Cutting-edge biotech research laboratory Likarda
has outgrown its space at the Bioscience & Technology Business Center
(BTBC) on the KU Medical Center Campus and will move near the former Marion
Laboratories campus in south Kansas City, Missouri, in October 2017. The move
more than doubles the square footage of their former laboratory space, allowing
Likarda to continue to scale up operations.
Likarda has occupied lab
space at the BTBC since they were founded in May 2012. Since that time, their
success as a pharmaceutical contract research organization and pioneer in
animal health has seen the lab space grow to encompass the ground floor of the BTBC.
As the race is constant to bring new drugs to market, pharmaceutical and
nutraceutical companies and science entrepreneurs turn to contract research
organizations (CROs) like Likarda to provide or supplement the research
process.
Likarda uses a proprietary
cell culture system to create three-dimensional cell clusters, or miniaturized
organs. This system has applications in markets ranging from drug discovery and
development to cell-based transplantation and regenerative medicine. The
technology and its ability to scale gives pharmaceutical companies a way to
test new drug compounds on human 3-D cell clusters, providing better prediction
of how the drugs will work in the body.
Likarda is also a leading
regenerative medicine company for companion animals. They have discovered—and
are commercializing—a better way to manage diabetes in dogs and cats. Designed
specifically for transplantation, their islet cells called Kanslets™, can be
administered to a diabetic animal through an infusion, offering veterinarians a
minimally invasive, cost-effective answer to pet owners battling the burden of
diabetes in dogs and cats.
“KU has been very supportive
of our growth, and our incubator space has served us well,” says Karthik
Ramachandran, Ph.D., Likarda Vice President & Co-Founder. “Likarda is
unique because we live at the intersection between human and animal health. Our
growth gives us an opportunity to continue to scale operations for
entrepreneurs, pharmaceutical companies, and animal health alike.”
With support from the
Missouri Department of Economic Development, Likarda plans to relocate seven
employees to its new location in Kansas City, Mo., as well as create 16 new
jobs as it continues to grow.
“Likarda’s move to Missouri is a testament to
our state’s strength in innovation and technology,” said Rob Dixon, Acting
Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “Missouri is
positioning itself to become the leading center of entrepreneurship between the
east and west coasts. The company’s decision to grow
its cutting-edge biotech research here in Missouri builds on this momentum.”
About Likarda
Founded in 2012, Likarda® LLC is a world-class,
cutting-edge biotech research laboratory for science entrepreneurs, pharmaceutical
and nutraceutical companies, animal health, and contract research organizations
(CROs). We focus on bringing to market disruptive technologies that improve
health care outcomes and lower costs for pets and people alike. www.likarda.com
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