Emerging Biotech Company EpiBone Moves to New Jersey
After a $3.5 million Emerge tax credit, awarded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, an emerging biotechnology company, EpiBone, based in Brooklyn, New York, is transferring locations to a new office and lab space in New Jersey. The company focuses on the growth of bone and cartilage for skeletal reconstruction using stem cells. The company is in its clinical stage with two products in clinical development, and one in clinical trials. EpiBone needs a bigger space to hire more staff and for additional clean room space. Lab Design News spoke to Blake Adair-Wheeler, vice president of business operations at EpiBone, about the expansion.
Q: Could you please introduce yourself? Name, title, work experience, etc.
A: Blake Adair-Wheeler, VP of business operations, eight years at EpiBone
Q: How will the design of the new space help support the endeavors of EpiBone's expansion?
A: The design of the new space will provide ample room for growth and scaling of the manufacturing and R&D processes, as well as foster a highly collaborative environment between all members of the team. EpiBone is on track for continued success and growth, and the new office and lab space will play an important role in supporting that growth.
Q: Could you tell us more about the expansion process? What will the design layout be like?
A: The expansion process involves moving into a new office and lab space that is six times larger than our current facilities. This will also include the buildout of a proper cleanroom that will be able to handle production necessary to power our clinical trials. The design layout will follow the company's brand and values, with space designed to fit the everyday needs of our employees.
Q: Are there any foreseeable limitations or concerns about the expansion? How will they be addressed?
A: We don’t foresee any physical limitations with our space, nor do we have any particular concerns. What will be interesting to see is how the company evolves into using the new space, especially as we balance in-person and remote work in a post-pandemic environment.
Q: How, if at all, will sustainability inform your design?
A: As a design-oriented company focused on a biological approach to healing, sustainability is [a] natural value of our organization. We are certainly thinking about the use and implementation of recycled and natural materials in our design elements, as well as how we create living space throughout the work environment.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the expansion?
A: We are looking forward to a fresh start in a new space that has been tailored to address our needs as our company continues to grow. The environment that employees operate in has a huge impact on productivity, morale, and general pride in their work. Our goal is to ensure that our employees have what they physically and psychologically need so they can produce their best work, and the company can further its mission of becoming the preeminent player in orthopedic repair.