FibroBiologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBLG) has opened a new 10,000-square-foot laboratory facility in Houston's Texas Technology Park, marking a significant expansion of the clinical-stage biotechnology company's research and manufacturing capabilities. The new space at 9350 Kirby Drive will enable the company to accelerate development of its fibroblast-based therapeutics for chronic diseases while bringing previously outsourced manufacturing operations in-house.
The expansion represents a strategic shift for FibroBiologics, which will no longer rely on Charles River Laboratories in Memphis, Tennessee for manufacturing services. This move gives the company complete control over its production processes for upcoming clinical trials.
"This expansion marks a transformative step forward for our company and our mission," said Pete O'Heeron, CEO and Founder of FibroBiologics. "By significantly increasing the size of our lab, we are creating the space and infrastructure needed to foster greater innovation and accelerate scientific breakthroughs."
Strategic Benefits of In-House Manufacturing
The new facility complements FibroBiologics' existing 23,000-square-foot headquarters at 455 E. Medical Center Boulevard. According to company leadership, bringing manufacturing in-house offers multiple advantages beyond just expanded research capacity.
"Having full control of the manufacturing process will help us streamline the supply chain and reduce our reliance on external partners," O'Heeron explained. "Most importantly, this investment in growth and innovation strengthens our ability to deliver life-changing therapies to patients faster and more efficiently than ever before."
The laboratory space, previously leased to Marker Therapeutics, was secured through a transaction represented by Jeff Oetting and Brandon Farine of Houston-based Featherwood Capital for FibroBiologics, while Gary Garcia and Stewart Smith of Fuller Realty represented the building owner.
Accelerating Fibroblast Research
FibroBiologics holds more than 240 U.S. and international patents issued and pending across various clinical pathways, including wound healing, multiple sclerosis, disc degeneration, psoriasis, orthopedics, human longevity, and cancer. The company's technology leverages fibroblasts, which can regenerate tissue and organs similar to stem cells but are easier to harvest.
Hamid Khoja, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of FibroBiologics, highlighted the scientific impact of the expansion: "To date, our progress in developing potentially transformative therapeutic candidates for chronic diseases using fibroblasts has been remarkable. This new laboratory facility will enable further expansion and acceleration of our research and development efforts."
The company plans to hire additional researchers to staff the facility and support its growing pipeline of candidates for chronic disease indications. The expanded laboratory infrastructure will also allow FibroBiologics to bring currently outsourced projects in-house, further enhancing the efficiency of its R&D operations.
Manufacturing Capacity in Houston's Life Sciences Sector
The expansion comes at a time when manufacturing space in Houston is at a premium. According to recent reports, the 91 million square feet of manufacturing inventory in the Houston metro area was more than 98% occupied at the end of 2024.
FibroBiologics' investment in local manufacturing capacity aligns with broader industry trends toward reshoring critical biomedical production capabilities. The company's decision to establish GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturing capabilities in Houston could strengthen the region's position as a growing hub for advanced biopharmaceutical development.
As FibroBiologics continues to advance its clinical programs, the new laboratory facility positions the company to accelerate the development timeline for its innovative fibroblast-based therapeutics while maintaining greater quality control throughout the production process.
