Infrastructure and Competitiveness

Advancing Autoimmune Disease
Treatment with State-of-the-Art
Microneedle Technology

Tufts University is at the head of therapeutic research, thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Sameer Sonkusale, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University. Partnering with Anodyne Nanotech, Dr. Sonkusale is using cutting-edge microneedle technology to improve how certain medications are stored and delivered to patients.

In 2021, Dr. Sonkusale was awarded a grant from the MLSC’s Novel Therapeutics Delivery program to further his research. His project focused on using a special microneedle platform known as Macro-porous structured hard microneedle technology (MacroPoSH), which was first developed at Tufts and then was further developed by Anodyne Nanotech.

The MacroPoSH technology can carry medicine in a freeze-dried state, making it easier to store and allowing for more efficient delivery through the skin.

The project focused on formulating and validating MacroPoSH microneedles for Rituximab, which is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat several autoimmune diseases and cancer. Dr. Sonkusale’s team found a way to turn the medicine into a stable powder form which can last up to a year without refrigeration. This breakthrough not only enhances the storage stability of pivotal medications such as Rituximab, but also makes it easier to deliver to patients, especially in areas where maintaining cold storage is a challenge.

The MLSC’s Novel Therapeutics Delivery program fosters the development of novel technologies and techniques for the delivery of existing or innovative therapies by working at the intersection of engineering, biology, chemistry, and medicine.

The program strives to capitalize and incentivize translational projects to address complex challenges in “therapeutic” delivery – from biomanufacturing, to targeted delivery, to biomaterials and more. Over the past six years, the MLSC has awarded $14.7 million to over 11 research institutions through the Novel Therapeutics Delivery program, which has resulted in over 80 publications, 26 patents, and $55 million in follow-on-funds.

MLSC Invests in First-in-New England
Instrument for Breakthrough Research

The A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) serves as a global hub for imaging innovation, attracting hundreds of trained and certified users who leverage its state-of-the-art technologies, equipment, and systems to advance research across disciplines. At the forefront of this research is Dr. Ciprian Catana, MD, PhD, Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School and Director of Integrated PET/MR Imaging and PET Physics at the Martinos Center.

Dr. Catana leads pioneering research in biomedical imaging technologies, particularly in the use of positron emission tomography (PET), an imaging technique that reveals how organs and tissues function within the body. PET imaging supports research and clinical studies spanning cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, chronic pain, and other complex conditions.

We are extremely thankful to the MLSC for enabling us to purchase this instrument, which is currently not available in New England. The instrument will enable investigators to explore new directions in Integrative Medicine, particularly by studying interconnected systems and processes that involve multiple organs, opening opportunities for groundbreaking research."

Dr. Ciprian Catana, MD, PhD
Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School and Director of Integrated PET/MR Imaging and PET Physics at the A. A. Martinos Center

Through the MLSC’s Research Infrastructure program, Dr. Catana was awarded a grant to support the installation of a state of the art long axial field-of-view positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) instrument for whole-body imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital.

PET is a key technology at the Martinos Center, attracting internal researchers, researchers from MGH, and the Boston research community. The new MLSC-funded instrument will also enable the design of new clinical and translational studies and attract new users from the large community of investigators within Massachusetts.

This program provides grants for capital projects that support the life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts by investing in infrastructure and equipment that enable multidisciplinary research, enhance shared core facilities, and increase access to state-of-the-art technologies for Massachusetts-based investigators and industry scientists. To date, the MLSC has awarded more than $600 million to support capital research infrastructure projects across the state.

A New Reality for Life Sciences Learning

Lasell University is transforming how students learn about the life sciences through the opening of its new Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Lab, made possible with a $744,000 Post-secondary Education and Training Grant from the MLSC.

Located in Lasell’s Winslow Academic Center, the first-of-its-kind facility in Massachusetts revolutionizes how students in the life sciences engage with complex concepts by providing hands-on learning opportunities through immersive digital technology.

Using advanced AR and VR technology, students can interact with virtual models of biological systems, conduct virtual dissections, and explore anatomy, genetics, and other life sciences topics in new and engaging ways. The lab supports a wide range of courses, and is utilized by students in anatomy, physiology, biology, and forensic science courses, and by medical and health science students for patient-care practice.

Since inception, the MLSC has invested over $1.4 million to support life sciences education at Lasell University. The preceding grant enabled the purchase of a wide array of laboratory equipment to support biology and biochemistry curricula.

“We thank the [MLSC] for supporting our efforts to meet the existing and projected future demand for jobs in the life sciences. We believe this technology will spark greater interest in STEM careers among current and prospective students from multiple disciplines and backgrounds. This is especially beneficial in our School of Health Sciences, where we prepare students to be career-ready for jobs in fields such as biology, biochemistry, and forensic science.”

