Hematech
Hematech, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is currently developing cattle that can efficiently produce human antibodies. The genetically altered cattle, known as TC Bovine™, will be used for the production of large quantities of polyclonal antibodies. These antibodies are expected to help in the treatment of toxins, viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders and other medical conditions occurring in humans.
Several factors contributed to Hematech’s decision to bring the Massachusetts- founded company to South Dakota.
“South Dakota is hungry for biotechnology businesses. That meant that when we were looking for a place to move our businesses, the entire state worked extra hard for us. That hunger has proven to be very valuable,” said Eddie Sullivan, COO of Hematech.
“The things that made South Dakota stand out to us were the accessibility to government leaders, the acceptance of biotechnology as an industry in the state, and the ability to access ag production and isolate our animals for production of antibodies,” Sullivan added.
When Hematech was looking for a company home, business officials recognized that also meant a new home for their families. “I wanted to live in a place where I could raise my children. Since we moved here, I’ve found that South Dakota’s quality of life is a big selling point when recruiting scientists from around the world to join us in Sioux Falls. This is a great place to live. Once you visit, you’ll realize just how much the area has to offer – both for your business, and for your family,” Sullivan concluded.
PhotoBioMed
PhotoBioMed is proof that in South Dakota, we mean business when it comes to bio-technology. The researchers at PhotoBioMed are working to perfect a platform technology with such diverse applications such as surgical adhesives providing sutureless tissue repair to targeted drug delivery.
“The technology we are developing here at PhotoBioMed would never be where it is today without the help of so many South Dakota institutions and individuals. From Avera McKennan, to both USD and SDSU, all the way up to the Governor and his office staff, we have received a tremendous amount of support and guidance. As we have faced various challenges, we have always been able to get the help we need,” said Dr. Kaia Kloster, Director of Life Sciences at PhotoBioMed.
“Through our university and healthcare affiliations, and now in our new home at the South Dakota Technology Business Center, we have had access to all of the necessary infrastructure to conduct state-of-the-art research. When colleagues or industry representatives from out of state visit us, they are always surprised by the facilities we have available to us and the quality of research being conducted. They can’t believe this sort of research activity is going on in South Dakota,” Kloster added.
PhotoBioMed Director of Physical Sciences, Ron Utecht, Ph.D., noted that South Dakota is making an asserted effort to catch up with the traditional medical technology hot spots. “South Dakota does things on par with the rest of the country. While our research base is small in South Dakota, we more than make up for it in quality,” said Utecht.
“Medical research needs a clinical champion. In Sioux Falls, we have had access to some of the country’s leading doctors, like ophthalmologist Dr. Vance Thompson, who really bring a lot of clinical insights and can help us understand the needs of the market,” added Utecht.
“As scientists from an academic tradition with an eye towards entrepreneurship, the supportive business environment makes South Dakota an excellent location to grow our fledgling business,” he concluded.
