Category: Press Releases

Southern Research awards biotech funds, bringing new jobs and business to Alabama

Posted on June 28, 2024

June 27, 2024, Birmingham, Ala – Southern Research has awarded more than $2.7 million in funds to eight biotech companies through a fund established as a result of the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit.

The investments through Southern Research’s Therapeutics Development Fund are expected to add more than two dozen high-paying jobs in Alabama as well as support the efforts of dozens more scientists. Beneficiaries include two companies headquartered out of state that have committed to move to Alabama.

“The Therapeutics Development Fund is playing a critical role in our effort to enhance the biotech industry in Alabama by supporting innovators who are already here and those who are willing to move here,” said Josh Carpenter, Ph.D., CEO of Southern Research “We are excited to leverage our 80 years of experience and expertise to support startups who want to advance their programs in Birmingham’s rich biotechnology ecosystem.”

In addition to launching the Therapeutics Development Fund, Southern Research has opened its Station 41 incubator and accelerator spaces to support biotech startups, is building a new state-of-the-art building to expand research space, and is working closely with local partners to develop the new Birmingham Biomedical Innovation Corridor on the site of the former Southtown Court housing community.

The Therapeutics Development Fund is designed to attract biotech firms to Alabama and connect in-state startup companies with resources they need to stay in Alabama, including wet lab space. Southern Research ultimately expects the fund to create 139 biotech jobs, support almost 700 other jobs, and create $9 million in economic impact for Alabama.

Initial awardees for the Therapeutics Development Fund:

Yuva Biosciences (Birmingham):

Yuva Biosciences is addressing the root cause of aging – mitochondrial dysfunction. It is a biotech spinout of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

SCORE Pharmaceuticals (Huntsville and Birmingham)

SCORE Pharmaceuticals is an early-stage biologics company focused immuno-oncology therapeutics with a proprietary patent-pending platform called CoreXTM which allows the transformation of existing antibody therapies into more potent and targeted antibody therapeutics.

Southern Biological Solutions (Birmingham)

Southern Biological Solutions is a life sciences and biotechnology company focusing on the creation and development of anti-microbial biologic therapies for wound healing and the prevention of infections in wounds in people and animals. It will be located in the Southern Research Station 41 incubator.

Celestia Diagnostics (Birmingham)

Celestia Diagnostics is focused on developing diagnostics for long Covid-19 infection and for latent virus infection in general. The company moved to Birmingham from Austin, Texas, as one of three initial members of Southern Research’s Station 41 incubator.

DomainOne (Virtual company)

DomainOne is developing small molecule therapeutics for systemic sclerosis (scleroderma); however, the therapy is also viable for cancer and for fibrosis in general. The company is a new startup company launched by Ohio-based Orange Grove Bio, seeded with technology from Southern Research and UAB. It has a location in the Southern Research Station 41 incubator.

CorriXR Therapeutics (Virtual company)

CorriXR Therapeutics is a new startup company that owns patents associated with gene editing technology geared to cancer treatment. It has a location in the Southern Research Station 41 incubator.

Diamond Therapeutics (Canadian company with Birmingham subsidiary)

Diamond Therapeutics is an early-stage therapeutics development company focused on developing novel drugs for mental health conditions. It is located in Canada but has created a new U.S. subsidiary and is registered in Alabama.

Metaclipse Therapeutics (Atlanta company with plans for Birmingham location)

Metaclipse Therapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology and therapeutics development company focused on next-generation cancer immunotherapies and novel vaccines for infectious disease. Its personalized cancer immunotherapy platform is called MembrexTM and its vaccine technology is called VaxRexTM. The company is located in Atlanta; however, it has registered in the State of Alabama and will be located in Southern Research.

Southern Research received nearly $3 million via the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit to launch its Therapeutics Development Fund. A second tranche of more than $3 million will be deployed later in the year to support additional existing companies and new ventures in 2024 into 2025. The Innovate Alabama Tax Credit was included in Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature economic development legislation in 2023, “The Game Plan,” which included an enhanced arsenal of economic development incentives to support innovation.

