$7 million investment to create 162 total jobs and advance animal health therapeutics production
SHREVEPORT, LA (Feb. 26, 2026) — Akston, a biotechnology company specializing in protein-based therapies for companion animals, has selected Shreveport, Louisiana, for a major expansion of its U.S. manufacturing operations, opening a new 31,000-square-foot life sciences production facility in Caddo Parish.
The project represents a $7 million capital investment and is expected to create 69 direct new jobs over the next five years, with average annual salaries approaching $100,000 — approximately 76% above the Caddo Parish average wage. According to Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the expansion is projected to generate an additional 93 indirect jobs, bringing total potential employment impact to 162 new opportunities across Northwest Louisiana.
Strengthening Louisiana’s Growing Life Sciences Sector
The new facility is located at BRF’s InterTech Park within Shreveport’s Healthcare and Technology Corridor and will support commercial-scale manufacturing of USDA-regulated animal health therapeutics.
The nearly 2.5-acre site includes:
- Biologics production cleanrooms
- Quality control laboratories
- Fill-finish manufacturing capabilities
- Cold storage and warehousing
- Administrative and operational space
Commercial manufacturing operations are expected to begin in the coming months as build-out and commissioning activities continue.
Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, said the investment reinforces the state’s expanding advanced industry base:
“Akston’s decision to expand in Louisiana strengthens our position at the forefront of advanced life sciences and supports continued economic diversification through innovation-driven industries and high-wage job creation.”
Supporting Commercialization of Animal Health Therapies
Founded in Beverly, Massachusetts, Akston develops protein-based therapeutics designed to address unmet needs in pet health using its proprietary Ambifect® Fc-fusion protein platform.
The company operates a vertically integrated model spanning research, development, and manufacturing. Its existing GMP biologics operations in Massachusetts support FDA-regulated products, while the new Shreveport facility expands commercial-scale production of USDA-regulated therapies.
Akston Co-founder and CEO Todd Zion, Ph.D., said the expansion marks a critical milestone:
“This facility advances our mission to commercialize innovative protein therapeutics for companion animals while strengthening our U.S. manufacturing presence. The support from Louisiana and our regional partners has been instrumental in accelerating this growth.”
Akston began occupying the facility in July 2025, with full operational launch anticipated soon.
Regional Collaboration Drives Project Success
The project was supported through collaboration among state and regional partners, including the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board and Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana (BRF).
William Bradford Jr., President of the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board, noted the project’s impact on regional diversification:
“Biotech and advanced manufacturing are becoming key pillars of economic growth in Caddo Parish, and Akston’s investment brings high-quality jobs while strengthening our local innovation ecosystem.”
BRF President and CEO John F. George Jr., M.D., added that the company’s relocation from the Boston area highlights the region’s competitiveness for high-growth industries.
Competitive Incentives Support Expansion
To secure the project, Louisiana provided a competitive incentives package that includes participation in the state’s High Impact Jobs Program, designed to attract high-wage, innovation-driven employers.
The investment further supports Louisiana’s strategy to grow its life sciences and biotechnology sectors while expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities statewide.
About Akston
Akston is an animal health biotechnology company developing immuno-enhancing and targeted protein therapies for companion animals using its proprietary Ambifect® platform. With vertically integrated biologics facilities, the company accelerates development from discovery through commercial manufacturing to deliver innovative treatments to veterinarians and pet owners more efficiently.
