About
Our History
Catachem Inc. was founded in 1984 by Luis P. Leon. It quickly became a leading manufacturer of clinical chemistry reagents for continuous flow automated analyzers. As technologies advanced in laboratory medicine and instrumentation, Catachem successfully adjusted its product lines to adapt and continue to thrive in the medical devices and diagnostics marketspaces.
The company changed its focus in the mid-1990s and began developing more specialized assays for both veterinary and research use. The challenge to address the diversity of samples encountered in a veterinary practice were formidable, but Catachem was successfully able to customize many of its products to satiate the varied needs of its clientele. As its presence in the veterinary field increased, the veterinary product line became a major staple of the Catachem catalog.
In 2010 Catachem purchased Bacton Assay Systems Inc., a manufacturer of immuno-turbidimetric diagnostic reagents. This added immunoassay expertise to its manufacturing capabilities and expanded/reinforced the Catachem catalog. That same year, the company moved to a new manufacturing facility in Oxford, Connecticut.
Luis Leon retired from the company in 2018 appointing his longterm Employee and partner David Templeton as his replacement.
The company continues to delivery top quality reagents for the diagnostic, R&D, and veterinary markets, as an ISO13485 certified and FDA registered medical device manufacturer. Catachem continues to develop specialty assays with plans to submit several kits to the FDA and IVDR in 2024. Catachem has also incorporated custom/contract lyophilization into its core business as we continue to develop and adjust to an always shifting Medical Device Market.
Commitment to the Environment
Catachem’s aim is the production of high-quality, useful test reagents that are produced in such a way as to maximize value and to minimize our carbon footprint. For example, our new reagent boxes are made from 100% recycled and similarly recyclable cardboard, while our packing materials are biodegradable.
Most recently, Catachem switched to LED lighting sitewide to reduce electricity use. We believe that the economical use of our resources benefits not only our environment, but also fulfills our philosophy as a company.
Careers
We always love to hear from great talent. Contact us to submit your resume at [email protected]
Original Catachem Building - Port Chester, NY 1980's
Catachem Entrance - Oxford, CT 2021
Leadership
David Templeton: With an educational background in both Biological Chemistry and Molecular Enzymology and over 40 years of experience in Clinical Chemistry and business operations, David has been an incredible asset to the company. David started his career with Genzyme where he honed and mastered his skillsets in Chemistry and business development. On leaving Genzyme in 1983, David moved on to Diagnostic Chemicals Limited (DCL) now part of Sekisui Diagnostics. At DCL, David bolstered his business skills while founding the US arm of the organization. He served as DCL’s CEO from 1998 to 2003 after being selected by Atlantic Progress Magazine as one of the top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada in 2000. In 2004 he set up the US arm of the Clinical Research Organization, Siro ClinPharm and in 2006 co-founded the veterinary diagnostics laboratory, Global Vetnostics, in Moscow, Russia. Returning his focus to clinical chemistry he joined Catachem Inc. in 2010 where his efforts have solidified the company’s position in specialty assays, custom manufacturing, and lyophilization. David continues to lead us as Chief Operating Officer.
Richard Valentas: Richard has an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Biomolecular Science with over 15 years of industry experience. Richard refined his clinical laboratory skills in large core laboratories for international giants like Quest and LabCorp. Richard has maintained licensing with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a certified Technologist in Molecular Biology since 2014. Richard advanced his technical and managerial skillset with Yale Hospital for several years before venturing into the Biotech industry. There he performed R&D, managed several laboratories, and assisted in business operations from startup to IPO. Richard joined Catachem early in 2024 as General Manager. Under the tutelage and mentorship of David, Richard manages laboratory operations and assists with business operations with plans to pursue an MBA in the near future.
How Can We Help You?
If you are looking to place an order, request technical help or ask questions about us, get in touch today!