Adventure Bioscience Signing Marks Major Milestone for Pitt–Johnstown
By: Trevor Farabaugh
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown hosted a significant signing event for Adventure Bioscience, marking a major step forward in research innovation and commercialization. The event was attended by friends and family of the Adventure Bioscience team, UPJ students, and members of both the Johnstown and Oakland campuses, including UPJ President Dr. Jem Specter and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Raymond Wrambley, who both emphasized the importance of this achievement for the university and the broader community.
Adventure Bioscience was established by UPJ faculty members, including Dr. Jill Henning, Dr. Matt Tracey, and Dr. Manisha Nigam. The company is focused on developing a sustainable and innovative approach to preventing tick bites. This research began as a collaborative effort that also included Dr. Luis Bonachea, who contributed to the early stages but chose not to join the company.
The team’s work focuses on using a hemoglobin-based formulation to block carbon dioxide detection—effectively making humans “invisible” to ticks. Testing has shown results comparable to traditional DEET-based repellents, without the same environmental and health concerns.
Supported by faculty, students, and multiple University of Pittsburgh innovation programs, the project has grown from a research idea into a promising commercial venture. The signing of the option agreement marks a key milestone in bringing this technology to market and building on the university incubator that brought the team to where they are now.
This achievement has also gained regional recognition, with the story featured in the Tribune Democrat, highlighting the impact of UPJ-driven innovation.
“This is a defining milestone for Adventure Bioscience,” Dr. Henning said. “It represents our transition from a research concept to a commercial reality, bringing us one step closer to delivering a safe, effective, and sustainable tick deterrent to the public. We are extremely proud to champion a ‘Pitt-Johnstown solution’ to a global health challenge.”