“I continue to be encouraged by the success of the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program,” said Innovate Alabama CEO Cynthia Crutchfield. “Through this program, we can continue to serve the innovative small businesses of Alabama and show that our state is open for business to other such companies looking to relocate. We are dedicated to working with governmental leaders to create a ripe ecosystem for tech accelerators and businesses to thrive.”

State Finance Director Bill Poole, who is chair of Innovate Alabama’s board of directors, added:  “Innovate Alabama’s mission is to spur job creation in knowledge-based jobs throughout the state. These investments continue to lay the groundwork for Alabama’s economic future.”

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About Southern Research: Founded in Birmingham in 1941, Southern Research is a non-profit scientific research organization that employs 200 scientists and professional staff. In its 83-year legacy of moving science, the organization has helped shape modern cancer treatment practices, including developing seven FDA-approved cancer drugs and testing more than half of active chemotherapies in the United States. Southern Research conducted more than $30 million in coronavirus research since 2020. The organization is the highest NIH-funded non-academic research centers in Alabama and has a $220 million annual economic impact. Visit southernresearch.org for more information.

About Innovate Alabama: Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots here in Alabama. Innovate Alabama was established to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the Alabama Innovation Commission’s report, including smart policy solutions that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. With founding CEO Cynthia Crutchfield leading the charge, Innovate Alabama is also made up of a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. Learn more about Innovate Alabama at www.innovatealabama.org.

Radyus Research Forges Strategic Partnership with Southern Research to Propel Life Sciences Commercialization

Posted on March 13, 2024

Radyus Research, a global drug development organization from Atlanta, Georgia, is excited to announce a pivotal strategic partnership with Southern Research, a Birmingham-based contract research organization with more than 80 years of experience in drug discovery and development. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of life sciences commercialization in the Southeast region. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to offer a comprehensive umbrella offering to clients, with fully integrated preclinical services.

By combining Southern Research’s longstanding reputation for cutting-edge laboratory research with Radyus Research’s innovative planning and project management approaches, this alliance will provide a one-stop solution for clients seeking to navigate the complexities of life sciences commercialization.

“We are very excited to continue creating synergy within the Southeast’s biotech community,” said Josh Carpenter, CEO at Southern Research. “The team at Radyus Research brings unique expertise that complements our own. Together, we will work closely to help our partners move their therapeutics forward with a compelling suite of combined services.”

This partnership’s primary goal is to foster a thriving ecosystem for life sciences companies in the region. By offering a comprehensive array of services under one roof, clients can benefit from seamless integration of preclinical services, including but not limited to drug discovery, development, clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing support.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Southern Research in this strategic partnership,” said Marta New, CEO at Radyus Research. “Our combined expertise will not only enhance the services we offer but will also create new opportunities for life sciences companies to flourish in our region. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving innovation and accelerating the journey from concept to market.”

Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO at Georgia Bio, is also excited about this joint regional ecosystem effort: “The Southeast region is rapidly advancing in terms of startups with game-changing and impactful technology innovations. Effective partnerships like this between Radyus Research and Southern Research are critical to the growing landscape in the region and will demonstrate innovative ways for collaboration.”

Clients can expect a seamless experience with access to a full spectrum of consulting, project management, and laboratory testing services tailored to meet their unique needs in drug development. From initial research and development to preclinical toxicology testing and regulatory approval, the collaborative efforts of Southern Research and Radyus Research will provide comprehensive support every step of the way.

About Radyus Research

Radyus Research is a drug development group dedicated to accelerating clients’ drug programs into the clinic. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Radyus Research offers a range of services aimed at providing comprehensive drug development planning and project management. Acting as an operating R&D partner to biotech companies, academic startups, and seed venture capital firms, we manage their programs through IND-enabling studies, IND application, and initiation of first in human trials. Our extensive expertise spans various modalities in immunology, oncology, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, and neurosciences. We are based in Atlanta, Georgia, serving clients across the globe in over 12 countries.

Southern Research opens new Station 41 biotech incubator for startups

Posted on January 23, 2024

Today, Southern Research marked the official opening of its Station 41 biotech incubator, which is one of four programs that make up the newly launched Station 41 biotech commercialization hub. The incubator provides wet lab space and office space, shared lab equipment and services to support biotech startup growth.

