EDITOR’S NOTE: From a security software maker to the developer of an implantable spinal cord neuromodulator, the Business Journal highlights seven spun-out ventures looking to ride the lab coattails of USC, UCLA and Caltech.

UCLA: IMAGINAB INC.

Product: Medical imaging technology for cancer treatment

Chief Executive: Christian Behrenbruch

Year Founded: 2007

Location: Inglewood

What does the company do?

We’ve developed new ways of imaging metastatic prostate, pancreatic and ovarian cancers that give the oncologist a better handle on the extent of disease in order to improve treatment decisions.

What was the idea that led to the creation of the company?

We genetically engineer molecules, attach radioactive isotopes and inject them into critically ill patients.

What has been the benefit of spinning the company out of UCLA?

We employ a growing team of really talented scientists and our products have the potential to transform patient care.

What has been the biggest change since spinning off?

We’ve stopped acting like academics and started thinking like business people.

How can the product change society?

Three words: treat cancer better.

If you could go back in time and do something differently, what would it be?

Not launch a venture-backed biotech company in the middle of a financial crisis. Ah, well, I didn’t need a life anyhow.

What were some of the challenges in developing the company?

Every day is a challenge.

What’s next for the company?

We’re quite successfully raising more money and getting wonderful data from our clinical trials.