Littleton-based Novus Biologicals was named as a Colorado Companies to Watch award winner this past week. With more than 250 applicants in the inaugural year of this awards program, Novus Biologicals was distinguished along with 49 other companies as being named to the inaugural class of Colorado Companies to Watch.

Karen Padgett is president and CEO of the company.

The 50 Colorado Companies to Watch, created by the Edward Lowe Foundation, are second-stage entrepreneurial enterprises that are developing new industry across the state, according to a news release.

They represent some of the state’s biggest sectors, such as aerospace and biotechnology, and growing upstarts like new energy and sustainable products, and unheralded traditional sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.

The company is privately owned by husband and wife.

Companies selected were required to be privately held, employ six to 99 workers, generate $750,000 to $50 million in sales or a similar range of working capital and be headquartered in Colorado.

The list of all 50 winners will not be announced until the awards ceremony in Denver on June 25. For more information about the event or how to become a sponsor of the Colorado Companies to Watch program, please go to www.companiestowarch.org

About Novus Biologicals

Novus Biologicals develops, licenses and markets research materials to scientists in academic, corporate and government laboratories. Since 1996 the company has partnered with leading scientific researchers and third-party providers to develop a portfolio of more than 70,000 products, according to

In 2006, Novus Biologicals was notified by its largest supplier that Novus would no longer be able to carry their products for sale in the United States, as the supplier was opening a U.S. office.

The supplier’s products made up 40 percent of Novus’ revenues.

Novus quickly adjusted its business model, not only kept its existing customers in place, but improved its margins and increased sales.

In 2008, Novus Biologicals’ growth continued despite difficult economic events. To combat stagnation, Novus broadened its product line to include supporting products, which now make up 15 percent of revenues.