Frank F. Davis, Ph.D.

Professor II of Biochemistry

1957 - 1986

Co-founder, Enzon, Inc.  1981

Enzyme Modifications for Therapeutic Purposes

Professor Davis studied nucleic acid chemistry as a Ph.D. student at University of California, Berkeley. Based on his observations on the immunogenic properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG), Dr. Davis, and Bureau of Biological Research Professors Theo Van Es (Biochemistry) and Nicholas Palczuk (Zoology) developed a method of attaching  PEG to proteins which prevents their recognition by the immune system and slows their breakdown in the body. In 1979, Professors Davis, Van Es  and Nicholas Palczuk (Zoology), were awarded a patent "Non-immunogenic Delivery of Protein-Based Drugs" on the use of a polymer-based drug system for the treatment of severe genetic diseases. In 1981 Davis and Dr. Abraham Abuchowski founded Enzon Corporation which became a publicly traded corporation in 1984. In 1990, Enzon's first product, PEG-adenosine deaminase, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency disease. Today Enzon Corporation generates annual revenues of over $70,000,000 with total assets of over $600,000,000. The company retains the model of Dr. Davis's innovative research and continues to actively develop new polymer-based drugs. Dr. Davis is now retired and living in El Cerrito, California.
	Professor Davis and Dr. Abuchowski at the Grand Opening of Enzon Corporation, 1983

B.S. University of Hawaii,  1950

Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley  1955

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Rutgers 1956

Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Rutgers 1959

Professor of Biochemistry, Rutgers 1964 - 1986

Vice President for Research, Enzon Corporation

1983 - 1989

Board of Directors, Enzon Corporation 1983 - 1992