Starting from humble beginnings in 1986, Syntron Bioresearch Inc. has grown very rapidly to become a major world player in the research, development and manufacturing of in vitro diagnostic products.
Syntron makes quality products that include tests for allergies, cancer, drug abuse, fertility, infectious diseases and thyroid detection. Most test results are interpreted within a five-minute period.
Syntron is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Health Services. The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Dr. James Lee, president of Syntron, to discuss the Carlsbad-based company in more detail.
CBJ: What is your professional background?
Lee: I have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia. Prior to this, I was the research and development director and president of Leeco Diagnostic Inc. between 1978 and 1990. Over the years, I have written 14 publications in scientific journals with a major emphasis in biochemical and enzymology, and have been awarded many patents in lateral flow immunoassay technology.
CBJ: What is the company's background and history?
Lee: Syntron was founded in 1986 to meet the need for simple and affordable quality testing devices. Starting its operations in Carlsbad, Syntron has recently expanded its capacities by opening an additional manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, which employs about 300 people.
CBJ: What is the company's philosophy and mission?
Lee: Our philosophy is that quality begins with our people. All of our employees at all levels are committed to providing products of superior value. We strive to exceed our customer's expectations by continual improvement of quality and attention to client services. Our mission is to meet the standards of medical professionals and retail customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on being a reliable source for our clients around the globe.
CBJ: What is unique about the company?
Lee: Syntron's combination of international reach and cost-effective products make the company unique. We employ some of the most sophisticated technology in research, engineering, development and product manufacturing to bring our customers the highest quality, cutting-edge and cost-effective product options. Our manufacturing facilities are located in two security-controlled buildings totaling more than 45,000 square feet. All tests are made on the premises, where trained lab technicians oversee all aspects of production, ensuring strict quality control. Another unique aspect is our ability to customize. It is important for Syntron to not only service its distributors, but also the end-users with ready-to-use testing kits that are sold over the counter. We are able to provide our valued distributors with customized products to fit their marketing needs.
CBJ: What sets Syntron apart from other medical device manufacturers?
Lee: Our leadership and our products set us apart. Syntron realizes the importance of keeping up with the fast-paced industry of biotechnology. Our pregnancy test is one of the most accurate and sensitive on the market today. Our fertility products come in a wide range of types, from pregnancy to post-menopausal testing. The products are exported to many countries through large distributors. The pregnancy and ovulation tests are also available for the over-the-counter market.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Lee: I'd have to say keeping our price points low is always a challenge, but we are committed to it. Competing with larger and more well-known companies has proven challenging, but we really do offer something that others don't, very high quality for low cost.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Lee: Being able to take Leeco Diagnostic from a private company to a public one in the 1980s. I built the business into a powerhouse that manufactured products for large companies, such as Johnson & Johnson.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of Syntron?
Lee: There are several exciting new products in the final stages of research and development at Syntron, including a lateral flow quantitative method for detection of prostate-specific antigen used in diagnosing prostate cancer and next generation fertility products in digital format. In addition, the further development of drug abuse testing with specific instrumentations that will yield quantitative results, such as measuring the exact amount of the drug present.
Syntron Bioresearch Inc:
2774 W. Loker Ave., Carlsbad
(760) 930-2200
www.syntron.net
Syntron makes quality products that include tests for allergies, cancer, drug abuse, fertility, infectious diseases and thyroid detection. Most test results are interpreted within a five-minute period.
Syntron is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration and the California Department of Health Services. The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Dr. James Lee, president of Syntron, to discuss the Carlsbad-based company in more detail.
CBJ: What is your professional background?
Lee: I have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia. Prior to this, I was the research and development director and president of Leeco Diagnostic Inc. between 1978 and 1990. Over the years, I have written 14 publications in scientific journals with a major emphasis in biochemical and enzymology, and have been awarded many patents in lateral flow immunoassay technology.
CBJ: What is the company's background and history?
Lee: Syntron was founded in 1986 to meet the need for simple and affordable quality testing devices. Starting its operations in Carlsbad, Syntron has recently expanded its capacities by opening an additional manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, which employs about 300 people.
CBJ: What is the company's philosophy and mission?
Lee: Our philosophy is that quality begins with our people. All of our employees at all levels are committed to providing products of superior value. We strive to exceed our customer's expectations by continual improvement of quality and attention to client services. Our mission is to meet the standards of medical professionals and retail customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on being a reliable source for our clients around the globe.
CBJ: What is unique about the company?
Lee: Syntron's combination of international reach and cost-effective products make the company unique. We employ some of the most sophisticated technology in research, engineering, development and product manufacturing to bring our customers the highest quality, cutting-edge and cost-effective product options. Our manufacturing facilities are located in two security-controlled buildings totaling more than 45,000 square feet. All tests are made on the premises, where trained lab technicians oversee all aspects of production, ensuring strict quality control. Another unique aspect is our ability to customize. It is important for Syntron to not only service its distributors, but also the end-users with ready-to-use testing kits that are sold over the counter. We are able to provide our valued distributors with customized products to fit their marketing needs.
CBJ: What sets Syntron apart from other medical device manufacturers?
Lee: Our leadership and our products set us apart. Syntron realizes the importance of keeping up with the fast-paced industry of biotechnology. Our pregnancy test is one of the most accurate and sensitive on the market today. Our fertility products come in a wide range of types, from pregnancy to post-menopausal testing. The products are exported to many countries through large distributors. The pregnancy and ovulation tests are also available for the over-the-counter market.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Lee: I'd have to say keeping our price points low is always a challenge, but we are committed to it. Competing with larger and more well-known companies has proven challenging, but we really do offer something that others don't, very high quality for low cost.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Lee: Being able to take Leeco Diagnostic from a private company to a public one in the 1980s. I built the business into a powerhouse that manufactured products for large companies, such as Johnson & Johnson.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of Syntron?
Lee: There are several exciting new products in the final stages of research and development at Syntron, including a lateral flow quantitative method for detection of prostate-specific antigen used in diagnosing prostate cancer and next generation fertility products in digital format. In addition, the further development of drug abuse testing with specific instrumentations that will yield quantitative results, such as measuring the exact amount of the drug present.
Syntron Bioresearch Inc:
2774 W. Loker Ave., Carlsbad
(760) 930-2200
www.syntron.net