We are lucina bioSciences

Lucina BioSciences is headquartered in a 7500 square foot manufacturing facility in Aurora, Colorado. Processing of tissue takes place in a dedicated lab equipped with 3 ISO Class 5 cleanrooms. We utilize a robust Quality Management System and maintain strict adherence to GMP and FDA Compliance. Lucina also conducts Product Development in a state-of-the-art lab located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Adherence to Quality standards

Lucina BioSciencesBioSciences upholds stringent quality standards with a robust QualityManagement System, ensuring compliance with GMP and FDA regulations to guaranteeproduct safety and reliability.

Mission Statement

To provide a bridge that connects the generosity of donor mothers with the needs of patients to enhance their wellness and quality of life.

vision statement

Lucina BioSciences upholds stringent quality standards with a robust Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with GMP and FDA regulations to guarantee product safety and reliability.

core values

Integrity

Acting ethically and transparently in all business dealings, prioritizing doing the right thing over personal gain.

excellence

Workplace excellence goes above and beyond requirements and expectations. It is the pushing of boundaries to achieve the highest quality results, taking pride in the work that is done.

commitment

The willingness to put the time, effort, and energy into furthering the organization toward its goals. It is an unwavering dedication stemming from the belief that the daily tasks meaningfully contribute to the bigger picture.

adaptability

The ability to change and adjust one’s behavior or strategy based on the shifting demands of the organization, market, or general circumstances. Being proactive and resourceful in new environments with the capacity to bounce back from setbacks.

Compliance

Adherence to the guidelines of all governing bodies and transparency to these bodies to reduce risks to patient safety, moral obligation, public trust, and reputation.

compassion

Actively understanding and empathizing with the experiences and challenges of others, without judgment or assumptions. Cultivating a supportive environment which means active listening, offering support when needed, and celebrating successes together

nativus® processing system

At Lucina, we believe that nature got it right when it comes to placental tissue. We strive to retain the native conformation and features of human placental tissues via our proprietary Nativus ® Processing System.

Nativus® is a processing system that prioritizes minimal manipulation and the preservation of the placental tissue’s native state. Unlike conventional methods, Nativus refrains from heating, freezing, micronizing, or the use of harsh chemicals, thereby maintaining the basic composition and mechanical integrity of the placental tissues. By employing Nativus® to process its products, Lucina BioSciences minimizes tissue degradation and protein denaturation.

meet our team

The Faces Behind our Success

Leonard R. Duford

President and CEO

Mr. Duford has nearly 40 years of experience in the medical device/pharma/biologics industries holding a variety of senior strategic planning, business development, sales and marketing positions.He has created brands in thoracic oncology, cadaveric tissue and birth tissue products. Mr. Duford received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University.

Tracee Gruber

Chief Operating Director

Tracee has over 20+ years’ experience in the Human Organ, Tissue and Cornea Donation Industry. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in the application of GTP/GMP regulations, AATB, EBAA and Quality Management practices. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and minor in Humanities from the University of Pittsburgh as well as her Diploma in Funeral Directing and Embalming from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Tracee is a Certified Tissue Bank Specialist, and a member of American Association of Tissue Banks. She is Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, and a member of American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Ryan Dregalla, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer

Dr. Dregalla holds a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology from Colorado State University, graduating in 2011. The graduate-level research was funded by NASA and focused on telomere and DNA-repair proteins with respect to DNA-repair and chromosomal stability following exposure to ionizing radiation. Following graduation, Dr. Dregalla assisted in the development of a functional research program to support a physician-owned autologous cell therapy clinic. Here, he found a passion for research in the field of orthobiologics and tissue-based therapies. Beginning in 2014, Dr. Dregalla has focused on the development of human-derived acellular tissue-products to address unmet needs in the realm of wound care. He aspires to eventually bring similar technologies to orthopedics where quality, scientifically justified tissue-based technologies are severely lacking. Since 2019, Dr. Dregalla has worked with start-up companies, established medical device companies and physicians alike, offering laboratory-based services for QA/QC, laboratory-based projects for peer-reviewed publications, intellectual property, and FDA filings.