John H. Vernachio

Inhibitex, Inc. operates as an clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. The firm develops differentiated anti-infective products to prevent or treat serious infections. Its research and development efforts are currently focused on oral, small molecule compounds to treat viral infections, and in particular, chronic infections caused by HCV and herpes zoster. The company was founded by Joseph M. Patti in May 1994 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, GA.

Valentis lead drug candidate, Deltavasc, may treat peripheral arterial and ischemic heart disease with a gene that spurs new blood vessels to form (a process known as angiogenesis). In early stages of development are DNA vaccines for HIV, hepatitis C, and other viral infections. Another drug candidate, eNOS, could prevent tissue rejection in transplant recipients. The company licenses its technology -- include the GeneSwitch platform, which can turn off or on gene therapies -- to other drugmakers. These licensees include Genzyme, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Baxter Healthcare Corp. develops, manufactures, and distributes hospital supplies and medical technologies. It distributes medical treatment options for conditions such as hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease, cancer, and trauma. The company was founded on June 21, 1967 and is headquartered in Deerfield, IL.

Aviragen Therapeutics, Inc. engages in the discovery and development of direct-acting antivirals to treat infections. Its product candidates include vapendavir, an oral treatment for human rhinovirus infections in moderate-to-severe asthmatics; BTA074, a topical antiviral treatment for genital warts caused by human papillomavirus types 6 & 11; BTA585, an oral fusion protein inhibitor for the treatment of RSV-A and RSV-B infections; and laninamivir octanoate, a one-time, inhaled treatment for influenza A and B infections. The company was founded on November 8, 2012 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, GA.

Arthritis Foundation provides funds research, advocacy and support services for various kinds of arthritis and related diseases. It offers programs and services including aquatic programs, information about treatment breakthroughs, exercise tips for people with the disease and pain management information. Arthritis Foundation is located in Atlanta, GA.