PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioInnovation Labs, “BioLabs”, the leading developer and operator of life science coworking spaces with facilities and active projects in the US and internationally, is opening a state-of-the-art graduate laboratory facility in The Curtis, the reimagined landmark publishing house in Center City Philadelphia that is fast becoming a hub for top life science companies. As a first step towards a larger Philadelphia presence, BioLabs’ new space will host a new generation of top-tier graduate-sized companies who are rapidly outgrowing a classic incubator space.
The Curtis, one of Keystone Development + Investment’s premier buildings, has emerged as a destination for Philadelphia’s fast-growing biotechnology companies, including BioLabs graduate Aro Biotherapeutics. The 12-floor building hosts first-class wet labs, collaborative workspaces, luxury residences, fine dining, and more in Center City’s highly desirable Washington Square neighborhood. Here at the heart of the nation’s sixth-ranked market for life sciences, BioLabs will continue to deliver best-in-class, professionally managed laboratory space with expertise-driven operational support, consulting, and access to critical resources.
BioLabs is proud to announce that Chimeron Bio will be joining the site in the new year. Chimeron Bio is an RNA company developing next-generation RNA based products for Oncology, Infectious Diseases, and Rare Diseases. “We are pleased to be a part of BioLabs, a leader in nurturing biotech innovation. A growth-company such as Chimeron Bio needs a facility that will offer unwavering support critical to its team’s success. We are confident that Biolabs Philadelphia, led by Dr. Melina Blees, is that place, and together we can bring high-impact accessible RNA medicines to patients and be major players in Philly’s growing life-science ecosystem,” said Dr. Jolly Mazumdar, PhD, MBA, co-founder and CEO of Chimeron Bio.
BioLabs is a trusted name in Philadelphia, growing by size and reputation since entering the market in 2018 at 3675 Market Street, where they hosted a curated who’s-who of Philadelphia’s top biotechnology companies, including Cabaletta Bio, Carisma Therapeutics, and Century Therapeutics. BioLabs member companies in Philadelphia raised over $2 billion in funding over the last three years and created 200+ jobs in the city.
Inspired by blockbuster demand for flexible scientific space and expert support services, this new graduate-scale facility will serve as a first step in the BioLabs Philadelphia growth plan. "We're thrilled that BioLabs is joining us in housing cutting-edge life science companies at The Curtis,” said Keystone’s Founder and CEO, Bill Glazer. “With a full pipeline of flexible spaces enabling the company to grow at The Curtis, BioLabs will be able to expand their offerings and accelerate the long-term success of the companies they support.”
BioLabs currently operates ten co-working laboratories nationwide, two sites in Europe, and since 2009 has supported the formation or launch of over 300 life-science companies. BioLabs’ residents benefit from access to top-tier wet labs, a wealth of cutting-edge equipment, experienced operational support, and scientific concierge services; they also have the opportunity to network with many of the top industry pharmaceutical and biotech leaders and the investment community.
“We have a strong commitment to the Philadelphia innovation ecosystem, and we are excited to build upon our local team’s many years of experience in supporting the sophisticated biotech companies that call Philly home,” says Johannes Fruehauf, PhD, MD, President and CEO of BioLabs. “We’re embracing our new home at The Curtis and look forward to continuing to share our expertise with the local community. Additionally, we thank our industry sponsors for supporting our residents and look forward to working with them to foster even more success in Philadelphia.”
Robert Zwengler from CBRE represented BioLabs, and Lisa Baskin, Tim Conrey, and KJ Kulik from Scheer Partners represented Keystone in the lease process.
About BioLabs
BioLabs is the definitive growth partner for science-based entrepreneurs, empowering companies to accelerate their science, grow their business, and have a lasting impact on the world. The BioLabs difference is in their sector-defining ecosystem: delivering best-in-class lab space, essential business services, a powerful network of innovators and guides who offer “been-there” insight, and site teams with unparalleled experience guiding founders through the operational complexities of growing a biotech company. BioLabs centers are in key innovation hubs across North America with additional sites in Paris and Heidelberg Germany.
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