BioLabs’ shared space has a state-of-the-art lab where entrepreneurial innovators can test, develop, and grow their ideas. Two fast-growing bio innovators will soon call Dallas’ Pegasus Park home.
Drug discovery engine Aakha Biologics and genetic medicine company ReCode Therapeutics will be the inaugural tenants of BioLabs’ newest life science coworking space.
BioLabs also appointed scientist Gabby Everett, Ph.D., to run the facility as site director of BioLabs at Pegasus Park. Everett was formerly a lead scientist with NCH Corporation where she was responsible for commercial product development and a program developing equitable advancement opportunities for women as a co-director of NCH Grow.
The state-of-the-art lab and office space at Pegasus Park’s 23-acre mixed-use office campus is Massachusetts-based BioLabs first location in the central U.S.
Betting on the Dallas region
Biolabs Founder and CEO Johannes Fruehauf says the commitment by Aakha and ReCode to grow their companies in Dallas is a sign of the region’s strong biotech commercialization potential.
“The decision of these two fast-growing companies to place their bets on Dallas underlines the region’s attraction for qualified startup founders and their teams, and we look forward to supporting and helping them advance their science to benefit patients,” he said in a statement.
That campus, located in the burgeoning innovation district between the Dallas Design District and Southwestern Medical District, is a draw.
The 23-acre Pegaus Park campus features four components: a biotech “plus” hub, a social impact hub, commercial tenants, and entertainment/dining venues. [Image: GFF]
Meet the biotechs
Aakha Biologics, a biotech that recently moved its headquarters to Dallas, discovers and develops biologics to create life-saving therapies for cancer patients. The startup was originally incubated within Alloy Therapeutics’ venture studio in Boston.
The company is using interim space for now, managed by BioLabs, until the permanent BioLabs facility opens. According to Pegasus Park, a “significant amount” of lab equipment was secured from sponsors that include DeNovix, Eppendorf, PHCbi, Promega, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Aakha Biologics Hemanta Baruah says the company was conceived during the founder’s time as an EIR at Alloy Therapeutics, giving a “big head start in building Aakha’s scientific, financial, and operational road map,” according to a news release.
Baruah is bringing together a team of scientists with “proven track records to drive the discovery and development of immuno-oncology focused biologics to IND and beyond,” the Aakha founder and CEO said in a statement.
Baruah expects to benefit from BioLab’s many resources for young biotech companies and the growing scientific talent in the region.”
ReCode Therapeutics, which closed an $80 million Series B round in October, is an integrated genetic medicines company developing targeted, disease-modifying treatments for respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). The company has offices in Dallas and Menlo Park, California.
Recode’s original group of founders and some of the startup’s core investor group are based in Dallas. That makes the region “a natural place for more of ReCode’s growth,” CEO David Lockhart said in a statement.
“We’re delighted with the location, quality of office and lab space, scientific community, and amenities offered by BioLabs,” he said. “It’s a great fit for us as we concentrate on the company’s proprietary packaging and delivery of genetic medicines to targeted cells, tissues, and organs.”
Supporting life science in North Texas
The new BioLabs facility is currently under renovation and slated to open in mid-December with a capacity to support about 35 life science startups.
BioLabs CEO Fruehauf looks forward to launching operations in North Texas to support promising life science startups.
In addition to office space and a lab facility, BioLabs offers a place for science-based entrepreneurs where they can grow their businesses and find support — from networking to essential business services to guides with “been there” insights.
BioLabs, which has centers in major innovation hubs across North America aims to be a “growth partner” for science-based entrepreneurs.
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