Small but mighty!
The future in veterinary vaccines is within reach
Learn how we are getting there
Beginnings and early steps
2016
We began working in contract R&D services in biotechnology with a One Health approach, implementing a level 2 biosafety laboratory (BL2) for bacteriology and virology. We developed capabilities for upstream and downstream biological processes for companies in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
2017
We began the developing and marketing toxin and antitoxin standards, quality control of veterinary biologics according to USP and Ph. Eur standards.
Leaps and bounds
2018
We were singled out as the leading start-up company in biotechnology innovation (NOVA Award, of the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII)), and as the main small to medium-sized enterprise exporting biotechnology services (Uruguayan Union of Exporters and the Banco República Oriental del Uruguay (UEU and BROU)).
Forward is the only way
2021
We have solidified our position as a key partner for the development of new products and process optimization for high-level companies with subsidiaries in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala, and Turkey.
2022
We constantly advance in several treatment and diagnostic projects based on recombinant single-domain antibodies and develop a new generation of in vitro assays for the quantification of antigens based on single-domain antibodies. Benten Biotech grows stronger in the quality control of veterinary biological products: we provide standardized reagents to various countries and carry out outsourced potency tests of vaccines, and also transfer turnkey production technologies and train the quality control teams of other companies.
Meet our team!
We are highly motivated and have a broad range of backgrounds and interests, all sharing extensive experience in the development of biologics.
Director
Director
Esteban Guerra
Founder and CEO of Benten Biotech. Leader in biopharmaceutical development.
Development of biologics, optimization and scrutiny of processes, quality control of vaccines and development of diagnostics, as well as development and production of biologics for various companies in several countries since 1996. Academic experience in teaching and research of infectious diseases.
Esteban Guerra
Founder and CEO of Benten Biotech. Leader in biopharmaceutical development.
Development of biologics, optimization and scrutiny of processes, quality control of vaccines and development of diagnostics, as well as development and production of biologics for various companies in several countries since 1996. Academic experience in teaching and research of infectious diseases.
Associate Project Manager
Associate Project Manager
PhD Jorge Wenzel
PhD in Chemistry from Universidad de la República. Founding partner of Benten Biotech.
Experience in industrial microbiology and analytical procedures. Key player in the formulation and management of numerous projects.
PhD Jorge Wenzel
PhD in Chemistry from Universidad de la República. Founding partner of Benten Biotech.
Experience in industrial microbiology and analytical procedures. Key player in the formulation and management of numerous projects.
Project scientists
Project scientists
Sofía Tabares
PhD in Chemistry from Universidad de la República.
In-depth knowledge of recombinant single-domain antibody. Development of immunoassays and generation of camelid antibodies directed against small molecules.
Sofía Tabares
PhD in Chemistry from Universidad de la República.
In-depth knowledge of recombinant single-domain antibody. Development of immunoassays and generation of camelid antibodies directed against small molecules.
María Lamas
PhD in Biological Sciences from Universidad de la República.
Specialist in the evaluation of the immune response. Extensive experience in the biochemical and biological properties of immune system effector molecules and the development of related in vitro models and animal models.
María Lamas
PhD in Biological Sciences from Universidad de la República.
Specialist in the evaluation of the immune response. Extensive experience in the biochemical and biological properties of immune system effector molecules and the development of related in vitro models and animal models.
Scientific staff
Science staff
Romina Álvez
BSc in Biochemistry from Universidad de la República.
Experience mainly in cell culture, protein biochemistry, and recombinant single-domain antibody.
Romina Álvez
BSc in Biochemistry from Universidad de la República.
Experience mainly in cell culture, protein biochemistry, and recombinant single-domain antibody.
Public and private financing projects
- ANII HPI_X_2021_1_171310: Clinical validation of immunostimulants for veterinary use.
- ANII HPI-X_2021-169615: Generation of recombinant single-domain antibodies (VHH) with specificity for the non-structural protein of the Zika virus, meant for the development of immunoassays for diagnosis of the virus.
- ANII HPI_X_2021_1_166791: Generation of nano antibodies (single-domain antibodies) with specificity for Clostridium chauvoei virulence antigens.
- ANII ART_X_2021_1_170466: Development of recombinant standards substitutes for clostridial toxin neutralizing serums and in vitro quantification kits thereof, for use in the veterinary vaccine production industry.
- DNI-MIEM Biotechnology Fund 2020: Platform for the development of therapeutic recombinant antibodies (Single domain, VHH).
- BROU, ANDE 2019, Laboratory investment project of recombinant monoclonal proteins and antibodies, bacteriology, and virology.
- ANII HPI_X_2019_1_160591: Strengthening the immunology area of Benten Biotech.
- ANII HPI_X_2019_1_160863: Production and evaluation of experimental vaccines for Neosporosis.
- ANII IDI_X_2019_1_154920: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION, AND PRODUCTION PLATFORM OF AUTOGENOUS VACCINES.
- ANII HPI_X_2017_1_137775: Standardization of toxins and antitoxins for quality control of veterinary vaccines.
Projects with public funds in collaboration with other companies
- ANII CF_1_2021_1_170984: Biosimilar drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in pets.
- ANII IDI_X_2020_1_160864: Development of products for the reproductive control of canines.
- ANII IDI_X_2019_1_158488: Development of products for the improvement of passive immunity in horses.
- ANII HPI_X_2017_1_143906: Process development for the in vitro production of attenuated Babesia bovis hemoparasite, for use as a component of the vaccine against Bovine Parasite Sadness.