allergens like Fel d 1 from cats, Can f 1 from dogs, and dust mite proteins (Der p 1).

The company's product line includes allergen-neutralizing sprays for cats, dogs, and dust, which are applied to furniture, bedding, and other surfaces. It also offers a cat allergen-reducing food supplement designed to neutralize allergens from within the pet. Pacagen operates primarily on a direct-to-consumer (D2C) business model, selling its products through its website. The company targets families with pets and individuals with dust sensitivities who are seeking non-medicinal ways to improve their indoor environment.