Ice Miller is pleased to welcome Virginia Hargest, Ph.D., as a Technical Advisor in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. In this role, she will provide technical insight and assistance in preparation and prosecution of patent applications on biotech and pharmaceutical innovations. Dr. Hargest, based in the firm’s Philadelphia office, will also be conducting research and analysis in support of patentability, freedom to operate, and IP due diligence search and analysis projects, as well as post grant and patent litigation proceedings.

“We are excited to have Ginna join our intellectual property team—her scientific knowledge and skill will mesh well with the firm’s other technical professionals and attorneys to support our clients’ growing needs regarding high-quality protection of their intellectual property,” said Weihong Hsing, Ph.D., Ice Miller’s Philadelphia office managing partner.

Dr. Hargest is a molecular biologist and virologist with more than eight years of experience in microbiology and host pathogenesis. Her doctoral research focused on the cellular and viral mechanisms of human astrovirus infection. This research discovered the first antiviral therapy for treating astrovirus infections of the central nervous system. 

Prior to joining Ice Miller, Dr. Hargest was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she conducted research on adeno-associated virus (AAV) for use as a delivery vector for gene therapy of lysosomal storage disease. Dr. Hargest also worked as a Lead Researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has extensive research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, and virology. 
 

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About Ice Miller LLP
Ice Miller LLP is a full-service law firm dedicated to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world. With more than 350 legal professionals across eight offices, we advise clients on all aspects of the complex legal issues impacting businesses each day. We serve emerging growth companies, FORTUNE 500 corporations, municipal entities, and nonprofits. To learn more, visit us at icemiller.com.