Eric Turner
President of Lasell University

Your Why is Here:
BIO 2025

The power of partnership and vision for MLSC 3.0 was on full display during the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston. Thank you to MassBio and our partners across the ecosystem for showcasing why Massachusetts is the place to be.

The MLSC hosted a women’s health-focused convening ahead of the convention at EPAM Continuum, a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company. The event featured remarks and panels highlighting innovators, researchers, and policymakers engaged in advocating for translational efforts in Women’s Health and healthcare. Also at this event, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MLSC announced $3.7 million in funding to support 16 projects driving Women’s Health innovation.

There were over 20,000 BIO attendees, representing 72 countries.

Those who visited the Massachusetts Pavilion had the opportunity to explore what resources the Commonwealth can offer to help companies and institutions at any stage and how to take the next steps to succeed in Massachusetts.

During remarks on the BIO main stage and in front of partners at the Massachusetts Pavilion, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the recent reauthorization of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative as doubling down on medical discovery and the Commonwealth’s commitment to life sciences. Governor Healey emphasized that the public-private partnership that transformed a hub of science into a global powerhouse remains stronger than ever and is well positioned for years to come.

The Pavilion also featured a series of panels and talks highlighting the Massachusetts ecosystem.

MLSC President and CEO Dr. Kirk Taylor led a conversation on what the MLSC can do for our life sciences community. The wide-ranging discussion featured comments on how current and future Center programs continue to empower innovation. Later in the week, President Taylor previewed the MLSC’s Innovation Areas of Interest: Mental Health, Preventative/Personalized Medicine, Discovery, and Cures.

One of the final panels was a stellar showcase of the success of workforce partnerships. President Taylor was joined by Year Up’s Mae Tobin-Hochstadt and Bioversity graduate Rashaan Bryant. Rashaan is a Massachusetts native, born and raised in Boston. He found Bioversity through a family friend and was accepted into the first cohort of its Biotech Career Foundations eight-week training program. He graduated in March 2024 and has been in his role at Unity Lab Services, a division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, since May 2024.

The Massachusetts Advantage:
Collaboration You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

A separating factor for quasi-state agencies such as the MLSC, is its ability to convene and leverage the power of public-private partnerships. A shining example of this is the Neuroscience Consortium, which funds pre-clinical neuroscience research at Massachusetts academic and research institutions. Through this initiative, the MLSC collaborates with the Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital to bring together industry partners and researchers focused on understanding Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases to further research and collaboration in this space.

Launched in 2013 in collaboration with Drs. Albers and Hyman, the consortium originally adopted a broad interest in neurological diseases with a focus on neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.

To this day, the Neuroscience Consortium continues to fund pre-clinical neuroscience research at institutions across the state.

Companies that have participated in the Consortium include AbbVie, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, General Electric, Lundbeck, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, and Johnson & Johnson.

Nearly $12 million has been committed by consortium members to fund research through this program, resulting in significant contributions to the field. To date, more than 40 projects have been funded, with several others receiving in-kind support.

Analysis on 23 projects reported $30.8 million in follow-on funding, a return on investment of more than 12 times the initial investment. This includes five sponsored research agreements with industry and numerous National Institutes of Health and foundation grants. Additionally, the Consortium’s achievements include 80 publications, four patents, and one completed clinical trial, one ongoing clinical trial, and one clinical trial starting this fiscal year showcasing its pivotal role in advancing Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative disease research.

Learning Lab
Expands Access
to Life Sciences
Education

Committed to educational equity and geographic expansion, the MLSC continues to invest in partners across the Commonwealth who are increasing access to hands-on learning opportunities while cultivating the life sciences workforce of tomorrow.

With MLSC support of nearly $400,000, the BioBuilder Educational Foundation opened its second Learning Lab in Boston to facilitate life sciences educational programming. The new space is part of the Allston Labworks, a mixed-use campus developed by King Street Properties. Allston Labworks offers state-of-the-art research labs, residential and retail spaces, and over an acre

of public open space, making it a hub for both life science companies and the Allston community. The Learning Lab offers ongoing BioBuilder programming and workforce training programs to provide local students, educators and incumbent workers with hands-on experience for 21st century biotechnology.

This most recent award builds upon a total of $1.3 million in MLSC support for various programs, including teacher professional development, pre-internship training offered through the High School Apprenticeship Challenge, and a Pathmaker cohort.

As the biotech hub in Massachusetts continues to grow, now is the perfect time to make our advanced science experiences and hands-on education accessible for more students in traditionally underserved populations. We are thrilled to expand our programming to Allston and advance the local life sciences and bioeconomy by training the future scientists, engineers, and the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”

Natalie Kuldell, PhD
Founder and Executive Director of BioBuilder