Biotech research lab continues promising growth with move.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – 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