From Seoul to UCLA: Spatial omics innovation enters US biomedical research market
Meteor’s fl agship platform, SLACS (Spatially-Resolved Laser- Activated Cell Sorting), brings an unprecedented level of precision to tissue analysis. Unlike traditional methods that analyse bulk tissue, SLACS allows researchers to locate and extract individual cells directly from spatial contexts in tissue sections. That means scientists can now study the microenvironments of tumours or brain tissue with single-cell accuracy - something that was technically out of reach just a few years ago.
Dr Amos Lee. Credit: Meteor Biotech
Spatial omics innovation expands to UCLA. Credit: Meteor Biotech
South Korea’s Meteor Biotech has opened its fi rst US offi ce at UCLA, planting a fl ag in North America’s life sciences heartland to give drug developers and academic researchers local access to its cutting-edge spatial cell sorting technology, SLACS.
Located inside the California NanoSystems Institute - a hub for scientifi c collaboration and innovation - the new offi ce is designed as a hands-on centre for demonstration, training, and pilot research, with a focus on cancer, neurodegenerative disease, immunology, and biomarker discovery.
“This is a pivotal step for Meteor,” said Dr Amos Lee, co-founder and CEO. “We’re moving closer to the world’s largest base of biomedical R&D - not just geographically, but strategically. The US is at the forefront of funding, innovation, and application in life sciences. Setting up on the UCLA campus gives us a front-row seat to that ecosystem and allows our collaborators to engage directly with SLACS technology.”
SLACS has already gained attention for transforming spatial biology by enabling high-throughput, high-precision sampling of cells from intact tissues. It is expected to have a major impact on drug development, particularly in targeted immunotherapies and neuroscience, where understanding the local environment around cells is key.
Meteor’s UCLA site will initially focus on supporting researchers through demos, training, and on-site projects. The company is taking a phased approach, starting with one dedicated staff member and expanding based on demand. Future hires could include fi eld applications scientists, support engineers, and sales staff.
No manufacturing is planned at the US site, but it will act as a launchpad for expanding across North America - with Europe likely next on the horizon.
With NIH biomedical research funding exceeding $48 billion in 2025, Meteor’s US launch comes at a time of rising interest in spatial omics. Researchers now have a local option to test and explore how SLACS can transform their work - whether they’re investigating tumour heterogeneity, mapping immune cell interactions, or decoding neural circuits.
“This is about more than proximity - it’s about building deeper, more collaborative relationships with the scientists pushing the boundaries of discovery,” added Lee.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/lQ2D 64959pr@reply-direct.com
German expansion strengthens
European footprint
Climate-positive production centre inaugurated in Lahr
Julabo has marked a signifi cant milestone with the offi cial opening of its new production and logistics centre at the startkLahr Airport & Business Park in Lahr. This state-of-the-art facility embodies the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Certifi ed climate-positive under DGNB standards, the new building was inaugurated in May with guests from business and politics, including local and regional offi cials. The facility’s advanced technical features and modern architecture impressed attendees.
“Lahr provides a future-proof base for Julabo’s ongoing growth, with a clear focus on sustainability,” said CEO Markus Juchheim. The new site adds crucial production capacity while freeing space at the Seelbach headquarters for service and product development, enhancing support for Julabo’s global customers.
Spanning roughly 30,000 m², the Lahr site offers room for future expansion and benefi ts from excellent transport links near the A5 motorway and the French border.
Local leaders welcomed Julabo’s investment as a boost for the regional economy. Markus Ibert, Lord Mayor of Lahr, described it as a strong signal of industrial confi dence that will create quality jobs and diversify the local business landscape. Seelbach Mayor Michael Moser praised Julabo’s continued dedication to its roots and innovation.
Dr Annette Dibowski.
Biotech Fluidics has opened a new offi ce in Haltern am See, strengthening its position in the DACH region and reinforcing its support for local labs and life science organisations. The expansion marks the company’s fourth global location and refl ects growing demand for its fl uidic system solutions across Europe.
Dr Fritiof Pontén, CEO, said the move underlines Germany’s role as a hub for technical and scientifi c innovation. “This new offi ce allows us to work even more closely with researchers and lab professionals across the region,” he said.
The German offi ce will be led by Dr Annette Dibowski, a well- known fi gure in the local life sciences industry with over 25 years’ experience. She brings a strong track record in quality-driven, cost-effective lab solutions and has previously collaborated with Biotech Fluidics on several projects.
“I’m excited to raise the profile of our technologies and support more labs in implementing innovative fluidic systems,” said Dibowski.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/O565 65005pr@reply-direct.com
To be included in our next issue, send all your News stories to:
gwyneth@intlabmate.com
Keienburg Architekten designed the building with a focus on cost- effi ciency, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Architect Lioba Keienburg highlighted features such as recycled materials, renewable resources, and a photovoltaic energy system, ensuring the building’s climate-neutral operation and fl exibility for future needs.
At the opening, Juchheim thanked the Julabo team for their exceptional efforts in planning, construction, and relocation - enabling the project’s on-time completion.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/5jbZ 64966pr@reply-direct.com
Aerial view of the new Julabo production site in the startkLahr Airport & Business Park in Lahr. Credit Julabo
L-R: Erik Weide (Mayor of Friesenheim), Michael Moser (Mayor of Seelbach), Markus Ibert (Lord Mayor and Chairman of the intermunicipal industrial and business park Lahr area), project owners Jennifer and Markus Juchheim, Thorsten Erny (District Administrator Ortenaukreis), and Dr Johannes Fechner (Member of the German Bundestag). Credit Julabo
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
