Missouri Science and Technology Incubator Announces First Tenant

Emerging animal health company relocates from Arizona to the Christopher "Kit" Bond Science and Technology Incubator in St. Joseph, Mo.

November 7, 2008 – IMULAN BioTherapeutics, a pioneering animal health company, will relocate its headquarters and operations from Prescott, Ariz. to St. Joseph, Mo. 

“We have been working with the Animal Health Corridor for almost two years. We realized from day one that this environment has more to offer than anywhere else in the world,” said Dr. Craig Woods, founder and CEO of IMULAN BioTherapeutics, who is a graduate of the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

The company is the first tenant in the new Christopher “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator in St. Joseph, Mo.

IMULAN cited the region’s strong veterinary schools as a considerable reason for its decision to locate in the KC Animal Health Corridor.  

“Our proximity to the comparative medicine and veterinary programs, combined with strong state and local support, will be a catalyst for IMULAN’s growth and contributions to animal health,” said Dr. Woods.

The St. Joseph operation will handle R&D, logistics, clinical trials, marketing and sales. In the future, the company hopes to expand its operations. The Corridor’s large animal health-educated workforce provides IMULAN with a world-class talent pool to grow its employee base.

“IMULAN has a bright future and has some amazing products in the animal health industry.  They are an asset for the Corridor,” said Lynn Parman, vice president life sciences and technology of the Kansas City Area Development Council.

The Christopher “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator opened its doors several months ago.  The incubator is located on the campus of Missouri Western State University, which donated 26 acres of land to the project. A grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and the Missouri Technology Corporation provided important funding for the facility.

“IMULAN is the perfect example of the type of company that we want to grow in Missouri,” said Rob Monsees, executive director of the Missouri Technology Corporation that contributed funds to assist with the build-out costs for the incubator for IMULAN.  “Coupled with Dr. Woods’ tie to the University of Missouri, and the innovative products IMULAN has brought to market; the KC Animal Health Corridor has landed the perfect match.”

The following partners helped bring IMULAN to the KC Animal Health Corridor:

1. Buchanan County
2. Institute of Industrial and Applied Life Sciences
3. Kansas City Area Development Council
4. Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute
5. Missouri Department of Economic Development
6. Missouri Technology Corporation
7. Missouri Western State University
8. St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce
9. KCP&L