The incubator is located in a newly renovated space on Southern Research’s campus on Birmingham’s Southside.

“In the past, Birmingham has lost companies and jobs to other markets because we did not have available commercial wet lab space,” said Josh Carpenter, Ph.D.,CEO of Southern Research. “With this incubator, we are beginning to meet this need. Under the same roof, we are also providing early-stage biotech and pharma companies with unique access to our renowned drug discovery and development capabilities here at Southern Research.”

In addition to their own office and lab space, companies in the incubator have preferred access to Southern Research screening facilities, and they are able to connect with staff experts who can help them move their product forward.

The incubator space is a part of Southern Research’s Station 41 biotech commercialization hub, which also includes the Accelerator, the Venture Studio and the Therapeutics Development Fund, which all exist to help biotech startups with funding, expertise and resources.

“Opening Station 41 marks another great stride in making Birmingham the premier biotech commercialization hub of the Southeast,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “Here we will nurture local innovation and entrepreneurs, and attract new businesses and talent to our region, helping make Birmingham and Alabama all the more competitive in the 21st century global economy.”

The Station 41 programs are a cornerstone of efforts to expand biotech in Birmingham, which got a big boost last year with Birmingham’s designation as a Regional Tech Hub.

“Just three months ago, we announced the designation of Birmingham as a federal Tech Hub by the Biden-Harris Administration,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said.  “Today, I am beyond thrilled to join Southern Research and UAB as we celebrate the official opening of the Station 41 biotech incubator. The launch of this project is a major step forward in our shared mission of cementing Birmingham as a center for innovation. I have no doubt that it will attract leading biotech companies, new jobs, and cutting-edge research to the Magic City. I extend my thanks to Southern Research, UAB, and the many partners who made this project possible.”

The incubator has space for 12 companies, and it is targeting companies involved in treating and diagnosing diseases—especially those aligned with Southern Research’s core focus areas, which include cancer, infectious diseases and chronic diseases.

Four companies have already moved in to the space, and the incubator leaders expect to fill it within the year.

“Our company is working to revolutionize the way the medical community treats and prevents chronic and infectious lung diseases,” said Gaurav Mehta, CEO of Alveolus Bio, one of the businesses located in the incubator. “Our partnership with Southern Research’s Station 41 incubator lines us up for success. We are thankful and excited to be part of Birmingham’s growing and promising life science ecosystem.”

Another member, Adjuvax, is a startup focused on the early-stage development of a new generation of vaccines made possible by the novel vaccine compounds discovered at UAB in chemistry professor Pengfei Wang’s lab.

“The Station 41 incubator is an ideal place for Adjuvax because of its well-designed lab space, shared equipment, and valuable onsite services, which are crucial for startups,” Wang said. “The convenient location of the Station 41 incubator on the Southern Research campus will also help Adjuvax establish more collaborations with Southern Research in vaccine development.”

The contractor on the project was Brasfield & Gorrie.

“Our team is passionate about building projects that serve the communities where we live and work, and Southern Research takes that a step further,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Regional Vice President and Division Manager Robby Hayes. “Southern Research’s efforts affect the world as they develop world-class solutions that address modern-day health threats. By providing space to biotech entrepreneurs, Southern Research is creating opportunity for others as well as further developing that biotech ecosystem in our city and state. We’re thrilled that we were able to construct this essential lab space.”

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About Southern Research: Founded in Birmingham in 1941, Southern Research is a non-profit scientific research organization that employs 250 scientists and professional staff. In its 80-year legacy of moving science, the organization has helped shape modern cancer treatment practices, including developing seven FDA-approved cancer drugs and testing more than half of active chemotherapies in the United States. Southern Research has conducted more than $30 million in coronavirus research since 2020, including collaborations on a COVID-19 vaccine currently in clinical trials, conducting thousands of PCR tests and refining the underlying chemistry of critical treatments. The organization is among the highest NIH-funded non-academic research centers in Alabama and has a $220 million annual economic impact. Visit southernresearch.org for more information.

 

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