Peter Larsen

Peter Larsen, PhD, co-founder, CEO, and CSO of Priogen is a molecular biologist and mammologist with over 18 years of experience in genomics and molecular diagnostics. He received his BS in Biology from South Dakota State University and his PhD in zoology from Texas Tech University. Dr. Larsen specializes in international field logistics and the global deployment of genomic technologies for real-time diagnostics and species discovery. He conducted his postdoctoral work at Duke University where he discovered a new mechanism for the origin of Alzheimer’s Disease. Peter has secured over $15M to support his academic research program and has published over 65 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Since 2019, he has served as Co-Director of the Minnesota Center for Prion Research & Outreach (MNPRO) and has overseen MNPRO’s molecular research effort. 

In response to requests by the Minnesota State Legislature for enhanced CWD diagnostic testing options, Peter strategically organized a molecular diagnostic R&D team whose mission was to develop next-generation CWD diagnostic tools. He worked closely with Dr. Sang-Hyun Oh and Marc Schwabenlander to develop advanced prion diagnostic platforms that could be deployed in real-world situations. As CEO, Dr. Larsen will lead the Priogen’s entry into the biotechnology sector and will expand the company’s diagnostic service and product lines. In his role as CSO, Peter will oversee Priogen’s overall scientific, technological, and research operations.